The DFI NF4 stable settings thread

Folks,

I am attempting to present basic stable settings for this board, in a structured manner. There are millions of BIOS'es floating around and it is very hard for a newcomer to do a trial and error type thing. I have been struggling for two days to even install XP without getting a BSOD soon after.

You can cut/paste this format:
Last Updated:
Motherboard:
BIOS:
RAM and Genie BIOS settings:
CPU and Genie BIOS settings:
Video Card and Drivers used:
NF4 Chipset Driver version:

Extra information/comments/warnings:

PLEASE READ WHAT CHIPS THE SETTINGS ARE FOR, BEFORE YOU TRY THEM!
SETTINGS ARE CHIP/MEMORY MODULE SPECIFIC!!!!


Use the format in the text file after editing out my settings


*****************************

Please keep this on topic and uncluttered.

Thanks everybody!

New settings with 512 x 2 PDP XBLK (TCCD)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm using the 3/10 BIOS as you suggested. Orange slots. It owns
3/10 definitely better than 2/25. With the same settings, I was able to enter the memtest screen at DDR650! But with the 3/25, I could not POST at DDR600.Memtest stable @DDR610 but since my CPU bottlenecks this RAM, I have to settle for DDR570

Last Updated:April 30, 2005
Motherboard: Lanparty Ultra-D
Bios: 3-10 official release
CPU: 3500+ NC
VC: XFX 6600GT 71.89, Video BIOS version 5.43.02.57
OS: Windows XP Home w/SP2
Ram: PDP XBLK PC3200 (TCCD) In the #2 and #4 (Orange) Dimm slots
Chipset Drivers: Revision 6.39 (w/out IDE or Firewall Drivers)

DRAM Timings:

• Ram Multi 200 1:1
  CPC ENABLED
  Tcl 2.5
  Trcd 04
  Tras 08 *Edit: 10 for Prime95 Blend stability*
  Trp 03 *Edit: 4 for Prime95 Blend test stability*
  Trc 11
  Trfc 22
  Trrd 02
  Twr 03
  Twtr 02
  Trwt 03
  Tref 3120
  Twcl 01
  Bank Inter EN
  Dynamic Skew Control Auto (Off)
  Skew Value 0
  DRAM Drive Strength 07
  DRAM Data Drive Strength 02
  Max Async 8ns
  Read Preamble 5ns
  Idle Cycle 256
  Dynamic Counter DIS
  R/W Que Bypass 16X
  Bypass MAx 7X
  32 Bit Gran DIS

Voltages etc:

• HTT 285
  LDT X3
  Cpu Multi X9
  PCE-I 100
  Vcore Startup 1.525
  Vcore 1.525
  Vcore Special 110%
  LDT V 1.3
  Chipset V 1.7
  Vdimm 2.9

Extra Notes and observations:

• - If TWCL was set to 02 instead of 01, I had to reset the CMOS. TWCL always at 01
  
  - Dynamic counter is best left disabled, otherwise I got massive amounts of Test #5 errors (718 to be precise)!
  
  - If Trrd differed from Trwt, there was no POST. Both should be the same value.
  
  - Number of errors decreased when I tuned off the full screen logo and USB. I believe disabling extra unused perephiral devices aids in improving stability
  
  - Data Drive strength HAD TO be set to level 2. This is a very critical parameter.
  
  -If Twtr was set to 01/03 instead of 02, there was no BOOT.
  
  -The single most critical parameter to my hitting DDR600 without errors in memtest was changing Tref from 4078 to 3120.

Note: It is VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT that you notice what memory each person is using. Different memory will require different DRAM settings for maximized speeds.

__________________________________________________
Screenshot with A64Tweaker, 31h Prime-blend, CPU-Z

Last Updated: April 27, 2005
Motherboard: DFI LanParty nForce4 Ultra-D
BIOS: 3/30-3

RAM Used: G.skill F1-3200DSU2-1GBLC (2x512) @ 2.5-4-4-8 2.8v
RAM Chips: TCCD
CPU Clock: 3500+ Winchester CBBFD 0441 TPAW @ 9x290(2610) 1.584v (1.45*110%)

DRAM Frequency: 200 (1:1)
CPC : Enabled
tCL : 2.5
tRCD: 4
tRAS: 8
tRp : 4
tRC : 11
tRFC: 20
tRRD : 2
tWR : 3
tWRT : 2
tRWT: 2
tREF : 3632 (important value)
tWCL : Auto (1)

