*The Official* Abit IP35-E (Ed. 2)

[daggermeerkat]

Same here, tried running my corsair at 1T .. even when its set in the BIOS as that, it reverts to 2T. Does that 5-5-5-15 too, so just stuck with 4-4-4-12 2T.

 

[bigpow]

last week I re-applied TIM on all heatsinks, except the Voltage regulator HS.
Now I notice how hot the Northbridge really is. I guess it was even hotter before when it had the crappy pink wax.
Southbridge heatsink is just warm, and Vreg heatsink is rather hot.

Any idea how to improve the cooling on this thing?

 

[monohouse]

I was wondering how is the testing of the new bios working, is it still slower than 12 ?
also did anyone try to plug the sblive 5.1 into the PCI ? I seem to be having problems with sound when connecting my sound card sound plays just fine, for a while until it starts to cause weird noises and then shuts down completely but the system keeps on working, have tired to adjust some settings inthe bios like disable unused pci slots, but they did not help

one other question: what is preferred, to let 2 hard drives boot twice or gain a 8 mhz speed increase in the cpu ? which bios version is preferred ?

I am having no problems with this mobo, I am using a Corsair VX450 PSU on it with the 12 bios

also, 1T works fine, I have 2x1GB Corasir 6400-C4 @ 420 Mhz, I have tested 1T setting and it has negligible impact of system performance (~100 MB/s increase in memory bandwidth and some 1-2 clocks reduced in latency) but since this is core 2 and it has a northbridge, any latency settings are negligible unworthy of the load on the memory because the northbridge is the real latency problem, not the memory latency, if you are looking for top memory performance you chose the wrong architecture (intel), but AMD has it's own memory performance issues (memory write ?), if you whant to improve memory performance I recommend trading the latency for more mhz

 

[bigpow]

monohouse, I'm using BIOS 17. Since 15 beta & 16, there's no more double boot (unless power cable is unplugged)
I'm also using an X-Fi with it. It works fine. Not sure why your SBLive behave like that.

all this talk about 1T makes me want to revisit my settings.
I'm pretty content with what I have: 5-5-5-15 2T on 2x 1GB Crucial Ballistix Tracer @500 (CPU is 8x500)

Wonder if it'll do 1T...

 

[monohouse]

I have the same settings, reached 1024 mhz with 800 mhz sticks, however effective bandwidth is still about 400 mhz (effective) behind (wasted clocks to achieve the same speed as AMD platform), if you want high memory performance I recommend copying the update.sys file from xp service pack 3 and overwrite the one that is in your windows\system32\drivers it will improve memory read by 1000 MB/s and memory copy by ~300 MB/s, alot more than adjustment of any settings. but I needed to bump voltage at 2.1V on my RAM to get it stable and not loose any data (RMMA+memtest86) at 1024mhz.

X-Fi is new, my sblive is over 7 years old, maybe the capacitors need replacement...

 

[nerp]

Apparently the board is in stock at this place here:

http://www.moogr.com/ABIT_MOTH...artinfo-id-346952.html

Crazy high price, though. But if you're desperate for this board. . .

 

[bryanW1995]

I got my x3350 from moogr. I like them a ton, and I like my ip35e too, but that price seems a little high to me...

 

[RRTRACKS]

The message intended posted four times. Just read the last one if you want to take the time do do that.

Rich

 

[RRTRACKS]

A repeated message please delete!

 

[RRTRACKS]

Mistake

 

[RRTRACKS]

Mistake

 

[RRTRACKS]

Heidfirst and All,

After some banging my head on the wall a few times, a solution to the problem was found. In an earlier post on this thread, a comment stating my lack of experience with computers was made. It was a surprise to learn the comment was truer than expected. As there is a chance someone else might learn from the mistakes made, however obvious and embarrassing they are, the following comments follow.

In the end the problem was traced a conflict with the OCZ Gold Rev 2 PC6400 1GB x 2 memory sticks and the Abit IP35 motherboard. As popular as this memory is it is a little surprising that there was only one thread I was able to find on this forum (Not this thread but forum, and was on the original Abit IP35-E thread, posted by Heidfirst of all people). Nothing could be found on either the Abit or OCZ forums related to this conflict. The search feature of this forum and others might be overrated as, entering my user name as a search criteria, I was only able to find one post on this thread, although there had been several posted using my user name.

