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

[Shaga]

It would be fast even without single channel, I think it wouldn't even matter that much..

 

[ajmiles]

Good news, BIOS 1004 final doesn't drop the Maxtor Diamond10 SATA HDs.

I wouldn't hold you breath, I've had the 1005.001 drop one of my Maxtor Diamondmax10s just last night. I've currently got the 1005.003 installed.

*Apparently* there will be a final version of 1005 released tonight or tomorrow which will fix a host of issues, but this is just a rumour.

 

[ryoanji]

Originally posted by: Barshow
Does any know what is going here , ClockGen says I have a CPU of 2009.96, A HTT 200.93, MEM 200.93, PCI-E 100.00, PCI 33.49. Bios says its HTT is 200.00, I updated Bios with Asus update V6.03.01. to ver 104 Final with clear cmos checksum to load default Bios setting CHECKED. I thought that flashing the Bios would clear everything back to default with no over clocking thats if you can call .93 on the HTT overclocking But no I still show unchanged figures. Model : AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3200+
Speed : 2.01GHz

Mainboard
System BIOS : Phoenix Technologies, LTD ASUS A8N-SLI DELUXE ACPI BIOS Revision 1004 Final System : System manufacturer System name

Total Memory : 1GB Viking DDR-SDRAM 3.3.3.8

Chipset 1
Model : Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Athlon 64 / Opteron HyperTransport Technology Configuration
Front Side Bus Speed : 2x 1005MHz (2010MHz data rate)
Total Memory : 1GB DDR-SDRAM
Memory Bus Speed : 2x 201MHz (402MHz data rate)

Video System
Monitor/Panel : Plug and Play Monitor
Adapter : NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT
Adapter : NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT

Operating System(s)
Windows System : Microsoft Windows XP/2002 Home (Win32 x86) 5.01.2600 (Service Pack 2)

I think it is normal. I something like this

 

[FxSoap]

Could someone link for us the 1004 final Bios?

 

[runestone]

Originally posted by: FxSoap
Could someone link for us the 1004 final Bios?

Sterling

ftp://ftp.asuscom.de/pub/ASUSCOM/BIOS/S...IA_Chipset/nForce4_SLI/A8N-SLI_Deluxe/

 

[Thorsson]

1004 BIOS has a setting for the Chip Fan Warning. It also appears to set the HTT Multiplier correctly, although Auto is back again at x5.

However I am getting stability problems with OC, - e.g. some DVDs not being read. Anyone else getting such problems?

I see 1005.003 is back up again. Anyone using this have any comments?

 

[armygeorge]

I've been using two 1GB sticks of PQI brand RAM for over a month with no problem...looks and feels sturdy ... perhaps a good alternative between corsair and kingston...? (pqi TURBO Series Dual Channel Platinum Kit 184-Pin 2GB(1GB x 2) DDR PC-3200) Now I gotta find out how to tweak the settings.

The only thing slower than the A8N-SLI is the Asus website!

 

[Streckfus]

Originally posted by: starfury6

Originally posted by: Streckfus

Originally posted by: starfury6
From what I've read over all of the huge threads about this board, no one I've seen (unless I'm just bilnd) has gotten dual channel with 4 sticks.

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but in the A8N Manual & on the QVL it states the following:

DIMM Support: A Supports one module inserted into either the blue slots, in a Single-channel memory configuration. B Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory configuration. C Support for 4 modules inserted into blue and black slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration.

From what I can gather, C means that this board will support 4 sticks (128, 256, 512 or 1024) inserted into all 4 DIMM slots, combining for a total of 2 pairs of memory, each pair running into dual channel mode.

A lot of people on here are only using 1GB of RAM, so if they get a matched pair of 512MB sticks, then they only need 2 DIMM slots. And those who are going with 2GB of RAM might be using a matched pair of 1024MB sticks. But I can't be the only person on here who plans to use (or is already using) all 4 DIMM slots.

