Computer Geeks: boxed Transcend TS-AKT4 Socket A 600-1.2GHz ATX Motherboard w/Sound $27 w/ code

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
G

gggonzalez

Member
Nov 29, 2001
35
0
0
According to the Transcend website, there is a BIOS update that supports Supports AMD Athlon CPU up to 1.4GHz, Duron CPU up to 1.3GHz.

AKT4 BIOS Page

This might be a pretty good deal for those looking to build or upgrade a cheap system.
 
Z

ziptree

Member
Sep 11, 2002
146
0
0
cool beans. just got one for my "screw around" computer. =)
came out to be $35.09 after shipping and tax.

put in an XP 1600+ from Newegg...that'd work, its 1.4ghz. =)
 
G

gard

Member
Aug 24, 2001
156
0
0
Hi,

Originally posted by: ziptree
cool beans. just got one for my "screw around" computer. =)
came out to be $35.09 after shipping and tax.

put in an XP 1600+ from Newegg...that'd work, its 1.4ghz. =)
Click to expand...

You can do that? I thought the description said this board only "Supports AMD Athlon 600MHz-1.2GHz CPU (200MHz FSB)". I assumed that meant old Thunderbirds only, not XP.

If it will take XPs, what's the range?

gard
 
aphex

aphex

Moderator<br>All Things Apple
Moderator
Jul 19, 2001
38,572
2
91
. <-- That sure is a pretty dot, isnt it? :)
 
S

stockjock

Diamond Member
Aug 29, 2000
4,205
2
76
Thanks for the great deal...I was looking for a cheapy socket A board to throw a 1Ghz Duron in.
 
P

pokester

Junior Member
Aug 6, 2002
14
0
0
I'm trying to understand which BIOS updates would apply to this motherboard. I get different results from the US site http://www.transcendusa.com/Motherboard/Bios.asp vs. the .tw site http://www.transcend.com.tw/english/motherboard/BiosDown.asp?SelMod=TS-AKT4&QueryWay=par

BIOS versions listed on the US site are limited to BIOS version AKTA, while the .tw site lists AKTA, AKTAA, AKT4/A, and AKTAB. So per the US site, the most recent BIOS available would be 6A6LMTL9C / AKTA Ver 1.27 supporting Athlons up to 1.4 GHz and Durons to 1.3 GHz. Per the .tw site, 6A6LMTLAC / AKT4/A-Ver.1.50 supports Athlons up to 1.4GHz, Durons up to 1.3GHz, and Athlon XPs up to 2000+ or more.

I realize the motherboard is supposed to come with Transcend's "ezBIOS" program for "automated" updating of the BIOS, but I'd like to understand CPU limitiations before making a purchase. Can anyone clarify?



Edit: corrected link to US site
 
G

gard

Member
Aug 24, 2001
156
0
0
Hi,

Here are some reviews:

Toms hardware
comparison chart

Active hardware

The weak points
Can't adjust the Vio voltage from within the BIOS
Can't manually assign IRQs.
Small software bundle
Small hardware bundle

The strong points
Good performance
Good response to Overclocking
Independant memory bus
Integrated hardware monitoring

Special mentions
The Transcend TS-AKT4/A left us with a good impression, despite its lack of refinement. Since the TS-AKT4/A has been concieved for the low-end of the market, Overclockers will likely be disappointed by the lack of BIOS functionality. That said, it does tow the line set for it by Transcend, and managed to attain respectable performance levels. For those reasons, we're happy to award our "High Grade Hardware Award".
Click to expand...

Performance appears to be about average, don't know about stability.

I'm trying to make up my mind about if this is better than a K7S5A?

gard
 
P

pokester

Junior Member
Aug 6, 2002
14
0
0
I'm trying to understand which BIOS updates would apply to this motherboard.

I'm going to go out on a limb and provide an answer to my own question that contradicts info contributed by others above. It appears to me that the TS-AKT4 will not support the BIOS update that provides support for Athlon XPs. The link to BIOS updates on the .tw spec page at http://transcend.com.tw/english/motherboard/prodetail.asp?mid=ts-akt4 appears to display BIOS updates for other motherboards in addition to the TS-AKT4. Accessing BIOS updates from http://transcend.com.tw/english/Motherboard/Bios.asp provides the same results as the US site -- no support for Athlon XPs.


Edit: On the other hand, from the FAQ link on the TS-ATK4 specification page at the .tw site:

Q: It looks like the XP 2000+ processors are making their way to the endusers now. I have a couple of endusers who said that this CPU reads as a 1900+ . You might want to talk to the BIOS team for this increase. Are you able to source this CPU?? We can get it here if there is a problem.
A: Please Flash to the newer BIOS(v1.50). The new BIOS support AMD Athlon XP up to 2000+, Duron up to 1.3GHz.

So I'm still confused ...
 
