Gigabyte GA-K8NS Pro

[generalsmirnov]

I would say with 99.9% certainty that the problem is your RAM. This board is fussy about 512 sticks, and if I recall correctly it refuses to run anything bigger than 512mb sticks. Basically the best most people (like me) can do is get 2 512 sticks running at 166mhz. Some people can get them running at the full 200, but they are sadly few and far between. Get some sticks of even semi-decent 512 ram and see how you go... Oh and I have found the only BIOS that seems to work for me is the F2 bios which the board came with!

 

[bozicek]

Hello.
GA K8NS-PRO
A64 3000+ Newcastle
2*512 DDR 3200 NoName (well Hynix&Samsung)

My 2 cents on this board
I menage to OC my NewCastle. Now it runs at 240*10 (2400MHz; HT 3*; RAM 166), all voltages are default. Bios F9. If I flash BIOS whit F10 it becomes unstable at 240FSB. So like U sayit previously F10 is no good BIOS specialy for OC.

But here is the question. I have 2*512 DDR and this crapy mobo (or is it chipset) automaticly puts RAM on 166. I belive that is becasue I have 2 pairs of sticks. If I have only one, than normaly runs on 200 (1:1).
As I read this threats, mobo is havin problems whit 1GB of ram on one stick.
F**k it. That means Im stuck whit 2*512 on Divider 166; because it runs on 1:1 only whit one stick and must not be larger than 512.

 

[joesmith123456]

I can confirm that the F10 Bios is UTTER CRAP!! Everyone should complain to Gigabyte or at least bug their tech support over this board its ridiculous. The ONLY stable bios that I have come accross for my 2GB of Corsair Value select ram is the F4 Bios, and even it underclocks my DDR400 ram to DDR333. F6-F10 bios will not detect Half of my ram and all eventually give me memory errors, very unstable. F4 bios seems stable most of the time, I do get occassional lockups in XP not sure if its due to the motherboard but they dont happen often enough to be that annoying once every what 2 weeks of having my PC on. Would be nice to update my bios to get updated firmware for the onboard raid controllers though, and it would be nice to actually run my ram at DDR400 with the F4 bios I cant even overclock it to DDR400 by messing with bios settings. Any changes in the bios ram settings results in an unstable system.

450W Antec True Power Supply
GeForce 6800
GA-K8NS Pro
2 x 120 ATA RAID
A64 3200+ Newcastle
CORSAIR Value Select RAM
DDR400
1 x 1GB CAS 3.0
2 x 512MB CAS 2.5

ONLY BIOS that WORKS = F4!

 

[rogelio]

I've RMAed my board... and I'm still getting weird artifacts/problems in XP (with the F10 bios, I might add). Here are a couple screen caps of what I'm talking about... This is probably somehow due to the F'd up F10 bios. (I'm running 2 sticks of 512MB Corsair DDR400). Previously, I was getting erratic BSOD's (memory errors from the unstable BIOS i presume).

http://rogerissa.com/rogelio
(click on the two Picture files in the link)

Which Bios version should I revert to (F4??)... I know that only F10 will allow DDR400 speeds, but at this point, I'll take stability over speedier RAM.

 

[joesmith123456]

try the F2 or F4 bios...some people have had success with F6-F9....but not with my corsair ram. The F4 allowed me to run 2 sticks of Corsair ram at DDR400....but not 3, but maybe it will work with yours. If it dont work at DDR400...try manually setting 166 Max Speed in the Bios...that worked for me too.

 

[rogelio]

F9 Seems to be running fine *so far*. I would have to concur with joesmith123456, beware of F10! They should never have released that BIOS, let alone, in the final (and not BETA) release section.