Again, I'm not trying to be a jerk and maybe I'm just not understanding this stuff at all, but from what it says in the manual and on the QVL, the A8N-SLI DOES support the configuration in which all 4 DIMMs are occupied, running as two pairs of dual-channel memory.

My simple question is whether or not the specific memory products I've listed are going to be compatible with this board. One would think - given the aforementioned documentation - that the 4 modules will work in dual-channel mode, and if not, then I guess they'll run as four separate DIMMs in single-channel mode. (?) But bottom line, I just want to know if the value RAM is going to work, period.

No i understand, I wasn't trying to argue myself. The Asus recomendations just don't seem to fit. It's one of the reasons I made sure I could get my 2GB in just 2 sticks, after reading about so many people in the 4 sticks no dual channel situation. Cost me the earth though, 1GB sticks are not cheap.

I hope your memory proves the exception to the rule.

Even the power requirements are not right. I have an OCZ Powerstream 520W which my retailer wont refund because it's past their refund time limit of 14 days. But it's brand new and according to Asus little power requirements chart, 485W is fine for a top end SLi system. Pfff. Another area they are wrong as Sander will tell you. I have ordered a PC P&C 510 but now have a practically new OCZ 520W to sell...

If getting dual-channel performance was absolutely necessary and I absolutely HAD to have 2GB of memory then I suppose I'd go the 2x1024MB route, but frankly that's just too much money for me right now. I mean, it's not like 4 512MB sticks running in single channel mode is going to be a liability or anything. I'll still be able to do my gaming and digital audio/video editing. So I guess I'm just going to go with the Kingston ValueRAM and hope for the best.

Just a question....why are you looking to get rid of the OCZ Powerstream 520W? From what I've read and been told on these forums the OCZ will be more than adequate for this board. Any reason you're getting rid of it in favor of the Holy Grail of PSUs? I'm planning on buying the OCZ Powerstream 520W for my setup....

 

[imported_MaDMaRTiGaN]

Originally posted by: sirshambling

Originally posted by: MaDMaRTiGaN

Originally posted by: sirshambling
... Have you written to Plextor about this? They may be able to fix the problem with an update but need to be aware of the issue.

John.

Yes, I did fill in the contact form on the Plextor support site. I did not get a message back yet. I'll just wait a couple of days. (Cause my system is stable without the drive I can live with waiting a couple of days ).

I cann too - but I'll write as well to let them know that there are others in the same position. If I get a reply I'll let you know here.

John

Got a firmware update from Plextor. Will try it tonight. Will let you know if it works!

Roland.

 

[imported_starfury6]

Originally posted by: Streckfus

Just a question....why are you looking to get rid of the OCZ Powerstream 520W? From what I've read and been told on these forums the OCZ will be more than adequate for this board. Any reason you're getting rid of it in favor of the Holy Grail of PSUs? I'm planning on buying the OCZ Powerstream 520W for my setup....

I was noticing large voltage drops when I started gaming and I actually heard the fans all slow down, so much that it was affecting my CPU temps. Asus Probe read that it was dropping to 10.8V, so I contacted OCZ and asked them. They gave me details on how to measure the different rails whilst the machine is running and asked me to provide them with readings. On the Digital Multimeter it was rock solid at 12v with only on 6800 Ultra running, as soon as I launched a game (tested with UT2004 with everything maxed) and the SLI kicked in, the power draw was too much for it to handle and the voltage did indeed drop to 10.85v.

OCZ asked me to manually up the volage using the Pot on the rear, of the 12v line to 12.2 and test again just incase it was an iregularity, but it showed the same drop. OCZ confirmed that my setup runs at 500W which is too close to the max of the PSU and that the 600W model would be the way to go. With the amount it costs for a 600W OCZ I went for the best of the best instead, the PC P & C 510 SLI.

Over at Hardware Analysis, Sander Sassen has an FAQ running and he tested many different PSU's. The OCZ he couldn't even get his ultra test system to come up. The PC P&C was the best and most stable of all those he tested.

