*** Official ASUS A7N8X/Deluxe (nForce2) Thread ***

[pelikan]

The way to know if your temps are okay, and if you are safe at that vcore with the stock heatsink, is to run prime95. If your temps are too high it will show errors within 20 minutes. It will, of course, also test the stability of your overclock.

 

[AMDBarton2500]

Will do that tonight....thanks.

How accurate are the temps in BIOS....after you shut down and restart PC (after few hours of use) obviousely they dont show the temps under load..

 

[Regalk]

Temps in Bios are fairly accurate but mine fluctuates wildly. Case temp does not appear to work in Bios or MBM. Always shows 16C in Bios while MBM - 29C all the time. (using Asus 3 and 25C with Asus 4). My board rev 1.04 is now one year old and still looking good. Barton 2500+ at 2178 (198FSB). I have found 200FSB to be slower where memory is convcerned (running dual XMS at 11 2 2 2) - 3000/2809 at 198FSB and around 2850/2765 at 200FSB.
SATA runs real good using 10022 or 10029. Bios is 1007 and no problems there either. Never had any real problems with this board and continues to be an excellent board after one year and still looks like it has another solid year in it. Remember one year is an eternity for a mobo.

 

[seepy83]

(also posted this in general hardware...just lookin for a fast answer)

i'm about to put together a new comp using a SATA drive. I've got an Asus A7N8X Deluxe motherboard, and an 80gig seagate drive. I'm wondering if i'll be able to do my fresh install of winxp right on the SATA drive, or if that drive will not be functional until windows is installed and i put some drivers on it. basically what i want is to have no IDE hard drives in there, and it would be great if i could avoid it. thanks for a (hopefully) speedy response.

 

[jbb001]

I've done this. You need to have the SATA drivers on a floppy. Right at the start of the installation process XP asks if you have any third party/SCSI disk drives. Hit the key it asks for as soon as you can - the time window is short (I think it's F6). Later on in the installation process it will ask you to insert the floppy. Plain sailing after that. If you want to use IDE drives as well as SATA I recommend disconnecting them during the installation process and connecting them afterwards.

 

[kitkit201]

Alright guys, what kinda overclocking can I get if I have an 2400xp Throughbred with 2 x 256 crucial 2100ddr?

I am in the middle of mobo changes as my ECS K7S5A Pro board died all the sudden...

Specs for my machine are...

AMD 2400+ XP Throughbred
2 x 256 crucial 2100 ddr
Antec SL350S PSU

so my questions would be... (totally newb on the OC scene so please help me out)

1) Do I need to upgrade my memory to the 2700 standard?
2) I dont plan to oc too much but I would like to in eventually..
3) Can I mix Ram speeds.. 1 x 512 Kingston (on sale right now) @ 2700, with my 2 x 256 crucial 2100 speeds
4) How much can my CPU be overclocked... i think it was produced 0319, not sure the stepping though...

TIA

 

[JSSheridan]

Originally posted by: kitkit201
Alright guys, what kinda overclocking can I get if I have an 2400xp Throughbred with 2 x 256 crucial 2100ddr?

I am in the middle of mobo changes as my ECS K7S5A Pro board died all the sudden...

Specs for my machine are...

AMD 2400+ XP Throughbred
2 x 256 crucial 2100 ddr
Antec SL350S PSU

so my questions would be... (totally newb on the OC scene so please help me out)

1) Do I need to upgrade my memory to the 2700 standard?
2) I dont plan to oc too much but I would like to in eventually..
3) Can I mix Ram speeds.. 1 x 512 Kingston (on sale right now) @ 2700, with my 2 x 256 crucial 2100 speeds
4) How much can my CPU be overclocked... i think it was produced 0319, not sure the stepping though...

TIA

1) I would get at least PC3200. You can still overclock using the multiplier to raise the clock speed though. It is prefered to overclock using the FSB though.
2) -
3) Yes, but all memory will run at the speed of the slowest memory.
4) My 2400+ can get to 2.2GHz at 1.8V, and your CPU is a bit newer than mine. Your mileage may vary. Let us know how it works out.

Peace.

