MSI K7 Master and a math question

[Boy914]

I just ordered a 256MB stick of Corsair PC2400 RAM and a MSI K7 Master for my new system. I have a few questions that I could probably find the answers to with minimal research, but I'm feeling incredibly lazy today.

1) What can I reasonably expect out of my K7 Master? I'm going to be putting a 1.2 GHz Athlon with a ThermoEnging with a YS Tech fan. My case now has 3 fans installed (thanks to those in the General Hardware section). I have an el cheapo 400Watt power supply also on the way.

2) I feel really dumb asking this, but I'm going to anyway: How does one get PC2400 RAM to run at it's spec? PC1600 is for 100MHz FSB, and PC2100 is for 133MHz FSB, right? I probably have this all wrong, so please be gentle in your responses.

Once I get this beast together, I'll finally be able to create a respectible signature!

Thanks.
Rick

 

[Boy914]

Sorry to bump this, but I posted it right around the changeover to the new look, and I think it got lost in the shuffle for a while.

Rick

 

[TeKkDrOnE]

Hey there Rick, no need to worry, the guys on this board aren't the condescending type. Actually I have that board, with a 1.2, but mine is an AXIAR (particular stepping noted by the etched code on the core) and it's watercooled. You've got it right, PC1600 is rated for 200Mhz bus(100*2 DDR)PC2100 is rated for 266Mhz bus (133*2 DDR) and, PC2400 is rated at 300Mhz Bus (150*2 DDR) The K7-Master will let you set these manually. Hopefully your 1.2 has a 266Mhz fsb, or that ram may never get to see it's full potential. In any case, that thermoengine probably won't get you far in overclocking. It seems to have the "Apple" effect going. (looks cool, but lost when it comes to hardcore functionality) I would suggest a CAK38, or a Swiftec MC462 (if you have the money) or perhaps one of the other HSF's mentioned over in the cooling section. (take a peep, lotsa good info)But all in all, the Master is a stable board, albeit not the most supported.

 

[Boy914]

Hey. Thanks for the quick response. I cut my finger doing the case mods, so typing is tough. ($20 case, go figure. It's an 11 bay tower from electroseller.com, so I have enough room to move to watercooling when the spirit moves me).

The T-Bird has a 266 bus, so I'm ok in that department.

Regarding your setup, what multiplier/FSB are you using? Also, I read that the 1.2 BIOS had problems (can't remember what, exactly). Any thoughts on that? It might have been referring to the beta version. Thanks for posting the mem timings, that should be very helpful (it was my next question).

Thanks again.
Rick

 

[TeKkDrOnE]

Yes, but less problems than THE other bios release. The K7 master is somewhat lacking in the BIOS support department. While their other boards get frequent bios updates, the k7 master has had 1 major update. I have the same case, got it also from electroseller.com. I can't believe some of the case prices on there. Thinking about picking up that full server case. (heheheh) I will repost that pic in the mod section as soon as I set up a quick image host...(it's a shame to lose that)

 

[TranceBear]

Yes, but less problems than THE other bios release. The K7 master is somewhat lacking in the BIOS support department. While their other boards get frequent bios updates, the k7 master has had 1 major update. I have the same case, got it also from electroseller.com. I can't believe some of the case prices on there. Thinking about picking up that full server case. (heheheh) I will repost that pic in the mod section as soon as I set up a quick image host...(it's a shame to lose that)

You gotta be kidding, MSI has great BIOS support, if you can't find it on MSI's site go to AWARD or ALI or whoever makes your BIOS.