Of course I have an OCZ to sell and most people don't have dual ultra's and an FX55. I know many people who have the 520W themselves but they all have Winnies and dual 6600 or 6800GT's. No where near as much power.

Ho hum...

 

[Streckfus]

Originally posted by: starfury6

Originally posted by: Streckfus

Just a question....why are you looking to get rid of the OCZ Powerstream 520W? From what I've read and been told on these forums the OCZ will be more than adequate for this board. Any reason you're getting rid of it in favor of the Holy Grail of PSUs? I'm planning on buying the OCZ Powerstream 520W for my setup....

I was noticing large voltage drops when I started gaming and I actually heard the fans all slow down, so much that it was affecting my CPU temps. Asus Probe read that it was dropping to 10.8V, so I contacted OCZ and asked them. They gave me details on how to measure the different rails whilst the machine is running and asked me to provide them with readings. On the Digital Multimeter it was rock solid at 12v with only on 6800 Ultra running, as soon as I launched a game (tested with UT2004 with everything maxed) and the SLI kicked in, the power draw was too much for it to handle and the voltage did indeed drop to 10.85v.

OCZ asked me to manually up the volage using the Pot on the rear, of the 12v line to 12.2 and test again just incase it was an iregularity, but it showed the same drop. OCZ confirmed that my setup runs at 500W which is too close to the max of the PSU and that the 600W model would be the way to go. With the amount it costs for a 600W OCZ I went for the best of the best instead, the PC P & C 510 SLI.

Over at Hardware Analysis, Sander Sassen has an FAQ running and he tested many different PSU's. The OCZ he couldn't even get his ultra test system to come up. The PC P&C was the best and most stable of all those he tested.

Of course I have an OCZ to sell and most people don't have dual ultra's and an FX55. I know many people who have the 520W themselves but they all have Winnies and dual 6600 or 6800GT's. No where near as much power.

Ho hum...

Hmm....well, I think I'll be alright. I'll be running a couple optical drives, 2 IDE drives, a 3500+ Winchester, and at this time just a single 6800 GT. I've also got a Tascam USB audio/MIDI interface and I'll eventually be adding 2 Seagate 250GB SATAs to run in RAID 0 for my digital audio/video stuff, but even with all of that I think I should be okay with the 520W Powerstream. For $150, it had dad-gum better do the job!

 

[imported_Petrus]

I'm running the OCZ520 on a fairly aggressive power demand albeit using 2x6800GT's and not the Ultra's. Even so it's rock steady and sweet. I'm surprised OCZ were so glib in response 'cos there must be another reason why your experience has been so atypical.

 

[imported_starfury6]

Streckfus,

Most definitely be fine. I have the following specs:

Asus A8N-SLi Deluxe
Corsair TWINX2048-3200C2
Athlon64 FX55
Dual XFX 6800 Ultra's
250 GB Maxtor Diamond Max 10 SATA
200GB Maxtor Diamond Max 9 ATA133
NEC DVD-RW 2500A
Sony DVD-ROM
USB Scanner
USB Connection for Pocket PC
USB Mouse
USB Bluetooth Dongle
USB Webcam
USB Digital Camera Cradle
Firewire Digital Video Camera
Floppy Drive
4 case Fans
120mm Fan on CPU (and I still have heat problems

Think mine might draw a bit more...

 

[imported_starfury6]

Originally posted by: Petrus
I'm running the OCZ520 on a fairly aggressive power demand albeit using 2x6800GT's and not the Ultra's. Even so it's rock steady and sweet. I'm surprised OCZ were so glib in response 'cos there must be another reason why your experience has been so atypical.

They were not exactly glib. They did try to come to a solution for me so I wouldn't have to change it, but their own calculations showed my system runs very close to their maximum and they could see no oher alternative. Apparently there are UK specific models of the OCZ 520W (i.e. without the 110/230V selector just 240v) in the pipeline, and he did say that they MAY solve the problem, but that the 600W was the way to go to be sure. I love the Powerstream and highly recomend it, just not for a top end SLi system. The quality is superb, finish excellent, and the features are awesome. RyderOCZ gives excellent support to anyone in need of help too. They are a company that really value their customers.

