EPoX "EP-9NPA+Ultra" NVIDIA nForce4 ULTRA Chipset Motherboard

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: Dagon
I took the motherboard out of the case and disconnected everything but what you said to leave on it. I still didn't get signal so I guess I will RMA my antec and replace it with a different one. Perhaps I will take the liberty of purchasing the one that you have listed in your system, obviously it works. Is there any chance that I may have gotten a bad motherboard or are you pretty confident that it is my PSU?

Borrow a friends power supply and see if it posts. If it turns out to be the motherboard, it'll save you the hassel of returning the Antec if it works ok. If the Antec is to blame and you're on a budget, don't buy an Enermax as you'll end up paying a premium for the brand. You can get great power supplies for 1/2 the price of an Enermax.

techfuzz

 

[SPQQKY]

I don't think you can get an equivelant PSU for half the price. I would like to see that and will eat my dirty shorts if you can prove that.
Here are 4 to choose from, even an Antec, though I chose a TruePowerII as they don't have the problems the older models do. Nothing wrong with a decent Antec, as long as you choose the proper one for your system.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103459

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103464

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103489

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103928

BTW, if you are interested, here is the exact model I am using:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103462

I do agree that you should see if you can barrow a friends PSU to be sure before going through RMA on your Antec, there is always the chance the board is indeed DOA. I have never had that happen to me, but you never know.

 

[spike48]

Hi all, I've been reading this forum and am about sold on the EP-9NPA+Ultra
I would like to put 2 gigs of ram in it though.

I would like to use 2 - 1 gig sticks of memory to allow for future expansion.
Is there a performance difference from the 2-1gig sticks verses 4-512meg ones?
Also, what memory do you recommend for overclocking?

Thanks.

p.s. I know this has been brought up to some degree in earlier posts but I'm
hoping that you all have more info since the beginning of this thread.

 

[sgtdic]

this is the power supply i bought. it works great, no problems, and is atleast half the price of those listed above. it has all of the connectors this mobo needs too.

nullhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817171007

 

[SPQQKY]

You get what you pay for. If you want to run your system on a cheap PSU, be my guest. It's not a component you want to skimp on, but I won't say any more about them.

I believe OCZ has the best 2GB kit available right now. Although I am a Corsair fanboy, I'd have to recommend the OCZ right now for performance and price.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227210

I've not heard much about this kit, but coming from GSKill and given the price, it's worth a shot.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231020

 

[Dagon]

Thanks guys, I actually have a friend that is building a system right now. I'll give him a call and see if he can bring over his PSU. I like the looks of that Enermax whisperII and beings it is only $3 more for 105 watts more than my antec, mabye I'll RMA anyway. It would probably cost me another $20 though with shipping and restocking fees. To me the biggest cost right now is waiting for my stuff to be delivered. I've got the new computer buzz going on.

I did notice something while I had the motherboard out of the case however. The fan on the video card was still spinning even though I wasn't getting a signal. Seems strange to me although i would suppose the voltage to run a fan is pretty minimal.

 

[SPQQKY]

My old Antec 430w TruePower would fire up everything on my KV8 Pro for a second then off, then on, then off, then on, etc., etc.. On an IC7 it would do what you are describing. On a Soyo KT400 Platinum, it ran fine.......you just never know how hardware is going to react with other hardware.

 

[Dagon]

Unfortunately my friend has the exact same psu as I do, but we played the swap game anyway.
When I took his psu and put it on my system i still got no display on the monitor.

When I took my psu and put it on his system, we got no display on the monitor, however, we got this highly annoying ear piercing ringing sound as soon as we turned on his computer. The sound was so loud that we couldnt decipher what it was coming from.

Perhaps the psu just does not work on this motherboard and I coincidentally got a dud as well.

 

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: SPQQKY
I don't think you can get an equivelant PSU for half the price. I would like to see that and will eat my dirty shorts if you can prove that.
Here are 4 to choose from, even an Antec, though I chose a TruePowerII as they don't have the problems the older models do. Nothing wrong with a decent Antec, as long as you choose the proper one for your system.

I agree with you completely. There is nothing wrong with an Antec or any other PSU as long as you get one that will properly run your system. I've used them in many of my systems over the years.

The point I was making was based on whether the OP was on a budget he really need not be considering Enermax PSU's because they typically cost more than comparable PSU's. I could spend time picking comparable PSU's with matching specs to your PSU, but that is just plain silly and a waste of time frankly.

Back to the task at hand now. Dagon, let me know what you eventually find out. I'm curious to know if it is just a PSU incompatibility or a dead board.

techfuzzcaf nI

 

[SPQQKY]

I could spend time picking comparable PSU's with matching specs to your PSU

Sure, on paper, but in the end, cheaper models claiming to have same specs as higher end products tend to use poor quality components and produce unclean power plagued with ripple and noise.
Given the reaction the PSU made on your friends system, I'm going to say its a dud, though with him having the same PSU and not firing your system either, your stuck RMAing the PSU anyway IMHO.

