a8n-sli "premium" edition

[nippyjun]

Quick question:

If i'm going to use a sata drive as my boot drive (no raid), do i need to install any SATA drivers when installing windows?

 

[Deinonych]

Originally posted by: nippyjun
Quick question:

If i'm going to use a sata drive as my boot drive (no raid), do i need to install any SATA drivers when installing windows?

If you're not using RAID, you don't need a driver disk for SATA.

 

[nippyjun]

Originally posted by: Deinonych

Originally posted by: nippyjun
Quick question:

If i'm going to use a sata drive as my boot drive (no raid), do i need to install any SATA drivers when installing windows?

If you're not using RAID, you don't need a driver disk for SATA.

Thanks for the fast response.

 

[nippyjun]

I have another question. WHich bios revision supports athlon 64 X2 processors?
Thanks.

 

[geogecko]

Good question. But there is a new Beta BIOS out as of the 22nd. 1006.002

 

[milleron]

I'm wrapping up my build of my new A8N-SLI Premium.
On completion, I have ONE Unknown Device in Device Manager. The only information is that it's "on the PCI bus."

I disabled the Marvell Gb Lan in BIOS, but I installed a driver, anyway. That didn't get rid of the Unknown device.
I disabled the SI 3114 SATA controller in BIOS. I think that does sit on the PCI bus, but with it disabled, it shouldn't show in Device Manager, should it?

My FireWire, USB, onboard sound, and nVidia Ethernet adapter are recognized, so it wouldn't seem to be any of those.

In the past, I've usually found that these devices went away after I'd installed all driver packages, but I can't think of any others to install.

Any ideas??

Ron

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: nippyjun
I have another question. WHich bios revision supports athlon 64 X2 processors?
Thanks.

The bios 1005 shipping w/ the board supports the X2.

 

[Micha]

To milleron:

If premium is similar to DeLuxe version, missing driver is for ATK0110 ACPI Utility. You will find it on CD that came with Your MOBO. Sometimes (for me) it instals itself when I'm in device menager and insert CD to drive (? just dissapears, I don't even touch keyboard), sometimes You need to install it manually. There sould be 2 ver. of driver (32 bit i 64 bit) - choose correctly

Hope it helps

PS. Sorry for my english

Micha

 

[xl80325]

Does anybody know what the changes in the two new beta bios for sli premium?

 

[geogecko]

It seems as though they don't post the changes until it becomes a "stable" BIOS version (i.e., non BETA).

 

[milleron]

Originally posted by: Micha
To milleron:

If premium is similar to DeLuxe version, missing driver is for ATK0110 ACPI Utility. You will find it on CD that came with Your MOBO. Sometimes (for me) it instals itself when I'm in device menager and insert CD to drive (? just dissapears, I don't even touch keyboard), sometimes You need to install it manually. There sould be 2 ver. of driver (32 bit i 64 bit) - choose correctly

Hope it helps

PS. Sorry for my english

Micha

Micha,
You are exactly correct. The autorun.inf file on the Asus CD runs ASUSACPI.EXE, and that program apparently installs the driver. I guess Asus wants to be POSITIVE that you install this driver, because you get no prompts asking if you want to install it or not. It just gets plugged in.

Please never apologize for your English. It is very good, and your help was vey much appreciated. My Unknown Device in Device Manager vanished, and now I have a ATK0110 ACPI Utility listed under System Devices. I wish I knew what it is.

I couldn't install the Ai Booster that I think is related to this utility. Trying to run that Setup program halts with an error message "Failed to install I/O driver." I know that you can't run Ai Booster with Cool and Quiet enabled, but I do NOT have that enabled in BIOS. I wonder why I can't install Ai Booster.
Any ideas?

Ron

 

[ShoNuff]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: nippyjun
I have another question. WHich bios revision supports athlon 64 X2 processors?
Thanks.

The bios 1005 shipping w/ the board supports the X2.

I just got my board and 4800+ today and it came with the 1004 bios. Both are working well together.

