Asus a8n-e..

[cornholio2]

Hello fellow owners of Asus A8N-E, post your recommendations/solutions/problems here for easy browsing. "MAY THE FORCE BE WITH US!" to help solve the problems to those who own this mobo.

I myself have a problem, like a sudden shutdown and startup and the message, '-' is not a valid integer. I get this from time to time even though I don't overclock. I was thinking that maybe my videocard is incompatible with the Microsoft Windows XP Pro SP2. All drivers updated. Any recommendation?

 

[mechBgon]

Raise your memory voltage to 2.7 volts and see if that helps.

 

[ProviaFan]

Bump to subscribe so I can follow this thread... I'm going to be setting up my A8N-E tomorrow. :thumbsup:

 

[Gerbil333]

I built my A8N-E system on Thursday. So far I have:

-Run 6.5 hours of memtest86+
-24 hours, 11 minutes straight of Prime95's Torture Test
-Beat Half-Life 2
-Played a few hours of other games
-Left it running 24x7 for the past five days

It's running great in an Antec Sonata II and I'm using the NB47J mod. You can see full specs and pictures in my sig.

Edit: I noticed there was a new BIOS listed on Asus's website today. I downloaded the new 1005 BIOS and used the Windows updater to install it (I've never had a problem with them). Nothing messed up. I've been running Prime95 for 11 hours so far. I figured it was a good idea to install...look at the changes list:

A8N-E Bios version 1005
1.Support new CPUs. Please refer to our website at: http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/cpusupport.aspx
2.Fixed "ASUS Update" can't update BIOS when using Dual Core CPU.
3.Fixed NOS can't work after enabled NOS by AI-Booster.
4.Add more DRAM Items in the Bios.
5.Fixed it fails to boot when Enabled NOS function.
6.Fixed ATI X600, X800 VGA Card sometimes fails to enter OS.
7.Support Single Core CPU cool&Quiet function under Windows 2000.
8.Set the lowest frequency of Dual Core CPU with Cool&Quiet to 1000MHz.
9.Fixed sometimes CPU Vcore may be abnormal.

 

[cornholio2]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Raise your memory voltage to 2.7 volts and see if that helps.

My memory voltage is set at 2.6v and 2.5-3-3-6 2T timing so I will try and set it at 2.7v. It's really annoying especially when I'm playing a game online and then suddenly it will shutdown and start up again. I haven't run memtest neither because I don't know which version of memtest to download.

 

[cornholio2]

Originally posted by: Gerbil333
I built my A8N-E system on Thursday. So far I have:

-Run 6.5 hours of memtest86+
-24 hours, 11 minutes straight of Prime95's Torture Test
-Beat Half-Life 2
-Played a few hours of other games
-Left it running 24x7 for the past five days

It's running great in an Antec Sonata II and I'm using the NB47J mod. You can see full specs and pictures in my sig.

Edit: I noticed there was a new BIOS listed on Asus's website today. I downloaded the new 1005 BIOS and used the Windows updater to install it (I've never had a problem with them). Nothing messed up. I've been running Prime95 for 11 hours so far. I figured it was a good idea to install...look at the changes list:

A8N-E Bios version 1005
1.Support new CPUs. Please refer to our website at: http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/cpusupport.aspx
2.Fixed "ASUS Update" can't update BIOS when using Dual Core CPU.
3.Fixed NOS can't work after enabled NOS by AI-Booster.
4.Add more DRAM Items in the Bios.
5.Fixed it fails to boot when Enabled NOS function.
6.Fixed ATI X600, X800 VGA Card sometimes fails to enter OS.
7.Support Single Core CPU cool&Quiet function under Windows 2000.
8.Set the lowest frequency of Dual Core CPU with Cool&Quiet to 1000MHz.
9.Fixed sometimes CPU Vcore may be abnormal.

My ASUS Update Utility got corrupted, the Uninst.isu won't initiate anymore to uninstall the old bios therefore worthless. I'm updating my bios now using DOS mode. Aside from the unexpected shutdown and startup, everything is fine and running but not nearly perfect.