DQS Skew Control : Increase
DQS Skew Value : 200
DRAM Drive Strength : 7
DRAM Data Drive Strength: 3
Max Async Latency : 8.0ns
Read Preamble Time : 5.0ns
Idle Cycle Limit : 64
Dynamic Counter: Enable
R/W Queue Bypass : 16x
Bypass Max: 7x
32 Byte Granulation: Enable (4 Burst)

CPU and associated settings:
3500+ Winchester
CnQ off, LTD 3x
LTD Voltage: 1.2V
Chipset Voltage: 1.6V (1.6 to ensure stability, 1.5 may be possible)

Video Card and Drivers used:
XFX 6600GT, Forceware 71.84

NF4 Chipset Driver version:
Came on motherboard CD (version 4.71 I think)

Extra information/comments/warnings:
Tref is one of the most important settings on this board. It has a slight affect on bandwidth but an even bigger one on stability. If you are having some problems raising the HTT/FSB, I would recommend a value of 3632 or 1168. Check the 3DMark score links in my sig for score + bandwidth/latency screenshots on how this setup performs.

Motherboard: Lanparty NF4-SLI
BIOS: 3/31-1
RAM: OCZ 3200 Gold VX @ 3.6 V
DRAM Frequency: 200MHz
CPC : Enabled
tCL : 1.5
tRCD: 2
tRAS: 6
tRp : 2
tRC : 7
tRFC: 15
tRRD : 1
tWR : 2
tWTR : 1
tRWT : 2
tREF : 1168
tWCL : 1
Dram Bank Interleave: Enable

DQS Skew Control : Increase
DQS Skew Value : 0
DRAM Drive Strength : 6
Dram Data Drive Strength: 2
Max Async Latency : 7
Read Preamble Time : 5
Idle Cycle Limit :256
Dynamic Counter: Disabled
R/W Queue Bypass : 16x
Bypass Max: 7x
32 Byte Granulation: Disable

CPU and associated settings:
3200 Winchester @ 295 x 9 (9/10 divider) 1.64vcore
ram @ 265mhz
CnQ off
LTD 3x
LTD Voltage : 1.5 V
Chipset Voltage : 1.7V

Video Card and Drivers used:
BFG 6600GT - SLI, NGO Forceware 76.44

NF4 Chipset Driver version:
6.53 (IDE and Sound not installed)

*EDIT* had some issues with the 4/14 bios' so flashed back to 3/31-1

SuperNade did that info i sent you at XS help out any?...once I get my comp back up and running i will post all of my settings...

Duke

414-3 Bios

This is a prelim setup to test memory only.

RAM and associated BIOS settings: Mushkin Redline @ 3,3V
DRAM Frequency: 180MHz
CPC : Enabled
tCL : 2
tRCD: 3
tRAS: 6
tRp : 2
tRC : 7
tRFC : 15
tRRD : 0
tWR : 2
tWTR : 1
tREF : 0648 (166MHz 15.6us)
tWCL : 1
DQS Skew Control : AUTO
DQS Skew Value : AUTO
DRAM Drive Strength : 1
Max Async Latency : 7ns
Read Preamble Time : 6.5ns
Idle Cycle Limit :16
Dynamic Counter: Enabled
R/W Queue Bypass : 8x
32 Byte Granulation: Disable

CPU and associated settings:
CPU: 3000+ Venice @ 2430MHz (270x9) 1,5V
CnQ off, LTD 4x
LTD Voltage : 1.2V
Chipset Voltage : 1.5V

Video Card and Drivers used:
PNY Verto GeForce 6800GT, ForceWare 77.72

NF4 Chipset Driver version:
6.53

Edit: My Redline can do 262MHz with 3,3V but now I'm only trying to get the most out of my Venice, and that's why I had to drop the memclock a bit. Still from the Venice, can't do even 2400MHz with default vcore so I think this is one has been taken from the crappy box or something. I am usually using water to cool this system but now I'm using the boxed cooler.

Here are the timings I'm using with the 3/10p bios

Dram: (261) 234mhz 9/10 Divider OCZ VX 3200 512x2 3.4v
CPC: Enabled
Tcl: 1.5
Trcd: 2
Tras: 6
Trp: 2
Trc: 7
Trfc: 15
Trrd: 1
Twr: 2
Twrt: 1
Trwt: 2
Tref: 3072
Twcl: 1
Bank int.: Enable

DQS Skew Control : Increase
DQS Skew Value : 0
Drive strength: 8
Data strength: 4
Max. Async: 7ns
Read Preamble: 5ns
Idle Cycle: 256
Dyn. Counter: Enable
R/W Bypass: 16x
Bypass Max: 7x
32Bit Gran.: Disable

After mucho fiddling I seem to be pretty stable with these settings.
(Edit: 04/27/05) Ram is now Memtest stable @ HTT306.

