ok...i've recently upgraded to a DFI LanParty UT nF4 SLi-D Mobo and 2x Gigabyte GeForce 6600LE 256Mb...and i'm having some really wierd problems...quite a few actually...
if i list anything here that's not for this particular forum, pls feel free to move it ,etc and my apologys for the mistake. =]

1) CPU Usage spikes from about 0% to 60%+ while at an idle desktop...nothing running at all...no Anti-virus, no net connection, nothing...this is also causing MAJOR performance issues, games run like a slug (if at all...FarCry, F.E.A.R, BF2, WoW...all were running fine b4 the upgrade)...this is having such a heavy impact that even trying to listen to mp3's (iTunes) and browse the Net (FireFox) is a nightmare due to the CPU being "busy"

2) My RAM (which i know isn't great) has 1 of 2 problems....if i install both DIMM's into DIMM 1&2 on the mobo...it registers as only running at 333Mhz, and if i install them into DIMM 2&4...although it correctly registers as 400Mhz, it is still only using 1T according to POST (i believe this indicates single channel...not the DC settings)

3) i'm not sure if this is due to either of the previous problems...but i'm also having some semi-severe USB instability...i have USB both keyboard and mouse (KB=Saitek Eclipse, Mouse=Logitech G5)...along with randomly losing response from both (mouse lags mid-game...as if the laser passed over a "dead spot"...keyboard occasionally "loses" keystrokes..ignores a key press etc)...along with that..i am also having real problems getting my internet connection to stay "up"..i'm using AOL 9.0 and a BT Voyager 105 DSL Modem connected to a USB Port directly on the Mobo.

I like to think i know what i'm talking about with hardware, but i will fully admit..this is utterly beyond me. I have spent over £230 on this recent upgrade, and it has caused nothing but problems and a drop in performance. Due to being utterly stumped and more than a little dis-heartened by this, i'm seriously considering downgrading back to my MSI K8N Mobo and Sparkle GF6600 AGP set-up.

If anyone has absoluely anything ideas, suggestions etc on any of these problems....pls pls PLS reply to this as i am 100% stuck.

Thankyou very much in advance...and i look forward to being part of the PR forums. =)

Looking at their online manual (page 21):

Quote: Originally Posted by manual ...or using 2 DIMMs in non-dual channels, the memory speed will reduce to DDR333.

There's also a wonderful table right below what I just said detailing how to install the mem (which slots).
Best I can tell, looks like you need to put em in DIMMs 1 and 3 to work correctly (@ DDR400) amigo.
The 1T has to do with RAM timings (it's beyond me ), but it says to set it to 2T to increase system stability, maybe some problems will go away..
I hope that helps. I'll see what else I can find.

Definitely try running the board using "failsafe" settings in BIOS first. I've also seen the issue with the CPU use spiking for no apparant reason, it's usually linked to drivers. Does it do it in safe mode? And also, for random lockups, did you upgrade your PSU to go with the new mobo? Not sure what you're running now, but I've seen it happen more than once.

Hope these things help you. Eliminate possibilities to discover the truth. (grin)

I'll refrain from any digs at you for using AOL 9.0

Quote: Originally Posted by FunkyStickman Definitely try running the board using "failsafe" settings in BIOS first. I've also seen the issue with the CPU use spiking for no apparant reason, it's usually linked to drivers. Does it do it in safe mode? And also, for random lockups, did you upgrade your PSU to go with the new mobo? Not sure what you're running now, but I've seen it happen more than once. Hope these things help you. Eliminate possibilities to discover the truth. (grin) I'll refrain from any digs at you for using AOL 9.0

lol...ok....tried using the fail-safe BIOS settings....no change...ditto witht he Optimized Default BIOS settings....unfortunately...the CPU usage spiking problem does continue when PC is booted into safe-mode....also tried re-installing current drivers AND rolling back to previous drivers...no change on anything.

And my PSU is Antec TrueBlue 480w (see sig)...and i didn't upgrade it for this mobo...but it was bought for the previous set-up...and i'm using a 20-24pin PSU adapter...i've been told that this is fine (somewhere on this forum i read it...i forget where tho)

Sorry none of that actaully helps...but thankyou for trying guys....and for any continued efforts.. =)

and as for AOL 9.0...it beats my previous ISP (only just tho)....BT Broadband......i know...i know....i'm stuck with AOL for another 8 months....lesson learned. =)

Quote: Originally Posted by Ryj Looking at their online manual (page 21): There's also a wonderful table right below what I just said detailing how to install the mem (which slots). Best I can tell, looks like you need to put em in DIMMs 1 and 3 to work correctly (@ DDR400) amigo. The 1T has to do with RAM timings (it's beyond me ), but it says to set it to 2T to increase system stability, maybe some problems will go away.. I hope that helps. I'll see what else I can find.

