New setup here

Hi guys. I just got my new motherboard and CPU. 939 pin 64 bit. :)

I tried doing a repair install of XP but it didn't work right. It kept saying that i couldn't read files from the CD but in fact the files were there and readable. :unsure:

Anyway, I did a fresh install on a test drive and I still had more problems. The install completed fine but at bootup of the fresh XP, there was some strange video corruption. I have changed my graphics card to an old GeForce 2 and now it boots up. Made this post with new setup. :)

So, at this point I'm trying to see if there is a solution for this incompatibility between my graphics card and my new motherboard. (ATi 9600pro and MSI K8T NEO2 FIR)

Wish me luck.

Ok um btw what 939 socket 64 bit cpu did u get? Just curious since I'm into AMD now.

3000+ 90nm

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Originally Posted by Virtualbody1234

3000+ 90nm

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Nice! :01: Btw, good luck d00d. ;)

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Originally Posted by Gam3Guy

Nice! :01: Btw, good luck d00d. ;)

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Thanks. ;)

Nice setup.

hope you get the video card working. :)

Got the card working. Cleaned the contacts and reseated it.

Sometimes the simplest solutions work.

Even my 'XP repair' install is working. :) But I will do a fresh install soon.

Another fresh install?

btw, how much was the motherboard+processor?

Another fresh install because the one I just did is on a spare ATA66 "test" drive.

CPU $202 CDN.
MB $165 CDN.

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Originally Posted by Virtualbody1234

Another fresh install because the one I just did is on a spare ATA66 "test" drive.

CPU $202 CDN.
MB $165 CDN.

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ahh that's too much for me to spend. :(

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Originally Posted by Virtualbody1234

Another fresh install because the one I just did is on a spare ATA66 "test" drive.

CPU $202 CDN.
MB $165 CDN.

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Cheap!! :o

where did u buy it from? :wacko:

http://www.ordicentre.com/OrdicentreMainE.htm

nice...too bad they dont ship.. :lol:

but not like im buying anything atm :P :(

I ran into a similar set of problems with both the DFI LanParty ( would NOT POST with my 9600XT) and the new MSI Neo Platinum ( will not work with all three DIMM slots used).
Oddly, with the MSI I did not need to load SATA drivers during Windows install, in fact, trying to install the drivers would freeze the PC.
It was easily the crankiest XP install I have ever performed, but all seems well so far.

Have fun VB, you'll love it when you're done.

VB1234,
Wish I had been home when you posted this. I am running the ATI All in wonder 9800 pro with no problems. I do however have a problem with my Ram. I noticed when I running my PC2700 that I was only showing 512mb. I tried it in slots 1+3 as per directions, but the bastard wouldn't boot up. I switched them to 2 and 4 as well with the same problem. So then I put them in slots 1+2, and I booted up with no problem, and was reading 1.0 gb of memory. After a reboot, I was only showing 512. I was not upset, as I went the next day and bought PC3200DDR 400 and installed that. I am having the same damn problem. 1GB of memory installed, only showing 512. if I try to put it in the directed slots ( 1+3 or 2+4) I get " Early chipset initialization" on my D-bracket warning lights, and it refuses to boot. I am about to take my whole case to the place where I bought the MB and processor, unless perchance you know of something I could have done wrong.....
incidently, the PC2700 is good, its installed on my old MB which I used to give my brother-in-law as a gift.
As you know, I have the same set-up as you, so hopefully you se something I might not have

@RPerry, Look at the MSI site here: http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p...2-FIR&class=mb

At the left of the screen you'll see a list of supported memory. Are your sticks listed there? I am using 2 sticks of Corsair without problem. The only thing I don't see it display Dual Channel anywhere. But I did run the memory benchmarks in EVEREST Home Edition. It showed as Dual PC3200 DDR so I assume it really is running in Dual Channel mode. I'm still looking into this.

http://img149.exs.cx/img149/6272/mem1tv.gif

actually, mine is not listed. I'm using:Centon Electronics IITG18TVC 512MB
though I find it hard to believe that this is the problem when its readin gone just fine, and I can switch them around and it still reads only one :blink:

Are they modules with RAM chips on both sides of the stick or single sided?

they have chips on both sides :cool:

That could be your problem.
If you look at the MSI site you'll see:

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Recommended Memory Combination List
DIMM Slots Max Speed
Green Purple
DIMM1 DIMM2 DIMM3 DIMM4
- S - - DDR 400
- D - - DDR 400
- S - S DDR 400
- D - D DDR 400
S S S S DDR 400
D D D D DDR 333
S: Single Side
D: Double Side

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So to get double sided RAM to work they need to be in slots 2 and 4.

