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

[Tullphan]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

I would avoid any RAM that's not rated for 1.8V operation. Quality 1.8V DDR2 800 should be able to run at 1.8V/400/4-4-4-12-2T, 2.1V/450/4-4-4-12-2T, or 2.1V/500/5-5-5-15-2T. The sweet spoot for RAM is around 450MHz/4-4-4-12-2T or lower timing. Faster RAM speed will require additional relaxation of timing (no gain in performance).

I know you like Kingston, but what other brands of ram out there will meet those specs?
Also, how's the latest bios going for you? Mine's got the double boot issue. Not really a biggie, but kind of annoying.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: Tullphan

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

I would avoid any RAM that's not rated for 1.8V operation. Quality 1.8V DDR2 800 should be able to run at 1.8V/400/4-4-4-12-2T, 2.1V/450/4-4-4-12-2T, or 2.1V/500/5-5-5-15-2T. The sweet spoot for RAM is around 450MHz/4-4-4-12-2T or lower timing. Faster RAM speed will require additional relaxation of timing (no gain in performance).

I know you like Kingston, but what other brands of ram out there will meet those specs?
Also, how's the latest bios going for you? Mine's got the double boot issue. Not really a biggie, but kind of annoying.

Crucial/Micron. Why buy from others when you can get them from the top two vendors in the US? They have excellent R&D. RMA is also very easy.

Don't like 14 BIOS. System may fail to POST and FSB may reset to 200MHz requiring the user to engage the reset button.

Currently running 12 BIOS. I personally believe that any attempt to circumvent the P35 double post will increase the chance of some sort of BIOS corruption.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: cromelex
So which particular ram would be advised for this board ?

The HP/Crucial 1.8V DDR2 667 RAM @ hot deals forum works well with 8x multi or higher CPU. You'll probably max out at 3.2GHz with 8x chip, and 3.6GHz with 9x. Unit cost is $8 AR. There's a limit of 5 modules.

If you have more $ to spend, then get the Kingston N5 1.8V DDR2 667 or 800 RAM. These modules will be able run at tighter timing (4-4-4-12) and higher speed.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820134117

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820134046

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: cromelex
I am thinking of buying one of these boards, but I'd like to know some things before.


I have a E6600, an Asus 8800 GTS 320mb and an old Soundblaster Live! SoundCard, as well as 1x250GB SATA2 HDD and 1x250GB IDE HDD, and also a IDE DVD drive.


I'm thinking of upgrading my ram and motherboard, and I would like to pack this board with 2x1GB A-DATA Extreme Vitesta 6400, which are cheap(er than most) and can do 5-5-5-15 @ 1066mhz.

I've read somewhere in this topic that the best would be having the ram maxed out at the default timmings (4-4-4-12), is that right?. I assume the motherboard has the necessary dividers for either option?

Has anyone tested this board with an OCZ Vendetta cooler?



EDIT: By the way, is the double boot thingy properly fixed now? What's the latest bios? And the best one ?

14 is suppose to fix the double post as long as you do not disconnect power from the PSU (maintain standby power to MB). Unfortunately, some users have encountered un-reliable POST because the MB is not allowed to check for strap during a cold start (P35 chipset thing). The best and quickest BIOS for many is 12.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: TungFree

SurpentRoyal: A safe overclock is VID plus 5% if you have a good CPU cooler. Use 1:1 memory divider and leave memory settings @ AUTO. Raise FSB by 5MHz and run Orthos large mode for 10 minutes. Peak CPU temp should not exceed 60-62C. Continue to raise FSB by 5MHz until Orthos failure. Now back-off FSB by 3MHz and run Orthos for 60 to 120 minutes. If okay, then you can stop here.

It is also possible to overclock RAM. Use the same core speed as above but change the memory timing to 4-4-4-12 (top settings on page 2-9). Also raise DDR2 voltage to 2.0. Finally, you could try 1:1.20 memory divider for higher RAM speed. Run Orthos again for 60 to 120 minutes to confirm that the system is stable.

I do not wish to overclock it past 3.2 ghz.

