New buildup of Asus M2NPV-VM system

[blizard]

Nice job, soccerdad. By chance I ran across this thread looking for some info on a GB-PVR issue. I had just recently purchased the ASUS M2NPV-VM and I'm in the process of finding compatible memory. I'm finding the ASUS qualified vendor list too limiting (expensive), given that I'm looking to put 2 x 1 GB sticks on the board. The manual states the motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128mb chips or double sided x16 memory modules and I'm finding the results return by some memory configurators (e.g. Crucial's) return results that would appear to be inconsistent with this - in other words they use 128mb chips. Now, if I understand correctly you're using 2 x 512mb to get to 1 GB. Not quite what I wanted to do, but I just may have to readjust in the interest of getting something I know will work. Could you post the exact part number of the memory you are using?

ASUS is not a very good source when it comes to pick the correct set of RAM. If you go with any well known brand of today you will be on the safe side.

To understand the the limitation of 128 mb you must know that each memory module consist of several memory chips on one piece of PCB (Dual in-line memory module or DIMM) and that is part of this limitation that ASUS make a reference to. All AMD CPU do have a memory controller integrated and the latest socket AM2 will not have the same problem that the very first Athlon64 for socket 754 had at that time.

As far as you get all your memory at the same time and in pair if you want to use dual channel (which only means that memory use 128 bit instead of 64 bit to communicate with memory controller), you should be safe.

I can see that you have already bought a pair of memory modules from Corsair and I would think that those TWINX are better then Value Select (which I use myself). Just be aware that you can not exchange memory module after you have open the package and installed them and then regret that those have less bandwidth then PC6400 which is the highest recommended for AMDs CPU.

[haripj]

The board has a bunch of video out options. Composite, svid, RGB and DVI-D. I am happy with the quality at this point and don't expect to use a video card. The specs say it will do 1080i when I finally get enough money to get a new TV, and HD service.......

The board (http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3&...odelmenu=1) also has spdif out on a header. You can either get an adapter from ASUS or make your own. From what I can tell, the ASUS is about $20 and you can roll your own for about $8. At the moment, I am using the stereo out to my audio system using a mini-jack to RCA adapter. Sound is OK, but I am just watching TV at the moment. I will eventually go to the spdif, but my receiver won't handle it at the moment.

If I were to plan to use HDTV with this setup - mostly OTA HD broadcasts, would having a video card make a significant difference, or will a processor like the one in this setup easily handle it? (in other words, would having a video card be overkill for this setup?)

[elbryyan]

If I were to plan to use HDTV with this setup - mostly OTA HD broadcasts, would having a video card make a significant difference, or will a processor like the one in this setup easily handle it? (in other words, would having a video card be overkill for this setup?)

I have gotten a report from a user on another board that uses the geforce6150 chipset as well, not necessarily the same motherboard, that he has been satisfied witht he HD playback of the integrated video. Your best bet would be to build the system without one and leave room to add a video card if you are not happy with the results. As soccordad has pointed out the specs state that it can handle the 1080i content and Nvidia's website also says that the 6150 is good for 1080i.

[garymeds]

i have this board using on board vga (tv-out via svideo) and when about to add my x1650 card, i went into the bios and set tv display to off which made an incredible difference to the picture quality when output to an LCD tv (still using the tv-out interface)...

[soccerdad]

i have this board using on board vga (tv-out via svideo) and when about to add my x1650 card, i went into the bios and set tv display to off which made an incredible difference to the picture quality when output to an LCD tv (still using the tv-out interface)...

I am a little slow so this may be a dumb question. Was this an incredible good or bad difference? I am outputting to a CRT TV through S-Video. Would there be any reason to try switching the TV display to off in the bios for me??? That does not make sense...

[gEd]

The OP is outputing to a LCD TV via VGA or DVI. I'm guessing that switching tv out off disables the s-video ouput, which is not much help if you are using a CRT TV....:-)

As to why this improves the image for the OP, I guess this switches off the analogue output stages, thereby reducing interference in the digital circuits. Just a total guess tho...

Could be a good tip for other digital tv users.

[rowle1jt]

I don't know if this has been commented on before but how is the noise factor for the power supply and fans that come with the case?

There is an 80mm in the fan that cools the psu and optical drive's. There is very little heat generated in that "section" of the case, therefore I never hear it spin up. It seems that the psu is pretty efficient, it never pumps heat out the back (and I have checked!).

All the heat in mine (which is very minimal) comes out the side 120's and gets pushed out the front of my entertainment center. I used a piece of dark cardboard and made a "flap" so air comes out of the 120's and moves out to the front.

When I built mine I tried with a single 120 and both fans. I liked both running on low, rather than 1 on medium. Keep in mind, that my system is installed in a rather confined space and right above the heat producing tv.

[-Oz-]

i also have mine running both 120mm fans at low speed.

[garymeds]

I am a little slow so this may be a dumb question. Was this an incredible good or bad difference? I am outputting to a CRT TV through S-Video. Would there be any reason to try switching the TV display to off in the bios for me??? That does not make sense...

yep - didn't to me and i expected a blank screen on reboot whether on crt or lcd (as i was using svideo connection).

difference was massive - previously, the asus splash screen was distorted and windows was blurry (although tv/avi playback good, colours not very vivid). worth a try - you can always switch back if no good for you.

i'm not sure if you've noticed but sometimes it takes a couple of reboots for changes to take effect, particularly with vid/tv settings so is quite possible after 2/3rd restart, i would have lost the display! i put in new vga card so didn't test - if i don't get my pic sorted soon, i may revert to on-board!

by the way - you ever see any 'endless loop errors' with the on board nvidia?
gary