• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Building dual Athlon rig, need advice.

S

Sir Fredrick

Guest
I posted this over at the 2cpu forums, but I figured I'd utilize the power of anandtech too. 😉

I'm finally ready to build a new dual system. My current setup is a dual Intel PIII-450 system with an Atlas 10K as the main HD. This baby is still smooth as ice compared to all the newer systems I've tried, but it's getting a bit slow.

I've been holding out for the ASUS A7M-266D with fixed USB, but I think my patience has just about run out, so I'm considering the Tyan Tiger S2466N-4M. Should I hold out for the ASUS?
I'll be using a pair of retail XP 1800+s and two 256MB sticks of 2100 DDR SDRAM (unregistered...yeah, I know, but I already own these)

I also have a few other questions:

1. I will be using an Adaptec 29160 SCSI controller. Will I have issues using this in one of the 64bit/66MHz slots?

2. I have seen a few posts from people who decided to use the MPS HAL instead of ACPI...is there a real advantage to this? My current system is set up using ACPI, and everything works wonderfully.

3. Any other issues I should be aware of? It's been a couple years since I've built a computer.

Thanks. 🙂
 
1. The 29160 is a 64bit/33Mhz card. It will not physically fit into the slots on the MPx based motherboards. You will either have to use it in a 32-bit slot or get the Tyan 2462 (MP chipset) board and use one of its 64bit/33Mhz slots.

2. I use ACPI with no problems at all.

3. The new XP chips have an L5 bridge cut that disables SMP operation. You'll need MP chips, older XP chips (ones manufactured longer than 6 weeks ago), or connect the cut L5 bridge if you have the newer chips.


 
I was under the impression that it would indeed fit, as people were having issues getting it to work on the ASUS A7M-266D. Is that just something that asus did?

I don't mind having to connect the cut bridges, it's supposed to be fairly easy. 🙂
 
Ack, I take that back. I was thinking of a different card. It'll fit but bring the bus down to 33Mhz. Don't know if there are any 'problems' with the card in those slots however.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top