*** Official ASUS P5W DH Thread ***

[phile]

My best guess is that your mobo is faulty. If you can easily replace it, that would be the best next step for you.

-phil

 

[Tegeril]

So I was having some random freezes out of the blue (just like what myx reported on the page before, will run for 12 hours or 3 minutes before all processes lock up, mouse locks, and the system just sits there), reverted recent software changes and they persisted. So I ran the Windows memory test and Memtest86, both of which would freeze at a certain point, the windows test would report an error and then freeze and memtest just freezes. I have tested:

Stick 1, slot 1 --> pass
Stick 2, slot 1 --> pass
Stick 3, slot 1 --> pass
Stick 4, slot 1 --> pass
Sticks 2 and 4, slots 2 and 4 --> pass
Sticks 2 and 4, slots 1 and 3 --> pass
Sticks 1 and 3, slots 1 and 3 --> pass
Sticks 1 and 3, slots 1 and 2 --> pass
Sticks 1 and 3, slots 3 and 4 --> pass

But no matter what I do with voltages (ram auto, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, MCH auto, 1.55, 1.65, 1.75), adjustments to timings (back to stock, tighter, variations of the two, auto), clock speeds (underclocked to 800 or stock), I can't get Memtest to not freeze on test 5 (running tests in order), however running test 5 directly as of right now (at underclocked ddr2-800) it has passed 3 times in a row - rebooting to have it run from test 1 onward. When it does die, it takes the USB devices down with it (keyboard light goes off, but Memtest remains on the screen, time frozen, + sign and underscore blinking).

I'm running bios 1707 and was stable since mid January till two days ago. What can I do?

 

[Tegeril]

Well what the heck. First time today it's passed test 5 in memtest... underclocked at ddr2-800. I think I'm going to totally reset the bios, flash it to the latest, and reconfigure my overclock and see where I am at that point.

 

[Tegeril]

Looks like the board killed itself. I reset the bios to stock settings and launched the flash utility, it never read from my flash drives and just hung there not allowing me any interaction. I rebooted, went back to the bios, made sure USB settings were accurate, plugged in a different flash drive just to be safe, entered the flash utility, same thing, just hung without loading any file systems. Rebooted again with alt+f2, it hung detecting USB devices, rebooted again, no post, no video nothing. Removed the GPU, removed the battery, changed the jumper to clear the CMOS, changed it back, replaced the battery, replaced the GPU, booted - nothing, no post, no video, no USB devices powered, no LAN light but all the fans spin up and the drives spin up.

RMA in

 

[f1rstbuild]

My first ever system build is almost complete because of this forum. Thanks to a lot of guys who shared their knowledge and experience.

Now, I have one problem that i want to ask. Can I use the SATA3 and SATA4 on the southbridge for RAID1 and leave the Sata1 as an ordinary IDE drive?

Thanks in Advance

 

[jedisponge]

Hey guys I've run into another problem with my board.

After dling the 0.95 version of CoreTemp, I ran it from winzip. What happened was all these error windows popped up, one after another after another after another. I just shut off my computer at one point by throwing the power switch, and when I turned it back on, a different screen popped up.

The screen said "Bad Bios Checksum", and it searched for a cd-rom and flash drive for a bios. At this point I panicked, and I just shut the computer off. I opened it up, took out the battery and reset the CMOS. Afterwards, everything appeared to be fine, not counting that I had to reenter all the bios settings.

Last night, I shut off the computer. WHen I came back in the morning to turn it on, it booted. Unfortunately for me, I left my HP scanner on and connected through USB to the computer, and since it has some flash readers, the BIOS either stays in bootup screen trying to detect the printer. If I leave it alone long enough, it eventually boots, though it can take up to 10 minutes. However, I didn't feel like waiting and I restarted the computer. When I did, the computer didn't post.

Like my original problems earlier, all the fans spin and the video card fan stays on at high speed, and nothing happens. I tried resetting the CMOS and taking out the MOBO battery and putting it back in, still to no success.

Any ideas what could be wrong this time? Could it be as simple as replacing what could be a dead MOBO battery? Or could it be something else? I tried reseating the RAM, using one at a time, taking out the power connector to the motherboard, and trying to reset the CMOS over and over again.

Right now, the dvd drive still opens and closes, and the power button if held still shuts off the computer.

Any ideas before I take it to the shop?

 

[phile]

Originally posted by: f1rstbuild
My first ever system build is almost complete because of this forum. Thanks to a lot of guys who shared their knowledge and experience.

Now, I have one problem that i want to ask. Can I use the SATA3 and SATA4 on the southbridge for RAID1 and leave the Sata1 as an ordinary IDE drive?

Thanks in Advance

I haven't messed with RAID on this board, but I'm pretty sure you can do what you proposed.