I tried that,( read my original reply) Wouldn't work in 1+3 or 2+4, pc refuses to boot, and I get that light on my D-bracket, Early chipset initialization, thats where it freezes :(

I'm building one for a friends mom that lives down the road...its a 2500xp with 512mb ram...just basic stuff really lol

ALSO...It will be my first time to use SATA...and its SATA II ...is there anything diff i need to do?

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Originally Posted by bigdawgfoxx

I'm building one for a friends mom that lives down the road...its a 2500xp with 512mb ram...just basic stuff really lol

ALSO...It will be my first time to use SATA...and its SATA II ...is there anything diff i need to do?

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Shouldn't this be in a different topic :blink:

we were discussing the MSI K8TNeo2-FIR board :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by bigdawgfoxx

I'm building one for a friends mom that lives down the road...its a 2500xp with 512mb ram...just basic stuff really lol

ALSO...It will be my first time to use SATA...and its SATA II ...is there anything diff i need to do?

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ya when you're installing Windows XP you need to press F6 or F5 or something like that to "install third party raid drivers" during the start of setup then insert the sata driver disc to install the drivers.

but clocker said that he didn't even need the sata drivers with his new motherboard. :unsure:

its ok.... I"ll be going into Orlando tomorrow :(

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Originally Posted by rossco_2004

but clocker said that he didn't even need the sata drivers with his new motherboard. :unsure:

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Very observant, grasshopper.
VB or RPerry, perhaps you can confirm this if you are running SATA drives....
on my POST screen when it detects IDE drives, my SATA drives are listed as IDE 5 and IDE 6.
Each of my optical drives is on a single device cable into a dedicated IDE channel so MSI is showing this:
IDE 1...CD-RW
IDE 2...none
IDE 3...DVD-RW
IDE 4...none
IDE 5...WD Raptor
IDE 6...Seagate SATA

A very odd and unusual ( in my limited experience) way to list the devices.

Indeed, I did not load SATA drivers for the Windows install on this board.
Another first for me.
The driver diskette that came with the board offers two options when you do try the F6 move during install.
The first was a SATA RAID driver ( didn't really want this as there is no RAID array) and the other was the "nVidia Mass Storage Controller" driver.
I tried them separately and together and Windows locked up on any combination.
In desperation, I finally ignored the F6 protocol and much to my astonishment, Windows sailed on in.

It seems that I begin to feel that I have a grasp on this stuff only to be shown how meagre my understanding really is.

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Originally Posted by clocker

Very observant, grasshopper.
VB or RPerry, perhaps you can confirm this if you are running SATA drives....
on my POST screen when it detects IDE drives, my SATA drives are listed as IDE 5 and IDE 6.
Each of my optical drives is on a single device cable into a dedicated IDE channel so MSI is showing this:
IDE 1...CD-RW
IDE 2...none
IDE 3...DVD-RW
IDE 4...none
IDE 5...WD Raptor
IDE 6...Seagate SATA

A very odd and unusual ( in my limited experience) way to list the devices.

Indeed, I did not load SATA drivers for the Windows install on this board.
Another first for me.
The driver diskette that came with the board offers two options when you do try the F6 move during install.
The first was a SATA RAID driver ( didn't really want this as there is no RAID array) and the other was the "nVidia Mass Storage Controller" driver.
I tried them separately and together and Windows locked up on any combination.
In desperation, I finally ignored the F6 protocol and much to my astonishment, Windows sailed on in.

It seems that I begin to feel that I have a grasp on this stuff only to be shown how meagre my understanding really is.

