Need help configuring CPU to Motherboard.

[DreamerGamer]

I made a post on anantech.com, asking for help. I'm going to save a lot of time and just sum it up for this post:

 

First off, I am in dire need of help in configuring my CPU EXACTLY as is necessary for full performance.

 

The main reason I am asking right now is that I have already configured it to work properly....yet when I have to do a 'REBOOT', it will hang (freeze) on either startup or when windows loads. BUT, if I do a 'SHUT DOWN' and start it back up that way, all is well. SOMETIMES, however, it still hangs either way. I HAVE adjusted the settings, as you can probably see....I've set the CPU Clock Settings to 166 mhz to get the system to recognize my processor was anything above 1.4 ghz. I've been told that this isn't exactly the best way to make the processor be seen for what it is, but it's all I know. I've never had a board that has so many settings. I love it, but need to learn how to set them.

 

HERE ARE THE MOTHERBOARD & CPU SPECS:

 

Info On Top Of CPU:

AMD Athlon

AXDA2800DKV4D E10141SK40362

ADYHA0447BMA

 

Info From EVEREST:

MOTHERBOARD: DFI LANParty NFII Ultra B

 

CPU: AMD Athlon XP 2800+ (Barton)

CPU TYPE: AMD Athlon XP-A, 2100 MHz (12.5 x 168) 2800+

CPU Alias: Barton

CPU Stepping: A2

DIMM2: Micron Tech. 16VDDT6464AG-40BGB

DIMM3: Micron Tech. 16VDDT6464AG-40BGB

 

{I don't understand why it says DIMM2 & DIMM3, I put the RAM in the appropriate slots as definied by the mb. Maybe I'm just off on what exactly the above is pointing out.} I just changed the slots where my RAM is to split them up with one empty slot in between the two (3 slots total), and Dual Channel is now active. Doing some research on this problem, I stumbled upon a post that showed how to make the mb recognize as Dual Channel. I dunno if this is going to effect my particular problem, but having Dual Channel is nice.

 

Also, obtained from Everest:

Memory Timings:

@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

@ 166 MHz 2.5-3-3-7 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

@ 133 MHz 2.0-2-2-6 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

 

I checked in my BIOS and the CL: 2.5

 

Module Size: 512 MB (2 rows, 4 banks)

Module Type: Unbuffered

Memory Type: DDR SDRAM

Memory Speed: PC3200 (200 MHz)

Module Width: 64 bit

Module Voltage: SSTL 2.5

Error Detection Method: None

Refresh Rate: Reduced (7.8 us), Self-Refresh

 

 

Here is what CPU-Z has to say about my RAM:

 

Type: DDR

Size: 1024 {In 2 chips actually...two 512's}

Channels: Single (I've since converted to Dual Channel, listed above)

Frequency: 167.1 MHz {I recently allowed AUTO on the timings..not by SPD}

FSBRAM: 1:1

CAS# Latency: 2.5 clocks

RAS# to CAS# Delay: 3 clocks

RAS# Precharge: 3 clocks

Cycle Time (Trans): 7 clocks.

 

 

This BIOS has TONS of settings I can adjust....I just need to know which to do properly. I also checked, and there IS a BIOS update (appears to be anyhow), just unsure if I should get it. Last board I had (non DFI), when I did the BIOS update, it REALLY reaked havok with my system. Later, found several posts that said that the BIOS update that was listed on the manufacturers site should be avoided unless absolutely needed. Wish I would have found that out before. The manufacturer site of my other board also said that once flashed, the BIOS could NOT be taken back to previous BIOS version. My old motherboard was a Chaintech "7NJL6" nForce2 Ultra 400.

 

I know this is a lot, but I really need some help, and this forum was suggested by a member of anandtech to help me. Any help would be grately appreciated.

[DreamerGamer]

DFI BIOS Updates page for my motherboard

 

I'm pretty sure you all are going to tell me to update my BIOS, due to the CPU. Here are the only two that are newer than the BIOS I have. I just don't know which one I should do:

 

Revision A

Date Code 2004/11/24

File LPNF2UBDB24.zip

Size 319,556 bytes

Description REMARK: Only update for following CPU support. Please keep your BIOS in previous version if system works properly.

