Could this be a mobo problem?

[maya]

I put together a new computer earlier this week. Bought all the items at newegg.
*SOYO KT600 Dragon Plus mobo
*AMD XP2700 333FSB
*2x512 Corsair PC3200 DDR400
*ATI Radeon 9800Pro 128MB
*80G WD HD W/ 8M CACHE
*Audigy Gamer Sound Card
*WinXP Pro

Installed every one of the XP updates. Installed the ATI software drivers from the accompanying CD. Then tried to run benchmarks 3dMark01, 3dMark03 and AquaMark3. Every one of them failed within a few seconds; my monitor would go blank but the HD would be churning. Repeated this infinite times and the same problem. I updated to the latest ATI Catalyst 3.8 drivers which has a built in error reporting tool. That helped in generating automatic error reports to <SmartSave@ati.com> (never heard back from 'em yet). Finally, switched the video card to my old GF4Ti4400 with the latest nVidia Det. drivers 45.23 and the thing works like a charm!

So then, I reformatted the HD and reinstalled XP with all the updates. After several trial & errors, I finally found the only config that this system can handle:
AGP Aperture Size: 64 MB
AGP Support: 4x
I tried 128MB-8x, 128MB-4x, 64MB-8x but all of them crash.

My friend has a Soyo KT400 mobo, XP2700, 1G PC3200, 9800 Pro and he does not have any problems, and he has offered to swap our video cards on our machines to find out if the problem is with the mobo or the video card. Unfortunately, newegg will not refund the 9800Pro for other cards or money-back, so my only options are a different mobo or a different 9800Pro card. I heard a suggestion to increase the AGP voltage a couple of notches but my BIOS does not have the feature. Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely
Maya

 

[maya]

FYI: I have an Antec Plus1080AMG - SOHO File Server which comes with the Antec 430W TruePower supply. I was told that would definitely be enough for my config.

Maya

 

[maya]

I took my video card and tried it on my friend's machine who has a very similar setup like mine except that he has the Soyo KT400 Lite mobo and his BIOS allows for changing the AGP voltage. Hs BIOS voltage was set to 1.6V (default is 1.5V) and he too owns the same video card.

So anyways.. plugged my card in.. ran 3dMark01 and 3dMark03 and.. IT WORKED PERFECTLY! Not a hitch. And the scores with my card were very close to his.. as you would expect. Just outa curiosity, we dropped the AGP voltage back down to the default 1.5V and it still worked like a charm.

So I am convinced. I already got an RMA from newegg to return the mobo and I have placed a new order for the Soyo KT400 Dragon Ultra (I didn't see the Lite version at newegg). It should be here by Thursday.. I will keep you updated.

Thanks to all
Maya