Upgrade Advice on an P7N Diamond

Hey guys, I need some upgrade advice for the system in my specs.
With the new generations of video cards, Dx11 is going to become ever more common in games. Within the next year I either need to upgrade my current system, or build a new one within the next 2 years.
If I were going to upgrade my current system, I would raid0 my 3 250gb WD's, buy a 2tb internal storage drive, and purchase a NVidia GTX580 or ATI Radeon 6870.
My questions are these:
Does anyone see any problems raid0'ing 1 WD2500AAKS with 2 WD2500YS to decrease my boot times and load times.
If there are no problems raid0'ing those drives, would the raid function built into my MB be able to handle those speeds without a bottleneck?
Would my CPU as it is currently OC'ed be able to run a top of the line, next gen video cards without bottlenecking? That would be the major decision point in upgrading or building a new system.
Will the proposed upgraded set-up be able to continued to run games in High and Max settings at 1680x1050 resolution without bottlenecking due to lack of CPU power and/or cores?
What I do not want to do is buy a QX/Q9650 or equivalent because by the time I bought a new processor I might as well have just saved for a new system.
Lastly, does anyone have any other suggestions?
Thx Guys!

Too early to ask questions which can only be known 2 years later. Your current setup is already very powerful and there's no need to go with the trend to get the latest stuffs.
When time comes for you to upgrade, all hardware will naturally be made compatible with each other.

Similar Messages

Need advice on P7N Diamond boards

I have posted in these forums about my problems with the P7N Diamond boards. My 3rd one just died. It seems to have in the last 2 cases anyway, been a memory problem. The first 2, I used Mushkin 1067 memory, 2 x 2, which I have found on your boards is an overclocked 800. I ran it at a 900 or thereabouts speed, because the computer would not boot on higher settings. That board kept freezing, and in an attempt to fix that, I bought Crucial memory which is a true 1067 at 7-7-7-18. When I was experimenting with fixing the 2nd board, and had the Mushkin in, the board started smoking at the 3rd memory slot, and that is why I sent it in for an RMA.
Last week, I received the RMA. I tried the Crucial memory in it. What happened then is chronicled on these boards. They had me disable Spread Spectrum, set the NB voltage to 1.30 and set the speed to 666(7) with the timing 5-5-5-18. These settings caused crashes on booting. Then I called Crucial, who told me to take the timings out and set the FSB and the memory clock to a ratio of 5:4. which had to be done by setting the clock speeds on manual. Then I still had crashes on booting, but not quite so fast. Also the board never detected the 2nd stick of memory in any but the first slot. I then tried it with one stick in all of the slots. It would not even post except with the first slot. I tried to run memtest86 on it but at that time it stopped posting at all and I am now sending it for my 3rd RMA (first one was from NewEgg at the very beginning.)
So... I will now be on my 4th board. The question I have is, what should I do about the memory to enhance my chances of this one actually working? Should I buy new memory and if so, what? What settings should I put in the BIOS initially? The forums seem to like OCZ Reaper, but when I look at the specs, they are also overclocked 800, which is also bad according to the forums. My patience with this is completely at an end (and way tired of reinstalling the CPU fan and all those little motherboard screws.)

CPU stepping is basically a way to tell what manufacturing improvement has been incorporated to a specific CPU model, i.e. E8400 (C0), E8400 (E0). The E8400 (C0) is supported with bios v1.0. The E8400 (E0) is not. It needs bios v1.2. The 'stepping' can be found using CPU-Z utility. If you don't have it, here is the link: http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
I wouldn't make the 'SLI' designation on the OCZ's that important (or the MoBo's 'SLI' designation), unless your running two GPU cards in SLI mode?
The OCZ Reapers you talk about, aren't OC'd until you OC them. They are 800's with manufacturer permission 'to OC' with increased V's., different timings, & speed. Basically, they were factory tested under a controlled environment to operate at 1066 yada yada (OC'd).
As far as the bios goes, set 'Optimized Defaults', & bios will probably set the modules correctly without having to mess around.
The truth be known, the performance gains between 800 & 1066 isn't all that massive. Only about 2 to 4 FPS I believe. If your E8400 is an E0 stepping, & the board has bios v1.0, it needs to be updated to v1.2 before it can be expected to perform correctly.

P7N Diamond v1.0

Hi all, It's been a while I'm trying to find out what is happening here, I have:
P7N Diamond
Q9650 @3.0GHz
Corsair CM2X2048-6400C5 (2Gbx2)
MSI 8800GTS x 2
The first time I assembly the computer I got stacked at the middle of POST, but it was a BIOS issue, the BIOS version 1.0 do not support Q9650, so I Upgraded it to the 1.4 version and the computer started.
But I still have an issue. Some times when I shut down the computer, and then start up again, the computer just does not start.
If I do a random number of “Shut Down/Start Up” tries, the computer starts and works ok. It generally won't take more than 4 tries.
There is a detail about this issue, when the computer do not start, the light of HDD keeps on but no Power light if up
I already tried:
Using one Video Card (I tried 3 different video cards)
Changing memory (2 different brands, Corsair and Supertalent)
Changing Power supply
If anyone can help I’ll be very greatfull
Regards,
Sebastian.

Quote from: adihot2008 on 31-August-09, 15:06:09
Its not a PSU problem. P7N Diamond boards have this problem after updating bios to either 1.3 or 1.4.
One possible solution is to clear the CMOS properly by disconnecting the PSU from supply and using the reset button on the I/O panel of the mobo
Clear the CMOS and start the system. you should be having no problems afterwards.
or else there is another way around it
From what i have observed from my system before clearing CMOS properly,the other best work around is to give the system a few seconds after the mains is switched on before powering the system. It seems the problem only occurs from a cold start so by allowing current to flow through the board for a few seconds and then starting it will make it boot.
If the CMOS clearing doesnt work for you for some reason this fix will work always,give around 3 to 4 seconds time before hitting the power button.You can do trial and error method to get the exact timing
My P7N Diamond boots perfectly with this method.
Hope this works for you
Will agree it seems to be a very common issue now, had the exact problem on my P7N Diamond as well. You can try the new Beta 1.51 bios maybe they have addressed this issue or try what adihot2008 has mentioned as I found that worked whilst I had it.

