*** Official ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe (nForce4) Thread ***

[evilmrroboto]

Originally posted by: vrmuds
Has anyone tested if this board supports dual monitor in a sli setup?

I haven't test any of this because I don't have thousands of dollars to spend on a whim to test out a ton of crap, but from what I've read about this setup is that with two cards you can use up to 4 monitors (or are supposed to, I don't know if its supported right now or not). Or you can use the SLI to "double" the performance of games. I think there are some people thinking the cards will be able to do both or whatever but it's not designed to do that.

I think it was Maximum PC that had an article about SLI and said up 4 monitors should work, but I don't know if it does yet or not.

 

[jnmfox]

I've been reading through this thread and others on AnandTech about OCing my 3000+ but I can't seem to be able to get it over 2000 Ghz, when I go to 2100 my computer freezes and I have to reboot. Using the 1002 BIOS and ClockGen to overclock.

I've disabled Cool'n'Quite in the BIOS, but the ASUS Cool'n'Quite software is still installed.

I locked the PCI-e bus buy moving it to 101 in the BIOS and moved the "FSB" to 201 in the BIOS to lock the PCI.

I've tried setting the RAM timing to DDR 400 and DDR 333, using both the auto settings as well as loose latency settings.

I'm using the 9x multi and tried both 4X and 3X HT settings.

Running it stock the MB and CPU idle at around 32C and after playing games or running 3DMark it raises up to about 42C my 6600 GT stay at around 41C and gives an ambient temp reading of about 31C

Do I need to flash the BIOS? Am I missing something? I'd be happy to just get it to 2.2 and have it stable.

Thanks for your help in adavnce

 

[vrmuds]

Reason being, I'm currently specing out my new computer and I'm already passed the $4,500 mark...
I wanted to pick up a second LCD monitor, a 21" to go with the 19" I have already... I wanted to have both hooked up, but have the video cards working in SLI.. I also wanted to do raid.. Raid 1 on the boot disk and another 4 drives in raid 5 for gaming and all my data stuff I don't want to loose....

Any idea where I can get some of this answered?

 

[TreborUK]

A8N-SLI Deluxe -- Don't know what to do next !!

I am experiencing a very frustrating problem with my system, that I am convinced is to do with this motherboard. But please correct me if I am wrong!

My system (specs below), will hang (no BSOD) after encoding any video file over 1GB(source file) in size. It does not matter what codec I use (be it Divx/Xvid etc), the app will finish encoding the file, and everything seems fine. The problem comes when I close the encoding app (any application I have tried about 6 or 7) my system just freezes. The encoded file, always plays fine and does not end up corrupted.

I have tested all of my components using the standard tools (prime/memecheck etc) and everything checks out ok. I have moved all of the components over to my Asus A8V with exactly the same XP version & software, and ran the same encoding apps, with no problems. The only components I have been unable to check in another system are the Graphics cards.

I am raising this issue in this topic, as I have experienced some of the issues previosly mentioned. However these have been resolved after I purchased a new Powersupply.

I have tried most variants of the available bios's, none of which made any difference, and I am currently running 1004.1 beta.

Also, I have tried numerous system rebuilds, including low-level formats. My drives are on the Nvidia SATA controller in IDE mode.

I have read elsewhere and on Anandtech about system freezes with this board HDD problems, but I find it very wierd I can reproduce it so consistantly when encoding, but have no problems elsewhere when running the system at max, or just general use.

I am sorry for the long post (or indeed if you think this has nothing to do with the motherboard!), but I wanted to relay as much info as possible.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[imported_lamb2471]

Hey man, I feel your pain. I went through 3 of these boards before I gave up. I'm waiting for an nforce4 ultra board myself (I don't have 2 video cards, I just liked the idea of the upgrade path).

Personally I think the chipset is very immature. Maybe the motherboards are defective...We're paying the "early adopter" price.

 

[imported_2x]

Could all the problems people are having with this board be due to the fact that Nvidia still does not have a unified driver for the nforce4? 9/2004 since the last version, and that does not even mention Nforce4. I know Asus has chipset drivers for it, but officially Nvidia does not. I think it's utterly ridiuclous that Nvidia is taking this long to release new unified drivers for the Nforce4. I'll resevre judgement on Asus until Nvidia wakes up from staying up all night writing the paper launch PR release for the Nforce 4 and actually writes some software that includes the word Nforce4 in the release notes. Four + months and still no updated unified drivers - that stinks.

 

[Tripp17]

Originally posted by: 2x
Could all the problems people are having with this board be due to the fact that Nvidia still does not have a unified driver for the nforce4? 9/2004 since the last version, and that does not even mention Nforce4. I know Asus has chipset drivers for it, but officially Nvidia does not. I think it's utterly ridiuclous that Nvidia is taking this long to release new unified drivers for the Nforce4. I'll resevre judgement on Asus until Nvidia wakes up from staying up all night writing the paper launch PR release for the Nforce 4 and actually writes some software that includes the word Nforce4 in the release notes. Four + months and still no updated unified drivers - that stinks.

Right on!

