MSI KT3 board issues

[rondeemc]

Just wanted to post some comments on this board. Received it yesterday and installed today. All of the hardware and software is XP approved running the most current drivers. Memory is the Corsair Ultra 333 cas 2 running at cas 2.5 (two 512 sticks). Having all sorts of issues with XP. Everytime (and I mean everytime) I install an app it freezes at the end of the install requiring a reboot. I am running xp professional. Installed windows updates first with a basic install (no sound, no nic, etc) and after it was done did the via drivers. Also locks up when it goes into power savings mode.


peripherials
120gig western digital special addition
40x12x48 LiteON
16x DVD LiteON
MSI Geforce 2 Titanium(waiting on prices to drop on the Geforce4)
Linksys NIC


I have never had a major problem with an MSI board before and this is the fifth model I have used. Probably just needs a bios update but not worth the headaches.

 

[Soldat]

interesting comments....i've been looking hard at this board but maybe i'll wait for more info

 

[rondeemc]

I can't rule out XP as the culprit either. It was rare for me not to be able to recover from a lockup with ctrl-alt-del with w2k but I am amazed that xp has yet to been able to recover once. Can't imagine a corporate install of it at this time.

I have a k7t266 pro2 and I was mistaken to think it was just a chip set swap. They changed a few things. The new board (nonraid) has two less usb ports but does have an additional fan header if you want to add a chipset fan. Supposed to have 6channel sound although the bracket was not included (box implies it should have been). It does support a fsb of 333 so if AMD does decided to produce that flavor you won't have to buy a new board. There is a place to connect a bluetooth device also.

 

[rondeemc]

I gave up on XP altogether. I redid a second install after wiping the drive, started swapping out memory, different nvidia driver releases, etc. The system was never stable. Installed w2k and everything is fine. To date I have only done a few installs of XP for friends and a single test at home and so far I am not impressed. You have to deal with the annoying windows messenger issue, and all of the add on patches make it a pain.

 

[GetInMyFatBelly]

I think it's the VIA drivers, I have had 2 systems in the last couple weeks that started doing screwy stuff just after I installed the 4 in 1 37(a) drivers. Try a reinstall without them and see...

 

[InsaneMorphius]

I too had problems with XP Pro,

My problem was the darned VIA 4in1 drivers, just used the ones in XP and all was peachy.

 

[montego]

<< just used the ones in XP and all was peachy. >>



I'll 2nd that thought, just stick with the XP ones & your Epox board should be happy.

And I just rename c:\program files\messenger to c:\program files\messeng & thats my LAZY way of getting rid of messenger.

 

[rondeemc]

Hadn't considered that. So what is different with XP that you don't need to load the 4in1 drivers (problems aside of course)

 

[montego]

XP installs the Via 4.1s for you when you install the OS.

The XP 4.1s are the most stable & trouble free 4.1s Ive ever used.

In other words, just install WinXP & forget about 4.1s and any AGP drivers cuz XP will have already done all that for you by the time your WinXp installation hits the desktop.

I know its hard to believe, but its true.

Just install WinXp & pretend you already installed the latest 4.1s, you'll be glad you did.