... Finally, going to try to get my computer running with a used Abit KT7...

[dcdomain]

So after going through an MSi K7T Pro2a (capacitor problem, sent in for RMA, returned, other problems with the RMA board, gave up on it), Asus A7V (bad connection with PSU ended up killing both pieces of hardware) I am about to receive a used Abit KT7-Raid board. Had some questions while I wait for the board to arrive. Computer's been down for three weeks and am anxious to get it up and running!

I've been reading around and there seems to be some issues with some bad capcitors as with many other KT133 boards. I guess when I receive it I should take a look and inspect those suckers.

There's a known problem with SBLive and the RAID on the board. I plan on using the RAID capabilities and have read that I should install the SBLive on PCI Slot #5 (if they are not numbered, I just count down from the top correct?) or specifically not on slot #5? How do I make sure that the Live card does not share IRQs?

I think the order I'll be doing this in will be:
Install all hardware (but leaving extra harddrives disconnected, only connecting main drive and CDRW).
Install WinXP, install Via 4 in 1 drivers (version 4.38 correct?) and flash the BIOS.
Install patches (VIAPFD105?, USB patch, any others? Please reply below thanks!).
Install newest drivers for all hardware.
Connect extra harddrives (the RAID capability will be enabled the entire time so I can spot any problems early on).
Any hardware monitors I should look into? How is the one listed on the Abit site?

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can provide.

 

[zzzz]

Why do you want only KT133 based?
You can get KT133a based or SIS 735 based mobos for cheap as well.
Anyway, if you are getiing that mobo, I had it running with raid and sblive without problems. put the sblive in 4th or 5th slot.
Also just flash the bios first. You dont need to install winxp beforehand.

 

[dcdomain]

A little confused about the RAID stuff. I just want to add a bunch of drives, not utilizing Raid 0, 1 or 0+1. If I choose the JBOD (just a bunch of drives) option I should be fine right? I won't have any trouble like losing my data and what not correct? I also placed my SBlive card on the 6th PCI slot. Is that okay?

 

[Woody419]

You would be better off with a KT7A Raid, which has support for the 133 fsb. The KT7 only has support for 100 fsb. The "A" version if the VIA chipsets are always more stable too. I used a SBLive Value card in Slot 2 for a year with no problems on a KT7A board.

If you are not using the RAID feature you don't have to do anything special, just plug the drives into IDE 3 and IDE 4 as usual, this board also supports CD-ROM's using IDE 3/IDE 4. Don't be surprised when the DMA checkbox is not available, it is automatically turned on by the RAID controller when using IDE devices.

Paul's Unofficial KT7 FAQ is the best source for help with this board. Even though the site has disappeared from it's original location, the Wayback Machine luckily has it archived.