Asus a8n-e..

[JustWhitman]

You have to call in order to get a replacement. If you E-Mail them they are just going to tell you to RMA it.

I still think $40 is extreme for a chipset HS, I mean you can get a CPU heatsink & fan for cheaper than that. I think you can find something just as good for a hell of alot cheaper.

 

[ProviaFan]

I seem to recall a picture somewhere where someone had attached a small (40mm?) fan to the side of the Zalman NB47J. Assuming that the fan were connected to a fan controller to keep it quiet, do you think this might be a solution worth investigating? (given that the NB47J seems to stay a bit too warm for my comfort without any sort of active cooling in the vicinity)

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: ProviaFan
I seem to recall a picture somewhere where someone had attached a small (40mm?) fan to the side of the Zalman NB47J. Assuming that the fan were connected to a fan controller to keep it quiet, do you think this might be a solution worth investigating? (given that the NB47J seems to stay a bit too warm for my comfort without any sort of active cooling in the vicinity)

That's my thought too. Or if Asus wants to just start sending us that wicked heatpipe goodie they have on the SLI Premium... :evil: All in favor, say Aye?

I tried passive cooling with the same heatsink you can see in this photo and that puppy got HOT. :Q So then I bought a ThermalRight NB-1. The fins are packed pretty close together and the little fan is just as loud as the Asus when it's straining against the backpressure from the fins, so I plugged it into my Antec Fan-Only line (about 6 volts) and that brought it down to a reasonable level, but I felt like it was rather dumb to have to do that.

If I could do this again, I'd probably get a low-noise 40mm fan (endpcnoise.com has a quiet Papst 40mm) and put it on the side of the Zalman using some zip-ties. If I had a REALLY big Undo button on my forehead, I'd go back and undo the purchase of the A8N-E, and wait for the A8N SLI Premium to come out, and be done with it. :roll:

 

[MJGunn]

Does anyone actually know what acceptable temps for the chipset are? Mine runs around 35 degrees (no front fan in my case and I have no plans to change that!).

 

[scrawnypaleguy]

mine also runs at ~35 degrees, and i have two front 80mm fans and the little chipset fan is now going more than 9000 RPM!! Thanks for the tip about calling instead of emailing them; I'll do that next. Has anyone replaced the chipset with that vantec iceberq? how are the temps?

 

[JustWhitman]

How are you all measuring chipset temps, with a probe or is there an on-board sensor?

Also my previous experiences with the Vantec Iceberg, it was always cool or slightly warm to the touch but it was never "hot". I'm gonna order one from SVC next week, so I'll let you know for certain when I get it .

 

[scrawnypaleguy]

sweet. if you downlad nTune from nvidia and check your temps that way, it gives you two temperatures: cpu, and "system," that's the chipset. let us know how that iceberg works, that would be a great alternative if it's quiet.

 

[cornholio2]

What is the problem if the mobo is restarting at 1GB of DRAM and when I removed the half from A1 slot it stops restarting?

 

[scrawnypaleguy]

bad ram slot? try a different combination of ram slots.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: cornholio2
What is the problem if the mobo is restarting at 1GB of DRAM and when I removed the half from A1 slot it stops restarting?

Not to repeat myself or anything, but... what memory voltage are you using?

 

[cornholio2]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: cornholio2
What is the problem if the mobo is restarting at 1GB of DRAM and when I removed the half from A1 slot it stops restarting?

Not to repeat myself or anything, but... what memory voltage are you using?

I'm using 2.7v and tried removing the half from A1 slot so I'm just using 512Mb of DRAM now and it's still the same. After the WinfoxII logo of the Leadtek loaded, it restarted again.

What should I download on these memtest86+ to check my RAM?

-= Download (Pre-built & ISOs) =-

Here is some pre-compiled distributions of memtest86+. Memtest86+ comes in three different way, first is a pre-build bootable ISO, second is a bootable binary and third an installable package for creating a bootable floppy. Third version are compressed in .zip and .tar.gz.

** Memtest86+ V1.60 (06/27/2005) **

o Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.gz)
o Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip)

o Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.gz)
o Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.zip)

o Download - Pre-Compiled EXE file for USB Key (Pure DOS)

o Download - Pre-Compiled package for Floppy (DOS - Win)

Do I also need to download this?


-= Download (Source Code) =-

Here is the source code (under GPL) :

** Memtest86+ V1.60 (06/27/2005) **

* Download - Memtest86+ V1.60 source code (.tar.gz) - 139.8 KB - GPG Sign : Here - Public Key : Here

Which one will I download first? How will I run the memtest? Gosh I am so noob! This is my first build and my first computer was Intel so bare with me because I'm still in a sort of learning process on the memtest86+.

