*** Official ASUS P5W DH Thread ***

[renozi]

Originally posted by: renozi
guys quick question
what happens to the pci-e frequency when we overclock?? leaving it at auto means its running at....? and the pci frequency too...

I'm gonna try and ask this again...

 

[phile]

Originally posted by: thespyder
I emailed Asus, just like this thread indicated and got a response saying

"I am currently out of bios chip for the M/B P5W DH DLX, you can send your bios chip and let me reflash it."

And I am wondering if I should be a little miffed. It seems to me that, all they need to do is take a chip that they have in stock and flash it, and then send it to me. This, instead of me sending them MY chip and then them sending it back (thus making my delay both for the mail to them, and the mail back to myself). Am I being unreasonable?

Did you try my suggestions from my last post? You may just be able to get your machine working without getting a new BIOS chip. Otherwise, yes, you have every right to be pissed with ASUS for such a pathetic excuse.

-phil

 

[thespyder]

Hey,

Thanks for the suggestions. I plan on trying some/all of them tonight when I have time. Hopefully I won't need to send Asus anything. I might also take the BIOS back to Frys and see if they can flash it for me.

I just think that ASUS is trying to cut corners because so many people have requested this. Still, it's pretty poor customer service. IMHO.

Thanks again for the suggestions. I'll post back tomorrow if any work.

 

[daigoro]

I'm having some trouble with my P5W DH deluxe board. I recently noticed that
ASUS recommends at least BIOS version 1101 for this board, when using an
E6600. Mine was 701. I flashed to 1305 and wham, 'CMOS Bad checksum' after
POST. It gave an option of restoring default values, which I did. After that
it just ran through POST and gave a black screen with a blinking cursor.
Tried flashing earlier versions of the BIOS (1101 and 1301) with the same
result. It refused to flash 701 again, deeming it and 'old version'.
Im at a loss here. Could it be the RAID 5 setup? (See signature for
components.)

I've been running without serious problems for a week up until this point, with
XP S2 installed. Nothing in the machine is (or has been) overclocked.

 

[phile]

Originally posted by: daigoro
I'm having some trouble with my P5W DH deluxe board. I recently noticed that
ASUS recommends at least BIOS version 1101 for this board, when using an
E6600. Mine was 701. I flashed to 1305 and wham, 'CMOS Bad checksum' after
POST. It gave an option of restoring default values, which I did. After that
it just ran through POST and gave a black screen with a blinking cursor.
Tried flashing earlier versions of the BIOS (1101 and 1301) with the same
result. It refused to flash 701 again, deeming it and 'old version'.
Im at a loss here. Could it be the RAID 5 setup? (See signature for
components.)

I've been running without serious problems for a week up until this point, with
XP S2 installed. Nothing in the machine is (or has been) overclocked.

First, the truth is that BIOS 0801 is the minimum recommended, but many seem to have no problems with 0701. That being said, 1305 is superior to them both, for the most part. The 'CMOS Bad checksum' warning is perfectly normal, first boot after flashing the BIOS. When you think about it, it makes sense. The last checksum was with a different BIOS. At this point, I have no idea what could be causing the post to fail. It would seem logical, though, that booting fails with the BIOS reset to factory, since any SATA drives will be set to operate as IDE/Enhanced Mode - not RAID. You definitely need to get into the BIOS to reconfigure your system.

You could try clearing the CMOS. This involves powering-off, removing the CMOS battery, and switching a jumper for several seconds (see manual for details).

-phil

 

[daigoro]

Originally posted by: phile

First, the truth is that BIOS 0801 is the minimum recommended, but many seem to have no problems with 0701. That being said, 1305 is superior to them both, for the most part. The 'CMOS Bad checksum' warning is perfectly normal, first boot after flashing the BIOS. When you think about it, it makes sense. The last checksum was with a different BIOS. At this point, I have no idea what could be causing the post to fail. It would seem logical, though, that booting fails with the BIOS reset to factory, since any SATA drives will be set to operate as IDE/Enhanced Mode - not RAID. You definitely need to get into the BIOS to reconfigure your system.

You could try clearing the CMOS. This involves powering-off, removing the CMOS battery, and switching a jumper for several seconds (see manual for details).

-phil

I feel like a complete idiot. You hit the nail on the head. The BIOS was not set to
RAID anymore. Changed that, and bingo, it boots. I can stop sweating now.
Will probably keep 1101 for a while

 

[phile]

Just use ASUS Update (windows app on CD) to apply 1305, keeping in mind that you must enter the BIOS on first boot after flashing.

Glad all is good.

-phil

 

[daigoro]

Held my breath and flashed the 1305 BIOS again. Now that I know the routine, there were no problems.

 

[phile]

Good stuff. :thumbsup:

-phil

 

[The111]

This thread has some awesome information, thanks everybody (especially Phile) for your posts. (Ironically enough, I met a guy from Chile named Phil a few years back, and put him in my cellphone as "Phile").

