Abit IP35-E Review (500MHz FSB board)...$90 @ NewEgg + $6.61 ship

[Aharami]

I dunno how I managed to do this, but i somehow got a little bit of AS5 on my motherboard's CPU socket. Also one of my pins looks bent. How do i get the AS5 off? Please help
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/aharami/IMG_0015_crop.jpg

 

[ArchAngel777]

Ok, I need some brain storming here...

Q6600
IP35-E
(4) 1GB Modules rates at 4-4-4-12 1.8v
Antec TPQ 850 WATT

So, first thing I did was set everything up, installed my Tuniq and fire it up. It booted up and said CPU configuration error - no big deal. I immediately set FSB to 333 and raised voltage one notch. I installed Windows Vista without any problems at all.

After Vista is installed I check temps and and under load all four cores 55c and lower. So, I shut down the machine, I set FSB to 400, lowered the multi to 8. Set Vcore to 1.38v (idle, load is 1.31v) and it booted up with no problems.

I shut down my computer, decided to install my Audigy card. This is when the problems started... But, I am not sure that has ANYTHING to do with it. Because, I can reboot the machine and 9 out of 10 times it will post. But that one time, it will get the CPU detection (CPU @ 3.2 (1 core) then it will lock up there.

But what I find interesting is that when it comes time to turning on my PC sometimes it takes POST 15 seconds, other times it 3 secons and of course, 1 out of 10 times, it will halt on the CPU detection.

So, I decided to drop things back down to 333X9, and same thing... I even kept voltage up... I even raises all the board voltages one notch and Vdimm 2 notches (2.0). I am so frustrated.

But, I was able to run Prime95 on all four cores 100% for 5-6 hours without any rounding errors. I was able to loop 3Dmark and load up my games, all stable. I just don't farking understand it.

I flashed to BIOS 12 and that HELPED quite a bit. Instead of requiring me to power off the PSU, it will not post (partially and lock up like I discribed).

Pretty bummed out over the situation, but there is still a lot more I can do.

I was thinking

1) Removing two DIMMs

2) Removing Audigy

3) Flash to Beta BIOS 13 (maybe the double post thingy screws with my PSU)

4) Cry.

Edit - Found out this issue here... It looks like I am not the ONLY one with this problems! Exactly the same problem as I am having.

When I get home I will disconnect my USB Mybook 500GB hard drive from my computer and see if that fixes the issue. I remember this being an issue with some PC's we setup at work for some people... I am relieved because I strongly believe once I unplug my Mybook it will work fine. Especially since I can boot into windows at 400x9 (3.6Ghz) which to me implies the issue isn't with the O/C at a measily 3Ghz.

 

[imported_Husky55]

@Arch

I suspect that your problem is not due to the Audigy, but to another glitch.

For example, you mentioned that your memory is rated at 4-4-4-12 @1.8v. I don't know what brand they are, but my Crucial Ballistix PC2-6400 is 5-5-5-20 @1.8V. This was shown in the SPD. At 2.2V it's rated at 4-4-4-12. So my first thought is to ease up on the timings and the voltage. I run 4 sticks at 1.95v at spd (5-5-5-20).

I had the same problem previously with an Asus MB, I finally ditched the Asus and bought the Abit. Guess what? Problem disappeared. I tested the memory and it turned out that the chipset or capacitors on the MB was intermittent. Frankly I was going crazy.

I am also using bios 12, memory at 430 ( or 860 ). multiplier 7

Good luck,

 

[rbk123]

Originally posted by: Aharami
I dunno how I managed to do this, but i somehow got a little bit of AS5 on my motherboard's CPU socket. Also one of my pins looks bent. How do i get the AS5 off? Please help
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/aharami/IMG_0015_crop.jpg

That's bad because AS5 is conductive. Get some Goof Off (small can about the size of lighter fluid refill) in the paint section of Home Depot (or equivalent). It's a solvent based on Xylene which will dissolve the AS5. Use it on a paper towel and clean it like you would clean the AS5 off of your CPU/Cooler. It's the solvent I use for my CPU/cleaners and dissolves AS5 fine.