Motherboard: Lanparty NF4-SLI-DR
BIOS: 3/10p
RAM: G.Skill (2x512) PC4400 1GBLC @ 2.7v
DRAM Frequency: 200MHz
CPC : Enabled
tCL : 2.5
tRCD: 5
tRAS: 10
tRp : 4
tRC : 11
tRFC: 13 (Edit: 04/26/05)
tRRD : 00
tWR : 3 (Edit: 05/02/05) fixed memtest #8 errors
tWTR : 1
tRWT : 3
tREF : 3120
tWCL : Auto
Dram Bank Interleave: Enabled

DQS Skew Control : Increase
DQS Skew Value : 100 (Edit: 04/26/05)
DRAM Drive Strength : Level 7
Dram Data Drive Strength: Level 4
Max Async Latency : 7ns
Read Preamble Time : 5ns
Idle Cycle Limit :64 cycles (Edit: 04/26/05)
Dynamic Counter: Enabled
R/W Queue Bypass : 16x
Bypass Max: 7x
32 Byte Granulation: Disable (8 bursts)

CPU and associated settings:
3000+ Winchester CBBHD 0450 @ 289 x 9 (Edit: 04/27/05) @ 1.525v +10% = 1.648v
LTD 3x (Edit: 04/26/05)
LTD Voltage : 1.2v
Chipset Voltage : 1.5v

Video Card and Drivers used:
XFX 6600GT - VXG 71.20b driver

Motherboard: LanParty NF4 Ultra-D
BIOS: 414-3
RAM: Twinmos TMSP @ 3.4 V
DRAM Frequency: 200MHz
CPC : Enabled
tCL : 2
tRCD: 2
tRAS: 6
tRp : 2
tRC : 7
tRFC: 16
tRRD : 3
tWR : 3
tWTR : 2
tRWT : 3
tREF : 3120
tWCL : Auto
Dram Bank Interleave: Enable

DQS Skew Control : Auto
DQS Skew Value : 0
DRAM Drive Strength : 8
Dram Data Drive Strength: 2
Max Async Latency : 7
Read Preamble Time : Auto
Idle Cycle Limit :256
Dynamic Counter: Disabled
R/W Queue Bypass : 16x
Bypass Max: 7x
32 Byte Granulation: Disable

CPU and associated settings:
3200 Winchester (CBBID 0505) @ 260 x 10 (1:1) 1.55vcore
ram @ 260mhz
CnQ off
LTD 3x
LTD Voltage : 1.3 V
Chipset Voltage : 1.7V
Ram Voltaje: 3.5V


Video Card and Drivers used:
MSI 6600GT with Forceware 76.44

NF4 Chipset Driver version:
v.6.53

Motherboard: Lanparty NF4-SLI
BIOS: 3/31-1
RAM: OCZ 4200 Plantinum EL @ 2.7 V
DRAM Frequency: 200MHz
CPC : Enabled
tCL : 2.5
tRCD: 4
tRAS: 9
tRp : 3
tRC : 7
tRFC: 14
tRRD : 2
tWR : 2
tWTR : 1
tRWT : 2
tREF : 3684
tWCL : 1
Dram Bank Interleave: Enable

DQS Skew Control : Auto
DQS Skew Value : 0
DRAM Drive Strength : 7
Dram Data Drive Strength: 2
Max Async Latency : 8
Read Preamble Time : 5
Idle Cycle Limit :256
Dynamic Counter: Disabled
R/W Queue Bypass : 16x
Bypass Max: 7x
32 Byte Granulation: Disable

CPU and associated settings:
3200 Winchester @ 300 x 9 (1:1) 1.64vcore
ram @ 300mhz
CnQ off
LTD 3x
LTD Voltage : 1.5 V
Chipset Voltage : 1.7V

Video Card and Drivers used:
BFG 6600GT - SLI, NGO Forceware 76.44

NF4 Chipset Driver version:
6.53 (IDE and Sound not installed)