sry for the 2nd post....but i forgot to answer Ryj's points...

well...i've got em in DIMM's 2&4 atm..working at the right speed (400Mhz)...and as far as the 1T/2T thing goes....not only am i not sure exactly what either means...i have no idea how to change it from one to the other...i wouldn't even know where to start

as i said....these problems are waaaay beyond me....but i'm not a n00b..i know my lingo etc...so feel free to make any technical suggestions....i'll look it up if i dont understand something..lol

thanks again peeps =D

Reset the bios of the computer by reading the manual and following the instructions concerning CMOS reset, or something like that. Just flip the manual open and scan each page until you see the words reset and CMOS on the same page. If you can't do that, take the battery out of the motherboard and leave it out for about 5 minutes.

If that doesn't work, try replacing the memory with another pair.

just a few ?'s

did you do a clean install of your os or just plug and go

if you did the later just a plug and go more than likely the chipset drivers are to blame down load the latest nforece drivers and install and let me know what is happening

Quote: Originally Posted by Hibiki Reset the bios of the computer by reading the manual and following the instructions concerning CMOS reset, or something like that. Just flip the manual open and scan each page until you see the words reset and CMOS on the same page. If you can't do that, take the battery out of the motherboard and leave it out for about 5 minutes. If that doesn't work, try replacing the memory with another pair.

yeah...tried that too...one of the 1st things i did...reset CMOS using the jumpers on the mobo...tried using the RAM in different DIMM slots using 1 or 2 RAM sticks....tried all combos (1 stick in 1,2,3,4...and 2 sticks in 1&2,1&3,1&4,2&3,2&4,3&4) to no avail...and i even tried removing the battery and letting it "juice out"...but again..no joy...i've tried most of the usual methods (i used to build PC for a living, but that was about 7-8 years ago...the Tech has changed a lil since then..lol)

but thanks tho d00d....

i've been trawling the net for 2 days now..my brain hurts...>.<

still...if this problem is gonna get fixed anywhere.....it'll be here =D

Quote: Originally Posted by jakindle just a few ?'s did you do a clean install of your os or just plug and go if you did the later just a plug and go more than likely the chipset drivers are to blame down load the latest nforece drivers and install and let me know what is happening

no..it was a fresh install....i decided that play & go when changing GFX Technology (AGP - PCIEx) wasn't a good idea

I'm using XP Pro and SP2...fully updated too.

*Edit - Spelling correction*

If you have other RAM besides your PQI Dual Channel DDR400:
-Use them instead of your PQI and see what happens.

If you only have your PQI Dual Channel DDR400:
-Google Memtest.
-Make a bootable Memtest floppy disk by following the instructions.
-Use the floppy and see if your RAM has errors.

1). I almost want to say that you may have a faulty motherboard. I would try RMA'ing it if nothing else works. See part 3 first.

2) Put the RAM in the orange slots. 1T Isn't related to the RAM's channels, it's a timing. (i've got an SLI-DR Expert, so if you have other questions about your DFI, don't hesitate to ask).

3) Could be linked to problem 1. Unplug all of your USB devices and then see if the CPU spikes continue. If they don't, you may have a bad USB device. You can do this by simply opening the task manager.

Quick question...was it doing this before you connected to the internet for the first time?

I hope these steps solve the problem. Welcome to PC Apex.

Quote: Originally Posted by Hibiki If you have other RAM besides your PQI Dual Channel DDR400: -Use them instead of your PQI and see what happens. If you only have your PQI Dual Channel DDR400: -Google Memtest. -Make a bootable Memtest floppy disk by following the instructions. -Use the floppy and see if your RAM has errors.

ok..i have no other RAM atm...but i ran Memtest (from the BIOS Menu) and left it run overnight..total of 39 passes....no errors...on anything...

and i'm not having any RAM errors...so i'm pretty much confident that that RAM itself isn't faulty.

thankyou tho d00d =]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ator 1). I almost want to say that you may have a faulty motherboard. I would try RMA'ing it if nothing else works. See part 3 first. 2) Put the RAM in the orange slots. 1T Isn't related to the RAM's channels, it's a timing. (i've got an SLI-DR Expert, so if you have other questions about your DFI, don't hesitate to ask). 3) Could be linked to problem 1. Unplug all of your USB devices and then see if the CPU spikes continue. If they don't, you may have a bad USB device. You can do this by simply opening the task manager. Quick question...was it doing this before you connected to the internet for the first time? I hope these steps solve the problem. Welcome to PC Apex.