My P5W and E6400 should be arriving tomorrow from Newegg. I am 99% sure it will have a fairly new BIOS, I hope to not run into any problems there.

I have not overclocked since years ago when a friend convinced me to overclock my Celeron 366 to 533. It worked well but I ran into a lot of stupid little problems like (this one bothered me a lot) I would get error message when trying to unpack large zip and rar archives.

But all these posts are making me consider o/c on my new system.

Here's a question: what software do you recommend to monitor system temps?

My current system (mobo just got fried by lightning) was an old Northwood 3.0 in one of those Shuttle shoeboxes (stupidest decision I ever made). I used Motherboard Monitor and Speedfan to monitor temps and control fans (don't know if those softwares are still current), but that think idled in the high 50's usually, and my $400 vid card overheated after several months. I am so looking forward to having a real tower again.

 

[phile]

Originally posted by: The111
This thread has some awesome information, thanks everybody (especially Phile) for your posts. (Ironically enough, I met a guy from Chile named Phil a few years back, and put him in my cellphone as "Phile").

My P5W and E6400 should be arriving tomorrow from Newegg. I am 99% sure it will have a fairly new BIOS, I hope to not run into any problems there.

I have not overclocked since years ago when a friend convinced me to overclock my Celeron 366 to 533. It worked well but I ran into a lot of stupid little problems like (this one bothered me a lot) I would get error message when trying to unpack large zip and rar archives.

But all these posts are making me consider o/c on my new system.

Here's a question: what software do you recommend to monitor system temps?

My current system (mobo just got fried by lightning) was an old Northwood 3.0 in one of those Shuttle shoeboxes (stupidest decision I ever made). I used Motherboard Monitor and Speedfan to monitor temps and control fans (don't know if those softwares are still current), but that think idled in the high 50's usually, and my $400 vid card overheated after several months. I am so looking forward to having a real tower again.

Hehe.

So, yeah, you should definitely be looking to at least modestly overclock your new rig. To monitor CPU temps you'll want to download CoreTemp. It can read the digital thermal sensors found conroe CPUs. These sensors are not read by most monitoring applications. For overall system monitoring - temps, fan speeds, voltages - I use Everest Ultimate. Actually, Everest Ultimate is one of those few apps that can also read the conroe core sensors. It's not free, though. Speedfan is still a good choice, if you prefer a free solution.

Incidentally, what memory were you planning to use?

Download CoreTemp here:
http://www.thecoolest.zerobrains.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=137

Everest Ultimate:
http://www.lavalys.com/

-phil

 

[The111]

The memory will be 2 Corsair XMS 1 gig sticks, CM2X1024-6400 (DDR2-800).

Thanks for the tips on software, I will try those out, and I may indeed consider an o/c once I get some decent case fans installed, I'm getting a Sonata II and I think it only comes with one. I'm slightly worried about the mobo and MSI X1900XTX card I'm getting (awesome mail-in rebate on these right now) both fitting in the case, I read one or two people complaining about tight fits, but I think I will probably be ok.

Does overclocking still cause problems with unpacking large compressed archives like it used to years ago?

 

[phile]

Originally posted by: The111
The memory will be 2 Corsair XMS 1 gig sticks, CM2X1024-6400 (DDR2-800).

Thanks for the tips on software, I will try those out, and I may indeed consider an o/c once I get some decent case fans installed, I'm getting a Sonata II and I think it only comes with one. I'm slightly worried about the mobo and MSI X1900XTX card I'm getting (awesome mail-in rebate on these right now) both fitting in the case, I read one or two people complaining about tight fits, but I think I will probably be ok.

Does overclocking still cause problems with unpacking large compressed archives like it used to years ago?

Your past overclock was probably unstable, resulting in the issues you had. You may have pushed one or more components too far. If you're going to overclock, it's important to start by establishing that all your components are working properly. That would entail running a memtest on your memory, and then a stress test on the system, all while at stock speeds. Once you have confirmed that your rig is stable, apply your overclock and re-test.

Download memtest here:
http://memtest.org
Burn the ISO to CD and boot with it. Let it run overnight.

Download Orthos Stress Prime here:
http://sp2004.fre3.com/beta/beta2.htm
Run the blended test for a few hours, minimum.

-phil

 

[redplanet]

Originally posted by: phile

Originally posted by: redplanet

Originally posted by: phile
Your problems are likely due to the fact that the JMicron controller does not support ATAPI drives. To ensure proper operation of DVD and CD ROM drives, you'll need to connect them to the native IDE port - the blue one.

In theory, PATA HDs should work just fine on the JMicron controller, but I'm not sure how to set this up.

-phil

Alright I guess i'll have to play around with it some more

thanks for the reply

If you find a solution, please post it here.