At 3204= 356x9 FSB
and I varied te Vcore from 1.320 to 1.36 and the temperature remains under 51C degrees
the ram is set at Auto. ratio is set at 1:1
The temperature is not going up when I lower the vcore to 1.320
where do I leave Vcore before testing it for an hour

I have not seen in my Bios where I can control 5-5-5-15-2T or 4-4-4-12-2T
Nothing shows anything like it.
Should I now change the Ram timing when I am told where to do it or test the system at some value of Vcore for an hour first

Update I received detailed step by step help from hokiealumnus and am settled with 4-4-4-12-2T
1.320V core 3204 FSB 1:1 ratio at 1300 it showed errors so I upped it to 1.320V I am doing last minute stresses but it is stable after an hour.

If you don't want to overclock beyond 3.2, then use the lowest vcore and run Orthos for 1 to 2 hours. Look at the manual on page 2-9 to change memory timing. Change the top four values from AUTO to 4, 4, 4, and 12. Also use 1:1.20 memory divider and raise DDR2 voltage to 2.0. This will bring memory speed to 428MHz. Retest again with Orthos. If okay, then try Orthos with 1.95, 1.9, or 1.85Vdimm.

 

[TungFree]

DDR voltage 2.0

If you don't want to overclock beyond 3.2, then use the lowest vcore and run Orthos for 1 to 2 hours. Look at the manual on page 2-9 to change memory timing. Change the top four values from AUTO to 4, 4, 4, and 12. Also use 1:1.20 memory divider and raise DDR2 voltage to 2.0. This will bring memory speed to 428MHz. Retest again with Orthos. If okay, then try Orthos with 1.95, 1.9, or 1.85Vdimm.

Update I received detailed step by step help from hokiealumnus and am settled with 4-4-4-12-2T
1.320V core 3204 FSB 1:1 ratio at 1300 it showed errors so I upped it to 1.320V I am doing last minute stresses but it is stable after an hour.
Temps are
52C
47C
47C
52C
DDR 2.0V

I could try the 1.95 1.9 and 1.85 Vdim

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Again, plenty of speed left in that CPU. I'd run it at least 3.4GHz with higher Vcore. You'll probably never load all four cores simultaneously @ 100%. Therefore, there is very little chance that the CPU will ever see more than 50C under normal use...even at 3.6GHz. Orthos is always 5 to 7C higher because it's a stress test application.

If you're going to keep the RAM @ 356MHz/4-4-4-12-2T timing, then you can drop the memory down to 1.8V. These modules can easily run 400MHz/4-4-4-12-2T with only 1.8Vdimm. One only need to bump up Vdimm if the memory will run north of 405MHz.

 

[TungFree]

Again, plenty of speed left in that CPU. I'd run it at least 3.4GHz with higher Vcore. You'll probably never load all four cores simultaneously @ 100%. Therefore, there is very little chance that the CPU will ever see more than 50C under normal use...even at 3.6GHz. Orthos is always 5 to 7C higher because it's a stress test application.

If you're going to keep the RAM @ 356MHz/4-4-4-12-2T timing, then you can drop the memory down to 1.8V. These modules can easily run 400MHz/4-4-4-12-2T with only 1.8Vdimm. One only need to bump up Vdimm if the memory will run north of 405MHz.

I tried at 1300Vcore and the test showed fatal error
So I pushed it up to 1320 Vcore

I tried at 195, fine, 190, fine then 1.85Vdimm and it showed errors so I went back to 1.90 VDimm after 20 minutes and still testing, looks stable.

I will keep your suggestion under advisement and when it feels too slow at 3.2 I will try at 3.4. I have not yet had a chance to use the computer at 3.2 had it at 3.0 and with the Raptor booting it was quite fast. I am in no rush and can redo theses setting to 3.4 when I get that itch.

 

[Tullphan]

I've got my E6300 @ 2.8 right now (7x400) & my cheap HP ram @ 1:1...both at stock voltage.
Ran both Prime95 & Memtest w/no errors. Checked my memory & it was barely warm.
I don't think that's too bad for stock voltage, is it?

