My Impression of The AT7.. Updated: 212 FSB!

[Technonut]

Damn sweet mobo!

I thought I would give it a spin, and am glad that I swapped out my KG7-R for it.

I setup using the following:

1800+ MP (gotta love it being factory unlocked )
2x 256MB Corsair XMS PC2700
2 40GB Maxtor D740X ATA133 HDs (RAID)
1 40GB Maxtor DM+40
64MB retail Radeon 8500
16X Pioneer slot loader DVD
Plextor 24/10/40A
WinXP Pro

I used DIMM slots 1&2 for the Corsair, which worked well for me. Installation was painless, and I was quickly into the BIOS tweaking away after the RAID was setup. I installed XP Pro at a FSB of 180/aggressive memory timings, and was quite pleased. The multiplier is at 9.5. WCPUID reports 1718.28 MHz/180.87 FSB.

The board is very stable, and has held up well under my usual 999 frag limit test as spectator in UT with Prime95 running. I chose to try the onboard sound... while not quite as good as the Acoustic Edge I am used to, surprised me with decent quality.

Here are some quick benches:

Sandra CPU: 4750/2379
Sandra MM: 9328/10937
Sandra Mem: 2661/2499

PCMark 2002

CPU: 5258
Mem: 4300
HDD: 1207

I am interested in benches and impressions of the AT7 from other forum members that have one and care to reply.

Update: I set the Corsair from CAS2 to 2.5, and increased the FSB to 200 /8.5 multiplier/1707.28MHz. I ran my UT/Prime95 test overnight, and it was still fragging away this morning. The Sandra memory bench is at a very nice 2969/2698. I wonder what the AT7 would do with a Vcore mod... HMMMMMM...

For the Q3A Benchmark crowd:


--------------------- Q3Bench RESULTS ---------------------

FILE: q3b_061302_071116.txt
START TIME: Thursday, June 13, 2002 07:11:16 AM
COMMENT: AT7 200FSB

BENCHMARK SETUP:
----------------
DEMO: DEMO002
CFG FILES RUN: Normal High Maximum
RESOLUTIONS RUN: 640x480 800x600 1024x768 1280x1024
NUMBER OF RUNS: 3 times.


NORMAL Configuration File Settings:
(640x480) 245.1, 245.3, 245.5, AVERAGE FPS: 245.30
(800x600) 241.5, 243.1, 242.9, AVERAGE FPS: 242.50
(1024x768) 232.6, 232.6, 232.6, AVERAGE FPS: 232.60
(1280x1024) 181.1, 182.1, 182.0, AVERAGE FPS: 181.73

HIGH Configuration File Settings:
(640x480) 240.8, 240.8, 240.8, AVERAGE FPS: 240.80
(800x600) 236.0, 236.0, 235.9, AVERAGE FPS: 235.97
(1024x768) 204.1, 204.0, 204.0, AVERAGE FPS: 204.03
(1280x1024) 143.1, 143.1, 143.1, AVERAGE FPS: 143.10

MAX Configuration File Settings:
(640x480) 233.2, 233.0, 232.9, AVERAGE FPS: 233.03
(800x600) 228.6, 228.3, 228.5, AVERAGE FPS: 228.47
(1024x768) 198.9, 198.8, 198.8, AVERAGE FPS: 198.83
(1280x1024) 140.1, 140.1, 140.1, AVERAGE FPS: 140.10

 

[Technonut]

I had an issue with BIOS corruption with the AT7 while trying to push the FSB higher than 200. It may have been caused by multiple resets/surge...etc. Anyhow, I was foolish by not installing my BIOS Savior from the get go. I did manage to get the board back up and running though. Just to share this info I did this: (must have another system running of course )

Downloaded the latest AT7 BIOS and awdflash

Downloaded Caldera DR-DOS 7.03 .

I then put these on a floppy, and edited the autoexec.bat file to:

@echo off
cls
AWDFLASH.EXE AT7_8V.bin /py /sn /cd /cp /cc /r

I stuck the floppy in the AT7 system, crossed my fingers, and hit the switch. WHEW! it worked! The BIOS flashed and was restored. I have my BIOS Savior installed now with a backup just in case.

 

[SP33Demon]

Technonut,

Awesome post about the AT7. I'm thinking about buying this, but am going to wait for a bit until another BIOS update is released.

Quick question:

1800+ MP (gotta love it being factory unlocked )

This board can support MP's? Are all of the MP's unlocked?

Also, what kind of video card are you using? Thanks,

Rob

 

[Technonut]

This board can support MP's? Are all of the MP's unlocked?

Yes, my 1800+ MP runs great in this board. To the best of my knowledge all MPs are unlocked. (I have had a few )

Also, what kind of video card are you using?

Retail 64MB Radeon 8500

I am still very pleased with the AT7. I think it will be in my main box for awhile.

 

[Technonut]

Update: The AT7 impresses me more and more. I currently have been running an FSB of 212 (424 MHz DDR) rock solid. :Q

Sandra Pro SP1 memory bench is at 3166/2841 showing a bandwidth efficiency of 93%.

My thanks to THUGSROOK for pointing out that my previous memory bench of 3086/2765 was on the low side in his thread.

 

[SP33Demon]

Wow technonut,

Nice results. I'm hoping to get one of these badboys soon....

 

[mechBgon]

Niiice!

 

[vital]

hey my AT7 didn't come w/ the Media XP box...did yours?
the review seems to have it...

 

[Technonut]

hey my AT7 didn't come w/ the Media XP box...did yours?

No, mine did not come with it either. I still like the AT7...But I am looking forward to the AT72 KT400 board that should be out very soon.