MSI K8N-Neo4 and PCI-E x4

Hi Folks,
I've got an MSI K8N-Neo4 (MS-7125) motherboard that I'm looking to add a RAID card to.  It's got a PCI-Express x4 slot on the board that I'd like to utilize.  However, I've seen some conflicting information regarding it's use.  In the manual on page 2-26 it states "PCI Express x4 Slot (Support PCI-E x2 device Only)".  However when I look at the webpage for the board at http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=K8N_Neo4_Platinum& it makes no mention of this limitation.
The main reason why I'm wondering is because I'd like to add a HighPoint RocketRAID SATA raid controller to my system.  If the slot can handle x4 cards, then I'll purchase the 2310 model, which is an x4.  If it cannot, then I'll purchase the 2300, which is an x2 model.  I've seen some mentions of other people on the forums with K8N-Neo4 boards using the 2320 (an x4 card with 8 SATA ports instead of 4 on the 2310), but haven't seen what sort of bandwidth they're getting.  Are you actually able to get PCI-E x4 bandwidth out of this port?  Or will it downgrade it to PCI-E x2 or PCI-E x1 (the PCI-E spec says that when cards a plugged into a different size port they only need to be supported at x1)?  Or, and even better question, will it even work?
Thanks for any help you can provide.

Quote from: Bas on 09-July-06, 07:25:26
Those are not different then from what's on the motherboard
Want a real one? Look at this: >>Real one!<<
That's real raid controller.....
What you mention is just the same as the onboard stuff.
As for the Linux raid stuff, I presume you mean the Linux Software raid, no those controllers aren't that good, but the High-points aren't that good either.
Heck, they don't even have their own CPU or memory.....the one I showed you has and is WAY faster
(PS. sample given is PCIx, won't fit your board, but that's a raid controller!)
Okay, that still doesn't answer my question about the PCI-E slot.  You make a decent point, but I was more using the Highpoints as an example and because they came up in several searches of the forum.  For the sake of getting a real answer, lets assume it is a real RAID card, such as the PROMISE SuperTrak EX8350 RTL, which according to the Serial ATA on Linux page is a real raid card and all that.  Will it work in the PCI-E x4 slot on the MSI K8N-Neo4 Platinum or not?
All I really want to know is if the slot can actually run a PCI-E x4 card or not.  The documentation contradicts itself.

Similar Messages

  • Have you OC'd MSI K8N Neo4? If so, please reply.

    Hey guys!
    Im trying to figure out why my system wont boot over 220mhz FSB.
    My previous thread:
    K8N Platinum instability! help!
    If you have MSI K8N Neo4 and a winchester cpu please write down anything you changed in bios. It would help me out a lot.
    Like mem timings. vcore. voltage. and so on. Anything you've changed
    My system specs:
    winchester 3500+
    MSI K8N SLI Platinum with the latest bios(official)
    PowerColor X300SE
    36gb Raptor SATA
    120gb Maxtor IDE
    Hp CD-Writer 8100
    Hiper 425w PSU (20pin ->24pin adapter)
    TwinMos Twister PC4300
    Windows XP ServicePack2
    Latest bios (according to MSI Live Monitor)

    Quote
    Some1ne, Are you using an Antec True Power 380W without the 20 ->24 pin adapter?
    Yes, I am using it without any adapter.  I just followed the instructions given in the manual about how to hook up a 20 pin PSU to the 24-pin connector (i.e. leave pins 11, 12, 23, 24 unconnected).  It was very easy to do and the pins are all keyed to prevent incorrect insertion of the 20 pin connector.
    I wouldn't be concerned about your PSU if I were you...a lot of times power requirements are overstated here mostly in order to ensure that people don't go out and buy a crappy $20, 500W rated PSU and then come in and ask "why doesn't my system work, my PSU should be plenty big enough."  The Antec TruePower PSU's are fairly high quality, and I wouldn't expect you to have any problems with yours.
    Quote
    Other question, you was able to reach 272fsb (htt) inside and only with the BIOS? or you used ClockGen ?
    Yes, BIOS overclocking only, I haven't tried using ClockGen to tweak.

  • MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum or MSI 6600GT PCI-E ?

