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In Reply to: RE: * Update * Core i3-530 32nm + Kingston HyperX DDR3-1375 1GB + GA-H55M-UD2H posted by cics on May 11, 2010 at 11:45:23
After switching back to 45nm technology, I was surprised with the sterile sound and fortunately found the culprit! These new test changes (especially gpedit) were the cause. Also, an important BIOS setting not available in the H55M-UD2H mobo, PCI Latency, had to be addressed.
I reinstalled my 32nm setup with following changes:
- Upgraded to latest BIOS - F9d
- Used recommended settings as per site
- Used PCI Latency Tool 3.1 to set soundcard latency to 128. This adds a new service and requires BIOS devices under "Integrated peripherals" to remain enabled except for IDE, Serial Port and Sata ports 0-3. Remaining unused devices are disabled in Windows. Disabling other "integrated peripheral" devices in BIOS causes PCI Latency Tool to not recognise PCI devices.
- Vcc = 0.72500 (900MHz), Vgcore = 0.650 (400MHz)
- Vdram = 1.400 (600MHz), Vref = 0.600, Vdata = 0.560, Vaddress = 0.560
- Dram Timing = CL5 & Command Rate = 1
Sound quality not only meets previous best 45nm setup but surpasses it beautifully! I'm going to leave this setup for a while and see if there's further improvement. There's also another mobo on its way which hopefully removes the PCI Latency Tool.
Zalman cooler (with fan removed) does a great job. Temps are steady at 36°C (previous 34°C was achieved using Vcc of 0.70000V or one step lower).
Follow Ups:
Is this something special?
Please advise.
THANKS,
Rick McInnis
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pci latency tool makes the sound too analytical! somehow i did not like it..
its not music that i want..
ASIO latency setting is very important - set this to lowest possible. For PCI latency at 128, ASIO latency must less than 64. What is your ASIO latency?
For ASIO@64, test PCI latency at 136 or 144. For ASIO@96, test PCI latency at 200 or 208. Always keep PCI latency in multiples of 8.
I'm glad you've been able to find a solution.
Do you think a future Bios update will address this PCI devices problem?
Are you also implying that "Autoplay changes" through gpedit should not be performed in an old system?
Thanks
Can you give perhaps an overview on what new stuff is required besides the processor, ram and case (items plus general cost...approximate)? Also I know you say it is better but for the record...is it a lot better?
Trying to assess whether I should embark on this new path.
Cost is ~$300 for Core i3-530, H55M-UD2H mobo, Kingston DDR3-1375 1GB RAM and a 1156 adapter for mounting fanless heatsink.
I want to compare this mobo to an alternate cheaper option. This should remove the need for PCI Latency Tool and its simpler design (i.e. less mobo features) may improve SQ.
Is it a lot better? Lets put it this way, I'm never going back to 45nm technology! Whilst there's no new detail, the big improvement across the board is how well low-level detail is fleshed out. There's harmonic richness that's very pure and beautiful. Also a bit more air and lower noise floor. Sounds emerge from the deepest of blacks I've ever heard. Damn this sound is addictive.
I'm testing different cPlay buffer options as I expect Tiny option to offer best result with Core i3+192k SRC@145db - 3 cache layers where Tiny option reduces L2 cache footprint allowing for HT to work better.
This is great. I have been waiting for your final words to build a 'real' music server to replace my current Aspire One netbook + Devilsound dac. I must say that the netbook has been giving me immense musical pleasure for the past year.
Ok thanks I'll wait for your update on the cheaper mobo alternative.
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