 

[wallis]

i too can confirm that f10 bios is awful...my comp wouldnt even boot, tried loading optimised defaults, resetting cmos etc..nothing woould save so i went back to my trusty f6...not tried f7-f9 but after my last experience with f10 i think ill stick with what ive got....
BTW f6 used to let me run 2 sticks at 200mhz but for some reason 8 months down the line it wont let me do it anymore...have to have f6 at 166mhz now ...never mind at least its very stable like this

 

[imported_K]

my memory is also only running at 166mhz.. =/

Anyways, any of you know of a good tool to monitor this M/b? I tried using Motherboard Monitor, but that doesn't have this motherboard listed (would picking the K8nxp work?), I guess its too old now. Any info?

Thanks,
k

 

[dainthomas]

Originally posted by: jfrog
I am also having problems with my K8NS-Ultra 939 and any RAM I try to run at 1T command rate. System becomes unstable in Prime95 and even BSOD's.

I should have bought the MSI K8N Neo2 in the first place...

Mine runs 1T fine (kingston). I love this board, and am looking to crank it from 2.2 to 2.4 tonight (on stock cooling, and hopefully stock volts).

 

[rogelio]

Well... even with my new board from 2nd RMA... still having memory issues. I'm back to about a year ago when I was having video game crashes with 2 sticks of RAM. So... I upped the voltage to the ram to 2.7v (0.2+v). I also tried something new... upping the voltage +.1 to the AGP controller... I figured the AGP lock might not be working correctly, and that it's possible the video card isn't getting enough power when the RAM is being fully accessed. In case you're wondering, I have 2 sticks of PC3200 ValueSelect Corsair ram 2.5-3-3-8 timing and an AGP Radeon 9800 Pro. So far, it seems stable (but then again... it also seemed stable for the last 5 days before I got crashes in gaming with standard voltage settings).

This board should have been recalled because of memory addressing problems and undervoltage issues. I've never seen a board that's so unstable with two identically matched sticks of namebrand RAM.

EDIT***

I'm also running F9. I spoke with Corsair and they said they've been getting more problems with the nForce3 250 boards with regard to voltage. They said to place RAM in slots 1 and 3... to up the AGP +.1 and DDR +.2 OR MORE. HOWEVER, this board's BIOS limits the voltage to 2.7v max (+0.2). Corsair said that with 2 sticks... I migh have to up the voltage to even +0.3 or +0.4 (2.8 or 2.9v).

I've already tried contacting Gigabyte... but I figure a little bolstering might help. If you can... please email Gigabyte and ask them to release a BIOS revision that allows increasing the voltage (DDR) more than just +0.2. In fact, some memory module specs state they specifically run at 2.7 or 2.8v. Heh.. .you might also want to add a word about the instability of F10... seems to be the concensus. Strength in numbers

 

[wallis]

my email has just been sent

 

[wallis]

this is a reply i got about f10 bois

Hi,

There is no known issue on the F10 BIOS.
After flashing please set the "Load Optimised Default" in the main BIOS.

Below is a link to infomation and PDF download on how to update the Flash Bios using the 3 different methods

http://uk.giga-byte.com/MotherBoard/Support/BIOS/HowToReflash/HowToReflash_1.htm


:/

 

[joesmith123456]

It's unacceptable, im never buying Gigabyte again.

I don't know what memory they are testing with, I have gotten no where with tech support. Apparently they think the F10 Bios works great, more people need to complain. I received this e-mail from tech support after I informed them of my problems with the F10 Bios. They sent actual pictures of their RAM running at 200Mhz with all 3 slots populated, and basically suggested I get new RAM. Ricidulous, since the same ram works with other Motherboards.

hello,

With the F10 bios updated for this motherboard we have tested with 3 sticks of memory which has no issue and all are being detected correctly.
We have attached some picture for you to reference. All 3 sticks were 512mb each stick. If you can obtain some other types of memory for further testing please do so to confirm the issue.

Thank you


After receiving this e-mail, I decided to just give up on this board and buy a new one. Deciding on getting either an Asus, Aopen, or EpoX motherboard this time. I informed Tech support of my decision and that I would no longer need their help. This was their response.


hello

We will perform further testing with this motherboard, bios version and various types of memory filling up all 3 or one slots.
Please check back with us within 2-3 business days.