 

[Aharami]

would 70% isopropyl alcohol do instead of goof off? Thats what i use to clean AS5 off heatsinks and CPU

 

[RaptureMe]

ArchAngel777,
Could you please post your new specs into your sig so I can see what your running now?
I am guessing its a Q6600 and the Ip35-E?
But whats the rest of your system..


To the user below- "Aharami",
Yeah that should work just fine.
I would just lightly dampen a paper towel or a Q-Tip, not to much though just enough to make it so that its almost still dry but has a tad bit of moister to it and then wipe away the AS5 off your board.
Otherwise if you live by wal-mart they have self contained Pc wipes for like $1.96 that are something like 90% alcohol and have the perfect amount of moister added to them.
They are the ones in packets in a box "AND NOT THE ONES IN THE PLASTIC CONTAINER"
Hope that helps..

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: rbk123
I'm going to back down the voltage first to see if I can lower it and still have it Orthos stable at 3.2 - I started high at 1.445v to see if that would be stable and then planned on going up (or down) from there. I may be able to do 3.3 at 1.445. I do have C1E/EIST disabled right now for OC purposes, but my idle is plenty cool at 40C.

If I put the board at 413 to hit 3.3, do you think I need to up any voltages on the NB, SB, or VTT ?

One notch bump at VTT, NB, and SB would do the trick. Don't do it until you encounter stability issue. My E6320 is good up to 450MHz using stock settings.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: Aharami
I dunno how I managed to do this, but i somehow got a little bit of AS5 on my motherboard's CPU socket. Also one of my pins looks bent. How do i get the AS5 off? Please help
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/aharami/IMG_0015_crop.jpg

Need to put some cotton at the end of a toothpick. Use 90% isopropyl alcohol to remove the grease under a microscope.

 

[rbk123]

Originally posted by: Aharami
would 70% isopropyl alcohol do instead of goof off? Thats what i use to clean AS5 off heatsinks and CPU

It can, it just doesn't dissolve the grease very well, but it should work just more alcohol and more rubbing; your dribbles are so small, though, that it'll clean up fine with what you have. Get a few Q-tips and you should be good to go. Btw, the less pure the alcohol, the issue becomes the residue left behind by the stuff that isn't alcohol.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777
Ok, I need some brain storming here...

Q6600
IP35-E
(4) 1GB Modules rates at 4-4-4-12 1.8v
Antec TPQ 850 WATT

So, first thing I did was set everything up, installed my Tuniq and fire it up. It booted up and said CPU configuration error - no big deal. I immediately set FSB to 333 and raised voltage one notch. I installed Windows Vista without any problems at all.

After Vista is installed I check temps and and under load all four cores 55c and lower. So, I shut down the machine, I set FSB to 400, lowered the multi to 8. Set Vcore to 1.38v (idle, load is 1.31v) and it booted up with no problems.

I shut down my computer, decided to install my Audigy card. This is when the problems started... But, I am not sure that has ANYTHING to do with it. Because, I can reboot the machine and 9 out of 10 times it will post. But that one time, it will get the CPU detection (CPU @ 3.2 (1 core) then it will lock up there.

But what I find interesting is that when it comes time to turning on my PC sometimes it takes POST 15 seconds, other times it 3 secons and of course, 1 out of 10 times, it will halt on the CPU detection.

So, I decided to drop things back down to 333X9, and same thing... I even kept voltage up... I even raises all the board voltages one notch and Vdimm 2 notches (2.0). I am so frustrated.

But, I was able to run Prime95 on all four cores 100% for 5-6 hours without any rounding errors. I was able to loop 3Dmark and load up my games, all stable. I just don't farking understand it.

I flashed to BIOS 12 and that HELPED quite a bit. Instead of requiring me to power off the PSU, it will not post (partially and lock up like I discribed).

Pretty bummed out over the situation, but there is still a lot more I can do.

I was thinking

1) Removing two DIMMs

2) Removing Audigy

3) Flash to Beta BIOS 13 (maybe the double post thingy screws with my PSU)

4) Cry.