Users running the P7N Diamond and QX9650 please weigh in. I need help...

OK, I'll start from the beginning. I had an EVGA 780i mobo, which ran a Q6600 at 3ghz quite easily. Well, I decided that I had money to burn so I ordered a QX9650. It would not work on the EVGA, the cpu voltage and cpu fsb voltage would not adjust no matter what I tried. So, I popped the cpu into my kids rig, which has a DFI X38 mb and the cpu worked perfectly, voltages adjusted, multiplier adjusted, etc. During the RMA process to EVGA, I got an MSI P7N Diamond to run SLI with. Stuck the cpu in it and away I went into Vista 64, all happy. I had to bump the memory voltage up to 1.95 volts, but that was it. I then decided to raise the multi from 9 to 10. I set it, warm booted and tested it in Vista. 100% stable. 2 days later, I attempted to turn my computer on. No post. I had to power off/on very quickly to get it to post, at which point I got an error message that the cpu vid had failed or there was a mismatch with the cpu to fsb ratio, hit F1 to enter setup or F2 to load defaults. I e-mailed MSI and received beta P05 and it was just downhill from there. I couldn't cold boot at all, stock settings, OC settings, voltages adjusted, it didn't matter. So back to the shipping bios. I got a new beta this morning, dated 2/18, and it was the exact same.
Issues with both beta's:
1. Cannot cold boot.
2. Logitech G15 acts erratically prior to entering Vista.
Things I have tried:
1. Raising Vcore.
2. Raising NB/SB voltages.
2. Raising FSB Terminator voltage.
Nothing helps. MSI simply told me not to OC and run at stock and that there was no problem. Is there anyone else out there that has this cpu and mb? If so, can you post your experience with it and let me know if there is something I am doing wrong or could try?

Below is the actual transcript that I had with MSI on this issue. As far as they are concerned, I don't need to change the multiplier on my QX9650. (Start reading from the bottom up for the actual order of the conversation)
Quote
MSI Tech. 02/19/2008 Then, there is no problem with the mb.
End User 02/19/2008 There doesn't seem to be any issues with usb while on using the shipping bios, I only see it when I flash to the beta bios'.
MSI Tech. 02/19/2008 If the stock bios also has the usb issue then try: Have all USB device connected to the rear USB ports that are build onto the mb and retest with all USB header on the mb be removed from any front USB connections or adapter connections and retest. If all steps have been tried and problem still persists then please kindly refer to our website for manufacturer warranty RMA info/request: http://www.msicomputer.com/support/CustomerS.asp
End User 02/19/2008 No change. I cannot even cold-boot at stock settings with this. Also, it still kills my Logitech G15 keyboard randomly. i have to unplug it and plug it back in to get it to power up, and that is only after I boot into Vista. Back on the shipping bios for now at stock settings. Please, if you would, keep me informed of changes or progress. Thanks.
End User 02/19/2008 Thanks! I will poat back if it helps or not.
MSI Tech. 02/19/2008 Beta bios v111 attached to this form.
End User 02/19/2008 Is there any other beta bios' that you have that could help? The P05 didn't work out so well, maybe you have a newer one that I could try? It seems odd that it is only on a cold boot that I have issues and not on warm boots. I am willing to try anything you got at this point!
MSI Tech. 02/19/2008 Sorry, but MSI did not see any issue with using QX9650 processor.
End User 02/19/2008 So are you saying that as far as MSI is concerned, there is no issue with the QX9650 and the P7N Diamond motherboard? I am not asking you for advice on hot to OC it, I am asking you if you know of the issue and are looking into it to try and correct it. If you do not think there is an issue and are not going to investigate it, then I will be very disappointed.
MSI Tech. 02/19/2008 If there is no problem with standard bios and no OC then you can refer to other website/forum for OC suggestions or settings. MSI does not provide these setting/suggestions since it can cause damage to the components.
End User 02/19/2008 Also, I am unable to use the Dual Core center, as I am running Vista 64. It does not load properly when using this OS.
End User 02/19/2008 As of now, it boots and runs fine with the shipping bios and no OC. But, why would I have paid such a high premium to get a QX9650, that has an unlocked multiplier, if I cannot use it? Is this strictly an issue with the newer 45nm Intel processors or is it something else? If not being able to use my cpu's unlocked multiplier is "ok", then I may return the board for a refund.
MSI Tech. 02/18/2008 What is the problem when system uses the standard bios and not OC?
End User 02/18/2008 Is there a fix on the way or is it just a problem with my hardware? I have it back on the shipping bios and it is at least cold-booting now, as well as my G15 is working. I upped the NB voltage a hair above auto, maybe this has somethinng to do with it?
MSI Tech. 02/18/2008 Use the standard bios and use software to OC: http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=downloaddetail&type=utility&maincat_no=1&prod_no=1372
End User 02/18/2008 I was way too quick to say everything is OK. I now have cold boot issues aplenty. 9 times out of 10 it will not post on a cold boot, but will warm boot. I have to power off then on real quickly to get it to post at stock speeds. Also, my Logitech G15 started to act erratic with the P05 beta. I am back on the shipping bios until I hear from you.
End User 02/18/2008 Thanks you for the beta. I flashed to it, cleared the cmos and set everything back up and now I have a new problem. Even though I have disabled the EIST function in the bios, it still seems to be on. i am using cpu-z version 1.44.1 to monitor the multiplier and it randomly shifts between whatever I set it to and 6. It is even doing it when the system is loaded, ie playing games. Please, help!
MSI Tech. 02/18/2008 Beta bios attached to this form.
End User 02/18/2008 Everything is stable 100%. But, on my QX9650, I set the multiplier to 10X to run at 10x333=3.33ghz. It was fine until this morning. I turned the computer on and it would not post. I powered down and repowered it up and it siad the cpu vid had failed or errored, hit F1 to enter setup or F2 to load defaults. I entered setup and the multiplier was set back to 9x. I left it there and am ok now. Is there a beta bios that helps out operations with the newest Intel 45nm processors, such as the QX9650?
I have absolutely no issues in Vista itself, it is 100% stable. It is only on a cold boot that I have serious issues. And yes, I got 3 in a row, went to work for a few hours, then came home and bam! No cold boot. Also, I don't know how comfortable I am raising the vcore that much, as 1.21-1.25 is the normal operating range. 1.3625 is aweful high. Now, with the 65nm quads, that is more in the range of what would be needed, but no way should it be necessary to pushh this QX9650 to a meeger 3.33ghz. As far as temps go, I have the processor watercooled, so no worries there. I am away from home now until Saturday morning, so I can't test anything until the weekend.
Thanks alot for the responses!
Shawn

