My main system is a K7T266 Pro2-RU 3

[gargouille]

My main system has a K7T266 Pro2-RU motherboard (MS-6380 ver 2.0)...it's been down for some time but I'm at last getting pieces/parts in-hand to get it back together.

Long story short:
I got a replacement motherboard and put it back together with the XP1700+ CPU it originally was built with and the CPU quit.
Tired of waiting for AMD to decide replaceability/warranty I decide to just purchase another and put it in...
It arrived today and seems to be the right CPU...BUT it's a Model 8.
I understand the Model 8 release marks the demarcation line of the .18 to .13 micron technology...and that other than the Thermal Power factor difference is the identical spec.

Having forwarded compatibility question to MSI...(and receiving a place at the end of the line...)

Is it compatible with the motherboard...maybe a BIOS flash?

Cursory trips to various mfr. support info and forums have not given me the go ahead...and til I'm sure it'll work correctly I'm holding off.
Unfortunately, the strain on my time has hampered my ability to go in 4 directions at once...believe me, I've been trying to...LOL

Any enlightenment would be appreciated.

 

[Snickle]

AMD recommended boards:

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,30_182_869_4348^4378|115_1_XP,00.html

Yours is on the list, this is the ECN note:
Notes for: K7T266 Pro2
(MS-6380)
ECN: RD(F)20011023030 required.
For information or questions regarding ECNs please contact the motherboard vendor.

Here's where the technical documents are:

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/DevelopWithAMD/0,,30_2252_739_3748,00.html

The list on the first link only shows the 1700+/1800+ Model 6 CPU with that board. It could mean just that was when they were changing to the Model 8 and didn't have the board approved for that CPU, hard to tell by what is there.

 

[gargouille]

That's about as far as I had gotten to understanding it...but hadn't uncovered the tech info link you've provided.
And must confess I hadn't picked up on the "contacting the vendor" part. (note to self: use both eyes at the same time to maintain focus)
A thousand thanks, berton!

 

[Snickle]

The MSI site for the board [looks like a good one]:

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_detail.php?UID=386&MODEL=MS-6593

I note that it doesn't distinguish between the 2 CPUs.

 

[paparazi]

gargouille, looks like your motherboard supports ALL current XP's including the new Barton? 0.13 core up and including the 2.7+ XP and beyond perhaps.

http://www.msi.com.tw/

Martin Please let members know if there advice has helped any.

 

[gargouille]

Funny the way your name wound up in the link...thanks, Martin, for the link...
Actually, was sorta' "gettin' my skirt over my head" with the pressure...now that I've gotten some perspective I searched correctly and got some more info and am a little more confident I'm on the correct course.

 

[paparazi]

gargouille, I have this board in my machine also but with an XP2.1+ .
I rate it pretty high, keep contemplating a KT400 motherboard but know that there isn't much to be gained from going KT266a-KT400.
I used a new KT4 Ultra SR in a build a couple of weeks ago, also 2.1XP but with PC2700 and this has re-affirmed my opinion that it just isn't worth the expense to go KT400, I did some benchmarks and the differances were minimal.
Guess I'll wait for the KT400a!
Do like the idea of all the extra's though, 8X AGP, USB2 etc etc. Martin Please let members know if there advice has helped any.

 

[paparazi]

OH!!! and congrats by the way, "Tip Master of the week"
Well Done. Please let members know if there advice has helped any.

 

[gargouille]

I used a KT3 Ultra2-ARU last month for a new system and was very impressed with how easy to set up and how far advanced it was, (compared to mine)...and left me covetous of having one.We opted out of the faster RAM on that system...
didn't seem worth it.

The customer didn't want RAID, so I just used the RAID connectors for his 2 hard drives...freeing up the other 2 connects for separate cables for CD/DVDROM and CDRW.
Sweet! (increases boot time, but customer feels it's worth it...)

Starting next week on a system with KT3 Ultra2 very similar in setup...starting now to order components.

So, with Christmas coming, maybe I'll just sell my system and base another on one of the newer boards.

Once I get mine going again I have another WD1000JB to setup RAID...and am getting lined up on what setup I want to wind up with.

 

[gargouille]

tenjewberry much...but I'm humbled by the company I find here!
I was just very busy posting...but now work is more filling the time.
Not a reason to complain, for sure.

 

[paparazi]

Just seems like Via are dragging there heals a bit, not on features as I said but there isn't the expected leap in performance that I've been used to with other Via product changes.
It rings a few bells, rather like the KT266 a couple of years back which was generally regarded as an under achiever.
I am hoping Via either bring out a silent revision of the KT400 chipset (without model change) or make a considerable leaf in the performance stakes with an "a" update.
I understand than Nvidia have now taken the Socket A performance crown away from Via with there new Nforce2.
Come on Via! what U playing at? Martin Please let members know if there advice has helped any.

 

[gargouille]

Just an updated thanks for the correct assurances from berton and paparazi that the processor would be okay to use.
Just got a call from MSI support saying it was indeed tickety-boo!

 

[Snickle]

You're welcome, glad to help.

 

[gargouille]

Post/post script:

This mainboard (K7T266 Pro2-RU) WILL NOT take a Model 8 XP1800+ processor...when I put the CPU in a new KT3 Ultra I'm building...it took off like a champ.
In the older board it stopped cold with 4 red LEDs (supposed diagnoses: bad CPU)
So much for kids with crackly voices who answer the phones and act like engineers. ("Yah, it SHOULD take it!" and the 2nd more firmly, "I think that processor will work with that board.&quot
NOT!