    Dear Sirs,
    I've just bought a MSI NX6600 TD GT 128MB PCI-E and
    Motherboard MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum.
    I Think that one of these is defective bacause WinXP
    can't work with MSI original drivers, MSI old
    drivers or Nvidia drivers. The system reboots.
    I think that i've tried almost everything and this
    card only works badly with VesaSave driver (Generic
    Windows driver).
    Could a defective video card works ?
    Is it possible that the problem is the Motherboard ?
    Any idea ?
    Help me please,
    Thank you very much,
    ISW
    MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum
    A64 3500+ Winchester
    Original Cooler
    DDR PC4000 GEIL 1GB ULTRA DUAL
    MSI NX6600 TD GT 128MB PCI-E
    Maxtor 120GB
    Seagate 120GB
    XP Home SP2

    Duplicate Post.
    Look for all replies here:
    MSI 6600GT PCI-E or MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum ?
    Take Care,
    Richard

  • MSI 6600GT PCI-E or MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum ?

    Dear Sirs,
    I've just bought a MSI NX6600 TD GT 128MB PCI-E and
    Motherboard MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum.
    I Think that one of these is defective bacause WinXP can't work with MSI original drivers, MSI old drivers or Nvidia drivers. The system reboots.
    I think that i've tried almost everything and this card only works badly with VesaSave driver (Generic Windows driver).
    Could a defective video card works ?
    Is it possible that the problem is the Motherboard ?
    Any idea ?
    Help me please,
    Thank you very much,
    ISW
    MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum
    A64 3500+ Winchester
    Original Cooler
    DDR PC4000 GEIL 1GB ULTRA DUAL
    MSI NX6600 TD GT 128MB PCI-E
    Maxtor 120GB
    Seagate 120GB
    XP Home SP2

      About PSU I'm a old (41 years old) newbie, and  I had to re-assemble my old computer to work   but I check this before with MSI software and at motherboard bios voltage check and remember that it was ok it is a 600 watts. But I think that even if it is not, I could at minus install the driver and start Windows. I had no possibility to even start Windows.
    If I  install any MSI or Nvidia driver, when loading WindowsXP the screen turns black and at some time after the system reboots and prompts to start in secure mode. So I can't do anything, even starts Windows with this videoboard with right drivers. It only works with "VesaSafe" driver.
    ISW

  • Anyone paired up a MSI K8N Neo4 mobo and a thermaltake soprano w/PSU

    hello,
    im pretty new here, im about to build a new computer, im getting a MSI K8N NEO4-F, and the case im getting is a thermaltake soprano w a thermaltake PSU, some ppl are telling me that the PSU only has a 20-pin power connector, will that work in the K8N neo4-f mobo ?
    any help would be appreciated
    thanks

    i didnt mess with the door alarm thing lol didnt want to waste my time.  I just use my aspire 520 watt the amps are in my profile its only a 20 pin but it kicks a$$, Strong amps and great cooling.  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817148008  its a little longer so when installing and removing psu just unscrew the four little screws for the top USB

  • MOVED: MSI K8N NEO4-F And PC4200 DDR2

    This topic has been moved to AMD64 nVidia Based board.
    MSI K8N NEO4-F And PC4200 DDR2

    As far as I know, ddr2 will not be supported by AMD until next year - so we can all upgrade again!  You have to go with ddr if you want them to work with mobos designed for AMD chips.  Just my 2 cents.   

  • Newly Built System. MSI K8N Neo4/SLI Plat with AMD X2 3800 Crashing in all Games

    I just built this system yesterday..
    MSI K8N Neo4/SLI Plat with AMD X2 3800  latest BIOS 3.7 amd MB drivers
    I have a Albatron Geforece 7800 GT PCI-E 256Mgs with the latest Drivers. 78
    WINXP SP2 latest stuff.
    DirectX 9.0C
    I have 2 512 DDR3500 Memory Sticks.   
    SATA 160 Hard Drive
    DVD 8X NEC Burner
    All 3d games lok it up.  3DMark2001 SE locks it up too.
    I ran Memtest and everything passed fine.
    Anyway all 2d video works fine. but any 3d video screen goes black and the system locks up solid.
    Any help work be appriciated
    DaaDoctor

    Welcome to the forum DaaDoctor
    If you creat a signature (in profile) it will save you having to type your spec's  out each time or us looking for it. Use mine as a template.
    What PSU are you using ? Can you list the power output ? (writen on side of psu)
    Going from your specs you listed your graphics card is very hungery on power so I would suggest your psu isn't up to the job under load.
    Post the spec and we will know for sure.

