Lots of advice on my BIOS needed

  • Thread starter Thread starter signmeuptoo
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signmeuptoo

Hey guys,

I have another month before I have all of my parts to begin my build of my
Asus A8V Deluxe Rev.2. I am getting a matched pair of Patriot RAM that
runs @ 3200 2-2-2-5 or better. I am getting a Thermalright XP-120
Heatsink. Just ordered a nice Enermax 120mm fan for it. I am using a
cheap case/PS until I can afford a better PS in a couple of months. At
least it is 17 or so Amps on the 12V, can't wait to replace it. I know all
about the importance of a good power supply so you don't have to convince
me of anything, I will be saving for an Enermax.

I haven't done any BIOS setting changes since those on my current rig, an
antique of a IWill BS100 BX based PentiumIII non-coppermine so I have a LOT
of learning to do, and I need some major hand-holding if you guys won't get
pissed off for me asking, please.

I know nothing about timings, what 1T vs. 2T is, or any of the other RAM
settings. More than 1/2 of the stuff in the book about BIOS settings has
me a little lost, so I could use some advice on what things to change from
stock BIOS setup.

What sort of settings do I want, especially to overclock? What types of
things do I have to watch out for?

If I can just pick your brains as much as possible, and that includes some
help from you, Paul, if it is ok, I would be in joy.

Thanks!
 
Hey guys,

I have another month before I have all of my parts to begin my build of my
Asus A8V Deluxe Rev.2. I am getting a matched pair of Patriot RAM that
runs @ 3200 2-2-2-5 or better. I am getting a Thermalright XP-120
Heatsink. Just ordered a nice Enermax 120mm fan for it. I am using a
cheap case/PS until I can afford a better PS in a couple of months. At
least it is 17 or so Amps on the 12V, can't wait to replace it. I know all
about the importance of a good power supply so you don't have to convince
me of anything, I will be saving for an Enermax.

I haven't done any BIOS setting changes since those on my current rig, an
antique of a IWill BS100 BX based PentiumIII non-coppermine so I have a LOT
of learning to do, and I need some major hand-holding if you guys won't get
pissed off for me asking, please.

I know nothing about timings, what 1T vs. 2T is, or any of the other RAM
settings. More than 1/2 of the stuff in the book about BIOS settings has
me a little lost, so I could use some advice on what things to change from
stock BIOS setup.

What sort of settings do I want, especially to overclock? What types of
things do I have to watch out for?

If I can just pick your brains as much as possible, and that includes some
help from you, Paul, if it is ok, I would be in joy.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Have a look around. The private forums have the primers.
The truth is out there...
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=27&threadid=1502092

Also, basic BIOS settings are documented here:
http://www.rojakpot.com/default.aspx?location=9

Paul
 
1. download the manual from asus.
sorry can't provide the link... asus site does not work for me...
2. check the memory compatability page while there.
I strongly recommend getting ram either off the list, off someone that will
guarantee it will work on the mobo, or by recommendation from someone in
this group. Sorry I had never heard of patriot ram....
3. go to http://www.rojakpot.com/ to read up about bios parameters.
4. in general you change what needs (has to be) changed in a bios, not play
like a politician and the economy and twiddle everything in sight :) When
buying the mobo knwo what bios is current, and check what is installed.

5. do not penny pinch on the psu.

The thermalright may be overkill. Athlon XP winchester core CPU's are a lot
cooler than P4 so youmay end up with an expensive howler of a cooler (I
don't know the fan) cooling an already quite cool cpu.

I'd suggest asking people what they recommend - state what you want first.
If you want a quiet system, then that is a key requirement.
 
1. download the manual from asus.
sorry can't provide the link... asus site does not work for me...
2. check the memory compatability page while there.
I strongly recommend getting ram either off the list, off someone that will
guarantee it will work on the mobo, or by recommendation from someone in
this group. Sorry I had never heard of patriot ram....
3. go to http://www.rojakpot.com/ to read up about bios parameters.
4. in general you change what needs (has to be) changed in a bios, not play
like a politician and the economy and twiddle everything in sight :) When
buying the mobo knwo what bios is current, and check what is installed.

5. do not penny pinch on the psu.

