Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Kev367th on June 16, 2005, 07:54:04 PM

Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 16, 2005, 07:54:04 PM
Well the demand for the AMD X2 4400 is outstripping supplies. Any that did arrive yesterday/today were already pre-ordered :( .

The majority of new X2's that arrived today were 4200/4600.

Gonna be about 14 days, maybe little earlier, till the large shipments start arriving, so as soon as I get my hands on a 4400 I will let you's know how it's doing.

Quick update - Managed to score one at Newegg, allowing for processing/shipping etc, Mon/Tues next week :)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 19, 2005, 05:30:59 PM
from some sources i heard UK will be getting the same levels of stock as they get FX's....

ie under 100 :rolleyes:
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 19, 2005, 05:41:11 PM
I think AMD miscalculated.
Looks like the X2 4400 is going to be the biggest seller, by a LONG way.
Should be plenty on the shelves come the end of this month, this 1st lot was for OEMs, typically 2 weeks later the retailers start getting them.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 20, 2005, 05:43:58 AM
hehe i found a place in the uk with the lowest prices of just under £400 for the 4400 and thought **** it and busted out the credit card. Expect delievery around monday 27th, as aparently i have been allocated one of the chips due on the first delivery on the friday 24th! if thats true, i will find out soon i guess!

Will keep you updated too... maybe keep it all in same thread kev?

Will order new HDD's/MB/GFX/OS when the new 7800s come out. Might buy XP 64bit while im at it :D

so for now its just dropping in on my A8V rig:D
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 20, 2005, 08:50:38 AM
You know you need the latest BIOS 1014.

Same thread -Sure, this one?
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 20, 2005, 02:30:20 PM
yup got the beta installed today. in this thread would be good, keep it all clean and not to annoy the other people here :)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 21, 2005, 01:30:22 PM
OK installed in today.

No probs with installation, recognised by mobo eveything smooth.

Win 2k, prob XP change -

Goto device manager.
Click the computer category.
Right click the uniprocessor entry.
Select update drivers.
Will detect current as single.
Select choose other compatible.
Select Multi processor.
Reboot

(http://www.cyberonic.net/~kreed/dual.jpg)

Inital tests wtih AH2 -
+10fps immediate increase!!!!!!

Will test forcing AH2 onto its 'own' core.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: whels on June 21, 2005, 03:18:02 PM
Thanks go out to the folks at The Tech Report for letting me know that NVIDIA plans to make future versions of its Forceware drivers multi-threaded:

Out of curiosity, I asked de Waal why NVIDIA's drivers don't already take advantage of a second CPU. After all, the driver is a separate task from the application calling it, and Hyper-Threaded and SMP systems are rather common. He explained that drivers in Windows normally run synchronously with the applications making API calls, so that they must return an answer before the API call is complete. On top of that, Windows drivers run in kernel mode, so the OS isn't particularly amenable to multithreaded drivers. NVIDIA has apparently been working on multithreaded drivers for some time now, and they've found a way to fudge around the OS limitations.:D
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 21, 2005, 03:38:29 PM
Update -
Tried forcing AH2 onto a single core - it maxes it out.

Running on both cores they both run at about 75%, so going to stick with running on both cores.

Game is smoother, more snappier.
One noticeable change is bringing up the clipboard -
Instead of 'sliding/scrolling' into view, it just appears, real fast.

Frame rates in the air are way way better, even with lots of smoking stuff and flames on the ground still get 50+.
This is with the detail sliders set to about 75%, ground viz at max 3 miles.

Overall - Very very happy.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 21, 2005, 04:12:58 PM
great news.... cant wait. Unlucky for me im training mon/tues so if it does get here on monday i wont be able to be at home to take the package! doh

i cant wait now :D

edit: it comes with that big heatpipe cooler for fx's doesnt it?

i wonder if my silent boost will still be ok.

also what about overclocking ;) lol
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 21, 2005, 05:48:10 PM
I'm using a Zalman 7000cu.

Not bothering with overclock.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 21, 2005, 07:30:59 PM
i hope to get 2500mhz at least outa mine ;)

will test for a few weeks on my A8V with air, then when i get my PCIexpress setup going with an A8N premium/7800 i might finaly get around to fitting my watercooling! lol only been sitting in the box for like 9 months :rolleyes:
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 23, 2005, 10:19:16 PM
Quick update, it wasn't the Zalman 7000cu, well it was indirectly.

The Zalman is that good at drawing heat away it had raised my internal case temp just enough to upset the video card.

Fitted a couple of 120mm case fans everything is fine now.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 24, 2005, 05:11:10 AM
yeah, i got a average case for casecooling, so im going to try and stick a side 120mm blow hole near the gfx card, and maybe even a top one.

then a switch for 5volt/12volt operation.:D

today is the date the 4400 is supposed to be deliverd to the shop i orderd from.....no change yet, infact the date has changed to 29th of june..... :( although my order still says expected shipping 24th...

Price gone up to £400 ($730) as well, but im still getting charged the £390 ($710). hehe.

