help me get the most out of my new system (please!)

[nikko]

I just put together a system using the AMD64 3200+ & Asus K8V SE Deluxe combo. I also put in my BFG OCed 6800GT card. I ran 3DMark 2001 and scored around 13K. I know I shouldn't get too attached to those scores, but the one thing that caught my eye when I looked at the detailed results was this:

AGP Rates (Current/Available): N/A / 8x

Does this mean I don't have my AGP enabled or something? How/what do I need to do to enable it?

Moreoever, what do I need to do to maximize performance? I haven't installed anything that came on the mobo CD because I was told it was best to just download that stuff from the web. But I got conflicting advice there. I went to VIA's website to download the latest version of whatever I need there. But the VIA website says that if your mobo is a hybrid, which I believe this mobo is (correct me if I'm wrong) then you should go to the mobo manufacturer's site. When I went to the Asus site, they only had a bios update available. Is this all I need? And is there a way to update the bios without a floppy disk? I haven't had a floppy drive in years.

Any help you can provide would be much appreciated.

 

[iwantanewcomputer]

i think you need a floppy to update the bios. i share your sentiments exactly. i plug one in only when i need it. just use the cd if you don't find stuff from via. i tried the asus ezflash thingy...it sucks, fist of all it took me forever to find the right bios on their site, then i followed the instructions to the letter and it said the bios id was wrong or somthin. i just gave up.

did you install the drivers for the 6800 yet?

 

[dmw16]

Did you install the chipset drivers first? If not, that will probably solve your problems. Otherwise, install the new BIOS. Most current boards support some sort of windows bios flash utility.

 

[EviLRas]

dude! i had the same prob! download these via chipset drivers. I have the same system, but with the x800pro (will work better on half life 2, but your nvidia will work better on doom 3).

please post your benchmarks. i'd be interested to see as i have A64 3200+, k8vse deluxe, 1Gb Ram, x800 pro:
20700.00 3d mark
9875.00 3dmark04
52306 aquamark3.0

my 3dmark01SE scores went from 15705 without the chipset drivers to 20700 with them! thats the difference agp 8x does for ya!


Rascle