LITTLEBLACKDOG.COM

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2001 4:12 pm Post subject:

As this appears to be one of the more helpful forums I have seen, I'm asking for your advice on upgrading my current system.

What I have so far :
Giga-byte 7IXE4 MB (ok - so I took the cheap route, and now I'm going to pay for my folly)
AMD Duron 800 w/ CoolerMaster DP5-6H11
2x 256MB generic PC133
Promise Ultra66 'hacked' to FT66, running 4 striped WD Caviar 8.4gb HDD (ATA66)
Adaptec 2940UW (to run my CDRW, CD & DAT)
ATI Rage Fury Pro 32 w/ DVI to support my 17.4" Planar LCD
SB16 PCI

I had consistent problems with this mainboard when running MW4 and other high-load games. The system will either lock up the monet the game starts, or lock up just minutes into the game. I've upgraded the BIOS, updated drivers, stripped the system down to bare minimums, and completely reinstalled. The only way I can get hte games to run reliably is to use the generic 98SE drivers for the IDE controllers, and not use the Promise FT. Not acceptable in my book. Many reports have stated that this motherboard is known to be problematical, so it's time to relegate the GB board to a less demanding role, and install something more fitting.

Now, to clarify, I don't want to push this system to extremes of overclocking, just get reliable performance, and a little speed boost.

I'm looking forward to your advice.

Rogue

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2001 5:40 pm Post subject:

Me thinks I don't understand what you are asking... Do you want a recommendation on a new mobo, or a complete system?

If it's the mobo only you are replacing I'd go for the Asus A7V-Raid. USB is a bit flaky as are most KT133A mobos, but otherwise a very good board with some upgrade options if the Duron gets too slow for you.

Let it be noted I do not endorse the Abit KT7A-Raid in any way, even though both boards use the same chipset, I've seen 2 instances where the Abit has totally sucked and the Asus saved the day both times.

Rover
- I don't have a god complex...I just like people to think I do!

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2001 6:12 pm Post subject:

Primarily, I would like to just replace the mainboard, however if the forum members here think there is something more I should do, then I'd appreciate that advice too.

Rogue

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2001 7:12 pm Post subject:

Well then I'll stick by my suggestion and add that you buy the SB Live value. Now that VIA has a fix for the problems associated with it's 686B South Bridge and the SB Live.

Rover
- I don't have a god complex...I just like people to think I do!