One of the problems in not finding the problem was caused by not completely clearing the BIOS. Ordinarily jumping the pins or closing the BIOS clear switch for a short period of time will clear the BIOS. The Abit manual suggests to do a complete BIOS clear, the battery must be removed and the contacts shorted. To get the show on the road in my case this was required. Most hardware changes and certainly possible changes made to the BIOS settings by themselves resulting in a BIOS lock up would not require this.

Since the only place I was able to get any help on this was from an OCZ technician, OCZ Platinum PC6400 1GB x 2 memory sticks, were used as a solution.

With only two tries a CPU speed of 3.2 GHz and memory speed of 854 MHz and DDR voltage of 2.1 were used to successfully test memory and the Windows XP OS for temperature and stability. As this is a first shot at this sort of thing, you can count on me being back somewhere because of something I overlooked.

This post was presented of because the promise presented above. As I am a gabby individual you should receive a reward for reading this far and treat everything presented with extreme caution.

All the Best,

Rich

Originally posted by: RRTRACKS

it's still an IP35-E thread though so imo you would have been better posting it in it's own thread.
Or even better if you want activity for that specific mobo the abit USA forums.

As you say the chances of getting 2 mobos faulty is remote but the chance of getting 2 faulty with exactly the same code is even rarer so it's probably a common factor to both builds.
Can you try another (preferrably non-Antec) PSU?

[/quote]

Heidfirst,

First off I would like to say thank you for the comments you provided.

Upon looking I was surprised there is not a thread on this forum for the Abit I35-Pro board. It appears you might have known this as you suggested I create a new thread. Since the issues associated with OCing might differ between the E and the Pro boards, a new thread on that issue would make sense. Unfortunately I am 10,000 miles from that point.

Your suggestion about going to the Abit USA forums was excellent. For anybody that is interested in this forum, the following link will get you there: http://forum.uabit.com/ .

You were correct in an 8.7. code being a problem with the power supply. Unfortunately I did not realize there is also an 87 code indicating: Net PC: Build Structure, whatever the heck that means, other than it is really bad news. It is rather embarrassing for me to say at this point I am not sure which of the two error codes I got.

Using another power supply with an 8.7. error code is an excellent suggestion. Nixed, I do not have another power supply to use for testing.

One good thing coming out of this problem is I can now remove and install a motherboard in less than 30 minutes. Not that this was a skill I wanted to acquire. But this skill will be used to test the board in question to see exactly which of the two codes I was getting. If it is the 8.7. code, I will be purchasing a new power supply. If it is the 87 code I will be getting another RMA.

As I prefer using a PC rather than working on one, I have put this project off until tomorrow. I will let you know how this turns out.

I suspect sometimes there are glitches in the quality control process of electronic parts that result in a higher number of defects expected to be seen by the consumer. About 10 years ago I was bit with this problem with some Maxtor drives I purchased. Two out of three from the retailer and one of the two replacements sent to me by the Maxtor. The refurbished electronic items seen for sale on Ebay and other places are more than likely a product of this problem.

Thanks Again,

Rich
[/quote]

 

[Heidfirst]

I'm glad that you are sorted but are you saying that you got an 8.7. code because of the OCZ Gold 6400 RAM (which btw I don't remember you mentioning or I would have said that it wasn't a happy marriage [there areposts on the abit forum to that end], the Platinum rev.2 works far better)?
If so that would be a first afaik.

 

[RRTRACKS]

Well I guess I will report a first to you regarding the OCZ Platinum Memory. I am not sure it will get a system to boot to Windows, but it will allow the BIOS with the Abit MB to get to the BIOS setting with the system I have. If increasing the memory voltage at that point is the stop you see, it is one I have not dealt with as a known issue. Upping the voltage of the memory at that point of the system setup has worked for me. Stating this as an unreasonable requirement in the environment where everything is moved every which way to move the moon two degrees to get two clock clicks does not sell.

Rich

 

[Heidfirst]

I'm sorry but your post doesn't make sense to me.

We know that OCZ Gold 6400 isn't a good match for the IP35 (although it's believed to be OCZ's fault with a poor SPD programming) & similarly we know that Platinum Rev. 2 works OK at the default JEDEC 1.8V with 1 DIMM & with 2 DIMMs at the OCZ recommended voltage (which is higher than the JEDEC standard).
What I don't recall ever seeing before was an 8.7. code (as that relates to CPU core voltage) due to memory , normally that would get you a C1.

 

[RRTRACKS]

Originally posted by: Heidfirst
I'm sorry but your post doesn't make sense to me.

