New DS3 BIOS

[Gary Key]

Please try this BIOS and let me know how it works. Still at Gigabyte trying to get it fixed.

Link to F8i

 

[Warren21]

If I get you results will you tell me when RD600 comes out ?

 

[Fiddy]

Gary,
I loaded the F8i Bios on my DS3 and it still will not boot at 500 with my 6300. The highest I have been able to get so far is 486 x 7 which ain't bad really. This is applying 1.48 Vcore, 2.3v on the ram and all of the other voltages in the bios maxed. PCI locked at 100 and all the other non essential stuff turned off.

I'm using 2 x 512mb of this Wintec AmpX DDR2-6400 4-4-4-12.
Newegg Wintec Ampx

I'm not sure what modules are used in these sticks. Wintec won't pony up the info when I asked the factory rep by telephone. I have been able to get 570MHz with these sticks on a 1:2 ratio running the FSB low. If you know what they used please let me know.

Nvidia 7900 GS, (I was using a 6600 GT with the same result.)
Antec 430 PSU
Rev. C1 NB
TAT shows 46C @ Idle with a Big Typoon

 

[vailr]

Is there a download location for the official Gigabyte bios flash utility?
Bought a Newegg refurb DS3 board, which has no driver/utility CD (that would be included with a retail board).
Thanks!

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Fiddy
Gary,
I loaded the F8i Bios on my DS3 and it still will not boot at 500 with my 6300. The highest I have been able to get so far is 486 x 7 which ain't bad really. This is applying 1.48 Vcore, 2.3v on the ram and all of the other voltages in the bios maxed. PCI locked at 100 and all the other non essential stuff turned off.

I'm using 2 x 512mb of this Wintec AmpX DDR2-6400 4-4-4-12.
Newegg Wintec Ampx

I'm not sure what modules are used in these sticks. Wintec won't pony up the info when I asked the factory rep by telephone. I have been able to get 570MHz with these sticks on a 1:2 ratio running the FSB low. If you know what they used please let me know.

Nvidia 7900 GS, (I was using a 6600 GT with the same result.)
Antec 430 PSU
Rev. C1 NB
TAT shows 46C @ Idle with a Big Typoon

I couldn't find the info anywhere, but the DDR2-533 that was listed says it used Micron D9. These could be D9 or could be Infenion, Promos, or something else.

 

[Gary Key]

Originally posted by: Fiddy
Gary,
I loaded the F8i Bios on my DS3 and it still will not boot at 500 with my 6300. The highest I have been able to get so far is 486 x 7 which ain't bad really. This is applying 1.48 Vcore, 2.3v on the ram and all of the other voltages in the bios maxed. PCI locked at 100 and all the other non essential stuff turned off.

I'm using 2 x 512mb of this Wintec AmpX DDR2-6400 4-4-4-12.
Newegg Wintec Ampx

I'm not sure what modules are used in these sticks. Wintec won't pony up the info when I asked the factory rep by telephone. I have been able to get 570MHz with these sticks on a 1:2 ratio running the FSB low. If you know what they used please let me know.

Nvidia 7900 GS, (I was using a 6600 GT with the same result.)
Antec 430 PSU
Rev. C1 NB
TAT shows 46C @ Idle with a Big Typoon

WinTec uses Micron D9 or Infineon in the their AMP-X product line generally. If it is D9 then go to +.6 on the voltage and try it again please, take Vcore up to 1.5250, drop MCH to +.2 unless you can cool the Northbridge. The heatsink is crap when going to +.3. We noticed in testing today that D9 needed 2.4V and the CPU needed a little extra with this BIOS. Just something to try to see if it works or not. They are still tuning but it appeared this BIOS was a step in the right direction.

 

[Fiddy]

Gary,
I've already started to try it out with the x6 multi. Right now the ram's running 1064, cpu fsb @ 266 x 6. I do have a little 40mm fan wired to the NB heatsink, I might have to put the 60mm back on there.
Wow 2.4v on the ram and 1.5250v on the cpu? Well, the cold front did come thru ATX tonight and it's getting chilly already so it'll be condusive to o'clocking. I'll let you know on the results. BTW, this is week 28 retail chip.