The thermalright may be overkill. Athlon XP winchester core CPU's are a lot
cooler than P4 so youmay end up with an expensive howler of a cooler (I
don't know the fan) cooling an already quite cool cpu.

I'd suggest asking people what they recommend - state what you want first.
If you want a quiet system, then that is a key requirement.
Click to expand...


Why did you have to say that, #5, I already said that I am getting a good
supply, and I know all about how important it is, darn it. I know better
already.

As far as the Heatsink, I just want it because that heatsink will probably
work in future systems too, I don't want to use the stock heatsink, and the
XP-120 is lighter than the others out there that are good, it just plain is
the best choice.

What I was wanting is some tips on settings, why didn't you offer any?
When a person asks for bread why do you give me lead? No offense, I am
doing the legwork myself, but I thought that you guys might throw some tips
my way.

I just want some starters.
 
signmeuptoo said:
Why did you have to say that, #5, I already said that I am getting a good
supply, and I know all about how important it is, darn it. I know better
already.
Click to expand...

If your PSU fails under the load of the new system, then who knows HOW
it might fail? Hopefully it'll just switch off, but perhaps it will
toast your motherboard and everything plugged into it.

You say you know that you know how important it is, yet you are still
willing to plug all your new shiny kit into your cheap old one.

I think point 5 was valid, regardless of whether you want to stick your
fingers in your ears and shout "LA LA LA LA" or not. :-p

Ben
 
If your PSU fails under the load of the new system, then who knows HOW
it might fail? Hopefully it'll just switch off, but perhaps it will
toast your motherboard and everything plugged into it.

You say you know that you know how important it is, yet you are still
willing to plug all your new shiny kit into your cheap old one.

I think point 5 was valid, regardless of whether you want to stick your
fingers in your ears and shout "LA LA LA LA" or not. :-p

Ben
Click to expand...

Do you are murcury have your heads up your asses? I said that I am getting
a good power supply ASAP. I have already told others how important this
is, and I am an electronics technician, shut up already. What is wrong
with you people. Go read my original statement. I am getting an Enermax.

Ass
 
I said this a hundred times or more and I'll say it again! Has so called
system builders that we all claim to be, we will buy the latest and greatest
Mobo's, CPU's, Video Card's, System Memory and 4 or 5 pretty LED Fan's. The
first and most important component in a custom build is a "High Quality Name
Brand Power Supply" this man will explain it best >>>>
http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20050228/index.html ....
 
Thanks. I read that article a while back and was looking for it to quote to
the OP.

OP:
Comment #5: Do *not* assume *ever* that the PSU is correct / best - but find
out - particularly these days as demands of systems are so varied based on
config that there is no one answer for PSU's. Ditto for the heatsink. You
may not mind having a howler in your computer, but I do and if a heatsink
was put in because it was best but was a howler then I would turf out the
fans and find something better = more cost, lost time.

If you are getting OEM CPU's (no heatsink) then fine, get what you want, but
if not, save your dosh initially to see how things do go & get the system
stable 100% then get the super duper job based on the experience of the
actual CPU temps that arise and where you want to go - yes those heatsinks
are supposed to be great, but I would expect to find those heatsinks on
Prescott CPU's because they do shove out a lot of heat. Will it fit is a
good question? If you re-use a small case, you are more likely to have heat
issues because of the case than the CPU cooler - unless it has ducting over
the CPU or multiple fans / 12cm fans.

You really missed the point about the bios.
1. Know the settings
2. Don't change what does not need to be changed.
3. Buy recommended RAM - you will avoid a lot of dicking around or money
down the drain with unknown brand ram (OK so Patriot *may* be good - who
makes it? But no one here or in any of the major web sites has been posting
about it so that strikes me as odd).
4. Avoid unknown nasties and use a PSU that has been Shown to work well with
this mobo, not a PSU that is assumed to work well because it was good with
the some other mobo. I am not saying for a moment that Enermax is not good,
just check all the power rails exceed requirements and don't forget to
factor in the power consumption of your other devices including graphics
card as they can be gluttons. Do some research and satisfy yourself that you
can't get a better PSU for a better price. On one hand you seem to indicate
a frugal approach (ram) yet on the other a determination to spend money
where you could possibly save a significant amount (heatsinks). Balance it
up: check the specs, read the recommendations, and see how the budget
changes.

