DFI PS83-BL Springdale - Champagne Computing on A Budget

[Mikki]

Check out Prometheus' review here (http://www.bleedinedge.com/reviews/dfi_ps83_bl/dfi_ps83_bl_pg1.html). If you have any comments or questions, fire away! :)

[prometheus]

I have just received a "Performance" BIOS from DFI for the PS83-BL. The new BIOS extends the FSB range to 100-400 which is more than I even expected. It also adds a 'PAT-like' options called SuperGear.

I was shocked to see these very positive changes and I'm taking a look at the new BIOS now. It is too large to attach, so PM me if you want the file. I'll have Mikki add it for download after I test it.

[prometheus]

The instructions on how to use SUPERGEAR and a link to download the new BIOS are at DFI at http://www.dfi.com.tw/Support/mb_faq_us.jsp?FAQ_ID=1760&SUBMITTED=No&PAGE_TYPE=US

[eva2000]

Originally posted by prometheus
I have just received a "Performance" BIOS from DFI for the PS83-BL. The new BIOS extends the FSB range to 100-400 which is more than I even expected. It also adds a 'PAT-like' options called SuperGear.

I was shocked to see these very positive changes and I'm taking a look at the new BIOS now. It is too large to attach, so PM me if you want the file. I'll have Mikki add it for download after I test it. awesome indeed :)

[prometheus]

I have confirmed that the new BIOS does indeed appear to implement PAT. CPU-Z 1.18C indicates PAT is ON when SuperGear is Enabled.

The settings above 255 still do not work right and DFI is aware of the issue. They have said the release version will have the range fixed to 400.

As shown in their FAQ, Supergear increases memory performance about 11% - a very significant boost. Sandra screen shots are in the FAQ at http://www.dfi.com.tw/Support/mb_faq_us.jsp?FAQ_ID=1760&SUBMITTED=No&PAGE_TYPE=US and show the memory increasing from the 4540 range at 800FSB to the 5080 range. I was able to confirm similar increases - in fact a bit more.

You can also force PAT off by setting AUTO or 800 Strap with an 800 chip. All strap jumpers off and SuperGear Enabled turns PAT on.

[SupermanCK]

and this is a $50 board...wow...

[caboob]

that outpost.com deal is looking mighty tempting...

[eva2000]

Originally posted by SupermanCK
and this is a $50 board...wow... can you imagine a server farm of these with 2.4C and dual channel mem for folding! :eek:

[Junker]

Just got one of these from Fry's, the DFI PS83-BL with 2.4C for $230. Things seem to be great except, when I go from 200 MHz FSB to 250 MHz, the on board audio thinks it is a PCI modem and no longer works. Bit odd I thought. Anyone else have issues?

I will investigate this to determine at what clock it starts acting up.

Any constructive comments are always appreciated.

Junker

[Junker]

Ok, I feel a bit dumb, but I figured out the problem. It stops working between 215 and 220 MHz. Fix is simple, set the BIOS to have Async AGP/PCI/SRC CLK from Disabled to some value, like 66/33. Things are looking good again. I should have realized that, but hey, it's my first day with the new board. Oh, and the manual is quite sparse on the subject.

Get the combo, it's great.

[PC-HAngover]

After reading your review on this board, I started thinking about purchasing this combo. I am in dire need to upgrade. This is my current setup:

1.4 Ghz P4 Williamette Socket 423 - FSB: 400 MHz
384mb PC800 RDRAM
Intel OEM D850GB - BIOS settings: non-existant
20 GB Seagate 5400 RPM HDD
GeForce 2 MX 32mb - LOL

I was just wondering what I should do. Should I pick up this deal from outpost- the 2.4C/ DFI mobo bundle. Or should I grab the 2.4C/ MSI 865PE Neo2-LS bundle. I have really been wanting to overclock my stuff, but my motherboard didn't allow it. If I go with either of the bundles I will be picking up some of the memory that you talked about in the review- not the OCZ3700Gold.

I will gladly take all opinions. Thx

[P33KAJ3W]

I can not get my Combo over 2.5

Please run down what needs to be changed from the Default settings

Any and all help is apreciated

2.4c w/DFI board PS83 - New Bios
Geforce FX 5600 256mb
Corsair TwinX PC 3200 256 Quantity 2

THANK YOU!!!

