MSI K7T Turbo - New Build - Need Help!

[xroyal]

All hardware hooked, recognized and running fine, no conflicts in Device Manager for several days. Did fresh install of 98SE and Via 4in1. All seemed great. Intel modem wouldn't work, so just got USR hardware from Newegg today. (Rig been off a couple of days) Before modem can install, Windows starts asking for PCI Serial Controller, obviously a big yellow ? mark. I have tried repeatedly to reinstall this item using MSI install disc and 98SE disc, no luck. When I go into System Information, there sits the PCI Serial Controller on IRQ 10? Why doesn't it function?


Went into the bios and removed serial and USB ports hoping freeing those IRQs would help. No luck.

Before I trash what is otherwise a good install, would greatly appreciate any ideas to put this ship back on the water. Thanks!

 

[Buz2b]

Just a shot in the dark, did you uninstall the drivers for the Intel modem that you tried to install? Possibly it is confusing those with the new modem and getting the conflict. Do you have anything in Device Mgr under "modem"? Under what catagory is the yellow question mark showing up in Device Mgr? Let me know and I can compare things with my wife's MSI K7T Turbo 2. She's running XP, but maybe we can get a hint. I still suspect the aborted modem install though.

 

[xroyal]

Buz: Thanks for fast response. Wish it was so simple about the prior Intel modem. It had been totally removed before I plugged in the USR. Should the USR set-up without the driver for the PCI Serial Controller installed (remember, used to be and disapeared)? Given my above failure, what is the source for this driver (Controller)?

The yellow ? on above Controller is on Other Devices category, which is between Network Adaptors and Ports catagories.

Can't do rapid fire Q&A as well because I'm, sharing monitor, keyboard and mouse with both systems.

 

[xroyal]

P.S. I'm using Via 4.28 drivers from MB disc. (Someone told me above 4.32 would be negative.) After removing "on-chip modem" in bios, I removed and re-installed the USR modem. The only thing Windows found was the PCI Serial Controller (again), for which I can't find a driver (let alone I'm not sure if its integral to setting up modem).
Got to go out for a bit, and will check in the AM to see if any new ideas. Thanks.

 

[Iron Woode]

your problem is caused by your modem.

Here's what I would do.

1. Go into the properties of the PCI Serial Controller. Then update the drivers by pointing it to those drivers for your USR modem. The reason you get that device is because windows was unable to properly identify your modem.

2. Try here for more info on this. microsoft

Remember this has nothing to do with USB.

 

[Buz2b]

Looks like my "guess" was correct and I think Iron Woode has hit the nail on the head. Should take care of the problem.

 

[Iron Woode]

Thanks Buz2b!!!


I have seen this issue so often that it doesn't even worry me in the least.

 

[Buz2b]

Iron Woode:
It was an excellent call on your part and the link was right on the spot. I have saved it for future reference myself.

 

[xroyal]

Iron Woode: THANK YOU for ending my pain with that simple (if you know it) fix! Buz, thanks for asking the right questions leading to same!


Now how about the common problem of the memory recounting at start-up (never had it before, and can't remember the fix) - bios adjustment? Know about hitting Esc to stop, but would rather have right.

Edit: Fixed mem counting by setting Quick Power On Test Enabled in bios.

Buz: Have you o/ced your wife's MSI, or maybe that's off limits? If yes (o/c), which method?

 

[Buz2b]

<< Buz: Have you o/ced your wife's MSI >>

Just a bit. I just adjusted the FSB up a bit, nothing special. She is running a 900 MHz Duron. I had it up to 1 GB for a bit but dropped it down to 950 +/-. There was some corruption in Windows at 1 gig but I'm not convinced it was the overclocking. She had an older Hard Drive go bad around that time also and I think that was the cause. I have not taken it back up again. I want to leave it run for a couple of months first. I just built it a few weeks ago. Temps are really good on hers so I'm sure I can squeeze quite a bit more out of it.

BTW, did you buy that board retail? I got hers via a refurb deal on NewEgg. I downloaded the manual and saw something about "Fuzzy Logic III" mentioned. Did you get that with a CD or something. I didn't see it on their site for download and was wondering how it worked. I usually just use the BIOS for any overclocking but would loved to have tried it.

 

[xroyal]

Buz: Fun to share this. I just got the Mb off Ebay for $36 with all new cables (including 2 sets of extra USB cables), manual and CD. Yes Fuzzy Logic is on CD, and thought I saw a a D/L from MSI available. Have read where folks have had auto gains of up to 400MHZ using FLogic, but others say since it's principally FSB o/c, better to do by multiplier/linking L1 bridges. Bear in mind, this is basically my first day on the MB, so I have a lot to learn. Also, I just graduated from Socket 7 (tho I'll keep my back-up 7 rig), and these are all new toys for me, especially the bios o/c. Won't missing dragging the old full tower out for each experiment.