-phil

 

[phile]

Originally posted by: jedisponge
Hey guys I've run into another problem with my board.

After dling the 0.95 version of CoreTemp, I ran it from winzip. What happened was all these error windows popped up, one after another after another after another. I just shut off my computer at one point by throwing the power switch, and when I turned it back on, a different screen popped up.

The screen said "Bad Bios Checksum", and it searched for a cd-rom and flash drive for a bios. At this point I panicked, and I just shut the computer off. I opened it up, took out the battery and reset the CMOS. Afterwards, everything appeared to be fine, not counting that I had to reenter all the bios settings.

Last night, I shut off the computer. WHen I came back in the morning to turn it on, it booted. Unfortunately for me, I left my HP scanner on and connected through USB to the computer, and since it has some flash readers, the BIOS either stays in bootup screen trying to detect the printer. If I leave it alone long enough, it eventually boots, though it can take up to 10 minutes. However, I didn't feel like waiting and I restarted the computer. When I did, the computer didn't post.

Like my original problems earlier, all the fans spin and the video card fan stays on at high speed, and nothing happens. I tried resetting the CMOS and taking out the MOBO battery and putting it back in, still to no success.

Any ideas what could be wrong this time? Could it be as simple as replacing what could be a dead MOBO battery? Or could it be something else? I tried reseating the RAM, using one at a time, taking out the power connector to the motherboard, and trying to reset the CMOS over and over again.

Right now, the dvd drive still opens and closes, and the power button if held still shuts off the computer.

Any ideas before I take it to the shop?

Are you running Vista x64, by any chance? I ask because CoreTemp did exactly that when I tried running it under Vista x64. I assume the problem is due to the fact that CoreTemp does not yet have a signed 64-bit driver for Vista, which is a requirement unique Vista x64. In the future, should you ever have a similar problem, open the task manager and kill the process, rather than doing a hard restart.

As for your machine's sudden inability to POST, it sounds as if the BIOS has somehow become corrupt. If that's the case, you will in all likelyhood need to replace the BIOS chip. However, there is a small chance to recover from this, if the BIOS's boot block has not been damaged. Open your P5WDH manual to page 4-9 and follow the directions for recovering via ASUS's CrashFree BIOS 3 utility.

Good luck.

-phil

 

[jedisponge]

Yes I am running Vista x64.

And I will try the bios recovery idea.

Again, thanks a whole lot phile!

 

[Tegeril]

Originally posted by: phile

Originally posted by: jedisponge
Hey guys I've run into another problem with my board.

After dling the 0.95 version of CoreTemp, I ran it from winzip. What happened was all these error windows popped up, one after another after another after another. I just shut off my computer at one point by throwing the power switch, and when I turned it back on, a different screen popped up.

The screen said "Bad Bios Checksum", and it searched for a cd-rom and flash drive for a bios. At this point I panicked, and I just shut the computer off. I opened it up, took out the battery and reset the CMOS. Afterwards, everything appeared to be fine, not counting that I had to reenter all the bios settings.

Last night, I shut off the computer. WHen I came back in the morning to turn it on, it booted. Unfortunately for me, I left my HP scanner on and connected through USB to the computer, and since it has some flash readers, the BIOS either stays in bootup screen trying to detect the printer. If I leave it alone long enough, it eventually boots, though it can take up to 10 minutes. However, I didn't feel like waiting and I restarted the computer. When I did, the computer didn't post.

Like my original problems earlier, all the fans spin and the video card fan stays on at high speed, and nothing happens. I tried resetting the CMOS and taking out the MOBO battery and putting it back in, still to no success.

Any ideas what could be wrong this time? Could it be as simple as replacing what could be a dead MOBO battery? Or could it be something else? I tried reseating the RAM, using one at a time, taking out the power connector to the motherboard, and trying to reset the CMOS over and over again.

Right now, the dvd drive still opens and closes, and the power button if held still shuts off the computer.

Any ideas before I take it to the shop?

Are you running Vista x64, by any chance? I ask because CoreTemp did exactly that when I tried running it under Vista x64. I assume the problem is due to the fact that CoreTemp does not yet have a signed 64-bit driver for Vista, which is a requirement unique Vista x64. In the future, should you ever have a similar problem, open the task manager and kill the process, rather than doing a hard restart.

As for your machine's sudden inability to POST, it sounds as if the BIOS has somehow become corrupt. If that's the case, you will in all likelyhood need to replace the BIOS chip. However, there is a small chance to recover from this, if the BIOS's boot block has not been damaged. Open your P5WDH manual to page 4-9 and follow the directions for recovering via ASUS's CrashFree BIOS 3 utility.

Good luck.

-phil

The behavior he is describing (no post, cd drives open/close, fans power) is exactly the issue I have with my motherboard. I tried the automated recovery with a flash drive and a usb floppy drive to no avail

I have an open RMA with Newegg now and will be shipping it to them tomorrow.