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: Tullphan
I've got my E6300 @ 2.8 right now (7x400) & my cheap HP ram @ 1:1...both at stock voltage.
Ran both Prime95 & Memtest w/no errors. Checked my memory & it was barely warm.
I don't think that's too bad for stock voltage, is it?

Nope. That's excellent for 1.8V DDR2 667 RAM. I feel bad for noobs who jumped in on those POS OCZ RAM. You should be able to hit +410MHz with 2.0Vdimm.

 

[manimal]

My micron D9 OCZ 1066s run fine on both my 680i and my IP35-E, run them at 1:1 @2.0 with tight timing and 1T on the evga board and they booted at 1.8 with 2 sticks on the abit and ran fine at near 800 speeds when I was testing the board with all my ram. I have cheap hp ram from a system pull, OCZ rev 2 plats-elpida chips if I remember correctly, corsair 1.8V 667 chips that you guys recommended as well. They all work fine in this board and post with no adjustments. The only set that gives me any issues is the Rev 2 platinums when I try to run them with 4 X1 on this board at 800 4-4-4-14 2T. They need 2.1 -2.2 to run at those speeds which I dont feel comfortable doing that with the NB temps im getting and with the warmth the chips run at. I gotta say the Corsairs do run very cool to the touch, noticeable more so than any of my other chips. The OCZs ive owned over the years, usually from some ridiculously cheap from Frys. If you approach OCZ products as inexpensive products in the stead of enthusiast products or quality premium products they do fine.

Have my board stable now with alot of the recommendations from this post @ 3.6 1:1 at stock multi. I get 50-55 load with the tuniq on high running stress tests. Ive dialed back to 3.4 at much lower voltage and can run the tuniq fan at low 24/7 and never get above 42-45. I am very happy with that and can move back to getting my 680board back from the dead....

 

[hokiealumnus]

Glad you got it working TungFree. Like Serpent said, there is a lot left in that chip when you feel like it. Your load temps are excellent.

Serpent: My PoS OCZs will do 450MHz @ 2.05v & 5-5-4-15-2T and 450MHz @ 2.15v & 4-4-4-15-2T, so pbbbbbbt!

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: hokiealumnus
Glad you got it working TungFree. Like Serpent said, there is a lot left in that chip when you feel like it. Your load temps are excellent.

Serpent: My PoS OCZs will do 450MHz @ 2.05v & 5-5-4-15-2T and 450MHz @ 2.15v & 4-4-4-15-2T, so pbbbbbbt!

And you have a lot more experience that the average noob. Try 1.8V @ 400MHz/4-4-4-12-2T with those OCZ modules. That's what Tullphan could run with his sub $10/GB HP/Crucial 1.8V DDR2 667 RAM.

 

[hokiealumnus]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

Originally posted by: hokiealumnus
Glad you got it working TungFree. Like Serpent said, there is a lot left in that chip when you feel like it. Your load temps are excellent.

Serpent: My PoS OCZs will do 450MHz @ 2.05v & 5-5-4-15-2T and 450MHz @ 2.15v & 4-4-4-15-2T, so pbbbbbbt!

And you have a lot more experience that the average noob. Try 1.8V @ 400MHz/4-4-4-12-2T with those OCZ modules. That's what Tullphan could run with his sub $10/GB HP/Crucial 1.8V DDR2 667 RAM.

Very true. Hey, I'm not arguing with you, just saying my poor RAM that you so ruthlessly beat on can do something at least. You've certainly swayed me to your end of the spectrum in making it easier on new folks.

Thanks again for all the help you give the folks here and at abit.

Cheers and Happy New Year!!

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: hokiealumnus

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

Originally posted by: hokiealumnus
Glad you got it working TungFree. Like Serpent said, there is a lot left in that chip when you feel like it. Your load temps are excellent.

Serpent: My PoS OCZs will do 450MHz @ 2.05v & 5-5-4-15-2T and 450MHz @ 2.15v & 4-4-4-15-2T, so pbbbbbbt!

And you have a lot more experience that the average noob. Try 1.8V @ 400MHz/4-4-4-12-2T with those OCZ modules. That's what Tullphan could run with his sub $10/GB HP/Crucial 1.8V DDR2 667 RAM.

