* Official EPoX 8RDA/+ (nForce2) Thread *

HoMeZ · Jul 5, 2003

I didn't do it yet... What is the proper way to do it?

MARMADUKE · Jul 5, 2003

Hold down insert key while booting PC and tapping on the DEL key to enter setup, it might take a few try's, select optimal defaults save and exit!

HoMeZ · Jul 5, 2003

That doesn't work I don't think my computer detects my keyboard when I turn it on because when I press caps lock or num lock the light on the keyboard doesn't turn on and the light on my optical mouse doesn't turn on either.

pspada · Jul 5, 2003

If you are using a USB keyboard, you may need to connect a PS/2 one to get into the bios.

HoMeZ · Jul 5, 2003

I used the converter thing that came with my mouse and it still didn't work =/

Melectricus · Jul 5, 2003

I'm planning on building two machines. The first one for my son's friend and then later in the year for my son (16yr olds). I thought I pretty much had settled on the epox for both builds. Both will have new mobo, processor, memory, heatsinks and HD's with existing components to finish them out. Both have geforce 3's that both will upgrade at Christmas. I've built 9 cost/performance computers since 1995 averaging one every 9-12 months so I know my way around - but I'm more of a novice, not an expert by any means; although I am getting pretty good at calming my wife down every time FedEx or UPS shows up.

So here's the question, is the 8rda+ so high-toned that it is more for 'experts' than 'lessor enthusiasts'?

I've read through this entire forum and I do have some concearns. I understand most posts here are people who look for solutions to problems, and it seems each of the recurring problems do have fairly simple solutions, but the bulk of the problems seem to be consistant. I'm going to take on the Epox for my son because we have 3 other computers at home, but I'm kinda nervous about busting down his friends only computer and setting up the new one in a timely manner. Is another nforce 2 board easier out of the box? He will oc to try to get to 200fsb.

here's what I'm planning on building:
8rda+
amd 2500 barton
slk-800a with ys tec variable
vantec iceburg on north
zalman heatsink on south
ramsinks on mosfets(sp?)
2x256 3200 winbond made by ???
80gb maxtor 8mb 133
onboard audio and nic
tkd 24x burner -exist
asus 50x? cdrom -exist
geforce 3 ti500 -exist for now
floppy, fans, lights etc

I'd appreciate some thoughts....thankx

HoMeZ · Jul 5, 2003

I think if he's planning to o/c then he should know how to build a comp, but I'm a novice to and from what little I know I think you need to do special mods to get this mobo to get up to 200 fsb so I'm not sure if this is the mobo for you (unless I'm wrong)

MARMADUKE · Jul 6, 2003

pull plug..move cmos jumper to clear position for 5 secs... then put back to normal ...and boot up to setup and set defaults!

HoMeZ · Jul 6, 2003

Oh so I just leave it off for 5 seconds

pspada · Jul 6, 2003

Originally posted by: HoMeZ
I think if he's planning to o/c then he should know how to build a comp, but I'm a novice to and from what little I know I think you need to do special mods to get this mobo to get up to 200 fsb so I'm not sure if this is the mobo for you (unless I'm wrong)

My 8RDA+ and 2500+ are running at 10x200fsb, stock voltage, heatsink, etc. Other than having to put a hsf replacement on the northbridge chip so it does not run so hot, I am making no changes.

HoMeZ · Jul 6, 2003

eh then i guess i was wrong =] so what was up with all those mods to hit 200 fsb?

thirdlegstump · Jul 6, 2003

Just out of curiosity...how much of a performance difference is there if an XP 2500+ is running 200fsb x 10 versus an XP 1700+ TBred B running 200fsb x 10? Any known benchmarks?

pspada · Jul 6, 2003

Any math type processing appears to benefit from the extra cache.

Blooz1 · Jul 7, 2003

Melectricus, you don't need to worry so much!

The 8RDA+ is actually very easy to set up. The boards shipping today all have the A1/C1 chipset, and reach 200FSB easily! I bought mine in March, right after this running change was made, and I've had none of the heat issues that people had with the older chipsets. I'm still using the stock NB sink, and the SB is bare!

I've run my board up to 220FSB, and was normally operating at 210FSB, but recently "throttled back" due to summer heat issues to 200FSB. (I run SETI/SoB 24/7 on this system...100% usage is normal!).

The only mod I've done to my board was to lap the stock HS and replace the thermal pads with Arctic Silver Ceramique. I did this prior to installing and running the board, so it was a simple process. With the cooling mods you have planned, you should be in great shape!

From your proposed list I can see that you have done your homework! Your son and his friend should be extremely happy with those systems. I'd suggest having them help you with the builds so they can see and be involved in all phases of "construction"!