 

[Novercalis]

alright guys, im about rdy to build my rig since I got almost everything in.

should I use the latest bios for this board from the official site or you guys have something I might no know and recommend me to use?
same with drivers for any of my other component..

rig in sig.

 

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: Novercalis
alright guys, im about rdy to build my rig since I got almost everything in.

should I use the latest bios for this board from the official site or you guys have something I might no know and recommend me to use?
same with drivers for any of my other component..

rig in sig.

Use the latest BIOS on their website.

techfuzz

 

[Dagon]

RMA'd my Antec today and ordered the Enermax WhisperII 535w ATX2. Hopefully I will have my system up and running by Monday and if not, I get to wait another week for a replacement motherboard. With any luck, which i seem to be short on, this will fix my problem. Did I mention I got free shipping? Hurray!

 

[bigjp]

Hi guys. This is my first post here and I'm starting to build my first computer. Wish I would've started reading this BB earlier because I would've bought a different hsf. Anyway, I have one now and I think it'll work just fine. It's a Thermaltake Tower112 with 2 Thermaltake SilentCat 90mm fans attached. It's pretty heavy and I'm trying to attach it to my EP-9NPA+Ultra (decided on this board because of this thread....thanks!). There are mounting holes for the brackets, but they are not punched out. They are filled in and don't seem to be able to just be pushed out (well, I don't want to break anything, so didn't try too hard). How do I get these holes punched out so I can mount this hsf?

I'm a newbie with building computers and anything computer related as a whole, so I'll be asking quite a few questions when I get things put together I'm sure. THANK YOU (yes, I'm screaming here) in advance.

 

[route66]

Welcome to AT!

 

[Azkarr]

I seem to have an audio stuttering problem using the 9NPA+Ultra. Not sre if its mobo related. I made a thread in the support section but didn't get a reply. I think it's mobo related because my old P4 one using the same parts except for processor didn't stutter. The audio usually stutters when my internet (on the onboard lan) is very active, and can happen while paying online games also. In fact, games like CS:S can freeze for a brief moment when the sound stutters. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance.

Specs:
AMD 3000+ 64 Venice at stock
Epox 9NPA+Ultra
512x2 Rosewill DDR400 at auto timings (3-4-4-8)
On board audio w/ Realtek drivers
MSI 6600 GT at stock - relatively new, so shouldn't be an issue
Thermaltake SilentPurepower 480W
160 GB Hitachi SATA HD (OS - XP Pro)
160 GB PATA Seagare HD - also new

 

[SPQQKY]

Originally posted by: bigjp
Hi guys. This is my first post here and I'm starting to build my first computer. Wish I would've started reading this BB earlier because I would've bought a different hsf. Anyway, I have one now and I think it'll work just fine. It's a Thermaltake Tower112 with 2 Thermaltake SilentCat 90mm fans attached. It's pretty heavy and I'm trying to attach it to my EP-9NPA+Ultra (decided on this board because of this thread....thanks!). There are mounting holes for the brackets, but they are not punched out. They are filled in and don't seem to be able to just be pushed out (well, I don't want to break anything, so didn't try too hard). How do I get these holes punched out so I can mount this hsf?

I'm a newbie with building computers and anything computer related as a whole, so I'll be asking quite a few questions when I get things put together I'm sure. THANK YOU (yes, I'm screaming here) in advance.

Sounds like you're trying to use the P4 bracket. Check Thermaltakes web site and see if they have any install directions. From the pictures I have seen of that monster HSF, I can't tell how it mounts.

 

[bigjp]

Originally posted by: SPQQKY

Originally posted by: bigjp
Hi guys. This is my first post here and I'm starting to build my first computer. Wish I would've started reading this BB earlier because I would've bought a different hsf. Anyway, I have one now and I think it'll work just fine. It's a Thermaltake Tower112 with 2 Thermaltake SilentCat 90mm fans attached. It's pretty heavy and I'm trying to attach it to my EP-9NPA+Ultra (decided on this board because of this thread....thanks!). There are mounting holes for the brackets, but they are not punched out. They are filled in and don't seem to be able to just be pushed out (well, I don't want to break anything, so didn't try too hard). How do I get these holes punched out so I can mount this hsf?

I'm a newbie with building computers and anything computer related as a whole, so I'll be asking quite a few questions when I get things put together I'm sure. THANK YOU (yes, I'm screaming here) in advance.

Sounds like you're trying to use the P4 bracket. Check Thermaltakes web site and see if they have any install directions. From the pictures I have seen of that monster HSF, I can't tell how it mounts.