Cant wait!
Title: X2 Update
Post by: whels on June 24, 2005, 10:10:10 AM
reports of 4200 OCing to 2.7 ghz on air with little voltage upping.
so 4400 should do as good maybe even alittle better.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 24, 2005, 10:16:01 AM
Theres an updated beta BIOS for the A8V - 1014-004, previous was 1014-001
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 24, 2005, 11:48:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by whels
reports of 4200 OCing to 2.7 ghz on air with little voltage upping.
so 4400 should do as good maybe even alittle better.


high air that is, im probably going to keep my silent boost....and i dont wana push things too fast because this thing will be used for many years to come.....
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 24, 2005, 11:58:39 AM
oh and the 4200 as less cache, so are normaly more overclockable :)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 25, 2005, 03:24:41 PM
OK, if you have the A8V definately use the latest beta 1014-004 bios, previous one 1014-001 has a few issues.
Was getting the odd random game lockup with the 1014-001, the 1014-004 seems to have cured it.
Not had single prob (apart from usual discos) with the 1014-004 BIOS.

Remember to flash using the /i option
i.e. afudos /i
to clear the BIOS, then on reboot change the defaults back to what you use.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 25, 2005, 05:09:35 PM
same here with my standard 3200.... sometimes i get up in the morning and the uptime is only like 2hours, meaning it restarted during the night.....

And ive had two "hardware failures" aparently with this too... GFX card and soundcard both "failed" however they work fine? lol;)

updating to 004 in a min

edit: im using windows to flash the bios, whats the advantages of using DOS?
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 25, 2005, 05:46:49 PM
Less chance of something going wrong doing it from DOS.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 26, 2005, 05:21:12 AM
both those beta bios's are causing major issues with my pc.... rather wierd.

normaly every morning i get up my pc has either restarted during the night, or, will not allow me to open mycomputer without explorer crashing.

Ive yet to go 24hours without a crash, let allone a month.......:(
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 26, 2005, 06:32:23 AM
pc is now dead to the world....my 160gig drive totaly inaccessable :mad:
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 26, 2005, 09:10:00 AM
How did you flash it?
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 26, 2005, 10:10:37 AM
windows. which ive used ever since getting this board fine.

cant repair install winxp either comes up with loads of missing files or something... wierd.

might try a fresh install on my raid drives for now.

reflashed 1013 final too..
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 26, 2005, 12:31:38 PM
ok got "repaired" however almost everything doesnt work anymore.

started up prime toture test, bombs out straight away. with 1013 and 1014.001/004 thats why my hdd is currupt!!!! :(
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 26, 2005, 02:10:41 PM
ive had this issue before, when using a higher bios. PC would prime fine on all tests other then the "blend" test. however as soon as blend was run it would fail, or even turn the pc off.

however backing down to 1007 makes it work fine again. only problem is thats useless to me.... :confused: :(
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 26, 2005, 05:58:53 PM
What controller is your SATA connected to?
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 26, 2005, 06:03:07 PM
VIA. with 2x80gig ATA on the fasttrack controlers

Its very wierd. With the effected bios versions, prime blend test fills the swapfile up, before throwing out some error. With a "good" bios it fills the memory up and runs fine.

Thats probably why my system32 folder got totaly wiped.

im basicaly back now, however any load (i normaly run seti/bonic) will make it crash. even with 1013. im at a loss at what to try, and im £20 short on being able to buy an A8N deluxe + gfx.....doh! lol
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 26, 2005, 07:02:05 PM
HT speed to 600 seems to have fixed it very odd indeed?
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 27, 2005, 02:20:01 AM
not working again....... sigh :(
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 27, 2005, 12:19:28 PM
back to 1011.007 (final), and 100% stable, however thats useless to me with dual core coming soon! What to do now? :(

1014.004 run memtest this morning for 6 hours (8 passes no fails) however as soon as i got into Prime test it fails when going into memory.

could you post your memory settings for me?
Software memory hole?
Interleaving etc.....


going way off topic but then its about getting bios's for x2 i guess :( lol
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 27, 2005, 03:56:15 PM
bug testing in 1014.004

1: multiplier adjustments dont do nothing.
2: sometimes it boots into windows giving my cpu 1.7volts!!!!!! :mad:  (instead of 1.35)
3: memory dividers dont work

cant reinstall windows now, as the cd has become unreadable?! :(
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 27, 2005, 06:03:10 PM
Sounds like you got a bad file or bad BIOS flash.

Settings -

HT Frequecy  - All available, I use 1000
HT Data - Both set to 16 BIT
Memclock - Auto
Memory Hole - Disable
Burst Length - 8 Beats
2T Command - Disable

Everything else default or auto

Copy latest afudos and new BIOS file to floppy disk
Use a Windows boot disk, and fire it up
Put in the BIOS disk
Use - afudos /i

Never been a big fan of the Windows flashing utility.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 27, 2005, 07:08:52 PM
1014.004

ok, for a "Laugh" i installed Win98me on a old 800mb HDD i have laying around. seems totaly FINE! Other than the fact those settings dont work. Ie i set it as 5x200 (underclocked to 1000mhz) yet its still running at 2000mhz in windows... strange.

Maybe something is up with the VIA SATA ports or my HDD i really not got a clue.

i tried installing XP on my raid drives but it kept getting missing files copying from the cd.... i think i either need a new cd or its having issues copying them TO the hdd's? Im lost on this. seems strange this fresh 98 install is fine though... Man its like going back in time :D
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 27, 2005, 07:26:21 PM
oh btw i have been using the floppy method since the first time it started going wrong, as i didnt trust windows to stay stable long enough to flash within windows.

