Help with A7M266

11-06-2001, 01:41 | posts: n/a

I have a 1.4/266 Tbird on a A7M266 with 512DDR. I am unable to get the machine to run at 1.4. I have clocked it down to 128 from 133 fsb. Doing so has produced a stable system. 
 
I have a new cpu (same one) on order to see if it is the cause, could it be the MB? I have a GF3 video card and a SB Live card as well. The GF3 caused me problems on an abit BX133Raid board with a PIII 1000, this is why I bought the AMD system. 
 
My 3dmark 2001 score is in the 6500 range which I think is on track for my system (pretty much untweakedd). 
 
- Any idea what the issue is with my cpu speed? 
- What do I need as far as via all in one? (do I intall only part of it, if so what parts) (Im running XP pro as my OS) 
- Is the GF3 the root of problems? I love the card but cant continue to buy new systems to support it. 
- Is the A7M266 crap, should I get a new board? 
 
Thanks in advance 
Joel

Bill Gatez · 11-06-2001, 02:06 | posts: 163 | Location: Toronto

I can't really say if your mobo is crap because at work I use almost the same setup as you except for the vid card and it runs perfect. I am ordering a new board for my PC at home because I have a A7V133 and I had stability since I bought the stupid thing and I beleive it is the mobo. If you have DDR Ram you should be able to keep your FSB at over what you have it set at right now so you shouldn't underclock it. I would try borrowing someones vidcard or buy someones old vidcard and try that out in the system. The via all in one go to the asus site and look up your motherboard download the latest all in one and install them, I would install it all. Check if there is a newer bios than you have currently if it's only one step up then check out what issues it fixes and if that warrants you flashing the bios. It's usually good to flash when there is a couple steps ahead like from 1002 to like 1004.

11-06-2001, 04:06 | posts: n/a

that mobo is crap pretty much. Get a new KT266A mobo like the Shuttle AK31 rev 3.

11-06-2001, 05:55 | posts: n/a

Hey OP not nice. <IMG SRC="smileys/tongue.gif"> I have the A7m and I have my fsb set to 145 and it runs very stable. I will be getting the new 1900+ or 2000+ with the nforce chipset and new crucial pc2700 ddr. It should rock. 
 
P.S. any suggestions to tell my wife when I go and spend the money.? <IMG SRC="smileys/confused.gif">

11-06-2001, 06:01 | posts: n/a

um, I love you dear and um, it'll make me more productive. Get the KT266A, the nforce isn't all that great really <IMG SRC="smileys/smile.gif">

11-06-2001, 06:10 | posts: n/a

She is just going to tell me to wash the dishes and then NO. <IMG SRC="smileys/suspect.gif"> lol. The only reason for the nforce is the mem handeling. It is about 20% faster than the kt266a.

11-07-2001, 01:55 | posts: n/a

but then again the onboard stuff suxors.

11-10-2001, 15:29 | posts: n/a

Naw the onboard sound is really good just the video not so good. 
I'll wait till I get more sites doing reveiws on them anyway.

11-10-2001, 18:26 | posts: n/a

the nforce chip DID beat the rest of the competitor, true not by much, but this is nvidia's first chipset. for the first time and kicken ass, you really gotta give some vredit to nVidia. besides, knowing their history with universal drivers, their mobo drivers SHOULD rock too

11-10-2001, 20:23 | posts: n/a

I understand that, but I mean you are paying for onboard video and sound, which most guru's change out newayz, I just think the KT 266A is a better way to go personally.