So shoman, how is the beta bios working out for you?
Regarding the problems with sata, Aopen openly (no pun intended) admits that you should no use sata drives if you are OCing because of the high frequencies. This doesn't quite make since, as I believe two have a direct link w/ 233mb/s theoretical, and other two can be dealt with using pci lock. Doesn't make a difference to me as I am utilizing a 0+1 SCSI III setup, and the Hercules suits my needs. But, you might want to try using an ide drive and see if you can stabalize your system.
Anyway, my board is on its way and I was just wanted to know how the beta bios currently available is working out for present owners. Once I have my system setup I will post my OC results as I am using a WC system and I am hopeful that I can get this puppy in between 255-265 given the results posted by the Aopen crew on their site using only air cooling, and what i have seen on this thread.
Here is what my setup will be if your interested:
AX4C Max
2*512 Geil Dragon PC3500
4*36.7GB SCSIII running RAID 0+1
1/2 High Volume Water Cooled; 130 cfm Delta
I am excited to see if I get any performance boost on the HD using the Hercules slot. On my GNB board I have been able to get 122 mb/s sequential, and I am curious as to how close I can come to the 133 theoretical threshold of the pci bus. The reason on bought this board as opposed to the other Canterwood boards. May be slightly slower, with all things being equal, but the differences are nominal in the synthetics and should not have any real world effect. Plus the price was right.