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

[SerpentRoyal]

Take the MB outside of the case and put it on the shipping box. Strip it bare like you're going to RMA the board. Install CPU, GPU, mouse, keyboard, and one stick of RAM. Use a known good IDE cable (not floppy cable) to connect the optical drive to the MB (end of cable). Set the jumper to MASTER. Pull battery and put CMOS in clear position for 1/2 hour. Put back battery and CMOS jumper. Start the board by shorting the two power pins on the MB. Hit DELETE key to enter BIOS. Check to see if optical drive is detected. If no detection, then load Optimized Default. Hit F10 to save. Boot into BIOS about 5 to 7 times to see if optical drive is seen by BIOS. If not, then try Cable Select jumper. Still no go? Zero fill the HDD and swap the optical drive with HDD.

If the board will not detect ANY IDE DEVICE and you know that the cable is good, then RMA the board.

 

[TungFree]

You were able to clean install windows? PC only crashed after software update? Then the problem is with the software, not hardware. You've memtested RAMs. They are okay. Did you clean installed windows and loaded the Intel chipset, sound, and LAN drivers? Once the OS is loaded with the appropriate drivers, make an image file of the OS for future restoration. Run memtest again and Orthos large mode for 10 minutes to test general system stability. Download all updates at your own risk.

I loadedd OS ( Fresh Instal) with all drivers and tried to update from SP2 to todays security. Had problems getting Windows explorer to work downloaded Fire fox.. Maybe Microsoft does not like Firefox. I tried downloading Explorer 7 and had a crash.

So I flashed from #11 bios to #14 from windows and all went smooth. Then trying to get Exolorer 7 had crashing probleme even more, so I tried flashing from windows tp #12. in the middle of it computer crashed. I tried various ways to flash bios from Dos and cannot complete the flashing before it crashes power off.

I cannot boot system. So I may need to get another bios chip, from Abit.

Some of the suggestions you give assume I can boot up now, I cannot.

 

[hokiealumnus]

Originally posted by: TungFree

You were able to clean install windows? PC only crashed after software update? Then the problem is with the software, not hardware. You've memtested RAMs. They are okay. Did you clean installed windows and loaded the Intel chipset, sound, and LAN drivers? Once the OS is loaded with the appropriate drivers, make an image file of the OS for future restoration. Run memtest again and Orthos large mode for 10 minutes to test general system stability. Download all updates at your own risk.

I loadedd OS ( Fresh Instal) with all drivers and tried to update from SP2 to todays security. Had problems getting Windows explorer to work downloaded Fire fox.. Maybe Microsoft does not like Firefox. I tried downloading Explorer 7 and had a crash.

So I flashed from #11 bios to #14 from windows and all went smooth. Then trying to get Exolorer 7 had crashing probleme even more, so I tried flashing from windows tp #12. in the middle of it computer crashed. I tried various ways to flash bios from Dos and cannot complete the flashing before it crashes power off.

I cannot boot system. So I may need to get another bios chip, from Abit.

Some of the suggestions you give assume I can boot up now, I cannot.

At this point it is probably safe to assume your BIOS chip is dead. If you're able to RMA the board, do so but note that you'll be getting a refurb board more than likely. You can also order a BIOS chip straight from abit to replace your fried one.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: TungFree

You were able to clean install windows? PC only crashed after software update? Then the problem is with the software, not hardware. You've memtested RAMs. They are okay. Did you clean installed windows and loaded the Intel chipset, sound, and LAN drivers? Once the OS is loaded with the appropriate drivers, make an image file of the OS for future restoration. Run memtest again and Orthos large mode for 10 minutes to test general system stability. Download all updates at your own risk.

I loadedd OS ( Fresh Instal) with all drivers and tried to update from SP2 to todays security. Had problems getting Windows explorer to work downloaded Fire fox.. Maybe Microsoft does not like Firefox. I tried downloading Explorer 7 and had a crash.

So I flashed from #11 bios to #14 from windows and all went smooth. Then trying to get Exolorer 7 had crashing probleme even more, so I tried flashing from windows tp #12. in the middle of it computer crashed. I tried various ways to flash bios from Dos and cannot complete the flashing before it crashes power off.

I cannot boot system. So I may need to get another bios chip, from Abit.

Some of the suggestions you give assume I can boot up now, I cannot.

Folks...always make an as loaded image file of your OS. This will allow you to restore windows back to the FACTORY CONDITION! Windows update can royally foul up the OS.

Finally, if the PC is not stable, then DO NOT FLASH BIOS. Fix the stability issue, then flash BIOS.

You were able to clean install windows and all drivers without issue. This tells me that the PC is probably okay. You have issue with IE7. At that point, stop and ask for help.

Clear CMOS. See if board will flash with only floppy and keyboard connected. Remove all other devices.

 

[BuckNaked]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

Originally posted by: BuckNaked

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

Originally posted by: BuckNaked
Anyone have any issues with the board dying? It was running fine, and then a week or so ago, I noticed it was taking longer and longer for it to post. Then I had to power it on, power it off, and power it back on for it to post... the last couple of startups took like 15 minutes for it to post, now it won't post at all. This is not related to the dual boot issue. I was running the v 12 BIOS, updated to the 14 a couple of days ago to see if the BIOS was any kind of issue, and no change...

I am going to pull it out of the case tomorrow, and remove all drives, sound card and use only 1 stick of RAM to see if it will post. If not, I will try another PSU, but this has me scratching my head...

System details:

IP35 E
E6750 No O/C
4GB Crucial Ballistix 800 RAM (4x1) tried going back to the original 2GB no change
Audigy 2
WD 74 GB Raptor
Seagate 400 GB drive
Seasonic 600 Watt PSU
EVGA 7900 GT OC
NEC DVD Burner
Plextor DC Burner
XP Pro

Have you raised the Vdimm of your RAMs and tested with Memtest86? Do you have an as-loaded image file of the OS to restore to eliminate software issue?

Take the board outside the case and put it on the shipping box. Strip it bare. Now install CPU, GPU, mouse, keyboard, and one stick of RAM. Pull battery and clear CMOS for 1/2 hour. If you cannot POST, then try various RAM slots and also with the other stick of RAM. CPU rarely go bad. Try another GPU before replacing PSU.

I have the memory at 2.1v and no difference. When I first power the pc on, all the fans power up and so do the drives... it just doesn't post. I have been running the system fine for more than a month, and haven't had any issues until the last week or so... I powered it up tonight, and everything was powered up, and it ran like that for about 15 minutes and it finally posted and started up after that.

I didn't get a chance to work with today as I had hoped, maybe tomorrow. Anyone have any suggestions?

Run memtest86, test #5 for 50 loops. If okay, then try Antec Earthwatts 500.

I ran memtest86 overnight, and no errors...

 

[WEW]

Hi - I bought my Abit IP35-E from mwave with a $20 rebate, but have not received the rebate, I cannot find any contact info on the rebate form, is there anyone here who can give me any contact info to the Abit Rebate Center. thanks!

 

[CRXican]

I tired to read all the updates on page one but didn't see a mention of Vcore changes. Is it not possible to reduce Vcore below 1.35v?

Also, can someone lend me a floppy? I'm tired of double booting but have never flashed a BIOS, ever.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: WEW
Hi - I bought my Abit IP35-E from mwave with a $20 rebate, but have not received the rebate, I cannot find any contact info on the rebate form, is there anyone here who can give me any contact info to the Abit Rebate Center. thanks!

Go to the link on the rebate form to check the status of your rebate. You could also contact Abit...

http://www.uabit.com/index.php...n=com_contact&Itemid=3

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: CRXican
I tired to read all the updates on page one but didn't see a mention of Vcore changes. Is it not possible to reduce Vcore below 1.35v?

Also, can someone lend me a floppy? I'm tired of double booting but have never flashed a BIOS, ever.

Lowest Vcore = VID. Buy a $5 floppy if you're serious about PC computing. You could also flash in windows if PC is stable. Clear CMOS. Download BIOS to HDD. Turn off all AV, FW, and non-essential applications. Launch flash utility to flash BIOS.

 

[ReikerStruvian]

The bios was corrupted. I exchanged it and now everything is working just fine. I also about a SATA harddrive/dvd/cdburner.

First thing I did was check the bios. And behold, the IDE Controller option was there to enable and disable unlike the other board.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: ReikerStruvian
The bios was corrupted. I exchanged it and now everything is working just fine. I also about a SATA harddrive/dvd/cdburner.

First thing I did was check the bios. And behold, the IDE Controller option was there to enable and disable unlike the other board.

Thanks for the update. Those tests show that the MB is not normal. Glad it is now functional.

