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View Full Version : which chipset is better?


andreadebiase
05-20-2002, 11:51 AM
This is for two micro-atx mobos i would like to buy but i don`t know which one. Via Apollo KLE133 or Via ProSavage KM133/A, is the latter ATA66 only???
thanks


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#!@$*%.....just format the damn C:

saphalline
05-21-2002, 05:42 AM
Here's what I was able to find:

Apollo KLE133 - 200/266MHz fsb, PC133 SDRAM (up to 1GB? 1.5GB?), onboard AGP 4X graphics, ATA/100, onboard AC'97 audio, VT82C686B south bridge

ProSavage KM133/A - 200MHz fsb (KM133) or 266MHz fsb (KM133A), PC133 SDRAM up to 1.5GB, onboard S3 ProSavage4 AGP 4X graphics and AGP 4X expansion slot, ATA/100, onboard AC'97 audio, VT8231 south bridge

Glancing at this, I'd say the ProSavage KM133A looks the best. The S3 onboard graphics are most likely better than whatever onboard graphics the KLE133 has (they aren't even mentioned by name!), and I know the VT8230 series bridges are superior to the old VT82C686/B series bridges. Maybe it's just a few tweaks, but I think the memory controller itself was optimized so the RAM will perform ever-so-slightly better. And don't forget that an AGP slot available is also an asset.

As long as we're looking up low-cost micro ATX chipsets, how 'bout this new one?

ProSavage DDR KM266 - 200/266MHz fsb, PC2100 DDR SDRAM up to 4GB (also supports PC133 SDRAM), onboard S3 ProSavage8 AGP 8X graphics and AGP 4X expansion slot, ATA/100, onboard AC'97 audio, VT8233/A/C south bridge

Looks impressive, eh? Especially that proprietary AGP 8X interface with the onboard S3 ProSavage8 graphics. Probably VIA just testing out the new AGP 8X standard, 'cause the AGP slot is still regular 4X, but it signals good things to come! Besides, DDR up to 4GB in a "value OEM" chipset? I'll take that value any day!

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"No, we do not gnaw on our kitty." - Dr. Evil

[This message has been edited by saphalline (edited 05-21-2002).]