New build; P7N Diamond won't POST

I ran a few searches and couldn't come up with anything conclusive. Yes, I did read the sticky BIOS error codes and it didn't help. I powered on the PC for the first time, and all I get is a constant beep that never stops. Needless to say the PC doesn't POST. Anyone know what the continuous beep error code is exactly?
All connections have been verified and re-plugged to ensure proper contact. I'm questioning the processor, or the power supply. Any assistance or advice is greatly appreciated.
Specifics below:
P7N Diamond MB
PC Power & Cooling S75QB 750W EPS12V Power Supply
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
MSI NX8800GTS 320M OC GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card X 2 in a SLI configuration

Quote from: Jack the Newbie on 24-May-08, 03:20:54
Have you tested each video card seperately in the primary PCIE slot?
Have you tested each memory module seperately in all memory slots?
Did you double-check all power connections (especially 4/8-Pin +12V CPU)?
I have checked each video card in the primary slots as well as both in the other blue x16 slot. No change
I have checked each memory stick in each of the slots. No change
Quote from: Fadamor on 24-May-08, 03:56:48
The P7N Diamond uses an 8-pin +12V CPU power connector near the top-rear of the computer. I had to use an extender to get my 8-pin powersupply plug to reach.
All power connectors are indeed plugged in, the 24 pin as well as the 8pin for the CPU. THe board is laying on my desk at the moment in a bare bones config outside the case. The 8pin connector will reach, allbeit barely. I'd just like to see some output before I worry about making the inside of the case neat and tidy.
Keep the suggestions coming please. I'd rather make this work than start RMA-ing various components.

P7N Diamond heat issues

I got my GTX 275 FTW in yesterday and while my rig is pretty screaming now, I'm having some heat issues. My profile contains all my specs and settings. I was hitting temps of up to 66c or so on my CPU when playing Grid at 1920x1080 with full AA/AF turned on yesterday. I've got a Cosmos 1000 case, which is quite silent, but not the best at moving heat, although it has a good number of fans.
I installed Nvidia Precision tool and set my fan to 70%. I'm hoping that helps some. Is there a way to crank up the fans any with the P7N diamond mobo? I've checked speedfan and it shows my CPU fans at 100%. I'm not sure about PSU or case fans and if there is any way to crank them up some. Any advice on maybe cooling it down some? Also, any suggestions on maybe tweaking my bios settings? I had a hell of a time getting the thing to run stable, as I had to OC and crank up the voltage to get the thing to even work out of the box. Thanks!

Quote from: Jack t.N. on 18-September-09, 23:46:05
Well, this temperature limit is not defined for the Core Temperatures, but actually for the so-called "TCase" temperature (temperature measured at/in the geometrical center of the CPU's own heatspreader). There is no sensor there, so you can't really measure it anyway.
The limit for the Core Temperatures (TJunction) is much higher (Core Temp should show you the TjMax/TJunction value). It is usually around 95-105°C for a Quad Core processor.
Thanks for the info. So what would you think is a good "max" Core Temp temperature to go by before worrying? Obviously you would prefer to stay well below the TjMax value I would think... Also, what about GPU temp for a GTX 275 or do you know? I really appreciate the feedback by they way. It helps a lot.
I have also been worried about some of my bios settings, but have been unable to move to a new bios because I'm not sure how to convert the % based values to the more meaningful ones used with later revisions.. but alas that is another topic in and of itself.

Another P7N Diamond that cannot install XP

Current setup:
- MSI P7N Diamond motherboard
- OCZ P6400 2 X 2gb Dimms (4gb total)
- PNY nVidia GeForce 9600 GT Verto (512mb) video card
- brand new "green" 650 watt power supply
- 2 X 750gb SATA IDE Seagate drives
- Core 2 Quad Q6700 2.66 processor
XP installation starts off normally by creating partition and copying files to it. Then comes the first reboot and the XP screen with the floating line appears. As soon as it hits the first graphical screen, the mouse cursor appears and functions (moving the mouse moves the cursor), about 2 seconds into that, system reboots. After the reboot, it comes back to the first graphical screen after the windows floating line and says "Setup is being restarted......" and the reboot is continual.
- I've tried testing the RAM without issues.
- I've tried using both 1 stick of RAM and both sticks of RAM
- I tried using another known good 1gb stick of RAM
- I have tried with and without the RAID configuration
- I've tried using standard IDE as well as SATA IDE drives
- I've tried installing XP Home and XP Pro (both legit versions)
- I've tried using V.1.0, V1.1 and V.1.2.1 BETA bios
I've currently got a trouble ticket open with MSI tech support, but they tell me to swap RAM and do memory tests (both previously done!).
Nothing that I have done can get XP installed on this seutp and I am just plain frustrated. I'd *REALLY* appreciate any help or suggestions to get this running.
Thanks.
Jerry