 

[milleron]

When installing the nForce 4 chipset drivers, there's an option to install nVidia IDE drivers. I opted to stick with the Windows IDE drivers until I find out more about it.
Does anyone know the best option when NOT using RAID?

Thanks,

Ron

 

[kman79]

Newbie question. Sorry for my ignorance guys, this is my first build. I know CHA-1 and 2 are chassi fan, and CPU-Fan is for the CPU, but what do I plug into the PWR-Fan? What do I plug into that? Any help on this would greatly be appreciated

 

[milleron]

Originally posted by: kman79
Newbie question. Sorry for my ignorance guys, this is my first build. I know CHA-1 and 2 are chassi fan, and CPU-Fan is for the CPU, but what do I plug into the PWR-Fan? What do I plug into that? Any help on this would greatly be appreciated

Some PSUs have a lead to attach there so that motherboard utilities can monitor the speed of the fan in the PSU. I plugged mine in there, but unfortunately Asus Probe doesn't see it. I'll mess around with Motherboard Monitor, but since it's no longer supported, there's no automatic configuration available for the A8N-SLI boards. It might be pretty difficult.

BTW, don't apologize for asking questions. That's the reason forums like this are here.

Ron

 

[anotherbrianm]

In a similar vein; I am a bit of a newb too. I just ordered the parts for my second build in almost 4 long years so I did it up a bit.

I just ordered this board with an xp-90c. The fan I got for it is an Antec 75009 92mm. I know it is a case fan and Antec says it has a temp sensor, will this fan be OK for the HS? Can?t tell if it has an rpm sensor on it but Antec says you can plug into mainboard, any thoughts on using it on an xp90 would be appreciated. I wanted something quiet, clear was a bonus so you can see some o' that pretty copper.

General cooling question: sorry if this a bit OT... I am wondering if I will have enough overall cooling in this case my specs on shipped goods

a8n premium
3700 San Diego w/ xp-90c cooler
1 EVGA 7800GTX
Antec p160 WF so there is one (methinks) 120mm fan
Enermax 600w Noisetaker
1 GB(2 x 512MB) CORSAIR XMS TWINXP1024-3200XL - I like the pretty lights
1 74 WD Raptor ? maybe a gynormous 400 down the road

I would like a modest OC ~2.4-2.6

Should I get another fan or two for this case?

If so does anyone care to recommend a quiet blue led one?

Thanks in advance

-B

Viva Anandtech!

 

[kman79]

Originally posted by: milleron

Originally posted by: kman79
Newbie question. Sorry for my ignorance guys, this is my first build. I know CHA-1 and 2 are chassi fan, and CPU-Fan is for the CPU, but what do I plug into the PWR-Fan? What do I plug into that? Any help on this would greatly be appreciated

Some PSUs have a lead to attach there so that motherboard utilities can monitor the speed of the fan in the PSU. I plugged mine in there, but unfortunately Asus Probe doesn't see it. I'll mess around with Motherboard Monitor, but since it's no longer supported, there's no automatic configuration available for the A8N-SLI boards. It might be pretty difficult.

BTW, don't apologize for asking questions. That's the reason forums like this are here.

Ron

Thanks for being open to help out new people, and thanks for replying. I have a seasonic super tornado. There's this one blue and black wire that comes out of the PSU that has the same connector as a 3 pin fan connector does, does this plug into there? But as you said, it's not a functional feature, so I guess I can leave it out.

anotherbrianm: Me and you almost have the same setup. I have an XP90 with a delta fan. Yes it is louder than most other fans, but it does push some air. I powered it up for a moment to check and make sure all fans turned on, and I'm telling you this little Delta 92mm fan pushes some air. I'm still waiting on the RAM which comes in this Monday, so I can't give you temps right now, but I will when I get everything setup Monday. This value ram is just to get me going, I'll be ordering some OCZs later on.