 

[ProviaFan]

Ok, I've been using my A8N-E for the afternoon with an X2 at stock... so far, so good, with two copies of F@H keeping everything at 100%. I found that it was most convenient to update the BIOS by putting the BIOS file only (naming it A8N-E.BIN) on an empty floppy and pressing ALT+F2 to flash from within the BIOS. That method worked fine for me, at least, when I booted up for the first time with the X2 and needed to flash from the old non-supporting BIOS to the new dual-core ready BIOS.

 

[Gerbil333]

Originally posted by: ProviaFan
Ok, I've been using my A8N-E for the afternoon with an X2 at stock... so far, so good, with two copies of F@H keeping everything at 100%. I found that it was most convenient to update the BIOS by putting the BIOS file only (naming it A8N-E.BIN) on an empty floppy and pressing ALT+F2 to flash from within the BIOS. That method worked fine for me, at least, when I booted up for the first time with the X2 and needed to flash from the old non-supporting BIOS to the new dual-core ready BIOS.

How's the X2? I likely won't buy one until they can be had used for CHEAP (ie, 2-3 years from now). Do you see a large multitasking performance increase? My new A64 3200+ already feels instantaneous, so I don't know how it could possibly be much faster, unless I tried to render something while gaming.

I don't have a floppy drive. I removed mine over two years ago and haven't looked back. I don't trust floppies because the disks seem to corrupt easily...I don't want to put a BIOS on there and hope that it doesn't get corrupted. Flashing through Windows has worked fine. Die flopppy, die!

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: Gerbil333
How's the X2? I likely won't buy one until they can be had used for CHEAP (ie, 2-3 years from now). Do you see a large multitasking performance increase? My new A64 3200+ already feels instantaneous, so I don't know how it could possibly be much faster, unless I tried to render something while gaming.

Well, it will be hard to tell about the performance until I get the system loaded up with more applications and really start using it, but I have noticed that one of my common usage scenarios (numerous large images in Photoshop CS2, Bridge open and generating previews for a huge folder of DNGs, while actively using the RAW converter) is much smoother and tremendously more responsive on the X2 than on my former XP1700+.

I don't have a floppy drive. I removed mine over two years ago and haven't looked back. I don't trust floppies because the disks seem to corrupt easily...I don't want to put a BIOS on there and hope that it doesn't get corrupted. Flashing through Windows has worked fine. Die flopppy, die!

I agree there, but unfortunately I know someone who still insists on using a Sony floppy disk camera, and every now and then I have to put some of their images on a web site.

 

[evetstech]

http://www.evetstech.com/pixx/untitled.JPG"
Here is what I got so far. I need more volts Anyone got links to Vcore mod and Vdimm mod? I need like 1.65vcore and 3.5vdimm.....

 

[MadMax]

I'm trying to decide between this board and the Epox EP-9NP+Ultra, but I can't find a review of the A8N-E with some good pictures. Does anyone have a link?

Also, I have a pair of OCZ Gold Series EL 2-2-2-5 PC3200 that I will be using for this build. Does anyone have experience with OCZ Ram with this board?

Here is the Ram on NewEgg

Is this Ram recommended?

Thanks!

MadMax

 

[blckgrffn]

My board is, well, finicky I think that it is holding me back and I am considering selling it, except I would really like an SLI board and can't stomach how much that would cost at this point...

Nat

 

[amheck]

Anyone have any comments on this board, as to OC'ing ability and the newer BIOS's? I'm running at the earlier stock bios, and haven't tried to OC yet, but I hear some of the newer BIOS will take away some of the necessary settings.

 

[MadMax]

I found a list of recommended memories for the A8N-E, but OCZ wasn't listed at all. I don't want to take the chance, so I ordered the Epox EP-9NPA+Ultra instead.