  • Bluetooth problem with msi K8N Neo4-54G

    I buy a msi K8N Neo4-54G and it was said on the box : "MSI Dual-Net Card (World First 802.11g+Bluetooth on single PCI Card)"
    dont find any driver or something for bluetooth, but Wi-Fi work perfectly.
    I hope someone know how to fix that problem.
    thanks for your help

    Quote from: crazy on 05-January-06, 16:07:28
    You may firstly clear cmos and load defaults in the bios, and if it is available, please attach us a picture of the screen which the issue occurred when you hit enter during the its detecting the SATA hard disk. I am a little confused about what you said. Please tell me what changes have you made before the issue took place. I just want to help, so do many other people. But please firstly give us more detailed information.
    I did it and nothing! Should I restore the original bios version that came with the mother?
    I'll explain the problem: You enter BIOS, go to the disk properties (where says LBA, LARGE, CYLINDERS, HEAD, etc) and hit enter, usually the screen goes blue and shows a line at the bottom of the screen (they are like triangles pointing downside) and 2 seconds after everithing comes back showing the data of the disk ok? Well, now it hangs forever in the "triangles pointing downside" part and I have to restart the machine...
    Does this belongs to the issue of the K8n neo4 platinum with the maxtor hdd's ??? The mobo is malfunctioning?
    Please helpppp! Thanks!

  • No Post/Black Screen - MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum

    Hello,
    Here is my problem, I bought MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum motherboard and got
    - 3500+ cpu
    - CORSAIR XMS 1GB memory
    - PCI-E Leadtek 7800GT video card
    - Aspire 520Watt PSU
    I have put all of it together fine( I have put many systems for friends before) hooked all the power cables, case to mobo stuff, fans. Every time I turn it on fans go on, and lights go on but there is nothing on the screen as if no signal from video card to monitor, plus no error beeps which means cpu and memory is fine right. I have tried to just have memory, video card and nothing else hooked up, same result. I have tried another PSU, same result. Now to add to this, I had same problem with ABIT motherboard and another video card(same) which eliminates bad motherboard and bad video card, since both I have replaced except this time I got MSI mobo and not ABIT. I got same problem with all of it, nothing comes up, no post while fans spin when I turn it on etc... What could be the problem? memory? case? Any ideas?
    Please help me as I spent a lot of $ and time on this and had no signal to monitor so far. Thanks.

    As I said at this point I am trying to boot without any drives plugged in just to get a post and boot up but no go. So basically all my drives are unplugged and I cannot get it to work, I have tried different psu and same problem. I have tried another video card( I RMA this one and got another) it goes and snaps into PCI E slot all good, I have checked that many times. The only thing I can think of is memory at this point but this is brand new XM Corsiar memory and why wouldnt the motherboard beep ( i hoked speaker) if there was any error like that? I just dont get what is going on.
    I have no idea what bios version I have as I have been unable to check it, unless you want me to check the chip version on chipset?

  • NVIDIA Network Adapter problem (MSI K8N Neo4-F)

    We have an MSI K8N Neo4- F motherboard.  We are running Windowx XP SP2 (just upgraded to Service Pack 2).  The computer will only boot in Normal mode if we disable or remove the NVIDIA Network Adapter driver.  If we attempt to boot in Normal mode, it always ends with a Bad Pool Header problem (Blue Screen of Death).  If we boot in Safe Mode with Networking, we can access the Internet.  If we disable or remove the driver, then  boot in normal mode, we can run in Normal mode but we do not have internet connection.
    Does anyone know how we can use the onboard Network Adapter, and still boot in normal mode? 
    We have been using the latest drivers from MSI for this motherboard.  Is there a different version that can be used?  Is it possible that we have to update our BIOS for it to work correctly with SP2? 
    Thanks!

    I think I may have misunderstood what you meant by a clean install.  I probably should have asked what you meant before I answered my last post.
    If you mean "did we just build the system by wiping the hard drive, installing  XP SP1, then apply SP2", the answer is no.  The system has been running Windows XP SP1 for several years without any problems, and we just wanted to upgrade to SP2 because there is some software that we want to load that requires SP2 to run.  We have lots of software loaded on this machine that we use every day that we really want to avoid (short of time right now to tackle that project) rebuilding the entire operating system/machine because of the work involved in reloading all the software, etc. 
    Am I correct in assuming that we would have to wipe out the hard drive and start over if we did a re-install from a slipstreamed SP2 cd?  If so, then we will probably just stay with SP1 for the time being if there is no other option to fix this Nvidia driver problem until we have more time to do a complete re-install and reload of the computer.
    What about just installing a NIC in one of the PCI slots and use that instead of the onboard NetWork Adapter?
    Thanks for all your help. 

