ASRock 939Dual-SATA2 - Socket 939 with PCI-E and real AGP and Socket AM2 upgrade path

[niggles]

See my set up in my sig.

Tried the following settings and after saving it keeps reverting to 2200 after rebootin. Am I missing something?

CPU Menu
- Set Mem Spd to 166 (333)
- Set CPU Overclock to PCI Async (althought I have an AGP card)
- Set voltage to highest 1.45
- Set Multiplier to 12x
- Turn off Speed Specturm

Chipset Menu
- Set NB->HT or something like that to 800

I have 3200 memory, Corsair Value RAM

Anyone have any insight on what I can do differently?

 

[PingSpike]

niggles are you just trying to up the multiplier? multipliers are "upward" locked on A64s.

 

[niggles]

Originally posted by: PingSpike
niggles are you just trying to up the multiplier? multipliers are "upward" locked on A64s.

well yes, that's exactly what I was trying to do. I did end up changing the frequency setting to 219 and getting around a 2400. It seems to be running stable. I have to say I'm a little concerned about the memory, I haven't changed the timings on it at all. Any thoughts on what it should be set at?

 

[designit]

Originally posted by: niggles
See my set up in my sig.

Tried the following settings and after saving it keeps reverting to 2200 after rebootin. Am I missing something?

CPU Menu
- Set Mem Spd to 166 (333)
- Set CPU Overclock to PCI Async (althought I have an AGP card)
- Set voltage to highest 1.45
- Set Multiplier to 12x
- Turn off Speed Specturm

Chipset Menu
- Set NB->HT or something like that to 800

I have 3200 memory, Corsair Value RAM

Anyone have any insight on what I can do differently?

turn off C n' q. disable boot failure guard. Keep cpu-nb @ 1000, 16 bit, keep burst length @ 4 beats

 

[PingSpike]

designit why do you say to keep burst length at 4 beats? I'm pretty sure I set mine to 8 because the manual seemed to suggest (its a pretty weak manual) that you should use 8 for dual channel. I really don't know what it does though.

We actually might be talking about different burst length settings in the bios so I'm not sure if what I asked it relevant.

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: niggles

Originally posted by: PingSpike
niggles are you just trying to up the multiplier? multipliers are "upward" locked on A64s.

well yes, that's exactly what I was trying to do. I did end up changing the frequency setting to 219 and getting around a 2400. It seems to be running stable. I have to say I'm a little concerned about the memory, I haven't changed the timings on it at all. Any thoughts on what it should be set at?

You can use memtest to check stability of your ram. And set the memory voltage to "high" in the bios.

 

[Double Echo]

Originally posted by: designit
turn off C n' q. disable boot failure guard. Keep cpu-nb @ 1000, 16 bit, keep burst length @ 4 beats

Why would you want to disable BFG? Unless you like pulling jumpers when you up the FSB too high going for an overclock threshhold, I say leave it on.

 

[Nesta]

Update on my setup...

Got the board and 3200 venice in last night and decided to be safe and install win xp32. Guess I'll wait it out a bit.

Have not installed anything else or tinkered all that much with BIOS but will add these comments for perspective builders:
-life will be easier with a bigger case and room to work
-the ide/floppy connectors are in a terrible spot, especially if you are running a larger AGP card (6800GT w/artic cooling) better to have looong cables.
-the chasis fan is also in a poor location, so you will either need an wire extension or 3 to 4 prong connector

Otherwise the machine is snappy so far. Looking forward to more as I have time to install software and tweak.

 

[niggles]

Originally posted by: Double Echo

Originally posted by: designit
turn off C n' q. disable boot failure guard. Keep cpu-nb @ 1000, 16 bit, keep burst length @ 4 beats

Why would you want to disable BFG? Unless you like pulling jumpers when you up the FSB too high going for an overclock threshhold, I say leave it on.

Thanks for that, I was wondering why anyone would do this as well. Would it allow you to push the threshold a little more? I can't see this being at all helpful, how does it help if you turn it off?

 

[PingSpike]

I don't see how it would help you push the threshold anymore myself.

