THE Asus P5E X38 Thread

[ericeod]

As promised, I am now attempting to update this thread (well really just this first post for now)

Sister threads:

RPIJG's Asus Rampage Formula (X48) Thread

TheNix's Asus Maximus Information and Help area thread

JoshsPC's The "Official" ROG Asus Rampage Formula(X48) Club


Mar 16, 2009

Updated drivers and bios:
ASUS Download page or use ASUS ftp site main or ASUS ftp site alternate to download all the latest drivers and bios.

Bios:

Rampage Formula 0803 dated 2009/02/25

P5E Deluxe 0304 dated 2009/02/25

Maximus Formula 1302 dated 2008/12/10

P5E 1201 dated 2009/02/25

Drivers:

These are drivers/software for the SupremeFX II audio that are far superior then those available at ASUS (Courtesy of Chris Ihao)

Originally Posted by Chris Ihao

...Head down to http://www.arc.com/sonicfocus/support.html for better drivers for that card.

Added March 27, 09:
One thing I recently found out though. If I prevent the blackhawk part from loading, through msconfig, it works even better. The part to block from loading is "sonic focus effects". Should work well. The drivers are adjustable from the vista playback devices menu's. Eq and all. The graphical interface still is a bit bugged, even if its better than the ones you find on the asus homepage.

Intel 9.1.0.1007 Chipset Drivers XP/Vista 32/64

Intel RAID driver revision 7.8.0.1012 dated 11/25/2007 (these have been the most stable. The newer ones have been causing HDD issues)
32 bit
64 bit

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Must read links:

Rampage Formula article at Anandtech:
ASUS ROG Rampage Formula: Why we were wrong about the Intel X48
Pages 3-9 of the article will prove to very useful to those wanting to know about specific bios settings, chipset strap, relationship between the NB and memory, as well as memory timings (both primary and sub).

Thread about degrading 45nm CPus due to high vcore:
Is your 45nm degrading?

XS thread debating Loadline Calibration and 45nm CPUs:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...5nm+LLC&page=2

XS Rampage Formula thread with reports of idle (but not during load) crashes with LLC enabled on 45nm CPUs:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...light=45nm+LLC


Here is the Intel paper were vdroop is specified
http://www.intel.com/Assets/PDF/designguide/313214.pdf



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some of the advanced bios settings explained:

These advanced Bios settings really helped me bring stability to the system: AnandTech

FSB Strap to Northbridge: Unlike older chipsets, performance hits of using the higher MHz Northbridge straps are virtually non-existent. Synthetic latency and read figures across any of the 266/333 or 400 straps are almost identical. There are small variances in overall stability, for quad processors running over 400FSB - the 333 and 400 straps worked better for us. For benching with dual-core CPUs, we found the 266 strap allowed us sufficient overhead to run the board up to 550 FSB. Between 550-575 FSB, we were limited to the 333 and 400 NB straps depending on memory timings. The 200 NB setting offers inadequate FSB potential to consider it worthy of use with Intel's latest processors.

PCI-E Frequency: If the ICH9R SATA ports are used then a setting around 115 MHz is safe, though scores do not seem affected by the minimal 15MHz overclock. We noticed anything over 118MHz would cause problems with the drives or even the POST routines. Benchmarkers as usual are best off using an IDE drive, turning off all the peripherals, and then trying to maximize the bus speed.

NB Staps and Dividers
266::: 4:5/2:3/1:2
333::: 1:1/5:6/5:8/1:2
400::: 1:1/3:4/1:2


RAS To RAS Delay: The BIOS generally defaults to 4 for this setting; for benchmarking, we have used 3. At high FSB speeds, a setting of 5 may provide more stability with the counter effect of a small loss in performance.

Row Refresh Cycle Time - aka TRFC: For benchmarking TRFC can be set as low as 45-50; if shooting for stability values of 60 and above are fine. A lower setting gives big gains in bandwidth and can affect benchmarking scores quite drastically.