Have 950 Duron (maybe not for long the way prices are falling) and Crucial PC133 CAS2. My adjustments so far include running memory asynch at 100/133, CAS2 and I set FSB in bios at 105, so 1000MHZ no problem for openers. Bios CPU temp @40C. Going slowly and carefully - don't want to take the fun out of it the first day.

Tho there seem to be many detractors (always are), many users love the Live Bios feature, and want to study that.

I'm delighted with my new rig, and hope to use it straight thru XP and Tbred chips (prices allowing later). Believe bios 2.7 allows XPs.

Thanks again for helping me get "on the air", and looking forward to hearing about any MSI experiments you do!

P.S. While I know it's only a very general test (am I'm not a benchmarker), PC Pitstop just gave me excellent marks - including "a very fast computer". I'll take that for the first day out, especially as this isn't just a new build - it's my FIRST build.

 

[Iron Woode]

Thought I would add my $.02 in because I use that same MB.

1. The new CPUidle works great to lower temps on that board. Its my main board.

2. I couldn't stand that LiveBios stuff. Just flash the old fashioned way.

3. Newer Duron using the Morgon core really like the async mem bus.

4. 3.2 is the latest BIOS out there.

5. some report that the Turbo2 Bios works on the Turbo1 board.

I bought mine new when it first came out. So I have been in it for the long haul and must say this board is totally awesome for what it is.

 

[xroyal]

Iron Woode: Well your 2cents is worth a lot in my book after the grief you saved me from. Reloading my software would doubtless have been a waste of time, given that problem. Thanks again! Happy to hear such an experienced user of this MB is about.

Thanks as well for the CPUidle tip. The Duron 950@1000 has varied today from 37>low 40sC (from bios). I also keep an indoor/outdoor temp probe at the base of the HS to give me a ready digital readout at the base of my monitor. Probably unnecessary holdover from K6 rig, but extra warning if CPU is heating up. Have it set in bios to shutdown at min of 70C, but don't know how reliable that might be (hope I don't need to find out).

My Spitfire Duron seems to get along with the 100/133 fine, but know Morgan is better all round.

I have the 3.1 bios, and understand one needs 2.7 and up for the Morgan and XP.

Which model Turbo do you have (mine is plain Jane Turbo)? Have you ventured into Morgan or XPs?

 

[CraigRT]

<< I bought mine new when it first came out. So I have been in it for the long haul and must say this board is totally awesome for what it is >>



I couldn't agree more.. I have a K7T Turbo LE and I have to say, it's probably the best board I've ever owned. We'll see how the Soltek works in the long run.. (I have a feeling it will be good!!) but so far, overall the K7T impressed me more than any other mobo I've had. Very good product!

 

[Buz2b]

For the short time my wife's K7Turbo2 has been up and running I would also say I've been pretty impressed. With only a Duron 900 (slightly overclocked), it has more than enough speed for her. Compared to the older Celron running @ 578 MHz, she is flying now! The difference is like night and day. She is thrilled and when she's happy; I'm happy!

 

[xroyal]

Yield & Buzz: It's really refreshing to hear from experienced users that are happy w/the MB. With all the upgrading going on (not to mention stability of the MB), was afraid I might end up on my own. Despite lower benchmarking, after the hit the Pro 2 A made in Anandtech review, figured Turbo was a good bet. I'm retired on a fixed income, so living behind the cutting edge is a reality, especially with sailboats as another hobby. Maybe hokey to some, but I think the LEDs are neat and user friendly.

Yield: Note you have an ATI Xpert 128 in one rig. I just picked up PCI model on sale for $23 (became obvious person returned it because he hadn't opened/installed drivers). Scrolling is fast with the Page keys, but a little jerky with mouse. Do you know of any adjustment (I'm using fairly current 7/4/01 driver according to ATi website)?

 

[Iron Woode]

<<Which model Turbo do you have (mine is plain Jane Turbo)? Have you ventured into Morgan or XPs? >>


I run the MSI K7T Turbo model #6330. Not the LE or the Turbo2.

I ran a Duron 1000 and now run a Tbirb 1.333. BIOS 3.1

I liked the Duron for its power and price. Really nice cpu and not too hot under full load. XPs should work great too.

LEDs are neat too.

CPUidle interfers with sound on the VIA boards, so I just disable it when I want to listen to music.

 

[xroyal]

Iron Woode: Thanks.

Notice much "real world" difference in 1 gig Duron and 1.3 Tbird? (Perhaps you run apps that need the cache.) Do you overclock, or just enjoy the stability? I'm noticing more guys de-emphasizing o/c in favor of faster default speeds.

