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Windows Vista Computer Requirements

Posted by The Patri0t 20 December, 2006 (1) Comment

Microsoft has updated their Windows Vista – Get Ready website with Official Computer/System Requirements for Windows Vista. It’s not simple as it was with the previous versions of Windows from Microsoft because of the fact that Vista comes in different flavors & in order to enjoy Windows Vista fully, you really have to use the Aero 3D effects in Vista for which you will require a capable graphics card.

A new PC that carries the Windows Vista Capable PC logo can run Windows Vista. All editions of Windows Vista will deliver core experiences such as innovations in organizing and finding information, security, and reliability. All Windows Vista Capable PCs will run these core experiences at a minimum. Some features available in the premium editions of Windows Vista—like the new Windows Aero user experience—may require advanced or additional hardware.

A Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:

* A modern processor (at least 800MHz).
* 512 MB of system memory.
* A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

I have tested Windows Vista Ultimate on two systems. A desktop system with latest Intel Core 2 DUO processor and a laptop, 3 years old almost running a Desktop Intel Pentium 4 processor. Both have 512 MB of RAM, though there is difference between the performance of them. What I am wondering here is. It says, “A modern processor” then it says, “at least 800Mhz”. Now what I am wondering is that the “Modern processors” don’t start from 800 Mhz but in Ghz!!!

As I said, I have tested Vista on two systems mentioned above, which ofcourse are more than what is require for the system to be called Vista Capable PC BUT there was a huge difference in performance with both the systems. The Desktop with Intel Core 2 DUO processor and 512 MB RAM was far more faster than compared to the 2.8 Ghz Pentium 4 processor! How much of a difference? I can work without any slow down in Vista on the Desktop system but I could not use Windows Vista for more than a few minutes on the laptop because it was all hogged down!!! So I am wondering what they really mean . . .

Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs
To get an even better Windows Vista experience, including the Windows Aero user experience, ask for a Windows Vista Capable PC that is designated Premium Ready, or choose a PC that meets or exceeds the Premium Ready requirements described below. Features available in specific premium editions of Windows Vista, such as the ability to watch and record live TV, may require additional hardware.

A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:

* 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
* 1 GB of system memory.
* Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)2, Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.
* 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
* DVD-ROM Drive3.
* Audio output capability.
* Internet access capability.

As far as Aero is concerned. I already mentioned the Desktop system I have. Intel Core 2 DUO with 512 MB of RAM and NVidia 6200 Turbo Cache Graphics Card. The card supports Aero completely and with 512 MB of RAM, Vista works like a charm on the said system. 1 GB of RAM will be ofcourse sweet.

I have yet to see the performance of Windows Vista after installing my usual day to day softwares like NOD32 etc. so keep watching. I will tell in detail about it in coming days. How well Vista performs with 512MB of RAM. It will not be fair for every kind of RAM though. 512MB of DDR will work better than 512MB of PC333 RAM but slower than 512MB of DDR2… I am also looking ahead to test something on Windows Vista, if it will get effected by a very common virus for Windows XP, I have to face this virus alot. NOD32 finds it ofcourse. I want to see if Windows Vista can stop it with its default settings and no Anti-virus installed.

Categories : General Tags :

Bad News Microsoft – Vista arrives

Posted by The Patri0t 16 December, 2006 (4) Comment

Bad news for Microsoft . . .

They are supposed to release it officially for general public in January 2007, the RTM version, final version of Windows Vista first leaked on Internet around 1-10th November 06, now even more bad. Vista is available in DVDs in the pirated markets, at least in Pakistan for 100 Rupees only, Vista Ultimate will cost 399$ I think and people are getting the version in less than 2$ here!!!

Guess they could not stop it. I wonder why can’t they stop the LEAKING of their products even before their official release. BAD employee? FIRE ‘em!

Categories : General Tags :

Asus P5B Deluxe BIOS

Posted by The Patri0t 9 December, 2006 (16) Comment

Last Updated: September 01, 2008

Going to Asus’s downloads website and then finding the appropriate download is a slow and somewhat painful process so I have setup direct download links to all BIOS versions of Asus P5B Deluxe. The list is now arranged as the latest BIOS version on top and so on; you don’t have to scroll down anymore to get the latest BIOS version.

