ASRock 775Dual-VSTA

[imported_biggles]

Has anybody tested the 775dual-vsta board with the new 8800gt yet to see if it works or not?

 

[Mitch101]

I have the AMD version of this mobo and its been an excellent performer and stable. I use a Radeon 9500 in the mobo as well.

 

[myersd]

8800gt does not work with the dual boards using the PT880pro/ultra chipsets. Hopefully a bios update may remedy this.

 

[Mr Vain]

Originally posted by: myersd
8800gt does not work with the dual boards using the PT880pro/ultra chipsets. Hopefully a bios update may remedy this.

stickboy
Junior Member

Posts: 12
Joined: 10/10/2007

looks like the 8800gt is working with the Gen1 Bios...

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?p=1031613520

I might have to give this a shot.

http://www.hardforum.com/showt...d.php?t=1130608&page=5

Originally Posted by androo87
I got the ASUS GEN1 BIOS from the ASRock techs and risked it on my Inno3D card.

** My 8800GT now works with my 775Dual VSTA

Find the BIOS file and flash utility here:
http://www.yourfilehost.com/media.ph...ASUS8800GT.zip

I put the card in another motherboard, booted from my USB boot drive created using:
http://www.student.livjm.ac.uk/cmpsg...rive_guide.htm

Put the BIOS file and flash utility on the USB root drive and run:
nvflash as01gen1.rom -4 -5 -6

And now I'm hitting 8500 on 3dMark06 and running Bioshock at 1680x1050 with ease (and saved the £50 that would have gone a new mobo).

I think this is definately the best option for the moment if your 8800GT is not booting, but I dont gaurentee this will work..

 

[toadeater]

Originally posted by: armacham
I was wondering if I could possibly upgrade to an 8800gts or maybe even 2900pro without buying a new psu? I dont know enough about the +12v and all the other important numbers on the psu to know for sure. Ive seen the insane recommended psu wattage of 700+ for the 2900xt, but have also read that thats nonsense and you could get away with 500w of good power.

Forget the 2900 series, with it's power consumption and mediocre performance (compared to the 8800 GT) it's worthless. If you want an ATI card, wait a couple of weeks and get the 3870, which will cost under $300 and should be similar to the 8800 GT in performance, with low power consumption. I think there's even going to be an AGP version of it or the 3850.

 

[armacham]

Originally posted by: toadeater
Forget the 2900 series, with it's power consumption and mediocre performance (compared to the 8800 GT) it's worthless. If you want an ATI card, wait a couple of weeks and get the 3870, which will cost under $300 and should be similar to the 8800 GT in performance, with low power consumption. I think there's even going to be an AGP version of it or the 3850.

Good advice, I am going to wait until after the holidays to decide what I'm going to do. I am sticking with this motherboard unless it stops working, I hope that by Jan/Feb ASRock will have a BIOS that will supports the 8800gt or 3870, maybe the revised gts if its worth the money. If nothing else I will get the 3850 AGP which Ive also heard about. Still going to be a waiting game for me basically.

edit: I wonder why it made me give this topic/message a thumbs down. I never even pay attention to that, but if anything this is a good topic I say.

 

[MKD]

Been distracted for a while, but had a browse through the forum today and realised an instant win.

I updated my BIOS 2.9 from default auto speed to:
"CPU PCIe Sync" at 266 MHz, with defaults otherwise.

Cpu-z v1.41 went from reporting E6300 Core Speed 1793MHz to 1863MHz ie + 4% gain for nothing! Wonder why they left the default at 256 instead of 266 ? Oh well.

NOW for a question for people...

My motherboad has a pair of Corsair TwinX XMS2 1GB DDR2-5400 memory part: TWIN2X2048-5400C4 which is sold as verified at 675MHz "at 4-4-4-12" although the SPD is 5-5-5-15 and cpu-z says it's currently running at: 333MHz 4:5 5-5-5-15 2T.

I have looked at the memory section of the BIOS and frankly run scared from what seem NOT to be a simple "5-5-5-15" to "4-4-4-12" settings but instead a whole screen full of gobbledygook perm 4 lower/UPPER case letters from "tr" and most other letters!

Can someone please explain or point me to what/where I need to amend to endeavour to exploit the memory I've got/paid-for more fully.

Thanks in anticipation.

MKD

 

[Blast PE]

Chipset Configuration

DRAM Frequency [333MHz (DDRII666) ]
Flexibility Option [Disabled]
DRAM CAS# Latency [4]
DRAM Bank Interleave [Auto]
Precharge to Active (Trp) [4T]
Active to Precharge (Tras) [12T]
Active to CMD (Trcd) [4T]
REF to ACT/REF to REF (Trfc) [Auto]
ACT (0) to ACT (1) (Trrd) [Auto]
Read to Precharge (Trtp) [Auto]
Write to Read CMD (Twtr) [Auto]
Write Recovery Time (Twr) [Auto]
DRAM Bus Selection [Dual Channel]
DRAM Command Rate [2T Command]

 

[MKD]

Hey Blast PE - thanx for such a rapid and easy to understand reply!

