Help: RAID controller question on MSI K7T 266 Pro2-RU

[LintMan]

Help! I just ordered an MSI K7T266 Pro2-RU motherboard, primarily because I wanted the RAID feature to give me the extra 2 IDE controllers; I'm not planning to run in RAID mode. I would have preferred the Epox board, but the extra IDE sold me on the MSI K7T

Then I came across this VIA Hardware review, which mentions that "you won't be able to use the Promise controller as normal IDE controllers unless you modify the Promise BIOS to enable full functions". Huh? 🙁 Is this true? How difficult is it to modify the Promise BIOS in the way mentioned? Am I screwed?

I can probably cancel the order if I call them back soon, so your input is appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

Lintman,

I can't answer your question because I don't have this board, but I want it! Where did you get it? 😀

 

[LintMan]

<< Lintman,

I can't answer your question because I don't have this board, but I want it! Where did you get it? 😀 >>



I know what you mean, I was stoked when I found it, and it was all set for me to get them on Friday until I found out about the RAID controller issue.

Anyway, they have at least two in stock (because I ordered two boards for the two systems I'm building) at PCs for Everyone! in Cambridge, MA. Their prices aren't that fantastic, but they're always helpful and they're a good bunch of guys. Their web site is also very informative and linux-friendly. They're asking $152 for the MSI K7T 266 Pro2-RU, and $8 for UPS ground shipping (or you can pick it up if you live in the Boston area)

I ended up calling them back and asking them if they knew the scoop on the IDE/RAID issue. The guy said he wasn't sure but thought I probably wouldn't be able to use the RAID for regular IDE because the other MSI MB's don't allow that either...
The extra IDE channels plus the other goodies was enough to overcome my desire for a better OCing board (along with wanting to spend less money), but without the IDE support, it's not quite worth it. I hated doing it, but I asked them to cancel my order for both boards, and he did so immediately and graciously without any complaint. I felt really bad cancelling my order like that, but the ironic thing for them must be that I saw the review mentioning the problem from a link on their web site listing reviews of the board, so like I said, they're pretty good guys.

If you order one, tell 'em you heard of 'em from the guy who ordered two and then canceled them!

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

Their prices aren't that fantastic...

Damn! You're not kidding. That's extortion! I guess I'll have to keep looking. ASUS and ABIT are starting to annoy me. I need the KT266A in a bad way... Good luck with the RAID controller issue.