ASRock 939Dual-SATA2 FAQ

[CrazyRhino]

i've seen repeated questions pop up in the forum, thus i made this FAQ guide for the new 939Dual users. i did a little research on the topics and used some of my own experience to come up with the information here.

it's not completely organized, i did it quick and dirty, so please bear with me.

other experienced users pls help me correct the mistakes in the guide and also help to fill in some blanks :p, i'll keep this thread updated. feedbacks are welcome :)

wish you all have a smooth running system.


CHANGELOG
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07/02/2006

• Updated links due to forum migration.
• Updated misc. APP/BIOS version information to reflect lastest changes.

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02/21/2006

• added possible solution for black screen in games.
• added possible solution for "Windows XP 64 detection" while trying to install AGP drive on regular Windows XP.

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02/14/2006

• added AGP driver setup section.
• added explaination on NB-SB Link
• minor updates to reflect new BIOS 1.60
• added first changelog

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


!!! Before we start !!!
If you are new to OC, here is an article from short-media.com which should help you greatly - OC101

ASRock 939Dual-SATA2 FAQ - Current Recommended BIOS: v2.20

I just want to point out something regarding BIOS settings before you start reading further. DO NOT believe anything that sets to AUTO, this applies to all BIOS versions. ASRock BIOSs are very conservative, try manually tweak memory/CPU/HDD settings. AUTO settings = worst possible settings you can have.

What kind of processors are supported?

As far as I know, all 939-pin processors.
Official CPU Support List

Where can I get BIOS manual?

Official BIOS Manual

I cannot boot into Windows, system locks up/hard reboot when Windows loading screen shows up, %$#@^!

If you are porting your old windows on this board (i.e. using an HDD which already has a windows copy on it), it is likely you’ll have this problem. The best way to fix this is to backup all your data and do a fresh OS install.

NOTE: try F8 trick to enter safemode and backup your data.

What are the correct steps to setup AGP driver (aka ULi AGP v3.0 Controller Driver) on a clean windows installation?

- install ULi Integrated driver 2.20
- during installaion, make sure both AGP driver and LAN driver are checked.
- unchecked USB 2.0 driver if you are using Windows XP SP1 and above.
- REMEMBER to REBOOT when prompted.
- upon reboot, check if the AGP driver is installed correctly.

** Here is how you check, if the AGP driver installed correctly, you should see "ULi AGP v3.0 Controller" under "System Devices" in Device Manager, it's usually the last entry under "System Devices". If you dont see that in Device Manager, goto Add/Remove Programs to uninstall all ULi related drivers, and try to repeat the above steps to get a correct result. (Sometimes do another clean windows installation may help, I know it's painful :( ).

- ONLY install your graphics driver if prior AGP driver are setup correctly.
- REBOOT again when prompted.
- done!

This is likely to eliminate AGP card related problems if you follow the steps precisely. Feekbacks are welcome.

I am getting black screens in games and/or I can't reinstall AGP driver due to the installer detecting the OS as XP 64.

If you have those problems, try uninstall your graphics driver and the AGP driver. Reboot, then reintall the AGP driver manually (use winzip to unpack the integrated driver then use device manager to update the AGP driver on "PCI to PCI bridge"). Reboot again, then install your graphics driver.

After you have done all that, use "regedit.exe" to delete the following registry key:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\uliagpkx\Parameters]

** only delete the "Parameters" key (and anything under it).

After the key is deleted, reboot again.

More details and credits go to this thread. (I suggest you to take a look).
Please report in FAQ or in the thread above if this works, thank you.

I am using an AGP card, and I am getting low framerates in ______ benchmark/game.

If you have not installed the AGP driver, you have to do so. It’s recommended to use ULi’s integrated driver v2.20. The AGP driver is REQUIRED if you are using a AGP video card. **You can also try the following steps to fix a suspected broken AGP driver.

Do as follow (the sequence of the steps is important):
- uninstall all existing video card drivers
- reboot
- install ULi integrated driver (DO NOT select USB driver if you are using Windows XP)
- reboot
- install your video card driver

ULi Integrated driver 2.20

NOTE: Some people are having troubles with the AGP driver came with ASRock CD, so it’s recommended to use the ULi integrated driver. If you don’t have any issues with ASRock AGP driver, don’t make any changes.

Can I use AGP and PCIe cards together?

Yes. Since the AGP card needs the agp driver, you'll need to install the AGP first.

- Insert the AGP card ONLY, FOLLOW THE STEPS ABOVE
- Power down.
- Insert the PCIe card, and boot
- Install the PCIe card's driver
- reboot, go into BIOS
- Under "Advanced" menu >> goto "Chipset Configuration", and set "Primary Graphics Adaptor" to PCIe

How do I upgrade from AGP card to PCIe card?