[Chuck232]

Have you tried running your RAM at a lower ratio?

[P33KAJ3W]

I am only scoring 2600 on 3dMark 2k3 and I have it stable at 3.1

What should I have my ram running at?

[Chuck232]

Ok, so you can hit 3.1GHz now? What RAM ratio are you using at the moment? To see what your CPU can do, relax the RAM timings and set the ratio to 3:2 to DDR266.

[P33KAJ3W]

I have it at 266 right now but I want to know why I am getting such a low score on 3dMark 2k3 - What are you all clocking with this combo?

[Chuck232]

Hmmm.. the reason you're probably getting so low is because of your video card. I'm guessing thats just the plain FX5600 and not the Ultra right?

You could try running 3D Mark 2001.

[P33KAJ3W]

http://shop1.outpost.com/product/3628385

BFG Asylum 256MB DDR AGP 8X Video Card with nVidia's GeForce FX 5600 3D Chip

BFG Technologies (Video Cards):
For your PC
Outpost #: 3628385
Powered by the same advanced technology and features as the 5800 GPUs, the GeForce FX 5600 w/ 256MB of DDR memory delivers studio-quality color and amazing cinematic gaming effects, without breaking the bank. Designed for DirectX 9 and utilizing the NVIDIA CineFX engine, GeForce FX 5600 GPU guarantees powerful 3D experiences, with blazingly fast performance.

So I am not below Par??? - If thats the type of score I should get then I am happy - I was just worryed I had the ram underclocked too much but it is benching incredibly hi on Sandra


Thank you all!

[Chuck232]

Yep, that score's about what you'd expect.

[P33KAJ3W]

I think I will swap my 5600 for an ATI 9600 - Good Idea?

[Chuck232]

Um well, if you're selling the FX5600 and then buying a R9600 Pro for near the same price, I'd go for it. If it's a R9600 non pro, I'd just stick with the FX5600.

In Canada, the FX5600 256MB and the R9600 Pro prices are neck and neck, so in this case, I'd sell the FX and get the R9600 Pro.

[syntrix]

I got the same combo, working very well with hyperthreading OFF.

I had a bunch of OC problems with it on.

Here's so far with it off, I'll push her more tonight:

http://www.swankmonkey.com/images/oc1.gif

[P33KAJ3W]

I think I am gonna just spring for a 9800 Pro

[P33KAJ3W]

Got it running...

Hyperthreading on

9800 128mb

Have NOT OC'ed Vid card...

2001 SE - 18596
2003 - 5896

Happy P33K

[Chuck232]

Damn... I'm gonna have to o/c like hell to reach that score on my R9700...:(

[jhites]

Fry's just ran another combo deal for this pair.
$249.99 + tax(20.62) = $270.61

Such a deal for another Seti Cruncher. :D

Thanks Prom for your review and link to the new bios.

[syntrix]

Originally posted by jhites
Fry's just ran another combo deal for this pair.
$249.99 + tax(20.62) = $270.61

Such a deal for another Seti Cruncher. :D

Thanks Prom for your review and link to the new bios.

I think that's where I have my OC problems, I'm running seti at startup ;)

Otherwise, when I dual boot to a real OS [linuxkernek|bsd] I should have better results :)

I've already been a victim of a real registered XP Pro version from MS... have had to call them a few times (new online auth schemea based on hardware checksum to register my damn $200 software)

[jhites]

Originally posted by syntrix
I think that's where I have my OC problems, I'm running seti at startup ;)

Otherwise, when I dual boot to a real OS [linuxkernek|bsd] I should have better results :)

I've already been a victim of a real registered XP Pro version from MS... have had to call them a few times (new online auth schemea based on hardware checksum to register my damn $200 software)
Always used Win2K on my Crunchers. Never a problem. ;)

[cmattp]

Thought this thread could use an update. In attempting to oc my fsb on the PS83-BL. I cannot go any higher than 205fsb. When I do, in post my master drive disappears and I can't boot. Then I have to change settings back in bios to recognize my HD again. Is this do to something with my mem? If anyone has any fixes I would greatly appreciate it. Also I am very new to ocing so bare with me. My current setup is.