Worked through those settings and can confirm my 775Dual-VSTA PC has started up just fine and cpu-z reports the hoped for 4-4-4-12 for my Corsair TwinX XMS2 1GB DDR2-5400 memory part: TWIN2X2048-5400C4

The reported cpu-z Memory Timings (as tallied to your BIOS listing) are in this order:
- Frequency 332.7MHz
- FSB : DRAM 4:5
- CAS# Latency (tCL) = DRAM CAS# Latency [4]
- RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) = Active to CMD (Trcd) [4T]
- RAS# Precharge (tRP) = Precharge to Active (Trp) [4T]
- Cycle Time (tRAS) = Active to Precharge (Tras) [12T]

- Command Rate (CR) = DRAM Command Rate [2T Command]

As you didn't mention it I have left the setting from lower down the BIOS screen:
DRAM Voltage = Auto

It all makes a lot more sense now.

Have to hope it stays stable

Now of course I read there could be yet more performance freely available:
1) That it MAY be quicker to run the memory at 533 instead of 667
2) That I could be overclocking my 6300 beyond its now 1862MHz = 7x266MHz + 1066MHz

Enough for one day
Thanks!
MKD

 

[myersd]

I get marginally better performance running my Corsair Ballistix PC5300 at 533 (FSB 1:1) rather than 667- the lower latencies also help. At 667, the 4coredual mobo just can't provide enough voltage to run tight timings and performance suffers. But honestly, you cannot tell a difference in real world situations such as games- 3dmark and pcmark scores are virtually identical with 533 vs. 667. Stick with what's stable.

 

[MKD]

Thanks for the ideas there.

Pleased to report that it's been 100% stable for 20hrs+ at 667 4-4-4-12
so will leave all that's well alone.

 

[Blast PE]

Originally posted by: MKD

Now of course I read there could be yet more performance freely available:
1) That it MAY be quicker to run the memory at 533 instead of 667
2) That I could be overclocking my 6300 beyond its now 1862MHz = 7x266MHz + 1066MHz

I think myersd answered your first question. As for your second question:
You could try raising the CPU Frequency (FSB) from 266 to 270/275/280 etc., so raise the frequency in steps of 5 MHz
BIOS:
CPU Configuration
Overclock Mode [CPU,PCIE Async.]
CPU Frequency (MHz) [270]
PCIE Frequency (MHz) 100]
PCI Frequency [33.33MHz]
Spread Spectrum [Disabled]
Boot Failure Guard [Enabled]

If you want to raise the CPU Frequency it is wise to set your memory @533.
Also you could set "DRAM Command Rate [1T Command]" to get some extra memory speed, but this can cause system instability

 

[pavelz]

new PCIe ATI HD 3850 and 3870 ... work on this mobo or not ?????????????

 

[sashipa]

The official CPU support list does not include E4600 processor (http://www.asrock.com/mb/cpu.asp?Model=775Dual-VSTA&s=). Can anyone confirm that this CPU is not supported and may be explain me why ?

 

[munim]

So, who's trying out the HD 3850 or 3870 cards in this badboy.

 

[myersd]

i think i'll wait for a used 8800gts 640mb.... anything else is probably overkill in these old PT8800pro/ultra boards

 

[MKD]

Originally posted by: sashipa
The official CPU support list does not include E4600 processor (http://www.asrock.com/mb/cpu.asp?Model=775Dual-VSTA&s=). Can anyone confirm that this CPU is not supported and may be explain me why ?

I think you'll find they are just lagging a bit with support for it - eg look at their "latest/best" 775 boards eg I looked at 4Core1333-GLAN at random - and the E4600 isn't included in those lists either.

Maybe they need to include the CPU ID microcode in their BIOSes. ?!

 

[pavelz]

Dear Sir,
Thank you for contacting ASRock
Sorry! we did not have new ATI HD 3870 or 3850 VGA card in the lab at this moment.
If we get new VGA card, we will test it and update compliant VGA card to the Supported PCIE card list.
We suggest referring to the Supported PCIE card list to choose favorite PCIE card.
http://www.asrock.com/mb/vga.asp?Model=775Dual-VSTA&s=

Thanks for the mail.


Best Wishes
ASRock

 

[armacham]

Looks like 3870 works on 775dual-vsta without any trouble, nothing official of course but a good sign.

Originally posted by: SinceCCF
Just got my sapphire 3870 this afternoon, after three hours of hard work to put on watercooling, it's working with 775dual-vsta, so 4core vsta should be okay too. I'm using a FSP 400W powersuppy with 27A on 12V, no problem at all, it surprises me alot for 3870 is not consuming a lot of power, after 2 hours of CS source, my Zalman reservator 1 plus is just barely warm, my room temperature is 80F. Well done, ATI!

 

[munim]

WOOHOO!! The 3870 works on the 775Dual VSTA! Check it out, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102713 3rd review. A member at HardOCP also confirmed that it works, except his power supply isn't up to snuff.

 

[Spikesoldier]

anyone try the 3850? i would imagine that if the 3870 works then the 3850 shouldnt have any problems either.

