88mhz AGP bus and 44mhz PCI??!!

[RanDum72]

Running an Abit KT7A-RAID with T-Bird 1.2ghz (266 FSB), with memory at 133mhz and FSB at 133 (266FSB). However, SiSoft Sandra 2001 says I'm running my AGP and PCI buses way above normal. Is this just a Sandra bug or am I doing something wrong? I have the 3c BIOS for the mobo.

 

[ramashiva]

Sounds like the motherboard is somehow using a PCI divider of 3 instead of 4, since 133/3 = 44. 3 is the correct PCI divider for FSB = 100 mhz, since 100/3 = 33. Most motherboards automatically set the PCI divider to 4 when FSB = 133 mhz or higher. I'm not familiar with your motherboard, so I can't offer you specific advice. Check to make sure both memory bus and system bus are set to 133 mhz. Also, look in the motherboard manual for a chart showing PCI speeds for different combinations of memory and system bus settings.

 

[RanDum72]

Sandra has the memory and FSB at 133. The ABit has a jumperless setup, with everything in the BIOS. However, there is no option for setting the PCI divider. For some reason, it still setting the divider to 3.

 

[ramashiva]

If there is no BIOS option to set the PCI divider, then try the following steps, in this order --

1. Clear CMOS memory and reset all BIOS parameters. This probably involves setting a jumper or removing CMOS battery after disconnecting power cord. Consult ABIT manual for proper procedure.

2. Call or email ABIT technical support.

3. Reflash BIOS. I would only recommend this after exploring all alternative solutions. You might also want to try an earlier version of the BIOS if reflashing doesn't work.

 

[GD695372]

I have an Abit KT7A. I thinkt hat you can actually set the bus up that high w/ a divider of 3 instead of 4 but not sure. At any rate, I'd check to make sure that none of my hardware would die on me at such frequencies. My systems are all built around stability and reliability over performance. I'd suggest this approach to anyone. It's worked well for me. Try to find a 133/33mhz setting in the soft menu III menu in the bios. If this isn't the problem then maybe you have a whacked out board.

 

[Jeff7]

Sandra's the problem. It doesn't seem to read those things correctly at all.

 

[Rankor]

It could be Sandra. Do the WebUpdate feature on Sandra to check if there is a newer version out to be patched-to. Patch it and run the diagnostics (again).

If (Sandra) reports the same. Then it's (probably) Sandra misreporting.

If your system has been like this from Day 1, I'm surprised no lock-ups or errors have occurred. Abit motherboards have the Jumperless Bios. Verify that the PCI/AGP dividers are correct.

If so, then (Sandra's) to blame and I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[yiwonder]

Tell me exactly what your FSB setting in the BIOS says. This is in the Softmenu selection (I think it's called that, but for sure it is the very first menu option when you enter the BIOS). There are two options for a 133 bus. One is 133/33 (133 bus/33 PCI bus) and the other is 133/44. My guess is that the 133/44 choice is selected. If not, then I would say it could be a problem with Sandra.

 

[RanDum72]

The frequencies on the Soft Menu option is set to to 133/33, multiplier is 9, nothing under slight adjust. I just flashed it to the latest 3r BIOS but still the same readings under Sandra. Also cleared the BIOS settings by shorting the jumper in the mobo. My system is stable though.

 

[yiwonder]

Hmmm...I don't know. It could be an error with Sandra. I say if it's stable, then just leave it and forget about.