This seems to be going ok right now, apart from when i reach sector 760mb of this 800mb hdd, then the head crashes :rofl but i knew about that already


going to leave it over night prime stess testing
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 27, 2005, 07:35:20 PM
quiet alot of people are reporting these bugs with cpu settings not working and voltages being out of wack

a few examples here:

http://forums.pcper.com/showthread.php?p=3526879#post3526879

anyway night night :(

note: prime been burning away for 1.5 hours so far, 100% stable....odd
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 28, 2005, 11:39:16 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Overlag
quiet alot of people are reporting these bugs with cpu settings not working and voltages being out of wack

a few examples here:

http://forums.pcper.com/showthread.php?p=3526879#post3526879

anyway night night :(

note: prime been burning away for 1.5 hours so far, 100% stable....odd


18hours of prime, 100% stable in 98. back to testing XP, seems stable so far.

everything set to auto, 2t timeing enabled. This bios is fubar tbh. :mad:
Title: X2 Update
Post by: 214thCavalier on June 28, 2005, 02:22:29 PM
I shall keep the Bios i have at the moment then :)

Btw Laggy, i always used the windows flash tool with no problem but now it fails with an error just trying to load the flash program and no amount of reinstalls will let the program even start.

Re the Prime blend test, mine runs it but never outputs any info to the screen, had it running over an hour the other day and nothing.
It does not crash or fail with errors it just keeps going with lots of HD activity until i tell it to stop.

After reading  on OCUK website i tried manually setting the ram size and it works fine. Looks like a prime problem with XP SP2.

As for the A64 x2's they are way out there price wise at the moment.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 28, 2005, 03:56:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by 214thCavalier
I shall keep the Bios i have at the moment then :)

Btw Laggy, i always used the windows flash tool with no problem but now it fails with an error just trying to load the flash program and no amount of reinstalls will let the program even start.

Re the Prime blend test, mine runs it but never outputs any info to the screen, had it running over an hour the other day and nothing.
It does not crash or fail with errors it just keeps going with lots of HD activity until i tell it to stop.

After reading  on OCUK website i tried manually setting the ram size and it works fine. Looks like a prime problem with XP SP2.

As for the A64 x2's they are way out there price wise at the moment.


yup you seen the thread on ocuk then... i manualy set the memory size a tad smaller so it fits inside the ram. and doesnt go into swap file.

system seems ok now, but im still worried/annoyed that the bios settings dont work, making the bios almost useless.

theres a new version on the asus site for that asus update... maybe that will help?
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 28, 2005, 07:56:43 PM
No idea why it isn't working for you.
I have an early rev 1.xx board, maybe that is the difference?

Can't find any BIOS later than 1014-004, where'd you see it?

Re- 2T timing: For fastest this should be DISABLED, i.e. forces 1T.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 29, 2005, 04:59:23 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kev367th
No idea why it isn't working for you.
I have an early rev 1.xx board, maybe that is the difference?

Can't find any BIOS later than 1014-004, where'd you see it?

Re- 2T timing: For fastest this should be DISABLED, i.e. forces 1T.


i ment the live update software for windows theres a new one on site that might help cav (and me)

on 2t timings, i CANT use 1t with 1013 or 1014, this is what was causing the crashing. But then all the memory settings need to be left auto or the system is 100% unstable. unlike 1011 where i can tweak all memory settings manualy and run 1t :(
Title: X2 Update
Post by: 214thCavalier on June 29, 2005, 02:03:26 PM
Laggy i have tried the new and older versions but it bombs out with an error message before they even finish installing.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 29, 2005, 03:12:07 PM
Quote
Originally posted by 214thCavalier
Laggy i have tried the new and older versions but it bombs out with an error message before they even finish installing.


very odd..and i seem to remember having this issue once myself.

you wouldnt have bios virus detection or whatever its called in the bios enabled would you? (under security)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on June 29, 2005, 10:55:15 PM
New BIOS out - 1014-006
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 30, 2005, 04:31:25 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kev367th
New BIOS out - 1014-006



im scared.......what will this one **** up :lol
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on June 30, 2005, 05:00:25 PM
http://forums.pcper.com/showthread.php?t=390913&goto=newpost

Quote
From: http://www.abxzone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95080

Just tried 1014D.006 from:

http://ftp://ftp.asuscom.de/pub/ASUSCOM/BIOS/Socket_939/VIA_Chipset/K8T800Pro/A8V_Deluxe/1014d_06.zip

Command 1T works
Memory Dividers are STUFFED
CPU Voltages are all over the place.

---

You have to wonder if ASUS needs more qualified technicians, because these bios updates seems not to be improving, very random results from bios to bios.

Hopefully 1014 final will have working 1t and memory dividers and hopefully a update for via sata and promise sata will be released asap, buuut I'm properly dreaming :D


so 1t now works? However the rest is busted?
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 02, 2005, 07:10:14 PM
reorderd from somewhere else that shows 40 in stock....

£380 instead of £390 also. However its probably OEM so without heatsink, and is probably really old stock/first rev. Dont hold my breath on the clockability of it now, however im not too botherd on that!

expect it tuesday :D
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 03, 2005, 03:19:13 AM
Although you change the HAL in Windows to get the extra CPU to 'show up', I recommend re-installing.