Mad Max


My current Rig: Slot-1 Screamer
Antec Plus1080AMG Case w/ TruePower 430W ATX PS
Intel PIII-600 Slot-1, oc'd to 618 MHz
Abit BH6 Rev1.1
384MB PC100 CL2 SDRAM
Connect 3D 9500np (Softmod to 9700, oc'd 325/300)
Sound Blaster Audigy2-ZS
Promise Ultra-ATA 100 TX2 Controller
WD Caviar SE 160GB 7200rpm (WDJB1600JB)
Samsung DVD/CD-RW (SM-352B)
NEC DVD-RW Dual Layer (ND-3500A)
D-Link 10/100 Fast Ethernet PCI
Motorola Surfboard SB5100 Cable Modem
Logitech Cordless MX-Duo Kybd & MX700 Mouse
Samsung SyncMaster 955DF 19" CRT

 

[imported_rp723]

I recently built my first A64 rig with the Asus A8N-E (specs in sig), and I must say that I am very pleased with the oc that I am able to get. My board is rev. 2 and came with Bios version 1001. I wasn't sure it would recognize the venice core, but it posted and booted on the first try, which is a first in my pc building experience. I flashed to Bios 1004 (using Asus Update), and my system is as stable as I need it to be (24+ hour prime stable, superpi stable, memtest etc.) running @ 2.7ghz. BTW- my OCZ ram works flawlessly with this board. I have the HT multi set to 3x and I am not experiencing the HT stuck at 5x problem.

My only complaints with this board are lack of firewire which is not a big deal, and lack of available memory dividers when overclocking. I can run the OCZ ram 1:1 (DDR400 setting) @ 270 3-3-3-8 2t, but I get lower mem bandwidth bench scores than if I run them 5:6 (DDR333 setting) @ 225 2.5-3-3-7 1t. My memory can handle up to 250 with these timings, but there isn't a divider in between. I have yet to do more testing with my mem oc... But overall, this is a solid board from Asus. :thumbsup:

One last thing about the chipset fan. I recommend calling the Asus RMA department and asking for a replacement chipset hsf if you have the little "screamer" (~8000rpm) on your board. The replacement hsf is a little bigger and runs much quieter... The original chipset fan has known issues and is very noisy. I called and received the replacement in a week which I installed with AS5.

 

[WJR]

Originally posted by: rp723
One last thing about the chipset fan. I recommend calling the Asus RMA department and asking for a replacement chipset hsf if you have the little "screamer" (~8000rpm) on your board. The replacement hsf is a little bigger and runs much quieter... The original chipset fan has known issues and is very noisy. I called and received the replacement in a week which I installed with AS5.

I agree, the chipset fan that comes with the board literally screams.

Unfortunately here in australia asus will not replace the chipset fan alone, i read on various forums that asus will send a new one out after giving them a call, after emailing them (taiwan, because we have no asus australian support) i was told to contact the place of purchase for RMA. The reseller claimed that no replacement fan was available and that the whole board would need to be sent back but there would be a "lengthy" turnaround on it! Where is our toll free number and replacement fan?

Not good enough Asus.

I'm off topic but aussie customers need to be aware of this problem.

Otherwise i have had no real issues with my A8N-E, it has been stable and reliable.

 

[scrawnypaleguy]

My a8n-e has been running fine all day, haven't had any problems with yet. I've been using ocz ram to no ill effect so far, so go for it if you want some. Has anyone found any aftermarket solutions to the chipset fan? I heard that a passive heatsink won't work, so has anyone found a quieter active solution yet? the chipset fan is now the only thing that i can hear in my setup, and i would like it to be totally silent. any suggestions?

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: scrawnypaleguy
My a8n-e has been running fine all day, haven't had any problems with yet. I've been using ocz ram to no ill effect so far, so go for it if you want some. Has anyone found any aftermarket solutions to the chipset fan? I heard that a passive heatsink won't work, so has anyone found a quieter active solution yet? the chipset fan is now the only thing that i can hear in my setup, and i would like it to be totally silent. any suggestions?

I'm using the Zalman NB47J passive cooler; the NB runs a bit hot at around 40C normally, though at the moment I've taken the side panel off of my case and with a desk fan blowing in there it's hovering around 36C. I'm not sure how much those extra 4 or 5C would hurt, but regardless, I'm considering various options to get more airflow through my case (it's a Lian Li PC-60 with two 80mm fans in front, an 80mm on top, another 80mm in the back, and the 120mm in my Seasonic S12-500 PSU).

 

[mechBgon]

Here are some ideas for the Lian-Li to improve the airflow:

1. Add a second 80mm exhaust hole like this pic shows in the background. There's just enough room.
   
2. ...and/or remove the restrictive punched-aluminum grillework over the existing 80mm exhaust fan. A hand-held fine-toothed hacksaw blade and a half-round file would do it. Use chromed grilles instead.
   