Very true. Hey, I'm not arguing with you, just saying my poor RAM that you so ruthlessly beat on can do something at least. You've certainly swayed me to your end of the spectrum in making it easier on new folks.

Thanks again for all the help you give the folks here and at abit.

Cheers and Happy New Year!!

Same 2 ya! Have a healthy and prosperous 2008.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

Is this board no more? It's not a valid item on mwave, and yesterday it was OOS at newegg, and now it's not there at all. I'm not looking forward to having to pick a new board for the q6600 i just ordered...

 

[JBT]

Originally posted by: GoodRevrnd
Is this board no more? It's not a valid item on mwave, and yesterday it was OOS at newegg, and now it's not there at all. I'm not looking forward to having to pick a new board for the q6600 i just ordered...

I *think* the IP35-E is gone, they might be replaced with the with IP35V.
It does NOT have optical out for audio and only has a 4pin CPU power connector.
Oh its also ugly.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813127034

 

[Heidfirst]

the IP35-E is in abit's catalogue for Q1 2008 which suggests that it hasn't been discontinued & there is no problem getting 1 in Europe.

 

[The-Noid]

It has been discontinued as to allow for production of more X38/X48 boards going forward.

In Q2 they will also need to take the space for the new p45 chipset.

Economies of scale should bring the price down on the X38 to around the same as the P35. It may be +$10-15 because of the price of the chipset but for most it won't make a gigantic deal.

Look for ABIT to be big in 2008 though.

 

[TungFree]

Update:

I tried going to 3.4ghz but had to up the Vcore to 1.400V temps went up to 56C and DrammV at 2.0v
Dropping it to 3.3 stopped the fatal errors at 1.360 Vcore and 1.95V Dramm and the erros stopped. temps 51C 47C 47C 51C

That seems like a sweet spot for me. See my profile below.


Lastly I switched to #12 bios because of needing to continually reset the computer it just did not post the first time and would post on reset, again and again.
#12 Bios boots up with hardly any no Posting.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

The delay with 12 BIOS is 12-13 seconds. I always turn-off the power at the wall, so 14 BIOS didn't do anything for me.

 

[Heidfirst]

Originally posted by: Yoxxy
It has been discontinued as to allow for production of more X38/X48 boards going forward.

Would seem odd seeing as everything that I see says that considerably more people are buying P35 based mobos still than X38.
What I do find interesting though is that the IP35V doesn't appear to be available in Europe which makes me think that it may be local branch marketing decisions as to which lines that they are going to stock & promote.

Mind you abit have a P31 mobo listed in the Q1 2008 catalogue which to me kind of cuts the ground out from the IP35V ...?

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: Heidfirst

Would seem odd seeing as everything that I see says that considerably more people are buying P35 based mobos still than X38.
What I do find interesting though is that the IP35V doesn't appear to be available in Europe which makes me think that it may be local branch marketing decisions as to which lines that they are going to stock & promote.

Mind you abit have a P31 mobo listed in the Q1 2008 catalogue which to me kind of cuts the ground out from the IP35V ...?

X38 will always command a hefty price premium over P35 because it is targeted as an enthusiast chipset. IP35-E is the best board for hard core overclockers who don't care for the extra bells and whistles.

The IP35-E design is solid, just like its bigger brother IP35 Pro. Bad solder @ SATA and bad transistor are caused by isolated manufacturing issues.

BIOS corruption is a common theme with P35 boards if there is an attempt to circumvent the double post. The IP35-V will quickly disappear due to low sale volume.

 

[TungFree]

Update:

I change my mind Bios #12 never boots to windows it hangs on a blank screen and needs every single time a reset button boot.

And if the system needs to reboot for a driver update or any installation, it will hang on a blank screen, and will not post till I reset the computer yet again.

I switched from #14 to stop that but it just soes it every single boot up. Even from cold boot, it needs a reset to Post.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Do deep CMOS clear. Remove power from PSU. Remove battery and clear CMOS for 1/2 hour. Reboot and flash to 12 BIOS using the WB switch. Shut down PC and clear CMOS. Boot back to BIOS and load optimized default. Check for boot problem.