 

[designit]

Originally posted by: Double Echo

Originally posted by: designit
turn off C n' q. disable boot failure guard. Keep cpu-nb @ 1000, 16 bit, keep burst length @ 4 beats

Why would you want to disable BFG? Unless you like pulling jumpers when you up the FSB too high going for an overclock threshhold, I say leave it on.

well because if you are using 1.20 bios and overclock >250fsb, it will reset to default=1.4v vcore, and 200fsb. try it both way and see what I mean.
Also w/ OWCB1 bios if you have done VID4 mod, you have to set vcore to 1.150=1.55.
This will for sure reset bios to default if BFG is enabled.
I would also use jumpers to shut off the hardware i don need. Forexample: fron panel /audio, PS2 USB. Also if not using SATA II or SATA, it's better disabling them to reserve power for cpu/ram, etc. I have a 350w SP2, so if your PUS is >400, I would,t worry.

 

[niggles]

ahhh, I see. I've only set the frequency to 219, I don't have the cooling power to handle any more. In fact I've occasionally dropped it down to 214. No worries on resetting to default.

 

[uo7]

bios 1.4 came out today supporting Opterons.

 

[SynthDude2001]

Originally posted by: uo7
bios 1.4 came out today supporting Opterons.

Thanks, updated.

 

[Zebo]

This asrock is a POS.. what are you guys doing recommending it?

The board will not remember voltages you set and always reverts back to "auto" I've tried three chips same thing. I guess many of you never seen a working board before and think this feature is'nt so bad. Well it is if you want to OC and not have cold boot issues.

 

[SynthDude2001]

Originally posted by: Zebo
This asrock is a POS.. what are you guys doing recommending it?

The board will not remember voltages you set and always reverts back to "auto" I've tried three chips same thing. I guess many of you never seen a working board before and think this feature is'nt so bad. Well it is if you want to OC and not have cold boot issues.

You're right, so far I've just been interested in the features since I don't yet have the board myself. It seems like a great idea for people (like me) who still have high-end AGP video cards. In any case, what BIOS versions have you been using? I've read that 1.3 and 1.4 do indeed have voltage issues like you're describing. If you're still getting those issues with 1.2...then I don't know.

 

[JasonK]

Anyone using this board with an opteron dual core 165 1.8ghz? Lookin for a good board

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: SynthDude2001

Originally posted by: Zebo
This asrock is a POS.. what are you guys doing recommending it?

The board will not remember voltages you set and always reverts back to "auto" I've tried three chips same thing. I guess many of you never seen a working board before and think this feature is'nt so bad. Well it is if you want to OC and not have cold boot issues.

You're right, so far I've just been interested in the features since I don't yet have the board myself. It seems like a great idea for people (like me) who still have high-end AGP video cards. In any case, what BIOS versions have you been using? I've read that 1.3 and 1.4 do indeed have voltage issues like you're describing. If you're still getting those issues with 1.2...then I don't know.

1.4 Oh I forgot to mention another issue. I set 1T CMD. Gives 2T. I set 2T still gives 2T..

This board is strictly a stock overclcoker if you know what I mean.. i.e. see what low volts and budget ram can do with your chip and ram.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: JasonK
Anyone using this board with an opteron dual core 165 1.8ghz? Lookin for a good board

Yea that's what I'm using right now.. Text

2400Mhz is max with those low ass volts. Memory is 2.5-2-2-8 2T @ 267Mhz

 

[designit]

You are right about this piece of junk. Why would anyone want to buy Asrock anyway. I did because of ULi 1695 and good review here by anandtech. But I made a mistake. The Dummies have the whole backside of the box dedicated to overclocking, to just fool you. It is not just lack of bios functions for overclocking(vcore/vdimm limitations) but there are other issues not related to overclocking, such as cold boots, 2T/1T issue, and not seeing Sata dirve all the time. These holes have made a bad name for ULi whoes got a great chipset(1695). I hope ULi stops selling the chip to Asrock and see to it that another reputable motherboard manufc make the board. Asrock is bad business for Uli. Newegg has reduced the price $5, shows you overstock problem and lack of interest for this board. ULi must pay attention to the complaints here.

 

[Nesta]

I still feel the for $68 the board will meet my needs for the next 6 mos. I definitely consider it a 'transitional' piece of hardware. I've had the thing running a couple of days now with no outstanding issues. From the OC'ing standpoint, I've really only messed around with the RAM timings. 512x2 Corsair 2.5-3-3-6 1T.

BIOS 1.20
rev 1.04

 

[SNiPeRX]

I still have no problems with my board... sorry to hear so many of you are having problems. I am currently using OCWB beta 2. 10X240.. at default voltage.

Zebo what bios are you using and have you done any of the voltage mods???