  • MSI K8N NEO4-F SATA ISSUE

    System Specs:
    MSI K8N NEO4-F
    x2 512mb Corsair Xtra Low Latency 2-2-2-5
    VisionTek x850XT
    Creative Audigy 2 Platinum w/ Live Drive
    (1) WD Raptor 10k rpm 74gb (SATA)
    (1) Maxtor 300gb (SATA)
    (1) Maxtor 200gb (IDE)
    (1) Samsung 52x32x52 Burner
    Windows XP Pro
    Recently built system but I'm having SATA performance trouble. Let's start from the boot process. Sometimes when booting, the system will hang while detecting drives, and not detect my 300GB sata drive. A simple reset will sometimes fix this. If allowed to continue to boot, a blue windows XP error screen briefly flashes and the system reboots itself. Going into the bios and trying to autodetect the drive causes a long hang and no detection.
    Moving into windows if everything seems to detect alright, sometimes the 300GB drive seems to function perfectly well, and for as long as my system stays up. Other times I'll go to open some sort of media on the drive (like video), and it will run rediculously slow, skipping and barely running.
    I tried replacing the SATA cables, thinking that maybe they were bent too much or perhaps just bad, but after replacing them the problem seems to persist. This problem at first seemed confined to the 300GB, but my last boot to windows was crawling and anything i opened didnt respond, as the OS is housed on the raptor. So now it seems both drives are capable of this problem.
    Does anyone have any incite?

    Hi mjc2264,
    It's the series 10 300gb maxtors that have been giving pps some issues not just with msi but all AMD64 Nvidia chipsets, its unusual to have Maxtor9 ?? give problems.
    A number of things you might try:-
    1) Bios Standard Cmos Features  try changing the Access Mode for your 300Gb to Large instead of Auto.
    2) Detection is sometimes Worse due to the Pata channel issues. If using the Nvidia IDE Drivers ensure your
     Maxtor 200gb (IDE)
     Samsung 52x32x52 Burner
    are Jumpered explicitly as Master/Slave the NV drivers don't like CS (cable select). Ideally have 200gb on IDE1 & Samsung on ide 2.
    3) If 2) gives no change Or if you feel the need    Roll back The IDE drivers & try the MS Default ones
    Click update driver on the Nvidia Pata driver tab in properties.
    Choose install from a specific location
    Select dont choose , i will choose the driver
    Then select standard dual channel pci controller which is the XP 1
    4) If Windows detects problems with drive access r/w errors it downgrades the drive access mode. If you have been having issues check in device manager IDE Ata/Atapi Controllers Right click properties on each tab & check access mode it s/be Serial ATA DMA for SATA & I think Ultra DMA 5 (or 6??) for Pata HD. If you find any down graded  Set them back & XP will ask to reboot.
    Luck

  • 8800 gts /msi k8n neo4 f

    I was wondering if anyone had this combo, or something close to it? Will i lose any of the sata ports behind the video card/pcie slot with the legnth of this card? If i do lose the #1&2 slots, i assume my raided hard drives will still work on 3&4 without any problems. I just figured i would ask before doing. The msi k8n neo4 platinum has 8 sata ports, so it shouldnt be a problem on that board. I know the purple sata ports are sata2, but are the orange ports sata2 also?
    Edit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082

    Quote from: micro5797 on 09-June-07, 00:42:30
    I was wondering if anyone had this combo, or something close to it? Will i lose any of the sata ports behind the video card/pcie slot with the legnth of this card? If i do lose the #1&2 slots, i assume my raided hard drives will still work on 3&4 without any problems. I just figured i would ask before doing. The msi k8n neo4 platinum has 8 sata ports, so it shouldnt be a problem on that board. I know the purple sata ports are sata2, but are the orange ports sata2 also?
    Edit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082
    I have exactly this combo and it all fits fine.  I can confirm that you can use all of the sata ports without problem because I have done just that.
    Chip

  • [Athlon64] AGP problem with my new MSI K8N NEO4-F

    Hey!
    Just bought a MSI K8N NEO4-F and got a serious problem with the AGP port, the graphics card wont work!
    When I install my radeon 9700 pro I can't get a picture, everything else works including a pci graphics card.
    I don't have a diskette drive so I haven't upgraded the bios yet, but I find it hard to belive that you have to upgrade to get a picture.

