Bad luck with Epox mobo

[agentK]

Hi guys! I have old models of the epox back when i had more time to devote to my PC, The 8kta3 Pro and the 8kha+. I must have bought them a year or two ago... around 2001 or 2002. The fastest bus speed then was 266 so maybe those who can remember can figure how long i've had these.

Anyway, both of them gave up on me in one way or another. The 8kta3 just stopped working. It would crash and reboot by itself a few times before totally ceasing after a month. I figured, well, maybe something naturally caused like electric spikes or wear and tear. Then after a couple of months, my 8kha+ which was in my moms office 4 hours away from my apartment where the 8kta3pro is located, started having problems with the keyboard. It would sometimes recognize it after a few reboots and reinserting the ps2 or USB plug but around 85% of the time it wouldnt recognize it.

Both PCs are idle now since i havent had the time or money to spare yet to get two replacement mobos. I dont recall epox having a bad rep with these things... or do they? Just wanted to know what you guys thought since i'll be setting up a new pc for my cousin and would like to know if epox is something to shy away from.

Best regards and hope your enjoying the rest of the holidays!

Ken

 

[Peter]

Check for leaking capacitors on the boards, maybe you're in for a free replacement from Epox.

 

[CraigRT]

IMO Epox is junk... I had nothing but problems with them, with more than 1 occasion, and I'll never buy that crap again.

 

[Mem]

I too have an Epox 8KHA+ board(about 3 years old) anyway I too have some bad leaking capacitors,infact 5 leaking and 6 bulging but ironically so far it`s been rock stable since day one.I agree with Peter check your capacitors especially the big green ones around CPU area,any bulge on top (where the cap should be flat) or any orange/brown like substance on the cap is a bad sign.

You only have two good options,first is like Peter said get it repaired/replaced under warranty or if you are in same situation like I`m where the warranty has expired ,then you`re better off just buying a new motherboard.

You can`t really blame Epox for bad capacitors since virtually all the brands were effected with the same problem a few years back.Remember the parts are supplied from the manufacturers to all the motherboard companies.


Good read here on the problem. .

 

[agentK]

thanks for the tips and the article! Any suggestions as to what make/model to replace my mobos? i was thinking of the ecsk7s5a as they were cheap and reliable "then", but im not too sure now. the components of my rigs are on my links below. tia!

 

[pspada]

I can't find the K7S5A boards anywhere now. I've been using the K7VTA3 boards, they come with the Fry's dealie of the week, in many cases (pun intended).

 

[bootoo]

Hee, the k7s5a pro is in stock at newegg I believe (it was yesterday) for $39.00. I know because I have a crazed ecs lover in the family...

THANKS PSPADA FOR ALL YOUR HELP RECENTLY. THIS GUY IS GREAT

(bye the way)