DFI PS83-BL
2.4c P4
Corsair 1024 Twinx-3200c2pt 2,3,3,7 2.7V
WD1200JD sata HD
Award Bios update 10/03/2003

Also if anyone has updated their BIOS, have you noticed that the function in CPU frequency changes (AGP/PCI/SATA ratios is no longer there. Iwas told that now when you overclock that it self adjusts? Is that true? Thanks in advance for all your help.

[syntrix]

What do you have your ram set to in the bios? You have to underclock it as you "overclock" the cpu.

My bus speed settings are there.

[cmattp]

I'm not sure where to find this in my bios settings?

[syntrix]

it's in a different place than the overclock screen.

poke around, or I'll look it up later tonight for ya.

[cmattp]

Hello again, I am still having problems trying to oc with this Motherboard. When you mention to relax my memory timings, I do not know what that means exactly. Currently they are 2,3,3,7. Should I just increase the numbers abit to see if this helps. 3,4,4,7? Also, I still have the same problem when booting it says DISK BOOT FAILURE PLEASE INSERT XP CD-ROM. When I correct the fsb setting to default it's ok. Also my AGP/PCI/SRC ratio's are locked. Should I set them around 33/66/100? Thanks in advance for evryone's help. I had purchased this board because of the good review given by promethous. I wonder if it's my Dual channel memory Twinx1024-3200C2PT?

[Mikki]

cmattp, welcome to BE...:)

It sounds like your PCI bus is going out of spec with the OC, if you can set them to default instead of using an Auto setting, do so. If the PCI/AGP lock works, that should solve that. Also, some experimentation with different BIOS' may help...sometimes older ones are better than newer ones. :rolleyes:

I'd work on that before playing with memory settings, better to adjust stuff a bit at a time...;)

hth!

[syntrix]

When you add, say 40 click ticks to the cpu, you are adding the same to the memory.

If you are configured for DDR400, you are now running it at "466".

[cmattp]

Well, in attempting to change my memory ratio to 5:4, DDR320. I still cannot boot up my system when I oc my fsb. I oc'ed too 230, which would make my memory DDR 368 I believe? And still after POST my hd is not recognized and and it tells me DISK BOOT FAILURE, PLEASE INSERT CD ROM. I belive the problem lies in the mobo. I even turned off hyper threading and I have the same problem. Oh my jumpers to control the fsb on the mobo are set at auto, ther are 4 settings auto,100,166,200, is that correct.

[syntrix]

Those are the settings.

I had that same problem but don't remember what fixed it. You are running the latest bios, right?

[cmattp]

Hey, syntrix. The bios I am running is dated 08/15/2003. It is the socond revision to my mobo. i thought about dling the supergear beta bios. So you had the same problem with your hard drive not booting correctly? i am going to attempt to play with it some more. by the way you ever change the jumper settings for fsb on your mobo, or did you leave them @ auto?

[mahd]

I am glad to find this thread as I have this board on order and am expecting it this week. I purchased it after reading the review at ABX zone. Its nice to know I can come here if I need any help,as I haven't seen much information any where else. If anyone has any useful links regarding this board I would greatly appreciate the information.
Thanks.

[Mikki]

mahd, welcome to BE, I hope you enjoy your stay...:)

Prometheus, the review author, is no longer with us but as you can see there are a few people that will try to help. It looks to be a very nice board, good luck with it! :)

[asid]

Hi everybody!

I also recently bought a DFI PS83 board after reading the raving review of Prometheus. The system is very stable (P2.4c, 2x256Mb PC3200 Muschkin basic memory) with hyperthreading, dual rate enabled, no attempt to overclock. However, I get a weird error from theWinbond Hardware Doctor utility provided on the CD. Everything shows normal on the first 2 memus (temperatures, etc.) but when I click on the third menu tab: CPU/Memory, I get a "Division by zero" error. I tried to resolve this with DFI technical support but there were of no help. It would seem that this is the only place on the web that there is some discussion going on on this board. So I would appreciate if someone can tell if they had the same problem and how I can fix it. I know it does not seem to affect things at all but it is unsettling not to know why this happens. Thanks in advance for your help.

asid

[mahd]

Hi asid, I just got my board up and running this morning with a 2.4c and 2x512 pc4000. Have had it up to 240fsb but system froze during 3D mark 03, which was dissapointing. I too have noticed the division by zero error. I was thinking it may have something to do with Hyperthreading but it is just a guess. Good luck with your board.