I am just linking to the BIOS versions available on Asus’s servers. I will not be responsible for any damage or loss that might be caused due to the BIOS upgrade procedure. If you have not done BIOS upgrade before then I suggest you consult someone who can do it properly & here’s a warning from Asus; consider it from my side too.

Please leave a comment if you like the effort =)

Please note, BIOS update is only recommended when experiencing technical difficulties with your system, And is not recommended to be performed regularly.

Moreover, due to the nature of BIOS update, there is certain level of dangers involved. BIOS update must be performed with extreme caution . During BIOS update process, your system must be maintained without interference or power loss to prevent unexpected damage.

In case of BIOS update failure, please follow instructions in your User’s Manual for guidelines on BIOS recovery via CrashFree BIOS. In the event that BIOS recovery is not recoverable via CrashFree BIOS, please contact your place of purchase for further assistance on BIOS recovery.

BIOS Releases for Asus P5B Deluxe

  • P5B Deluxe BIOS version 1236 BETA – 838.47 KB [Latest]
    Release Date: August 05, 2008
    Changes:
    1) Support new CPUs
    Core 2 Quad Q9400 (rev.R0,2.66GHz,1333FSB,L2:12MB,4 cores)
    Core 2 Quad Q9550 (rev.E0,2.83GHz,1333FSB,L2:12MB,4 cores)
    Core 2 Quad Q9650 (rev.E0, 3.00GHz,1333FSB,L2:12MB, 4 cores)
  • P5B Deluxe BIOS version 1232 BETA – 835.26 KB
    Release Date: April 18, 2008
    Changes:
    1) Support new CPUs
  • P5B Deluxe BIOS version 1226 BETA – 828.27 KB
    Release Date: November 30, 2007
    Changes:
    1) Fix CPU ratio will not reset after load BIOS default
    2) Enable support for N/2 Ratio option
  • P5B Deluxe BIOS version 1223 BETA – 825.7 KB
    Release Date: November 13, 2007
    Changes:
    1) Fix FSB speed issue after adjusting CPU ratio
  • P5B Deluxe BIOS version 1221 BETA – 825.9 KB
    Release Date: November 05, 2007
    Changes:
    1) Support new CPUs
  • P5B Deluxe BIOS version 1219 BETA – 825.9 KB
    Release Date: October 31, 2007
    Changes:
    1) Support new CPUs
    2) Finetune CPU Voltage Low Limit
    3) Finetune Q”Fan control code for chassis Q”Fan
  • P5B Deluxe BIOS version 1216 BETA – 816.19 KB
    Release Date: August 16, 2007
    Changes:
    1) Finetune CPU temperature detection algorithm
  • P5B Deluxe BIOS version 1215 BETA – 816.17 KB
    Release Date: July 13, 2007
    Changes:
    1) Enhance memory compatibility under FSB1333 mode
  • P5B Deluxe BIOS version 1212 BETA – 816 KB
    Release Date: July 09, 2007
    Changes:
    1) Add new CPU uCode to support new processors
    2) Revise SLP 2.0 rule
    3) Enable support for SATA hot plug function under AHCI mode
    4) Fix after downgrade CPU ratio, the Conroe L frequency not correct under ASUSCPU
  • P5B Deluxe BIOS version 1101 – 809 KB
    Release Date: April 04, 2007
    Changes:
    1) Add new uCode to support new CPU.
    2) Fix system won”t complete POST with GV-MVP/RZ2(TV tuner) connected and power on before motherboard.
  • P5B Deluxe Release BIOS version 1004 – 804 KB
    Changes:
    1) Enhance memory compatibility
    2) Support CONROE E0 CPU (FSB 1333) – Yey!!!
    **Please update AsusUpdate to V7.09.02 or later prior making this update – I guess for those who like to use Asus Update software**
    **This BIOS does not support roll back to older BIOS – I don’t quite get this one**
  • P5B Deluxe Release BIOS version 0910 – 803.68 KB
    Changes:
    1) Update Jmicron option ROM to 1.06.59
    2) Fix AC Power loss function not correct
    3) Support x4 DIMM
    4) Moidfy Write to Precharge Delay default from 10 to 11
    5) Enable support for EIST under VISTA
    6) Finetune Q-Fan rule
    7) Support SLP 2.0
    8) Fix BBS device string not correct under AHCI mode
    9) Enable Disable USB capability