Thanks for the Reply! It looks like I only need to attach the "H" plate using two bolts. One bolt on each side with an "H" plate on front and back of mobo. I wish I could attach more botls because this thing is heavy. I may look for another way to get some support on it. I won't be moving the pc around, so I guess I don't need to worry too much though.

Next question....I have two fans on my hsf and two case fans. However, there are only 3 fan connectors on the mobo. How can I plug all four fans in without a fan controller? I'm going to buy a controller soon, but want to start hooking things up this weekend. I'll order one in the next day or two, but it takes a week to get to me (I'm on an overseas military base and that's as fast as mail can get to me).

I was going to ask the fan question in the proper forum, but I figure it relates a lot to the 3 pin connectors on the mobo. So any suggestions on how to get all the fans running?

One more note....I'm sh!tting my pants right now looking at all this equipment on my table. I hope I didn't bite off more than I can chew....it will be a learning experience for sure. I'll try my best not to freak out on you guys.

 

[SPQQKY]

You'll need some 3 to 4 pin molex connectors so you can hook the fans directly to the PSU. PM me your addy and I can send you a few, I have about 2 dozen lying around.

 

[bigjp]

Thanks Spooky! Very cool of you to offer, but I'll run down to my local shop and pick a few up tomorrow. I'm in Japan and there is a pretty good computer shop a few blocks away. Most of the stuff there is for build your own use, so I'm sure I can find them.

 

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: Azkarr
I seem to ahve an audio stuttering problem using the 9NPA+Ultra. Not sre if its mobo related. I made a thread in the support section but didn't get a reply. I think it's mobo related because my old P4 one using the same parts except for processor didn't stutter. The audio usually stutters when my internet (on the onboard lan) is very active, and can happen while paying online games also. In fact, games like CS:S can freeze for a brief moment when the sound stutters. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance.

Are the nforce drivers up to date? There might also be an IRQ conflict that's worth checking into.

techfuzz

 

[Azkarr]

Originally posted by: techfuzz

Originally posted by: Azkarr
I seem to ahve an audio stuttering problem using the 9NPA+Ultra. Not sre if its mobo related. I made a thread in the support section but didn't get a reply. I think it's mobo related because my old P4 one using the same parts except for processor didn't stutter. The audio usually stutters when my internet (on the onboard lan) is very active, and can happen while paying online games also. In fact, games like CS:S can freeze for a brief moment when the sound stutters. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance.

Are the nforce drivers up to date? There might also be an IRQ conflict that's worth checking into.

techfuzz

I tried all sorts of different drivers. I'm currently using the 6.56 drivers since the 6.66 ones don't seem to be that helpful. In the IRQ settings show no conflits, though the Realtek AC' 97 Audio shares IRQ 20 with a Nforce4 ADMA controller. I also tried various Realtek audio drivers, but they don't help.

Could it be that my BIOS (which is the most current one) is having problems with my RAM or something else? The RAM are at stock settings, but I'm sure that when I received the board with the original BIOS, audio didn't stutter at all. I'm not sure how the problem began though.

 

[SPQQKY]

Originally posted by: Azkarr

Originally posted by: techfuzz

Originally posted by: Azkarr
I seem to ahve an audio stuttering problem using the 9NPA+Ultra. Not sre if its mobo related. I made a thread in the support section but didn't get a reply. I think it's mobo related because my old P4 one using the same parts except for processor didn't stutter. The audio usually stutters when my internet (on the onboard lan) is very active, and can happen while paying online games also. In fact, games like CS:S can freeze for a brief moment when the sound stutters. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance.

Are the nforce drivers up to date? There might also be an IRQ conflict that's worth checking into.

techfuzz

I tried all sorts of different drivers. I'm currently using the 6.56 drivers since the 6.66 ones don't seem to be that helpful. In the IRQ settings show no conflits, though the Realtek AC' 97 Audio shares IRQ 20 with a Nforce4 ADMA controller. I also tried various Realtek audio drivers, but they don't help.

Could it be that my BIOS (which is the most current one) is having problems with my RAM or something else? The RAM are at stock settings, but I'm sure that when I received the board with the original BIOS, audio didn't stutter at all. I'm not sure how the problem began though.

Try flashing back to previous BIOS. Run memtest86+ to be sure.

 

[Azkarr]

Well, I flashed back did memtest, and it passed w/o any errors, but the stuttering was still there. I don't think the RAM is messed up. I emailed Epox but haven't gotten an answer yet. Not really sure now what to do now.

 

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: Azkarr
Well, I flashed back did memtest, and it passed w/o any errors, but the stuttering was still there. I don't think the RAM is messed up. I emailed Epox but haven't gotten an answer yet. Not really sure now what to do now.

Got a spare 10/100 NIC card you can use instead of the onboard one? That might help you narrow down the root cause of the stuttering.

techfuzz