When it comes to the 1T/2T timing problems... most of the cases I have seen them with x2 cpus. Not sure why. I am sure some venice people are having issues as well.
I heard the toledo x2 3800 was the main cpu people were having problems with 1T timings.

From what I have done..

I havent had any cold boot problems, but most say OCWB beta 1 is the best for those issues.

If you are willing to try some bios there is alot more out that no one really knows about..

This German site has a lot of different bioses.. HERE

From what I have heard from people who have tried the new beta bios it works great.
It is 1.41c

Vcore and multi is working again... 1T/2T available now also.


For the price I would still recommend this board, I havent had any problems yet...
I hope and pray Asrock releases a bios with vcore adjustments and the like. This chipset has so much going for it.. but Asrock is holding it back.

The reason I think they are doing this is not to take any sales away from ASUS.

I am still trying to decide if I should do the vcore mods or not... we will see, depends on the actions of Asrock.

If anyone wants to know the my settings I can tell you or take pictures. Just ask, I am no expert but I havent had one single problem with this board as of yet.

Good Luck!

Edit: BTW I am water cooled with a DD setup.. running at a cool and quiet 22C

 

[niggles]

Originally posted by: uo7
bios 1.4 came out today supporting Opterons.

Anyone got a list of 939 chips that puts it in order or power? These naming conventions are giving me a headache... Semperon, Atholon, Moron, I can't tell the diff....

Originally posted by: Zebo
This asrock is a POS.. what are you guys doing recommending it?

The board will not remember voltages you set and always reverts back to "auto" I've tried three chips same thing. I guess many of you never seen a working board before and think this feature is'nt so bad. Well it is if you want to OC and not have cold boot issues.

Too bad you didn't get a chance to read this thread then. It's documented all the way through on the limitations. It's a great board for what it is, just don't expect it to be a DFI or anything is all.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: SNiPeRX
I still have no problems with my board... sorry to hear so many of you are having problems. I am currently using OCWB beta 2. 10X240.. at default voltage.

Zebo what bios are you using and have you done any of the voltage mods???

When it comes to the 1T/2T timing problems... most of the cases I have seen them with x2 cpus. Not sure why. I am sure some venice people are having issues as well.
I heard the toledo x2 3800 was the main cpu people were having problems with 1T timings.

From what I have done..

I havent had any cold boot problems, but most say OCWB beta 1 is the best for those issues.

If you are willing to try some bios there is alot more out that no one really knows about..

This German site has a lot of different bioses.. HERE

From what I have heard from people who have tried the new beta bios it works great.
It is 1.41c

Vcore and multi is working again... 1T/2T available now also.


For the price I would still recommend this board, I havent had any problems yet...
I hope and pray Asrock releases a bios with vcore adjustments and the like. This chipset has so much going for it.. but Asrock is holding it back.

The reason I think they are doing this is not to take any sales away from ASUS.

I am still trying to decide if I should do the vcore mods or not... we will see, depends on the actions of Asrock.

If anyone wants to know the my settings I can tell you or take pictures. Just ask, I am no expert but I havent had one single problem with this board as of yet.

Good Luck!

Edit: BTW I am water cooled with a DD setup.. running at a cool and quiet 22C

Sniper I am using OCWB beta 1.2 ATM - Fixed 2 issues (remembers voltage and 1T CMD).. before I tried 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 official bios from AsRock all unsecessfully..

Two issues still remain which makes this board weak. Advertised lack of vcore (1.4V is max for me) And long boot between bios screen and the first windows screen... I get a blinking "_" for what seems like a minute but it's probably only 10-15 seconds.

Would I recommend it? Only if someone needed AGP.. are afraid of nV's active armour issues (hint: don't use it).. or just want to see how high they can OC thier chip with Stock volts.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: niggles

Originally posted by: uo7
bios 1.4 came out today supporting Opterons.

Anyone got a list of 939 chips that puts it in order or power? These naming conventions are giving me a headache... Semperon, Atholon, Moron, I can't tell the diff....

Originally posted by: Zebo
This asrock is a POS.. what are you guys doing recommending it?

The board will not remember voltages you set and always reverts back to "auto" I've tried three chips same thing. I guess many of you never seen a working board before and think this feature is'nt so bad. Well it is if you want to OC and not have cold boot issues.

Too bad you didn't get a chance to read this thread then. It's documented all the way through on the limitations. It's a great board for what it is, just don't expect it to be a DFI or anything is all.

Just niggling niggles niggle.