 

[Azuth9000]

I have an A7N8X Deluxe rev 1.04 mobo, and was wondering what the absolute best BIOS version for overclocking is??I currently have BIOS 1006, but I can't get above a 190 FSB with my barton 2500+. I'm sure my ram isn't maxing outbecause its OCZ PC3200, and neither is my CPU, as the temps are only 40 C @ 190 FSB with 1.675 vcore and 100% load. Are there any BIOS versions that wil let me increase the chipset voltage, and is that dangerous?? Thanks.

I looked at nforcesHQ to try to find my answers, but there is simply too much stuff to dig through there. Thanks for your help

 

[JSSheridan]

Bios 1004 or 1006 are considered the best. Hope this helps. Peace.

 

[smurph98gt]

Alright, so I just got the A7N8X Deluxe board with a 2800+, 120gig SATA HDD and a Plextor 8xDVD/RW.

Now, I have the Hard Drive connected to the Primary SATA connector, and the DVD Drive(jumpered to Master) connected to the IDE Primary. Whenever I boot up, it can't find either drive? I tried switching connectors back and forth, SATA Secondary, IDE secondary, the works. I then unhooked the DVD completely, and left just the Hard drive in on SATA Primary.. but it still wont see it. Is there something that I'm missing in the BIOS to turn it on? I've checked and re-checked that its enabled on the motherboard.

After I get the Hard drive working, then I'll work on the DVD drive.

Thanks guys!

-Ronald

 

[Salvador]

I'm fairly new to messing with the settings in the BIOS. I just bought this board and I'm using the 2500+ Barton with Kingston Hyperx PC2700 RAM. What should my settings be for the RAM and CPU? I'm a little confused about this. 133? 166?

Also.. If I'm not using the SATA RAID, can I shut it off, so it doesn't go looking for it on boot up?

TIA,

Sal

 

[Devlok]

My Mobo is an ASUS A7N8X Deluxe Rev2
Running it with an AMD 2500XP Barton processor.
WD 40gig HD
Hercules Radeon 9800 Pro
470 Watt Powersupply
2X (Trying 3) 512 GeIL DDR RAM 512MB PC-3200 400Hz Ultra- CAS 2, 1T CommandGL5123200U. DDR400, CAS 2, 184 Pin Dimm, 6-3-3 1T Timings,6 Layer Low Noise PCB. Pure Copper Heat Spreader




I have Win XP Pro vs. and was wondering if their is some type of program that detects hardware change? Awhile back I bought a 512MB of Geil Goldendragon series PC3200 DDR Ram.

Well when I put it in my computer started going crazy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Computer Hardware > Memory (System Memory) > GEIL > N82E16820144609
GeIL Golden Dragon Value Series DDR 512MB PC3200 400MHz MODEL# GD3200-512V - OEM
Specifications:
6 Layer Lower Noise Golden Dragon PCB, bulk pkg
5ns WLCSP
Pin Count: 184
CAS/Timing: 2.5/7-4-4 2T
Voltage: 2.6v-2.9v


So I fugured it being since it was a different stlye than what I am currently using that it didnt like it so I sold it to a friend who was building a new PC..

Then I upgraded my video card from a GF4 TI4200 to a Hercules Radeon 9800 PRO. Worked great when I first installed it. Then the next day when I turned on my PC everything went crazy, from my PC locking up on boot-up to finally fixing that to not detecting my modem any longer.

So I did a fresh format and install of Win XP and bought the Norton 2004 System Works. Well when I first installed it it detected a WIN32 Blaster.Worm. I was surprised seeing how this was a fresh install and all and havent even connected to the internet yet. Well got the tool removal and got rid of it.

So another week draws by and I decide to buy the Ram I wanted, seeing how Newegg has them back on stock and all. So I purchased this:

Computer Hardware > Memory (System Memory) > GEIL > N82E16820144304
GeIL DDR RAM 512MB PC-3200 400Hz Ultra- CAS 2, 1T CommandGL5123200U. DDR400, CAS 2, 184 Pin Dimm, 6-3-3 1T Timings,6 Layer Low Noise PCB. Pure Copper Heat Spreader with 3m Patened Thermal Tape; Clear Acrylic Retail Package - Lifetime Warranty More...