MARMADUKE · Jul 7, 2003

Melectricus
do not use variable speed fans, and dont use cpu fan header, come back for overclocking tips

HoMeZ · Jul 7, 2003

What are some main tips you can give on o/c'in the ram?

Melectricus · Jul 7, 2003

Thanks for the input....this forum has been really helpful.

Blooz1: I was going to let it go stock but I thought it would be easier to change the NB cooling right away since I would pull it to add AS3. While I was at it, a zalman and ramsinks at bestbyte.net were about $10 total but they could easily be added later. As for lapping, had a bad time/experience thing going once, so now I buy slk's and rely on them- lame I know.....

MARMADUKE: "do not use variable speed fans, and dont use cpu fan header" Could you tell me why? I actually just did this a couple of weeks ago on my MSI via400 with a slk700 to get the noise down. But especially for the epox.
I've read a number of your solutions. The big question I still have is: who's memory and what quality level? Is there a cost/performance solution for oc'g to 200fsb- looking at 2x256 for a budget of $100 or so, but would definitely spend more if for problem avoidance.

Thanks again.......

pspada · Jul 7, 2003

Check out

Hardcorecooling.com

Booyah · Jul 8, 2003

I plan on ordering a 8RDA+ but need to know if my memory will be compatible. I have 2 sticks of Geil 512mb PC3200 Ultra. Copper Heat spreaders -

This One

Anyone use this with the 8RDA+ ?

My other components will be a Barton 2500, a Radeon 9500. and 2 120gb WD 8mb cache drives, Toshiba DVDRW Drive, along with a Chieftech Case with Antec 430W PSU.

Will my Sk6 copper heatsink be adequate - this is the original copper SK6? The outcome will hopefully be a fast stable video editing system which smashes my current Soyo Dragon+/xp 1800 KT266A rig.

BTW - Newegg lists the 8RDA+ sound as being - Onboard Audio: Realtek ALC650E 6-channel audio - is this the Soundstorm onboard chip? Any good?

MARMADUKE · Jul 9, 2003

Melectricus-the 8rda will think a fan is failing and shut you down, use of the cpu header can cause big problems on the 8rda including the FF code!, click on my sig Twinmos link for the best memory in the world for nforce2..TwinMOS 2X256 now $100

Booyah-your memory should be ok, your WD drives have known problems?...you must remove jumpers, the soundstorm is great!

Psada-fix your NB yet?

ironique · Jul 9, 2003

Will be getting my 8rda+ soon together with a 2400+ and corsair DDR333. I plan to OC it, got a coolermaster X-Dream cooler. Anyone out there with an OC'd 2400+ on this mobo? please post your OC. If this has been asked previously, please post a link to the thread. Thanx.

pspada · Jul 9, 2003

Originally posted by: MARMADUKE
Melectricus-the 8rda will think a fan is failing and shut you down, use of the cpu header can cause big problems on the 8rda including the FF code!, click on my sig Twinmos link for the best memory in the world for nforce2..TwinMOS 2X256 now $100

Booyah-your memory should be ok, your WD drives have known problems?...you must remove jumpers, the soundstorm is great!

Psada-fix your NB yet?

Not yet. I'm still waiting on my 2700+, as I want to do everything at the same time. Stupid Googlegear, 1 full day for "Processing", and 1 full day for "Packing" before they bother to ship. They get a low rating at resellerratings.com from me for this crap!

bjc112 · Jul 9, 2003

Hey all,

I am in need of some 8rda+ help here... I think i may have a bad motherboard..

I first built this system with a 2200+
2x512 Hyper X 3200

MY problems began whenever i could not run my 2200+ stable... I then would back it down a few mhz to about 1764... Perfectly stable, i can change the multiplier and FSB to whatever i want (220FSB) as long as i didn't go over 1764 my computer was stable...

I figured what the hell, ill flip off the 2200+ and grab a 1700+... DULTC

I pop it in figuring i can get it to boot @ at least 2200+ speeds.. WROOONG. Freezes again at anything over 2100+

I have the Newest BIOS which is 6/3/03 i think...

I am also having a few problems with my floppy drive, its being detected but whenever i put a disk in it tells me no disk, try again blah blah blah...

I am starting to wonder if it has a bad floppy connector along with a few other problems...

Thanks for any help.

Bryan

newuser · Jul 10, 2003

Anyone try the new "unofficial" drivers for this board?
http://www.8rdafaq.com/index.php

7/8/03 - "Beta" nForce2 drivers have been released, v3.44 for windows XP and 2K. These are much smaller then regular drivers, and I have no real info on them. User response has been good so far. These originally came from station-drivers, so we don't know if these are official

MARMADUKE · Jul 10, 2003

bjc112-enable ESCD

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* Official EPoX 8RDA/+ (nForce2) Thread *