 

[gbohn]

Originally posted by: kman79


... I have a seasonic super tornado. There's this one blue and black wire that comes out of the PSU that has the same connector as a 3 pin fan connector does, does this plug into there? But as you said, it's not a functional feature, so I guess I can leave it out.

anotherbrianm: Me and you almost have the same setup. I have an XP90 with a delta fan. Yes it is louder than most other fans, but it does push some air.

I've just set up an A8N-SLI Premium (with Heatpipe chipset cooler), and a Seasonic 'Super Silencer' 460 (SS-460AGX). It also has a blue/black fan connector. I connected this to the unused 'chipset cooler' fan header (since the fan isn't needed with the heatpipe).

ASUS Probe 2.24.02 now displays the RPM for this (ironically) as the 'Power' fan speed...

I also have an XP-90, but went with a near silent Nexus 92 MM fan. My Max CPU (3700+ San Diego 1.45 V, O/C to 2,574 MHz) temp. is 123 Degrees F running Prime 95 in a 66 degree ambient temp (Motherboard Temp 91 F).

 

[milleron]

Originally posted by: kman79


Thanks for being open to help out new people, and thanks for replying. I have a seasonic super tornado. There's this one blue and black wire that comes out of the PSU that has the same connector as a 3 pin fan connector does, does this plug into there? But as you said, it's not a functional feature, so I guess I can leave it out.

anotherbrianm: Me and you almost have the same setup. I have an XP90 with a delta fan. Yes it is louder than most other fans, but it does push some air. I powered it up for a moment to check and make sure all fans turned on, and I'm telling you this little Delta 92mm fan pushes some air. I'm still waiting on the RAM which comes in this Monday, so I can't give you temps right now, but I will when I get everything setup Monday. This value ram is just to get me going, I'll be ordering some OCZs later on.

No, no. plug in the PSU sensor to the proper header. It may well work for you. It's a step that's so easy that you have nothing to lose.
Deltas have usually been high-rpm and noisy. I hope you get a model that's quiet.

Ron

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: anotherbrianm
In a similar vein; I am a bit of a newb too. I just ordered the parts for my second build in almost 4 long years so I did it up a bit.

I just ordered this board with an xp-90c. The fan I got for it is an Antec 75009 92mm. I know it is a case fan and Antec says it has a temp sensor, will this fan be OK for the HS? Can?t tell if it has an rpm sensor on it but Antec says you can plug into mainboard, any thoughts on using it on an xp90 would be appreciated. I wanted something quiet, clear was a bonus so you can see some o' that pretty copper.

General cooling question: sorry if this a bit OT... I am wondering if I will have enough overall cooling in this case my specs on shipped goods

a8n premium
3700 San Diego w/ xp-90c cooler
1 EVGA 7800GTX
Antec p160 WF so there is one (methinks) 120mm fan
Enermax 600w Noisetaker
1 GB(2 x 512MB) CORSAIR XMS TWINXP1024-3200XL - I like the pretty lights
1 74 WD Raptor ? maybe a gynormous 400 down the road

I would like a modest OC ~2.4-2.6

Should I get another fan or two for this case?

If so does anyone care to recommend a quiet blue led one?

Thanks in advance

-B

Viva Anandtech!

The Antec fan you picked for your XP-90c should be fine. Note though, b/c you're using it for the XP-90c and temps will be high, it'll end-up running at full-speed.

FWIW - I use a Delta Triple-Blade High-Speed in conjunction w/ a fan controller for my XP-120. I think it gives me the best of both worlds: being able to control fan speed on the fly and the triple-blade design provides a very low hum to fan rpm ratio.

If you only have one case fan, I would recommend getting an intake fan. An Antec Tri-Cool LED fan would be a good choice since you can adjust the speed based on your sound preference.

 

[milleron]

Originally posted by: anotherbrianm
I just ordered this board with an xp-90c. The fan I got for it is an Antec 75009 92mm. I know it is a case fan and Antec says it has a temp sensor, will this fan be OK for the HS? Can?t tell if it has an rpm sensor on it but Antec says you can plug into mainboard, any thoughts on using it on an xp90 would be appreciated. I wanted something quiet, clear was a bonus so you can see some o' that pretty copper.