We know that OCZ Gold 6400 isn't a good match for the IP35 (although it's believed to be OCZ's fault with a poor SPD programming) & similarly we know that Platinum Rev. 2 works OK at the default JEDEC 1.8V with 1 DIMM & with 2 DIMMs at the OCZ recommended voltage (which is higher than the JEDEC standard).
What I don't recall ever seeing before was an 8.7. code (as that relates to CPU core voltage) due to memory , normally that would get you a C1.

Heidfirst,

The best I can do is tell you what I recall happening. The first time I tried installing the OCZ Gold memory into the Abit motherboard I got an LED board error of 87. It might have been 8.7. , but I do not recall.

Upon doing a complete BIOS reset and trying the Gold memory again I got an error code of 52 ? Test all memory (clear all extended memory to 0). Using a memory stick that could get the BIOS to post, various voltages and memory settings were attempted to get the Gold memory to get the BIOS to post. There was not any combination of settings that would get the BIOS to post and all resulted in a code 52. Where the 87 or 8.7. code came from the first time this memory was installed does not make sense, as I am quite certain all the power cables were correctly installed.

Given the tech at OCZ told me to use a DRAM voltage of 2.0v, the 1.8v voltage settings with Windows were not even attempted with the Platinum memory. You cannot even begin to imagine how tired I have become at working on this box that is supposed to be a computer. Doing the minimum to get the darn thing working is where I have been coming from lately. However with two of the Platinum memory sticks the BIOS will post with the default memory voltage of 1.8v.

Your participation on this board was quite helpful in getting to the root of the problem I had.

Thanks,

Rich

 

[yusofu]

Hi,
I have bought this board to exchange with DP35DPM early this year (DP35DPM goes crazy while installing XP for SATA issue).

Using Enlight 4205 casing - ACBel E2510 - C2Q6600 - 2GB Corsair an - SATA DVD - 1xSATA ST250Gb - 1x WD160Gb - 1x WD120Gb - XP Pro - Vista Ultimate - (a few hackintosh - prior to a real Mac) and working with a few double post. Flashed BIOS to v.14.

Thing goes very well until I noticed that the HDD LED is NOT BLINKING from before - it keeps on glowing - means that I will not know if theres a hard disk doin' a read/write. The casing's HDD LED works with the DP35DPM before.

I e-mailed Abit Taiwan but the best answer is to RMA.

Thanks - and sorry if this is a wrong thread.

 

[RRTRACKS]

Originally posted by: yusofu
Hi,
I have bought this board to exchange with DP35DPM early this year (DP35DPM goes crazy while installing XP for SATA issue).

Using Enlight 4205 casing - ACBel E2510 - C2Q6600 - 2GB Corsair an - SATA DVD - 1xSATA ST250Gb - 1x WD160Gb - 1x WD120Gb - XP Pro - Vista Ultimate - (a few hackintosh - prior to a real Mac) and working with a few double post. Flashed BIOS to v.14.

Thing goes very well until I noticed that the HDD LED is NOT BLINKING from before - it keeps on glowing - means that I will not know if theres a hard disk doin' a read/write. The casing's HDD LED works with the DP35DPM before.

I e-mailed Abit Taiwan but the best answer is to RMA.

Thanks - and sorry if this is a wrong thread.

Yusofu,

As this is your first post to these forums, welcome. Being relatively new myself, I have found the people here to be knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and in my case especially, patient. It is hoped you have the same experience.

Rich

 

[Heidfirst]

Originally posted by: RRTRACKS
Given the tech at OCZ told me to use a DRAM voltage of 2.0v, the 1.8v voltage settings with Windows were not even attempted with the Platinum memory. You cannot even begin to imagine how tired I have become at working on this box that is supposed to be a computer. Doing the minimum to get the darn thing working is where I have been coming from lately. However with two of the Platinum memory sticks the BIOS will post with the default memory voltage of 1.8v.

The problems with non-JEDEC spec. memory are not unique to abit, it's a pretty general situation. Unfortunately you started out with what is possibly the worst RAM to combine with the IP35 & unfortunately you either didn't mention it explicitly or I missed it otherwise we may have saved some of your heartache.

Originally posted by: yusofu
Thing goes very well until I noticed that the HDD LED is NOT BLINKING from before - it keeps on glowing - means that I will not know if theres a hard disk doin' a read/write. The casing's HDD LED works with the DP35DPM before.

I'm pretty sure that's down to your SATA ODD, some of them seem to keep being polled/reporting status to Windows.
I'm also pretty sure that there may be a workaround on the abit forum somewhere though.

 

[bryanW1995]

has anyone seen the ip35 e show back up anywhere at reasonable prices again?