 

[mofrack]

Originally posted by: vrmuds
Reason being, I'm currently specing out my new computer and I'm already passed the $4,500 mark...
I wanted to pick up a second LCD monitor, a 21" to go with the 19" I have already... I wanted to have both hooked up, but have the video cards working in SLI.. I also wanted to do raid.. Raid 1 on the boot disk and another 4 drives in raid 5 for gaming and all my data stuff I don't want to loose....

Any idea where I can get some of this answered?

VRmuds,

While running 2 cards in SLI mode, the cards only output to ONE display. However, when NOT running in SLI, you SHOULD be able to run up to 4 displays. I cant verify the latter, as I only have 2 displays.

Just to be clear: WHILE IN SLI, YOU CAN ONLY OUTPUT TO ONE DISPLAY!

Your desired RAID config is possible, just be aware that only the Sil 3114 controller can do RAID5, not the Nvidia one (black ports).

 

[AnimalAsteroid]

I've about had it with Asus and this A8N-SLI board. Asus tech service is about useless. I have a case number with Asus, they keep telling me that they will return my call about this case within 24 hours, it has been 2 weeks now and still no call from them. I call everyday, and all I get from them is that their techs are very busy and will call me back within 24 hours - never happens.

I have also emailed Asus with my problems and all I get back is a standard form email telling me that they are not experiencing any problems with this board and any problems are because of non-Asus faulty components!!!

I have had the following problems:

1. BIOS keeps crashing, takes clearing CMOS to reinitialize the system.

2. SLI mode works with 1 video card, SLI mode w/2 cards and system is unusable.

3. Had Win XP Pro get corrupted twice for no reason. Had to do complete system reinstalls.

4. Probably other problems also, just can't remember them right now.

Cutting edge is tough enough when it requires lots of thought and knowledge on my part. I have come to the conclusion that this board is no where near ready for distribution!! I have tried using SLI certified nVidia components with no luck. So far have about $4,000 invested and about 1 month of my time, still no workable/stable system.

I think that Asus and nVidia pushed this SLI system out the door before it was ready for prime-time. There is only so much a user/builder can do when there are Bios & driver problems. We are at the mercy of the companies to provide us with working software.

I am no genious but I do know a thing or 2 about building computers, been doing it for the past 10 years (maybe longer), plus I have a heavy computer & electronice background. I know it isn't me!! I think I am going to purchase a tried and true Socket 939 MB and use my SLI components to build this system. I do know this system will NOT be an Asus system. I swore after the last fiasco I had with Asus that I would never use their MB's again and I made the mistake of using this damn A8N MB.

Not sure what MB I will get, just know it will not be Asus!!! I'll keep this A8N-SLN board. Who knows maybe in a year or so the bugs will be worked out.

 

[NetCop]

@Animal Asteroid
I second your opinion. This board realy sucks. It's far from being stable. I don't even think about overclocking, i only want everthing working.
I've already changed PSU to very power full one, and replaced SATA NCQ disk with ATA133 one. I'm tired and hate this mobo.
I'm also considering to sell it and change to something better (no idea which NF4 SLI board is stable and o/c friendly).

 

[Framelord]

Hi!
New to the bord.I was reading off all that problems with A8N-SLI Deluxe,and I must say I have none of them!

I have ZERO problems with this board and I am vary happy with it.Now let me tall you my spec:

A8N-SLI Deluxe bios 1003 finale
A64 3500+Winchester@2530 11x230 defalt 1.4v
Stock cooling!!!
RAM 2x512mb OCZ Premier DDR400@230Mhz 2.5 3 3 7 T1 voltage auto 2.6v Dual channel
WinFast Geforce 6600GT EXTREME Version
HTT x5
HDD WD 160Gb 7200rpm 8mb S-ATA
HDD Maxtor IDE 40Gb 7200rpm
NEC DVD-RW 3520A
LC Super Silent 550W with 120mm Fan
Case ThermalTake TSUNAMI Dream Alu with 2x120mm Fan


Running at this spec for 5 days almost 24/7,testing,gaming,watching movies,burrnning,downloading...
ROCK SOLID! I will try much higher overclock,I think I will hitting 2.6ghz-2.7ghz with no problems but with better cooling on CPU.My temps now are Idle 30C Load 42C as reporting by ASUS probe!

So you see,very happy user of this mobo!!!

 

[Kindjal2005]

I've only had two ASUS boards; This one and the CUSL2. Both a steaming pile of rubbish!

 

[Thorsson]

Originally posted by: AWACS
Hi all,

first of all I would like to ongratulate with all of you for this topic. It's surely the best on the net about A8N-SLI. I got this mobo with a new processor, videocard and memories. Following some benchs:

3DMARK01 20177
3DMARK03 9203
PCMARK05 4020
RAID0 Transfer rate 89 Mb/s
Super PI 1 Mb 39 sec

The system IS NOT O/C except the videocard (579/1160 vs 500/1000). Drivers 71.24. Any comments about these scores? any advices?

Not good scores. Mine were higher than that with NOTHING OC and on 66.93 drivers (20366/10816/4433).

You sure about that OC? Base is 350/1000 not 500/1000. RivaTuner only goes up to 525...