With your temparament, I would half expect to see you biff the system
together in such a frenzy to see it going that you are likely to make a lot
of mistakes. As they say RTFM! Take your time and listen to people. Research
and check each component you are going to acquire and check its suitability.
Never rely soley on vendor reputation. Rely on the specific information and
reviews for the product from reputable review sites.

If some jack ass posts nonsense here, they get cried down. If they make
mistakes, they get [politely] highlighted in this news group. It is a place
of learning - you come asking questions, now is the time to listen and
formulate new questions and discern the truth, not abuse people.

The short answer for the bios is:
- It Depends
- Load Bios Defaults
- Configure to meet your needs
- RTFM
- Ask specific questions.

- Tim
 
Tim, I couldn't agree more with you, Art, and Ben and Mercury. What I
reacted to was the feeling that you all didn't get my point that I intend
on getting a good supply, a very good one.

I live off of disability but I am determined to make a great computer,
little bit at a time. I thought that I could get the RAM and CPU first so
I could at least get up and running while using my existing case and 420W
Power supply. Yes it is a generic, but it has been working fine from what
I can tell so far with my old BX motherboard setup.

I have been agonizing over this and I apologize to those that I got
irritated with because I am a strong believer in making the power supply
the MOST important part of the computer.

That is why I think that I am going to get this one:

http://www.maxpoint.com/products/pow_supp/spec_pg/noistakerax2/index.htm#

The ripple values are very good, it has great overvolt, overcurrent, over
temp protection, conforms to every old standard out there (seemingly), has
very strong load support for both 12V rails let alone all of the other Volt
rails. I am VERY open to suggestions, but I will ask for power supply
suggestions in a new thread so that I can stay OnT, ok?

As far as the Heat Sink, and getting an OEM CPU, naw, won't do that.
Here's why:

If I get OEM I only have a 90 day or whatever warranty. What I plan on
doing is getting a retail package and even still get the XP-120. Here's
why I insist on doing so: I want full warranty, if I have trouble I can
return with retail heatsink if required. If it is my fault I will eat the
loss though. The thing is that the XP-120 Heatsink fits on my motherboard,
the A8V Deluxe V.2 and it is the single best one out there. You can run a
powerful fan but on a really low, quiet speed because the Heatsink is so
good, hence a quieter computer, something I ache for.

If there is any chance to revive this thread and convince people of
responding to my question instead I would be very touched.

To make all of you happy, and myself less nervous, I will buy the power
supply first. Each month I plan on getting a new part until I am built.
This month the Power Supply, next month the case, following 2 months saved
to get a Venice CPU & RAM. This way in August I will be running. A long
wait, but I will have a good system.

The reason that I wanted to get the CPU and RAM first was that way I
wouldn't have had to wait as long to be at least up and running. But if
you all thing that it is that dangerous to use this power supply, then I
will wait until summer.

Thanks.

And Sorry.

Thanks. I read that article a while back and was looking for it to quote to
the OP.

OP:
Comment #5: Do *not* assume *ever* that the PSU is correct / best - but find
out - particularly these days as demands of systems are so varied based on
config that there is no one answer for PSU's. Ditto for the heatsink. You
may not mind having a howler in your computer, but I do and if a heatsink
was put in because it was best but was a howler then I would turf out the
fans and find something better = more cost, lost time.

If you are getting OEM CPU's (no heatsink) then fine, get what you want, but
if not, save your dosh initially to see how things do go & get the system
stable 100% then get the super duper job based on the experience of the
actual CPU temps that arise and where you want to go - yes those heatsinks
are supposed to be great, but I would expect to find those heatsinks on
Prescott CPU's because they do shove out a lot of heat. Will it fit is a
good question? If you re-use a small case, you are more likely to have heat
issues because of the case than the CPU cooler - unless it has ducting over
the CPU or multiple fans / 12cm fans.

You really missed the point about the bios.
1. Know the settings
2. Don't change what does not need to be changed.
3. Buy recommended RAM - you will avoid a lot of dicking around or money
down the drain with unknown brand ram (OK so Patriot *may* be good - who
makes it? But no one here or in any of the major web sites has been posting
about it so that strikes me as odd).
4. Avoid unknown nasties and use a PSU that has been Shown to work well with
this mobo, not a PSU that is assumed to work well because it was good with
the some other mobo. I am not saying for a moment that Enermax is not good,
just check all the power rails exceed requirements and don't forget to
factor in the power consumption of your other devices including graphics
card as they can be gluttons. Do some research and satisfy yourself that you
can't get a better PSU for a better price. On one hand you seem to indicate
a frugal approach (ram) yet on the other a determination to spend money
where you could possibly save a significant amount (heatsinks). Balance it
up: check the specs, read the recommendations, and see how the budget
changes.