I got called a few names by the wife when I told her how much a PC P&C model is and then that I couldn't get a refund for the new OCZ... oops. ebay here we come.

Based on EVERY forum I have read about this board and SLI Ultra's I think the 510 SLI from PC P&C should do the job.

 

[imported_Petrus]

LOL. I am using the UK version without the voltage selector and you/ocz may just have a point there that may explain my different experience, anyway I hope your new supply does the trick.

 

[JimKiler]

OCZ confirmed that my setup runs at 500W which is too close to the max of the PSU and that the 600W model would be the way to go.

Dang, I am using a $10 after rebates Mad Dog 350W PSU but I have no issues. I only have a Geforce 6600GT and 1 HD and 1 CD-RW.

What about an antec, aren't they underrated so if you bought a 500W supply it could give you 550W easily?

 

[imported_MaDMaRTiGaN]

Originally posted by: MaDMaRTiGaN

Got a firmware update from Plextor. Will try it tonight. Will let you know if it works!

Roland.

Installed the firmware update which was sent to me without any comments, readme, or release notes. System is up and running without any lock ups for a couple of hours now. Looks promising! I will run a number of tests and will also leave my system running overnight.

Firmware version of my PX-116A3 drive is now 1.01.

 

[buttwhacker]

does the box include a heat sink aswell

 

[Moklonus]

Originally posted by: Streckfus

Originally posted by: starfury6

Originally posted by: Streckfus

Originally posted by: starfury6
From what I've read over all of the huge threads about this board, no one I've seen (unless I'm just bilnd) has gotten dual channel with 4 sticks.

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but in the A8N Manual & on the QVL it states the following:

DIMM Support: A Supports one module inserted into either the blue slots, in a Single-channel memory configuration. B Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory configuration. C Support for 4 modules inserted into blue and black slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration.

From what I can gather, C means that this board will support 4 sticks (128, 256, 512 or 1024) inserted into all 4 DIMM slots, combining for a total of 2 pairs of memory, each pair running into dual channel mode.

A lot of people on here are only using 1GB of RAM, so if they get a matched pair of 512MB sticks, then they only need 2 DIMM slots. And those who are going with 2GB of RAM might be using a matched pair of 1024MB sticks. But I can't be the only person on here who plans to use (or is already using) all 4 DIMM slots.

Again, I'm not trying to be a jerk and maybe I'm just not understanding this stuff at all, but from what it says in the manual and on the QVL, the A8N-SLI DOES support the configuration in which all 4 DIMMs are occupied, running as two pairs of dual-channel memory.

My simple question is whether or not the specific memory products I've listed are going to be compatible with this board. One would think - given the aforementioned documentation - that the 4 modules will work in dual-channel mode, and if not, then I guess they'll run as four separate DIMMs in single-channel mode. (?) But bottom line, I just want to know if the value RAM is going to work, period.

No i understand, I wasn't trying to argue myself. The Asus recomendations just don't seem to fit. It's one of the reasons I made sure I could get my 2GB in just 2 sticks, after reading about so many people in the 4 sticks no dual channel situation. Cost me the earth though, 1GB sticks are not cheap.

I hope your memory proves the exception to the rule.

Even the power requirements are not right. I have an OCZ Powerstream 520W which my retailer wont refund because it's past their refund time limit of 14 days. But it's brand new and according to Asus little power requirements chart, 485W is fine for a top end SLi system. Pfff. Another area they are wrong as Sander will tell you. I have ordered a PC P&C 510 but now have a practically new OCZ 520W to sell...

If getting dual-channel performance was absolutely necessary and I absolutely HAD to have 2GB of memory then I suppose I'd go the 2x1024MB route, but frankly that's just too much money for me right now. I mean, it's not like 4 512MB sticks running in single channel mode is going to be a liability or anything. I'll still be able to do my gaming and digital audio/video editing. So I guess I'm just going to go with the Kingston ValueRAM and hope for the best.

Just a question....why are you looking to get rid of the OCZ Powerstream 520W? From what I've read and been told on these forums the OCZ will be more than adequate for this board. Any reason you're getting rid of it in favor of the Holy Grail of PSUs? I'm planning on buying the OCZ Powerstream 520W for my setup....

I went through the same decision trying to find 2-4GB of RAM for this board. I couldn't find 4 x 1GB sticks at the time, so I went with this.

When all slots are full, it is running single-channel 333 not dual-channel 400. I haven't overclocked anything yet, and I don't thing that this OC's very well. If you don't plan on OC'ing, or don't really care if you try and it doesn't work, this has worked great for me. I also based my decision after some reading that, since the processor has more control of the memory than an Intel processor, the high-end memory for OC'ing won't make a very noticable difference to justify the higher cost of it.

Hope that made sense and helps. Check my sig for system config.

 

[Streckfus]

Originally posted by: starfury6
Streckfus,

Most definitely be fine. I have the following specs:

Asus A8N-SLi Deluxe
Corsair TWINX2048-3200C2
Athlon64 FX55
Dual XFX 6800 Ultra's
250 GB Maxtor Diamond Max 10 SATA
200GB Maxtor Diamond Max 9 ATA133
NEC DVD-RW 2500A
Sony DVD-ROM
USB Scanner
USB Connection for Pocket PC
USB Mouse
USB Bluetooth Dongle
USB Webcam
USB Digital Camera Cradle
Firewire Digital Video Camera
Floppy Drive
4 case Fans
120mm Fan on CPU (and I still have heat problems

Think mine might draw a bit more...

That's some serious hardware you got there....

IF I decide to go with SLI down the line it'll be with matching 6800GTs, otherwise I'll just substitute my 6800GT with the next-generation PCI-E vid card whenever the GT is no longer able to keep up with modern apps, so in that respect I should be okay from a power standpoint. I definitely have no interest in dropping $240 on a PSU at this point, I can tell you that much!

As far as the memory issue goes, I'm just gonna grab 2 pairs of Kingston ValueRAM, fill all 4 DIMM slots, and whatever happens, happens. If I get 2 pairs of dual-channel memory running at 400 then great. If I get single-channel mode all the way around running at 333 then so be it. No matter what happens, I'll have 2GB of at least PC2700 RAM, which is going to kick the hell out of my current setup. When compared to the PIII 800Mhz CPU, GeForceMX4000 vid card and 384MB of PC133 RAM that I'm current running, my new rig is going to be like heaven.

Just don't understand why people aren't able to run 2 pairs of dual-channel memory when the Asus documentation makes it plainly clear that the A8N supports it...

Oh well. Screw it, eh?

 

[imported_sirshambling]

Originally posted by: MaDMaRTiGaN

Originally posted by: MaDMaRTiGaN

Got a firmware update from Plextor. Will try it tonight. Will let you know if it works!

Roland.

Installed the firmware update which was sent to me without any comments, readme, or release notes. System is up and running without any lock ups for a couple of hours now. Looks promising! I will run a number of tests and will also leave my system running overnight.

Firmware version of my PX-116A3 drive is now 1.01.

Sounds as though this has done the trick! Can you email the firmware as Plextor Europe haven't replied to me at all! I'd be very grateful!

John

 

[Moklonus]

Originally posted by: Streckfus

Originally posted by: starfury6
Streckfus,

Most definitely be fine. I have the following specs:

Asus A8N-SLi Deluxe
Corsair TWINX2048-3200C2
Athlon64 FX55
Dual XFX 6800 Ultra's
250 GB Maxtor Diamond Max 10 SATA
200GB Maxtor Diamond Max 9 ATA133
NEC DVD-RW 2500A
Sony DVD-ROM
USB Scanner
USB Connection for Pocket PC
USB Mouse
USB Bluetooth Dongle
USB Webcam
USB Digital Camera Cradle
Firewire Digital Video Camera
Floppy Drive
4 case Fans
120mm Fan on CPU (and I still have heat problems

Think mine might draw a bit more...

That's some serious hardware you got there....

IF I decide to go with SLI down the line it'll be with matching 6800GTs, otherwise I'll just substitute my 6800GT with the next-generation PCI-E vid card whenever the GT is no longer able to keep up with modern apps, so in that respect I should be okay from a power standpoint. I definitely have no interest in dropping $240 on a PSU at this point, I can tell you that much!

As far as the memory issue goes, I'm just gonna grab 2 pairs of Kingston ValueRAM, fill all 4 DIMM slots, and whatever happens, happens. If I get 2 pairs of dual-channel memory running at 400 then great. If I get single-channel mode all the way around running at 333 then so be it. No matter what happens, I'll have 2GB of at least PC2700 RAM, which is going to kick the hell out of my current setup. When compared to the PIII 800Mhz CPU, GeForceMX4000 vid card and 384MB of PC133 RAM that I'm current running, my new rig is going to be like heaven.

Just don't understand why people aren't able to run 2 pairs of dual-channel memory when the Asus documentation makes it plainly clear that the A8N supports it...

Oh well. Screw it, eh?

I took a look at what you mean about the dual-channel. What I purchased was 2 kits with 2x512. If you look at the memory QVL on the web site, going by the model number alone, you would need 4 of these. That's about a close of Value Select memory that has a chance of running in dual-channel.

Good luck.

 

[iscsidude]

A8N-SLI Premium

From pcpop.com and loosely translated by Google:

"The Chinese large computer other day announced again supplemented one section A8N-SLI series NVIDIA nForce4 the SLI motherboard, namely went against the level A8N-SLI Premium (the A8N-SLI platinum reveres gloriously version), it besides retained A8N-SLI Deluxe all characteristics, but also extra supplemented the wireless network function, and provided the highly effective rate copper system heat dissipating arrangement.

As for other aspect specifications, A8N-SLI Premium and A8N-SLI Deluxe basic is same, includes supports Socket 939 Athlon 64/64 FX processor, 4 GB the double channel DDR400 memory, double PCI Express the x16 slot, supports NVIDIA SLI the multiple GPU technology, two group of PCI Express the x1 slot, inside constructs the sound effect, 1000000000000000 networks and SATA the RAID function.

The A8N-SLI series is industry inside first section NVIDIA SLI-READY! AMD64 platform motherboard, already goes on the market two section products include A8N-SLI (standard version), A8N-SLI Deluxe (the A8N-SLI luxurious version), two differences lay in A8N-SLI abbreviate one group of PCI the Express 1000000000000000 networks (A8N-SLI Deluxe provide four group of SATA plug which pair of 1000000000000000 networks) and Silicon Image SATA the RAID control chip provided."


Sounds like the "Premium" version will include Wireless and a copper heatsink which I can only assume will replace the 8K RPM fan on the NForce4 SLI chipset being used in the "Deluxe" version.

 

[SailorGuy]

I just upgraded the BIOS to 1004 and Cool and Quiet no longer works. I checked all of setttings and everything looks good. Anyone have any ideas?

A8N-SLI Deluxe, AMD64 3500 (90 nm)
2 GB (4 X 512) Corsair 3200 XL (2-2-2-5)
MSI NX6600GT (TD128E) Video
200 GB Seagate SATA
300 GB Maxstor SATA
600 GB Raid 0 Seagate SATA
Antec NeoPower 480
Cooling
Zalman CNPS7000B-CU CPU Cooler
Zalman VF700-CU VGA Cooler
Zalman ZM-NB47J Northbridge Heatsink

 

[tmchow]

for some reason my s/pdif coax and optical outputs aren't working. I haven't tested the analog outputs, but I do have all the drivers installed.. any ideas?