Couple of reasons -
1) The extra core if you re-install gives you more IRQ's.
2) The only way to take advantage of the extra IRQ's is a re-install as the IRQ tables are rebuilt.
3) More stability after a re-install using the correct HAL from the get-go.

E.g.
a) Originally I just changed the HAL from an APCI Uniprocessor PC to an ACPI Multiprocessor PC and got occassional problems.
b) I changed the HAL to an MPS one (not recommended by MSoft) and got no problems. Main difference is that MPS doesn't use ACPI therefore the IRQ tables rebuilt using the extra IRQs (128 in total).
c) Switching back to an APCI HAL results in occassional problems again, all related to IRQ sharing.

I'm re-installing on Sunday to finally sort everything out, the choice is yours.

Using the MPS HAL with rebuilt IRQ tables I gained 30fps. I expect similar after a reinstall using an APCI Uniprocessor HAL that can use the extra IRQs.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 03, 2005, 05:25:40 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kev367th
Although you change the HAL in Windows to get the extra CPU to 'show up', I recommend re-installing.

Couple of reasons -
1) The extra core if you re-install gives you more IRQ's.
2) The only way to take advantage of the extra IRQ's is a re-install as the IRQ tables are rebuilt.
3) More stability after a re-install using the correct HAL from the get-go.

E.g.
a) Originally I just changed the HAL from an APCI Uniprocessor PC to an ACPI Multiprocessor PC and got occassional problems.
b) I changed the HAL to an MPS one (not recommended by MSoft) and got no problems. Main difference is that MPS doesn't use ACPI therefore the IRQ tables rebuilt using the extra IRQs (128 in total).
c) Switching back to an APCI HAL results in occassional problems again, all related to IRQ sharing.

I'm re-installing on Sunday to finally sort everything out, the choice is yours.

Using the MPS HAL with rebuilt IRQ tables I gained 30fps. I expect similar after a reinstall using an APCI Uniprocessor HAL that can use the extra IRQs.


yeah, well since i currupted my install i will do the same too! lol...probably have a day or two with this old install first though.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 03, 2005, 07:55:45 PM
picked up courage to try 1014006..... and well i wish i had not botherd. Cant get it to work nor 004 or 001 now. 1013 doesnt work either

back to 1007!!! :eek:
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 04, 2005, 10:34:32 AM
I don't know whats going on, mine works fine.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 04, 2005, 02:41:25 PM
prime95 blend, or large fft test?
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 04, 2005, 03:04:12 PM
think these bios's have borked my board totaly now. No bios's  that worked before, work now.

1007 was my "fail safe" ie the only bios that had NO ISSUES at all. And i still cant get that working either.

this is terrible :mad:
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 04, 2005, 03:16:39 PM
ok ok ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!

after testing many different settings on there own, i think ive found out that fastwrites was causing this unstable issue. Never before has it done so.

Will get back to ya tomorrow about it! Time for some drinking!

edit: nope...... not that well it managed 2 minutes of prime instead of 1 second :rolleyes: :mad:
Title: X2 Update
Post by: eagl on July 04, 2005, 05:30:01 PM
Why did you have fastwrites on in the first place?  I haven't seen a single tech article in 5 years that recommends fast writes on.

You may have a bum cpu.  The memory controller is on the cpu so that's my guess.  Try underclocking the heck out of the cpu and see if it's stable.  Turn the multiplier down to 7 or whatever is the lowest it will go, and see if it runs stable.  If it does, you've probably got a bad cpu.

Have you used the mobo jumper that resets the bios?  That's the only way to really clear the bios settings...  Some of your symptoms also sound like an overclocked pci bus.  I still think it could be the cpu thou.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 04, 2005, 09:08:06 PM
eagl.

yeah fast writes has always been on for me with my K8V and A8V, and always worked fine and a nice 1000 3dmark point boost (what that means in real life FPS i dont know).

I must admit that it might be the cpu itself. My last 2 3200s (one socket 754 and one 939) did this... well something like this...

with 1013 when it was first released it wouldnt allow me to run over 1600mhz (default is 2000). Therefor i went back to 1011. which at the time worked fine.

However i CANT underclock with 1014s because the multipliers dont work. If i set it to run 5x200 it still runs 10x200. I can set it in windows to 7x200, as i just did. its a 50/50 if it BSOD's when i do this though. And once im down to that it does work fine.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 05, 2005, 02:36:39 AM
What revision board you have?
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 05, 2005, 06:49:50 AM
rev 2.00

some on xstreme say that it sounds like the cpu's mem controller has gone, however does that mean the 10 guys ive so far found with the same issue have dead/dud cpus too?:confused:
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 05, 2005, 06:53:00 AM
ok

2 guys with no issues (including u) have rev 1.02 boards
10 guys (including me) have rev 2 boards and well....all report the same issue
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 05, 2005, 11:19:01 AM
Whats the link to the xstreme thread?

The Windows re-install cleared up all my problems. It automatically uses the ACPI Multiprocessor PC HAL.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: eagl on July 05, 2005, 12:11:33 PM
I have a hard time believing that there are that many bad cpus...  If you've had 3 "dud" cpus on one mobo, I'd point my finger at the mobo.

