F7 BIOS for Gigabyte DS3

[spazman]

I upgraded my BIOS earlier today, i have run superpi, 3dmark 06 and encoded god knows how much video all 100% stable. The big difference however is that i can actually reboot and not have to reset the CMOS as i did before. Also i managed to squeeze 3.5Ghz out of it when before my max was 3.1. If you have a DS3 and a 4mb cache chip i highly recommend the upgrade.

[abeacock]

Thanks for the tip, I have one of those boards.

Did you get the BIOS from Gigabyte's website and install it yourself, or use the Windows application to download it?

[Rack]

Any improvements on the 2 x 1MB cores? Will have to test this out.

[snedger]

did any of you guys try out the integrated graphics with any games, before you put in your very respectable dedicateds?

[abeacock]

Here is a review of the F7 BIOS, looks like it benefits the mid to high range of Core 2 Duo chips:
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2854

[abeacock]

snedger, there are no integrated graphics with the GA-965P-DS3 board.

[snedger]

snedger, there are no integrated graphics with the GA-965P-DS3 board.

Oops!
I had just come off Gigabyte website looking at G965s and I only glanced at the specs posted by Rack (which shows G965)
Sorry about that.

[abeacock]

Not a problem snedger, just didn't want you to buy one based on it having on-board VGA!

[oralpain]

I just saw this on anandtech as well. Making the choice between the ASUS P5B and Gigabyte DS3 much more difficult for me.

Any improvements on the 2 x 1MB cores? Will have to test this out.

2x1MB cores?

All core 2 chips have a shared L2.

[abeacock]

Think these links will make the Gigabyte the pro's choice

There is no mention of the Asus P5B on this overclocking database:

Core 2 Duo Overclocking Database
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/sho...php?t=17611316

Official Gigabyte DS3 Owners Thread
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/sho...php?t=17610180

[oralpain]

From what I've seen, the P5B is still the superior OCer, but the gap is closing.

[spazman]

Thanks for the tip, I have one of those boards.

Did you get the BIOS from Gigabyte's website and install it yourself, or use the Windows application to download it?

Downloaded from the gigabyte website and used their @BIOS application to flash, works a treat. 24 hours prime stable now too got to love gigabyte for their BIOS support, i was very unhappy with the board in its earlier incarnations, but every release makes it much better. I'd recommend it now!

[Robbie G]

Does this BIOS release include support for the quad-core Kentsfield (due around early 07)?

[spazman]

Yep it does, gives you a srubbishrubbishrubbishrubbishy boot screen too.

[abeacock]

spazman, just updated now thanks to your recommendation and followed the same steps, download then use @BIOS. Nearly had a heart attack where it stuck on 4% until the end and I thought I was in trouble.

Rebooted and saw a glimpse of the new splash screen!

Thanks again for helping us out

[Rack]

I just saw this on anandtech as well. Making the choice between the ASUS P5B and Gigabyte DS3 much more difficult for me.



2x1MB cores?

All core 2 chips have a shared L2.

Allright, allright, you know what I meant. just in case you didn't:

Anyone seen any improvements on 2MB Core2Duo Cores?

*Added P to my sig to avoid further confusion.