Edit - Found out this issue here... It looks like I am not the ONLY one with this problems! Exactly the same problem as I am having.

When I get home I will disconnect my USB Mybook 500GB hard drive from my computer and see if that fixes the issue. I remember this being an issue with some PC's we setup at work for some people... I am relieved because I strongly believe once I unplug my Mybook it will work fine. Especially since I can boot into windows at 400x9 (3.6Ghz) which to me implies the issue isn't with the O/C at a measily 3Ghz.

Go to page 2-6 of manual. Set the first two boot devices. Turn off boot support for ALL OTHER DEVICES. Hit F10.

For best performance, use 9x multi and enable C1E and EIST. Use memory divider to overclock RAM as needed.

 

[Aharami]

thanks all for the suggestions. Im off to the pharmacy to get some 90% isopropyl alcohol. Im a little hesitant about working with qtips since thats what i was using before and the ones i have kept on leaving cotton threads within the pins. Took me a while to take all the threads out working with a tweezer and 5x magnifying glass. I'll look to see if the pharmacy has any better qtips where the cotton is more tightly packed.

Might also stop by radio shack to pick up their electronic contact cleaner.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Coffee filter works well. The fiber is shred-resistant. A little fiber shouldn't affect performance as long as the pin's tip is not covered.

 

[rbk123]

Originally posted by: Aharami

Might also stop by radio shack to pick up their electronic contact cleaner.

If you do, it'll be Xylene based so it'll be the same as Goof Off.

 

[WEW]

Seperent - I got my motherboard working - I used another PS - I think the Dell one was faulty - I have a 300W Sparkle that I used to test - I cleared CMOS - that did the trick and it worked.

My friend is giving me a brand new Ultra 400W that I will use for now until I get a better PS later.

Now my hard drive from the Dell already has windows installed - etc. do I just connect it in there?

Also -- on the heatsink I felt there was excessive thermal paste so i took it off - there is some but not a lot - will that be a problem?

Thanks!

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777
Ok, I need some brain storming here...

Q6600
IP35-E
(4) 1GB Modules rates at 4-4-4-12 1.8v
Antec TPQ 850 WATT

So, first thing I did was set everything up, installed my Tuniq and fire it up. It booted up and said CPU configuration error - no big deal. I immediately set FSB to 333 and raised voltage one notch. I installed Windows Vista without any problems at all.

After Vista is installed I check temps and and under load all four cores 55c and lower. So, I shut down the machine, I set FSB to 400, lowered the multi to 8. Set Vcore to 1.38v (idle, load is 1.31v) and it booted up with no problems.

I shut down my computer, decided to install my Audigy card. This is when the problems started... But, I am not sure that has ANYTHING to do with it. Because, I can reboot the machine and 9 out of 10 times it will post. But that one time, it will get the CPU detection (CPU @ 3.2 (1 core) then it will lock up there.

But what I find interesting is that when it comes time to turning on my PC sometimes it takes POST 15 seconds, other times it 3 secons and of course, 1 out of 10 times, it will halt on the CPU detection.

So, I decided to drop things back down to 333X9, and same thing... I even kept voltage up... I even raises all the board voltages one notch and Vdimm 2 notches (2.0). I am so frustrated.

But, I was able to run Prime95 on all four cores 100% for 5-6 hours without any rounding errors. I was able to loop 3Dmark and load up my games, all stable. I just don't farking understand it.

I flashed to BIOS 12 and that HELPED quite a bit. Instead of requiring me to power off the PSU, it will not post (partially and lock up like I discribed).

Pretty bummed out over the situation, but there is still a lot more I can do.

I was thinking

1) Removing two DIMMs

2) Removing Audigy

3) Flash to Beta BIOS 13 (maybe the double post thingy screws with my PSU)

4) Cry.

Edit - Found out this issue here... It looks like I am not the ONLY one with this problems! Exactly the same problem as I am having.