Slipstream CD created... trying install now. Nope. Still does the same thing. >:(
Alrighty, let's see if I can do this right:
# CPU brand, model and speed
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 @ 2.66
# Motherboard model
MSI P7N Diamond, LGA 775, 780LSI, DDR2, M-7510,
# Memory brand, type/speed, size, number of sticks (eg 2x Crucial 512mb DDR400)
2 X OCZ Vista Upgrade Edition Dual Channel (2048mb ea... 4096mb total)
Memory Speed:    800MHz PC6400
Memory CAS Latency:    5-6-6-15
Memory Type:    Dual Channel DDR2
# Video card brand, chipset type, memory size (eg Gainward Geforce 6800GS 512mb AGP)
PNY GeForce nVidia 9600GT
Core speed 650MHz
Memory clock of 1800MHz.
Shader clock is 1625MHz
57.5GB/s of memory bandwidth along with 64 stream processors.
PCI Express 2.0 compliant and backwards compatible with current PCI Express slots as well.
# Hard drive(s) brand, size, type, speed (eg 2x Seagate 200gb SATA150)
2 X Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 750GB Hard Drive - 7200RPM, 32MB, SATA-300
Spindle Speed (RPM):    7200
Average Seek (msec):    <9.3
Average Latency (msec):    4.16
Data Transfer Rate on Serial ATA:    Up to 3000 Mb/sec
Nonrecoverable Read Errors per Bits Read:    1 in 10E14
Temperature, Operating (°C):    5 to 60
Temperature, Nonoperating (°C):    -40 to 70
Shock, Operating: 2 msec (Gs):    63
Shock, Nonoperating: 2 msec (Gs):    300
# Any other peripheral cards and devices
The MSI X-Fi audio card
# Operating system and version (eg Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2)
Windows XP with SP3 slipstreamed onto the CD
# Power Supply Unit brand and output in watts and DC output (amps)
Antec model EA-650
650 W max
The symptom:
Windows XP install CD, boots properly, installs files properly... on first reboot to graphical screen it reboots after saying "Setup is restarting......" It will do this continually.
What have I done to date:
- Reduced setup to 1 2GB memory stick... no change
- Done extensive memory checks with 1 and 2 sticks of OCZ RAM and Platinum 1GB RAM all without errors... no change
- Changed to known good RAM (1 GB of Platinum DDR2 @ 533mhz)... no change
- Tried installs with and without the RAID configuration (RAID 1)... no change
- Tried using 250gb standard IDE as well as 750gb SATA IDE drives (all known good or 100% new drives)... no change
- Tried installing XP Home and XP Pro (both legit versions)... no change
- Tried using V.1.0, V1.1 and V.1.2.1 BETA bios... no change
- Tried install using Windows XP Pro with SP3 slipstreamed into the disk image... no change
- Tried using both the Bios Failsafe settings and Optimized Default settings... no change
- Tried the SPREAD SPECTRUM settings both enabled and disabled... no change
Question, could it be a bios setting that could unlock this mystery from hell for me somehow?
Thanks for the help so far Aaron.

New Need Sink needed for MSI P7N Diamond nForce 780i SLi (Socket 775)

Hi Guys,
I've been having a problem with my machine where it will be working away as and then suddenly restart. I haven't been able to pin point the problem as it can happen regardless of applications or load thats on the machine. I've also run a couple of app's to check the RAM and its fine. The only thing I've been noticing is that the 4 cores of my Q6600 seem to be running a bit hot. On average on Idle there running between 45-55oc. Does this seem normal? I'm thinking that the cpu might be over heating when I'm running apps. I've seen one of the cores up around 68oc when under a bit of load. I'm using the stock heat sink at the moment and would like to cool things down it see if that helps. Can anyone recommend something suitable for my motherbroad.
Thanks
Garret

Quote from: Garret C on 15-October-09, 17:22:47
Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q6600 "Energy Efficient SLACR 95W Edition" 2.40GHz (1066FSB)
MSI P7N Diamond nForce 780i SLi (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard with Free Creative X-FI Card
Thermaltake ToughPower 750W Modular Power Supply
My Q6600 (also G0/SLACR but don't know what you mean by "Pro") is OC'd to 3.4GHz and has had no problems running stable. Highest temps during OCCT/Linpack and LinX/Linpack peak at 80C 1st/2nd cores - 76 C 3rd/4th cores. Other tests (e.g. Prime95 small FFTs) run much cooler. I've run 2hr+ linpack tests with no errors, so I don't think you need to worry about your temps yet.
However, may I suggest that you check into is your power supply, in particular the modular connections. I had the ToughPower 750W Modular before upgrading to PCP&C. I noticed that the ToughPower's modular connections had a tendency to be just a tad loose. They wouldn't dislodge but they had a little bit of play. I could jiggle them ever so slightly while they were connected. As a result, the CPU power cable (8-pin/4-pin) would cause a restart upon the slightest disturbance or sensation. I've since discovered that modular connectors also affect the efficiency, power noise levels, and overall performance of a PSU. All in all, I plan to avoid modular connectors entirely going forward. Many newer cases have excellent cable management features and even old-style cases can be cleaned up with a little planning and effort. So the modular cabling advantages don't offset the severe disadvantages. Even if your problem isn't due to the PSU, it's something I'd recommend considering replacing.
Good luck. Hope all the suggestions are able to help you nail down and resolve your issue.

