Nvidia chipset 3D issues

[bbdixwork]

I play games to get rid of stress. I try to upgrade my computer system and I can't play games, causing more stress. Seems the problem is I can't play 3d games. They lock up, usually in seconds but I did manage one set up where I could play Alien Versus Predator (latest patch) for about 5 minutes and Unreal Tournament (patch 428) for about 5 minutes. NHL 2000 (also patched with latest patch) is hit or miss. Sometimes I can get through a game, usually not. Here is my current partially functional setup.

Tyan Trinity 400 S1854 motherboard running a Via Appolo Pro 133A chipset, latest BIOS
Intel PIII 800 slot 1 100 MHz FSB
192 RAM (128 PC133, 64 PC100)
Maxtor 30GB Hard Drive 7200
SB Live Value, Liveware 3.0 installed
Hercules Prophet II MX 32 MB 2X/4X Nvidia chipset
Direct X 7.0a

I have checked the web a bit and found there were and quite probably are still some issues with the Via chipset in 3D applications. Are these issues still ongoing or is there a solution I've missed. Additional information is that I have already tried the Hercules drivers, the Nvidia 4 in 1 latest driver version, Detonator 3 drivers, the Via 4.20 and 4.24 drivers for the motherboard. I've also tried monkeying with the AGP aperture size as recommended somewhere on the net. Basically what it's coming down to is that I'm seriously considering dumping the Via chipset by getting a non-via motherboard. Any information/experience/suggestions you might have would be appreciated.

 

[Ben]

...or get a non NVidia video card.

 

[(Chanse)]

I want to support as many companies as possible, but the via chipset is nothing but trouble. I kept telling myself it was good, than finally gave up and ordered a P3B-F. so Ben, do non nvidia cards work fine in via boards. I still have my Va6, and am able to get my hands on a voodoo3 3000 AGP. would i encounter the same problems on that board as with a tnt2?

 

[Mem]

bbdixwork sorry to hear about your problem with games btw I also have a Via board(AMD processor with MSI K7T PRO)& am using a Geforce2 MX card,so far every game runs fine just installed Wizards & Warriors(new RPG game) & everything I run is 100% stable ,are you using latest drivers(Nvidia 6.31) & disable fastwrites in Bios.Also try changing ram speed setting to slower like 8/10ns speed,this may improve stability are you using CAS2 ram?Btw for the record I`ve AGP 4X enabled & using CAS2 ram setting ,& can confirm rock solid stability between my MSI K7T PRO & Geforce2 MX card.I see you are using different ram, take one out see if that improves stability.

 

[Vrangel]

bbdixwork

you need 300wt PSU thats all. I have S1854 and GeForce DDR.
Had lockups with 250wt PSU, upgraded and stable ever since.

Other tips: use BIOS 1.00(best but requires tweaking) or 1.07 ,
use AGP2X (4X has no benefit anyway).
Also check for IRQ sharing and eliminate what you can .

I overclock CPU, memory , videocard and it never crashes.
Excellent value mobo IMO.