Thank you


Good luck to everyone else with this motherboard. Ultimately, I think its hopeless. Avoid Gigabyte at all costs.

*Edit: I would like to say...I received this last response weeks ago, and suprise, suprise no new bios revision after F10.

 

[DavidK21770]

I just got a GA-K8NS Pro to replace an Asus K8V Deluxe with 2 bad memory slots. After reading this forum, I'm wondering if I'm jumping from the frying pan into the fire!

BUT,
I have it working fine at 200 MHz for both the memory and the CPU, but as little a 5% overclocking starts causing memory errors (vs. MemTest86+).
The memory's 2 sticks of 512M OCZ Platinum Edition Enhanced Latency. I have it at +0.2v (the max -- also within OCZ's warranty ).


My question -- will I get improved performance if I go back to the 166 MHz clock divider to get memory stability and push the CPU up a ways.
Or, will the slower memory outweigh the faster CPU?

Thanks!

 

[DavidK21770]

Originally posted by: DavidK21770
I just got a GA-K8NS Pro to replace an Asus K8V Deluxe with 2 bad memory slots. After reading this forum, I'm wondering if I'm jumping from the frying pan into the fire!

BUT,
I have it working fine at 200 MHz for both the memory and the CPU, but as little a 5% overclocking starts causing memory errors (vs. MemTest86+).
The memory's 2 sticks of 512M OCZ Platinum Edition Enhanced Latency. I have it at +0.2v (the max -- also within OCZ's warranty ).


My question -- will I get improved performance if I go back to the 166 MHz clock divider to get memory stability and push the CPU up a ways.
Or, will the slower memory outweigh the faster CPU?

Thanks!

I'll answer my own question in case someone comes in to read this later...

http://neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Guides/athlon64oc/4.html shows that running the memory with a divider and overclocking the CPU yields good results.
I'm running at 2640 (+10% overclock) with the memory at 4:5 and am seeing good gains .

 

[rogelio]

I have no doubt that this board was pushed out to beat others in the market... at the cost of numerous issues that have continued to surface (memory issues).

I would like ALL of you who continue to experience problems to please email me with a detailed description of both the hardware and bios issues you are having... I will be spearheading an attempt to get a significant response from gigabyte.

Please direct your emails to:
My Email

By the way... F11 is released. Are there any brave souls who would care to try out this latest revision?

 

[joesmith123456]

F11...another dud. Tried it....first of all....only recognized half of my RAM as usual with all BIOS above F4....and refused to boot windows like the F10 bios did. I guess they keep building on the F10 code.

ugh....caused some corruption in my filesystem too....avoid at all costs!

 

[rogelio]

I had noticed corruptions (permanent) in windows with F10 as well... it's so funny (yet sad ) that you mentioned that. I had problems using alcohol 120 mounting drives, some files were corrupted in windows, and other stuff... I restored from a ghost backup prior to using F10, and the corruptions went away.

This bios thing is really starting to scare the crap out of me... windows corruptions, that's seriously bordering on negligence if they aren't listening to us about F10 and above not being stable.

 

[Videoarizona]

Gentlemen,

I'm running 3 sticks of 512KMushkin PC3200 ram with my K8NS Pro MB (V1.00). Runs stock fine. Did start to overclock a tad, but client came in and just haven't got around to trying again.

Running AMD 64 3400+. Antec Case with 350 True Power PS.

I do have one problem though: The MB refuses to recognize my LiteOn or another 16X DVD-Writer! XP only sees the units as readers. Sony's Vegas Pro edit software and Pro DVD software don't see the units at all. Sony has been working on it for over a month yet, no success yet. The DVD unit is plugged in the Secondary Master slot and has the secondary ATA buss to itself. I am using the standard on board raid ATA connectors for 3 other ATA drives...but not in raid mode. Just normal IDE mode.

