MSI Ultra 845 AR

[ScarFaceL4]

I just replaced an Asus P4B266-C with this board, I am expecting a little bit of criticism but I wanted to try something different. This is also the board that people on overclockers.com hit the highest speeds with. Any input on this board would be great + or -

 

[dejansen]

I just built six more systems for the office using the ARU version of this board after building a system 3 months back with the AR version. Stable as a rock. I don't overclock much so I can't help you there.

By the way, I read in one review that the chipset fan on the Northbridge is unnecessary and most 845 boards don't bother with such a fan. I'd like to unplug it because those things wear out before anything else but I'd like some confirmation instead of unplugging it and then checking and rechecking temps.

Thanks!
David

 

[ScarFaceL4]

As far as the mobo chipset goes I don't believe that you should have any problems with the temp especially if they are work pc's

 

[BlvdKing]

I just got this board today and I like it alot. It has so many features. One problem I am having though is the board seriously undervolts the CPU (1.6A). MBM 5.1 shows that when the BIOS setting is at 1.5 volts (default), the CPU is at 1.42 -1.45 volts. The CPU was unstable at 2.13 GHz using this setting. When I upped the voltage in the BIOS to 1.55 volts, MBM 5.1 shows 1.45 - 1.5 volts. I am pretty sure that MBM is right because I get the same result when I look at the voltages in the BIOS. Does anyone else have this problem?

 

[308nato]

Yeah, they all seem to undervolt. I am very happy with this board. I have been running at 140fsb for over 2 months without a hiccup. It is fast and VERY stable. Vcore set to 1.65 is 1.57 actual. If I did the wire trick I know it would go much higher but I am fine with it just like it is. For now.

 

[nealh]

these MSI 845 Ultra AR/ARU look like real nice boards...alot features at an excellent price..I love my MSI 6163Pro...bx mobo..I have had for over 2 1/2 yrs without a hitch..overclocked at pii450@630 and now piii700@945

what do you gus think about the newer epox mobos...

I just can not see paying such a high price for an Abit or Asus mobo

 

[BlvdKing]

I had to return my first MSI 845 Ultra ARU this morning. I rebooted and got a no post. Fan would spin up and the hard drive light would come on and then nothing. I returned it and got another one. The second board undervolts the CPU too! I have to set the Vcore to 1.575 just to get a stable 1.5 volts while running. Other than that the board is running nice and stable. I flashed to the latest BIOS and now the temps are displaying correctly. This CPU is hotter than I thought... With a retail HS/Fan I'm getting 50 idle/55 load with ambient temp at 40 C. The CPU is at 2.132 GHz.

I hope this second board lasts...

 

[ScarFaceL4]

Yeah, they all seem to undervolt

I have the same problem. I have the Vcore set to 1.55 and the PC Alert 3 shows 1.49. Works great though

 

[BlvdKing]

I think the Live BIOS update killed my first board. Updating from floppy worked on the second. Beware the Live Update!!!