DRAM Static Read Control: This function is best set to 'Disabled' for overclocking. We could not substantiate any significant memory bandwidth or latency gains using the 'Enabled' setting. Further, setting 'Enabled' may actually hinder overclock success.

AI Clock Twister: We recommend use of the "Strong" setting wherever possible. Setting "Weak" reduces overall bandwidth and access latency.

Transaction Booster: Ranges here are from 1-7 (1-3 are usable changes in BIOS), with either the "Enabled" or "Disabled" setting. A setting of 1 with "Enabled" selects the default tRD level for the NB strap and memory divider combination. Each digit increase to the Transaction Booster with the "Enabled" setting will subtract 1 from Performance Level, providing us with higher memory bandwidth and lower access latency. The "Disabled" function inreases tRD (tRD +1) and/or tRD phases with each additional digit over 1, meaning an upward scale increase or boost is less aggressive with Transaction Booster set to "Disabled".

AI Clock Skew Channel A and Channel B: Timing unison between both channels of memory is essential for stability. PCB trace length variance between Channel A and Channel B can lead to an offset of signaling between both Channels. Delaying Channel A or advancing Channel B may be required to realign clock timing at high memory speeds - thus improving stability. Generally, we used either a delay of 50-100ps on Channel A with Channel B set to "Normal". Alternately, we can advance Channel B by 50-100ps with Channel A set to "Normal". Users may need to experiment between various levels of "Skew" to find optimal settings.

Voltages

CPU PLL Voltage: Scale range is 1.5-3V in 0.02V increments. Stock is 1.5V, and although overvolting can bring increases to FSB limits, we do not recommend using past 1.75V for long-term use.

FSB Termination Voltage: Voltage scale runs from 1.2V-2V. Quad-core CPU overclocking is especially dependent upon VTT and GTL voltage ratios. The max is 1.50V. Update: 45nm CPUs need to keep this voltage below 1.4v.

Loadline Calibration: Available options are Auto, Disabled, and Enabled. Use enabled when OCing 65nm CPUs and Disabled when OCing 45nm CPUs. The 45nm CPUs can become unstable and even degrade if running LLC with the vcore near its max of 1.3625v. This function reduces Vcore voltage sag.

CPU GTL Reference: This setting is a derivative or ratio of the applied VTT voltage. A setting of 0.63x provides the most headroom for overclocking quad-core processors.

Northbridge GTL Reference: A value of .67x generally provides the best level of stability on this motherboard.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
65nm Quad core OC bios settings: Q6700 at 423 FSB (RF bios)

Note that I am able to run the ram undervolted at 1.8v. Many of you will be using ram that requires 2.1v to run at DDR2 1066 speeds.



Note there are different Transaction Booster settings for the X48 bios. So these settings are for the Rampage Formula and the P5E Deluxe bios. All voltages are universal throughout the X38 and X48 DDR2 line:



When dialing in the ram, start with 5-5-5-15-auto-65


Note when dialing in an OC, set the Transaction Booster to 10


This vcore and FSB Termination Voltage are for a 65nm quad. For 45nm quads, try to set vcore around 1.3625v (can go higher in bios as long as actual in windows is no higher the 1.3625v) and FSB termination voltage to 1.30v (1.4v and higher are considered dangerous for the CPU)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

65nm Dual core OC bios settings: E6600 at 450 FSB (P5E bios)
Stable OC at 3.6GHz @ 1.384v vcore. I used an x8 multi with a 450 FSB.



Here are the bios settings I started with:












I was able to get the board 7hrs stable Orthos at 515 FSB x7 multi at 3.6GHz with the ram 1:1. I needed to increase NB voltage to 1.43v (1.41 crashed after 4+ hrs). I set the ram to 5-5-5-15 2T, but have since run memtest stable at 5-4-4-14 2T.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45nm Quad core OC bios settings: Q9550 at 472 FSB (RF bios)
Special thanks to rx7racer for these screen shots!

Original post:

Originally Posted by rx7racer

Well, I cn show you pics of my bios, how far you trying to go?