They're a hell of a lot cheaper than a new cpu, so maybe get a new mobo and try that out.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Schutt on July 05, 2005, 03:46:39 PM
I would suspect cooling problems, faulty Powersupply or motherboard trouble.

Also i can imagine once you get a bios that does not work at all its hard to flash without problems?
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 05, 2005, 04:06:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by eagl
I have a hard time believing that there are that many bad cpus...  If you've had 3 "dud" cpus on one mobo, I'd point my finger at the mobo.

They're a hell of a lot cheaper than a new cpu, so maybe get a new mobo and try that out.



na 1x 3200 was in my K8V which died after about 2 years of hardclocking.

my first 939 chip i overvolted very VERY high, trying to get the 2400/2500mhz overclocks everyone else was doing, so i sort of blew it.

this one is a bit different. It was fine 2 weeks ago with 1011, however since all this bios flashing stuff its all gone wrong.

its not overheating
its not a PSU issue

it *might* be a motherboard issue, but thats more to do with the bios. As you said, now the system is unstable, its hard to get a CLEAN bios on there, for all i know its currupting the bios's that i am flashing on there because its already unstable!

Anyway the x2 4400 is now on its way to me, should be here in 12 hours :D Maybe all my problems will vanish once i get it? (wishfull thinking)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 05, 2005, 04:44:45 PM
You may be able to still flash using the following.

Copy the BIOS to a floppy disk.
Rename it to 1014.rom for example. (BIOS version + .rom)
Put it in the drive.
Turn on the power.
During power up repetedly press Alt + F2

Should force the system to load the BIOS on the floppy.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 05, 2005, 05:03:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kev367th
You may be able to still flash using the following.

Copy the BIOS to a floppy disk.
Rename it to 1014.rom for example. (BIOS version + .rom)
Put it in the drive.
Turn on the power.
During power up repetedly press Alt + F2

Should force the system to load the BIOS on the floppy.


that option does come up sometimes though, searching for CD/A drive for A8V.rom......

yeah but im thinking its so far gone its maybe currupting them as i put them on disk?

i could use another pc to create the disk i suppose. Using AFUbios thingy is ok though.

seems to getting better now, however im using 133mhz memory settings with 3-4-4-10 cas settings!

soundcard keeps going missing too, im think i going to order one of those DFI boards maybe.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 05, 2005, 05:53:02 PM
just swapped out CPU's with another 3200 i have laying around, same issue. so that rules out the CPU memory controler. anyway the memory is fine in DOS based memtest.

No discolouring on the Power sockets (20pin and 4 pin) either, unlike when 5volt lines used to burn out on Tbird based rigs lol:D

Soundcard keeps being not detected too....

I cant find anywhere in UK with DFI boards instock... Only place is OCUK and im not ordering ANYTHING from them, i doubt my bank will allow me either.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 05, 2005, 06:47:57 PM
uninstalled ATI 5.6 CCC and reinstalled ATI CP 5.6 and it works fine now.... errm confused? i know i am :confused:
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 05, 2005, 06:59:42 PM
Lol, me too.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 05, 2005, 07:50:06 PM
i think its because smartgart kept refreshing the AGP settings every boot meaning it was trying to force fastwrites on or something along those lines. It doesnt do it with my SP2 install (although i havnt tested fully yet) but then thats because its been using CCC from day 0 and doesnt know of the "old" drivers. Plus .net is more stable on SP2 isnt it?

well its really laughable whats been happening here... these X2s better be worth it.

Hopefully my next post will be with my X2 running! :rolleyes: :D
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 06, 2005, 02:07:44 AM
Ah the old smartgart.

When I had an ATI I used to run the advanced gart app once then stop the service and set it to manual.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 06, 2005, 05:26:36 AM
fitted, and running two instances of Prime95...... hopefully this is all good! :D

its so nice seeing two cpu's!

ADA 4400 AA6CD
CCBWE 0518 TPMW
1251258F50057

week 18 of 2005... only a few weeks older than my 2nd winchester! they been making these things for ages!:eek:
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 06, 2005, 09:11:23 AM
Nice, maybe the 1013 and above work better with the dual cores than 'older' cpus?

Remember and change your sig :)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 06, 2005, 04:00:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kev367th
Nice, maybe the 1013 and above work better with the dual cores than 'older' cpus?

Remember and change your sig :)



aye. Im thinking the new settings from 1014s was sticking, even after reflashing to old versions, and since there was no options to change them new options, it was messing it up. This board is now unuseable with "normal" cores for me... at least for now.

now its my next choice ive got about £400 to spend

1:
PCIexpress Motherboard £100-140 (asus or DFI?)
X800XL £200
200gig HDD
£380ish total

2:
AGP X850XTPE £309

HMMMMMMM :confused:

oh and i might start overclocking now how long till i blow it up?:D
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 06, 2005, 04:03:51 PM
oh and 1014.007 up today too.... but im not touching it yet ;)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: eagl on July 06, 2005, 08:01:19 PM
Get a pci-e mobo, try to find someone to trade for your current vid card or sell it, and save your pennies for a 7800 GTX.  Apparently the 7800 GTX is faster than a 6800 GT SLI setup, and it can also be set up in SLI.  Downside - it probably costs in excess of $600 right now but it's the fastest out there.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 07, 2005, 04:23:45 PM
7800gtx's cost £480 over here and to befair i just paid £400 for a X2 4400 which i think is perfectly fine. However i think 480 for a gFX card is a JOKE

dunno where i got £480 from, its 380..... even so thats way too much!

