New motherboard causing extremely low framerates in 3d games?! 1

[Aaron01281985]

I upgraded from a 1.0 ghz celeron / shuttle av18e mainboard to a 2.0 ghz celeron / ecs p4vxasd2+ mainboard, the rest of the system remained exactly the same:

System specs before and after upgrade:

windows 2000 pro
10 gb 7200rpm hard drive
512 mb pc133 sdram
geforce4 mx 420 agp, 64mb ram

My old motherboard/cpu i had no problems with, my entire system worked fine and i had no complaints. After installing my new 2.0ghz cpu and motherboard, the system started up fine, and i downloaded and installed the latest drivers for the motherboard and chipset. The only problem was that now all of my 3d games had extremetly low framerates! The video performance was extremely poor, with the screen freezing for a second or 2 every now and then. I had none of these problems on the old motherboard, even though the processor was only half as fast! All of my games on the old motherboard run smooth as silk, i have no problems.

Now i will answer some of the suggestions i'm sure to get:

-i have installed all of the latest drivers for ALL of my hardware, and the latest updates for windows, and directx 9

-the AGP setting in the BIOS is set to 4x

-i reinstalled windows and the games, but still had the same problem

-i ran benchmark tests on the processor and it appears to be running at 2.0 ghz

-the problem disappears completely when i switch back to my old mainboard

-i receieve the same problem when i tried using a different hard drive with a different operating system

-i tried loading the "optimal" BIOS settings and also the "failsafe" BIOS settings, and tried tweaking as many BIOS settings as i could, but did not make a difference.

This means the problem HAS to be with the mainboard itself, not the software, or processor, or any of the other hardware components, as the problem disappears when i change back to the old mainboard.

Now, my question is, what the HECK is causing this? A defective AGP slot? defective fsb? defective chipset??? or is it working fine and its just a piece of junk?

If i can't find out how to fix this soon, i'm going to return the whole thing and claim that it is defective, and i'm going to avoid ECS/VIA completely in the future!

 

[franklin97355]

Looks like you've tried most everything. I would send the board back.

 

[Aaron01281985]

Well maybe you could offer a suggestion as to what TYPE/BRAND of processor and/or chipset/mainboard offers the best performance for 3d games? From what i've been seeing from benchmark tests, the athlon xp 2000 would way outperform the celeron 2.0 as far as 3d games go, and for a cheaper price...

 

[Aaron01281985]

I just realized something, that could be another insight into my problem. Earlier I tried running multiple games at the same time, and it seems that when I run multiple resource-hogging games at the same time, using up all the system memory, I get the same type of low performance in the game, with screen freezes, and low frame rates. It is not a problem with my memory because it works fine on the older motherboard, so I am thinking maybe the motherboard is having problems with the memory? I mean it WORKS, and it detects the right amount of RAM but the games play like I am very low on memory, when I have 512 MB which is more than enough for running one 3d game. So the memory works with the ECS motherboard/2.0 ghz processor, but it seems to be performing terribly in the games. So just to point anyone who might have an answer in the right direction, I think this might be a memory problem (not the memory itself, it works great on the other motherboard). I'm still not completely sure though, any guesses are appreciated...

 

[tortois]

many times when changing m/boards,they say to reistall
OS.You installed new drivers,good,delete all old
ones now,theres many places an old driver or
anything left from an old board can hide.registry,etc..
somewhere your OS might think its still using
your old board.

 

[Treeking]

I just did a quick search on the net and found that most all of your problems with that board are not uncommon. In fact, they seem to be the norm! I don't know if there are enough aspirins.....................


"If i can't find out how to fix this soon, i'm going to return the whole thing and claim that it is defective, and i'm going to avoid ECS/VIA completely in the future!"

GREAT IDEA!!!! ASUS mobo + AMD AthlonXP:

http://www.cpusolutions.com/mb/asus_a7v133c.php

This will use your pc133 memory and other parts. You haven't mentioned any CD-ROM, burner or anything, but I would make sure to use an AMD APPROVED power supply(300w or better).

 

[Aaron01281985]

WOW! That Asus motherboard and Athlon XP 2000+ combo looks great! I still can't believe how low the price is on that!

Thank you, i'll probably be getting that soon

 

[attrofy]

I don't know about the Intel side of the ECS board, but I susspect that your particular board supports both DDR and SDRAM (slots for both types). On the AMD ECS board, this posed real problems, it would only run properly with the DDR. I would think this is related to yopur problem.

