Abit NF7-S 1.2 XP Hangs

[BmthGary]

Hi

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this!

I am experiencing some problems with the following config:

AMD XP3200+
2 x 512 Kingmax Turbo 3200 DDR
Abit NF7-S 1.2
Maxtor 120GB SATA
ATI Radeon 9800 Pro
MSI CDRW
MSI DVD ROM
Levicom 450W PSU

Windows XP Home installed
Chipset Drivers Installed
Radeon Drivers Installed
XP Home SP2 Installed
Burn In test completed and passed (CPU, RAM, Disks, 2d, 3d and sound)

The problem I am experiencing is that the OS Hangs intermittently. For instance it hung during the burn in test but then passed on the second run. Or just downloading drivers from the internet hung again.

The original components I received from my supplier were faulty and had to be sent back. The new ones received are working correctly. The only components that haven't changed are: Radeon card and the Maxtor HDD.

Poss PSU problem?

Any suggestions anyone?

 

[SYAR2003]

There is a dedicated NF7 mb forum here.
I suggest you browse this forum first of all.

http://forum.abit-usa.com/forumdisplay.php?s=1c89da3296028ba5be75de0770853403&forumid=26

 

[BmthGary]

Thanks I have looked and found no help there :-(

 

[SYAR2003]

My best guess is memory timings (set the to optimal in bios instead of by SPD).
Is the rig running stock speeds or overclocked.
The Nf7 board is also known to give a little undervoltage to the cpu .
Ajust the cpu core voltage 0,25v in the softmenu
and set the chipset voltage to 1,7 .
That's what i have on mine (same board as you ,but the 2.0 version)

SYAR

 

[BmthGary]

Stock speeds, i'll try what you suggested.

Thanks

Gary

 

[BmthGary]

Have just changed the settings and re-fromatted the drive for a fresh install. It got as far as registering the components and then fell over.

PSU?

 

[SYAR2003]

Have you loaded the latest bios ,if not do so .

Heres some bios settings to do:
----------------
Softmenu:
CPU FSB/DRAM ratio = 6/6
CPU interface = Enabled
Chipset voltage =1,7
Cpu = Your cpu voltage + 0,25~0,5v
Memory Voltage 2,8V
AGP Voltage = Default
---------------
Advanced Chipset features:
Memory timings = Optimal
System bios cacheble=Disabled
Video Ram Cachable=Disabled
AGP Aperture=128
CPU thermal throttling =Disabled
------------
All spread spectrum Disabled
Enhance PCI performance=Disabled


PnP / PCI configurations:
Resources contol=Auto(ESCD)

After changing select to force update of ESCD= Enabled
--------------

Thats the one i remember so far .

 

[BmthGary]

Thanks for that, all settings changed. Have managed to run 4 burn in tests and passed with flying colours, where as before it was getting to about 1 1/2.

I have installed the drivers for an Audigy card and it bombed out at 95% but I suspect that the disc is at fault here, found an older copy and it installed 1st time. Now running the burn in test again to check for stability for the Audigy.

Will post back if any probs.

Gaz

 

[BmthGary]

LOL, as i post that it locks up again! So maybe the audigy card, but then it was never installed previously when it was locking?

 

[SYAR2003]

Hi there , have been out working in the field .
Good to hear that things are going better .

BTW !What kind of burn in test are you running .
(overclockers use prime95 and super pi

http://www.benchmarkhq.ru/english.html?/be_cpu.html)

Some more info to you:


Make sure not to use mem slot 1
Use 2 + 3 for dual DDR .

And what nforce drivers do you have (Abit cd or Nvidia 3.13)Iv'e had the new nvidia driverpack since it came out and it has been very stable on my rig .


If running raid have you the latest
SiliconImage SATA Driver .


As i remember there is also one more settings in BIOS
for stabilizing SATA the 1ms setting instead of 30us .


Systems freezes in S-ATA BIOS while using card on PCI slot.)
This may also apply to your soundcard.(try another PCI-slot witch is not shared)
PCI slot 1 & 5 shares IRQ with SATA controller
use 2,3 or 4.


SYAR

 

[BmthGary]

I'm using Passmark Burnin Test, used it quite frequently in the past and it performs quite well.

Audigy card currently occupies Slot 2, but the system is stable when it is Disabled and the drivers have been removed.

I'll make the other changes you reccomend and get back to you. Thanks for all your help!

Gaz

 

[SYAR2003]

Glad to help a fellow Abit NF7 user .

Keep us posted ....