When I get home I will disconnect my USB Mybook 500GB hard drive from my computer and see if that fixes the issue. I remember this being an issue with some PC's we setup at work for some people... I am relieved because I strongly believe once I unplug my Mybook it will work fine. Especially since I can boot into windows at 400x9 (3.6Ghz) which to me implies the issue isn't with the O/C at a measily 3Ghz.

Go to page 2-6 of manual. Set the first two boot devices. Turn off boot support for ALL OTHER DEVICES. Hit F10.

For best performance, use 9x multi and enable C1E and EIST. Use memory divider to overclock RAM as needed.

I will certainly give those boot devices a shot when I get home, but I am not sure it has anything to do with that, because it is BIOS that locks up and not the boot sequence. It will often lock up right before the memory test, or before it even detects 4 cores.

In any case, I am going to give it a shot and will also unplug the USB-Mass Storage drive. I have a few fellow techs that I work with that also have seen this type of behavior in certain intel chipsets with mass storage devices.

I will also be attempting to stabalize 375 X 9 settings and will re-enable C1E and EIST and see how it goes. I generally don't like those features, but I do totally understand their benifets. Going to use 75c as my threshold for O/C. So, have to see what I can do with it when I get home.

Husky,

thanks for the suggestion and was my thought last night... I didn't include that in my post, but I did test 5-5-5-15. However, my modules are in fact SPD rated at 4-4-4-12 @ 1.8v. They work totally fine, mem test perfect and CPU-Z reports them as that spec as well. It is really good memory for the price (trasncend modules, rebadged Micron?)

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: WEW
Seperent - I got my motherboard working - I used another PS - I think the Dell one was faulty - I have a 300W Sparkle that I used to test - I cleared CMOS - that did the trick and it worked.

My friend is giving me a brand new Ultra 400W that I will use for now until I get a better PS later.

Now my hard drive from the Dell already has windows installed - etc. do I just connect it in there?

Also -- on the heatsink I felt there was excessive thermal paste so i took it off - there is some but not a lot - will that be a problem?

Thanks!

It's best to zero fill the old HDD before use.

Ultra V should work well. Same with Sparkle.

No need to mess around with heat sink if temperature is nominal.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777
Ok, I need some brain storming here...

Q6600
IP35-E
(4) 1GB Modules rates at 4-4-4-12 1.8v
Antec TPQ 850 WATT

So, first thing I did was set everything up, installed my Tuniq and fire it up. It booted up and said CPU configuration error - no big deal. I immediately set FSB to 333 and raised voltage one notch. I installed Windows Vista without any problems at all.

After Vista is installed I check temps and and under load all four cores 55c and lower. So, I shut down the machine, I set FSB to 400, lowered the multi to 8. Set Vcore to 1.38v (idle, load is 1.31v) and it booted up with no problems.

I shut down my computer, decided to install my Audigy card. This is when the problems started... But, I am not sure that has ANYTHING to do with it. Because, I can reboot the machine and 9 out of 10 times it will post. But that one time, it will get the CPU detection (CPU @ 3.2 (1 core) then it will lock up there.

But what I find interesting is that when it comes time to turning on my PC sometimes it takes POST 15 seconds, other times it 3 secons and of course, 1 out of 10 times, it will halt on the CPU detection.

So, I decided to drop things back down to 333X9, and same thing... I even kept voltage up... I even raises all the board voltages one notch and Vdimm 2 notches (2.0). I am so frustrated.

But, I was able to run Prime95 on all four cores 100% for 5-6 hours without any rounding errors. I was able to loop 3Dmark and load up my games, all stable. I just don't farking understand it.

I flashed to BIOS 12 and that HELPED quite a bit. Instead of requiring me to power off the PSU, it will not post (partially and lock up like I discribed).

Pretty bummed out over the situation, but there is still a lot more I can do.

I was thinking

1) Removing two DIMMs

2) Removing Audigy

3) Flash to Beta BIOS 13 (maybe the double post thingy screws with my PSU)

4) Cry.

Edit - Found out this issue here... It looks like I am not the ONLY one with this problems! Exactly the same problem as I am having.