 

[cornholio2]

Originally posted by: scrawnypaleguy
bad ram slot? try a different combination of ram slots.

ASUS manual recommends using A1 and B1 slot if using 1GB(2x512) of RAM.

 

[JustWhitman]

I opened up my case yesterday as I wanted to make sure I had the older heatsink. Well I decided I'd stop the fan for a sec and when I did my case was nearly dead silent. I had assumed the noise was coming from my front 80mm fan, but nope. That little sucker really does sound like a chainsaw .

Needless to say I am going to replace it. I'm not sure if I'm going to go with the Iceberg though, I might try a passive heatsink. Either way I want to do a little more research as I'd like my case to be as quiet as possible. Currently my "system" temp as reported by nTune is 29°C, but I was under the impression that "system" was ambient temps within the case and not the chipset, or am I wrong?

Originally posted by: cornholio2
What should I download on these memtest86+ to check my RAM?

-= Download (Pre-built & ISOs) =-

Here is some pre-compiled distributions of memtest86+. Memtest86+ comes in three different way, first is a pre-build bootable ISO, second is a bootable binary and third an installable package for creating a bootable floppy. Third version are compressed in .zip and .tar.gz.

** Memtest86+ V1.60 (06/27/2005) **

o Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.gz)
o Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip)

o Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.gz)
o Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable Binary (.zip)

o Download - Pre-Compiled EXE file for USB Key (Pure DOS)

o Download - Pre-Compiled package for Floppy (DOS - Win)

Do I also need to download this?


-= Download (Source Code) =-

Here is the source code (under GPL) :

** Memtest86+ V1.60 (06/27/2005) **

* Download - Memtest86+ V1.60 source code (.tar.gz) - 139.8 KB - GPG Sign : Here - Public Key : Here

Which one will I download first? How will I run the memtest? Gosh I am so noob! This is my first build and my first computer was Intel so bare with me because I'm still in a sort of learning process on the memtest86+.

You want to use a pre-compiled one, you only need the source if you want to compile your own version of MemTest. I personally use the Pre-Compiled version for a floppy disk, but the bottable ISO version would be fine if thats what you want to use (alot of wasted space though if thats all its for, but useful if you don't have a floppy).

Also, using slots A1 and B1 means you won't be utilizing Dual-Channel. If A1 seems to cause problems try using B1 & B2, thats currently what I'm using as to keep my memory further away from the processor.

 

[Gerbil333]

i got the rev 2.0 w/ the newer fan, but it runs at 35C w/o my 80mm fan blowing towards it. I get 29C when it is blowing towards it

mine also runs at ~35 degrees . . .

Originally posted by: JustWhitman
How are you all measuring chipset temps, with a probe or is there an on-board sensor?

There is no thermal sensor on the northbridge. The motherboard sensor has nothing to do with that. The motherboard sensor on my A8N-E currently reads 39C and my CPU is 38C. Therefore, if the "motherboard" sensor corresponded with the northbridge, then my NB47J should feel almost the same temperature as my CPU heatsink. My Thermalright XP-90 is warm...maybe even cool to the touch. My NB47J is very hot. There's at least a 15C difference.

The Swiftech hsf would probably be an excellent hsf, but at $46 shipped, you're better off finding another solution. I spent $7 shipped on my NB47J. Although it gets hot, I have some airflow aimed at it to keep it safe, and the computer is 100% stable. Plus, the Swiftech looks heavy. The nF4 northbridge core is extremely fragile since it's exposed like a socket A CPU, however, it has no protective pads to aid in balancing the heatsink. You'll need to be very careful when installing the heatsink and then avoid bumping it later so that you don't chip the core.

 

[scrawnypaleguy]

too late, already ordered it. I didn't know it was an exposed core, I thought those were only Intel chipsets. Oh well, it has stabilizing pads for the base. I'll let you know how it works.

 

[Amaroque]

The only problem I have is that I can't use the Asus PC Probe with a dual core BIOS. I've always liked Probe. It's not flashy, basic, but informative...

 

[ChicagoPCGuy]

Originally posted by: Gerbil333

i got the rev 2.0 w/ the newer fan, but it runs at 35C w/o my 80mm fan blowing towards it. I get 29C when it is blowing towards it

mine also runs at ~35 degrees . . .

Originally posted by: JustWhitman
How are you all measuring chipset temps, with a probe or is there an on-board sensor?