MSI P7N Diamond Burnt Out!

Hi,
It's now been a good few weeks for me trying to set-up a new computer after having replaced the motherboard a couple of times and buying better power supply etc. But I've now got a new issue with this P7N Diamond and it's the second time it's happened (already RMA'd it once before with same issue). Each time it's happened I've only had the basic items connected, power supply, motherboard, graphics card, memory, cpu and fans.
Basically what happens is that the computer powers on for a few seconds but there is an immediate burning smell from the motherboard. When I removed the motherboard I found that a thin strip of copper around the under side edge of the board, almost directly below the bottom fan connector (SYSFAN4), has burnt away exposing the cooper itself and split. I've checked for anthing shorting the board in the case and all the case/motherboard screws are in the correct place.
When it first happened I thought maybe its the PSU (I used my older Antec 470W on the first RMA'd board) or a faulty board, so I upgraded to the Corsair PSU and got the board replaced, but its now happened again!
Obviously I don't want this happening again so any idea what would cause this?
Would it be the fan connected to SYSFAN4? It's a Scythe Fan rated at 0.26A and I think I had it connected both times when the board blew. If it was the Fan how would a board allow this type of thing to happen, should it not have built in protection to stop things burning out like this?
Motherboard: MSI P7N Diamond
CPU: Intel Core Due Quad Q6600 G0
Ram: OCZ DDR2 8500 Reaper 4x 1GB Modules
Video Card: Zotac Geforce 8800GT 512MB AMP Edition
PSU: Corsair TX750W (3.3V-30A,5V-28A,12V-60A,-12V-0.8A,5Vsb-3A)
HD: 2x Western Digtial 200GB SATA 150, 2x Seagate 320GB SATA 300

Quote from: Fadamor on 10-May-08, 01:59:12
All my fans are plugged into the P7N. All of them came with the Cosmos case except the CPU fan which I bought seperately. So far (knock on polycarbonate), no "charco' for a mobo". (All fans are 120mm including the one I bought)
I read that the Cosmos although quiet is not too good at staying cool and lots recommended changing the default cosmos fans with better ones, so I changed them all to Scythe fans except the CPU fan, which is an Arctic Cooler 12 PWM Fan, as the Sycthe's don't have four pin plugs.
Quote from: Pchas01 on 10-May-08, 02:24:34
And, curious, why are you plugging a Scythe fan into the #4 conector? There are three others closer to the CPU if you're cooling the CPU). I use all 4 connectors with no issues at all. Last question, is it a 5v fan, 12v fan..? Ah, good luck with the Stryker if that's what you want..it's a good board.
I have about five Scythe Fans and one Arctic Cooling CPU Fan. The AC CPU Fan was using the CPU Fan connector and the other four connectors had the Scythe fans attached. I just thought it had something to do with the #4 connector because the burn out was so near. The Scythe fans are 12v, could that be the reason?
Yeah I got the Striker II board now, but seem to be having the issue I original had with my first MSI P7N board with the Coolermaster PSU it just flashes on for split second and cuts out. I thought having this Corsair 750W PSU I wouldn't have that issue any more. As soon as I plug in my cheap gfx card it works fine! I just seem to have no luck at the moment. (Yes I've got the gfx power plug in )
Quote from: NovJoe on 11-May-08, 12:57:46
Sound like a surge shorting either from the fan or the chassis.
Try removing some of the unneccessary standoffs and see if problem re-occurs. 2 boards can't have the same problem repeat that easily.
I only had the standoffs for the nine holes in the board so should not have had anything shorting it out.
I got a ASUS Striker II now anyway and so far it works, but I'm only powering the CPU Fan from the board now, all the others I'm going to do direct through the PSU. Just need to get it working with Geforce 8800GT now.

PC keeps crashing P7N Diamond, soundcard driver issue?

Hi everybody!
I have followed some forums on xtremesystems.org and I ended up here.
I'm doing my 3rd build over the years (haven't done one for the last 2 years). I have done so far everything with extreme caution as don't want to mess up anything (I have had the case together already for the last 2 weeks and haven't even had chance to fire up even one game ). So far I have stayed away from trying over clock anything since my rig is not even stable with stock settings (plus I'm newb so I'm not ready to over clock yet). Haven't adjusted anything in Bios except DRAM voltage to 2.10 (recommended factory settings) and the timings 4-4-4-15 (again recommended factory settings). Everything fired up with first go but when I started to intstall drivers then I started to run into problems. I'm running XP Pro 64 and these are the drivers that I have used used so far:
Mobo: 9.64_nforce_winxp64_english_whql
GPU: 169.21_forceware_winxp_64bit_english_wh ql
X-Fi drivers: the ones that came with CD as cant find any from the internet that would go for XP64
I did not install Media Shield and I didn't install any software with X-Fi.
My main problem is that whenever I'm trying to install some software or drivers, the system keeps crashing by just rebooting from the middle of the install. It also kept crashing when I had that that software installed (volume control etc) that came with X-Fi, when ever I had mp3 playing and wanted to increase volume. I'm not sure if its any important but I have run Prime95 Small FFT Torture Test for 2 hours and everything was OK. But my my computer still keeps crashing randomly when I'm trying to install anything. Sometimes it takes like three attempts before I manage to install something. My own theory is that it has something to do with the X-Fi drivers.
All ideas are welcome, as I have no idea what do try next.
Sincerely,
Janx
PS! I do apologize for my bad English as its not my native language.