Lanyap

Lanyap

Elite Member
Dec 23, 2000
8,220
2,300
136
It appears that there are two, maybe three revisions of this board. You will need to find out the revision of the board that CompGeeks is selling before you can determine which BIOS you can use and if it supports AthlonXP. It's not uncommon for CompGeeks to sell older versions of MBs because the manufacturer has come out with a new and improved revision to handle newer CPUs. Manufacturers sell off their old inventory to places like CompGeeks. You might want to try calling CompGeeks and have them check the MB revision so you can be sure if it will handle Atlon XP with a BIOS upgrade.
 
F

flynclippr

Member
May 1, 2002
48
0
0
This is a kt133 based board. It can only run at 100 mhz front side bus. If you put in for example a 1.4 ghz tbird with 133 mhz front side bus (10.5 multiplier) , it will work, but it will only run at 1.05 ghz (10.5 x 100) unless you change the multiplier. I guess i'd get this board if i had an extra 800 duron laying around, but for an athlon XP I'd definitely spend an extra *gasp* 20 bucks on the k7s5a.
 
H

hans007

Lifer
Feb 1, 2000
20,212
18
81
1.4 14x100 tbirds were produced in small quantity. thats why they say its compatible with 1.4 tbird in the new bios.
 
Z

ziptree

Member
Sep 11, 2002
146
0
0
There's an eBay auction by CompGeeks for the same mobo @ 19.99$ right now + $8 shipping. That makes it only $28 with shipping. Just pay tax, if they charge you, that is.
 
P

pokester

Junior Member
Aug 6, 2002
14
0
0
I ordered one board. It arrived yesterday, and everything was pretty much as expected -- TS-AKT4 with BIOS version 1.30 (per the box). I won't have a chance to assemble until the weekend.
 
ScrapSilicon

ScrapSilicon

Lifer
Apr 14, 2001
13,625
0
0
Originally posted by: pokester
I'm trying to understand which BIOS updates would apply to this motherboard.

I'm going to go out on a limb and provide an answer to my own question that contradicts info contributed by others above. It appears to me that the TS-AKT4 will not support the BIOS update that provides support for Athlon XPs. The link to BIOS updates on the .tw spec page at http://transcend.com.tw/english/motherboard/prodetail.asp?mid=ts-akt4 appears to display BIOS updates for other motherboards in addition to the TS-AKT4. Accessing BIOS updates from http://transcend.com.tw/english/Motherboard/Bios.asp provides the same results as the US site -- no support for Athlon XPs.


Edit: On the other hand, from the FAQ link on the TS-ATK4 specification page at the .tw site:

Q: It looks like the XP 2000+ processors are making their way to the endusers now. I have a couple of endusers who said that this CPU reads as a 1900+ . You might want to talk to the BIOS team for this increase. Are you able to source this CPU?? We can get it here if there is a problem.
A: Please Flash to the newer BIOS(v1.50). The new BIOS support AMD Athlon XP up to 2000+, Duron up to 1.3GHz.

So I'm still confused ...
Click to expand...
no confusion ..if the board has a 686b instead of a 686a..which this appears to have..the BIOS update should allow XP+ proc support..thats ..if <edit> sorry pokester seems it has a 133 northbridge not a 133a ..the 686a allows upto DMA66 b up to 100..Transcend..how many revisions did this PCB go thru..
rolleye.gif


 
P

pokester

Junior Member
Aug 6, 2002
14
0
0
ScrapSilicon clarified: no confusion ..if the board has a 686b instead of a 686a..which this appears to have..the BIOS update should allow XP+ proc support..thats ..if

Thanks for the confirmation info. I had slowly come to this same conclusion, having noted on the CompGeek's web page:

"NOTE: Some board may actually have a 686B Southbridge chipset, and a slightly different color and layout then the board shown above. All the features are similar however. "

I got my hopes up, but the board I received has the 686a chipset ...
 
Z

ziptree

Member
Sep 11, 2002
146
0
0
Anyone want to buy my board from me? =p

Found a great deal on the MSI KT3 Ultra2-R (monster overclocker).
 
C

clarkmo

Platinum Member
Oct 27, 2000
2,615
2
81
Originally posted by: flynclippr
This is a kt133 based board. It can only run at 100 mhz front side bus. If you put in for example a 1.4 ghz tbird with 133 mhz front side bus (10.5 multiplier) , it will work, but it will only run at 1.05 ghz (10.5 x 100) unless you change the multiplier. I guess i'd get this board if i had an extra 800 duron laying around, but for an athlon XP I'd definitely spend an extra *gasp* 20 bucks on the k7s5a.
Click to expand...
From the faq:

TS-AKT4/A applies the VIA KT133A chipset, which could support 266MHz (133MHz DDR) FSB CPUs. And AKT4/A's power supply circuit is 3-phase design, which could decrease the loading of the MOS-FET parts while CPU is of high speed.

It's the norhbridge that defines the cpu. This is not a TS-AKT4/A and does not have the kt133A. Hence NO XP ATHLONS.
 
ScrapSilicon

ScrapSilicon

Lifer
Apr 14, 2001
13,625
0
0
thx clarkmo ..thought this was a 133a w/ 686a or b not just a 133 :(..oh well 200FSB chips only need apply.. Durons and B Athlons
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom