ASRock 775Dual-VSTA

[Cookie Monster]

This board sounds really terrific for its price.

But its bugged with all sorts of horror stories!

So what is the general opinion on this board?

 

[nick5ter]

should of just flashed the bios on the x800, u did remove all the drivers for ati b4 putting that nvidia into the system right?

 

[techwool]

Originally posted by: nick5ter
should of just flashed the bios on the x800, u did remove all the drivers for ati b4 putting that nvidia into the system right?

Yes I completely formatted the drive and did a fresh install of XP.

My general opinion is its very hit or miss. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for.

 

[blackangst1]

Originally posted by: blackangst1

Originally posted by: blackangst1
My board and C2D 6600 is now on the UPS truck to be delivered today. I've read the thread a couple time and downloaded all the appropriate drivers etc. I'm also going to do a clean install of 32 bit XP Pro, as its about time anyway I'll let you know how it goes.

Here's my setup:

C2D e6600
ASRock 775Dual-VSTA
OCZ PC2 5400 Gold 2gig
Nvidia AGP 6800 Ultra
Quantum Atlas 10k SCSI (for OS)
LSI Logic SCSI adapter PCI card
Western Digital Caviar 250 (for everything else) SATA

I went for this board because Im not really ready to spend 400 bucks on a new vid card So we'll see....

edit: Just as an FYI I noticed driver version 2.0 are out...gonna try em. If I have issues I'll probably fall back to 1.9 as most people seem to have luck with those

OK finally got everything installed and stable. Took a loooong time tho. Im not sure why my edit says 2.0 is out when 2.4 is actually what the newest BIOS is...guess it was a typo. Anyways. Board came with 1.8, and made a few tweaks per a few people's suggestions here. (As a side note, it booted right into my old Windows install lol I thought it was funny actually...but was as buggy as a night in a rain forest due to all the AMD crap in the file system). After a clean XP Pro install and driver update, my system would just...freeze. For no reason, and at different times. Sometimes it would be as windows was loading, sometimes 5 minutes into my session, somwtimes 20 minutes in. Mind you this is BEFORE I installed ANY 3rd party programs. I made tweaks here and there in BIOS, no change. Tried EVERY BIOS from 1.8 up to 2.4, same thing. Mind you I am now 13 hours into this and getting VERY VERY irritable lol. Im not really a newb at this, so I was getting really pissed lol. Time for a break...

took a 5 hour nap and had a meal lol.

I loaded BIOS 2.1, and pretty much set EVERYTHING to auto, with exception of AGP stuff, and set memory to DDRII 533. Everything else was AUTO. One by one I starting changing things to tweaks recommended here. When all was said and done I ended up with 289 FSB (2600mGhz), 1T memory timings, and stock memory latencies (4 4 4 12). Anything else I dont remember lol...I havent tried a higher FSB, as 2600 is perfectly fine for me, as I am a gamer and multimedia guy, and am not really a benchmark h0. Besides..anything more I *might* be able to get out of THIS board I really wont see a difference in everyday use

Ran Orthos stable for 13 hours...memtest stable 4 hours. 41 was highest temp with 40 average. No freezing. Loaded a few basic programs like antivirus, diskeeper defrag, anti spyware stuff, etc. I did have a little fun tho last night....ran 2 instances of Everquest, defragged two drives, and did a complete antivirus scan....at the same time...PERFECTLY! Man I love this processor! Anyway, thanks all for everyone's input as we muddle our way to stability with this board

UPDATE:

I think I got lucky with my board. Im running with 1T timing on memory, and have put CPU through all the rigors with zero problems. Just bumped my FSB up to 300, and as of right now am 4 hours Orthos stable (so 2700). I think I'll leave it here for now. Im more interested in stability than eeking out another 100 points in a benchmark.

 

[Conky]

Originally posted by: Cookie Monster
This board sounds really terrific for its price.

But its bugged with all sorts of horror stories!

So what is the general opinion on this board?

I liked it when I had it. I used it to transition from DDR and AGP to my current system.

I experienced a couple of speedbumps but nothing I couldn't finally work around. Gotta say it was an overall good experience and would recommend it to anyone who is short on cash. :thumbsup: Just know going in that your overclocking is extremely limited but if overclocking is not an interest then this board is really a great value.

 

[bigsnyder]

@techwool

Sounds like Windows is using timings not compatible with your monitor, that would possibly
explain why it boots to safe mode. Uninstall nvidia drivers and run driver cleaner. I would
also uninstall your monitor "driver" (or profile if you prefer) and let windows auto-detect with
clean display drivers.

C Snyder

 

[flevio]

Originally posted by: tcsenter
As with auto parts, just because computer components can be purchased by any moron with the money, doesn't mean they are knowledgeable or competent enough to be doing their own auto or computer work.

If you did not already know how LGA775 was designed, you shouldn't be messing with the CPU. It isn't the brake component company's fault some people are too stupid to know how to put their brakes back together correctly, anymore than its Intel's fault for failing to babysit and spoon-feed you.

i have a technitian diploma and stop from doing asemblys and repairs(soft+hard) since 2003 when i got a better paying job just using m$ software on a biger company..
moron for my believe is anyone who cant see the obvius with both eyes open just becose he have a map in his hands that says nothing`s there.
i v alredy put together other 3 core2duo for friends and boxed fan stinks every time i m doing it.(correct)

 

[lookin4dlz]

Is anyone running a Raptor w/ 16MB cache buffer on this mboard? I got this drive recently & it won't run on my current old board (IS7-V2, backup system for my rig that died).

 

[jshupp872]

I am currently running a 36.7 GB 10k RPM 16 MB cache SATA WD Raptor as my OS drive on this board. I haven't had one issue with it. My only complaint about the drive is how noisy it is, but that is to be expected with the high RPM, and I knew it when I bought it. It is only a problem if you are trying to build a silent PC.

 

[Mr Vain]

The 4CoreDual-VSTA replaces the 775Dual-VSTA as of today.

ASRock proudly released 4CoreDual-VSTA based on VIA® PT880 Ultra, which supports Quad Core CPU!

http://www.asrock.com/index_english.html


http://www.asrock.com/product/4CoreDual-VSTA.htm

 

[aussieburger]

Originally posted by: techwool
I'm (unfortuantely) back...

I sold my AGP X800XT which was incompatible with the board, an bought a BFG 7900 GT.

This works great until you install the drivers, then it black screens on boot up BUT, you can hear that windows continues to load (this didn't happen with the ATI card). I've contacted BFG who manufacture the card to see if they have any ideas.

I'm also going to contact Ebuyer and see about sending this board back.

Sounds like your Bios is still set to AGP ... switched it to PCI-Express ??

Common problem with this board if you hear windows booting but can't see anything the wrong display is selected in your bios

 

[techwool]

Originally posted by: aussieburger

Originally posted by: techwool
I'm (unfortuantely) back...

I sold my AGP X800XT which was incompatible with the board, an bought a BFG 7900 GT.

This works great until you install the drivers, then it black screens on boot up BUT, you can hear that windows continues to load (this didn't happen with the ATI card). I've contacted BFG who manufacture the card to see if they have any ideas.

I'm also going to contact Ebuyer and see about sending this board back.

Sounds like your Bios is still set to AGP ... switched it to PCI-Express ??

Common problem with this board if you hear windows booting but can't see anything the wrong display is selected in your bios

I've tried it set to PCI, PCI-E and AGP. All with the same result... Thanks for the advice all the same.

 

[lookin4dlz]

Do you think I should wait for the 4CoreDual-VSTA or go ahead & get the 775Dual-VSTA? I'd think the 775Dual would be fine since I wouldn't be getting the quad core chip for a couple of years.

 

[rpsgc]

Originally posted by: lookin4dlz
Do you think I should wait for the 4CoreDual-VSTA or go ahead & get the 775Dual-VSTA? I'd think the 775Dual would be fine since I wouldn't be getting the quad core chip for a couple of years.

Just go with the 775Dual-VSTA...

 

[simonnance]

every time i install ANY ATI driver, it freezes at the windows load screen after reboot, and i need to DriverCleaner the VGA drivers from my system before i can boot again. This happens on stock settings AND on overclock (when i had probs i reset the BIOS), its an AGP X800XT PE

I'm getting an X1950Pro PCI-E delivered Fri, so ill test if its an AGP-only prob with me, but if the PCI-E is F*ked too, i will be royally annoyed.

Oh, and i'm using the most up to date BIOS, and all my other hardware is sound.

 

[soknik]

I've just acquired the components to build this computer (using parts form my old rig) and been shot down upon my initial boot up. After reading through the included set up book I am a bit confused about the memory layout for this board. I currently have a single 1Gb stick of DDR 2700 ram but am wondering if both slots need MUST be filled with identical memory for the MB to function (hence "dual").

Up to this point I have power to the MB, CPU and case fan as well as the Vid fan appears to be working but I cannot get any signal to the monitor or or a post beep letting me know that something is loading or working behing the scenes.

here is my current set up

ASROCK 775Dual-VSTA MB
1 GB DDR 2700
Intel PentD 920
Artic Cooling freezer 7 pro CPU fan
Standard (Soyo) ATX case with 480w PS
PNY 6800 gt AGP vid card
3 IDE HDs (various sizes) and 1 NEC DVD 3500ag

 

[pdawg1717]

Originally posted by: Mr Vain
The 4CoreDual-VSTA replaces the 775Dual-VSTA as of today.

ASRock proudly released 4CoreDual-VSTA based on VIA® PT880 Ultra, which supports Quad Core CPU!

http://www.asrock.com/index_english.html


http://www.asrock.com/product/4CoreDual-VSTA.htm

So we probably won't see many more (if any) bios updates for the 775Dual then...

 

[flevio]

Originally posted by: pdawg1717

Originally posted by: Mr Vain
The 4CoreDual-VSTA replaces the 775Dual-VSTA as of today.

ASRock proudly released 4CoreDual-VSTA based on VIA® PT880 Ultra, which supports Quad Core CPU!

http://www.asrock.com/index_english.html


http://www.asrock.com/product/4CoreDual-VSTA.htm

So we probably won't see many more (if any) bios updates for the 775Dual then...

i hope this one will support dx10 cards otherwise i dont see god future in the selling for this one.

 

[Mr Vain]

Originally posted by: pdawg1717

Originally posted by: Mr Vain
The 4CoreDual-VSTA replaces the 775Dual-VSTA as of today.

ASRock proudly released 4CoreDual-VSTA based on VIA® PT880 Ultra, which supports Quad Core CPU!

http://www.asrock.com/index_english.html


http://www.asrock.com/product/4CoreDual-VSTA.htm

So we probably won't see many more (if any) bios updates for the 775Dual then...

It is customary to get at least 1year + of continued bios support from most motherboard makers after a product finishes production.

 

[Mr Vain]

Originally posted by: flevio

Originally posted by: pdawg1717

Originally posted by: Mr Vain
The 4CoreDual-VSTA replaces the 775Dual-VSTA as of today.

ASRock proudly released 4CoreDual-VSTA based on VIA® PT880 Ultra, which supports Quad Core CPU!

http://www.asrock.com/index_english.html


http://www.asrock.com/product/4CoreDual-VSTA.htm

So we probably won't see many more (if any) bios updates for the 775Dual then...

i hope this one will support dx10 cards otherwise i dont see god future in the selling for this one.

Only if the Dx10 card supports PCIe 4 Lanes electrically.

 

[rpsgc]

I have one question:
Is this motherboard (chipset) compatible with SATA optical drives?

 

[bigsnyder]

@rpsgc

I will be able to answer that question by the end of the week. Just ordered a Lite-On SH-16A7S-06
DVD Burner from Newegg. These had been out-of-stock for almost a month until yesterday. I have one
of these in my nForce2 400 Ultra board, so here is hope that it will work.

C Snyder

 

[rpsgc]

Originally posted by: bigsnyder
@rpsgc

I will be able to answer that question by the end of the week. Just ordered a Lite-On SH-16A7S-06
DVD Burner from Newegg. These had been out-of-stock for almost a month until yesterday. I have one
of these in my nForce2 400 Ultra board, so here is hope that it will work.

C Snyder

K

 

[Haricot42]

Mr Vain / Et Al,
A Belated Update: Took awhile to get hold of some suitable shorting medium to do the voltage update - Ended up using some car rear-screen heater repair paint!
Anyway, decided to go for the 1.5 volt mod from Guru Mallet - All went well, and depending on what you use to check the voltage, I now have 1.44 - 1.5 volts hitting my D805

Sadly this has done NOTHING in getting my overclock any higher than it was before I am still stuck at 155 - Anything over 160 and my board does not even post. It seems to hang just as the light comes on on the DVD drive (suggesting Drive strength problem??? - I have already had to set it on the highest setting to get 155 stable).

So far I have tried the following:
Memory:
DDR2 Dual Channel (1Gig) 1) OCZ 5400/667. AND 2)Geil Ultra 6400/800
Tried both makes with just one/two sticks single/Dual channel - No change.

DDR1 Infinion PC2100 512Mb Single stick (No dual channel set)

Graphics:
Removing my MSI 6800GT and popping an old x4 AGP card (doesn't need the extra power lead - Using less power seemed like a good idea to me). No Change.

Removed all hard disks (Just to see if I could get past POST) Failed.

Tested my voltages (taken directly off the leads using a MM) and here's what I have:
12V : 11.96
5V : 5.08
3.3V : 3.35

One interesting point is that using PC Wizard/Bios, the voltages seem pretty much the same for all but the 12V rail. This shows 11.13/11.7 - I wonder if my board is "leaking" somewhere :laugh:

Needless to say, I have tried all of the above hardware combinations with all of the various BIOS settings suggested in this forum (From leaving everything to AUTO, or manuallly using SPD, or having the Laxest timings my memory will accept).

I REALLY don't want to let this board beat me, but am running out of ideas!

Have I missed anything?

Haricot :|

Stable setup at 150 is:
Xpro 480 PSU (With extra 4pin 12V cable connected to M/board).
M/Board bios Using 2.40, 2.20, and Orig 1.8
D805 (1.5V Mod)
Artic Frreezer 7 Pro (Temps Max 51 Idle 38 Ambient 30)
MSI 6800GT AGP (Driver 6.14.10.8265) /Matrox G550 AGPx4 - Both in Dual screen mode
Maxtor 250 SATA ( Jumped to 150 Sata I )
Maxtor 160 IDE

 

[Mr Vain]

Haricot42

It seems that all the higher voltage defaulter's (1.375) CPU's don?t overclock well compared to the lower voltage defaulters (1.325).
That may be the reason as to why you?re not getting much of an overclock. I think yours was a 1.375 Defaulter?