Same memory as what is in my PC now. I got it today, went upstairs opened my case and put it in. First boot up crashed, said something about Hardware change. So I re-booted again and got to the desktop. Two min later another bluescreen. So I started thinking maybe the ram was bad. So I took it out and swapped it with one of my other sticks, leaving the other out of the PC to be sure and worked fine. I left the new stick in slot 1 and took out the stick in slot 2. So I know the memory and the Ram slot is good.

What else can I do? They are all 512MB PC3200 DDR sticks. Not to mention the other problems I had with the other ram and Video card. I really do not wish to try another format seeing I have to re-patch everything for EQ. Only takes about 12 hours or so on my dial-up.

Please help as I want to get that ram in there.

 

[Conor026]

166 is the frequency to set for the Ram and CPU

DDR=Double data rate
PC2700 ram works at 333Mhz.Since this is double data rate,the data rate is 166Mhz

I have no idea about the drives though,is the power connected properly.I know it sounds obivous but
you`d be surprised.The power connecter for Hard disk and 5.25 drives need a good push in

 

[vsfoxe]

Got a "refurb." A7N8X from Newegg. Removed Epox 8KHA+, cleaned everything up and reassembled around Asus mobo. Fans work, but won't boot up. Looks like it does POST testing, then tries to boot, gets a BSOD, then immediately starts to reboot (before I can see the letters/words on the BSOD). Loop could go on forever. I have reviewed my build efforts several times, refered to downloaded Asus Manual, and think I will end up with RMA back to Newegg. System worked great (nice and stable) till this.

Downloaded (from Asus) 4-in-1 drivers, but don't think I can load them if the system won't boot up, can I?

BIOS 1006
Windows XP Pro
XP 1700 CPU
Antec SX-1030 (stock Antec PS)
PAL 8045 cooler & 4 case fans
Maxtor 80 GB drive
and so on.

-The only card I have installed is the AGP video card.
-One stick of 256MB Crucial PC-2100 installed for now
-Tried RAM in different DIMM slots
-Disconnected secondary IDE Cable
-Replaced Primary IDE cable
-Reset CMOS several times (unplugged, removed battery, moved jumper)
-6 Jumpers are at "default"
-SATA jumper is on 2-3
-Looked around in the BIOS several times. Don't understand them all, but haven't found anything suspicious. Tried default settings. Tried my prefered settings, saved, then save & exit. Cannot stop it from "auto-booting"?

I don't have a clue what else to try. Are there other items I should check?

How could I load the Nvidia drivers?

What might the previous owner had set which could cause this?

Should this thing boot up at all (somehow), with no drivers loaded?

HELP! TIA

 

[pelikan]

You should reformat and clean install windows. And use the nforce drivers not the via 4 in 1.

 

[kitkit201]

Alright guys, I just got a A7N8X deluxe refurb board from newegg and here's the problem.. SpeedFan is indicating that the CPU heat is at 60C!!

Here is my setup

ASUS A7N8X Deluxe with 1006 bios
AMD XP 2400+ (THERMALTAKE SILENTBOOST)
2 X 256 CRUCIAL 2100 DDR
ATI Radeon 8500 Retail
Antec TruePower 430W PSU

Here's the thing, on my old system with the ECS K7S5A Pro and Abit KD7A board, and on Antec Smartpower LS350S I was getting no more than 46C on my CPU, but now everything feels hot, especially when I touch the video card and the case.. I just booted it up for 30 mins and it's at this heat already!!

OMFG I am so worried that this is gonna fry my system.. can anyone tell me what I should do?!! Is this normal or what?

Thanks!

 

[vsfoxe]

pelikan, Thanks for response. The drivers I downloaded are the "NForce2 All-in-One 1.16 for XP", not Via 4-in-1 - sorry. I will try what you've suggested and see what happens.

11/21/03: You were right. Works well now. Thanks again

 

[kitkit201]

Originally posted by: vsfoxe
pelikan, Thanks for response. The drivers I downloaded are the "NForce2 All-in-One 1.16 for XP", not Via 4-in-1 - sorry. I will try what you've suggested and see what happens.