We could re-flash BIOS with the previous board using the WB switch, but the path of least resistance is to exchange the board.

 

[TungFree]

SerpentRoyalriginally posted by: TungFree
You were able to clean install windows? PC only crashed after software update? Then the problem is with the software, not hardware. You've memtested RAMs. They are okay. Did you clean installed windows and loaded the Intel chipset, sound, and LAN drivers? Once the OS is loaded with the appropriate drivers, make an image file of the OS for future restoration. Run memtest again and Orthos large mode for 10 minutes to test general system stability. Download all updates at your own risk.


I loadedd OS ( Fresh Instal) with all drivers and tried to update from SP2 to todays security. Had problems getting Windows explorer to work downloaded Fire fox.. Maybe Microsoft does not like Firefox. I tried downloading Explorer 7 and had a crash.

So I flashed from #11 bios to #14 from windows and all went smooth. Then trying to get Exolorer 7 had crashing probleme even more, so I tried flashing from windows tp #12. in the middle of it computer crashed. I tried various ways to flash bios from Dos and cannot complete the flashing before it crashes power off.

I cannot boot system. So I may need to get another bios chip, from Abit.

Some of the suggestions you give assume I can boot up now, I cannot.


Folks...always make an as loaded image file of your OS. This will allow you to restore windows back to the FACTORY CONDITION! Windows update can royally foul up the OS.

Finally, if the PC is not stable, then DO NOT FLASH BIOS. Fix the stability issue, then flash BIOS.

You were able to clean install windows and all drivers without issue. This tells me that the PC is probably okay. You have issue with IE7. At that point, stop and ask for help.

Clear CMOS. See if board will flash with only floppy and keyboard connected. Remove all other devices.

I cleared the CMOS waited 20 mins, disconnected all but floppy, restored the CMOS pin to default and fired it up.....................
..................
..................

IT TOOK IT!!!!! aM BACK ON WINDOWS WITH #12 FLASH and happy as a birthday man.

Thanks for your patience. You sure know a lot!!

PS
I always Back up after a fresh install and my right hand utilities, that is how I restored it to my 500 gig drive from my 6 gig old hard drive I started with.

 

[CRXican]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

Originally posted by: CRXican
I tired to read all the updates on page one but didn't see a mention of Vcore changes. Is it not possible to reduce Vcore below 1.35v?

Also, can someone lend me a floppy? I'm tired of double booting but have never flashed a BIOS, ever.

Lowest Vcore = VID. Buy a $5 floppy if you're serious about PC computing. You could also flash in windows if PC is stable. Clear CMOS. Download BIOS to HDD. Turn off all AV, FW, and non-essential applications. Launch flash utility to flash BIOS.

I guess after my 5th or 6th build I'm not serious enough. I just find it silly that a floppy drive is necessary in this day an age for something as simple (or not so simple) as a BIOS update. Thanks for the advice :thumbsup:

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: TungFree

SerpentRoyalriginally posted by: TungFree
You were able to clean install windows? PC only crashed after software update? Then the problem is with the software, not hardware. You've memtested RAMs. They are okay. Did you clean installed windows and loaded the Intel chipset, sound, and LAN drivers? Once the OS is loaded with the appropriate drivers, make an image file of the OS for future restoration. Run memtest again and Orthos large mode for 10 minutes to test general system stability. Download all updates at your own risk.


I loadedd OS ( Fresh Instal) with all drivers and tried to update from SP2 to todays security. Had problems getting Windows explorer to work downloaded Fire fox.. Maybe Microsoft does not like Firefox. I tried downloading Explorer 7 and had a crash.

So I flashed from #11 bios to #14 from windows and all went smooth. Then trying to get Exolorer 7 had crashing probleme even more, so I tried flashing from windows tp #12. in the middle of it computer crashed. I tried various ways to flash bios from Dos and cannot complete the flashing before it crashes power off.

I cannot boot system. So I may need to get another bios chip, from Abit.

Some of the suggestions you give assume I can boot up now, I cannot.


Folks...always make an as loaded image file of your OS. This will allow you to restore windows back to the FACTORY CONDITION! Windows update can royally foul up the OS.

Finally, if the PC is not stable, then DO NOT FLASH BIOS. Fix the stability issue, then flash BIOS.

You were able to clean install windows and all drivers without issue. This tells me that the PC is probably okay. You have issue with IE7. At that point, stop and ask for help.

Clear CMOS. See if board will flash with only floppy and keyboard connected. Remove all other devices.

I cleared the CMOS waited 20 mins, disconnected all but floppy, restored the CMOS pin to default and fired it up.....................
..................
..................

IT TOOK IT!!!!! aM BACK ON WINDOWS WITH #12 FLASH and happy as a birthday man.

Thanks for your patience. You sure know a lot!!

PS
I always Back up after a fresh install and my right hand utilities, that is how I restored it to my 500 gig drive from my 6 gig old hard drive I started with.

The power of a $5 floppy. You've just used your last get out of jail card. I would zero fill the HDD and reload windows. Again, image file, test for stability, then update.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Originally posted by: CRXican

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

Originally posted by: CRXican
I tired to read all the updates on page one but didn't see a mention of Vcore changes. Is it not possible to reduce Vcore below 1.35v?

Also, can someone lend me a floppy? I'm tired of double booting but have never flashed a BIOS, ever.

Lowest Vcore = VID. Buy a $5 floppy if you're serious about PC computing. You could also flash in windows if PC is stable. Clear CMOS. Download BIOS to HDD. Turn off all AV, FW, and non-essential applications. Launch flash utility to flash BIOS.

I guess after my 5th or 6th build I'm not serious enough. I just find it silly that a floppy drive is necessary in this day an age for something as simple (or not so simple) as a BIOS update. Thanks for the advice :thumbsup:

That's why you still see floppy connector and floppy cable. It's the safest way to update the MB.

 

[CRXican]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

Originally posted by: CRXican

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

Originally posted by: CRXican
I tired to read all the updates on page one but didn't see a mention of Vcore changes. Is it not possible to reduce Vcore below 1.35v?

Also, can someone lend me a floppy? I'm tired of double booting but have never flashed a BIOS, ever.

Lowest Vcore = VID. Buy a $5 floppy if you're serious about PC computing. You could also flash in windows if PC is stable. Clear CMOS. Download BIOS to HDD. Turn off all AV, FW, and non-essential applications. Launch flash utility to flash BIOS.

I guess after my 5th or 6th build I'm not serious enough. I just find it silly that a floppy drive is necessary in this day an age for something as simple (or not so simple) as a BIOS update. Thanks for the advice :thumbsup:

That's why you still see floppy connector and floppy cable. It's the safest way to update the MB.

yep, guess I just need to stop being lazy

 

[bal3wolf]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

Originally posted by: CRXican

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal

Originally posted by: CRXican
I tired to read all the updates on page one but didn't see a mention of Vcore changes. Is it not possible to reduce Vcore below 1.35v?

Also, can someone lend me a floppy? I'm tired of double booting but have never flashed a BIOS, ever.

Lowest Vcore = VID. Buy a $5 floppy if you're serious about PC computing. You could also flash in windows if PC is stable. Clear CMOS. Download BIOS to HDD. Turn off all AV, FW, and non-essential applications. Launch flash utility to flash BIOS.

I guess after my 5th or 6th build I'm not serious enough. I just find it silly that a floppy drive is necessary in this day an age for something as simple (or not so simple) as a BIOS update. Thanks for the advice :thumbsup:

That's why you still see floppy connector and floppy cable. It's the safest way to update the MB.

I disagree i think the safest way to update a mb is to use a usb flashstick less chance of a floppy disk having a bad sector to spot you wrote, and half way thru the flash it errors. Most all modern motherboards can boot off usb flash drives to i always flash my video card or motherboard from my 128meg flash stick.

 

[TungFree]

SerpentRoyal: The power of a $5 floppy. You've just used your last get out of jail card. I would zero fill the HDD and reload windows. Again, image file, test for stability, then update.

I was born in Europe I speak 10 languages, but English was my 5the. Am I understanding you, to mean:
Backup my brand new 500gig Samsung, with Acronis True Image? Zero fill it the way I had done the 6 gigabyte drive I started with (This 500 gio samsung was brans new. I Partitopned it and formated it with Partition Magic 8, then I imaged it with my restored backed up 6 gig image file.?

When I booted up after #12 flashed successfully, it said I had a update. I agreed to update. I updated successfully 80 files. So now you say back this up to an image, after backing up, I left the computer on all night and rebooted the updateed 80 files from Microsoft, and went to anand tech to read your post. Am I understanding you mean to use acronis again and back up this, then zero fill it, ?

