Help with AMD and VIA stuff.

[boldy]

Hi everyone,

I need need help in understanding somethings about VIA and AMD hardware stuff.
My hardware currently consists of:

Creative GeForce 256 DDR
160 Mb of Ram (2 64Mb PC-100 and a 32Mb PC-66)
8.4 Gb Quantum HD (primary master)
10.4 Gb IBM HD (secondary master)
SB Live! Platinum 5.1 /w Live!Drive 2
Acer 50x (secondary slave)
Hollywood Plus! DVD decoder
250 W power supply
Celeron 466 with 440zx chipset

I want to upgrade to a Thunderbird 900 and with 256 of PC-133 ram and a VIA Apollo Chipset 133A type. Problem is, whenever i read about AMD stuff on the net, heat problems arise, is it alright to just the standard cooler that comes with the chip or i need to get one of the orbs? (I don't overclock), and they need steady power supply. For VIA i read there is a compatability problem with GeForce cards, does my geforce fall into that category? Does my current hardware pose any overloading or problems to the AMD and VIA configurations? Can anyone help me with this? I really appreciate this.

 

[Cosmo3]

You need good memory and power supply other than that you should be fine. I have 900tbird running at 1030 and it is great. If you get that fast of a cpu you shouldn't need the Hollywood card to do DVDs I had lots of trouble with conficts with one of those cards but it was quite a long time ago. Go for the Tbird it is great.

 

[G14]

You will want to update your motherboard bios as well as the bios on the video card. Also make sure you get VIA's 4in1 drivers.

 

[Dulanic]

Aye youll probably want some PC133 memory, the PC66 wont run, the PC100 should run but Ive had generic PC100 cause stability problems in my setup. Besides that just get a decent cooler like a Globalwin FOP32 and youll be perfectly fine. Your PSU may or may not work, or it may work and cause stability problems. Id recommend a better AMD Approved PSU like a Enermax which are very quiet and good quality. Your GeForce should be fine, I have one on my Asus A7V.

 

[Mem]

The guys are right,I`ve a AMD approved 300w PSU,& Geforce2 MX card working great with my Via chipset board anyway ,the top things are Good ram,PSU, & use a AMD recommended heatsink/fan you should then be able to have a good stable rig,I also recommend clean install of OS,you may not need to do this but it can help.

I forgot to say get a good motherboard as well

 

[dcdomain]

I fortunately have had great experiences with generic memory. Currently using 2x 256mb PC133 Zeus Component chips on my MSi mobo... no problems so far.

 

[boldy]

Thanks everyone, so therefore good memory and power supply, for memory, what do you all think about Kingston PC-133 ram? as for the mobo, what among these are the best for stability? (From my local store).

Abit KT133 /Raid 100
Aopen AK73
Gigabyte 7ZM
Gigabyte 7ZX-1
Gigabyte 7ZR
MSI-6340M
MSI-K7T Pro 2A
MSI-K7T Master

or are there better ones that you can tell me. Thanks.
I forgot to ask, is it really alright to just the standard fan that come with the AMD cpu?

 

[Mem]

Definetly the MSI K7T PR02-A.If the AMD cpu is retail that comes with Heatsink/fan it will be fine.Another good board is the MSI K7T PRO,it does not have ATA-100 support or overclocking features,btw I use one & it`s rock solid & will save you some money.

 

[NesuD]

Ignore G14. Anyone that starts telling you to update motherboard bios and videocard bios when the system isn't built yet needs his freakin head examined. Whoa!! i just saw what his system was forget what i said about head examined he actually needs a Labotomy. Good memory and P.S. are key the msi k7t pro2a is flat out the most stable board out there. You can't go wrong with it unlike the crashing gateway p4 systems. The instability of Gateways p4's comes straight from techs at the local country store.

 

[boldy]

Thank you so much everyone. I think i will go build my AMD system in 2 weeks time. Thanks again for setting the record straight for me.