Basic question re sound cards vs integrated: Would disabling onboard sound and using a card unburden CPU noticeably? Probably silly question, but I have decent (for me) Yamaha card I can use if it yields an advantage.

 

[Buz2b]

<< Would disabling onboard sound and using a card unburden CPU noticeably >>

In "standard", office-type applications; no. Most likely there would be no noticable difference. Yes, it would free up a couple of cpu cycles here and there but the only area you might notice would be in some gaming apps. The difference there might just be better sound with less chance of getting "choppy" at times as onboard sound is sometimes prone to do at times. Speed-wise, it would be impossible to "notice" the difference though.

Yes, overclocking is "fun" and can allow for some speed increases, but as long as the prices for cpu's stay fairly low the need for it diminishes greatly. Used to be almost a necessity, like with my wife's old celeron (a 366 running at 578 or 605 MHz). Then you saved some bucks and got a significant increase. Now, with just a few dollars separating each level of speed you can simply buy what you want and not worry about the stability and/or heat; not to mention the price of all the extra "goodies" for overclocking, like extra fans, fan grills, copper heatsinks, high tech conductive paste, power adaptors for the fans and cutting disks for the dremel. By the time you add up the extra cost it makes more sense to just buy the faster processor. Now, that being said, I still overclock my cpu. I have a 1.33 running @ 1.45 GHz. But when I bought it, that cpu was pretty much the "latest and greatest". Getting a bit more out of it was a real "bonus". I also have a box full of fans, a half used tube of ASII, a drawer full of power adaptors and fan grills, etc. My extra investment in overclocking has for the most part been done (don't tell my wife though).
Oops! Must be careful. We're getting a little OT here. Good Luck with the rig.

 

[xroyal]

Buz: Thanks. As I guessed about the sound card. I sure have enjoyed a good taste of o/c on K6 rigs, and sharing the fun. You're right, defeating the temps has become an expensive challenge. I too am becoming amazed at the old gear piling up around here.

 

[Iron Woode]

I use a SB Live!5.1 instead of the on board stuff.

Also I prefer the stability of not overclocking. However I find the challenge of keeping the temps as low as possible just as much fun as overclocking. One thing is for sure: use Arctic Silver 2 or newer for best results. And get a good HSF too.

Personally I like the Duron. The 1.333TB is faster, but the Duron is no slouch either. Those on a budget will be happy with the new Durons.

 

[xroyal]

Iron Woode: Thanks.

When honesty prevails, have to say that for what I do now, the Duron 950@1000 is not all that much faster feeling than my K6 III 400@448 (112FSB, CAS2 Turbo). I was getting 53.1 in CPUmark99 w/K6 and now have 80.5 w/Duron (expected higher). However, that's about a 50% increase for under $100 net cost for all new gear. Of course, the newer MB gives me much greater upside potential.

The 266 1.3 is attractive, but the XP1600 running cooler sparks my interest more. Think I'll finally turn my interest to a burner while CPU prices fall.

This room gets pretty hot in the summer, so I'm going to be very careful about temps too. I too get a challenge increasing airflow and reducing temps. My cables/wires are pretty neatly bundled, and I have a 80mm exhausting near the HS&F.

Probably unnecessary given my total stability now, but think I'll put a fan on the chipset before I button up the case.

Thanks so much for sharing my maiden voyage with the Turbo!

 

[Buz2b]

<< think I'll put a fan on the chipset >>

Just my .02 cents worth but I get the most benefit from putting an 80 or 120 mm blow hole fan in the side of the case that blows directly on the CPU/Video card area. Not hard to do with a dremel and can benefit greatly in a hot room. As long as you already have an 80mm exhaust in that area (rear of the area anyway), this would be a good match for it.

 

[xroyal]

Thanks Buz. Heard about that, and it makes sense. Just happen to have a dremel.

I have another neat 80mm fan I might use for that I got in a sightly unusual way. Couldn't find a decent way to get rid of the old, heavy full AT tower. I finally hauled it to a junkyard, but not before I removed the good fan I had put in the PS last year, not to mention all the PS cables w/fittings, etc.

Now it's time for Masters golf!

 

[Iron Woode]

A good idea is to pack that system with as much ram as you can afford. This really improves performance. Beware of a minor win98 issue involving ram over 512megs. If you will be running winXP you will be very happy with that board's performance, granted its not in KT266a's league but still very good.

I would think that going from a 950 duron to a 1000 duron would show little gain, but going to say a 1.2 might just be noticable. I originally went from a 700 duron to the 1000 duron and there was a very noticable performance increase.

My old Sisandra scores were quite good when I used the 1000 duron config.

Performance aside, I really like the stability of this board. Sure there are better performing KT133a boards, but most sacrifice stability for speed. Rock solid stability is way more important to me.