If yes

How do I test it for stability? let it run or try download explorer 7? Is there a test file software?

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Zero fill the new HDD since you already have some data on it. Partition the HDD as required (you'll need one primary active partition and one extended logical partition). Clean install windows in the primary active partition, then create an as-load image file. This will allow you to quickly restore the OS. Now load the latest Intel chipset driver. Reboot. Load sound. Reboot. Load LAN. Reboot. Check Device Manager to confirm that there are no conflicts. Create another image file. You can temporarily store the image files in the extended logical partition.

XP SP1/SP2 works very well as is. Patch windows only after you've achieved a stable overclock. I run WXP Pro SP1 as-is. No auto update. I may use SP3 if it is more stable and faster than SP1. It's best to image the OS prior to any update. This will allow the user to quickly remove the update if there is a problem.

Load Orthos and run in Large mode for 10 minutes. If okay, then you can raise Vcore and FSB to overclock the CPU.

I use Opera and FF. Only load IE when I encounter problem with some websites. No reason for me to upgrade to IE7.

 

[imported_Husky55]

@TungFree,

I have a real tough time learning spanish. what is the secret of speaking several languages? Is Rosetta Stone or Berlitz the best ?

Thanks,

 

[TungFree]

@@TungFree,

I have a real tough time learning spanish. what is the secret of speaking several languages? Is Rosetta Stone or Berlitz the best ?

Thanks,

I learn a language in the country it is spoken, I tend to get jobs with kids who speak simple sentences and are easy to understand, I imitate radio announcers and TV new announcers to start speaking without an accent from the very first sentence. I watch movies and take a course on that language while I do the above. A course is best done with a real teacher who can make fun of your mispronunciations, as some in English may say sink while meaning to say think and are immediately set straight. Find brave friends willing to laugh at your bad speaking and correct you while at it.

I had never taken the courses you listed.

 

[TungFree]

SerpentRoyal: Load Orthos and run in Large mode for 10 minutes. If okay, then you can raise Vcore and FSB to overclock the CPU.

I use Opera and FF. Only load IE when I encounter problem with some websites. No reason for me to upgrade to IE7.

Which version of Orthos I found one from 2004. Is that one adequate? I never heard of it because I never had done over clocking.

I am assuming Large Mode and other choices will present themselves since I never used that software.

I myself use Firfox but there were times when I had in the past wanted to download WMP player #11, with Firefox, and it asked me to use Internet Explorer. I recall it was over a year ago.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

That will work. Select Large mode from the drop down menu.

WMP 11 is a big fat PIG.

 

[MadScientist]

Just fired up a system I'm building for my son, a graphic designer, with an IP35-E, a Corsair 620W PSU and 4 x 1 GB Crucial Ballistix PC6400. It did the double boot thing then booted up at 1.8 vdimm. I changed the ram settings to 4-4-4-12 @ 2.2V and loaded Vista Ultimate 64. All of us here love Vista, yeah right!! No problems with the Corsair PSU or Crucial ram. From the Abit disk I only loaded up the Intel Chipset Utility, the LAN driver, and the FlashMenu utility, downloaded the 14 beta bios file and flashed it in Windows. Booted right back up into the bios and reset the ram settings. I know there are those that still would rather do a bios flash in DOS, but if you take the right precautions (mentioned here in other posts) I feel very confident flashing the bios in Windows.
The Cooler Master Hyper TX2 HS/fan is a good alternative, with about the same performance, to the AC Freezer Pro that does not have to be modified to fit and it's cheap. I got mine for $0.99 AR with free shipping from the Egg. It's now $1.99 AR + shipping Link. I replaced those cheap plastic push pins with a Thermalright Bolt-Thru kit from Sidewindercomputers for $3.95. Link and used AS5 instead of the goop that came pre-applied to the HS.


Q6600 (stock for now)
Geforce 8800 GT (on order from Dell), used my 7600 GT to install OS.
4 x 1 GB Crucial Ballistix PC6400
Vista Ultimate 64
2 x Maxtor 300 GB SATA HDs
Samsung SH-S203B SATA DVD Burner
Corsair 620W PSU
Cooler Master Hyper TX2 HS/fan
Antec 900 case

 

[hokiealumnus]

That's a nice system you built there. If I were you son, I'd be ecstatic. Now get to overclocking!