-phil

Alright, So I tried removing drivers, using the supplied drivers from the CD. No luck.
Also tried to plug my DVD Burner and a CD Burner on the Intel IDE connector and then connect the HD on the JMicron connector and now the drive is not accessible in windows explorer says that its corrupt and when i reboot windows wants to check the drives with scandisk which I decline. How should it be setup on the JMicron? In bios I have Enabled / Basic / Disabled for the 3 settings of the JMicron.

Anyone encountered this problem ? Thinking of buying a ide to sata converter.

Thanks

 

[Trevorsouter]

whats the onbaord sound like on the P5W DH?

also will my 7950GT run fine on it?
if i wanna run crossfire in teh future ill need ATI cards wont i??

 

[Skott]

Originally posted by: Trevorsouter
whats the onbaord sound like on the P5W DH?

also will my 7950GT run fine on it?
if i wanna run crossfire in teh future ill need ATI cards wont i??

1)I hear its pretty good but I use a seperate card. X-Fi XtremeMusic

2)Yes, the 7950 runs on the P5W DH

3)Yes, you'll need a ATI 'master' card as one of the cards.


RedPlanet, Yeah there are some known issues with that problem. I dont know the answers but I do know they have been discussed here and over on XS forums they have a big thread on this mobo and all the problems and fixes.

 

[thespyder]

Ok,

Here is what I tried last night.

1) Reset the CMOS
2) Tried both Mem sims individually
3) Changed power supplies
4) Traded out the video card
5) Tried combinations of the above

In every single scenerio, I get the little green light on the MOBO to light up but nothing else. No CPU fan. No Case fan. No HD power up. No Power LED. Not a click or a whirr. Nothing else. Any other thoughts?

Oh, and ASUS is now saying that they are out of the physical chip that goes on to the MOBO with the BIOS. Way to go ASUS! Should I send them MY chip and hope it doesn't take 2 weeks to return, and hope that it isn't a bad MOBO all along, or should I return the MOBO to the retailer and say that it is a bad MOBO?

 

[raincityboy]

Originally posted by: thespyder
Ok,

Here is what I tried last night.

1) Reset the CMOS
2) Tried both Mem sims individually
3) Changed power supplies
4) Traded out the video card
5) Tried combinations of the above

In every single scenerio, I get the little green light on the MOBO to light up but nothing else. No CPU fan. No Case fan. No HD power up. Nothing else. Any other thoughts?

Oh, and ASUS is now saying that they are out of the physical chip that goes on to the MOBO with the BIOS. Way to go ASUS! Should I send them MY chip and hope it doesn't take 2 weeks or should I return the MOBO to the retailer and say that it is a bad MOBO?

If you have another system, you can hot flash it.
This thread will show you how.

 

[raincityboy]

Ripped from XS
New BIOS that allows adjustable multies :thumbsup:
1402

Cant wait to get home from work...

original thread

 

[JAH]

I have been having issues with my motherboard temps (idle at around 55C), even after doing the TIM replacement as described by this xtremesystems post.

So I bought the Forcetake JTS-0006 for the SB chip (haven't install it yet - it's in transit). But what about the NB chip? Can an after-market heatsink/fan fits on there since there are no mounting holes for it on the board - just hooks for the stock heatsink? I was thinking about the Thermalright HR-05 SLI for the NB since it would give clearance room, but was wondering if I would be able to install it on this board.

 

[raincityboy]

Originally posted by: JAH
I have been having issues with my motherboard temps (idle at around 55C), even after doing the TIM replacement as described by this xtremesystems post.

So I bought the Forcetake JTS-0006 for the SB chip (haven't install it yet - it's in transit). But what about the NB chip? Can an after-market heatsink/fan fits on there since there are no mounting holes for it on the board - just hooks for the stock heatsink? I was thinking about the Thermalright HR-05 SLI for the NB since it would give clearance room, but was wondering if I would be able to install it on this board.

I haven't tried it yet, but I have seen plenty of people posting good results with this one.
Thermaltake Extreme Spirit

 

[thespyder]

Originally posted by: raincityboy

If you have another system, you can hot flash it.
This thread will show you how.

Thanks for the link. Unfortunately I do not have another compatable system to flash from. It has been SEVERAL years since I upgraded.

Any other thoughts on the subject?

 

[phile]

Originally posted by: thespyder

Originally posted by: raincityboy

If you have another system, you can hot flash it.
This thread will show you how.

Thanks for the link. Unfortunately I do not have another compatable system to flash from. It has been SEVERAL years since I upgraded.

Any other thoughts on the subject?

You know, I would RMA the mobo. Your conroe should boot with 0701, so there's a chance that the mobo is faulty in some other way. Where and when did you buy the mobo?

-phil

 

[thespyder]

Originally posted by: phile

You know, I would RMA the mobo. Your conroe should boot with 0701, so there's a chance that the mobo is faulty in some other way. Where and when did you buy the mobo?

-phil

Kinda my thoughts as well. I bought it from Frys. They could atleast "Tech Support" it, don'cha think?

 

[imported_olaf]

Third OCZ RAM kit arrived today. So far it looks to be 2 good sticks. Huzzah!