epox 8kta3 question

[HECUBU5]

im planning to build a system with my thunderbird 800. i would like to use a kt133a mobo setup, in particular the epox 8kta3. i was just wondering if any one knew if i could run the cpu at default settings (8.0*100Mhz) on the epox mobo. or if i have to run my cpu at 133 FSB. im not sure how well it overclocks so i would like to still keep the mobo in case my cpu cant run at 133 FSB. ive read some problems that ppl have been having about getting their thunderbirds to post at 133 FSB even with a reduced multiplier. any response would be appreciated.

 

[ErikaeanLogic]

Hi!:

I've got the same exact set up: a T-Bird 800 on an EPoX 8KTA3, so maybe I can help to answer some of your questions. I've got mine running flawlessly with an FOP32 at 943MHz@145fsb.

First, your cpu will post at 800MHz(8x100) the first time you boot up. The KT133A chipset is designed to run with all PCI and AGP busses in spec at 100 and 133MHz fsb. If you want to change the default multiplier setting(here) on the cpu, you have to unlock the processor's L1 bridges and switch the setting of the J5 jumper on the motherboard itself(to set the fsb to 100 or 133MHz). Before you do that, however, I recommend that you boot up and change the multiplier setting to 5.5 so that your T-Bird is still running under the rated speed when you reboot at 133MHz(5.5x133=733). Once you successfully run in Windows(or whatever your preferred OS is) and burn in a few benchmarks for stability, start rebooting with a higher multiplier or fsb setting, repeating your stability testing, to see how high you can get. I play UT alot, so a higher fsb is more important than a higher multiplier setting.

The EPoX 8KTA3 has been a dream to deal with! I've had alot of mainboards, some of which were good overclockers and some of which were extremely stable, and I can tell you that this one is the best of both worlds. I wish you success with your new project!

[/end rant]

 

[xraymongral]

Hec, the short answer is there is a jumper to set either 100 or 133 bus speed.

By the way, just set my 8KTA3 up last night, and its all good so far!

 

[HECUBU5]

thanks for the response. i think ill go with the eopx mobo. now, just wish me luck in overclocking my cpu....