1. To also support FSB200 CPU with CPU clock at 100MHz.

2. To enhance the support of AMD 55-Watt Low Power CPU.

Remarks:

1. Please input instrution as:

AWDFLASH N24LDB24.BIN /QI/Sn/Py/CC

if you flash BIOS from version dated 2003/11/27 or older.

2. USB S3 Resume Feature might not alway work in this version of BIOS.

_________________________________________________________________

Revision A

Date Code 2004/11/24

File LP_NF2_DB24.exe

Size 751,186 bytes

Description REMARK: Only update for following CPU support. Please keep your BIOS in previous version if system works properly.

 

Diamond Flash Image for BIOS dated 2004/11/24.

 

Please Click Here if you are not familiar with the procedure of Diamond Flash Image!!

Major Reasons of Change:

1. To also support FSB200 CPU with CPU clock at 100MHz.

2. To enhance the support of AMD 55-Watt Low Power CPU.

Remarks:

USB S3 Resume Feature might not alway work in this version of BIOS.

_________________________________________________________________

 

I also don't know what they mean by "USB S3 Resume Feature might not alway work in this version of BIOS.". What does that mean?

[DreamerGamer]

I've been researching here, and I've seen people ask (frequently) what the person has their BIOS settings at, so here it is:

 

ADVANCED CHIPSET FEATURES:

 

System Performance: Optimal

x CPU Interface: Optimal

x Memory Timings: Optimal

x T(RAS): 7

x T(RCD-Read): 3

x T(RCD-Write: 3

x T(RP): 3

x CAS Latency: 2.5

x T(RC): 13

x T(RFC): 15

x T(DOE): Auto

x T(RRD): Auto

x T(W2P): Auto

x T(W2R): Auto

x T(REXT): Auto

x T(R2P): Auto

x T(R2W): Auto

x SuperBypass: Enabled

x Sync Mode Memory Bypass: Auto

x Data Scavenged Rate: Fast

x Command Per Clock: Enabled

x DIMM1 Driving Strength: Auto

x DIMM1 Driving Slew Rate: Auto

x DIMM2 Driving Strength: Auto

x DIMM2 Driving Slew Rate: Auto

x DIMM3 Driving Strength: Auto

x DIMM3 Driving Slew Rate: Auto

AGP Aperture Size (MB): 128M

AGP 8x Support: Enabled

AGP Fast Write Capability: Enabled

CPU Thermal-Throttling: 50.0%

System BIOS Cacheable: Disabled

Video RAM Cacheable: Disabled

 

 

GENIE BIOS SETTING:

 

Current CPU Frequency is: 2083 MHz

Full Screen LOGO Show: Enabled

 

-----CPU/DRAM Clock Setting-----

CPU Clock Spread Spectrum: Disabled

AGP Clock Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Clock Setting: 166 MHz

AGP Clock Setting: Auto

CPU Ratio: Default

DDR DRAM Clock: Auto

Current DDR Frequency is: Auto

 

-----OverClocking Control-----

Current CPU Voltage is: 1.63 V

Current DIMM Voltage is: 2.62 V

CPU Voltage Control: Auto

AGP Voltage Control: Auto

CHIPSET Voltage Control: Auto

DRAM Voltage Control: Auto

 

-----Onboard Device Control-----

BIOS Flash Protect: Disabled

nVidia Lan Chip Control: Enabled

nVidia Lan MAC Address: Disabled

x MAC(NV) Address Input: Press Enter

IEEE1394 Chip Control: Enabled

RTM Lan Device Control: Enabled

RTM Lan Boot ROM: Disabled

Sil3114 S-ATA Control: SATA RAID

 

I have SATA installed, even tho I only use EIDE, for if I DO decide to use it sometime.