    Yes I managed exactly that. I've been out of the computer building business for a while so I didn't know the graphics ports had changed.
    I will invest in a graphic card as well, thanks for putting me on track 
    (The manual sais something about the port supporting 8x agp though? )

  • MSI K8N Neo4-F booting issues

    Ok, well I'm a n00b and this is only my second build.  When I first put everything together, the system started right up and I was able to reboot no problem to upgrade the OS etc.  However when I gave it to my parents, it started having some problems booting.  Sometimes it boots up right away (if it's been off for a while)...however if you restart it, the fans run, but nothing happens for several minutes.  Then all of the sudden it beeps and starts booting like nothing is wrong!  So while it's sitting there doing nothing, I checked the D-bracket and it looks like it's sitting on the processor initialization: 
    MSI K8N Neo4-F running Bios version is 1.9  - the only setting I changed was removing the logo
    Windows 2000 SP3 which I updated to 4
    AMD 64 3700 +
    Power Supply - Antec smart power 2.0 500 watts
    liteon DVD burner - IDE primary master
    a single 250 GB SATA seagate hard drive which is partitioned into 2- IDE 3rd master
    2 sticks of 1 GB Cosair Value Select
    ASUS EN6200TC256 - Geforce 6200TC 64MB 256MB PCIe
    I did try reading through the forums first.  I'm not sure if I should clear the CMOS or flash the bios.  At this point I guess I kind of lack the confidence to make a decision due to lack of experience and the fact that it's not my computer I'm messing with.  So guys, can you help a girl out?  Any advice is much appreciated

    Quote from: bjk1 on 27-March-06, 22:22:19
    Hello Jewels,
    have a look at this thread: https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=80294.0
    Maybe, it's the solution to your problem.
    Bye.
    Your link to the other thread was enlightening.  A couple of things.  My father did install a card reader.  However, I'm unable to find those particular settings in the bios.  My father also has logitech's mx3000 wireless keyboard and mouse hooked up.  I unhooked the little reciever it came with and hooked up a standard keyboard and mouse, and what do you know, it boots fine.  Which explains why I had no jproblems when I set the computer up initially.  I'm sure he's going to want me to find a way to use them though. 

  • DDR 500 memory compatible with MSI K8N Neo4 Platninum?

    Hi Folks,
    I have a MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum PCB version 1 (S939/Nvidia NForce 4 Ultra), running the latest BIOS version.  I wondered if DDR 500/PC4000 memory would work at DDR500 speeds?  I note that the MSI webpage for this mobo only mentions DDR400 and in the manual, the BIOS description under "Advanced Chipset Features" - "Memclock Index Value (MHz)" says the maximum speed is 200MHz.  However, when I go to this setting in my own BIOS, I can set it to 250MHz.  I assume that this should give me DDR500?  Would altering this "Memclock Index Value" above 200 MHz cause any other problems with FSB, CPU, HT, PCIe, PCI speeds etc. or is it completely independent?  Does anyone have any recommendations of what sticks would work best (I was thinking 2 * 1024 Mb of Corsair XMS or OCZ XTC).  Now that DDR2 is standard and DDR prices are creeping up, there doesn't seem to be much difference in price between DDR 400 and DDR 500 memory.  Evern if my mobo can't support it, is there any merit in buying DDR 500 memory and running it at DDR 400 or intermediate speeds?
    Cheers!

    The x2 4800 would run 10x250=2500mhz.
    With ddr500 it's beautifull,since you can use the cas latencies which are suited for the memory.
    I have to lower my timings a bit to run them at 500mhz.Not much though,but I don't know what the long term prospect is for my memory if I maintain that for long periods of time.
    As for running games,I found lower cas timings make my games run smoother opposed to the slightly higher ddr clock with slower timings.
    But as mentioned,set cpu vcore 1 step higher in bios,leave the memory at auto,set cpu fsb or HTT at 250mhz,and use the default multiplier of 10 or also leave on auto.'The memory runs in spec and you wont damage it,only the cpu's get another 100mhz and should be a little bit more spicey while temps shouldn't go much higher as it is now.
    The sticks should fit physically and I ran mine once at 266mhz stable,and they are just pc3200@200mhz

Maybe you are looking for