Components

DFI Lanparty NF4 Ultra-D (all power plugged it, DRAM configured for 4V max)
3200+ Winchester (1.525V + 104%, 250 x 10 = 2500mhz)
Thermalright XP-90C /w 56cfm 92mm Thermaltake fan
Powercolor X800XL (457gpu / 578mem, no aux power, 2.0ns mem)
Fortron Bluestorm AX500
2 x 512 Kingston PC3200 BH5 (227mhz, 3.3V, could probably run with less but I'm not staying with these settings so no point in finding the minimum)
Audigy 2 ZS
1 x 10,000 RPM Raptor
1 x 7,200 RPM Maxtor
1 x 5,400 RPM Maxtor

BIOS - 4/14-3
HTT - 250
LDT Multi - 4x


Memory settings

Freq - 180 (for 227mhz)
CPC - Enabled
Tcl - 2
Trcd - 2
Tras - 5
Trp - 2
Trc - 7
Trfc - 17
Trrd - 3
Twr - 2
Twtr - 2
Trwt - 3
Tref - 4708
Twcl - AUTO
Dram Bank Interleave - Enabled

DQS Skew Control - AUTO
DQS Skew Value - 0
DRAM Drive Strength - 8
DRAM Data Drive Strength - 3
Max Async Latency - AUTO
Read Preamble Time - AUTO
Idle Cycle Limit - 256
Dynamic Counter - Disabled
R/W Queue Bypass - 16x
Bypass Max - 7
32 Byte Granulation - Disable (8 bursts)

I'd suggest the following:

tRC-10
tRef - 3120
tRFC - 18 (or 20)
Max async latancy = 7 ns (8ns)
Read Preamble time= 5 ns

Here is my current setup with different memory

Motherboard: Lanparty Ultra-D
Bios: 3/10p
CPU: 3000+ Venice Running @ 2.7Ghz
VC: Rosewill Radeon X800XL
OS: Windows XP Home w/SP2
Ram: TwinMOS Speed Premiums AA4T PC3200 512x2 UTT

DRAM Timings:
Ram Multi 166 5:6 (245)
CPC ENABLED
Tcl 1.5
Trcd 2
Tras 5
Trp 2
Trc 7
Trfc 14
Trrd 1
Twr 2
Twtr 1
Trwt 2
Tref 4128
Twcl 1
Bank Inter EN
Dynamic Skew Control Auto (On)
Skew Value 0
DRAM Drive Strength 08
DRAM Data Drive Strength 04
Max Async 7ns
Read Preamble 5ns
Idle Cycle 128
Dynamic Counter DIS
R/W Que Bypass 16X
Bypass MAx 7X
32 Bit Gran DIS


Voltages etc:
HTT 300
LDT X3
Cpu Multi X9
PCE-I 101
Vcore Startup 1.525
Vcore 1.475
Vcore Special 113%
LDT V 1.3
Chipset V 1.6
Vdimm 3.2

Super Nade said:

Mate,

Dynamic skew control -AUTO shows up as off on A64 Tweaker. How do you have it as ON?

BTW*
Thats some serious pwnage with the Venice

Click to expand...

Bios..... I hardly ever use the tweaker (I'm old school...... )

Motherboard: LanParty NF4 Ultra-D
BIOS: 510-1
RAM: OCZ Plat. Rev2 (TCC5)
DRAM Frequency: 200MHz
CPC : Enabled
tCL : 2.5
tRCD: 3
tRAS: 7
tRp : 3
tRC : 14
tRFC: 16
tRRD : 3
tWR : 3
tWTR : 2
tRWT : 3
tREF : 3072
tWCL : 01
Dram Bank Interleave: Enabled

DQS Skew Control : Auto
DQS Skew Value : 255
DRAM Drive Strength : Lvl 8
Dram Data Drive Strength: Auto
Max Async Latency : 8
Read Preamble Time : Normal
Read Preamble Time : 5
Idle Cycle Limit :256
Dynamic Counter: Enabled
R/W Queue Bypass : 16x
Bypass Max: 7x
32 Byte Granulation: Disable

CPU and associated settings:
3000+ Winchester (LBBID 0509) @ 300 x 9 (1:1) 1.65 vcore
Ram @ 300mhz
CnQ off
LTD 3x
LTD Voltage : 1.3 V
Chipset Voltage : 1.6V
Ram Voltaje: 2.9V