Yeah....i've been considering an RMA also...but (and i'm not disagreeing with you) i find it a lil hard to believe that a faulty Mobo could cause these problems, yet still function. Still..if all else fails...this is an option i guess.

i've got the RAM in the orange slots, and it's set to 1T...so can i take it that this is correct? (1 problem down would be really nice) =D

and i'll try unpluging all USB devices and rebooting...and i'll check the CPU Usage then....I will update this post in a few minutes..

once again..thankyou for your help =D

*Edit - Ok....removed all USB devices and rebooted....no change.

also....the machine was doing the same thing before i connected to the Net the 1st time*

i think god hates me....either that...or my PC and karma have teamed up to repay me for all those bot matches on UT >.<*

Quote: Originally Posted by AxD ok..i have no other RAM atm...but i ran Memtest (from the BIOS Menu) and left it run overnight..total of 39 passes....no errors...on anything... and i'm not having any RAM errors...so i'm pretty much confident that that RAM itself isn't faulty. thankyou tho d00d =]

Damn, that would have been an easy answer to your problems. I had USB problems after making some bad settings while overclocking my system, a CMOS reset fixed it later. I just thought you had something similar.

What stepping do you have for your CPU? It shoud be 5 letters printed on top. An example would be "CBBHD". Some later versions of the Winchester line, especially the L**** steppings had problems with certain motherboards. A move down to CBBHD or a move up to Venice could be an answer.

Though I could also be wrong.

Try taking out one of your video cards.

Quote: Originally Posted by Hibiki Damn, that would have been an easy answer to your problems. I had USB problems after making some bad settings while overclocking my system, a CMOS reset fixed it later. I just thought you had something similar. What stepping do you have for your CPU? It shoud be 5 letters printed on top. An example would be "CBBHD". Some later versions of the Winchester line, especially the L**** steppings had problems with certain motherboards. A move down to CBBHD or a move up to Venice could be an answer. Though I could also be wrong.

umm...ok..this is into the realms of stuff i dont really understand....i can have a look...but i'm not sure where...is it on top of the actual CPU chip? (I hate it when i dont understand the lingo....always feel like a n00b..still....gotta learn it sometime.. =P)

*Edit - Spelling Correction*

Quote: Originally Posted by Ator Try taking out one of your video cards.

actually removing it from the Mobo? i've not tried that....but i've had one if the GFX Cards disabled (as in not running SLi...but i'll try this aswell)

thanks Ator =D...btw...nice Barbarian...=P

Quote: Originally Posted by AxD actually removing it from the Mobo? i've not tried that....but i've had one if the GFX Cards disabled (as in not running SLi...but i'll try this aswell) thanks Ator =D...btw...nice Barbarian...=P

Yeah, try pulling out one at a time. You know, swap 'em. Since the USB isn't the issue, and you don't have a virus/spyware, all you really have left now is video cards or drivers.

What kind of sound card do you have, if any?

LOL, thanks. The barbarian shown is from a reeeaallllyyyy cheesy rip-off of Conan the Barbarian which you can see on Mystery Science Theater 3000...the episode is 301 - Cave Dwellers.

(MST3K is a show where this guy and two robots watch really bad movies and comment on them...one of the funniest shows of all time).

Quote: Originally Posted by Ator Yeah, try pulling out one at a time. You know, swap 'em. Since the USB isn't the issue, and you don't have a virus/spyware, all you really have left now is video cards or drivers. What kind of sound card do you have, if any? LOL, thanks. The barbarian shown is from a reeeaallllyyyy cheesy rip-off of Conan the Barbarian which you can see on Mystery Science Theater 3000...the episode is 301 - Cave Dwellers. (MST3K is a show where this guy and two robots watch really bad movies and comment on them...one of the funniest shows of all time).

ok...i'll try swaping the GFX cards in the morning (it's 6am almost...sleep is needed methinks =P), and i'll update then...
well...it's either the GFX cards that are causing the problem, or the Mobo / CPU (this seems the most likely option, seeing as it's the CPU that's having the usage spikes, and the Mobo and GFX cards are the only new hardware this upgrade).

I have no seperate sound card atm, i'm using the on-board Karajan Audio module (seems ok so far...but dont quote me on that)

and i gotta say...MST3K does sound indeed most randomly great....*adds to d/l list* =]

One last thing b4 sleep....i'm starting to wonder if something isn't actually faulty with this setup....maybe Mobo or the CPU...i cant RMA the cpu cos i've had it for almost a year, but RMA'ing the Mobo is still an option...any suggestions? (i just want my Rig Back....*sniff*)

thanks peeps

It's definitely not your processor...at this point it's most likely your motherboard.