Thorton v. TBred in MSI KM2M Combo-L

[tcsenter]

I have the MSI KM2M Combo-L and it supports all 200/266FSB AthlonXP Desktop processors up to 2600+, except those based on Thorton.

I contacted MSI to ask why this board wouldn't be able to support these 266FSB Desktop processors and politely (please and thank you) asked to update the BIOS for Thorton support. Here is the response I received:

These processors are not supported due to the board design. If you need Thorton Core support, please use other models."

Can anyone think of a technical reason why this mainboard would not be able to support the Desktop AthlonXP based on Thorton core (in 266FSB)?

I couldn't think of one, and neither could an AMD support technician I talked with. At least MSI replied quickly, it took less than 12 hours to receive a reply from a real live person.

<rant>

I hate it when companies do that. I could understand if we were talking about processors that consume MORE power and run at HIGHER operating frequencies than were planned when the board was designed. Its not like I'm asking them to support a board that was end-of-life two years ago. Its in MSI's current model line-up!

But what I resent most of all is insulting my intelligence. Just come out and tell me straight up "Hi, we aren't adding support for this model because we are too lazy and we want you to buy a new mainboard. SUCKER!" instead of trying to blow smoke up my ass.

</rant>

<begging>

Would anyone care to put in an online Tech Support request to MSI asking - politely - to add Thorton BIOS support (even if you don't own this board)? This kind of thing is usually about demand; if one or two people ask for it, they are ignored. But if one or two hundred people ask for it, then it becomes more difficult to ignore.

</begging>

 

[Gamingphreek]

Well a thorton is essentially a barton with on of the L bridges disconnected. So it will probably support it. But if you plan on using the ol pencil trick than it might not. Also look at the voltages supported by your M/B and make sure it supports the voltage.

-Kevin

 

[tcsenter]

Originally posted by: Gamingphreek
Well a thorton is essentially a barton with on of the L bridges disconnected. So it will probably support it. But if you plan on using the ol pencil trick than it might not. Also look at the voltages supported by your M/B and make sure it supports the voltage.

The mainboard is recent production and supports the entire 266FSB Desktop line (including Applebred Durons), except the Thorton.

Voltage isn't an issue as the Model 10 266FSB with 256KB L2 (Thorton) uses the same core voltage as most Durons and several Model 8 XP 266FSB with 256KB L2 (1.60v - 1.65v). There are two 1.5v models but I don't think those are shipping in any substantial numers except perhaps to major OEMs. The VID scheme should be the same as Model 8 XPs.

You may be right that the board could already support them and MSI is only saying it doesn't (for whatever reason), but the only way to know for sure is to purchase one and give it a try. What a hassle, if it should prove not to work.

Not that this is a major deal, there are still plenty of Model 8 XP2000+ ~ XP2400+ in the channel and the prices are essentially the same. Its more the principle of the thing, there is no reason we shouldn't be able to use all current desktop 266FSB XPs.

 

[mechBgon]

Can I suggest using a Thoroughbred-core 2400+ and calling it done? Or get yourself an Asus A7N266-VM/AA used, or a KM400 board. With the A7N266-VM/AA, it will run a Thorton 2400+ as a 1933MHz Athlon until you flash to BIOS 1007 and then you're on your way. The onboard 3D is good enough for UT2003 Demo if you're not too picky about resolution and detail. A bit notchy at times, but playable.

 

[tcsenter]

lol! Thanks for the suggestion.

Like I said, its the principle of the matter. No reason this mainboard can't run Thortons. Its a current mainboard model that is in active support phase. It is marketed to support:

Socket A for AMD® Athlon(tm)/Athlon(tm) XP/Duron(tm) 200/266FSB Processor up to Athlon XP 2600+

Except it only supports some of them. What if a user who doesn't keep up on the latest breaking processor information purchased an "AMD® AthlonXP 2400+ Socket A 266FSB Processor" under the reasonable assumption this was supported by his mainboard, only to discover it isn't?

MSI is thumbing its nose at a paying customer and insulting them by stating the board's design is "not able" to support Thortons when we know that is a gigantic pile of horse dung!

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I always jump on the MSI mainboard bashing wagon when it rolls 'round :evil: I've been burned but hard by them and agree that they suck! :laugh: I have nothin' but love for their vid cards though, usually great overclockers and highly reliable. Just a damned shame the mainboard division isn't as top notch IMHO.

 

[pukemon]

Have you actually tried the processor? It should work. The BIOS should display: "Unknown processor at 2.08GHz" or whatever instead of "AMD AthlonXP 2400+" at boot.

(i dunno what speed an in MHz an xp2400+ actually runs as, i was just using the above numbers as an example)

 

[tcsenter]

Originally posted by: pukemon
Have you actually tried the processor? It should work. The BIOS should display: "Unknown processor at 2.08GHz" or whatever instead of "AMD AthlonXP 2400+" at boot.

From my post above:

You may be right that the board could already support them and MSI is only saying it doesn't (for whatever reason), but the only way to know for sure is to purchase one and give it a try. What a hassle, if it should prove not to work.

I have been over to the MSI Forums, and found a discussion in which someone uploaded what appears to be an internal MSI document in Excel format listing the maximum supported CPU for all MSI Socket A mainboards, and it shows the KM2M Combo-L supporting ("OK") the Thortons with v1.4 BIOS (latest as of today).

Why MSI would refuse to acknowledge this, if it is indeed the case, I have no idea. Its not as though these are Mobile processors that AMD discourages against use in Desktop platforms. These are Desktop processors, and 266FSB Desktop processors at that.