and im a "fanboy" (aparently) of ATI right now... although that might change soon ;)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 07, 2005, 08:34:00 PM
overclocking and overvolting these things is scary

a: the Asus A8V is VERY unstable with voltage delievery to these things.... probably opperating at max rated. I set it to 1.5volts, in windows idle is 1.65 :eek: yet at load its 1.55.

b: as with all voltage increases on SOI and strained silicon, the wattage/heat output doubles..... but of coarse with 2 cores onboard its even worse for instance

a single core winchester without strained silicon:

2000mhz 1.35volts = 38c full load
2400mhz 1.6volts = 45-47c full load... not too bad.

a x2 4400+ with SOI and strained silicon

2200mhz 1.25volts (id be undervolting on perpose) = 44-49c full load
2400mhz 1.5volts (ish??) 70c before i stopped the testing.

I think its time to pick up the courage and fit my watercoolering!

:D
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 07, 2005, 08:59:39 PM
ok voltage settings are all messed up with these bios's too

1.3volts sets 1.15volts and of coarse doesnt really work
1.35volts sets 1.2volts which is stable and nice and cool :D (currently running at)
1.375volts sets at 1.5volts and stable voltage
1.4volts sets 1.6volts and massive fluctuations

im not testing any higher! LOL
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 08, 2005, 07:05:02 AM
gone unstable again

just rebooted my pc, my soundcard went missing and the cpu cant run any stability tests

took soundcard out, still the same. Think its time to go PCI express and get away from asus. Ive had 7 Asus boards however my last 2 have ended up in the bin so obviously i been very unlucky or Asus are loosing there quality control.....
Title: X2 Update
Post by: whels on July 08, 2005, 09:01:14 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Overlag
gone unstable again

just rebooted my pc, my soundcard went missing and the cpu cant run any stability tests

took soundcard out, still the same. Think its time to go PCI express and get away from asus. Ive had 7 Asus boards however my last 2 have ended up in the bin so obviously i been very unlucky or Asus are loosing there quality control.....


my Asus A8n Deluxe (nforce4  SLI) has been very good, but right now id get 1 of the DFI N4 SLI MBs.


whels
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 09, 2005, 04:33:00 AM
No idea what you are doing/have done to your board.

I am still using the 1014.006 BIOS and everything works great.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 09, 2005, 07:57:47 AM
stable settings with 1013:

600 HTT bus

2.5-4-4-8 and 2t timing. All bank/node interleavin off, memory holes (hard and soft) off.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 11, 2005, 08:05:08 PM
Must be a borked board even those settings i posted are not 24hour stable with prime95 or OCCT testers, so im either going to get a DFI SLI board, or the Asus A8N SLI premium.

however im not sure what gfx to get

X800XL for £200
or
6800gt (leadtech) for £260

the 6800gt will leave me with the option to get SLI when i can find a 2nd hand one in a few months, however a single 6800gt is slower than a x800xl in most games i play (hl2 fs2004 etc)

choices choices :lol
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 12, 2005, 06:48:14 AM
ok i gone the whole hog now.....

Asus 7800gtx
Asus A8N Premium
200gig hdd

man my credit card company loves me! :eek:
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 14, 2005, 08:03:41 PM
wooohoooo this rocks
100% stable

3dmark 2005 score gone from 1000-2000 range to 7900ish already. And its 100% stable. About to reinstall again, as i messed up what drive (er partition) it installed on.

Bios shows options for running upto 600DDR!
:eek:

My X2 seems happy running at 2550mhz right now...:D

im soooo happy to have a stable pc
Title: X2 Update
Post by: eagl on July 15, 2005, 01:26:04 AM
Heh.  The 7800 GTX is benching at nearly 2x the speed of a 6800GT, with improved FSAA and image quality as additional frosting on the framerate cake.  MMMMM yummy FSAA frosting...

I guess I'm a tard for getting an AGP mobo because I expected nvidia to follow their usual production cycle, which SHOULD have resulted in a simple update of the 6800 lineup instead of the big jump we see with the 7800.  I think the 7800 will be the nail in the AGP coffin because that card alone is going to be worth the mobo upgrade for a whole lot of gamers.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 15, 2005, 04:45:03 AM
Quote
Originally posted by eagl
Heh.  The 7800 GTX is benching at nearly 2x the speed of a 6800GT, with improved FSAA and image quality as additional frosting on the framerate cake.  MMMMM yummy FSAA frosting...

