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Owners & Techs, Please Weigh In -- Intel P45: CRAPset or CHIPset?

GeoNOregon

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Intel P45: CRAPset or CHIPset?

I'm going into the third month of trying to get a P45 chipset MB motherboard stable enough to install an OS. I'm trying to decide whether to RMA the board for the 2nd time or get a refund and go with a different chipset MB.

Throughout this entire period, (except when testing other BIOS configurations), I have kept the BIOS settings to the fewest options possible, (a specific setting I did choose was Spread Spectrum, disabled, in the memory settings). During testing, I tried auto settings for the memory, I tried different manual timing and speed settings. I tried fail-safe AND and optimized defaults.

The first board, with nothing other than memory and a video card installed (booting from a USB mem stick to DOS), wasn't stable enough to flash the BIOS, (I was getting erratic recognition of the memory by the BIOS). The Q9550 needed the newest BIOS, so the board went back.

The second board was stable enough to flash the BIOS, but ONLY with either stick of the OCZ memory installed, NOT with both sticks installed.

MB tech said flashing would solve the mem problems. It didn't.

OCZ tech told me to put each stick in a separate channel, (single channel mode). After that, the system would boot to DOS in single channel mode, NOT in dual channel mode.

As soon as I connected the DVD and HD to install an OS, the board began a three boot and fail routine. The error message from the BIOS was "previous overclocking failed" & "press any key except DEL to enter BIOS". The screen showed the CPU settings were at factory default, so I assume the BIOS is referring to OC'ing the memory.

I tried various memory settings, auto and manual, reset the BIOS numerous times, even tried slowing down the CPU, nothing helped. Then I got a message that the BIOS was corrupt. The BIOS asked for the USB stick with the backup BIOS on it. I put it in, but the MB didn't find it.

I hard reset the BIOS and got back to the three pumps and dump routine, but no further. I was about to disconnect the DVD and HD to attempt going back to the successful DOS boot, when the MB died - it fails to respond, at all.

I have tested the PS, CPU, eVGA on a different MB :: all OK. I got the Kingston memory after the 2nd board died, so I couldn't swap-test the OCZ and don't have a board that will accept the OCZ memory, but it seems to be a part of the problem, if not THE problem.

==================================
Here's why I ask the question, 'crapset or chipset':

1. I've read dozens of problems with P45 based MB's with memory, MSI, DFI, Asus, Gigabyte. It seems to be more chipset than MB brand, IMO.

2. As you may or may not know, but the chipset was originally delayed last year due to "problems over compatibility between the chipset's PCI Express x16 port and graphics cards".

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/intel-delay-p45-chipset-mid-june,5107.html

3. I also found numerous reports by users of problems with P45 based MB's ANYTIME the USB configuration is changed. In other words, if a USB device is unplugged or plugged in, there's problems. The reports say the affected persons have to clear the BIOS in order to get the MB to boot.

--------------------

So,

Is the P45 chipset a piece of crap? Or is it a solid chipset worth purchasing?

At this point, I just can't decide whether to get another P45 MB or go with a different chipset.

Looking forward to hearing from all who OWN or have BUILT a P45 system.


Thanks, in advance,

GeoD

Here's the list of components:

Rosewill PSU RG530-2 530W
MSI P45 PLATINUM 775
eVGA - 8600GT 256M
INTEL Q9550 2.83 mHz - 12M
WD 80G 8M SATA2 WD800JD
RAID - pair of WD 640G SATA2 WD6401AALS
OCZ - 1Gx2 OCZ2F10662GK
(I exchanged the OCZ for: Kingston HyperX 1Gx2 KHX6400D2K2/2G (800 mHz))
 
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Intel P45: CRAPset or CHIPset?

I'm going into the third month of trying to get a P45 chipset MB motherboard stable enough to install an OS. I'm trying to decide whether to RMA the board for the 2nd time or get a refund and go with a different chipset MB.

Throughout this entire period, (except when testing other BIOS configurations), I have kept the BIOS settings to the fewest options possible, (a specific setting I did choose was Spread Spectrum, disabled, in the memory settings). During testing, I tried auto settings for the memory, I tried different manual timing and speed settings. I tried fail-safe AND and optimized defaults.

The first board, with nothing other than memory and a video card installed (booting from a USB mem stick to DOS), wasn't stable enough to flash the BIOS, (I was getting erratic recognition of the memory by the BIOS). The Q9550 needed the newest BIOS, so the board went back.

