AGP 8X

[Andvari]

I just reformatted my computer and installed the ATI Catalyst 6.14.10.6458 drivers, and I can't seem to activate AGP 8X. When I try, it says that it will restart my computer so SMARTGART can decide if AGP 8X will be stable. It doesn't actually tell me whether it is or not, but when I go back into the properties to see if it is activated, it is still in the "Off" position. Any idea what's causing this?

Computer specs:
P4 2.8ghz w/HT
Radeon 9800 Pro 256mb
1gig ram
Audigy 2 soundcard

Hopefully that covers all the info any of you would need to know. If not, just lemme know. Appreciate it.

 

[mechBgon]

The motherboard brand and model would be handy to know, too Is AGP 8X mode activated in the motherboard's BIOS?

 

[Andvari]

ASUS P4P800 Deluxe mobo

That's a good question about the BIOS, and I'm not sure. I'll check and edit this post when I find out. In the mean time I have another, possibly related, question. In my Device Manager, SM Bus Controller is unknown or not installed. I googled it a bit, and it seems that means I need to install mobo drivers right? Maybe that's effecting the AGP 8X thing. Anyway, checking BIOS now, brb!

 

[Pex]

For my IS7 abit with 9800 pro i needed to donwload the newest graphics drivers for my mobo. Then it was enabled in windows.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Andvari
ASUS P4P800 Deluxe mobo

That's a good question about the BIOS, and I'm not sure. I'll check and edit this post when I find out. In the mean time I have another, possibly related, question. In my Device Manager, SM Bus Controller is unknown or not installed. I googled it a bit, and it seems that means I need to install mobo drivers right? Maybe that's effecting the AGP 8X thing. Anyway, checking BIOS now, brb!

Try the latest Intel motherboard driver package from here and for a P4P800 Deluxe, you're heading to the ...lessee here...

.

Well, my manual for a P4P800 Deluxe doesn't show anywhere to enable/disable AGP 8X mode, so I'm going to have to assume it's permanently enabled. You might make sure your AGP Aperture is set to something realistic like 256MB and not, say, 64MB. Good luck!

 

[Andvari]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
You might make sure your AGP Aperture is set to something realistic like 256MB and not, say, 64MB. Good luck!

I couldn't find anywhere to enable 8X in my BIOS either. And I was JUST about to ask about that arperture thing. Mine is set at 128mb.

While I was going through the menus in my BIOS, I was going pretty fast so I exited and disgarded changes. This wouldn't set my mobo back to all it's default settings would it? Because I had made some changes after I first built this computer. The reason I ask is because Windows found a lot of new hardware after this reboot, and it had no reason too. One of those things was a RAID Controller, and it couldn't find the software to install with. I'll check my mobo CD, maybe it's on there.

Also, why should I download Intel drivers for an ASUS mobo? (cuz I have a P4 hehe?)

 

[mechBgon]

Just hitting Exit Discarding Changes ought to leave it as-is. If you installed the Intel driver set from that page I linked to, that's probably what brought on the re-detection of the hardware. If so, now reinstall your video-card drivers again and see if it'll run AGP8x mode, since that's the goal you had in mind.

 

[Andvari]

I didn't install those drivers yet, and in fact am just now getting around to it. Why would I install Intel drivers for my ASUS mobo? Shouldn't I go to the ASUS site? If not, what exactly am I supposed to download at the Intel site? I chose the 865 Chipset Family, and the Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility. That takes me to the INF Update Utility. Is that what I need?

EDIT: It also says this:
"The Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility provides _functionality_ for AGP and USB, _not_ AGP or USB drivers. DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS UTILITY IF YOUR DEVICE MANUFACTURER IS RECOMMENDING IT TO CORRECT AN "AGP DRIVER," "AGP GART," OR "USB DRIVER" ISSUE; IT WILL NOT CORRECT YOUR ISSUE."

 

[mechBgon]

Intel makes the motherboard's i865PE chipset, so Asus is just getting drivers from Intel and giving them to you. Except Asus is usually way behind. Go straight to the makers of your chipset, is my advice Yep, the INF thingie is what you're after.

The INF update lets Windows get a grip on the motherboard's AGP port, among many other things like the SMBus, so it could be that the AGP 8X problem is the result of Windows not having an up-to-date idea of what-all your chipset's capable of. I'll think optimistic thoughts for ya :sun:

 

[Andvari]

Awesome, and many thanks. I didn't even have to reinstall the graphics drivers, or even set it to 8X. After installing that INF, it apparently defaults to 8X now. Thanks a million. Now go check my other thread about Voepweaer or whatever.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Andvari
Awesome, and many thanks. I didn't even have to reinstall the graphics drivers, or even set it to 8X. After installing that INF, it apparently defaults to 8X now. Thanks a million. Now go check my other thread about Voepweaer or whatever.

w00t I've never heard of Voepweaer, so this will be a learning experience