0x000000A STOP error upon boot after BIOS update

To the extent that your known good is valid, use it. Less time on task, stable ground.

Yes it appears to be a known good image. I loaded it and tried the following so far:

Disabled HD audio
Disabled Marvell IDE/SATA controller
Disabled VIA 1394

I then took out all but one 2GB RAM stick and got the same error. I am about to try re-flashing back to BIOS 0501. I was on 0404 previously but can't download it from the Asus website.

So I stuck all the RAM back in and was getting ready to rollback the BIOS.

Thoughts?

Apologies for the delay. Moving from Tyson's Corner to Ashburn.

It might be prudent to run MemTest on all sticks for a day. Some voltage adjustments (not an OC) may be in order.

Well, here's a quick update for you all. I downflashed back to 0404 and still no boot. So I reinstalled W7x64. It went perfectly smooth with no hitches. So after getting into W7, I used Windows to make an image of itself and built a bootable W7x64 repair disc. Now I've got a known good image.

So I went and attempted the 1202 upgrade again. After doing a CPR CMOS reset, the PC booted and told me BIOS values were invalid, asking to hit F2 for defaults, which I did. Then, low and behold, I went into W7 without the BSOD!

However, I still have lots of drivers to load and am especially concerned about two things:

First of all, which chipset driver should I install? I mean, Asus' website provides older X48 chipset drivers for Vista x64. They seemed to run my PC fine for the last year or so. Or to I go and install the latest Intel X48 drivers that I tried to install before, which may or may not have incapacitated my OS? Any recommendation?

Secondly, you are 100% accurate about the memory voltage. I researched my RAM Dimms last night and found this information on the manufacturer website:

All Modules are tested in two module kits. Due to additional bus load, four module configurations may have to be run at lower frequency and relaxed latencies for stable operation. Test specifications are based on dual core CPUs only. If quad core CPUs are used, higher bus thresholds and core arbitration may necessitate lowering the memory frequency below tested specs.Test specifications are based on dual core CPUs only. If quad core CPUs are used, higher bus thresholds and core arbitration may necessitate lowering the memory frequency below tested specs.

** OCZ EVP (Extended Voltage Protection) is a feature that allows performance enthusiasts to use a VDIMM of 1.95V without invalidating their OCZ Lifetime Warranty.

Source: (OCZ Technology | Products | Memory | OCZ DDR3 PC3-16000 Platinum 4GB Edition)

I am running two pairs of the 4GB kits, as well as a quad-core CPU. So should I play with the RAM settings and adjust them as the manufacturer recommends above, even though W7 is up and running fine? I'm guessing I should or I'll have issues down the road....

Thanks!
B

No two systems are identical. You can have all the exact same components, but you still have two different systems that will behave differently.

As your system currently presents itself as working, I would allow it the chance to prove itself stable or unstable - adjusting the voltage(s) as required and in accordance with published specs. Increases in voltages = increases in required air flow/cooling.

Be conservative.

Another thought I had... if I do start increasing voltages, I will probably think about switching to a liquid cooling system, since the board has a nice H2O-ready fusion block system that facilitates distribution of coolant across the NB, SB, and CPU. Just need to pick a good cooling reservoir/pump to give it life. Even with 11-12 fans already running in the case, it still runs a bit warm. I've got it packed to gills with power-hungry components!

I love my CoolIt Eliminator and will upgrade to a Freezone option (pending development) on my next rig.

The CoolIT Eliminator CPU Cooler Review - The Eliminator - Water Cooling and TEC Technology Combined - Legit Reviews

shdowflare said:

Got it, so don't adjust anything unless I start having "issues"? And if/when I do start adjusting, just follow the manufacturer recommendation. Is that what you're saying?

Also, I am going to take your advice and run Memtest for an entire day, as you previously recommended. I believe I read elsewhere that it's always good to do that after a BIOS flash.

Lastly, is it advisable to use the latest Intel X48 chipset drivers or should I stick with what Asus published. FYI, Asus still has not published W7 (x86 or x64) drivers for the Rampage Extreme, and I've heard no plans to do so, despite having released them for other similar Asus Rampage platforms.

Thanks Antman!

Any comments on these thoughts, Antman?

shdowflare said:

...don't adjust anything unless I start having "issues"? And if/when I do start adjusting, just follow the manufacturer recommendation. Is that what you're saying?

Yes.

Also, I am going to take your advice and run Memtest for an entire day, as you previously recommended. I believe I read elsewhere that it's always good to do that after a BIOS flash.

Not a bad idea. It is not unheard of for a BIOS update to include bad settings or code.

Lastly, is it advisable to use the latest Intel X48 chipset drivers or should I stick with what Asus published.

I would use the latest drivers provided by Intel for the chipset. You MUST read the release notes on the Intel site, though. Sometimes, a driver update will appear to include your gear but it may not. The affected chipsets are listed in the release notes.

Any comments on these thoughts, Antman?

No, not really.