When I get home I will disconnect my USB Mybook 500GB hard drive from my computer and see if that fixes the issue. I remember this being an issue with some PC's we setup at work for some people... I am relieved because I strongly believe once I unplug my Mybook it will work fine. Especially since I can boot into windows at 400x9 (3.6Ghz) which to me implies the issue isn't with the O/C at a measily 3Ghz.

Go to page 2-6 of manual. Set the first two boot devices. Turn off boot support for ALL OTHER DEVICES. Hit F10.

For best performance, use 9x multi and enable C1E and EIST. Use memory divider to overclock RAM as needed.

I will certainly give those boot devices a shot when I get home, but I am not sure it has anything to do with that, because it is BIOS that locks up and not the boot sequence. It will often lock up right before the memory test, or before it even detects 4 cores.

In any case, I am going to give it a shot and will also unplug the USB-Mass Storage drive. I have a few fellow techs that I work with that also have seen this type of behavior in certain intel chipsets with mass storage devices.

I will also be attempting to stabalize 375 X 9 settings and will re-enable C1E and EIST and see how it goes. I generally don't like those features, but I do totally understand their benifets. Going to use 75c as my threshold for O/C. So, have to see what I can do with it when I get home.

Husky,

thanks for the suggestion and was my thought last night... I didn't include that in my post, but I did test 5-5-5-15. However, my modules are in fact SPD rated at 4-4-4-12 @ 1.8v. They work totally fine, mem test perfect and CPU-Z reports them as that spec as well. It is really good memory for the price (trasncend modules, rebadged Micron?)

The BIOS will try to load the external HDD if it is connected to the USB port during boot. For a stable and speedy boot, connect only the USB mouse and keyboard to PC. This is applicable to all boards.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Ok, I unplugged my 'MyBook 500GB USB' and the BIOS now is snappy and no longer locks up. Looks like USB Mass Storage can cause a problem with this board. I am thrilled to have this issue solved.

Now, onto another issue...

As of version 4.33 SpeedFan now reports the accurate tempature of Core2's or so they claim. Running under load, I hit 69c @ 3.375Ghz @ 1.38v Tuniq Tower running Prime95 on all four cores for about 30 minutes. More than enough time. The minute I drop Prime 95, they run idle around 38c or so. So I am happy with that *IF* that can be relied upon.

Here is my slight concern. When I had BIOS 10 installed and ran 333x9 @ 1.36v the BIOS itself reported a CPU tempature of 36-37c and I would let it sit in BIOS and see if it went up or down, but it remained constant under my Tuniq Tower. However, upon flashing to BIOS 12 I have noticed the tempatures soared. It now will sit in BIOS with the same settings at 65-66c, it will not go down or up more than ~1 degree.

Then I thought, crap, this thing is running hot... So I decided to run stock voltage and stock speed. The temps reduced only about 4-6c and would rerport around 59c at stock, compared to BIOS 10's reading of 36-37c.

So, I don't believe that the BIOS core temps are 67c sitting in BIOS at a mere ~1.34 volts. But I don't want to completely rule it out... It concerns me slightly even if the BIOS is reporting wrong, since it is only 22c from shutting down (in theory)... Yet when I get into Windows and raise temps ~30c it doesn't shut down at all, which much prove, in some way that 1) the CPU temp in BIOS is reporting wrong, or 2) The CPU temp in BIOS really isn't the CPU but it something else???

 

[SerpentRoyal]

BIOS reports CPU temperature at full load but not as hot as load under Orthos. BIOS 12 was updated to reflect core temperature. This would be in line with SpeedFan and Coretemp 0.95.4, plus/minus 2C.

The older BIOS shows the average CPU temp, which is 15C colder than the actual core temp. CPU should be fine up to 70-75C (BIOS 12) while priming.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal
BIOS reports CPU temperature at full load but not as hot as load under Orthos. BIOS 12 was updated to reflect core temperature. This would be in line with SpeedFan and Coretemp 0.95.4, plus/minus 2C.