Video Card and Drivers used:
MSI 6600GT with Forceware 76.44

NF4 Chipset Driver version:
v.6.53

Motherboard: LanParty NF4 SLI-DR
BIOS: 310
RAM: G.skill PC4400 LE
DRAM Frequency: 200MHz
CPC : Enabled
tCL : 2.5
tRCD: 3
tRAS: 5
tRp : 3
tRC : 14
tRFC: 16
tRRD : 2
tWR : 2
tWTR : 2
tRWT : 3
tREF : 3072
tWCL : 01
Dram Bank Interleave: Enabled

DQS Skew Control : Increased
DQS Skew Value : Auto
DRAM Drive Strength : Lvl 7
Dram Data Drive Strength: Lvl 4
Max Async Latency : 8
Idle Cycle Limit :256
Dynamic Counter: Enabled
R/W Queue Bypass : 16x
Bypass Max: 7x
32 Byte Granulation: Disable

CPU and associated settings:
3000+ Winchester (CBBID) @ 250 x 10 (1:1) 1.68 vcore
Ram @ 300mhz
CnQ off
LTD 4x
LTD Voltage : 1.4v
Chipset Voltage : 1.8v
Ram Voltaje: 2.8V

houserat you have sp AA4t ch or 1a4t bh? EDIT your post and I'll find it. When I get my venice stable I'll edit this to reflect the changes that i make.

Mods make this sticky.

Yeah, this is sticky material. I'm so glad we have this thread here b/c I've been messing with the timings for so long, and still have to understand them better. I actually JUST sold my TCCD b/c I am using my TwinMOS UTT again, and also have OCZ VX 4000 coming to me today.

Anyways, here is what the TCCD was at before I got rid of it:

Motherboard: LanParty NF4 Ultra-D
BIOS: 414-3
RAM: PDP Patriot XBL PC3200 2x512
DRAM Frequency: 180MHz
CPC : Enabled
tCL : 2.5
tRCD: 3
tRAS: 7
tRp : 3
tRC : 10
tRFC: 13
tRRD : 2
tWR : 2
tWTR : 2
tRWT : 2
tREF : 3120
tWCL : 02
Dram Bank Interleave: Enabled

DQS Skew Control : Increased
DQS Skew Value : Auto
DRAM Drive Strength : Lvl 7
Dram Data Drive Strength: Lvl 4
Max Async Latency : 8
Idle Cycle Limit :256
Dynamic Counter: Enabled
R/W Queue Bypass : 16x
Bypass Max: 7x
32 Byte Granulation: Disable (8 bursts)

CPU and associated settings:
3000+ Winchester (CBBFD0503) @ 299 x 9 (9:10) 1.52 vcore
Ram @ 269.1mhz
CnQ off
LTD 4x
LTD Voltage : 1.3v
Chipset Voltage : 1.6v
Ram Voltaje: 2.9V

I had to write this up with my memory b/c I just mailed out the TCCD today. Let me check the CMOS saved banks tonight to check what it was at b/c I want to make sure. I also tried my Patriot on 510-3 without probs, and also the 310p.

Finally got mines stable. It isn't the best, but I'm satisfied with it for now...
Motherboard: LanParty NF4-D (SLI and SATA II modded)
BIOS: 510-2 Hellfire
RAM: OCZ Value VX 3200
DRAM Frequency: 200
CPC : Enabled
tCL : 2
tRCD: 3
tRAS: 8
tRp : 3
tRC : 7
tRFC: 13
tRRD : 2
tWR : 2
tWTR : 2
tRWT : 2
tREF : 3120
tWCL : 05
Dram Bank Interleave: Enabled

DQS Skew Control : Increased
DQS Skew Value : 0
DRAM Drive Strength : Lvl 8
Dram Data Drive Strength: Lvl 3
Max Async Latency : 7
Idle Cycle Limit :16
Dynamic Counter: Disable
R/W Queue Bypass : 16x
Bypass Max: 7x
32 Byte Granulation: Disable (8 bursts)

CPU and associated settings:
3000+ Winchester (CBBID 0503) @ 235 x 9
CnQ off
LTD 4x
LTD Voltage : 1.425
Chipset Voltage : 1.7v
Ram Voltage: 3.2v

Any suggestions on better settings? If I adjust the tWCL, then my comp wont post.
Trp and Trcd any lower then I get errors in memtest. I checked DFI-Street and seems my chip is a bad OC'er, but Im surprised I even OC'd it that far...

EDIT* Ok, tried some more but no go still. I only got 5 more out of the fsb. Im stable with memtest at 245, but thats with really loose timings (2.5-6-6-15)