All drivers are properly loaded, BIOS was recently upgraded to F10 from F9. No other issues.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[wallis]

i think im just gonna have to accept that i cant run my 2 sticks of ram at 200mhz.....so im sticking with my ram at 166mhz and F6 bios cos its been really stable at least...i suppose theres not much to be gained by it being at 200mhz anyway

 

[nemesismk2]

My geil value memory (2x512mb pc3200) works perfectly with all of the recent bios for my k8ns pro.

 

[imported_Moses]

Ok guys I pretty much read most of this thread and all I can say is wow, I am never getting Gigabyte again. EVER.
So with that aside I have the GA-K8NS Pro and have the memory problem aswell (obviously). I have 2x512MB Corsair XMS PC3200 CL2 RAM and it runs at 166 and I cannot get it to stay at 200. Some of you have gotten your RAM to run at the speeds you want it to and I was wondering if anyone could help me do it aswell. I cannot boot with 2 sticks of RAM with any bios higher than F9 so that is what I am running at the moment. I am really peeved because my old 2600+ with 1.5 gigs of PC2100 ram runs battlefield 2 better than my AMD Athlon 64 3000+ and 1 gig of PC3200 high preformance ram.

ANyways any help it welcomed, thanks alot in advance guys.

 

[DavidK21770]

Originally posted by: Moses
Ok guys I pretty much read most of this thread and all I can say is wow, I am never getting Gigabyte again. EVER.
So with that aside I have the GA-K8NS Pro and have the memory problem aswell (obviously). I have 2x512MB Corsair XMS PC3200 CL2 RAM and it runs at 166 and I cannot get it to stay at 200. Some of you have gotten your RAM to run at the speeds you want it to and I was wondering if anyone could help me do it aswell. I cannot boot with 2 sticks of RAM with any bios higher than F9 so that is what I am running at the moment. I am really peeved because my old 2600+ with 1.5 gigs of PC2100 ram runs battlefield 2 better than my AMD Athlon 64 3000+ and 1 gig of PC3200 high preformance ram.

ANyways any help it welcomed, thanks alot in advance guys.

Try different memory slots. I'm using 1 and 3 with my OCZ-EL PC3200 (AMD64 3400+).
I can run at full speed with 1:1 memory, but when I overclock (225 MHz) I have to use the 4:5 memory divider.

I'm using BIOS F9. F10 works, but I read enough complaints that I went back to F9 (no problems experienced, but better safe than sorry).

I'm assuming that you know the [ctrl]f1 trick to get at the advanced bios page that has the memory clock max speed so that you can force it to 200 MHz (once you get it to boot with 2 sticks ).

David

 

[midnightblue]

Hi, I haven't had any problems with this MB turning off but, I started it up the other day and it wouldn't post beep. All it did was continuosly flash the HD light, cdrom, lights etc. it would not boot up. I'm still trying to figure it out. I'm going to change out video cards as I just got done putting in a ati 9800 pro about two weeks ago an make sure its not that, I just hope it's not that, I hope it's something simpler. Just thought I'd let you know about my problem in case youv'e ever heard of it before, Thanks Larry

 

[joesmith123456]

midnightblue.....clear CMOS....I was having the same problem and that fixed it.

Also...I have a little PSA if you are having FREEZING...and or CRASHING problems since July 20th 2005....but everything was working fine before a Driver from windows update for your LAN card may be the problem. I spent a whole week trying to figure it out, finally I found someone who was having a similar problem with a different motherboard. Incidentally, they are both Marvell based LAN controllers.

http://eqforums.station.sony.com/eq/boa...d=tech&message.id=101021&no_redir=true

On July 20th 2005 (or sometime shortly after), Windows Update put out an update for "Marvell Marvell Yukon 88E8001/8003/8010 PCI Gigabit Ethernet Controller".

This problem has been reported for several ASUS motherboards, but I can confirm that it is causing problems with the k8ns pro as well. Download the driver from the gigabyte website and the freezing will dissappear!!