VSFOXE when you get a chance can you cehck ur cpu and case tempatures.> I want compare with what I have.... Thanks!

 

[vsfoxe]

kitkit201, Using MBM5, and using its "Configuration Wizard" (stock settings for A7N8X Deluxe in Celsius), I read:

(1) Case = 17 degrees
(2) CPU Socket = 30 degrees

Comparison? Or would you prefer readings of a different type?

 

[saechaka]

i have the a7n8x deluxe rev. 2.0 motherboard and I had the front audio installed and the sound seemed messed up. in the rear plug for speakers i would get the left speaker and the front plug i would get the right speakers. so after figuring this out, i unplugged the front audio connectors and i'm not getting any sound from the rear plugs which came with the motherboard. what do I need to do to fix this problem?

 

[kitkit201]

VSFOXE

Thanks for the response, but I was getting this temperture of 55*C from the diode. It is a little thermameter sensor right undernerth where the cpu chip sits in (the small square within the socket).

I have a lot higher tempertures from my 2400+ machine, but I guess that's expected..

 

[HermitGuy]

Never mind got my answer. THANKS!

 

[Jim123]

Hello, Not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but it does have to do with the nForce drivers / Software I installed when I set this system up last May.

OK here goes, I've found that my nForce Control Panel will no longer work, when I try to open it I get a message saying SndStorm.exe has encountered a problem etc. The reason I'm trying to open it is because I'm going to add a 5.1 set of speakers, and I'll need this software working to change the port on the motherboard.

What is the best way to fix this. Can I just cherry pick this app out of the driver package to try a reinstall?

System
A7N8X Deluxe Rev 2.0 bios 1003
nForce Drivers 1.16 (from Asus)
Windows XP Home, SP1, (Up to date with all windows Updates, and Windows update drivers as well)
Latest DirectX

PS 1. Other then this, everything in this system works great.

PS 2. Is it time I should do some updating of Bois and nForce Drivers?

Thank you
Jim

 

[Jim123]

Hello, What I think I found out so far is, that one of the three Driver updates I did at Windows Updates was the cause of my problem above. But now, how to proceed, What drivers to use, should I use the new 3.13 drivers or the drivers within the post I found at nForcersHQ.com below.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2003 10:41 pm Post subject: Re: Why hasn't asus updated 1.16 ?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been troubled as well by this absence of update activity from asus and searched their web site. While in their Knowledge Base, (http://www.asus.com.tw/support/faq/faqmodel.aspx?ModelName=A7N8X/A7N8X Deluxe) I came up with a link concerning
Nvidia' s swap utility for that center audio channel issue. It was an ftp address and thought of sneaking in there with an ftp client. I found that
Asus actually HAVE updated their drivers in October some time (!) but keep them hidden in their ftp server. Reason is of course unknown...See for yourself here: ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS/misc/utils/nf2
There is even a version of Nvidia' s swap utility newer than the one they were pointing to at the link I originally followed!

In their KB (link above) there is a comment that users should not use nvidia drivers because they are not suitable YET! See also Nvidia's 3.13 download page where it's mentioned that the audio driver (which actually is much the reason why we should stick with 1.16) in the package should not be used on some certain mobo model, think it was chaintec. Nothing is mentioned about a7n8x but they seem to have it in mind about brand-related peculiarities. So it seems that probably the 3.13 are now mature enough for us to use. This is no excuse however for asus not informing us about it. Anyway, I sent them a mini-flame which is probably going to be disregarded.
Btw, I am preparing myself to install the 3.13 and flash the bios (backing up, book appointment with the best analyst in town for possible psychological consequences, tie up my fingers crossed overnight etc)

_________________
-kfilip

I went to that link and I'm sorry to say, that I would not know which one to use, also there is this bit of information about making sure you use the international drivers not the English ones that WU used? What? (uninstall them first, OK, where are they?).

I'm very unsure about what to do to fix this, would it be possible to just replace the SndStorm.exe with one that will work within my now Windows Updated Audio drivers.

Any ideas.

 

[MDE]

ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS/misc/utils/nf2

That's an awesome link... thanks for that one!