It's like a part of me died when my desktop stopped working, heh

 

[phile]

You could get ASUS to overnight you a new BIOS chip, for a very small fee - often just the shipping. A much quicker solution than RMA replacement.

-phil

 

[Tegeril]

Honestly, didn't even think of that, but I was already having memory issues with the board and would rather have a different one entirely.

Definitely know your knowledge in this thread is really appreciated phile

 

[phile]

Yeah, I just read through your posts, and you seem to be having similar issues as myx. As with myx's situation, it's hard to know what's going on with your system. Unless you can consistently reproduce the problem, it's hard to diagnose with any certainty. Hopefully, both of you will have better results with new boards.

-phil

 

[f1rstbuild]

Originally posted by: phile

Originally posted by: f1rstbuild
My first ever system build is almost complete because of this forum. Thanks to a lot of guys who shared their knowledge and experience.

Now, I have one problem that i want to ask. Can I use the SATA3 and SATA4 on the southbridge for RAID1 and leave the Sata1 as an ordinary IDE drive?

Thanks in Advance

I haven't messed with RAID on this board, but I'm pretty sure you can do what you proposed.

-phil

Thank You Phil, and since I have your attention, let me tell you what my specific plan.

I have 2x320GB Seagate Barracudas installed and 1x74GB Raptor coming.

Option 1. OS and Apps and Games on the Raptor, data, multimedia on the seagate (not raid)

Option 2. OS and Apps...on the Raptor then RAID1 for the Barracudas

Option 3. I will return the Raptor and set the Barracudas in Raid Matrix 0+1, OS and apps on Raid 0 and data on raid1.

Now, what is the best set-up? My option 3 is for cutting cost but if its the best option im happier

 

[phile]

Option #1 is pretty-much how I have my machine configured. A raptor for OS and apps/games, and two 7200 rpm drives in non-RAID, for storage. RAID1 in a home, single-user environment seems like a waste of a drive, to me. Just periodically backup your data using an imaging application like Acronis True Image, or Ghost.

Ultimately, there is no correct answer to your question. It depends on your objectives. For myself, I chose simplicity.

-phil

 

[jedisponge]

Originally posted by: TegerilIt's like a part of me died when my desktop stopped working, heh

I'm sure most of us would feel the same way. It's only because I draw so much from it everyday, from news, entertainment, school work, etc.

The Asus Crashfree utility didn't work, so off I go to in hopes that a new bios chip will work.

 

[Deusfaux]

seagate 7200.10 on SATA 1

2x Raptors in RAID 0 on SATA 3 and 4, (BOOT DRIVE)


HAD LG optical on PRI-IDE




removed IDE LG optical, installed

LG optical SATA


for now its on EZ RAID SATA 1. I can't get it detected. Ditto if I put the single Seagate in there instead.

As soon as the optical is NOT plugged in (either into SATA 1 on ICH7R or NOTHING) it works fine, and I can open it's drive bay. Seagate works on SATA 1 as well.

Neither work whatsoever in EZ RAID 1.


I have read posts on ASUS forums suggesting one CAN get single drives and devices to work on the "missing" SATA 2 port from the ICH7R controller which is what the EZ RAID ports are... via the Silicon Image controller they are the missing SATA 2 split into 2 more ports.

Apparently by removing both EZ RAID jumpers, and plugging the device into EZ RAID 1, you can use it as normally. EZ RAID 2 get disabled by default. This arrangement I guess bypasses or disables the SI controller and throws control back to the ICH7R

HOWEVER, for some stupid reason I just cannot get it to work.


Unless people have other suggestions for me, I might just have to assume its a DOA port and have to RMA the whole damn thing (over one little damn bit!)


I think it is very bizarre for the port to kill the optical drive ONLY when it gets plugged into it... not even being able ot open the drive bay hmmm

 

[phile]

Another user recently discovered how to properly convert the Ez-Raid ports into a single non-RAID port. IIRC, you need to completely remove the Ez-Raid jumper. Better you scan back until you find the post in question.

-phil

 

[Deusfaux]

Originally posted by: phile
Another user recently discovered how to properly convert the Ez-Raid ports into a single non-RAID port. IIRC, you need to completely remove the Ez-Raid jumper. Better you scan back until you find the post in question.

-phil

Originally posted by: DeusfauxApparently by removing both EZ RAID jumpers, and ....

HOWEVER, for some stupid reason I just cannot get it to work.