 

[davidos]

Originally posted by: Gary Key

Originally posted by: Fiddy
Gary,
I loaded the F8i Bios on my DS3 and it still will not boot at 500 with my 6300. The highest I have been able to get so far is 486 x 7 which ain't bad really. This is applying 1.48 Vcore, 2.3v on the ram and all of the other voltages in the bios maxed. PCI locked at 100 and all the other non essential stuff turned off.

I'm using 2 x 512mb of this Wintec AmpX DDR2-6400 4-4-4-12.
Newegg Wintec Ampx

I'm not sure what modules are used in these sticks. Wintec won't pony up the info when I asked the factory rep by telephone. I have been able to get 570MHz with these sticks on a 1:2 ratio running the FSB low. If you know what they used please let me know.

Nvidia 7900 GS, (I was using a 6600 GT with the same result.)
Antec 430 PSU
Rev. C1 NB
TAT shows 46C @ Idle with a Big Typoon

WinTec uses Micron D9 or Infineon in the their AMP-X product line generally. If it is D9 then go to +.6 on the voltage and try it again please, take Vcore up to 1.5250, drop MCH to +.2 unless you can cool the Northbridge. The heatsink is crap when going to +.3. We noticed in testing today that D9 needed 2.4V and the CPU needed a little extra with this BIOS. Just something to try to see if it works or not. They are still tuning but it appeared this BIOS was a step in the right direction.

GARY,
I tried the bios and still can't get past 450 MHz (e6300, 5-5-5-15)... I just tried 2.4v on the memory, 1.5250 on the vcore and +.3 on the mch, +.3 fsb (i have a 40mm fan on the northbridge)... NO GO.

Can you give us your exact settings? Also, Turbo, Fast or Normal on the memory? Do you disable any USB or legacy devices? Also, my DS3 is a C2... is that holding me back?

 

[Gary Key]

I will post up my settings when I return tomorrow. I am traveling the rest of the day. I have forwarded the comments to Gigabyte. Thank you for the replies.

 

[AdamK47]

The DS3 may be the most frustrating motherboard I have ever used. I flashed to F8i hoping to get better memory speeds. It turns out that I get just the opposite. I cannot even get the board to POST at 400MHz FSB anymore. In order to do that I have to set the MCH voltage to +.1 and even then when I shut down and restart the system the board reverts to failsafe clockspeeds. 400MHz FSB is what I normally use. I've set everything up the same way I do with previous BIOS revisions. The fact that instead of getting the hyped increase I get a decrease. When I get a different motherboard I'm going to break this one over my knee. I'll be sure to record it and post it on these forums.

 

[BlingBlingArsch]

iam with u bro, and anandt should mention the bugs of different boards in their articles and not just write bout insane and mind blowing l33t overclocking results...i know that the latter sells better but users deserve to see whats under the surface before they buy buggy boards. and those gigabyte suffer from many different errors..
[/flamemode]

 

[Fiddy]

Ok, so far using 1.525Vore, 2.4vdimm F8i BIOS
x 6 multi and 2:3 ratio I hit 1062 on the ram, 354 fsb on the CPU = 2250Mhz
x 7 multi and 4:5 ratio I hit 1150 on the ram, 460 fsb on the CPU = 3220Mhz
x 7 multi and 1:1 ratio I hit 988 on the ram, 494 fsb on the CPU = 3458Mhz

As a baseline before with the F7 bios at the 1:1 ratio I could hit 970 on the ram, 7 x 485 fsb on the CPU = 3400MHz with 1.32Vcore, 2.2Vdimm

So with the boosted voltages I hit roughly a 0.98 percent increase on the 1:1 ratio. WooHoo!!!! :shocked:

 

[Roguestar]

Quick question (which no-one seems to answer anywhere else):

If I go out and buy a gigabyte DS3 right now, for the sake of argument, will it run Micron D9 at 2.1v or whatever it is in order to boot straight out of the box? Do I need a stick of crappy DDR2 to boot it and flash and update the BIOS and change DDR2 voltages? Basically what I'm asking is do the recent DS3s come with the F1 BIOS or as soon as the BIOS is released is it from then applied to all manufactured boards?