Quote from: janx4u on 15-April-08, 03:54:49
Regards "creative 5.10.0.33 whql dated 3/2/2007" drivers, are those the ones that you can download from MSI website (from here http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=downloaddetail&type=driver&maincat_no=1&prod_no=1372 ) ? If yes then I cant even install them. I cant remember what error it prompts me with as I'm using that Audigy for time being. I will edit my post later after I have swapped the cards back and done some further testing. I let you know what error it shows.
It shows the following message:
"This installation does not support the AMD 64 processor architecture"
Quote from: loonym on 14-April-08, 11:11:16
and just a question here although this might be a futile exercise, have you tried moving the card around to different slots?
Tried few different slots. Same old story, computer keeps crashing when trying to install some software. As a side note its quite random. Sometimes it crashes with first software I try to install, sometimes with second or third. It doesent have any preference which program it likes more or less. Sometimes if it doesn't install some certain software with first run I may be able to install it with second or third run. Quite random thing. There isn't any specific pattern that I have discovered (well except the fact it only becomes unstable after I install those drivers. Everything is so random.
Quote from: loonym on 14-April-08, 11:11:16
If you want to experiment you can read about some end-user modded x-fi drivers here: http://www.driverheaven.net/audio-general-technical-discussion/149754-vista-xp-driver-support-audigy-xtreme-audio-xfi-cards.html and here: http://www.youp-pax.org/
Tried those Youp_Pax_XFIAudio&XFIXpressAudioV1.01 drivers and it produces following message:
"Setup is unable to detect a supported product on your system. Please ensure that your product is properly installed before running this Setup program. Setup will exit." (and it only gives me an option to press "OK")
I also did a fresh Windows XP 64 install and tried again. No luck as it still prompts me with the same message. As a side note, I am able to install those drivers that come with the CD. So therefore I believe my product is properly installed. But that could be just me still doing something wrong (but it doubt).
I'm also going through these issues with MSI online support. They are very helpful, but so far there isn't much breakthrough. This is their last advice:
Quote
Dear,
Please go to the following link to download the xp 64-bit driver for your sound card to have a try. If still can't help, please mail us again.
http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/download.asp?MainCategory=1&nRegionFK=&nCountryFK=&nLanguageFK=&sOSName=Windows+XP+Professional+x64+Edition®ion=1&Product_Name=Sound+Blaster+X-Fi+Xtreme+Audio&Product_ID=15855&modelnumber=&driverlang=1033&OS=23&drivertype=0&x=17&y=10
Regards
MSI Technical Support Team
Using that driver results with the same error message when I try to install it:
"Setup is unable to detect a supported product on your system. Please ensure that your product is properly installed before running this Setup program. Setup will exit."
But that is kinda obvious as those are drivers for Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio but I have PCI Express Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio . The soundcard that is shipped with MSI P7N Diamond motherboard is not true X-Fi so therefore those X-Fi Xtreme Audio drivers should not work anyway.
I know it was long shot but it was worth to try.
I have notified them about my results, will see what other ideas they might have.
All ideas or suggestions are very welcome
Cheers
Janx

P7N Diamond / Q6600 / HELP!

Intro
Good Afternoon. I have searched everywhere for information regarding the issues I’m having and haven’t found anything, so I though id ask here. About a year ago I built two computers using the exact same parts (one for me and the other for a friend of mine). My friends build has been running perfect since day one, with no issues or errors. Mine however, has been a problem since I turned it on. I don’t want to post a confusing wall of text, but want to give as many details as possible, so here goes.
Problems
1)   Will not run with optimised settings since first install - Just restarts before starting windows. (Only boots ok when FSB is set to 1333)
2)   Looping Restarts – After powering on it will restart itself between 3-6 times after boot screen, then successfully boots onto windows ok.
3)   Crashing to Desktop/BSOD’s – Mainly runs ok when on desktop/applications/internet. Games are the issue. (Fixed some errors by replacing CMOS Battery. Main BSOD error “Hardware Error – Please contact your manufacturer”
Previous Tests Done
1) Cleared BIOS settings
2) Stripped it down to barebone (outside case), and removed everything It didn’t need to run.
3) Tried changing RAM - Dual/Single Channel – One stick at a time.
4) Memtest, Futuremark, Prime95, GPU-Z, CPU-Z and others.
*Currently have processor on RMA as it died (Have signal to monitor from Graphics Card, but no boot, so testing on the fly is impossible*
NOTE: All drivers are up-to-date, Computer Temperatures are more than low enough
*BIOS changes/setup*
Advanced BIOS Features:
   * CPU Feature
   o Execute Bit Support = disabled
   o Set Limit CPUID maxVal to 3 = disabled
   * Chipset Feature
   o HPET = disabled
Cell Menu:
   * D.O.T = disabled
   * Intel EIST = enabled
   * SLI Ready Memory = enabled
   * System Clock Mode = Manual
   o FSB Clock = 1333
   o DRAM Clock = 800
   * Adjust CPU Ration = 9
   * Advanced DRAM configuration
   o DRAM Timing Mode = Auto
   * Adjust PCI-E Frequency = 100
   * Auto disable DRAM/PCI Frequency = enabled
   * CPU Voltage = Auto
   * DRAM Voltage = Auto
   * NB Voltage = Auto
   * SB Voltage = Auto
   * FSB Terminator = Auto
   * --- All other voltages are left on "Auto" ---
   * Spread Spectrum = disabled
Computer Specs:
Case: Thermaltake Armour+ VA3000
MB: MSI P7N Diamond
MS-7510 Ver1.0 (Rev1.0) (A7510-NMS100) (Bios Ver: 1.4)
HDD: 1 X Western Digital 500GB - SATA (WD500DAAKS)
GPU: 1 X BFG GTX-280OC PCI-E
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 - 2.4GHZ/8M/1066/05A (SLACR)
CPU FAN:Zalman CNPS9500 AM2
MEMORY: Corsair Dominator-XMS2-PC8500 1066Mhz DDR2 – 2.1v
OTHER CARDS: Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio (Free with Motherboard)
OS: Windows Vista Ultimate 64Bit – SP1
PSU: Hiper Type-M SLI 1000w
*Air Cooling: 5 x Internal Fans, 9 including CPU/GPU/PSU/RAM
PSU IMG:
Additional Information:
As mentioned earlier, my Q6600 is in the process of RMA so can’t really do any testing with Bios or anything else. Another thing… When on the phone to Intel’s Technicians. They said that due to the board only having 1.8v DIMM’s, they said because my RAM was 2.1v, it is those that are causing all my issues. In relation to the RAM spec on the listed computer configuration, could anyone confirm that? As I asked Corsair before the build and they said it would be fine.
I hope I’ve given all the required details, needed for a conclusion to my problems or even a guess.
Overall, Thankyou for reading. Any help/advice is much appreciated.