The second board was stable enough to flash the BIOS, but ONLY with either stick of the OCZ memory installed, NOT with both sticks installed.

MB tech said flashing would solve the mem problems. It didn't.

OCZ tech told me to put each stick in a separate channel, (single channel mode). After that, the system would boot to DOS in single channel mode, NOT in dual channel mode.

As soon as I connected the DVD and HD to install an OS, the board began a three boot and fail routine. The error message from the BIOS was "previous overclocking failed" & "press any key except DEL to enter BIOS". The screen showed the CPU settings were at factory default, so I assume the BIOS is referring to OC'ing the memory.

I tried various memory settings, auto and manual, reset the BIOS numerous times, even tried slowing down the CPU, nothing helped. Then I got a message that the BIOS was corrupt. The BIOS asked for the USB stick with the backup BIOS on it. I put it in, but the MB didn't find it.

I hard reset the BIOS and got back to the three pumps and dump routine, but no further. I was about to disconnect the DVD and HD to attempt going back to the successful DOS boot, when the MB died - it fails to respond, at all.

I have tested the PS, CPU, eVGA on a different MB :: all OK. I got the Kingston memory after the 2nd board died, so I couldn't swap-test the OCZ and don't have a board that will accept the OCZ memory, but it seems to be a part of the problem, if not THE problem.

==================================
Here's why I ask the question, 'crapset or chipset':

1. I've read dozens of problems with P45 based MB's with memory, MSI, DFI, Asus, Gigabyte. It seems to be more chipset than MB brand, IMO.

2. As you may or may not know, but the chipset was originally delayed last year due to "problems over compatibility between the chipset's PCI Express x16 port and graphics cards".

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/intel-delay-p45-chipset-mid-june,5107.html

3. I also found numerous reports by users of problems with P45 based MB's ANYTIME the USB configuration is changed. In other words, if a USB device is unplugged or plugged in, there's problems. The reports say the affected persons have to clear the BIOS in order to get the MB to boot.

--------------------

So,

Is the P45 chipset a piece of crap? Or is it a solid chipset worth purchasing?

At this point, I just can't decide whether to get another P45 MB or go with a different chipset.

Looking forward to hearing from all who OWN or have BUILT a P45 system.


Thanks, in advance,

GeoD

Here's the list of components:

Rosewill PSU RG530-2 530W
MSI P45 PLATINUM 775
eVGA - 8600GT 256M
INTEL Q9550 2.83 mHz - 12M
WD 80G 8M SATA2 WD800JD
RAID - pair of WD 640G SATA2 WD6401AALS
OCZ - 1Gx2 OCZ2F10662GK
(I exchanged the OCZ for: Kingston HyperX 1Gx2 KHX6400D2K2/2G (800 mHz))

I owned 2 p45 motherboards. They were Asus and DFI. No problems with either. However, every MSI board I've owned I've had a problem with over the last few years. I don't buy MSI anymore, period.
 

GeoNOregon

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I owned 2 p45 motherboards. They were Asus and DFI. No problems with either. However, every MSI board I've owned I've had a problem with over the last few years. I don't buy MSI anymore, period.

Were either of the MSI boards P45 chipset boards?

I read plenty about Asus & DFI P45 boards having problems, but that's the point of my saying I didn't want to get into a brand X vs brand Y discussion. I'm trying to figure out if the CHIPSET is crap, not which brand manages to get the crap working the best.

I'd been building systems for about 8-9 years when I found out the Dell, Gateway and other 'inexpensive' systems, (especially systems that were a non-standard mHz, remember?), were buying rejected chips from Intel and moding their MB's so they'd run. Didya ever wonder why these systems could be such crap, sometimes?

I got this straight from someone from Intel, who had no reason to lie, and was someone who would know the truth. That's how HP, Compaq, Dell, Gateway and others were consistently able to sell systems cheaper than smaller OEM's.

But, to the point, unless a person is building multiple systems everyday using the SAME mb, brand information is anecdotal, and basically worthless info.

The pertinent info from you is you've built two P45 systems without problems... thanks.

GeoD
 
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P45's are fine. Unfortunately you got a bad board. It happens. Searching on this website and the web in general yields nothing about the P45 chipset having mass problems. If you want to stick with s775, the P45 chipset is the way to go. Low power usage and great overclocking abilities (with higher end models)
 
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Got a p5q3 runs great : ]
 
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P45 as far as i know is a pretty good chipset and a good evolution from the P35. Pcie 2.0, 8/8 capabilites, hell oc, ich 10. Its just good. Except for msi ones. Msi makes good boards but their p45 line were just bulls***
 
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Were either of the MSI boards P45 chipset boards?

I read plenty about Asus & DFI P45 boards having problems, but that's the point of my saying I didn't want to get into a brand X vs brand Y discussion. I'm trying to figure out if the CHIPSET is crap, not which brand manages to get the crap working the best.

I'd been building systems for about 8-9 years when I found out the Dell, Gateway and other 'inexpensive' systems, (especially systems that were a non-standard mHz, remember?), were buying rejected chips from Intel and moding their MB's so they'd run. Didya ever wonder why these systems could be such crap, sometimes?

I got this straight from someone from Intel, who had no reason to lie, and was someone who would know the truth. That's how HP, Compaq, Dell, Gateway and others were consistently able to sell systems cheaper than smaller OEM's.

But, to the point, unless a person is building multiple systems everyday using the SAME mb, brand information is anecdotal, and basically worthless info.

The pertinent info from you is you've built two P45 systems without problems... thanks.

GeoD

First of all, there is no need to be smug when people are trying to offer answers/help. Second, it is widely known that the large computer makers use some subpar components, and will often grab up factory "seconds" to lower costs. That's why I started building in the first place. As erocker said, I have not seen a ton of problems reported with the p45 chipset. Both of my boards worked just fine.
 

GeoNOregon

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<<< Paulieg
I'm sorry you perceived my discussion as being "smug", it wasn't my intent to be anything other than 'forumly' and discuss the topic. My apologies for whatever offended you.

I just re-read my response and other than erroneously phrasing the question about the MSI boards which makes it confusing, I'm not sure how I would change my response.

Since you were the first to answer my question and you went right to brand x vs brand y, and I was trying to keep the discussion away from that, I decided it would be a good idea to repeat my original intent. (it's also why I didn't make my response directly at you as I did with this one.)

I then remembered one of the reasons 'brand x vs brand y' can be a faulty argument, and shared some information with the forum about Dell, Gateway, et al.

How you can perceive that as being "self-congratulatory" is beyond me, but as I said before, thanks for the input that you've had two P45 with no problems.

GeoD


<<< erocker "Searching on this website and the web in general yields nothing about the P45 chipset having mass problems."

That's very surprising as I have found quite a bit without really trying that hard. I accidentally found the USB and pre-release problems in the course of trying to find info about the memory problems I was having. I went to several forums that are specific to one brand of board and found concentrations of memory issues with the P45 boards at each.

I'd need to go back to the forums to make certain, but I do believe the MSI forum was the only one that had a 'sticky' relevant to the 'fake' 1066 memory problem, (OC's from the factory). Though the sticky wasn't specifically targeted at the P45 chipset boards, the P45s appear to have the majority of problems with the 'fake' 1066 memory.


Thanks to you, and all for the info.

GeoD
 
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P35 is my favorite 775 chipset, because P45 is a bitch to get stable if you're doing extreme OCing (they have so many settings).

I also have had very bad luck with MSI boards, though. I stopped using them back in the skt939 days.
 

3volvedcombat

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Im runing a EP45-UD3P P45 motherboard. I just overclocked a e5200 to 4.565Ghz validated. Im in love with this p45 its stable, looks good, and when i get a q9550 ill prob do 4.0ghz with it ehhhhhhhh :toast:
 
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My Maximus II Formula is a great clocker
put a Q9550 and a Q9650 to 500FSB and my 8400 will do 535FSB
 

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The first thing I notice right away is that both sets of RAM you have used are rated for 2.0v or higher.

IMO, this is likely your problem. The P45(and P35 and P965) boards that I've used all default the memory to 1.8v. And they have all been very unstable when initially used with RAM that required higher voltages. I keep a single 512MB stick of DDR2-533 rated for 1.8V specifically for boards like this. Boot with this stick, set the RAM voltage to 2.0v or 2.1v, then put the good stuff in.
 
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all I can say is that its better than my VIA PT880 Pro, which only supports pci-e 4x and agp 8x (combo board, runs agp at 4x if using at the same time as pci-e)
 
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My P45 is bulletproof. Good performance and absolutely NO issues to complain about whatsoever. I thought this was common knowledge with the P45? It really is one of the best!
 
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