[Guest Darien]

I've been researching here, and I've seen people ask (frequently) what the person has their BIOS settings at, so here it is:

 

ADVANCED CHIPSET FEATURES:

 

System Performance: Optimal Expert[/color]

x CPU Interface: Optimal Agressive

x Memory Timings: Optimal Expert

x T(RAS): 7 11

x T(RCD-Read): 3

x T(RCD-Write: 3

x T(RP): 3

x CAS Latency: 2.5

x T(RC): 13

x T(RFC): 15

x T(DOE): Auto

x T(RRD): Auto

x T(W2P): Auto

x T(W2R): Auto

x T(REXT): Auto

x T(R2P): Auto

x T(R2W): Auto

x SuperBypass: Enabled

x Sync Mode Memory Bypass: Auto Enabled

x Data Scavenged Rate: Fast

x Command Per Clock: Enabled

x DIMM1 Driving Strength: Auto

x DIMM1 Driving Slew Rate: Auto

x DIMM2 Driving Strength: Auto

x DIMM2 Driving Slew Rate: Auto

x DIMM3 Driving Strength: Auto

x DIMM3 Driving Slew Rate: Auto

AGP Aperture Size (MB): 128M

AGP 8x Support: Enabled

AGP Fast Write Capability: Enabled

CPU Thermal-Throttling: 50.0% Disabled

System BIOS Cacheable: Disabled

Video RAM Cacheable: Disabled

 

 

GENIE BIOS SETTING:

 

Current CPU Frequency is: 2083 MHz

Full Screen LOGO Show: Enabled

 

-----CPU/DRAM Clock Setting-----

CPU Clock Spread Spectrum: Disabled

AGP Clock Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Clock Setting: 166 MHz 200MHz

AGP Clock Setting: Auto 66

CPU Ratio: Default 10

DDR DRAM Clock: Auto 1:1

Current DDR Frequency is: Auto

 

-----OverClocking Control-----

Current CPU Voltage is: 1.63 V

Current DIMM Voltage is: 2.62 V

CPU Voltage Control: Auto 1.50v (more if necessary)

AGP Voltage Control: Auto 1.7v

CHIPSET Voltage Control: Auto 1.7v

DRAM Voltage Control: Auto 2.8v

 

-----Onboard Device Control-----

BIOS Flash Protect: Disabled

nVidia Lan Chip Control: Enabled

nVidia Lan MAC Address: Disabled

x MAC(NV) Address Input: Press Enter

IEEE1394 Chip Control: Enabled Disable if you don't use

RTM Lan Device Control: Enabled

RTM Lan Boot ROM: Disabled

Sil3114 S-ATA Control: SATA RAID

 

I have SATA installed, even tho I only use EIDE, for if I DO decide to use it sometime.

 

You are totally new and need to learn about DFI motherboards.... that's OK... welcome to the boards...

 

your main problem is that you left your RAM and CPU settings on auto.. your chip defaulted to the 166MHz and your RAM probably defaulted to 200MHz cuz it's pc 3200 RAM which means it likely ran on a divider other than 1:1.... these boards will NOT work unless they are run on a CPU:RAM divider of 1:1

 

implement the changes above in RED and you'll be fine.

 

Merry Christmas

[Mirage]

While I agree with most of what Darien said in his post, I have the exact same mother board and CPU (memory is different), and I would recommend making his recommended changes slowly.

 

First I would change the following:

 

 

ADVANCED CHIPSET FEATURES:

 

System Performance: Optimal Expert[/color]

x CPU Interface: Optimal Agressive

x Memory Timings: Optimal Expert

x T(RAS): 7 11

x T(RCD-Read): 3

x T(RCD-Write: 3

x T(RP): 3

x CAS Latency: 2.5

x T(RC): 13

x T(RFC): 15

x T(DOE): Auto

x T(RRD): Auto

x T(W2P): Auto

x T(W2R): Auto

x T(REXT): Auto

x T(R2P): Auto

x T(R2W): Auto

x SuperBypass: Enabled

x Sync Mode Memory Bypass: Auto Enabled

x Data Scavenged Rate: Fast

x Command Per Clock: Enabled

x DIMM1 Driving Strength: Auto

x DIMM1 Driving Slew Rate: Auto

x DIMM2 Driving Strength: Auto

x DIMM2 Driving Slew Rate: Auto

x DIMM3 Driving Strength: Auto

x DIMM3 Driving Slew Rate: Auto

AGP Aperture Size (MB): 128M

AGP 8x Support: Enabled

AGP Fast Write Capability: Enabled

CPU Thermal-Throttling: 50.0% Disabled

System BIOS Cacheable: Disabled

Video RAM Cacheable: Disabled

 

