KT266A vs SIS748

[KrillBee]

I have 2 computer systems, both using athlon 1700+ cpus, and one uses a Via kt266a chipset board, while another uses a SIS748 chipset board.

I am going to sell one of my computer systems, but I want to make sure I keep whichever system has the better board in it, so I'm trying to decide which of these 2 boards is better.

I realize the SIS748 board supports higher cpu/bus speeds (400 mhz fsb), but I probably wont upgrade the cpu in this machine. The SIS748 board might perform better, since it was newer?
However, the VIA chipset may have better drivers and compatibility with drivers in other operating systems, since it was a more popular board?

I'm trying to figure out which one to keep. I know this thread may be a long shot, since I'm discussing dated technology. Who knows if anyone remembers.

 

[Peter]

The SiS 748 is one fine chipset. Fast RAM controller, superior north-south link with fast IDE, way more flexibility in FSB/RAM speed ratios than VIA's has.

Driver support at SiS is solid as well. So although there's nothing inherently wrong with the VIA KT266A either, I'd go with the SiS, just for it being a much later and somewhat better featured chipset.

Before you sell them off, do inspect the capacitors on the boards for bulging or leaks.

 

[KrillBee]

capacitors seem to be fine on both boards. I think having the SiS 748 around might make more sense since its a newer chipset. I hope Vista has USB 2.0 drivers for it by default.
the SiS board is a Gigabyte, and my kt266a board is an Epox.

 

[Stumps]

I believe that your SIS748 board is a GA-7S748, they are a very good board, especially when paired with a high end Barton...the KT266A is much older and while it wasn't a bad chipset fot the time, it is considerably outdated compared to the SIS748

 

[KrillBee]

Originally posted by: Stumps
I believe that your SIS748 board is a GA-7S748, they are a very good board, especially when paired with a high end Barton...the KT266A is much older and while it wasn't a bad chipset fot the time, it is considerably outdated compared to the SIS748

yep thats the one.

Whatever happened to VIA? Back in the day they were really popular and then they phased out. are their modern chipsets any good? How about SiS, how are they doing today?

It sounds like Nforce has kinda taken over the market.

 

[dandragonrage]

KT266A is a piece of crap.

 

[Megatomic]

I had a great KT266A board, the top MSI board from that generation. The only Via chipset that beat it IMHO was the KT333. But I agree with the others, the SiS chipset is newer and that board should serve you better in the future.