My new rig is a DOG!

[hacksaw]

I recently added a new MB+CPU to my system giving me the following setup:

P3 700E (100MHz)
Abit VA6
128MB PC100 SDRAM (non-CAS2)
IBM 10.something (5400 rpm)
Creative Labs TNT2 Ultra 32MB
Win98SE

After adding the new hardware, I performed a clean reinstall of W98SE and just loaded a few apps (including Q3Arena).

I'm only getting 45 fps running Q3 Demo1 with the "Normal" settings at 640x480. That really bites. I can safely OC to 840 (7x120) but I'm still only getting about 55 fps.

Is my memory and Video card combo holding me back? Are there special config files for Q3A needed to achieve those 100+ fps numbers I see on all the review sites? Someone please help me understand my disappointing results.

Hacksaw

 

[Fireball]

I'd say something definately not right with your video drivers, or the settings in Quake3. Have you tried any other games?

 

[Pocatello]

You might want to put a GeForce DDR in there. If you're planning to play a lot of Quake 3. Most games out there still run well on a TNT 2.

 

[hacksaw]

I'm using the latest Detonator drivers (I don't recall the number). I installed DirectX 7 with Q3 and I tried the 1.16 and 1.17 patches. I have not tried other games, I can install Q2 and try massive and crusher plus I have UnrealTournament and Tribes but I've never run benchmarks with them.

I just can't understand this, my Cel400 got me better numbers. I wish I had a clue as to what I have setup wrong. I even have the latest BIOS for my VA6. I also have Win2K but was hesitant to load that.

 

[hacksaw]

I hadn't planned on buying a new card...I'm hoping there are improvements I can make without doing that.

 

[PowerJoe]

Did you install the VIA 4-in-1 driver (namely, the AGP thing)?

-PJ

 

[hacksaw]

I don't know what the 4-in-1 driver is. Could you be more specific in case I can't find anything about it?

 

[hacksaw]

If it were a software problem, how would you recommend I proceed? When you say software problem, I'm assuming you're talking about drivers. As far as I know, I have the latest for every piece of equipment, with the possible exception of DirectX. I have 7 and I think I read someone saying something about 7a. I wonder if I should try the creative lab drivers for my card instead of the detonator ones.

 

[hacksaw]

After re-reading the post about the VIA 4-in-1 driver, I realized you are talking about what came on the CD with my MB. I will need to do that when I get home. I hope that helps.

 

[sov05]

go to

www.viatech.com

they have the latest version of the AGP GART Driver.
Install the AGP driver seperate, don't use the 4in1 for the GARt driver.


-sov

 

[hacksaw]

Thanks sov, I will install those two drivers when I get home tonight and see what happens.

 

[Snoop]

<< I will install those two drivers when >>


Noooo, only install the via gart agp driver not the 4in1's
Im kinda bored so here is the link:http://www.viatech.com/drivers/agp403.exe

Bet you that problem is solved

 

[hacksaw]

I went to their site and the recommended the 4in1's then the 4.03 AGP. What's the deal with the 4in1's? Since I know nothing about those drivers, I will take your advice and only update the AGP drivers to 4.03.

 

[Burn]

Ignore Snoop...lol

Just install the lastest for 4-in-1 and then the AGP 4.03. You probably don't have the newest 4-in-1 so you might as well install them.

 

[Spoon]

Yeah I think I read somewhere that the correct order is

1) the 4 in 1 drivers

2) then the agp.exe

3)then your drivers for the TNT2

 

[hacksaw]

I want to thank everyone for their help. I will experiment tonight and let you know how it goes in case someone else can benefit from this in the future.

 

[KDOG]

I recently installed the 4.03 AGP drivers and it did help alot....do it!!!

 

[KDOG]

I recently installed the 4.03 AGP drivers and it did help alot....do it!!!

 

[_Alacious_]

It's the VA6, I'm sorry to say.

I've seen two seperate systems with this (nasty, imho) board. One of them was almost exactly the same as yours (different processor, same parts otherwise basically), and the performance was HORRIBLE. After trying several reformats, different configurations, different drivers (Including like a zillion different video drivers and VIA drivers), we swapped the board out for a P3V4X, and boom, the numbers skyrocketed.

Same with the other system as well (Don't look at me, I didn't buy it originally ), replaced the VA6 with a BE6-II, the speeds seriously doubled.

It's a horrid motherboard, and besides my own experiences, I know of one other person who had basically the same problem. Unless they've just recently done major modifications to it.

-Al

 

[dc]

yeah, why did you get a va6 for heaven's sake...

dc

 

[compuwiz1]

It's the VA6, it has an early revision of the VIA133, which is crap for your setup. Sorry to say it, but you will do well if you get something like an Asus p3v4x.

 

[Jaroca]

Or maybe even the CUV4X

I love the CUV4X. It has the 133A chipset, which is quite nice.

 

[ebgb]

VA6 should be able to achieve a memory throughput of nearly 85% that of a BX board (and that with PC133 memory). PC100 memory will only run 60% of a bx board w/pc100.

The secret to this board is in the bios - memory setup

Using SSiSandra, tweak the bios settings till you get a good comparison to the BX standard.

 

[compuwiz1]

Sorry, but even with good advice on settings, the board is still an unstable POS. Like they say, you can put earings on a pig, but it's still a pig.

 

[Snoop]

Burn: Why Install the via 4in1's? I have found that the only driver needed from the 4in1's is the agp. Their IRQ routing driver is the biggest pos I have ever used and it has never solved any problems for me. The busmasters are lame as well, If your using w98 you do not need them unless you want to slow down your ide transfers. So burn, explain to me why you need them?