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

[Megatomic]

That's just the question I was going to ask webley next deathkoba. webley, if your chip is a Palomino or a Tbred A then there is only a small chance that you will get any higher than what you are currently getting.

 

[webley]

It's a TBred B but I think it's the 8RDA because others have had similar issues with them too.

Guess what! I'm amazed but I may have ended 3 months of crashing last night by rearranging the PCI cards and IRQs. I've tried this many times before without improvement and it's been months of page fault BSODs so I don't know why it may be better now. I did remove the PCI card from the 6th (bottom) slot that someone recommended. I'm currently at 170FSB and never got over about 164 before without BSOD in Windows programs like IE etc. Maybe I'll even get to 200FSB.

What's the max FSB safe to use without adding extra Northbridge cooling? Does southbridge ever need a heatsink?

 

[screw3d]

Stickied again!!

 

[ww4397]

Originally posted by: ww4397
I'm testing my OC and something seems strange. I can run Prime95 for hours on end (over 12) and it doesn't crash. But, when I put 3DMark2001SE into looping benchmark mode, it crashes to the desktop in less than 30 minutes. (BTW: The 3DMark score is 11,495.)

Any ideas?

I've got a 8RDA+ with a 1700+ 0251 JUICB running at 1,850 MHz (10*185) 1.675V and PC2700 at 185 MHz 2.8V with relaxed timings. PNY AGP Ti4200 128MB at stock voltage and freq.

I finally figured this one out. It wasn't the CPU or the memory. It was the motherboard's (EPox 8RDA+) BIOS! After reading about the new 3522 release in this thread at nForcehq.com, I downloaded it from the EPoX German site (here is the direct link to the file) and flashed my mobo. Guess what? I can now run 3DMark2001SE all night long!

FYI: This BIOS is not on EPoX's USA site yet. The thing that really got my attention was the fact that this BIOS's release notes says: "fixes: improved memory mangament." After spending countless hours tweaking my memory timings and retesting I was about to give up on 3DMark. Now to see if I can get the OC a little higher too.

Fine Print: Of course, allways proceed with caution.

 

[Megatomic]

I'm using that BIOS now as well. I don't o/c past 166MHz FSB anymore but the lure of "improved memory management" got to me Friday night and I couldn't help myself. The BIOS has been in service since then and it is working well for me even though I see no improvement over the 3305 in my case.

I'd say this code is safe for general use.

 

[manimoney]

I have an 8rda+ and recently I changed the MAC LAN (NV) address in the BIOS (for fun, like an idiot). After that my ethernet stopped working and I am unable to receive IPs from my cable modem. I have flashed BIOS many times and reset all Defaults but the problem is persisting. Any sugestions?

 

[gnuel3]

Hm..Just today, my rear speakers stopped working for some reason. I checked all the wires and plugs n stuff and they're all correct. The Audi Control Panel still shows 4 speakers...

 

[screw3d]

Originally posted by: manimoney
I have an 8rda+ and recently I changed the MAC LAN (NV) address in the BIOS (for fun, like an idiot). After that my ethernet stopped working and I am unable to receive IPs from my cable modem. I have flashed BIOS many times and reset all Defaults but the problem is persisting. Any sugestions?

Linky: Scroll down to somewhere in the middle

 

[rockinjohnnyg]

I just got a new Epox 8RDA+ board (A1/C1). Windows and everything installed fine so I decided to try my hand at overclocking. I got to 2000 MHz @200 FSB at default 1.5v on a 1800+ DLT3C 0308 SPMW. Memory timings were at 2-3-3-6 (Geil PC3500) at default voltage (2.63v I think). Prime95 was fine for 30min. So I go to increase the memory timings to 2-2-2-6 and afterward everything died, won't even POST. I assume it's no big deal, just clear the CMOS. However, that didn't work. I read about sometimes removing the BIOS chip and then putting it back in would fix things also, but this didn't work either. When it turns on it stops at error code 26 "overclocking error". I've tried all BIOS recovery suggestions at motherboardfaqs.com with no success. I don't see why such a simple thing as changing the memory timings would cause such a catastrophic failure. Has anyone else had this happen? Is there any way to fix it w/o buying a new chip? And wtf happened anyway. All advice is appreciated.

 

[ww4397]

rockinjohnnyg,

Have you tried starting up and holding down the Insert key to enter the BIOS?

 

[Megatomic]

rockinjohnnyg, you might also try putting in a stick of PC2100 and booting up while holding the insert key. After you get the system back up using the chump memory you can then replace it with your good memory and all should be well again. This has worked for many people with the same problem you are having.