You can see the affects the Pull-ins have on the Transaction Booster (tRD) Common level. They lower the tRD by 1

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update Nov 5th, 2008

airick13 and others have brought it to our attention that the Ballistix ram are not running very well with the ASUS boards, so consider this if you are having issues with your Ballistix, or are thinking of buying them.

Originally Posted by airick13

I flashed my Maximus Formula from bios 504 to 1207. It gave me the 5 seconds until reboot notification. Upon reboot it did not post. Only when I bought some new ram would it boot perfectly fine at the rated speed.

So I think it's safe to assume these are incompatible with Maximus Formula bios 1207. (I wouldn't use them on this board period. Just to be safe as I had problems getting them to run at 1066 as intended.)

Note the following ram are giving these boards problems for many members on OCN:
1. Crucial Ballistix 2x2Gb
2. 2x2Gb Dominator 1066
3. 2x1Gb Ballistix Double sided (some, not all are reporting booting issues with these)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update April 02, 2008
Motherboard overvolting ram verified

Special thanks to Karl eller for the post on vdimm points. I used my Fluke 177 digital meter and read the yellow and one of the blue marked readout point from his post.


When I set the vdimm in bios to 2.16v, I get a reading of 2.21v from the multi meter. Then, when I set the vdimm to 2.18v in bios, I get a reading of 2.238v on the meter. And finally, when I set vdimm to 2.2v in bios, I get a reading of 2.25v on the meter. This makes it very hard for those without a multimeter to know the true vdimm.

I did find that my 1.40v vcore set in bios, which loads into windows at 1.38v as shown in CPU-Z, actually is 1.376v when metered while running Orthos.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update Mar 28, 2008
Please see this post were all credit
is given for this info. I just rewrote/organized it for clarity.

Disclaimer: Attempt this at your own risk

Flashing your P5E or Maximus to Rampage Formula

First Copy down your bios settings. They will change their order in the new bios, so make sure to label the settings.

1. First download the USB Boot drive creator "HPUSBFW"
2. Then download the boot files and extract them to a folder of your choice

3. Run the HPUSBFW program.



Select the correct USB device from the drop-down menu, set file system to FAT32 and check Create a DOS startup disk.

4. Then browse for the extracted boot files (now in the folder of your choice) and press start to begin formating it.

5. Once the device is done, Copy AFUDOS (note that this is the engineering version and must be used) and the latest bios you want to crossflash, and unzip it to the USB drive. Then rename the bios to new.rom

6. You will then restart and go into bios to load default bios options. Then set the ram voltage and reboot (plug in the USB drive into the back USB port at this time). Then, while the PC is booting up, press F8 to enter the boot option. Select the USB drive.

7. At the C: type afudos /inew.rom /pbnc /n

8. The bios will then begin flashing. Dont do anything until the bios is finished flashing and you are instructed to reboot.

9. Finally, shut down and CLR CMOS.

If for any reason you want to revert back to the original bios, just copy your original bios to the USB drive, rename it to original.rom, and flash with
ie. afudos /ioriginal.rom /pbnc /n

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Get all your OCing programs used in these screenshots at the Downloads section maintained by an amazing OCN member: mega_option101

CPU-Z
Prime95
RealTemp
CoreTemp
Everest Ultimate 4.6
Memtest

There are also many helpful files attached ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼

[cerealk1ll3r]

May I ask what BIOS you are currently using? Also, being new to overclocking and all, I wasn't quite sure which was the setting for the FSBRAM divider. Do make sure to stay away from the 0405 BIOS though, as it messes with voltage settings.