With your temparament, I would half expect to see you biff the system
together in such a frenzy to see it going that you are likely to make a lot
of mistakes. As they say RTFM! Take your time and listen to people. Research
and check each component you are going to acquire and check its suitability.
Never rely soley on vendor reputation. Rely on the specific information and
reviews for the product from reputable review sites.

If some jack ass posts nonsense here, they get cried down. If they make
mistakes, they get [politely] highlighted in this news group. It is a place
of learning - you come asking questions, now is the time to listen and
formulate new questions and discern the truth, not abuse people.

The short answer for the bios is:
- It Depends
- Load Bios Defaults
- Configure to meet your needs
- RTFM
- Ask specific questions.

- Tim



Art C. said:
I said this a hundred times or more and I'll say it again! Has so called
system builders that we all claim to be, we will buy the latest and
greatest
Mobo's, CPU's, Video Card's, System Memory and 4 or 5 pretty LED Fan's.
The
first and most important component in a custom build is a "High Quality
Name
Brand Power Supply" this man will explain it best >>>>
http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20050228/index.html ....
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Sorry for getting angry guys. I was just trying to say that **I AM**
getting a good supply. And I just wanted some tips on BIOS and I wasn't
getting them.

Please let me know if you have any more advice. I am starting a power
supply thread.

Peace.
 
signmeuptoo said:
Tim, I couldn't agree more with you, Art, and Ben and Mercury. What I
reacted to was the feeling that you all didn't get my point that I intend
on getting a good supply, a very good one.

I live off of disability but I am determined to make a great computer,
little bit at a time. I thought that I could get the RAM and CPU first so
I could at least get up and running while using my existing case and 420W
Power supply. Yes it is a generic, but it has been working fine from what
I can tell so far with my old BX motherboard setup.

I have been agonizing over this and I apologize to those that I got
irritated with because I am a strong believer in making the power supply
the MOST important part of the computer.

That is why I think that I am going to get this one:

http://www.maxpoint.com/products/pow_supp/spec_pg/noistakerax2/index.htm#

The ripple values are very good, it has great overvolt, overcurrent, over
temp protection, conforms to every old standard out there (seemingly), has
very strong load support for both 12V rails let alone all of the other
Volt
rails. I am VERY open to suggestions, but I will ask for power supply
suggestions in a new thread so that I can stay OnT, ok?

As far as the Heat Sink, and getting an OEM CPU, naw, won't do that.
Here's why:

If I get OEM I only have a 90 day or whatever warranty. What I plan on
doing is getting a retail package and even still get the XP-120. Here's
why I insist on doing so: I want full warranty, if I have trouble I can
return with retail heatsink if required. If it is my fault I will eat the
loss though. The thing is that the XP-120 Heatsink fits on my
motherboard,
the A8V Deluxe V.2 and it is the single best one out there. You can run a
powerful fan but on a really low, quiet speed because the Heatsink is so
good, hence a quieter computer, something I ache for.

If there is any chance to revive this thread and convince people of
responding to my question instead I would be very touched.

To make all of you happy, and myself less nervous, I will buy the power
supply first. Each month I plan on getting a new part until I am built.
This month the Power Supply, next month the case, following 2 months saved
to get a Venice CPU & RAM. This way in August I will be running. A long
wait, but I will have a good system.

The reason that I wanted to get the CPU and RAM first was that way I
wouldn't have had to wait as long to be at least up and running. But if
you all thing that it is that dangerous to use this power supply, then I
will wait until summer.
Click to expand...
Good idea, get the power supply first and the case, or buy everything in
August and with the money saved you can take yourself and the honey out for
a nice meal. The ps and the case don't drop in price as fast as the other
components with the exception of ram, which can go in any direction. When
August rolls around the components you wanted to buy now will be cheaper and
you can go one better for the same cash.
 
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