Good luck.

 

[SithSolo1]

Ok, sorry if this has been asked but I'm at a loss for what setting I should use in the BIOS to run the memory at 333.
I just setup my room mates computer yesterday and its running great except the ram is only at PC2100 speeds instead of the PC2700 speeds its rated. The processor is an old AGOIA stepping XP 2100+. I dunno what setting to change to make the memory run faster than 133. Any tips would be great.


Thank You,
J.

 

[gnuel3]

I seem to have a new problem. Now all 4 speakers work, but when I press "Test TOne" on the audio control panel, the left and right backspekaers are mixed. Left back is right and right back is left...

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: SithSolo1
Ok, sorry if this has been asked but I'm at a loss for what setting I should use in the BIOS to run the memory at 333.
I just setup my room mates computer yesterday and its running great except the ram is only at PC2100 speeds instead of the PC2700 speeds its rated. The processor is an old AGOIA stepping XP 2100+. I dunno what setting to change to make the memory run faster than 133. Any tips would be great.


Thank You,
J.

Are you planning on running the memory asynchronously from the CPU? Or are you planning on running the CPU at 333MHz FSB? I personally wouldn't recommend running the memory at a higher frequency than the CPU as it is actually counterproductive. Maybe you could unlock the CPUs multipliers and run the CPU at 333MHz FSB and just set the memory to run at 100%. You'll have to go into Expert mode to do this but it's very easy to set up.

 

[RefriedBeaner]

Originally posted by: Megatomic

Originally posted by: SithSolo1
Ok, sorry if this has been asked but I'm at a loss for what setting I should use in the BIOS to run the memory at 333.
I just setup my room mates computer yesterday and its running great except the ram is only at PC2100 speeds instead of the PC2700 speeds its rated. The processor is an old AGOIA stepping XP 2100+. I dunno what setting to change to make the memory run faster than 133. Any tips would be great.


Thank You,
J.

Are you planning on running the memory asynchronously from the CPU? Or are you planning on running the CPU at 333MHz FSB? I personally wouldn't recommend running the memory at a higher frequency than the CPU as it is actually counterproductive. Maybe you could unlock the CPUs multipliers and run the CPU at 333MHz FSB and just set the memory to run at 100%. You'll have to go into Expert mode to do this but it's very easy to set up.

Mega, by running at 333 mhz, I'm pretty sure Sith means the RAM (166 mhz FSB).

Sith, to get your ram runnign at 333mhz, just change the bus speed setting to 166.

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: RefriedBeaner
Mega, by running at 333 mhz, I'm pretty sure Sith means the RAM (166 mhz FSB).

Sith, to get your ram runnign at 333mhz, just change the bus speed setting to 166.

But that's why I was saying what I was saying. I was encouraging him to make sure to run BOTH the CPU and the RAM at 166MHz FSB. At this point I'm not sure what his intention is... Sith?

 

[spookyjester]

Can anyone please tell me if the sound on the 8RDA(non +) is better than the "Soundblaster Live! Value"? Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer my question.

 

[Megatomic]

If I'm not mistaken, on the non+ version you have the MCP chip not the MCP-T so you are not using the nForce2 APU. In that case I think I'd use the SB Live (much as it pains me to say it). They have released some new drivers for that card in the last few months that actually are really good. I use a SB Live at work in the stead of onboard sound and it is decent even on crappy corporate speakers.

 

[spookyjester]

I dont know what this crap means but this is what I found:

Soundblaster Live! Value
The cards power comes from the EMU10K1 audio processor with 1,000+MIPS and two million transistors, which processes signals at 32-bit, 192 db, 48kHz using 8-point interpolation to deliver sound free from any noticeable distortion.
The card offers a staggering 256 voice capability, rivalling and surpassing many professional music systems. The card also uses SoundFont technology to load samples from 2MB to 32MB into system RAM for music playback.