 

[AnimalAsteroid]

I find it strange that some people can have such good luck and others have nothing but problems. I'm beginning to wonder if there are boards out there with different components. It's also possible that those with good luck are doing something drastically different than most. One item that comes to mind is different monitors. I think digital (DVI) monitors are a problem with the A8N-SLI MB. Maybe those with no problems are using VGA monitors??? I also think those using a single video board are having better luck. My system was app 50% more stable with one video board, going to the second board really brings on the problems!

Maybe early boards have incompatible or suspect components installed. Asus would never say that they are changing components as time goes on. My A8N was purchased around Dec 20th, maybe people with newer boards are having better luck?????

Something is different on some boards!

 

[TheFink]

Can anyone tell me how to verify if NCQ is enabled or disabled? I went into device manager properties for the controller my Raptor drive is connected, and the only options I see are "Let BIOS select transfer mode", "Enable read caching", "Enable write caching", and "Enable command queueing" - all which are checked. Are these what make up NCQ?

Thanks in advance,
TheFink

 

[Tet]

PROBLEM:
When booting windows, at half way, it freezes/stalls. Wiindows finally boots after about 6 minutes.
____________________________
Im using WIN2K (i know i know) off a SATA 10K HD.
- the sata/raid(5) driver has been installed
I also have a SATA 120G 7.2K (not formatted yet)
Eventhough I am not using Raid to combine the two drives, is the "sata/raid(5) still necessary?
_____________________________
Both drives are plugged into the BLACK SATA port on the mobo. (10k on #3, 7.2K on #4)
I have flashed the latest Bios.
I think th eproblem is wiht the HD. Im installing window on the 120G to see what happens.
Help much appreciated!

 

[AnimalAsteroid]

Hope this answers your question:

http://www.neoseeker.com/Hardware/faqs/kb/15,71.html

 

[vlad4]

Has anyone tried the 6.37 chipset drivers?

I plan on trying them this weekend as I try to sort out a few vid card probs. Here are the 6.31 and 6.37 Read Me files for comparison....

ASUS 6.31
This nForce Win2K/XP driver package contains the below components:

Audio driver version 4.57 (WHQL)
Audio utility version 4.50
Ethernet NRM driver version 4.59 (WHQL) with 4.62 nvtcp.sys
Network management tools version 4.62
SMBus driver version 4.45 (WHQL) with updated uninstaller files
Installer version 4.58
Win2K IDE 2.7 driver version 4.64 (WHQL) with 4.74 raidtool
WinXP IDE 2.7 driver version 4.64 (WHQL) with 4.74 raidtool

6.37
This nForce Win2K/XP driver package contains the below components:

Audio driver version 4.57 (WHQL)
Audio utility version 4.50
Ethernet NRM driver version 4.66 (WHQL)
Network management tools version 4.66
SMBus driver version 4.45 (WHQL) with updated uninstaller files
Installer version 4.60
Win2K IDE 2.7 driver version 4.79 (WHQL)
WinXP IDE 2.7 driver version 4.79 (WHQL)

 

[AnimalAsteroid]

I tried to install them but for some reason I couldn't get them to install. I forgot what error message I kept getting. Finally I gave up on them.

 

[Tripp17]

Good luck dude, i followed the instrutions to the "t" and i kept getting errors messages as well. They dont work and i wish they would do something about it!

 

[Tripp17]

Also, i wanna say that i hate the fact i cant do above 240 on the fsb, it seems no one can, but i must confess that other than that, the board works beautifully. I play games all day long and it never resets and i run it threw some really intense benchmarking loops to make sure(hours on end). I just wanna go to my memory's max, my cpu's max, not what the board bios is holding me to. I hope that the next bios or one soon after makes it so you can overclock as far as your COMPONENTS will let you......if that happens, then this is the best board ever. I had my problems, but i figured them out and this is my second board. This board was bought in december and it works great. Just stuck at 240 fsb, when in other systems ive built, the memory has gone all the way upto 288+ at 1:1, 1T, ect.......I know everyone hates this board, but i didnt let it beat me, i beat it and for doing so, i get to enjoy what i paid for..............except for the damn 240 fsb!

 

[vlad4]

hmmm... I was wondering about that file being only a zip file. But I found exe files at Station Drivers.

Maybe these will work.

 

[AnimalAsteroid]

After going through a lot of different forums regarding the A8V-SLI MB it looks like most of the people with problems are having problems when trying to use 2 video cards. As for myself, my system runs great as long as I don't enable SLI. Enabling SLI starts causing me problems - and I am running nVidia certified SLI boards.

I was wondering what most people are running that have great running systems? SLI or single video card?

 

[Kindjal2005]

Is anyone here running this M/B with an Audigy 2ZS? Does your system lock up frequently?

 

[PrimeMover]

Originally posted by: Kindjal2005
Is anyone here running this M/B with an Audigy 2ZS? Does your system lock up frequently?

I am using the Audigy 4 card with this board. After lots of trial and error it appears that the Audigy drivers
conflict with the NVIDIA raid controller. My system was locking up frequently. In my case disabling the audigy drivers in MSCONFIG fixed the problem.