KT133a vs KT266a at Gaming HIGHER resolutions

[cmaMath13]

Before you read, realize that I aware that the KT266a motherboard with DDR is superior to the kt133a (particulary in a theoritical situation). This post is about ACTUAL gaming performance at higher resolutions.

I am currently running a KT133a motherboard. I am very pleased with it, but I have had the "itch" to get one of the KT266a motherboards, but I am not sure the performance increase will justify the cost right now particularly with the price of DDR SDRAM right now. Here's my question:

How much of a difference would a similarly configured KT266a motherboard perform versions a KT133a (same quantity of ram, but obviously DDR and PC133)? Most specifically when gaming at higher resolutions like 1024x768x32 or higher.

I think from what I have seen the biggest factor is the video card at resolution at or above 1024x768.

Thanks for your OPINIONS. Post links too, if you like. I have not found much comparisons online.

My current setup:
AMD Athlon XP 1900+ (1.6GHz)
Thermaltake Volcano 6Cu H/F
Asus A7V133 KT133a
512MB PC133 SDRAM
64MB DDR Hercules Prophet Ultra
SB Live!
45GB IBM Deskstar
3.5GB WD HHD (backup files)
32/12/10a Plexwriter
16/40x Pioneer DVD
3COM modem
Klipsch 2.1
WinXP

 

[Boonesmi]

games at higher resolutions your video card will most likely be the bottle neck

meaning a faster motherboard probably wont help a whole lot, but a faster video card would give you a huge boost

 

[jonmcc33]

Yeah, at that CPU speed your system isn't the bottleneck. I have that same Asus A7V133 motherboard. I've thought of a KT266A motherboard (will either stick with Asus and go with the A7V266-E or go MSI with the K7T266 Pro2-RU, nice red PCB and I like the heatsink on the northbridge instead of a fan) but with DDR RAM prices it's just not worth it considering I have 512MB PC133 CL2 from Crucial.

 

[cmaMath13]

Thanks for the replies! I was worried that no one would respond.

I figured that was the deal. I grapped the XP 1900+, because my A7V133 would support it and I already have 512MB of ram. I am getting good performance with my GeForce2 ultra. I have an Asus GeForce4 4600 on pre-order, so I figure that will really get things going on my computer, since I plan on running at 1024x768 or higher.

I will either wait for the DDR prices to go down (spring/summer) or wait for a really good deal here on Buy/Sell forum, then pick up a KT266a with some DDR.

 

[MichaelD]

You have a nice system. If I were you, I wouldn't upgrade right now, unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket.

You already have a 133FSB mobo and an AthlonXP and a good videocard. You're getting prolly 85% - 90% of the performance you'd get w/a DDR mobo/memory.

I recently upgraded to DDR, but I had a 100FSB mobo and 100FSB CPU. Huge jump for me, but it would be a very small jump for you.

 

[cmaMath13]

Yeah, I think I will hold off getting a new mobo for awhile. Maybe this summer when the kt266a and DDR ram is less expensive.

Thanks.

 

[Durron]

Do what I do, sell your current stuff to somebody locally (build a friend a PC or something) so you can buy the newer stuff for yourself =)

 

[cmaMath13]

Who and how? I have always taken a loss here on the forum selling stuff.

 

[gregor7777]

You'll allways take a loss here, I'm afraid. I look at it as cheap upgrades though. Without AT, I'd probably have to just hang on to my old hardware. Now my stuff is out the door just as my new stuff arrives, and I get to kill that upgrade bug.

If for a $100 upgrade, I pay $30, I'm very happy.

 

[jiffylube1024]

<< My current setup:
AMD Athlon XP 1900+ (1.6GHz)
Thermaltake Volcano 6Cu H/F
Asus A7V133 KT133a
512MB PC133 SDRAM
64MB DDR Hercules Prophet Ultra
SB Live!
45GB IBM Deskstar
3.5GB WD HHD (backup files)
32/12/10a Plexwriter
16/40x Pioneer DVD
3COM modem
Klipsch 2.1
WinXP
>>



Sweet, the A7V133 does take the AMD Athlon XP chip! I recommended it to several people as being a great motherboard and built a few computers for people using them. It really is an excellent mobo, and I'm glad to see that it takes an XP no problems! As for whether or not to upgrade, in general, I'd say you'll get a 10-15% speed boost. It's nice, but not really worth the money. The difference won't really be noticeable, and certainly not like the CPU upgrade.

 

[cmaMath13]

Looks like when the KT333 boards hit the market in mass, then the KT266a boards will drop in price. DDR is too expensive for me right now.

 

[panhead49]

in my opinion................(i have both)........you wont notice any diffrence in high end gaming.......with the same video card.....

 

[Xelloss]

I don't know that I'd count on KT266a boards dropping in price much because of KT333. Since they're almost identical and pin compatible, I'm thinking the KT266a designs will simply disappear and be replaced by identical boards with KT333s slapped in them.

 

[cmaMath13]

True. You are probably right. I keep my eyes on NewEgg's Refurbished mobos and the last generation stuff is typically a little cheaper.

Did you see this review on the A7V333?

http://www.amd3d.com/review/a7v333/

 

[jfunk]

I'm not sure why, and if it will affect other games, but when I replaced my KT133A board (8KTA3) with an nforce (MSI K7N420PRO) and DDR ram, my performance in Wizardry8 increased DRAMATICALLY.

The only other game I play right now is Half-Life, and that doesn't seem to be any different, so I don't know if its just that game for some reason or if others would show the same difference.


j

 

[cmaMath13]

Do you have RTCW? Did you notice a change in it?

 

[jonmcc33]

Sweet, the A7V133 does take the AMD Athlon XP chip! I recommended it to several people as being a great motherboard and built a few computers for people using them. It really is an excellent mobo, and I'm glad to see that it takes an XP no problems!

It does take it but you need a BIOS update, that's the only thing I could think of that would prevent the A7V133 from working with an Athlon XP.

 

[WhiteWizard]

I change my A7V133 (KT133a) for a A7V266-E and experience quite a boost in CounterStrike at 1280*900 (max. supporting res.).
Even my 1.2tbird was at 1333Mhz in the A7V133 and its now at 1266Mhz in the A7V266-E.
both machinnes were using 512Mb and gForce 2 GTS 32Mb DRR (Anihilator II) same RAID 0 subsistem, same Live! Platinium. Obviously, the A7V266-E is using DDR memories.

 

[xroyal]

cmaMath: I just sold my SS7 MB and K6 III on that famous auction for a little more than cost of a new Mb and 1 gig Duron (covered my S&H for new one too). Did same w/my 233 rig when I moved to SS7. My only upgrade cost this time is case/ps.

Seems you've got a good enough rig to carry you to Hammer MB.

 

[Killrose]

When I replaced my 8KTA3 KT133a with the SL-75DVR2 KT266a, I got an extra 10fps Q3 timedemo 1 1024x768 32bit everything maxed. All Game/Video card settings the same.

 

[cmaMath13]

I am holding tight for now. If I see a good deal on a mobo AND DDR, then I may consider a switch.

Thanks for keeping the post alive! The debate lives on...