Getting a new motherboard, suggestion?

[Zincq]

Hello all,

I just found out that the store where I bought my Abit KT7 has gone out of business, and so I can't return my fried motherboard for an RMA. I will try to call Abit tomorrow, but let's just consider the possibilites of which Abit does not take my motherboard in for an RMA. What motherboard should I get in return? I'm thinking about that KT7E, but I have not heard any news about it. Does anyone here have any gripes about the KT7E? Bad installation or BIOS settings? I noticed that the KT7 had a 686A chipset, while the KT7E has the 686B chipset. What are the differences in those?

Also, if I decided to get the KT7E, will I have to reformat my harddrive? I have a few files I want to backup first before I clear my computer. Will the Kt7E let me boot up like I had originally with a KT7?

 

[Infra]

I don't know much about the KT7E, but if you're planning to OC, or to keep this mobo till them palominos are out, Get the Abit KT7a, which uses the KT133a chipset.

686A southbridge supports ATA66, whereas the 686B supports ATA100.

 

[mackstann]

if i remember right the kt7e is like the kt7 with a few features missing, less expansion, etc. it should boot, and if all goes right, windows will recognize the new mobo and you can install drivers and all will be well!

of course, your mileage may vary!

 

[fvlmasl2]

Hello...

I like the ASUS CUSL2-C myself. As far as reformating the hard drive, if it were me I would do a fresh install. This would cause fewer headaches later.

fvlmasl2

 

[Zincq]

Thanks for the input. I have a Duron 800, which motherboard will I be able to use in the future? Like say if I wanted to upgrade to a Palomino... or does the palomino require it's own motherboard?

From what I gather, the KT7E is a cut down version of the KT7, so if anything, I might want to try to stick with the KT7

I have no problem with reformatting my hard drive, I would actually prefer it. Howerver, there are some files that I would like to back up before I actually do the format. I was just curious to know if I would be able to boot up my computer with a new motherboard as I had done beforehand, normally.

 

[loosbrew]

you might have a problem and you might not, its usually the luck of the draw. so i would try it and see what happens, the worst is that you watsed a half hour setting it up. i would ask for a kt7a if i were you so you could take advantage of the palamino core later on. i also heard that abit charges for thier rmas.? maybe you can bitch and get it for free, like it should be.

good luck
loosbrew

 

[Noriaki]

Get a KT7A if you want to stick with SDRAM.
You want the KT133A chipset so you can use 133Mhz (266 effective) FSB CPUs, that covers the newer TBirds, and the Palimino.

The KT7 supports only 100Mhz (200 effective) FSB chips.

 

[jagr10]

Unless there is a special serial on the mobo, i would order the same board from a huge retailer and then swap the bad one with the good one and send an RMA. You'll get a new one again and then you can sell it. It's not cheating anyone because you got screwed. THe retailer will just send it to Abit.