- Uninstall current driver
- Reboot
- Enter BIOS, set Primary Graphics Adaptor to PCIE under Chipset Settings menu
- Power down
- Swap out your AGP card and insert the new PICe card
- Power up and boot into windows
- Install appropriate driver

Can AGP clock be locked?

Yes, you can overclock HTT and have AGP/PCI clock locked at the same time.

Go into BIOS
under "Advanced" menu >> "CPU Configuration"
set "Overclock Mode" to "CPU, PCIE, Async". Have the "PCIE Frequency" set to 100, then AGP and PCI are locked at 66/33.

I believe AGP/PCI clocks work on dividers.
AGP CLK = PCIe CLK * 2/3
PCI CLK = PCIe CLK * 1/3

What is the max VCORE I can set in BIOS?

The highest vcore you can set is usually your processor's default vcore + 0.05v.

What is the default VDIMM on this board?

The default VDIMM is 2.5v, when you set DRAM voltage to “normal” in BIOS.

What is the max VDIMM on this board?

The max VDIMM is 2.7v, when you set DRAM voltage to “high” in BIOS.

Is there a way to get more VCORE or VDIMM?

Yes, you can do vcore mod or vdimm mod.
After vcore mod – 1.55v
After vdimm mod – 3.04v

vcore mod
vdimm mod (up to 3.04v)
Alternate vdimmer mod (up to 3.20v & 3.30v)

NOTE: Please refer to the following UPDATED table for vcore mod.



Here is a list of BIOS versions that work with vcore mod:
- v1.20
- v1.50 and above.
- All OCWBeta BIOS.

Does OCZ DDR Booster work on this board?

Yes, DDR Booster works with 939Dual-SATA2. DDR Booster takes up 2 slots space, you will have to insert the DDR Booster into slot#2 and have your memory modules in slot#3 and slot#4.

Note: Inserting DDR Booster in slot#4 is highly not recommended because there is not enough space between the sockets and the components on the DDR Booster will have contact (highly hazardous) with the memory module in slot#2.

What is the highest VDIMM can I get using OCZ DDR Booster?

I’ve gone as high as 3.5v personally.

Where do I set the HTT multiplier? (CPU-NB Link Speed)

Goto “Advanced” menu >> “Chipset Configuration”
You’ll find CPU-NB Link Speed, set
1000MHz = 5X HTT multiplier
800MHz = 4X HTT multiplier
600MHz = 3X HTT multiplier
400MHz = 2X HTT multiplier
200MHz = 1X HTT multiplier

What is NB-SB Link Speed?

NB-SB link refer to the bus between north and south bridges. Set NB-SB Link to 1000MHz for optimal performance.

What should I set for CPU-NB/NB-SB Link Width?

Just set 16-bit to both of them.

What is "Flexibilitiy Option" in BIOS?

Please turn of Flexibility Option at all times, it's known to set your memory divider to 133MHz regardless of your setting in "Memory Clock" option.

What memory dividers are available?

Memory dividers can be set in BIOS.
In BIOS, goto "Advanced" -> "CPU Configuration"
set "Memory Clock" to

In this particular case of a CPU with mutiplier 10, i.e. 3200+
The available memory dividers are as followed:
200MHz = 10
166MHz = 12
133MHz = 15

You can utilize 3 more dividers using a tool called A64Tweaker.
In A64Tweaker, look for the drop down box named "MEMCLK Frequency", set it to
183MHz = 11
150MHz = 14
100MHz = 20

A64Tweaker - version 0.31 is recommended.

********************************
The formula for calculating memory speed:
MEM Speed = CPU Speed / divider
********************************

For example, if I OC my 3200+ to 2400MHz with memory clock set to 166MHz in BIOS. To find my memory speed using the formula "MEM Speed = CPU Speed / divider", my MEM speed is 2400 / 12 = 200MHz.

Here is the table for complete list of memory dividers. To use it,
1st. find the CPU multiplier you are using.
2nd. find the corresponding memory settings in BIOS/A64Tweaker, then you'll have the memory divider.

Is 1T Command Rate functional?

1T Command Rate is supported and functional. A lot of people complaint about 1T Command Rate causing system instabilities. The instability cases are most likely related to the later batches of Venice E6 cores. It seems the memory controller on the newer revision Venice E6 cannot handle 1T Command Rate quite as well.

NOTE: It seems newer BIOS from v1.70 has shown some imporvement on 1T usability. To maximize 1T usability, you'll have to try out those newer BIOS (v1.70 and up) yourself to find out which work best.

System will not post if I set HTT higher than 274MHz, why?

BIOS v1.20 to v1.60 have a CAP on HTT, max working HTT you can get is 274MHz. If you want to get around that problem, use newer or the lastest BIOS.