 

[paparazi]

The Asus A7V133C really wouldn't be a good choice for a gamer who wants maximum frame rates.
This Asus has the aging Via KT133a chipset onboard and has been surpassed several times over by newer and faster Via chipset releases.
We are upto the KT400 as we speak and the KT400a is already being reviewed and soon to be mainstream. In evolutionary terms :KT133a - KT266 - KT266a - KT333 -
KT333C - KT400 - KT400a
OK it's cheap but then it would be, the chipset although very stable and something of a revolution in it's time
(must be 3years old now) will restrict data flow with it's older design.
The Via P4X266a which resides in the ECS motherboard you already have is much newer by comparison.
Fastest P4 platform ATM is the SIS655 chipset equipt motherboards and Intels own Granite Bay
Fastest Athlon XP Socket "A" is Nvidia's Nforce2 and soon to be released Via KT400a.
Martin
Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[Treeking]

As Aaron01281985 has stated earlier, he wants a CHEAP fix. This combo will scream with the pre-existing 512MB/pc133 RAM coupled with the Athlon CPU on that board. You're NOT going to get"MAXIMUM" framerates regardless with a GF4 MX420/64MB. Check his system specs:

windows 2000 pro
10 gb 7200rpm hard drive
512 mb pc133 sdram
geforce4 mx 420 agp, 64mb ram
After all, it is pc133RAM. He's already found out how crappy ECS mobos are. You're not going to buy a more stable board than ASUS.

 

[Aaron01281985]

Well it appears now i'm stuck with my 2.0ghz celeron processor, the place I bought it doesn't return processors...

So now, I HAVE to buy a motherboard that will work with my celeron, its a socket 478, 400mhz fsb, any recommendations for a cheap yet decent quality motherboard for it?

The processor has a 400mhz fsb but as I understand it, the memory will only run at 133mhz, thus slowing the entire fsb down to 133mhz, right? I know i need ddr ram but can't afford it right now - still, for future upgrades, a socket 478/p4 board with a high fsb and support for ddr ram AND sdram, with fan and heatsink included (one that works right unlike this ECS board!) would be good, but i need something inexpensive...Asus seems to be one of the best brands, the only reason i had this ECS board was because it was a mobo/cpu/fan combo at an unbeatable price...

Thanks for your help

 

[Aaron01281985]

Also, does any socket 478 pentium 4 mobo automatically work with a celeron socket 478 as well?

I'm having trouble finding Asus mobo's that support pc133 ram, most of the good ones are ddr-only, might have to go to a different brand, any ideas?

 

[Treeking]

OOOOOOHHHHH, you're making it tough. We only use ASUS, TYAN and INTEL(rarely) mobos because of their dependablity and stability. When outgoing systems have 3 year maintenance and warranty, you can't afford to use anything less. I rooted this up for you, what do you think(D-MN Celeron anyway!):

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...280&manufactory=1315&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1

ASUS P4S533-MX Motherboard for Intel P4 478 DDR Retail
Specifications:
Supported CPU:Socket 478 for Intel Pentium 4/ Celeron
Chipset:SiS 651 + SiS 962L
FSB:533/400 MHz
RAM: 2 x 184-pin DIMM Sockets support max. 2GB PC2700/PC2100/PC1600 non-ECC DDR SDRAM memory
2 x 168-pin DIMM Sockets support max. 2GB PC133/PC100 non-ECC SDRAM memory
IDE:2 x UltraDMA 133/100 / 66 up to 4 Devices
Slots:1x AGP (4X) 3x PCI
Ports:2xPS2,1xLPT,1xVGA,4xUSB,1xLAN, and Audio Ports
Onboard Video: Integrated 3D graphics
Onboard LAN:10/100 Mbps Realtek
Onboard Audio:ADI AD1980 6-channel CODEC
Retail Box (see pics) Model#: P4S533-MX Special Free FedEx Saver Shipping $78.99

 

[Aaron01281985]

yes, that is a nice motherboard, seems to be the ONLY one thats meeting my narrow requirements of celeron AND pc133 memory suppor, i thankyou for finding that, the only problem is i'm looking for something less expensive lol

(Yes i know i'm being too picky here! )

Are there ANY OTHER asus mobo's that support pc133?

I was looking at the older P4B266-C i would like to get this one but some online stores says it supports pc133 and others say it doesn't, so i'm really confused here. I need to know if this motherboard supports pc133 memory, if you can find out for sure that would be a GREAT help, thanks for all your help so far

 

[Aaron01281985]

I was browsing through a hardware/motherboard forum on this one website, and noticed an excessive number of threads posting problems with this ECS pvxasd2 motherboard, take a look at these:

ECS P4VXASD2+ Will not boot OS with 512megs
Can't Flash P4VXASD2+ BIOS: "Chipset/Flash part isn't available..."
ECS P4VXASD2+ Not recognizing 80GB Seagate Hard Drive
problem with p4vxasd2+ and booting up
ECS P4VXASD2+ freeze at turn on please help
ECS P4VXASD2+ CPU Temps??
ECS p4vxasd2 serious problem with fsb please help.
ECS P4VXASD2+ more proplems
P4VXASD2+ (help with abbreviatons for pins on panel 1)
P4VXASD2+ Audio will not work
P4VXASD2+ Sound Driver Issue
ECS P4VXASD2 1.1a Problems with GeForce4 Ti4600 AGP
ECS P4VXASD2+ V5.X Boot problems
ECS P4VXASD2+ Strange Power Down Behavior
P4VXASD2+ "Can't copy Windows ME files to computer!!!!!!"
ECS P4VXASD2+ VIA P4X333 CHIPSET Can't use 133 fsb.
ECS P4VXASD2+ Memory issues / Questions
ECS P4VXASD2 No video signal from AGP card
P4VXASD2+ blue screen when starting window xp
Can't get PNY gforce 4 ti4600 128mb card to boot flashing P4VXASD2+ power questions
ECS P4VXASD2+ locks up contistantly HELP PLZ!!!!!!
P4VXASD2+ Can't copy Windows Files to HDD
P4VXASD2+ HD Too Slow for Quick Boot
ecs p4vxasd overclocking problem
ECS P4VXASD memory problem!

those threads can be found here:

http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/forum/12/

Thats just a few threads on ONE website in ONE forum, all by different people too - Holy sh*t!

 

[Treeking]

Concerning the P4B266-C question, from this link:

http://usa.asus.com/mb/socket478/p4b/faq.htm

Question :

Does P4B support PC133 SDRAM which has ECC function?

Answer :

Yes, ECC SDRAM is supported by P4B. An additional item named Data Integrity Mode will appear in the chip configuration menu of CMOS setup if you install ECC memory and there you can choose to enable the ECC function.

Question :

Does P4B support registered SDRAM DIMM?

Answer :

No, registered DIMM is not supported by Intel i845 chipset.

Here are some links, it's nearly impossible to find any mobo under $75.00 that's decent:

http://www1.dealtime.com/xPP-Motherboards~MNP-30~MXP-70~AT-RF

http://www.pricescan.com/scripts/Q01014100.asp

http://www.pricescan.com/items/item130517.asp

http://www.spartantech.com/products.asp?orderid=95931824578155153989791&cat=25

http://www.spartantech.com/product.asp?orderid=95931824578155153989791&PID=TYS2090

http://www.spartantech.com/product.asp?orderid=95931824578155153989791&PID=ASP4S333-WA

http://www.spartantech.com/product.asp?orderid=95931824578155153989791&PID=ASP4BGL-VM

http://www.nextag.com/serv/main/buy...d36_8D64EA453D4F8B00&doSearch=y&search=p4b266

http://www.compuplus.com/insidepage.php3?&id=174

http://www.compuplus.com/products.p...nf&track=products&cat=Motherboard&sortby=type

You can still find some Asus or Tyan and maybe Intel boards in those links above. If you find the prices too high on those boards, you're going to have to go with one of the cheapies. I definitely do NOT like ECS, FIC, SOYO,Gigabyte. However alot of other people use them(sorry but I don't like BSOD, etc. on regular basis), and are happy. I guess I really can't do much more for you and besides I think I'm blind now! I've been on various forms around the net for 14 hours now, so I think I'll go to bed. Later.................

 

[Aaron01281985]

thank you!

 

[Treeking]

Aaron01281985: Boy, I was so tired last night I misspelled forums in the previous post and didn't even catch it! I would check out any seller from the internet by calling their regular business number and talking to them BEFORE I ever ordered anything. If you find someone to do business with, you might ask around to see if anyone has used them and how satisfied they were. (You know; shipping charges, restocking fees, DOA, warranty returns, etc.). Post back with any decisions....................

 

[attrofy]

Just for the controversial record, I have used, built and recommended ECS, Gigabyte, and Soyo boards. I have worked on a few FIC boards, and I can't really complain about any of them. I think one of the key things is to research your application (i.e. which hardware combination you intend to use) before buying the cheapest solution.

For the record, I am not a fan of Asus or VIA, yet I use them both as certain configurations meet the particular needs I have.

Different strokes for different folks.

I don't see any one particualr manufacturer that stands head and shoulders above the others, nor do I see any particular board or chipset that outshines all others. I see where each manufacturer has it's stars, and it's dogs. I have personally experienced buying 3 boards from the same distributor, and had no problems with two of them, and countless problems with the third, and continued or similar problems with the RMA, and the RMA'd RMA board, etc.

Furthermore, when you look at forums that have multiple posts about hardware, and there seems to be exceptional numbers of posts about particular boards, and particular problems, you must also consider which board is the "hot" seller at the moment; what the ratio of that product (board) to other products by the same mfg.; what the cost of similar products verses common configurations is, as well as what use the product was marketed towards.

Don't misunderstand, a persistant hardware conflict by multiple users is a good indicator that there are issues.

Anyway, I guess my point is that one bad experience, or one bad product doesn't make for a bad manufacturer.

 

[Treeking]

attrofy: All opinions expressed by myself are based on over 3000(PC and Workstation) builds, over 1500(Low and High end Server) builds and unknown amounts of repairs. The repair rate of the previous mentioned builds is LESS than one-half of one percent. WAY below industry averages.