 

[lukx]

Originally posted by: myx
I know about the 32bit system issue and thats not the problem. 3dmark runs with 4gb and 2gb and even 3gb ram installed. Just with 4gb sometimes it freezez the system. Winamp problem, basicly it...hangs up everything. But im not talking about only winamp. Other apps do the same. They just hang up the system with no definite scenario running. I mean I'm as puzzled as you prolly are. But no problems apear when running with 2 or 3 or 1 gb. Just when all the 4 sticks are inserted. I even tested with different memory slots, all posible permutations. Running games - like stalker or fear or lineage2 that use the computer a lot - or even by running plain apps like winamp or wathing a dvd can hang the computer. The image on the screen freezez, , the usb ports stop working though. Couse I see the mouse and usb modem not working anymore (leds are off). I repeat, only when running with all the 4 sticks installed I get this problem. Now i have an uptime of almost 3 days with no problems (running with 2 sticks of ram). Bios version is 1901.

Later edit : To reproduce the problem, just put all the 4 sticks of ram and run a memtest. (in windows memtest) It will freez after aprox 15 minutes of running (without any errors)

I might have the same problem. I have to run windows mem test to check it. But here's my story:
I got ASUS p5w DH Deluxe with 4GB of Corsair 6400C4 (twinx modules-pairs).
Intel E6700 CPU, EVGA 8800 GTX ACS3. Seasonic m12 700W PSU. All settings in BIOS 1901 were AUTO.
I run pc for few months without problem. Few days ago I changed cooling to Scythe Infinity. When for the first time started pc it hanged after bios post. Then I managed to get to screen where I can choose to start windows in safe mode or last known good settings. But after choosing any option pc again hanged.After many tries I removed one ram and started pc (3GB)... it booted without problem, windows loaded etc. I puted ram inside again and booted also without problem (all 4GB). So I decided to run memtest3.2 (setings BIOS AUTO no OC etc.). After few minutes it gave me error. I rebooted and turned off usb legacy and start memtest3.2 again. After around 6 hours (5 PASS or more) I got 1 error. I tested each memory with memtest86+ 1.7 by itself for 1 Pass (30 minutes) and no errors. I testes one memory in all slots for 1 Pass also no errors. I set in BIOS settings like on memory: 800Mhz, 4-4-4-12 (4 write recovery like was in corsair test). voltage 2.1 and after few seconds got 2 errors in memtest86+ 1.7. I set write rec to 5 and send it again, and now it's running for 30 mins and no errors but will live it for the night. I don't knwo what to do. I don't knwo which pair to give back to replace which one is faulty ( is still got warranty form the shop where I got it). Or maybe it's my mainboard? I don't have to much time to test it. Is there any particular test I can run to make sure which ram is faulty or if I shoud RMA my mainboard?

 

[phile]

I recall reading something a while ago that suggested one needs to loosen memory timings when running 4 DIMMS. If everything runs stable with DRAM Write Recovery Time set to 5, I would not necessarily see that as a bad thing.

-phil

 

[lukx]

I just changed ram settings to 5-5-5-15, 5 write recovery time (I though those are auto settings when BIOS settings set to auto), and got first error on 2 test ! Today I will test mobo with another typo of ram and see if same thing will happen.

 

[Deusfaux]

Originally posted by: Deusfaux

Originally posted by: phile
Another user recently discovered how to properly convert the Ez-Raid ports into a single non-RAID port. IIRC, you need to completely remove the Ez-Raid jumper. Better you scan back until you find the post in question.

-phil

Originally posted by: DeusfauxApparently by removing both EZ RAID jumpers, and ....

HOWEVER, for some stupid reason I just cannot get it to work.

anyone have any other advice? should i just RMA it?

 

[Litlratt]

I recently attempted to update the bios from 1901 to 2004 thru asus update and the process failed. I had used this method a dozen times before without issue but never in Vista64. As a result the computer won't post. I tried clearing the cmos, still wouldn't post. Tried to create a bootable cd but either I wasn't doing it right or the mb would have no part of it. It accesses the drives but reads and sits. Any ideas? My gut instinct is that this isn't going to be easy.

 

[jedisponge]

No idea. I used AsusUpdate on my Vista Ultimate x64 just yesterday to update the same set of bios as yours, and it worked fine. Second time doing so.

The weird thing is, I originally thought my bios chip was damaged and overnighted a new one from Asus, as I wasn't posting as well. I got the chip, and I realized I didn't have anything to take out the original chip. I used a tweezer to try and get it out, but no avail. But for some reason, I decided just to turn on the computer and see what happens.... and it starts and posts!

However in the process, I might have damaged a PCI lane, as I'm getting static on my Audigy 2 card if it's plugged in the PCI slot next to the bios chip. I subsequently moved it to another PCI slot and it works fine. But would anyone know if this could be a problem if I put say... a physics card into it?

Anyway, Litlratt, did AsusUpdate go through all the steps only to say that the process failed? Or did your computer just shut off in the middle of the process? Try putting the Asus Motherboard CD that came with the mobo, as phile's idea and on page 4-9 in your manual, it might help as it'll flash a bios from the cd.