There is no thermal sensor on the northbridge. The motherboard sensor has nothing to do with that. The motherboard sensor on my A8N-E currently reads 39C and my CPU is 38C. Therefore, if the "motherboard" sensor corresponded with the northbridge, then my NB47J should feel almost the same temperature as my CPU heatsink. My Thermalright XP-90 is warm...maybe even cool to the touch. My NB47J is very hot. There's at least a 15C difference.

The Swiftech hsf would probably be an excellent hsf, but at $46 shipped, you're better off finding another solution. I spent $7 shipped on my NB47J. Although it gets hot, I have some airflow aimed at it to keep it safe, and the computer is 100% stable. Plus, the Swiftech looks heavy. The nF4 northbridge core is extremely fragile since it's exposed like a socket A CPU, however, it has no protective pads to aid in balancing the heatsink. You'll need to be very careful when installing the heatsink and then avoid bumping it later so that you don't chip the core.

I have the EPoX 9NPA+ Ultra and I am using the NB47J as well. Yeah, it gets hot. I have a Thermalright XP-90C, and the way it blows air out the side puts the the NB47J right in direct line with the exhaust airflow. The RAM on my board gets the same type treatment as the DIMMs are mounted right below the "extension" of the XP-90C. Pretty efficient CPU cooler, and it happens to cool just about everything else around it at the same time.

The A8N-E, which I have owned and since discarded because it was not up to par with my EPoX, has the nF4 Ultra chip right in a heat pocket (under the video card in a tower case). VERY unfortunately placement. Not only is that chip and whatever cooler it is going to use in a heat pocket, but the heat it produces rises and also heats up any video card installed.

BTW, I don't worry about bumping my NB47J. It is EPOXIED ON using Arctic Silver Alumina Thermal Epoxy. No worries there.....

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: Amaroque
The only problem I have is that I can't use the Asus PC Probe with a dual core BIOS. I've always liked Probe. It's not flashy, basic, but informative...

Hmm, works for me with 1006.001 (and 1005)...

 

[cornholio2]

Good news for us who owns this mobo since it will be X2 ready with just a bios update. Let's see if this thing will be a top seller for those who prefer only one PCI-Ex and just upgrade to a newer videocard whenever available. I don't have a problem with the northbridge fan noise beacause I listen to the radio at the same time surfing or playing online. I'm just waiting for it to surrender and change it with NB47J and won't mind with the temp since I have an 80mm case fan facing that direction sucking fresh cool air right at the window.
I was checking the new bios last night ,but found out that beta bios 1006.001 was gone but the 1006.002 is still there. I think this bios is for X2 preparation.
I'd say this is on SWEEEEEEET news from ASUS.

 

[ProviaFan]

What are you talking about? 1005 supports X2 just fine.

 

[Amaroque]

I'm using beta 1006-002. Overclocking with an X2 on 1005 is dismal. 1006-002 overclocks great. (see sig)

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: Amaroque
I'm using beta 1006-002. Overclocking with an X2 on 1005 is dismal. 1006-002 overclocks great. (see sig)

Does 1006-002 have a working HT multiplier? (on my system, 1005 and 1006-001 seem to be stuck at 5x no matter what I set in the BIOS, lending to easy SATA corruption).

BTW, I noticed earlier that 1006-003 just came out, but haven't gotten around to trying it since I'm busy with a project at the moment.

 

[Sonix7]

hi all,

I just ordered two asus a8n-e from ZZF yesterday, they are supposed to arrive next friday.
so...just taking a look at the HSF or the board itself, how would i know if it's the loud one (8000RPM, right?)...in case it is, how exactly do i have to request the new HSF, if he is in new jersey?

How long does it take to arrive, aprox.?

My question is because a friend of mine will received them there, but he has no means to test it. and i'm not in the country

 

[scrawnypaleguy]

check and see how big the fan is, diameter-wise. If it's nice and wide, then you've probably got the new one. I think you have to call Asus directly to get them to send you the fan; don't email them because they'll just tell you to RMA it. Other than that, I dunno, i just bought an aftermarket cooler so it's even quieter.

 

[scrawnypaleguy]

woohoo! just installed the swiftech chipset heatsink, the MCX159-R, and now my chipset temps are below 30C, instead of 35C and above. The POST warned me that the chipset fan was not on, but that's just because the fan has no RPM monitor wire (why it doesn't have one i don't understand, but oh well). Just disabled the chipset fan warning in the BIOS and I'm in business. My computer is now almost silent, except for the whoosh of air coming out of my exhaust port. It fits perfectly on the board too, even with my silent-pipe cooled gigabyte x800xl in very close proximity. if anyone is looking for an alternative to the chipset fan (and you don't mind spending extra for some peace and quiet) i highly recommend this hsf.