    10) Support ASUS WIFI-TV card
    11) Revise CPU temperature calculation algorithm for PECI
  • P5B Deluxe Release BIOS version 0804 – 798.12 KB
    Changes:
    1) Support conroe L processor
    2) Update JMicron option rom 1.06.22
    3) Modify CPU fan low limit speed from 800 RPM to 600 RPM
    4) Implement ASUS CGI performance with ATI 1950 graphic cards
  • P5B Deluxe Release BIOS version 0711 – 791.8 KB
    Changes:
    1) Fix DRAM frequency incorrectly display problem under auto, standard and AI N.O.S mode
    2) Add check ATI CrossFire VGA card routine
    3) Add ASUS Cross Graphics Impeller (ASUS C.G.I) feature
    4) Reduce system full reset of times
    5) Patch some VGA card can’t found when NB Vcore value has been set too high
    6) Fix DDR frequency 889 unstable by SPD
    7) Enable support for NVIDIA 7950GX2 cards under recovery mode
    8) Fix CPU frequency not correct when use ES CPU and lock free fuction enable
    9) Fix memory display message not correct under multi-language
    10) Add new CPU Ucode to support Kentsfield B3 stepping CPU
    11) Fix chassis fan 2 speed not correct when fan speed too low
    12) Fix ATI CrossFire can’t work when using with 800FSB Prescott CPU
    13) Enhance Chassis Q-Fan sensitivity
    14) Improve memory compatibility
    ** Please perform CMOS clear after update to this BIOS.
  • P5B Deluxe Beta BIOS version 0706 – 791.4 KB
    Changes:
    1) Enhance CrossFire performance
    2) Enable NVIDIA 7950GX2 display under crashfree mode
    3) Fix CPU frequency not correct when use ES CPU and lock free fuction enable
    4) Fix memory display message not correct under multi-language
    5) Add Kentsfield B3 uCode
  • P5B Deluxe Beta BIOS version 0701 – 787.89 KB
    Changes:
    1) Fixed chassis fan2 may not detect fan speed under ProbII if low spin fan is used
  • P5B Deluxe Release BIOS version 0614 – 787.78 KB
    Changes:
    1) Support DDR2 double side x16 module
    2) Enable support for CPU ratio adjustment on Kentsfield B0 stepping CPU
    3) Enable conroe/kentsfield ratio overclocking higher above default value
    4) Fix CPU Fan profile mode not correct after system shotdown
    5) Enhance memory compatibility for DDR533 and DDR667 modules.
    6) Revise S3 fuction not stable when CPU FSB over 300MHz.
    7) Enable support for OCZ2G8002GK-6400
    8) Fix PCIEX1 will disappear after update beta bios from 0405 to 0507
    9) Fix some lock cpu will show “modify ratio “item in bios(ex:660-SL7Z3 3.6GHT PSC800 2M/EM64T 002)
    10) Fix some lock cpu frequency not correct when lock free fuction enable(ex:660-SL7Z3 3.6GHT PSC800 2M/EM64T 002)
    11) Fix kentsfield L2 cache not correct issue (in bios setup)
    12) Fix SATA configuration select disable and compatible mode, and BIOS still show SATA5 and SATA6
    13) Update ICH8 Raid option ROM from V6.0.0.1022 to V6.1.0.1002
    14) Update Marvell 8001 and 8056 Lan option rom from 5.16.3.3 to 5.17.1.3
  • P5B Deluxe Release BIOS version 0507 – 785.13 KB
    Changes:
    1) Support Conroe CPU ratio adjustment
    2) Fixed some DDR 800 frequency will show DDR 533
    3) Enhance performance when using NVDIA 7950GX2 VGA card
    4) Fix fail to read files from some ODDs
    5) Fix “Hit ‘DEL’ message display” item function fail
    6) Support Max FSB from 500 MHz to 650 MHz
  • P5B Deluxe Beta BIOS version 0502 – 783.62 KB
    Changes:
    1) Allow FSB setting up to 650MHz
  • P5B Deluxe Release BIOS version 0405 – 789.18 KB
    Changes:
    1) Added auto calculate DDR frequency rule to display DRAM frequency
    2) Supports FSB533 CPU over 3.4GHz frequency under AIBooster
    3) Supports max FSB from 400MHz to 500MHz
    4) Fix AIGear may sometimes show fan speed too low sometimes under normal mode
    5) Revise EIST module
  • P5B Deluxe Release BIOS version 0302 – 787.56 KB
    Changes:
    Initial Release
Categories : Asus P5B Deluxe Tags : , ,

