Hello, I wanted to share a warning for other potential buyers and raise awareness to Scan staff to see if they could assist with a technical problem.
2 weeks ago I bought one of these new G33 based Asus Barebone systems. I like these alot and have bought many varients of this barebone. So upon getting this I installed my Q6600 and went into the bios (ver:0202) to tweak the memory timings and check out the rest of the bios. That's when things didn't look right.
The Advanced menu should have a few sub-menus, however it seems that one important menu was missing. The "Jumperfree Configuration" (JC) option was not visible. I had previously examined the user manual BEFORE buying this system and the UK / English manual section 5, page 17 clearly states that this option is a configurable option.
I decided to check on the latest version and download release 0302. I flashed the bios using the ALT+F2 option and loaded the 0302 rom file from my USB memory stick. Flash upgrade went well and after loading the bios defaults (to ensure new options take effect) I was quite unhappy to notice that the JC menu was still not visible.
I decided to check out the Asus forums and search for help. To cut a long story short, Asus don't have a barebone forum, so those seeking help with this or ANY Asus Barebone will have a problem. I noticed the the motherboard inside is a P5K-VM so I checked out the motherboard forum and sure I found some people asking for help. Only, knowone mentions this bios option.
I decided to log a technical support request and detailed my issues. a couple of days later, I received an email saying that the bioses are locked down to ensure stability and prevent users from overclocking these systems. After replying back explaining that if I had the option like the manual says I should, it should be the customers choice if they decide to overclock the system. I have now heard no further replies for over 1 week.
I have called Holland where they have technical support but sadly they don't support Barebone systems, after going through their phone systems and menu's I landed a call with the laptop support team. I explained my problems and that all I wanted was some support.
They have been kind in trying to understand and help, but sadly keep referring me back to the place of purchase. In the defence of Scan, I have told Asus that even if I sent my system back to Scan, they would test it and find it works ok, therefore why should Scan refund my money etc. No real reply. I am trying to get someone at Asus to contact Scan to give Scan authorization to refund my barebone.
@Scan Technical / CS, if you know about this BIOS issue, if you know how to overcome this, I welcome to hear from you. If you're willing to try and help me, either send a replacement again I welcome this.
So, if there is anyone else reading this and YOU have this exact barebone, please do me the honor and check your bios setting for the Jumperfree Configuration page under the Advanced bios page. I would love to think I have a faulty board.
BTW, I have a few of these which are running the folding@home DC project and these little systems are perfect for budget systems. Thanks for reading and if anyone has any constructive help, I 'll be glad to hear from you.
-casw1000