Panaflos are the best, and many have used them, but I want only fans with RPM sensors for the CPU. I just can't find a Panaflo with an RPM sensor. If I could, I'd use it. Right now, I'm using a 120mm Thermaltake Thunderblade that seems as quiet as it was advertised. The temp of my 3500+ CPU with the case open (not finished building yet), is 25 - 28° as measured in BIOS Hardware monitor, Asus Probe, and nVidia Monitor. It's really cool, but I have to put my ear to it to hear it.

I would definitely NOT use the Antec with the temp sensor. It will adjust the fan speed according to the temp of the air passing through it, and that's NOT what you want to do. If you want that fan to vary its speed, get a fixed-speed fan and allow Asus Q-Fan or something like that to regulate the speed depending on the CPU temperature.

General cooling question: sorry if this a bit OT... I am wondering if I will have enough overall cooling in this case my specs on shipped goods

a8n premium
3700 San Diego w/ xp-90c cooler
1 EVGA 7800GTX
Antec p160 WF so there is one (methinks) 120mm fan
Enermax 600w Noisetaker
1 GB(2 x 512MB) CORSAIR XMS TWINXP1024-3200XL - I like the pretty lights
1 74 WD Raptor ? maybe a gynormous 400 down the road

I would like a modest OC ~2.4-2.6

Should I get another fan or two for this case?

Build it and see how it goes. I doubt that anyone can tell for sure in advance, but, considering how quiet high-quality 120mm fans can be, my wild guess is that you will want to add the front-panel fan. The blue glow from the Thunderblade on my CPU is pretty cool, but Panaflos make NO noise other than that from the air; they have zero motor whine. I'd recommend a Panaflo there, but I'm pretty sure they don't make LED models.

Ron

 

[anotherbrianm]

Hey Thanks everyone for the advice! I might see about getting another 92mm fan

Ron if you are looking for a panaflow with an rpm sensor FrozenCPU has em here:

http://www.frozencpu.com/fan-87.html

And the fan tails are here:
http://www.frozencpu.com/cab-02.html

The only thing that gets me is ordering a $12.00 fan and then paying $10.00 shipping but i'll get over it.

B

 

[milleron]

Originally posted by: anotherbrianm
Hey Thanks everyone for the advice! I might see about getting another 92mm fan

Ron if you are looking for a panaflow with an rpm sensor FrozenCPU has em here:

http://www.frozencpu.com/fan-87.html

And the fan tails are here:
http://www.frozencpu.com/cab-02.html

The only thing that gets me is ordering a $12.00 fan and then paying $10.00 shipping but i'll get over it.

I think that's the one you want!! Thanks for the URL, but the only BX (rpm-sensing) model they have is the 92mm. I still haven't been able to find a 120mm Panaflo that has that feature. I just don't think Panaflo makes one, darn it. In your case, however, I'm superbly confident that that's the fan you want if you value silence and wish to have no worries about fan failures. The Panaflos make literally NO motor noise or whine. The only thing audible is the movement of air, and the fins and fan are designed so well that it's neglible, essentially inaudible.

Ron

 

[kd2777]

does any one know if I put in 4 512 sticks of Mushkin redline if it will be run at 333 or can I make it run at 400? Also with 4 DIMMs how is the OCing of this board?

thanks

kd

 

[milleron]

Originally posted by: kd2777
does any one know if I put in 4 512 sticks of Mushkin redline if it will be run at 333 or can I make it run at 400? Also with 4 DIMMs how is the OCing of this board?

If it's DDR 400, and you put 4 sticks in, the A8N-SLI boards will usually set that to 333 no matter what the SPD information says. You can then almost always go to BIOS and manually set it to 400 without causing problems. You will have to accept a 2T Command Rate if you use four sticks, though. There's no way to avoid that. I think it can be a good trade-off if you run apps that run better with the additional memory.

Ron