Asus P5B Deluxe Drivers

Posted by The Patri0t 7 December, 2006 (91) Comment

Last Updated: February 07, 2007

Going to Asus, then to Downloads area, then going through the lenghty process in order to get your Motherboard’s drivers and well, something seems to be wrong with the Asus guys because LATEST driver appears on their FTP but it’s no where shown on the P5B Deluxe motherboard website. Here I present direct download links to most of the drivers, taken off Asus’s FTP. How? Using COMMON Sense. So enjoy downloading and do I need to say do all at your own risk because I am providing you ASUS links and some directly from INTEL. Keep the comments coming please…

(1) SoundMax Analog Devices AD1988B – Audio Driver:

Operating System: Windows XP/2000

Operating System: Windows XP 64 bit

Operating System: Windows 2003

Operating System: Windows 2003 64 bit

Operating System: Windows Vista 32 bit/64 bit

Operating System: Linux

(2) Intel Chipset Inf Updates – Chipset Driver including Intel 965 Express Chipset:

Operating System: All versions of Windows except Windows 98 SE and Windows ME

(3) Intel Matrix Storage Manager – RAID/AHCI Driver and Software:

Operating System: Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows 2003 / Windows XP 64 bit / Windows 2003 64bit

(4) JMicron JMB363 RAID Controller Driver :

Note:- DO NOT INSTALL THIS IF YOU ARE NOT USING THE JMICRON’S SATA CONTROLLER AS RAID OR YOUR IDE DEVICES, WHICH ARE ALSO PROVIDED BY THE SAME CHIPSET IN P5B DELUXE WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. YOU DO NOT NEED TO WORRY ABOUT INSTALLATION OF IDE DRIVER EITHER. WINDOWS DEFAULT DRIVER WORKS BEST. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE KNOWN ISSUES WITH THE SAID DRIVER INCLUDING PERFORMANCE SLOWDOWN, BURNING SOFTWARES NOT WORKING PROPERLY WITH THE IDE DEVICES. YOU WILL ALSO BE NOT ABLE TO USE THE BURNING FILES – COPY/PASTE WAY OF BURNING FILES USING WINDOWS.

Operating System: Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows 2003 / Windows XP 64 bit / Windows 2003 64bit

Operating System: Windows Vista 32 bit/64 bit

(5) ACPI Driver :

Operating System: Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows 2003 / Windows XP 64 bit / Windows 2003 64bit / Windows Vista 32bit – 64bit

Categories : Asus P5B Deluxe Tags : , ,

Asus P5B Deluxe Features

Posted by The Patri0t 5 December, 2006 (0) Comment

Just thought I should write this too, to tell what this sw33t thing holds. Too bad Asus is not providing correct Audio driver.

CPU Support:
LGA775-based Celeron, Pentium 4/D, Core 2 DUO processors, Core 2 Extreme and the Quadcores too!
North bridge:
Intel P965
South bridge:
Intel ICH8R
Interconnect:
DMI (2GB/s)
Expansion slots:
2 PCI Express x16
1 PCI Express x1
3 32-bit/33MHz
Memory:
4 240-pin DIMM sockets
Maximum of 8 GB of DDR2-533/667/800 SDRAM
Storage I/O:
Floppy disk
1 channel ATA/133 via JMicron JMB363
6 channels Serial ATA with RAID 0, 1, 10, 5 support
2 channels Serial ATA with RAID 0, 1 support via JMicron JMB363
Audio:
8-channel HD audio via ICH8R and Analog Devices AD1988B codec
Ports:
1 PS/2 keyboard
1 PS/2 mouse
1 serial
4 USB 2.0 with headers for 4 more
1 1394a Firewire via Texas Instruments TSB43AB22A with header for 1 more
1 eSATA via JMicron JMB363
1 RJ45 10/100/1000 via Marvell 88E8001
1 RJ45 10/100/1000 via Marvell 88E8056