 

GENIE BIOS SETTING:

 

Current CPU Frequency is: 2083 MHz

Full Screen LOGO Show: Enabled

 

-----CPU/DRAM Clock Setting-----

CPU Clock Spread Spectrum: Disabled

AGP Clock Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Clock Setting: 166 MHz 200MHz

AGP Clock Setting: Auto 66

CPU Ratio: Default 10

DDR DRAM Clock: Auto 1:1

Current DDR Frequency is: Auto

 

 

(I am currently running my CPU Ratio at 11 with no problem.)

 

I would then run a series of tests to see how the system performs. If no more problems, and you feel like pushing the RAM a little more, then follow the rest of Dariens advice. I'm sure he is correct, but I like to take little steps, check my work, and then proceed. And I like to work on one section at a time. Like Get the CPU where I want it, then bump the memory, etc.

 

Hope this helps a little. Merry Christmas!

[DreamerGamer]

You are totally new and need to learn about DFI motherboards.... that's OK... welcome to the boards...

 

your main problem is that you left your RAM and CPU settings on auto.. your chip defaulted to the 166MHz and your RAM probably defaulted to 200MHz cuz it's pc 3200 RAM which means it likely ran on a divider other than 1:1.... these boards will NOT work unless they are run on a CPU:RAM divider of 1:1

 

implement the changes above in RED and you'll be fine.

 

Merry Christmas

 

I tried this and it wouldn't post. Just gave me a steady beep then big pause (about 3 - 5 seconds) and just repeated that until I reset the BIOS to the old settings.

 

I'm wondering if I should update my BIOS to the newest THEN try these settings? Please advise on that.

 

Yes, I am new to specific settings. This is true. But I've put together systems before...just none with the amount of settings this motherboard has.

 

Please lemme know if I should update my BIOS. I posted the specs of the newest BIOS in one of my original posts above.

 

Thanks for trying so far guys. I really appreciate it!

[DreamerGamer]

While I agree with most of what Darien said in his post, I have the exact same mother board and CPU (memory is different), and I would recommend making his recommended changes slowly.

 

First I would change the following:

 

 

ADVANCED CHIPSET FEATURES:

 

System Performance: Optimal Expert[/color]

x CPU Interface: Optimal Agressive

x Memory Timings: Optimal Expert

x T(RAS): 7 11

x T(RCD-Read): 3

x T(RCD-Write: 3

x T(RP): 3

x CAS Latency: 2.5

x T(RC): 13

x T(RFC): 15

x T(DOE): Auto

x T(RRD): Auto

x T(W2P): Auto

x T(W2R): Auto

x T(REXT): Auto

x T(R2P): Auto

x T(R2W): Auto

x SuperBypass: Enabled

x Sync Mode Memory Bypass: Auto Enabled

x Data Scavenged Rate: Fast

x Command Per Clock: Enabled

x DIMM1 Driving Strength: Auto

x DIMM1 Driving Slew Rate: Auto

x DIMM2 Driving Strength: Auto

x DIMM2 Driving Slew Rate: Auto

x DIMM3 Driving Strength: Auto

x DIMM3 Driving Slew Rate: Auto

AGP Aperture Size (MB): 128M

AGP 8x Support: Enabled

AGP Fast Write Capability: Enabled

CPU Thermal-Throttling: 50.0% Disabled

System BIOS Cacheable: Disabled

Video RAM Cacheable: Disabled

 

 

GENIE BIOS SETTING:

 

Current CPU Frequency is: 2083 MHz

Full Screen LOGO Show: Enabled

 

-----CPU/DRAM Clock Setting-----

CPU Clock Spread Spectrum: Disabled

AGP Clock Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Clock Setting: 166 MHz 200MHz

AGP Clock Setting: Auto 66

CPU Ratio: Default 10

DDR DRAM Clock: Auto 1:1

Current DDR Frequency is: Auto

 

 

(I am currently running my CPU Ratio at 11 with no problem.)