3. Either remove the front air filter and its holder, or chop the middle out so it can really let the air through, like this one.
   
   Close-up pic
   
4. ...or just replace it with an Antec SLK-3000B for $46 shipped and call it a day. I have a customized, modded Lian-Li housing my K8N-E Deluxe rig at work (as you can see). I also have an SLK-3000B housing my A8N-E at home. Guess which case is quieter, more functional, holds more drives and is easier to work with? Yeah. And let's not even think about the price difference. *smacks forehead listen to the little voice next time! *

I am drooling for an X2 now. Grrrr!

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Here are some ideas for the Lian-Li to improve the airflow:

1. Add a second 80mm exhaust hole like this pic shows in the background. There's just enough room.
   
2. ...and/or remove the restrictive punched-aluminum grillework over the existing 80mm exhaust fan. A hand-held fine-toothed hacksaw blade and a half-round file would do it. Use chromed grilles instead.
   
3. Either remove the front air filter and its holder, or chop the middle out so it can really let the air through, like this one.
   
   Close-up pic
   
4. ...or just replace it with an Antec SLK-3000B for $46 shipped and call it a day. I have a customized, modded Lian-Li housing my K8N-E Deluxe rig at work (as you can see). I also have an SLK-3000B housing my A8N-E at home. Guess which case is quieter, more functional, holds more drives and is easier to work with? Yeah. And let's not even think about the price difference. *smacks forehead listen to the little voice next time! *

Great ideas, I am now lusting after a Dremel (my battery powered one died a few years ago, so I'm going to have to go shopping).

I am drooling for an X2 now. Grrrr!

My X2 is (sadly) paired with a first-gen Raptor, but I am certain that the X2 plus an up-to-date SCSI storage subsystem would make an unstoppable combination. :laugh:

 

[mechBgon]

Dremels... power corrupts! :evil:

Do you work with Premiere or Premiere Elements at all? I'd be really interested to hear if it makes good use of the dual-core processor. I got started using Premiere Elements at work for converting MiniDV tapes to DVD and I'd sure like to cut down the encoding times. If the X2 would bring both cores to bear on the task, I'd flip-flop my A8N-E to work and slap an X2 into it when I could afford one.

BTW to veer off-topic some more, what is a good DC project for a Prisioner Of Dial-Up these days? I've been slacking off.

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Dremels... power corrupts! :evil:

Do you work with Premiere or Premiere Elements at all? I'd be really interested to hear if it makes good use of the dual-core processor. I got started using Premiere Elements at work for converting MiniDV tapes to DVD and I'd sure like to cut down the encoding times. If the X2 would bring both cores to bear on the task, I'd flip-flop my A8N-E to work and slap an X2 into it when I could afford one.

Sorry, I'm not into the DV thing, lacking a DV camera and all...

BTW to veer off-topic some more, what is a good DC project for a Prisioner Of Dial-Up these days? I've been slacking off.

Well, unfortunately, F@H is not, as the work units keep getting bigger and bigger. It can be done, but it's not exactly the lowest maintenance project out there. The distributed.net client was always the best with dialup in my limited and long-ago experience; it's a pity they haven't put it to something more useful than RC5-72 (though OGR would be worth doing if that's your thing). Unfortunately, I'm not really the one to ask on this, if you're looking for something easier to manage than F@H.

 

[mechBgon]

I guess I'll post a thread over in Distributed Computing and see what projects people suggest to me. 17 or Bust is an idea if they're still doing that, but I was never into the pure mathematics stuff. My brain nearly exploded just trying to comprehend what a Serpinski Number is

 

[MJGunn]

Set mine up last night, installed all my drivers for everything, but theres sitll a "unknown device" in hardware manager. The only thing I can think of is that its the nvidia firewall, which I didn't install, does that sound right?

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: MJGunn
Set mine up last night, installed all my drivers for everything, but theres sitll a "unknown device" in hardware manager. The only thing I can think of is that its the nvidia firewall, which I didn't install, does that sound right?

I had that show up as well, but something I did between the installation and now has caused it to be recognized as something. I did install the NVidia firewall (was that a bad idea?), but can't remember if the unknown device was still there after the firewall installation or not.