BIOS with HTT capped @ 274
- v1.20
- v1.30
- v1.40
- OCWBeta3 <- It's based on BIOS v1.40, so YES, it has the cap.
- v1.50
- OCWBeta4 <- It's based on BIOS v1.50, so YES, it has the cap.
- v1.60
- OCWBeta5 <- It's based on BIOS v1.60, so YES, it has the cap.

BIOS without HTT cap
- OCWBeta1 <- cpu speed on POST screen is wrong, you have to check cpu speed in windows.
- OCWBeta2
- OCWBeta6 and above.
- v1.70 and above.

NOTE: use Beta BIOS at your own risk, THEY ARE BETA!

Where can I get the Beta BIOS?

Right here! At OCWorkbench.
Beta BIOS Download Page

How can I monitor CPU temp in windows?

Download SpeedFan v4.28
After you installed it and get it running, you'll see a few readings. temp1 = chipset temp. temp2 = cpu temp.

Is software overclocking available?

Download Systool from techpowerup.com

[delpieropadova]

This one now just passed the first run of PCMark 2004 without hanging.

Moderators: Feel free to delete this post after you incorporate relevant parts into the FAQ

OCW Beta Bios 2
Venice 3000+ @2.6 GHz 288 x 9
I did the VID3 core voltmod, not VDimm mod
It's running at 1.55 volt now (verified in the boot-time HW monitor)

[AMDExclusive]

Thanks for the FAQ post....
You might want to add some info from this topic http://www.ocworkbench.com/ocwb/ulti...c/30/5273.html "Dual video cards" to your FAQ.

[rippie]

is there info on how the AGP slot is clocked. Is it locked on HTT or locked on PCI-e freq or not locked at all? (tnx, for answer see start post ) [img]smile.gif[/img]

/offtopic
1.350 @ 240 HTT , mem @ 240 mhz = fine
1.350-1.450 @ 250 HTT , mem @ <240 = not fine
Temp = 28-40 degrees max

can it be sata/agp that is causing instability?
/offtopic

I found that I can overclock more by reducing the NB HTT speed to x4. This way I can increase the cpu speed from 240 to 275. On the downside, if you are using an AGP card, 3d Performance will drop significantly, 2700 <-> 2500 3dmark05's, with lower NB HTT speed. So if you are playing doom3, you better do full HTT speed on the NB.

Which raises the question: is there a vmod for the NB? [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[ 31. October 2005, 11:13 PM: Message edited by: rippie ]

[939dual-sata2]

and where are the info about 6800GT with this board？

[CrazyRhino]

Updated. thx for the info, guys.

i dont have 6800GT, what kind of problems are there??

[jmperuu]

with 1.30 i had voltage fluctuations with a venice core
i cant remember the top setting think it was 1.45 but i saw 1.38v near on most of the time whilst running windows
with bios 1.20 i get 1.46 @ 1.45 in bios my cpu is a 3200 venice e6
The multipliers also seemed well messed up in 1.30

dont know if this info is of any help

[AMDExclusive]

FYI: I resolved Nvidia and ATI driver issue...see 3rd post above for link to issue and resolution.

[ 30. October 2005, 11:05 PM: Message edited by: AMDExclusive ]

[Schmunk]

I used the OCZ DDR Booster in my ASRock and my results were terrible. I am running the stock "High" setting of 2.7, my RAM is rated at 2.6, but warranty is up to 2.8. I thought that using the booster in slot4 would give me a little help with the OC due to its "clean" power. I set it at 2.8V and my system was totally unstable. If fact I couldn't even overclock to 2.3GHz with this in which I used to be able to do with stock Vcore voltage.
It was a tight fit and the back of the pot that houses the adjustable knob does contact my heat spreader, but those don't contact anything on the chips.
Of course, I get errors in memtest #8 with 1T command rate just like everyone else. I've played around with every memory setting and nothing helps. I have noticed if my ram is running at its stock DDR400 (by using lower multiplier since OC'd), memtest #8 crashes. If I lower it so that it is running below DDR400 after OC, it just logs the errors in #8 but continues.
I think there is something really substandard about the DIMM slots on the board, or maybe bios related. I can forgive the other quirks on a great budget board, but I really wanted to run my ram 1T. As soon as I get my PCI express card, I will go to DFI Expert.

[kozmikoid]

Actually Schmunk, I was gonna get one of those RAM boosters a while back when I first got this mobo given that my RAM can take 2.95v under warranty giving me tighter timings.

Since then I've given up on tighter timings and 1T to be honest, at least with this motherboard. For me it's not such a big deal anymore. I still intend to overclock to 2.4 over my xmas break. Glad to see you and other 3800+ x2 users getting to it so easily.

Anyway, this article over at the Tech Report has confirmed much of what I've read elsewhere regarding memory latency :-

http://techreport.com/onearticle.x/8966

Bye, kozmikoid. [-:

[ 01. November 2005, 10:31 PM: Message edited by: kozmikoid ]