I guess I'm a tard for getting an AGP mobo because I expected nvidia to follow their usual production cycle, which SHOULD have resulted in a simple update of the 6800 lineup instead of the big jump we see with the 7800.  I think the 7800 will be the nail in the AGP coffin because that card alone is going to be worth the mobo upgrade for a whole lot of gamers.


the 7800 is really a "simple" update. Its a 6800 core with 24pipelines... well basicaly anyway ;)

i cant believe how big this card is though, its HUGEEEE its only like 1 cm shorter than my full size ATX board


oh and even though i havnt played any games yet i already wanna get some SLI action. LOL :lol
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 15, 2005, 09:09:12 AM
starting to think my soundcard might be the overall issue

plugged it in, and it trashed my install :rolleyes:

retrying now :)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: whels on July 15, 2005, 11:20:43 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Overlag
starting to think my soundcard might be the overall issue

plugged it in, and it trashed my install :rolleyes:

retrying now :)



LOVE my Audigy2 ZS, u might check in on a Audigy4 :)

whels
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 15, 2005, 12:50:57 PM
ok its all up and running

1280x1024

AH ive gone from med settings 256 textures, AAx2, AFx2, 20fps on ground 60fps (vsync) in the air

to

max settings, 1024 textures etc, AAx8, AFx16 (which makes AH text really blury with Nvidia card it seems).

60fps on ground 75fps (vsync) air.

i still drop to 10-20fps when zooming in on trees though? :confused:


FS2004 is the same, had max settings before, except the weather which was at min settings.

Before 20-30fps

after with max settings everywhere
60-75fps

woot :D
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 16, 2005, 08:38:11 AM
HL2 looks sooooooo different compaired to what my 9700pro could do it... i might have to start again so i can see the quality from the begining :eek:
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 16, 2005, 11:48:34 AM
Glad you got something stable -

Tip - Turn off AF for AH2, Skuzzy says it doesn't use it.

Holy crap - just looked at the cost of a 7800!!!!!!! Anyone wanna bid on a used, partially abused kidney?
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 16, 2005, 06:51:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kev367th
Glad you got something stable -

Tip - Turn off AF for AH2, Skuzzy says it doesn't use it.

Holy crap - just looked at the cost of a 7800!!!!!!! Anyone wanna bid on a used, partially abused kidney?


yup and ive always disagreed seeing that AF on my ATI made AH look great. However AF on my nvidia makes it look well nice but it also messes up the txt. the ATI didnt do that.

all other games are great with AFx16, for instance FS2004 its a must have, otherwise the ground goes all wierd while turning etc.

I must also say animated water looks much better than it did on my 9700pro, however it still halfs the fps, and looks horrible at alt

been trying some overclocking but it looks like my memory might be the overall issue. its rated at 2-2-2-8 but only runs 2-3-3-8 now wierd stuff ;)

im also not 100% sure on how PCI locks works with SATA drives, ive heard that the SATA ports on Nforce4 boards arnt locked or something. Im very worried about loosing my data lol

edit: the cost of 7800gtx bad then? its terrible here.

If i wanted 2+ of them it would be cheaper for me to get a ticket to the USA, buy two, then wrap them up in birthday paper. Come home, and tell customs that they was birthday presents (therefor they cant tax ya 4% import 17.5% vat)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 16, 2005, 09:47:46 PM
Got a new mobo (PCI-E) and vid card on the cards for Christmas.

Just had to content myself with a Dual Layer DVD burner that I fitted today. Pretty good, burns 8.5Gb Dual Layer DVD's and can be 'persuaded' to be region free. Not bad for $99 - a $30 mail in rebate = $69. Burns all the usual stuff also.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 16, 2005, 10:15:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kev367th
Got a new mobo (PCI-E) and vid card on the cards for Christmas.

Just had to content myself with a Dual Layer DVD burner that I fitted today. Pretty good, burns 8.5Gb Dual Layer DVD's and can be 'persuaded' to be region free. Not bad for $99 - a $30 mail in rebate = $69. Burns all the usual stuff also.


xmas time is the time when both ATI and Nvidia will have there "best" out.

depending on A: if im unhappy with my 7800gtx's perf B: the next cards are miles faster and C: the gtx's drop in price.... i might get a 2nd by xmas too.... would need a new monitor though... a TFT that can do 1600x1200 at least
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 22, 2005, 05:39:08 AM
trying some overclocking before my better heatsink comes.

2500mhz 1.5volts. Load up S&M burn CPU temp jumps to 69c, Power circuit temps sore to 89c before i S*** myself
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 23, 2005, 12:37:42 AM
Lol -
Look on the brightside: If it had been a dual core P4 you tried it on, it would of melted right through and be halfway to China by now :)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 23, 2005, 06:21:21 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kev367th
Lol -
Look on the brightside: If it had been a dual core P4 you tried it on, it would of melted right through and be halfway to China by now :)



hehehe new heatsink stopped that issue, but i still cant get any overclock out of it really.. 2360mhz right now :s

(http://www.ajwebb.eclipse.co.uk/Pictures/PC/939/vapochill_micro_2.JPG)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Schutt on July 23, 2005, 08:03:57 AM
droool at that heatsink

(wipes it clean again while overlag doesnt look)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 23, 2005, 08:31:30 AM
2500mhz 1.5volts

silent boost K8: 65-75c (above the max rated temp)
vapochill micro extreme: 46-50c :D

shame it seems unstable no matter what at these speeds ;)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: eagl on July 23, 2005, 09:10:04 AM
You might try cutting out the hole-punched grill area behind that case fan near the cpu...  It impedes airflow and causes noise.  You'll lose EM containment and you'll want to put a wire grill on the outside to protect fingers and cables, but it might help case temps and lower the noise.