The older BIOS shows the average CPU temp, which is 15C colder than the actual core temp. CPU should be fine up to 70-75C (BIOS 12) while priming.

Thanks! That totally makes sense! Only one last thing to do now that I *think* I found the ceiling of my CPU. Time to get agressive with the memory speeds and timings.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Be sure to enable C1E and EIST when you crank up the voltage. Also make sure that your power options in windows is set to MINIMAL POWER MANAGEMENT MODE. This will give the CPU enough voltage during priming without overvolting the CPU when idling.

Note that all boards will run at 100% CPU load in BIOS. Stress programs like Orthos and S&M will put additional thermal load on CPU, resulting in higher CPU temp. S&M's HEAT mode draws about 10% more current than Orthos' LARGE mode.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal
Be sure to enable C1E and EIST when you crank up the voltage. Also make sure that your power options in windows is set to MINIMAL POWER MANAGEMENT MODE. This will give the CPU enough voltage during priming without overvolting the CPU when idling.

Note that all boards will run at 100% CPU load in BIOS. Stress programs like Orthos and S&M will put additional thermal load on CPU, resulting in higher CPU temp. S&M's HEAT mode draws about 10% more current than Orthos' LARGE mode.

Already enabled C1E and EIST, it is working fine.

IMO, PM-Orth and the like are worst case scenarios... If I can sit under 75c with P95 running full load for 1 hour, that won't bother me much as under normal circumstances (gaming, even) the tempt should not go much above 60c and even that would only apply to a QC optimised game. Very rarely can any application peg four cores at one time. Even games that use all four cores won't get anywhere near as hot as Prime will.

I consider prime sort of like the redline... Never used S&M, but it sounds like it is even more brutal (didn't even know that was possible)...

Do you guys recomend higher mem frequency or tight timings?

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Sweet spot is 4-4-4-12-2T up to about 490MHz RAM speed. You'll probably need to use 5-5-5-15 above 530MHz (no gain due to slower timing). High RAM speed places more stress on RAM, CPU, and MB.

S&M will further increase your CPU temp by 3 to 5C. It's nasty and probably unwarranted for most rigs. You shouldn't run S&M for more than 15 min.

 

[conlan]

Originally posted by: conlan
I received my IP35 today and the AC7 Freezer HSF will fit without trimming by following this quick and easy procedure:

1. Remove the fan assy. from the HS.

2. Gently bend up the corner of the bottom 2 fins that interfere with the NB Cooler, leaving a small gap between the bottom 2 fins and the bottom 3rd fin.

3. Install the HS only on the mobo.

4. Reinstall the fan assy. aligning the bottom of the fan shroud under the bottom 3rd fin, This will relocate the fan assy. slightly higher on the HS providing clearance over the NB HS.

This should not affect cooling as you are only moving the fan assy. up 2 fins.

I'll fire mine up over the weekend and post back how it went.

I received the CM TX2 that i ordered as per rbk123's suggestion as a "just in case" i couldn't get the AC7 to work.

I'm impressed with the fit and finish of this HSF and may just use it instead of jacking around with the AC7.

I'll post back with the results after assembly and testing.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Well, Mostly finished with my setup except a sensor problem, or a heat problem.

Running a Tuniq Tower - checked to concaved, CPU, was flat as can be. Put some AS5 on it according to their instructions and I am still running too damn hot.

Found out that the BIOS temp is now reporting Tjunction rather than Tcase which is why it went up. In windows, at stock with 1.13v (speed step) my Tjunction was running 47c which is ridiculous.

Running the chip at 1.34 @ 356 X 9 (3204) with Prime95 all four cores the temp creeps up to 80/81 Tjunction. I removed the heatsink, cleaned it up and applied arctic silver on it again and pretty much am getting the same temps. Kinda a pisser... :-/

I really don't care all that much, I just don't want it shutting down on me (90 temp shutdown in BIOS is now Tjunction which is capped at 90 in BIOS) So if I ever go over it, my machine shuts down.

Is it possible the sensors are reporting wrong or that my BIOS flash to 12 is reporting incorrect temps? :-/