Quote
1) Will not run with optimised settings since first install - Just restarts before starting windows. (Only boots ok when FSB is set to 1333)
Quote
o FSB Clock = 1333
Mh, did you mistype something, or are you talking about overclocking when you mention "optimised settings"? I mean: FSB 1333 is already higher than the native FSB Speed of a Q6600 (=266 MHz or 1066 MT/s effectively). Can you explain again what you mean? Because if you really overclocked the FSB/CPU to 333 MHz FSB CLock Speed (and higher) all your problems may simply be the symptoms of non-stable overclocking settings (which is nothing unusual).
Quote
MEMORY: Corsair Dominator-XMS2-PC8500 1066Mhz DDR2 – 2.1v
Quote
Another thing… When on the phone to Intel’s Technicians. They said that due to the board only having 1.8v DIMM’s, they said because my RAM was 2.1v, it is those that are causing all my issues. In relation to the RAM spec on the listed computer configuration, could anyone confirm that?
Yes and no. The native speed of your modules is DDR2-800 @1.8V +/- 0.1V (JEDEC Standard) which means that such a setting is compliant with the industry specifications for DDR2 Memory and should pose no stability risk to the system (given that none of the modules are faulty).
DDR2-1066 on the other hand is an OC rating that requires you to raise the voltage to 2.1V and thereby above industry specifications. Stability problems @DDR2-1066//2.1V are not unusual. So in that perspective, the stuff the Intel Technicians pointed out to you is absolutely correct.

P7N Diamond - JMicron JMB363 RAID w/PATA

So I've upgraded from 975XPUE (RIP)to P7N Diamond and have WinXP running somewhat stable. Amazingly, this is using prev OS install from 975X mobo. Somehow I've managed to get new chipset drivers installed and all hardware recognized. I'll probably do a clean install down the road but would like to pick up a new drive first to keep old drive for backup.
Anyhoo, I'm having issues getting the JMicron controller to configure my 2 x IDE drives into a RAID 0 array. P7N Diamond is using JMB363 controller whereas 975X had the older JMB361. And the older mobo/JMicron chipset was able to run PATA drives in RAID 0 just fine.
But now I'm stuck. This is partly my fault. When I originally swapped mobos and booted the system, the JMicron BIOS actually recognized my existing RAID 0 array. I had set the bios option to "RAID" and the subsequent JMicron boot screen listed both drives as "RAID Inside".
However, I wasn't initially sure which BIOS options referenced which IDE controllers. Turns out, the NVidia controller (primary port) is in the sub-menu and only has options for IDE and RAID. The JMicron controller (secondary port) is in the top menu and has options for IDE, RAID, *and* AHCI. This misled me into thinking the BIOS options were reversed, that the top menu referenced NVidia primary controller and the submenu referenced JMicron secondary. At least, that's how it was done on the 975X. So, in a brilliant decision, I changed the RAID option on JMicron controller to AHCI (because that's how the Intel controller on my 975X was configured and how I thought WinXP would expect to see the primary boot drive).
On subsequent boot, JMicron screen now showed PATA drives as "Non-RAID". So, my array was lost, but luckily I only kept expendable files on RAID. But now I'm not able to rebuild a new array. Resetting the BIOS option to RAID mode and entering the JMicron configuration will display both drives in Non-RAID config. But if I try to create a new array, it says "no enough drive available". If I try to revert drives to Non-RAID or delete a RAID array, it says all drives are already Non-RAID and there are no existing arrays to delete.
So I'm lost. I've seen posts in some msg forums claiming JMicron can only support RAID on SATA drives. But the JMB363 only has eSATA ports. And I can't imagine only supporting external devices for RAID?? That and I know from personal experience that JMB361 was able to put PATA drives into RAID, and that the JMB363 recognized my old array initially (before I foolishly ruined the config).
Any ideas how I can create a new RAID 0 w/ 2xPATA on the P7N Diamond? Has anyone else attempted this?
Things I've tried:
1) Deleting partitions on PATA drives and leaving empty;
2) Deleting partitions on PATA drives and creating new;
3) Resetting BIOS option for JMicron to IDE and repeating steps 1 and 2 above
3) Resetting BIOS option for JMicron to AHCI and repeating steps 1 and 2 above
3) Resetting BIOS option for JMicron to RAID and repeating steps 1 and 2 above
Want to try next:
1) Remove PATA drives from current sys and lowlevel format in a diff machine
TIA
(config is same as in sig except substitute P7N Diamond for 975X PUE)

Download the latest driver directly from JMicron (1.17.40.05):
ftp://driver.jmicron.com.tw/jmb36x/Win2k_xp_Vista/JMB36X_WinDrv_R1.17.40.05.zip
Quote
Looking in Device Manager under IDE Controllers, I have 4 Primary IDE Channel, 4 secondary IDE Channel, and 4 Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller..
When the drivers are correctly installed, the JMicron controller should appear under SCSI- and RAID Controllers.

P7N Diamond and C2D E8400

I'm trying to find out what is the best and most stable BOIS to use with a E8400 other then MSI recommend 1.2 BIOS. Because when my system POST it stops a NVRAM testing.... and just hangs there. I would like to leave my BIOS setting to default and not have to manually changes setting unless I am overclocking my system.
My System Specs:
Windows Vista Ultimate
Intel C2D E8400 3.0GHz. Stepping E0
P7N Diamond (BIOS Ver. 1.2)
XFX GeForce 8800GT 512MB x2 (SLI)
Patriot Extreme Performance DDR2 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC2-6400 Low Latency DIMM Kit x2 (4GB ram total 4-4-4-12 2T)
Seagate 500GB SATA Hard Drive x2
LG DVD-RW SATA x2
Enermax Liberty DXX 620 watt Power Supply
Thank you for your help and advice.

Can you please explain what in your own words, what the so called "NVRAM Issue" actually is in your case? From what you said above, it is rather hard to understand what your actual problem is...

Graphic corruption p7n diamond

I have had a p7n diamond MB for quite some time now as has my wife, since day one we have experienced the graphics corruption problem so many speak of. Our problem does not always happen when playing movies, sometimes it can happen just when viewing jpeg files or even just renaming files in explorer. We are running xp home, I also run xp 64 and this graphic problem is not predictable, days or weeks can go by with no problem, but sometimes we can get it several times a day.
I have taken some screen shots of what the corruption looks like with the use of the Prt Scr key and then pasting the clipboard into a paint program and then saving, no easy task when this corruption is present. I have made sure all my drivers are up to date, even gone back a few revisions on some, recently I flashed my MB bios to 1.4 but still the graphic corruption happens at random. Never when I am playing 3d games like fallout 3 or similar.
When I did flash my bios I did not turn off power and pull plug after I flashed and did not press the cmos reset button near the IO panel, was that needed, and if so even after flashing and booting now several times can I just power down, pull plug and now reset cmos or do I need to reinstall 1.4 bios again ? Sorry if this question is noobish but I am just about ready to give up on this MB

Quote from: adihot2008 on 30-December-09, 13:52:06
Well Well now we are slowly running out of options. Personally I have never tried to stabilize my P7N Diamond in Windows XP, so this is the max stability we can achieve I think in Windows XP. I recommend you to upgrade your OS to windows vista or windows 7 as soon as possible,the board can me made perfectly stable under these OS.Haven't you thought about it yet?
Sorry to say, but if its stable in Vista and 7, why cant it be done in xp???
Its a load of rubbish, imo, to make someone go to another OS, if XP, which is one of the most stable MS OS at this time, cant be run stable.
Vista can be a horror, I talk out of experience, since I had it since day one, 7 is fairly new and thus still pretty expensive and these people are, if im correct, on a budget.
1, do you have new sata cables at hand??
I saw that one of the last times it happened you had Winrar running and again when formatting a drive, so it seems to happen when you use your HD a lot.
If I remember correct, those can be faulty too (loose contacts, not shielded very well, bad wiring internally) and cause similar things, they dont cost much and is well worth thinking about.
2, do you still have that pesky Creative soundcard??
If so, remove it (best option) or disable it and remove all its drivers and stuff, creative can be a pain, especially those drivers and try again.
Use Driver Sweeper (freeware) to get completely rid of all its drivers, look here:
http://downloads.guru3d.com/Guru3D---Driver-Sweeper-(Setup)_d1655.html
Ive seen people with creative cards getting all sorts of troubles, including myself and after they removed it, all was fine.
If I recall correct, it was already a problem on your boards predecessor, the P6N diamond and your board isnt that different, it runs the newer Yorkfields and has PCIe2.0 instead of 1.x, but thats about all the difference there is.
I had games stopping due to a driver from Creative and BSOD's, needlees to say I scrapped that card and Ill make do with my onboard 5.1 realtek, which suits me just fine
If it is the problem, get a normal card for a few bucks, they dont have to be that expensive, unless your a big audiofan who can separate all different frequencies and tones
Upping the southbridge (SB) voltage isnt a good idea either.
This is the connection to the slower stuff in/on your system like, HD's, cd/dvd stations, keyboard and such and therefore dont need to have more voltage, at least not on any of the systems I had.
On my current system it caused more troubles then it did good.
Try 1 thing at a time and test/use/wait to see if it changes anything.

P7N Diamond will not POST

Hi everyone.
This is my first build. The board powered up just fine, but would not POST. No beeps, nothing. I tried stripping down the system, part by part, until I was down to just one stick of RAM & the CPU - no luck. I've been doing some extensive researching, and I've tried everything I can think of.
Here's the build:
OCZ PSU - Game Xtreme series 700 W
P7N Diamond
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz (retail box)
Corsair DOMINATOR (2 X 2GB) DDR2 1066
MSI NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT, 256 DDR3
Seagate Barracuda SATA drive, 250 GB
Sony IDE combo optical drive
I RMAed the board & processor (replacement)
I'm quite frustrated and disappointed at this point. Any tips/tricks or advice would be welcome!

Quote from: AaronYuri on 12-May-08, 01:17:13
Did you try a clear CMOS? Different memory? My Dominators wouldn't boot without 2.00v VDIMM.
Yes, I tried clearing CMOS. I WOULD'VE tried different memory, but I don't have any compatible sticks around. But, I tried removing all the ram, thinking that if that Dominators were causing the problem, the board would start to post, and then beep at me when it couldn't find any RAM - no results. :-(

Upgrade Advice on an P7N Diamond

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