8RDA onboard
Realtek ALC650E 6-channel full-duplex integrated sound
General Description
The ALC650 is an 18-bit, full duplex AC'97 2.2 compatible stereo audio CODEC designed for PC multimedia systems, including host/soft audio and AMR/CNR based designs. The ALC650 incorporates proprietary converter technology to achieve a high SNR, greater than 90 dB. The ALC650 AC'97 CODEC supports multiple CODEC extensions with independent variable sampling rates and built-in 3D effects. The ALC650 CODEC provides two pairs of stereo outputs with independent volume controls, a mono output, and multiple stereo and mono inputs, along with flexible mixing, gain and mute functions to provide a complete integrated audio solution for PCs. The digital interface circuitry of the ALC650 CODEC operates from a 5V/3.3V power supply with EAPD (External Amplifier Power Down) control for use in notebook and PC applications. The ALC650 integrates a 50mW/20ohm headset audio amplifier into the CODEC, which can save BOM costs. The ALC650 also supports an AC'97 2.2 compliant SPDIF out function which allows easy connection from the PC to consumer electronic products, such as AC3 decoder/speaker and mini disk. The ALC650 CODEC supports host/soft audio from Intel 810/815/820/845 chipsets as well as audio controller based VIA/SIS/ALI chipsets. Bundled Windows series drivers (Win95/98/ME/2000/XP/NT) and sound effect utilities (supporting Karaoke, emulation of 26 sound environments, and 5-band equalizer) provide a more comprehensive entertainment package for PC users. Finally, internal PLL circuits generate required timing signals, eliminating the need for external clocking devices.

High-performance CODEC with high S/N ratio (>90 dB)
18-bit ADC and 20-bit DAC resolution
Compliant with AC'97 2.2 specifications
18-bit stereo full-duplex CODEC with independent and variable sampling rate
4 analog line-level stereo inputs with 5-bit volume control: LINE_IN, CD, VIDEO, AUX
2 analog line-level mono inputs: PC_BEEP, PHONE_IN
Mono output with 5-bit volume control
Stereo output with 5-bit volume control
6 channel slot selectable DAC output for multi-channel applications
2 MIC inputs, which are software selectable
Power management capabilities
3D Stereo enhancement
Embedded 50mW/20ohm OP at front LINE output
External amplifier power down capability
Digital S/PDIF output
Digital S/PDIF input (ALC650 Rev. E or later)
No external crystal/clock required
Supports 1 general purpose I/O pin
Power supply: digital: 3.3V; analog: 5V/3.3V
Standard 48-pin LQFP package

Anyone make anything of all that?

 

[shud]

8RDA+ has SPDIF out? Hm. Doesn't look like it from the pictures at newegg. That's cool. I hate getting feedback from my box to my receiver because of the digital to analog conversion the soundcard does from mp3 --> RCA.

 

[SpideyCU]

It has the on-board pins for it, but you need to order the bracket separately in order to have the port.

 

[newuser]

I was all ready to order the 8RDA+, now I am having second thoughts. I want to run a AMD ATHLON XP 2500 "Barton" 333 FSB PROCESSOR CPU with pc3200 RAM 512MBx2 on this mobo, specifically "CORSAIR MEMORY XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series" 512MB 32MX8 PC-3200C2 With Heat Spreader $95x2 $190

Will this mobo be adequate even with some mild overclocking? I am a little concerned about the fsb rating on this mobo, will it be adequate? If so, will the memory I listed above work. If anyone knows for sure which pc3200 512MB ram will work, please let me know.
If not, what mobo should I go with?

 

[Mavrick007]

Is there a revison to the 8rda+ that will have the nforce2 Ultra 400 chipset revision?
Or is it just going to be done on the 8rda3+?

 

[screw3d]

Originally posted by: newuser
I was all ready to order the 8RDA+, now I am having second thoughts. I want to run a AMD ATHLON XP 2500 "Barton" 333 FSB PROCESSOR CPU with pc3200 RAM 512MBx2 on this mobo, specifically "CORSAIR MEMORY XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series" 512MB 32MX8 PC-3200C2 With Heat Spreader $95x2 $190

Will this mobo be adequate even with some mild overclocking? I am a little concerned about the fsb rating on this mobo, will it be adequate? If so, will the memory I listed above work. If anyone knows for sure which pc3200 512MB ram will work, please let me know.
If not, what mobo should I go with?

The Corsair RAM would work perfectly with the 8RDA+. Don't worry about it!

The 8RDA+ is not only "adequate" with some "mild" overclocking, but it'll do some hardcore o/cing. For that price, you can't go wrong. However, if you wanna go for higher FSB, you might wanna look into other options that offers you to change the Vdd from the BIOS. You can do the Vdd mod for the 8RDA+ but it carries some risk of smoking your board (like what happened to mine )

Some of the other choices would be the Abit NF7-S, Asus, Soltek and lots more.

For the RAM, you could also go with TwinMOS and Kingston HyperX (no experience with this).

 

[screw3d]

Edit: Whoops double post