 

[davidos]

I think mine came with the F3 or F4 bios and I bought it in September... You will be able to boot with any memory...

 

[davidos]

Originally posted by: AdamK47 3DS
The DS3 may be the most frustrating motherboard I have ever used. I flashed to F8i hoping to get better memory speeds. It turns out that I get just the opposite. I cannot even get the board to POST at 400MHz FSB anymore. In order to do that I have to set the MCH voltage to +.1 and even then when I shut down and restart the system the board reverts to failsafe clockspeeds. 400MHz FSB is what I normally use. I've set everything up the same way I do with previous BIOS revisions. The fact that instead of getting the hyped increase I get a decrease. When I get a different motherboard I'm going to break this one over my knee. I'll be sure to record it and post it on these forums.

I'm with you on that statement... I went back to F7 and restarted and it still can't hold any overclocked settings... I have to do this dance where i turn off the power at the right time and then try a cold boot... but the problem with that is you have to go into the bios and put in the overclocked settings and when you save those settings the computer 'restarts' and the settings never hold...

 

[aldamon]

Originally posted by: AdamK47 3DS
The DS3 may be the most frustrating motherboard I have ever used. I flashed to F8i hoping to get better memory speeds. It turns out that I get just the opposite. I cannot even get the board to POST at 400MHz FSB anymore. In order to do that I have to set the MCH voltage to +.1 and even then when I shut down and restart the system the board reverts to failsafe clockspeeds. 400MHz FSB is what I normally use. I've set everything up the same way I do with previous BIOS revisions. The fact that instead of getting the hyped increase I get a decrease.

F8i has been great for me so far. I'm at 460 and climbing with my D9. Are you clearing the CMOS after you flash? This usually works for me, but occasionally, yes, overclocks will not stick and defaults will be loaded. I don't give up though. Usually after trying a couple of times the settings stick and I'm on my way.

 

[davidos]

Originally posted by: aldamon

Originally posted by: AdamK47 3DS
The DS3 may be the most frustrating motherboard I have ever used. I flashed to F8i hoping to get better memory speeds. It turns out that I get just the opposite. I cannot even get the board to POST at 400MHz FSB anymore. In order to do that I have to set the MCH voltage to +.1 and even then when I shut down and restart the system the board reverts to failsafe clockspeeds. 400MHz FSB is what I normally use. I've set everything up the same way I do with previous BIOS revisions. The fact that instead of getting the hyped increase I get a decrease.

F8i has been great for me so far. I'm at 460 and climbing with my D9. Are you clearing the CMOS after you flash? This usually works for me, but occasionally, yes, overclocks will not stick and defaults will be loaded. I don't give up though. Usually after trying a couple of times the settings stick and I'm on my way.

Clearing the CMOS manually on the board? no I haven't been doing that but I will definately try. Thanks.

 

[Gary Key]

Originally posted by: BlingBlingArsch
iam with u bro, and anandt should mention the bugs of different boards in their articles and not just write bout insane and mind blowing l33t overclocking results...i know that the latter sells better but users deserve to see whats under the surface before they buy buggy boards. and those gigabyte suffer from many different errors..
[/flamemode]

What bugs are you encountering that we have not already mentioned with this board? If you provide specifics then we can work with Gigabyte (or others) to solve them. While this BIOS is not perfect at least we are trying to resolve the D9 overclocking issue (even though overclocking is not guaranteed), the X-FI issue, and the on-board sound crapping out at 470FSB as an example. The vast majority of issues with PATA and memory support are long gone now.

We complained about the P965 launch being too early, we complained about the issues we found with this board. We report what we find during testing but it is impossible to setup and try 25000+ different hardware configurations on each board. We have extended testing to 300 plus hours on a board now and certainly are trying to identify issues upon release or between BIOS changes during testing. Our focus is switching from pure performance to features and support at this time in order to address the ownership experience.