 

I would then run a series of tests to see how the system performs. If no more problems, and you feel like pushing the RAM a little more, then follow the rest of Dariens advice. I'm sure he is correct, but I like to take little steps, check my work, and then proceed. And I like to work on one section at a time. Like Get the CPU where I want it, then bump the memory, etc.

 

Hope this helps a little. Merry Christmas!

 

I tried this as well with the same results as the post prior to this one. Again, should I flash my BIOS to the newest? Specs are provided above of the newest BIOS. Again, thanks for ALL of your help.

[red930]

You could try running memtest86 w/Dariens settings ram at 2.8vdimm,also you might try bumping the cpu volts

 

I doubt a diff bios will help

[DreamerGamer]

You could try running memtest86 w/Dariens settings ram at 2.8vdimm,also you might try bumping the cpu volts

 

I doubt a diff bios will help

 

Okay, are you saying to run CPU Voltage Control at 2.8v? I am TOTALLY new to this, so I just want to make sure.

 

By the by...I actually manually set the CPU Clock Setting to to 166. It was the only way to get it to recognize as 2.08 GHz instead of 1.6+.

[Guest erico]

have you tried a single stick of DRAM in DIMM slot for channel A? Take a look in your manual to see how the slots are organized.

[Guest Darien]

have you tried a single stick of DRAM in DIMM slot for channel A? Take a look in your manual to see how the slots are organized.

 

Exactly...

 

one stick until you can atleast post... if it doesn't post with one stick try the other... once you're up and running then use 2 sticks of RAM...

 

with my changes.. THE MAIN THING WAS.... to make sure your RAM/CPU divider is set to 1:1... without that nothing will be stable.....

 

start off by:

going into the bios and selecing load optimized defaults.... then exit and reboot... at that point you 'should' be able to post.... if you can't post with load optimized defaults... it's usually because your RAM is set to 1t (CPC enabled) instead of 2T (CPC disabled)...

 

once you've loaded optimized defaults:

make sure your cpu/ram is set to 1:1... turn your cpu up to 200 x 10 RAM timings 2.5-3-3-11 13-15 auto or (3-3-5-3-2-2-3) then E-D-F-E....

 

make sure you've got 2.8v in the RAM and atleast 1.65v through your CPU..

 

slowly work up to those settings after Optimized defaults and then up past what I've laid out... use memtest86+ to confirm settings then boot to windows and run Super Pi 32M for stability.. then finally Prime 95 for final stability

 

Merry Christmas

[DreamerGamer]

Exactly...

 

one stick until you can atleast post... if it doesn't post with one stick try the other... once you're up and running then use 2 sticks of RAM...

 

with my changes.. THE MAIN THING WAS.... to make sure your RAM/CPU divider is set to 1:1... without that nothing will be stable.....

 

start off by:

going into the bios and selecing load optimized defaults.... then exit and reboot... at that point you 'should' be able to post.... if you can't post with load optimized defaults... it's usually because your RAM is set to 1t (CPC enabled) instead of 2T (CPC disabled)...

 

once you've loaded optimized defaults:

make sure your cpu/ram is set to 1:1... turn your cpu up to 200 x 10 RAM timings 2.5-3-3-11 13-15 auto or (3-3-5-3-2-2-3) then E-D-F-E....

 

make sure you've got 2.8v in the RAM and atleast 1.65v through your CPU..

 

slowly work up to those settings after Optimized defaults and then up past what I've laid out... use memtest86+ to confirm settings then boot to windows and run Super Pi 32M for stability.. then finally Prime 95 for final stability

 

Merry Christmas

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll give it a shot. There is one thing I'm not clear on, that I've seen repeated use of....the whole "2.5-3-3-11 13-15" & "E-D-F-E....". I know that makes me sound, bad to say the least, but I just need to understand what that means. Could you please clarify that for me?