 

[DavidJuaquin]

(((I TOO HAVE AN ASROCK 775DUAL-VSTA & WOULD GREATLY APPRECCIATE IF ANYONE WOULD OR COULD HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM)))

I would like to know why my motherboard does not utilize the 2.4GHz offered by my CPU. The motherboard and Windows recognize the CPU as having 2.4GHz but for some reason it only utilizes 2.31GHz. I have the CPU configuration set at auto which leaves the FSB at 266 and for some reason runs the CPU at 2.31GHz. When I raise the FSB to 267, the CPU then runs at the stock speed of 2.4GHz, unfortunately though at FSB 267 my system looses stability (My assumption is that the auto 266 only reaches a 1064 FSB which is lower than the 1066 required for the CPU, 267 on the other hand reaches a 1068 FSB which allows the CPU to run at its stock speed but the motherboard is set to run at a maximum of 1066 FSB and thus the instability). I have attempted to change the option of allowing Windows to set the speed of the CPU but that still does not allow for a speed of 2.4GHz. My questions are, Is this normal for my CPU to run slightly under stock? Can I take any steps through the BIOS to ensure that my CPU runs at stock speed? If I purchased a motherboard with a 1333FSB would my CPU be able to run at its 2.4GHz stock speed?

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz; 1GB PNY DDR400 + 512MB DDR400; BFG GeForce 7800GSOC 256MB AGP; Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 250GB; Samsung 18X DVD± R DVD Burner; Windows XP; Enermax Liberty ELT400AWT ATX12V 400W Power Supply

 

[bigsnyder]

It is not running at 2.4Ghz because these boards for some reason default to 256Mhz FSB.
Manually set your FSB to 266. If you are getting instability, experiment with your memory
speed and timings. You might also have to set those manually. Other than the memory,
there should be no reason it shouldn't run at this speed (unless you are running an early
BIOS revision, make sure you have at least 2.1 installed).

 

[DavidJuaquin]

First off, thx for the help. Second, In BIOS the AUTO appears to be 266 but you were completely right because CPU-Z shows the speed to actually be 256. I took your advice and set the FSB manually to 266 & I'm now at 2.39GHz (still not 2.4 but its better than 2.31GHz so I'm not complaining). Thank you once again for the help, but would you mind answering this one question for me, Raising the FSB to 267 causes me to get instability (I assume that this is because 267*4=1068, which is more than the 1066 achievable from this motherboard). If I purchased a motherboard with a 1333FSB would I be more easily capable of raising my CPU above it's stock speed?

 

[NT78stonewobble]

Originally posted by: MKD
Hey Blast PE - thanx for such a rapid and easy to understand reply!

Worked through those settings and can confirm my 775Dual-VSTA PC has started up just fine and cpu-z reports the hoped for 4-4-4-12 for my Corsair TwinX XMS2 1GB DDR2-5400 memory part: TWIN2X2048-5400C4

The reported cpu-z Memory Timings (as tallied to your BIOS listing) are in this order:
- Frequency 332.7MHz
- FSB : DRAM 4:5
- CAS# Latency (tCL) = DRAM CAS# Latency [4]
- RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) = Active to CMD (Trcd) [4T]
- RAS# Precharge (tRP) = Precharge to Active (Trp) [4T]
- Cycle Time (tRAS) = Active to Precharge (Tras) [12T]

- Command Rate (CR) = DRAM Command Rate [2T Command]

As you didn't mention it I have left the setting from lower down the BIOS screen:
DRAM Voltage = Auto

It all makes a lot more sense now.

Have to hope it stays stable

Now of course I read there could be yet more performance freely available:
1) That it MAY be quicker to run the memory at 533 instead of 667
2) That I could be overclocking my 6300 beyond its now 1862MHz = 7x266MHz + 1066MHz

Enough for one day
Thanks!
MKD

I have the exact same memory, a 6400 and a pci-e 8800 gts 320 mb on a 775dual-vsta

Just to let you know what I've run into here (I'm at bios 2.4)

DDR 667 - 333 mhz @ 4.0 - 4 - 4- 12, 1T and pipeline ON: 4842 MB Bandwidth (IS STABLE)
DDR 533 - 266 mhz @ 3.0 - 3 - 3- 12, 1T and pipeline ON: 5106 MB Bandwidth (UNSTABLE)
DDR 533 - 266 mhz @ 4.0 - 4 - 4- 12, 1T and pipeline ON: 4968 MB Bandwidth (UNSTABLE)
DDR 533 - 266 mhz @ 4.0 - 4 - 4- 12, 2T and pipeline ON: 4787 MB Bandwidth (UNSTABLE)
DDR 533 - 266 mhz @ 4.0 - 4 - 4- 12, 1T and pipeline OFF: 4775 MB Bandwidth (UNSTABLE)

Think I'll have to try to update the bios. I though asrock gave up on it with the 2.4 and now theres how many updates out? 5 bios updates :S

UPDATE: Flashed to bios ver. 3.00 No difference.

The memory is only stable at the topmost settings.

Haven't checked the following settings though:

DDR 533 - 266 mhz @ 4.0 - 4 - 4- 12, 2T and pipeline OFF:

Though I think that the reduced bandwidth from 2T and pipeline off will probably negate the benefit of running 1:1...