[XxSilent22xX]

The P5E Is a Very Well rounded board and a very good one for the price infact! but with all things there are cons and one of them is the VDroop on this thing Which i will help you correct this

1. Tools & Preparation
- Pencil for the mod (Soft Pencil Is Preferred But #2 Works)
- Picture To Locate where to Place Mod
- Light (If you Cannot See)

2. Step's For Mod
- **Turn Off PC!!!!** I cannot Stress This enough as people have tried this while the pc is running!!
- Remove Side panel & Locate the Capacitor
- Once Located Draw a Line Across The Top *ONLY*!
- 3-5 Pass(s) should Do The Trick To Fix Droop. (More Or Less Strokes May Be Needed)
- Replace Panel & Boot Pc.
- Check Cpu-z for Voltage If It Is Still Under Repeat Steps.
- Run A Stress Program And Check Voltage While Under Load You Do Not Want Voltage Going Past What You Have Manually Set In BIOS.
- If To Much Graphite Is Applied Wipe off with finger and try again.

3. Tips & Recommendation
- Like Stated Before You Do Not Want Voltage Going Above What Is Set In BIOS.
- Office Depot, Office Max, Arts & Craft's These are great stores to find a soft pencil.
- Be careful to not Press too hard on Compacitor (people Have Broken Them)
- Too Much Graphite Or Broken Off pieces can short the board!

[ericeod]

Edit: Aug 10, 2008
The ICH 9R/10R 64 bit drivers have been added to the first post.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For those wanting to RAID with this board, attached are the drivers needed during OS installation. For Vista, you only need to put these on a USB drive or on a CD. If you have XP, you will need to either load these from a floppy, or slipstream them with the installation disk.

note: These are the RAID Drivers for Intel's ICH8R and ICH9R southbridge chip.

The Intel driver revision is:
7.8.0.1012 dated 11/25/2007

[cerealk1ll3r]

Has anybody tried using the 0502 BIOS? It seems to get good feedback from the guys at xtremesystems. I use the 0501, and for now, it seems to work fine, except I can no longer enable speedstep as that option has mysteriously disappeared from the BIOS.

[yomama9388]

ericeod finally got rid of his 680i? wow I never thought the day would come

I'm interested to see how that board performs because I am going with either a dfi lanparty or the asus p5e

[cerealk1ll3r]

I think that this board performs pretty good, but as I have not had any prior experience with P35, I cannot say whether or not it is a better overclocker. But if you do plan on going X38, the P5E is pretty much the cheapest board out there, and it is almost exactly like the Maximus Formula. So far, I've gotten to 3.6Ghz easily. The PCI 2.0 is a plus, however I have not taken the time to compare whether the full 32 lanes show an improvement in performance. If you feel like splurging a little bit, go spend the extra $20 and get the Maximus Formula.

[XxSilent22xX]

Originally Posted by cerealk1ll3r

Has anybody tried using the 0502 BIOS? It seems to get good feedback from the guys at xtremesystems. I use the 0501, and for now, it seems to work fine, except I can no longer enable speedstep as that option has mysteriously disappeared from the BIOS.

im also useing the 501 bios as the 502 bios is just 1. Finetune CPU temperature detection algorithm so if you badly need that then update to bios 502 unstill then bios 501 is working just fine and i suggest waiting for a update that is more important..

Originally Posted by yomama9388

ericeod finally got rid of his 680i? wow I never thought the day would come

I'm interested to see how that board performs because I am going with either a dfi lanparty or the asus p5e

Well me and ericeod are both working on this as we have the same board and proc so when we compile some good overclocking information on this board will post it up here for you and others

[nitteo]

I have this board as well and have a P5K and a P5K Deluxe Wifi/AP mobo to compare it too. Will post comparisons up.

Nice job Ericeod!

[ericeod]

Originally Posted by yomama9388

ericeod finally got rid of his 680i? wow I never thought the day would come

I'm interested to see how that board performs because I am going with either a dfi lanparty or the asus p5e

Yeah I decided to move when the 680i support for the quad 45nm was shot down. I never used SLI and I needed something that was future proof. But I like this ASUS board, I havent had that much time with it though.

I've only had it up for 3 days, and didnt really tweak it until last night. I literally spent all day on Friday reading evey forum and review on the board before I attempted my first OC. I was suprised how little voltage the FSB and northbridge needed to reach 450 FSB. At this point, I dont know what the X48 chipset will offer over this one.