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Sorry Clocker, I'm running IDE and not SATA drives :ph34r:
I do know how you feel though, this used to be so damn simple...

I too am running IDE.

There was 2 diskettes supplied.
- PSATA RAID Driver For PDC20579 Chip
- VIA SATA RAID Driver For VT6420/VT8237

Clocker, remember that our K8TNeo2-FIR board isn't the same as yours. You have the Nvidia chipset, we have the VIA chipset.

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Originally Posted by Virtualbody1234

Clocker, remember that our K8TNeo2-FIR board isn't the same as yours. You have the Nvidia chipset, we have the VIA chipset.

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Aha!
Had not realized that.
My aversion to MSI precluded me doing any more reading about them than I had to, and, had the board not been sitting on the shelf right when I needed a replacement for my late, unlamented Chaintech ("Trainwreck") POS, I would probably never even have considered it.
In six months or so I'll be in socket 939 anyway, so it's only temporary.

Just an update, I did take my PC into the shop where I bought my MB, and its the MB thats bad. So, I'll be taking it apart in the morning, and replacing it with a new one. hey.... **it happens :rolleyes:

Really? What was wrong? What BIOS revision were you using?

System BIOS Date 07/06/04

no matter what ram you put in it , it always shows half. I should have seen if I could have just switched board for board right there in the shop, I live an hr away. I still feel like I'm missing something.....
I put one 512 stick in when I got home, and now it shows:
OS: (WinXP Professional 5.1 Service Pack 2 (Build #2600)) ¤ OSInstall: (XP was installed 1wk 3days 44mins 27secs) ¤ Up: (2h 38m 50s) ¤ HD: (Total/Free: 223.58/118.33GB)VidCard: (ALL-IN-WONDER 9800 SERIES) ¤ Mem: (Usage: 204/256MB (79.69%)) ¤ CPU: (1 CPU - AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3000+, 1.80 GHz, L1: 64KB L2: 512KB (2% Load))

notice the 256mb :(

edit: VB1234 I have not returned the MB yet, have to put it in its box and bring it back in the morning. I brought my system in intact, to make sure it wasn't some other problem

I think the BIOS revision is the problem. I updated mine as soon as I got my board. The stock revision doesn't properly support the new 90 nm CPUs (3000+, 3200+ and 3500+).

The memory controller is built into the CPU and without proper support the RAM isn't detected properly.

Do a model seacrch here: http://www.msicomputer.com/support/bios_result.asp

And get the revision 3.2:

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K8T Neo2-FIR (MS-6702E-010) v. 3.2 319 kb AMD AMI BIOS 9/24/2004
1. This is AMI BIOS release.
2. This BIOS fixes the following problem of the previous version:
- Supports USB devices under DOS mode.
- Updates CPU Microcode (3000+, 3200+, 3500+).
- Fixes BIOS reporting incorrect CPU temperature.

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this must be the problem then, cause I just swapped the MB, came home and have the same problem. This is the last thing I'll try, then I guess I'm going with ASUS :rolleyes:

Have you flashed the BIOS yet?

not yet, I have to work tonight, so I'll probably leave it for tomorrow or the weekend, need to do something soon though, cause its driving me nuts knowing I'm only getting half my RAM :angry: I'll let you know :lol:

So... Any news RPerry?

Yeah, great news... I bought another Car on Saturday, and I saved alot of money by switching my car insurance to Geico :lol: ( I swear its the truth) I haven't had the time to do it yet, but hopefully tomorrow.

MSI recommends to use the "MSI LiveUpdate utility".

I did mine the "manual" way because I did it before running Windows on it.

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/suppor...UID=608&kind=1


Btw. In reference to your previous comment about Asus... They also require a BIOS update to run the new 90nm CPUs.

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Originally Posted by Virtualbody1234

MSI recommends to use the "MSI LiveUpdate utility".

I did mine the "manual" way because I did it before running Windows on it.

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/suppor...UID=608&kind=1


Btw. In reference to your previous comment about Asus... They also require a BIOS update to run the new 90nm CPUs.

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thanks for that info VB, I intended to use the liveupdate utility, but didn't check into the ASUS board. I'm just wondering why nobody else has had this problem...