1 analog front out
1 analog bass/center out
1 analog rear out
1 analog surround out
1 analog line in
1 analog mic in
1 TOS-Link digital S/PDIF output
1 coaxial digital S/PDIF output
BIOS:
AMI
Bus speeds:
FSB: 100-650MHz in 1MHz increments
DRAM: 533,667,800,889,1067MHz
PCI-E: 90-150MHz in 1MHz increments
Bus multipliers:
CPU: 6x-10x (with Core 2 Duo E6700)
Voltages:
CPU: auto, 1.225-1.7 in 0.025V increments
DDR: auto, 1.8-2.45V in 0.05V increments
FSB termination: auto, 1.2-1.45V in 0.05V increments
North bridge: auto, 1.25-1.55V in 0.1V increments
South bridge: auto, 1.5-1.8V in 0.1V increments
ICH: auto, 1.057,1.215V
Monitoring:
Voltage, fan status, and temperature monitoring
Fan speed control:
CPU, system

Categories : Asus P5B Deluxe Tags : ,

Windows XP vs Windows Vista – Performance

Posted by The Patri0t 3 December, 2006 (3) Comment

I have been looking forward to read “Windows XP vs Windows Vista” articles. Here is the first one I found. It is not in English so being translated through Bablefish’s online translation service.

Windows XP vs Windows Vista – Performance Review

I was particularly interested in the RAM usage after installation of Windows Vista and also the number of services running, right after install and without any addition of the user. Seems like:

Windows XP runs with 24 active processes taking up 223 MB of RAM and Windows Vista runs with 41 active processes taking up 436 MB of RAM. If I am doing my Maths right, hopefully I am wrong. Where 512 MB RAM was suggested for Windows XP, 1 GB suggestion is not enough for Vista.

223/512 * 100 = 43.55 % – Memory usage in Windows XP
436/1024 * 100 = 42.57 % – Memory usage in Windows Vista

This has made me think again what to get. 1 GB or 2 GB? Since in my case, 512 MB suggested for Windows XP was and is not enough with me. I don’t want same thing happening with Vista for me. The price difference between 1 GB and 2 GB memory kits is 70$ minimum.

There are two Performance features in Windows Vista, which if tackles the above problem and works efficiently. 1 GB will be more than enough… I am talking about,

    Windows ReadyDrive

From WinSuperSite Vista Review:

The hybrid hard drives combine a standard hard disk with large amounts (1 GB or more) of non-volatile flash memory. This memory acts a cache of sorts, providing a number of benefits. First, the system will boot up and resume from various sleep states much more quickly, allowing users to get back to work more quickly. Because the hard drive, with all its moving parts, spins up much less frequently, you’ll experience better overall performance and better overall battery life.

Windows ReadyDrive, the hardware used for it, I have read will be available in first months of 2007 perhaps and that too mostly for Laptops. So I don’t see it helping the users soon either. Depends on the price too? and I wonder what use it will serve for desktop users with 2GB of RAM except speeding up the start-up and shut down times.

    Windows ReadyBoost

From WinSuperSite Vista Review:

ReadyBoost uses spare space on USB-based storage devices like memory keys to increase the performance of your computer. It does this by caching information to the USB device, which is typically much faster than writing to the hard drive. Information cached to the device is encrypted so it can’t be read on other systems.

There are a number of caveats. Your USB device must meet certain speed characteristics or Vista will not allow it to be used in this fashion. Space that is set aside on a USB device for ReadyBoost cannot be used for other purposes, unless you reformat the device or remove it from service with the PC. And you cannot use one USB device to speed up more than one PC.

ReadyBoost seems to have the most impact on systems with less than 1 GB of RAM, which makes sense, and it clearly will benefit notebooks more than desktops, since it’s often difficult or impossible to increase the RAM in a portable machine. Microsoft recommends configuring ReadyBoost with one to three times the amount of RAM you have installed in your system. So if you have 512 MB of RAM, you should try to dedicate between 512 MB and 1.5 GB of space for ReadyBoost on a USB device.

So “the most impact” on systems with less than 1 GB of RAM? This seemed the cheapest option, incase it will have an impact even on a system with 512 MB of RAM, since the USB Data Travelers/USB Memory Sticks are very cheap. That said, you would want to get 1 GB or 2 GB of RAM for Windows Vista? I wonder if it’s possible for memory makers to have 768 MB + 768 MB = 1536 MB memory kits. The price difference then between 1 GB and 1.5 GB will end up being 30-40 $ perhaps? I am no Business degree holder. *sigh*

This had to come when I decided to go for 1 GB. :\

Categories : General Tags :
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