Motherboard Opinions

[rtd2x]

I want to build a PC but I wanted to get your input on the motherboards I've been looking at. They are the ABIT KT7-RAID (http://www.directron.com/abkt7raidamd.html) and the ASUS A7V133 KT133A (http://www.directron.com/a7v133.html). They are very similar with a few exceptions. I want to put a DURON 850 MHz. What do you guys/gals think?

RTD2

[This message has been edited by rtd2x (edited 03-19-2001).]

[This message has been edited by rtd2x (edited 03-20-2001).]

[blazer2boy]

RTd2x

Both Motherboard are good I've been looking at the ASUS one myself.

Good Luck on the upgrade

Cheers http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Blazer

[sleddog]

You should look at the Abit KT7a-Raid in comparison with the AsusA7V133. The Abit KT7-Raid is an older model comparable to the (similarly older model) Asus A7V.

Besides the raid capabilities of the Abit board, neither is 'better' than the other. You'll find that people are either Abit fans or Asus fan http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif Both are excellent boards and you won't go wrong whichever you choose.

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sleddog
[sleddog.f2s.com] (http://www.sleddog.f2s.com)

[Randy_tx]

TRUE.....sled http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif If it's the first computer you have ever built....I would choose a Jumperless board myself.

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[Rick]

I just finished building a new system using the A7V/133

Nice board.
BUT!!!

If you will need to install all 3 Dimm's you should know that the #3 dimm socket is TOO close to the cpu socket.

With a cpu cooler installed using a spring clip to hold it in place.
My 3rd dimm was in contact with the clip http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

The board is so full they had to put a riser card on for some of the circuits.
It is also close to the cpu socket.

Not only are they close But if you look at the board.
All the heat from the cpu cooler and heat sink will be pushed directly onto the Dimm
and the riser circuit board..

Look close before you buy.

BTW. I have installed an extra case fan Just incase things start to get a little to hot.
( Makes the total case fans, 3 ) plus drive, cpu, chipset, and power supply fans.
7 fans total http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif ( I Love that 450 watt power supply)

[rtd2x]

Thanks for the advice, I didn't think I had to worry about that kind of problem.

RTD2

[Rick]

I didn't think I needed to worry about Until it was to late http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

Next Time I will look a bit closer

http://www.asus.com/products/motherboard/socketa/a7v133/index.html

Note A7V Will not allow you to see closeup of the board photo

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 03-22-2001).]

[Rick]

Heres the best view of the A7V I could find on the Asus site
http://www.asus.com/products/motherboard/socketa/a7v133/spec.html

Also after 2 days running Asus Probe reports the following Temp's
CPU 59/138 C/F
M/B 33/91 C/F


Also Note the Fan on the Chipset. (they knew it was going to get HOT)
I can live with this for awhile.



[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 03-23-2001).]

[sleddog]

Originally posted by Rick:
All the heat from the cpu cooler and heat sink will be pushed directly onto the Dimm and the riser circuit board..


Flip you fan over and see how it performs sucking air away from the heatsink instead of blowing down on it. Some custom heatsink manufacturers actually recommend this setup.

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sleddog
[sleddog.f2s.com] (http://www.sleddog.f2s.com)

[Rick]

Thanks.
I'll give that a try next time I open the box.

Rick

[sleddog]

Originally posted by Rick:
Also after 2 days running Asus Probe reports the following Temp's
CPU 59/138 C/F
M/B 33/91 C/F
[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 03-23-2001).]

Both temps are kind of high. But before you start worrying http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif I'd get a second opinion. Many people have problems with the Asus Probe software: on some boards it just gives wrong readings.

I'd recommend an application called Motherboard Monitor. Excellent software, widely used, and free. http://mbm.livewiredev.com/




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sleddog
[sleddog.f2s.com] (http://www.sleddog.f2s.com)

[Rick]

Thanks again.

I gave it a try.
Same readings http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif
I think this is just another case of Asus messing something up in the M/b or Award in the bios.
I also installed the program on the old p3v that I know is also giving wrong readings.
Both programs (probe and MBM)show the same temps.

I also did a check in the award bios on the a7v after it was shut off all night.
Strange that the temps showed as high or within 1 or 2 degrees at boot
That they showed after 4 days of running.
I think I'll just install a case temp censor (110 degree )
And live with that.

Rick