[jhites]

Get the same error on mine with Hardware Doctor. I just use CPU_Z. It gives much more information anyway.

[YellowDart]

Hi all!

I bought this board back in July w/ a p4 2.6c. I haven't tried oc'ing yet (got a little cooling issue to take care of first). I'm looking at oc'ing soon though. I was wondering how you all have done so far with this board. I noticed nobody has posted in this sticky in a while...

Anyway, I'm interested in where you all have gotten, and I'll definitely post some of my results when I do oc.

[mahd]

When I had my WD ATA hard drive I got up to a stable 240fsb with a 2.4c. Now I have a Maxtor SATA drive and I cannot overclock at all. As soon as I try and raise the fsb from 200, even at 201, or try and run the AGP\PCI\SATA clock at anything other than disabled my hard drive does not get detected.

[YellowDart]

Originally posted by mahd
When I had my WD ATA hard drive I got up to a stable 240fsb with a 2.4c. Now I have a Maxtor SATA drive and I cannot overclock at all. As soon as I try and raise the fsb from 200, even at 201, or try and run the AGP\PCI\SATA clock at anything other than disabled my hard drive does not get detected.

Are you using the bios (dated 8/13 or so) that fixes the SATA kerneling???

I've got a WD 120g ATA drive w/ 8mb cache. I'm hoping to hit 250 so I can break 3.2g. Hopefully I've got a good chip, and some good luck! ;)

[mahd]

I did try that bios and every other one on the site including the beta bios with no luck.

[YellowDart]

Originally posted by mahd
I did try that bios and every other one on the site including the beta bios with no luck.

Hrmmmm... doesn't sound like your SATA busses like the increased fsb. Is there a way to lock your SATA busses??? I know you can lock the IDE out, but is there a feature that allows you to lock out the SATA?

Do you know what was holding you @ 240 before??? Did you ever get it stable above 240?

[mahd]

There is a AGP\PCI\SATA lock in one of the beta bios that I tried but as soon as I changed it from disabled to 66\33\100 my HD would again go undetected.
As far as the previous overclocking attempt I never pushed the system as at that time with the stock heatsink\fan I was getting some very high temps in the high 50s C. Now that I have an MCX 478-v and my temps are in the mid-high 30s I cant OC at all. Very frustrating.

[YellowDart]

Originally posted by mahd
There is a AGP\PCI\SATA lock in one of the beta bios that I tried but as soon as I changed it from auto to 66\33\100 my HD would again go undetected.
As far as the previous overclocking attempt I never pushed the system as at that time with the stock heatsink\fan I was getting some very high temps in the high 50s C.

hrmmm... That's a toughie!

high 50's :eek:
Prolly a good idea you didn't push harder! I just picked up a Thermalright SP-94. My temps are still a little on the high side (40-42°C idle ~ 49-51°C load). I'm chalking it up to being an ambient temperature problem. I think my system temp is too high (idles around 32°C). I'm going to work on my airflow some more. Then, hopefully, my CPU temps will be down in the low-mid 30's idling and mid 40's under a full load.

[mahd]

With the new MCX478-v my temps were around 45-47 while running Sandra burn-in. My case is a Kingwin KT424, it has 2 80mm intakes and 1 80 mm exhaust. I was thinking of putting a blowhole in it to improve the flow.

[YellowDart]

Originally posted by mahd
With the new MCX478-v my temps were around 45-47 while running Sandra burn-in. My case is a Kingwin KT424, it has 2 80mm intakes and 1 80 mm exhaust. I was thinking of putting a blowhole in it to improve the flow.