I did it on my computer and it is a little quieter and cooler.  I didn't notice any extra EM interference but I don't have a radio or anything like that near my computer either.

If you cut this out while your computer parts are still in the case, be extremely careful about getting metal shavings in the computer.  The way I did it was I removed the fan and applied a lot of tape to the inside of the grill, sealing off the area I was going to be cutting.  I used a dremel and was careful to cut only through the metal, not through the layers of tape behind the metal.  The tape caught 99% of the metal shavings, gravity kept most of the rest out of the case, and I used a vacuum cleaner to make sure I didn't have metal dust inside the case before I fired it up again.

The safest of course is to remove everything first, but that takes a while and I didn't want to spend that much time on it.  I suppose I was lucky to not short out my mobo :)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 23, 2005, 09:17:12 AM
EM containment? the side is never on either ;)

(http://www.ajwebb.eclipse.co.uk/Pictures/PC/939/vapochill_micro_3.JPG)

i might cut the back out, as well as a propper side blow hole. Maybe a top one too.

i like the posibility of adding 2x120mm side fans and having one of those ducted to the CPU fan duct and take the cpu fan off.....

edit: about cutting the fan out... i would probably use a peice of wood, screwed in place via the same holes as the fans. this way nothing would get in the case. However id be worried about the vibrations and my HDD's even if they are turned of.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 26, 2005, 10:02:18 PM
oh dear o dear been a great week for killing/ loosing things

1: i setup my old rig (the a8v and a 3200) so i could copy the info off my raid0 to my new system. HDD plug fell out, trashed the raid0 and lost 80gig of data :mad:

2: After more strict testing i found that one of my crucial memory dimms is failing even at default settings.... returnable so not so bad i guess :mad:

3: then tonight, my 160gig HDD decides its had enough and has failed :mad:

I really really dont understand my luck lately, someone up there hates me.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 26, 2005, 11:31:17 PM
Quote from a well known film - "Hate him back, it works for me".
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 27, 2005, 07:10:23 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Kev367th
Quote from a well known film - "Hate him back, it works for me".


this whole year sucks... its not just pcs going wrong... arrg

whats the command to test/recover bad sectors? that 160gig driver has the max allowed relocated sectors. but im guessing the a system crash from the bad memory has made windows "think" that drive is busted
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 27, 2005, 11:45:28 AM
Type scandisk /? at a command prompt for options.

aSUS released their 1014 final BIOS. One fix was for E6 CPU overclocking, maybe they fixed the memory dividers at last.

Oops -
For Win 2k/XP the command is chkdsk

CHKDSK [volume[[path]filename]]] [/F] [/V] [/R] [/X] [/I] [/C] [/L[:size]]


  volume          Specifies the drive letter (followed by a colon),
                  mount point, or volume name.
  filename        FAT only: Specifies the files to check for fragmentation.
  /F              Fixes errors on the disk.
  /V              On FAT/FAT32: Displays the full path and name of every file
                  on the disk.
                  On NTFS: Displays cleanup messages if any.
  /R              Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information
                  (implies /F).
  /L:size         NTFS only:  Changes the log file size to the specified number
                  of kilobytes.  If size is not specified, displays current
                  size.
  /X              Forces the volume to dismount first if necessary.
                  All opened handles to the volume would then be invalid
                  (implies /F).
  /I              NTFS only: Performs a less vigorous check of index entries.
  /C              NTFS only: Skips checking of cycles within the folder
                  structure.

Look like you need the /F /R options.
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 27, 2005, 05:06:01 PM
run that all night found 20mb of bad clusters

run a maxtor test suit and it gave me error code and said RMA it

new drive is in the post


Crucial (ballistix) have yet to get back to me about there 2nd failed mem chip ive had in less than a year

edit and the A8V is totaly stable right now with singlechannel and 256mb ram PC2700 (3:2 option chooses 166 divider)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Kev367th on July 27, 2005, 05:15:40 PM
Using the final 1014 BIOS?
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 27, 2005, 05:47:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kev367th
Using the final 1014 BIOS?


na i think its 1014-006. cant test anymore as the dead raid0 and the dead 160gig are both the bootable disks for that mb....

i have a 800mb harddrive with win98 on it that works with that board but for some reason i really cant be botherd to set it up right now ;)
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 28, 2005, 05:43:05 PM
well since i found it was memory related ive been able to get some very nice clocking results out of this. but i think watercooling is the only way to get anything great from these wattage monsters.

I seem to be overloading a vapochill micro already.... lol and thats rated to about 150watts
Title: X2 Update
Post by: Overlag on July 28, 2005, 08:55:57 PM
recent testing shows a few things

some games like being forced to 1 core or some prefer letting windows choose.

AH doesnt seem to mind letting windows do the work.

however im encoding a DivX movie right now, which is defaulted to core0 only when installed. It can use multiproccessing but not much improvement nor is it supported.

So anyway i left it at default core 0 only, however MSFS 2004 (FS9) doesnt seem to be able to choose which core to use correctly (its setup to use either by default) and i get 9fps with almost no cpu useage on second core

so ive forced Divx to core0 and forced FS9 to core1 and its running fine...

odd that some (most) games dont seem to mind yet a MS game does? :confused: