*** Official ASUS P4P800/Deluxe (865PE) Thread ***

[jaeger66]

Originally posted by: gramboh
Ok I think there are some random problems with this board.

I am now getting random lock ups (a month after buying) at STOCK when playing games using 1009 final BIOS. Although I did flash with AsusUpdate (didn't see the warning not to), I think I'm going to try AFUDos when 1010 comes out.

I am running a 2.6 @ 2.6, default voltage, 2 x 512 Corsair XMS 3500 @ 2-3-3-7 (2.75vdimm) dual channel @ DDR 400. A friend suggested it could be northbridge overheating as when he added one of those godawful 40mm screamer fans to his, he stopped getting crashes.

I'm going to run memtest overnight and if it goes ok I will try running with the case open for a while I guess.

Try increasing the vcore. It seems 1009 changes the voltage regulation a little, so the default overvolting is no longer taking place. And the NB does not need a cooler at any speed.

 

[resinboy]

1010.02 is on Asus' site now

 

[b4u]

I really like this P4P800 Deluxe Mini Guide, take a look.

I found this link inside another link in this page, but I think it's good to have a shortcut (sometimes humans forget how to get there ).

 

[b4u]

Originally posted by: dw58
b4u,
I would install 1008 bios with the executable then flash the 1009 bios per Asus instructions on page 4-3 of the manual, section 4.1.3 (using Asus EZ flash). Hint: You have to rename the 1009 bios file and have it on a floppy.

Have you, or anyone tried this at home?

I mean, am I supposed to go trouble free using EZ Flash? I thought it would be best to avoid it ... don't know ... too much read causes confusion.

Thanks

 

[Slammy1]

I used afudos for everything but 1.006. From my understanding, you only need to flash either 1.006 or 1.008 using the executable version to get the boot block update (which they bundle the in executable file with the ROM update) To flash 1008.ami using afudos, the syntaxt would be:
afudos /i1008.ami

 

[monadian]

After conducting numerous tests on my P4P800 (non-delux), thought I'd pass on info for those with any of the common questions.

Memory Acceleration Mode - just set this to enable rather than auto. It's essentially "PAT" as on the P4C800.

Turbo mode - all this does is increase all the mem timings a notch. You are much better off leaving this set to Standard and MANUALLY setting the mem timings yourself. Turbo mode enabled will definitely cause stability problems in some systems.

Memory timings - obviously, you'll need decent memory to run aggressive settings. I bought 2 sticks of Corsair (not the "hand picked matched pair", just two identical sticks) of 3500C2 mem. Suggested timings on these are 2-3-3-7. Stability was bad with 2-2-2-5. My machine is rock solid at 2-3-3-6.

DRAM Burst Length - settings are 4 or 8. Unlike the other mem timings, a higher value for this is better. Stick with 8.

BIOS version - my board shipped with 1005. If you have this version, you will not have the ability to set the FSB in 1 MHz increments. You will only have the % settings, such as 5%, 10%, etc. Download the latest BIOS from ASUS, create a bootable floppy (format utility in XP), copy the BIOS file and AFUDOS.EXE to the disk, and flash your BIOS. It's a piece of cake, really, and nothing to be scared of. Go for it. You'll be happy you did. 3DMark2001 results increased by around 100 points after flashing.

Overclock settings - Manual, then increase your bus freq from 200 to whatever. My mem allows me to go to 215 without a hiccup. 2.8c CPU now clocked at 3012, FSB at 860.

Other notes - Radeon 9700 Pro performing flawlessly, 3DMark2001 scores in excess of 16,600, all voltages at default settings, stock cooling on CPU, CPU temp never seems to get above 110 F.

Life is good. :beer:

 

[spoondigity]

Asus has repeatedly said not to use ezflash. I have run across these warnings in several places. I know someone mentioned that they used ezflash and it seemed to work for them, but in the same post they are complaining about system problems. If Asus says not to use ezflash, I am guessing they have a good reason to give this warning. Use AFUDOS (as specifically recommended by Asus) unless the bios comes as an executable. In which case, just boot to a floppy and execute the bios exe. If you can not pull this off you may not want to flash at all or perhaps you would be best to have a shop build your system for you.

 

[spoondigity]

Ok, maybe I shouldn't be building systems or I need to have my brain checked. I meant to say Aflash.... Do not use aflash.... Ezflash and afudos are recommended for bios updates. We will get this right eventually hehe.

 

[resinboy]

anyone else had success flashing 1010 beta? I tried EZflash, AFUDOS, as well as Asus update- every one kicked up an error reading the bios file.

 

[b4u]

Originally posted by: Slammy1
I used afudos for everything but 1.006. From my understanding, you only need to flash either 1.006 or 1.008 using the executable version to get the boot block update (which they bundle the in executable file with the ROM update) To flash 1008.ami using afudos, the syntaxt would be:
afudos /i1008.ami

So I connected all cables, and started the machine! What I found is that I have BIOS 1005. Uhm ... an old one ... so, will I just flash 1008 with the executable and then 1009 with EZ Flash?

If I need 1008, why did they remove it from ASUS website?


Thanks for the answer, I'm waiting for it to start moving

 

[frobnitz]

I might add that the 1009 BIOS will allow your RAM settings to "stick" in turbo mode. This is great, since it allows me to run my HyperX at 2-2-3-5 with Turbo and MAM enabled, and finally achieve a decent Sisoft score In the prior BIOSes, turning on "turbo" mode meant the BIOS ran you RAM at 2-2-2-5 no matter what settings you chose for RAM.

Wow, this is a big deal. How could you tell this was happening? I thought MAM locked all the timings... Does it still only work when the ram is in 1:1 mode?

Thanks,
Frob

 

[Slammy1]

Originally posted by: Slammy1
I wanted to post something I read and tried from the ABX Forums. It really seemed to help a rather serious issue I've been having. Basically, you go back to BIOS 1.006 and flash it using the executable, then flash each BIOS in order to 1.009. I'm pretty sure they don't mean the beta versions also, I just did the finals on each.

BIOS Flashing

The first post links to all of the BIOS versions, including some you don't need. The 1.006 comes as an executable, run that first then upgrade to the last version listed in the download page. I'm reluctant to link to someone's d/l page, sorry to make you work for it .

A couple of notes. I downloaded 1.009 from Asus' site rather than BigToe's link. Also, try benchmarks at each BIOS point to determine which is your best for comapatability. Be careful, and I'd set my BIOS to defaults (change boot order) before each flash. Not that I had any problem, but I've read where it can confuse the BIOS sometimes. I still changed performance mode to standard just to make sure my settings were stable. Good luck .

 

[b4u]

First of all, thanks for those who posted

Second, what I've done:

Finished putting all hardware into the case, connected the PC, and off I go ...

Uhm ... I have BIOS version 1005. What I did?


Getting BIOS versions:
------------------------------------------------------------
Downloaded BIOS versions (on another PC), all from ASUS site, all final versions (NOT beta ones).
Note: ASUS only lists 1009 on their sites, but I had them downloaded before removal.


Created 4 floppy disks (on another PC), with Windows 98:
------------------------------------------------------------
[D1] Format a system disk, put the 1006 BIOS (executable version, all files on zip) in it;
[D2] Format a disk, put the 1007 BIOS (renamed file to P4P800.ROM) in it;
[D3] Format a system disk, put the 1008 BIOS (executable version, all files on zip) in it;
[D4] Format a disk, put the 1009 BIOS (renamed file to P4P800.ROM) in it;
Note: Windows 98 seemed to leave the minimum files on a system disk, so I picked from that.

I have a Western Digital 120Gb 8Mb cache, from another macine, with 2 partitions of NTFS. One with Win XP Pro, the other with all data I plan to keep safe.

I connected this HD to the new system, but since I don't wanna boot from the HD (I want WinXP Pro install to format 1st partition and install itself in there), and BIOS starts from Floppy Drive by default, I inserted disk [D2] in the drive.


Steps I took to update from 1005 to 1009:
------------------------------------------------------------

*** At this point BIOS 1005 ***


[1] Inserted disk [D2] in the drive (to safe-prevent HD boot-up);

[2] Turned on the PC, entered BIOS (it tells me it's 1005), selected Load Defaults, Save & Exit;

[3] On POST, inserted disk [D1], system boots to floppy;

[4] Executed file for 1006 BIOS update, prayed, and all went well, finished;

[5] Power Off PC, waited 15 secs, Power On PC;

[6] Inserted disk [D2] in the drive (non system disk to safe-prevent HD boot-up);

[7] Pressed DEL to enter setup, it tells me BIOS is 1006 (YES!), gives me error before entering, something like: "Checksum error, Overclocking error! F1-Enter Setup, F2-Continue". Pressed F1;

[8] In BIOS, selected Load Defaults, Save & Exit;

[9] Another restart and entering BIOS, no error this time. Fine!

*** At this point BIOS 1006 ***


[10] Restart, on post hit Alt+F2, entered EZ Flash. Disk [D2] is in the drive, so it automatically starts updating BIOS to 1007, I prayed, and all went well, finished;

[11] PC auto restarts, pressed DEL to enter setup, it tells me BIOS is 1007 (YES!), gives me error before entering, something like: "Checksum error, Overclocking error! F1-Enter Setup, F2-Continue". Pressed F1;

[12] In BIOS, selected Load Defaults, Save & Exit;

[13] Another restart and entering BIOS, no error this time. Fine!

*** At this point BIOS 1007 ***


[14] Restart. On POST, inserted disk [D3], system boots to floppy;

[15] Executed file for 1008 BIOS update, prayed, and all went well, finished;

[16] Power Off PC, waited 15 secs, Power On PC;

[17] Inserted disk [D4] in the drive (non system disk to safe-prevent HD boot-up);

[18] Pressed DEL to enter setup, it tells me BIOS is 1008 (YES!), gives me error before entering, something like: "Checksum error, Overclocking error! F1-Enter Setup, F2-Continue". Pressed F1;

[19] In BIOS, selected Load Defaults, Save & Exit;

[20] Another restart and entering BIOS, no error this time. Fine!

*** At this point BIOS 1008 ***


[21] Restart, on post hit Alt+F2, entered EZ Flash. Disk [D4] is in the drive, so it automatically starts updating BIOS to 1009, I prayed, and all went well, finished;

[22] PC auto restarts, pressed DEL to enter setup, it tells me BIOS is 1009 (YES!), gives me error before entering, something like: "Checksum error, Overclocking error! F1-Enter Setup, F2-Continue". Pressed F1;

[23] In BIOS, selected Load Defaults, Save & Exit;

[24] Another restart and entering BIOS, no error this time. Fine!

*** At this point BIOS 1009 ***


So I started it at 2AM, took about 1/2 hour (no rushing), then got to sleep. So now I just need to start installing WindowsXP Pro on my new system.

So I should be fine, with no problems to appear right? (are you still awake after reading this post? )


Thanks

 

[Fritzo]

I've been using Asus MB's for years, but I'm disappointed that they're nickle and diming us on the new generation boards....WHERE'S THE USB HEAD THEY AWAYS INCLUDED IN THE PAST??? They advertise the P4P800 with 8 USB ports, but only two are accessable unless you purchase additional ones...that stinks. Where can you buy them anyway? I didnt see a listing on the Asus website for add-ons.

 

[jaeger66]

Originally posted by: Fritzo
I've been using Asus MB's for years, but I'm disappointed that they're nickle and diming us on the new generation boards....WHERE'S THE USB HEAD THEY AWAYS INCLUDED IN THE PAST??? They advertise the P4P800 with 8 USB ports, but only two are accessable unless you purchase additional ones...that stinks. Where can you buy them anyway? I didnt see a listing on the Asus website for add-ons.

MIne has 4 rear mounted and 2 headers for front/slot mounted. And if you're plugging more than 4 USB devices straight into the back of your machine you're missing the entire point of USB. That's what hubs are for.

 

[Fritzo]

OMG...I didn't see the extra set of slots back there I thought there were only 2. NM.

 

[jaeger66]

A new version of Asus Update is out that works with the 1010 BIOS.

ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS/mb/flash/asusupdt51401.zip

 

[Slammy1]

B4U, ideally you wanted to check each BIOS to windows, make sure you have no probs. Well, don't forget to post to tell us about your best o/c so we can pick it apart (j/k ).

 

[Shagger]

I installed the P800DX today and have a problem. I run windows XP and I have a USB2.0 scanner, when I attach the scanner it gives the warning that "A high speed USB device has been plugged into a non-high speed hub". When I tried to install the 2.0 drivers it gives me the message that XP SP1 doesn't need these drivers. I don't run SP1 however. I installed the Win2K USB 2.0 drivers from the ASUS disk but that still didn't help. I still get the non-high speed hub message. ANy ideas?

BTW - make sure that you unplug ALL 1.1 devices BEFORE you install the 2.0 driver otherwise you lose all your 1.1 devices. I had to do a system restore to get my USB mouse and scanner back because it screws up the hardware enumerator or some such MS crap...

 

[partha]

I had the same problem with my p4p800 and USB 2. Installing XP SP1 took care of the problem. After installing Sp1 you need to go to USB in the device manager and click (if I remember correctly) update driver. That installs the USB 2 drivers.

 

[jaeger66]

Originally posted by: Shagger
I installed the P800DX today and have a problem. I run windows XP and I have a USB2.0 scanner, when I attach the scanner it gives the warning that "A high speed USB device has been plugged into a non-high speed hub". When I tried to install the 2.0 drivers it gives me the message that XP SP1 doesn't need these drivers. I don't run SP1 however. I installed the Win2K USB 2.0 drivers from the ASUS disk but that still didn't help. I still get the non-high speed hub message. ANy ideas?

If you want 2.0, install SP1. Otherwise it won't work.

 

[bigskank]

I'm looking to buy this board and a 2.4c for overclocking. I had read back about a month and a half ago that this board was very finicky w/ memory. What memory has someone had luck with OC'ing the 2.4c with on this board?

 

[Slammy1]

Running 275MHz FSB stable to mid level testing using HyperX 3500 2-3-3-7-8 on a 4:5 ratio (440Mz memory).

 

[johnyvt]

Well I'm kind of desperate here...I was actually changing my system back from a successful test 1:1 226mhz FSB overclock (2x512 Crucial PC3200, 3-3-3-7-8) so I moved the FSB back to 200, RAM to 2.5-3-3-7-8, and enabled turbo. When I rebooted the system would not post. Tried clearing CMOS and nothing. Tried moving the memory all around. Nothing. Resetting the graphics card...adjusting the hsf...BIOS recovery CD....and the system will still not post. I've had the board over a month and no serious problems until now. Can anyone help?

 

[Fritzo]

I have the same memory and the same thing happens when I try to go to turbo mode. Go figure