Is the 45-47 your system temp? or your cpu? A top blowhole might help your airflow, but you'll have to relocate some of your psu's cables. An extra exhaust would prolly help you out; I say go for the mod! :)

I've got an Aspire X-Sonic case. It's got 1 front 80mm intake, 2 side-panel 80mm intakes, and 1 rear 80mm exhaust. ATM I think I've got too much intake. My system is kind of like a convection oven. I need more exhaust. I've got a new side panel on the way from Aspire (stock has only 1 blowhole, I cut the second one myself). I'm probably going to get a couple high cfm 80mm fans for my front intake and rear exhaust. I'm leaning toward Tt Smart Fan 2 (75.7 cfm max) or Panaflos. The Thermaltake fans are more powerful, but louder. I'm also going to cut the fan grid off the rear exhaust fan. That'll get me some of that hot a** air out faster!

As soon as I get these temps down, I'll attempt the oc! :D The fact that it's 80°F ouside the past week probably isn't helping my temps much either!

[mahd]

That is the cpu temp. I'm not sure why Kingwin would put 2 intake and only 1 exhaust but I suppose with the psu fans it is probably close to equal cfm output. The 2 intakes work well for my setup as I have a Zalman heatpipe and fan setup on my vid card with the first pci slot cover removed so I get quite a bit of air flow past the vid card.

[YellowDart]

Yea, those temps would be high enough to make me a little nervous too.

I'll hopefully have the time/money to fix my cooling problems w/in the next couple weeks. Maybe after finals, and I get rid of my second job... I'm hoping I'll have some good results to post. ;)

[DeLi]

So let me clear this up, on the P4P800 if you don’t run the ram in synchronous mode PAT/MAM is not enabled? Is this also true for the IC-7 and or any other boards based on the 875 Intel chipset?

[YellowDart]

What are other ppl getting w/ temps in their oc's on this board. I've overhauled my cooling setup considerably, but my temps haven't changed a whole lot. It's beginning to make me wonder if this board's temp sensors are accurate.

Here's my current temps:
System: 29-31°c idle / 31-32°c load
CPU: 37-40°c idle / 48-50°c load

I'm getting these temps @ stock fsb! :eek: OC'ing w/ my current temps is making me nervous. Did anybody else getting results like this?

[stevep]

The FAQ says there is a hang-up or shutdown probelm using drivers newer than 7.88. This was posted way back in 10/2003, but it has not been updated since.

http://www.dfi.com.tw/Support/mb_faq_us.jsp?FAQ_ID=2336&SUBMITTED=No&PAGE_TYPE=US

Is anyone using new drivers????


Thanks

[jhites]

Originally posted by YellowDart
Here's my current temps:
System: 29-31°c idle / 31-32°c load
CPU: 37-40°c idle / 48-50°c load

Did anybody else getting results like this? My temps on that board will read 56-58C under full load using a 2.4C @ 250fsb with a stock heatsink/fan.

[YellowDart]

Originally posted by jhites
My temps on that board will read 56-58C under full load using a 2.4C @ 250fsb with a stock heatsink/fan.

What were your temps like before oc'ing???

I've been getting a little lower temps lately. I've got a little more work to do on my rig before I oc it. It should be soon though! :D

[jhites]

They were running about the same as yours. 48-50C stock

I am going to put a SLK-900U on it in a few days which should help.

[YellowDart]

Hrmmm... how'd the new hsf work out??? When I first installed my SP-94, I didn't see a big difference... it turned out to be more of an airflow issue...

[klaassybrand]

Hi all, I also own a ps83-BL, and i just have a 800fsb P4 2.8. Now I want to try the super gear bios from DFI but at the download site it says for PCB rev. A. Now I have PCB rev. A1. So my question is can i try this bios or will it not work? Anyone had this problem before. Thanks.

[YellowDart]

You could always give it a shot. I'm not sure if it works w/ you specific rev, but you could always create a backup copy of your current BIOS, and then flash it to the SuperGear one. If it gets all weird on you, you could just re-flash back to your original BIOS.

[klaassybrand]

Thanks for the reply. I know that i can backup my current bios, but what if my system won't startup anymore with the Supergear bios. Then i won't be able to set my backed up bios back. Or am i wrong?

[Flav_cool]

Hi,

I am having the exact same problems as Mahd and Cmattp, and have been for a long time with no resoultion :( If any of you guys figured it out please let me know here or email me at flav_cool@hotmail.com

Just again, the problem is in OCing or locking the AGP/PCI/SATA clocks even w/ no OC. THIS HAPPENS ONLY W/ SATA drives!

Thanks,

Flaviu