I have had one person write in to complain about the overclocking capability with this BIOS and have over 500 messages saying it works better than any of the previous BIOS releases although other minor issues here and there have cropped up. It is not perfect but please tell me a board or BIOS that is for 100% of its owners.

At least you have the ability to try a sanctioned beta BIOS and provide feedback so the next one can be improved. How many people offered you a beta BIOS to test and will provide another update shortly to address issues found in this round of testing? You do not have to try it but at least you have the opportunity at this site. You can continue to flame at will or you can help us solve the issues. Your choice. OFF my Soapbox now.

 

[Fiddy]

Well, myself for one am very happy with my set up. To almost double the speed from 1860 stock to 3400 ain't bad.

Compared to the old MSI 6163 Pro I was using with a slot adapter going from 750 to 933 with my PIII this is all cake. Try overclocking with a bunch of tiny mysterious jumpers while having to juggle IRQ's manually and plugging the cards in different slots to find the right combonation. What a headache that was.

Uhh, ok I had the sound card in slot 2 but I can't share the same IRQ with the nic and the modem has to use COM 3 but only if I use IRQ 4 and unplug the USB hub when I boot.....
It was an all day affair.

All that for a huge 183MHz overclock. Anyone remember the Intel Overdrive? Now that's overclocking right there I tell 'ya.

With this mobo you can twist the hell out of it with a couple of keystrokes. And if you go to far, no problemo. Just hit the reset button and try again. (BTW, I learned that if you overclocked in the bios and went to far and it keeps trying to boot, just hold the reset button down and it will reset the cmos.)

So go easy, they'll figure it out soon enough.

 

[imported_MaxFSB]

Gary --
My Team D9 is liking the F8i nicely. Before on F5 I was brick walled at 440 FSB 4-4-3-9 2.2V. Running Memtest right now on F8i at 480 FSB 1:1, still at 4-4-3-9 2.2V! Vcore on my E6300 is 1.450, using +.1 on MCH and FSB. Passing all memtest tests no prob, 5250 MB/s. This is a huge improvement with my Team D9 kit. I am pretty sure I can hit 500 FSB with memtest stable if I up the VDimm to 2.4v and go to 5-4-4-10. I will try that this weekend.

Huge THANKS to Gary Key and Gigabyte for staying on this DS3/D9 Bios timings issue. I hope they can get it even more dialed in, but I am real happy with 480/960/3360 running on F8i so far. Gary please post the DS3 resistor board mod how-to when you have a chance if that is recommended for higher 1:1 FSB.

MaxFSB

 

[davidos]

Do you guys use Normal, Fast or Turbo on the memory?

 

[Fiddy]

Normal

 

[Gary Key]

Originally posted by: davidos
Do you guys use Normal, Fast or Turbo on the memory?

Normal at this time, for some odd reason in the F4 and F5 BIOS it seemed as though we could get an additional 10FSB with Turbo but had to increase TRAS past 12 to do it.

 

[imported_MaxFSB]

Now up to 490 FSB 4-4-3-9 with my Team Group 800/1000, had to up VDimm to 2.3V (+0.5) to get memtest test 5 to pass. Its been running for almost 12 hours at 490 1:1 with 0 errors. Still using +0.1 on MCH and FSB, Normal on the memory mode setting.

This F8i Bios is working great so far on my rig. I think my E6300 is near its limit at 490/3430 though. I might try using the 6x multiplier instead to see if I can get the FSB up to 500 1:1. Here is the Team DDR2 I am using:

Team 800/1000 DDR2

Its a little pricy so I am real glad that Gary and Gigabyte have this DS3/ Micron D9 memory timings in the Bios figured out so I can use it at the speed I paid for. Thanks again,

MaxFSB

 

[vailr]

When will the F8 bios for the DS3 be officially released?
And, did anyone inquire about an update for the JMicron/Gigabyte controller [or also for the Intel ICH8 controller] bios-within-a-bios?
With the F8a bios, I can't get the purple JMicron ports to recognize a Seagate SATA drive attached there, but which works fine when attached to an orange ICH8 SATA port.
An IDE DVD-RW works fine however, attached to the JMicron IDE port.
Should I RMA the board?
TIA