 

[RRTRACKS]

Originally posted by: bryanW1995
has anyone seen the ip35 e show back up anywhere at reasonable prices again?

bryanW1995,

Doing a quick web search the best I could see was an Amazon Merchant with an out the door price for a new board of about $100. For about the same price you could get a remanufactured Pro board on Ebay.

Because of a great number of problems people have had with Ebay purchases several people are not willing to even consider going that route, especially with computer related products. Following two simple rules I have made quite a few Ebay purchases without any problems.

Rule one is only buy from Ebayers that have a selling history of greater than 50 and a 98 percent or more positive rating. Read the rating to get a feel about what has been sold and a better feel of buyer feedback. Often times this feedback will show the same item you are interested in buying.

Rule two is to read the fine print. Most of the larger sellers will have the RMA requirements listed below the item description. Take a moment to read them before you buy. In almost all cases you are going to have to eat the shipping charges. Some of the other requirements might make you want to consider other purchasing options.

As I own a great deal of stock in Amazon and none in EBay, all the negative stuff that can be dumped upon EBay makes me happy.

Rich

Heidfirst,

Just for your information, I had not mentioned the Gold OCZ memory in the original post dealing with the problem. It is nice to know I could not have made a worse choice for memory than I did. Hoping you do not mind, a few questions to close the book on this saga follow.

You mentioned the OCZ Platinum memory as being non-JEDEC spec. memory. Unless I am mistaken, this means a higher voltage would be required for the memory to operate correctly. Is there any downside in doing this if both tests run on the memory and operating system fail to report errors with an acceptable CPU operating temperature?

Should I decide to upgrade from 2 to 4GBs of memory, would going from two to four dimms of the OCZ Platinum memory be a problem? Would spending a bit more to buy two 2GB dimms of JEDEC spec. memory allowing for future expansion be worth the extra cost, given the limited technologic life of the motherboard?

Rich

 

[jporter]

I'm kinda new here, so hi!

I'd like to say I love the Abit IP35-E board I have got but I have to say, if an overclock fails you have to open the case and manually reset the CMOS?! This is absolutely unacceptable imo. Even my old Asus nforce4 chipset and my gigabyte p35-ds3 didn't have that. What do you guys think? For the rest the overclocking options seem good and I haven't had one problem with the board! Temps are also good.

 

[Heidfirst]

Originally posted by: RRTRACKS
You mentioned the OCZ Platinum memory as being non-JEDEC spec. memory. Unless I am mistaken, this means a higher voltage would be required for the memory to operate correctly. Is there any downside in doing this if both tests run on the memory and operating system fail to report errors with an acceptable CPU operating temperature?

as long as it's within the manufacturer's allowed voltages (otherwise you void the warranty), no.

Should I decide to upgrade from 2 to 4GBs of memory, would going from two to four dimms of the OCZ Platinum memory be a problem? Would spending a bit more to buy two 2GB dimms of JEDEC spec. memory allowing for future expansion be worth the extra cost, given the limited technologic life of the motherboard?

user experience seems to show that whilst the Plat Rev.2 is fine for use with 2 DIMMs on the IP35 series there are better for use with 4 DIMMs or indeed 2x 2Gb is usually preferrable (2 DIMMs is less stress for the memory controller).

Originally posted by: jporter
I'd like to say I love the Abit IP35-E board I have got but I have to say, if an overclock fails you have to open the case and manually reset the CMOS?!

tried doing a couple of restarts?
usually that will force the mobo to reset to defaults (of course if you are running a RAM config that won't work at defaults you'll still have to open up the case).

 

[RRTRACKS]

Originally posted by: Peav

Originally posted by: Winterpool
I do hate opening a case just to clear the CMOS, but I'm not sure the convenience is worth an extra $20.

I got around this by using a 3 pin fan extension cable plugged onto the cmos clear jumpers, stuck it through an open slot cover at the back, with the cmos clear jumper stuck on the end.

Works a treat and never have to open the case to clear the cmos.

Here is another thought.

Rich

 

[jporter]

Originally posted by: RRTRACKS

Originally posted by: Peav

Originally posted by: Winterpool
I do hate opening a case just to clear the CMOS, but I'm not sure the convenience is worth an extra $20.

I got around this by using a 3 pin fan extension cable plugged onto the cmos clear jumpers, stuck it through an open slot cover at the back, with the cmos clear jumper stuck on the end.

Works a treat and never have to open the case to clear the cmos.

Here is another thought.

Rich

Thanks for the suggestion, I might actually try this. Now I need to find/buy a cable like that!