Hi, about 4 weeks ago i sent my Gigabyte GA-7DXE M/B back on warranty and it hasn't come back yet, so i rang the shop up and argued with them and they said that they would upgrade the board paying the difference of $40 (AUD). They can give me a new Gigabyte 7VT (KT600+8235 Chipset) with:

400/333 FSB - Support XP3200+
AGP 8X
Support DDR400
USB V 2.0
ATA 133

i just wanted to know if this is a lot better than what i had, i think it damn well is. Also does this support Dual Channel RAM? i think it does...

Can all you people that have some knowledge tell me about it, i know it is a new M/B but someone should know i think.

Daniel

Thanks a lot for all your time.

That is a superior board to what you had in many ways!

But unfortunately it doesn't have Dual Channel Memory Controllers.

Sorry.

Hi Daniel

You are talking about the GA 7VT600 wiht the via kt600 chipset.

NO that board does NOT have dual chanel cpability. You would be paying a lot more than the extra $40 aust.

That is not a bad Mother board at all. Go to this link www.giga-byte.com and have a look at the specifications for that board.

Which pc shop and in what state Daniel ?

Im on line if you wnat to drop me a message back.

Regards

Janos

Daniel

I notice that board has 2 bios updates since the original production version. Check the version when you first boot the rig.

I would highly recomend that if you get this board, to feed in the latest bios updates before you do a final bios setup and install the operating system.

But remember you must feed in the undates in order.

F5 was the original production version
F6 was the next
F7 was the last update on 3/9/2003

Down load the instruction manual from the web site and follow the steps without any shortcuts.

Regards

I didn't think it really had Dual Channel support, bugga! Oh well so you all think that it is much better than the 7DXE? Well if you guys really think it will be good i'll get that upgrade, but how good is the new KT600 Chipset? i only heard about them 2 weeks ago.

Also i'm thinking of upgrading my CPU to a 2500+ (Barton) or 2600+ in the next 2 months. Which one do you think will be the best? I know the Barton has double the onboard L2 Cache and can be OC'd to a 3200+ if done correctly. But i heard the 2600+ goes up much higher in (Mhz) than the 2500+? Another thing, if i get this M/B will i be able to overclock a Barton to a 3000-3200+ easily? i have heard a lot of people doing it, but not with this board.

Daniel

Thanks

I didn't think it really had Dual Channel support, bugga! Oh well so you all think that it is much better than the 7DXE? Well if you guys really think it will be good i'll get that upgrade, but how good is the new KT600 Chipset? i only heard about them 2 weeks ago.

Also i'm thinking of upgrading my CPU to a 2500+ (Barton) or 2600+ in the next 2 months. Which one do you think will be the best? I know the Barton has double the onboard L2 Cache and can be OC'd to a 3200+ if done correctly. But i heard the 2600+ goes up much higher in (Mhz) than the 2500+? Another thing, if i get this M/B will i be able to overclock a Barton to a 3000-3200+ easily? i have heard a lot of people doing it, but not with this board.

Daniel

Thanks

The vt600 is nothing but a bundle of problems. I'd demand a free like-for-like replacenment.

Why do you say this board is a "bundle or problems" Johnoh? Could you elaborate on that one? I mean this board must be better than the GA 7DXE M/B and if not is there a board that you could recommend for no more than $140 AUD?

Daniel

I am having big problems with this mbos

My friend seemed to have blown up a Duron CPU (not sure what speed) or rather he never got it to work, just a black screen...not even getting to the BIOS stage...no details

I have taken over trying to get it to work. Bought +XP2000 OEM and worked fine until I decided I wanted to put in a second hard disk so that I could transfer his backed up data onto this setup. It did not like the second hard disk..couldn't see it in the BIOS..changed a few jumpers on 2nd HD e.g. 1. to cable select 2. to slave. Seemed to be able to access BIOS though no detection of 2nd HD. In the end I changed in BIOS halt parameter.

I THINK I entered in 'do not halt' though I now wonder whether there was an option which caused it to 'Halt with no errors'. Surely there is not such a setting. Please let there not be. Why would there by a 'halt with no errors'. I have since learned that there seems to be no DUAL BIOS though on Gigabyte's website it says there is on downloading the manual. Have looked on the Mobo and there is no jumper to reset the BIOS.

Maybe I should glue my own little switch where the gap is on the mobo. Any suggestions. I have tested with another CPU. Haven't tested memory though reckon it's not this. Tested with another hard disk on it's own. No joy

All I get is the usual

one long bleep and three short bleeps (What do they mean?)

thanks v much

Managed to get BIOS to default by taking out CMOS battery and disconnecting case power..left for 20 mins...reconnected power and this caused CMOS default to reload and all was well...plus got my 2nd HD to be recognised

regards

Back to square one...getting one long two short beeps and then black screen on POST i.e. not loading BIOS I think. Trying to default back to original BIOS but my battery method is not working this time...Once I get in I think a BIOS upgrade is the next option...If I ever get in...