**OFFICIAL** Abit BG7 (i845G) Thread

[Beatnik]

[ Added my 150 FSB numbers at the end ... ]

My gut tells me that MEMORY PERFORMANCE is the controlling factor so far. So... I'm going to put on some ARCTIC SILVER II (wish I had some III) on the ICH4 and on the P4 and see if I can get happy at 150FSB. My memory being at DDR374 is the bleeding edge I think. At 133FSB and DDR354 I had no problems.

At 150FSB and DDR374 it all ran good, but I could tell that it was going to get squirrely after my 3dMarkSE was done. Saw a menu get torn off of the task bar (i.e. a bad graphics memory draw) which is the first sign of bad mojo. Just want to cool the CPU to make sure that the temps getting up there is not the problem.

Recommendation: if you can get some official DDR400, then I think you are in a very good place. Here's my cheat sheet:

CPU SPEEDS (P4 2.26 133)

17 * 133 = 2261
17 * 150 = 2550
17 * 166 = 2822

MEMORY SPEEDS (DDR)

133FSB
2 x 133 x 1.0 (1/1) = 266.00
2 x 133 x 1.33 (4/3) = 353.78
2 x 133 x 1.25 (5/4) = 332.50

150FSB
2 x 150 x 1.0 (1/1) = 300.00
2 x 150 x 1.33 (4/3) = 399.00
2 x 150 x 1.25 (5/4) = 375.00

166FSB
2 x 166 x 1.0 (1/1) = 332.00
2 x 166 x 1.33 (4/3) = 441.56
2 x 166 x 1.25 (5/4) = 415.00

OK, went home and... Arctic Silver II applied to ICH and CPU...
P42.26 @ P42.56 ABIT BG7 150FSB (CPU 1.5v) 374DDR (MEM2.8v)

3DMark2001SE 11239 3D Marks Geforce4 Ti4400
Sisoft RAM Int 2833
Sisoft RAM Flt 2835
http://service.madonion.com/compare?2k1=3650312

I forgot to turn up the CPU voltage, and Duh-Dang! it's still running great. My temp is 39C idle... I'm at test#8 right now on Prime95, and it's around 50C. I'm liking this ASII. I'll edit again if I get a much higher temp as the test goes on or if I see any artifacts. I'll be real happy to stay here at 150FSB / 374DDR if I can. Test #28 and I'm holding at about 51.50. Ran HDTACH just for fun...

... OK Torture Test still running, test #1372, still holding at 51.50C. My 2.26 was $265 retail... a 2.53 is $634 right now. Another $369 that we don't have to give to Intel I like being right there at the price break, so this was a good choice for me. But I'm still jealous of all you 1.6A'rs...

 

[gmoss]

Joker: Many thanks for your reply. I plan on using a 2.26 P4 with the 133 buss. I note that most of the serious overclocker are using somewhere around the 1.8 P4 which is normally a 100 fsb. I am wondering if someone can confirm that the 3/4 memory ratio on the BD7II (845E chipset) will be available when using a P4 that has allready has the 133 fsb. I will not be overclocking the procesor much but plan on running a stick of sansony 2700 memory at DRR 254. That is asuming that NewEgg gets the ram off backorder.

Gary

 

[Beatnik]

Had to try this combo too, I mean I just Had to!. As you can see I have run out of options for my memory at this FSB... 1:1 is all I can do. Seems like a 150FSB and DDR400 is a good target with the dividers we are stiuck with... Yup, I'm getting errors in Prime95... back to 150...

P42.26 @ P42.82 ABIT BG7 166FSB (CPU 1.5v default!!!) 333DDR (MEM2.8v)
3DMark 2001SE 11223
Sisoft RAM Int 2487
Sisoft RAM Flt 2487
http://service.madonion.com/compare?2k1=365641715

So, I'd say if you can target 150FSB and DDR400, that's good.
1.6A * 150 = 2.4GHz... seems like a natural, but not everyone is having luck hitting that speed. 17 * 150 = 2.55 (that's where I'll be.) 2.55 instead of 2.26, not much, but better than nothing. At DDR375 it's not so bad.

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

doesn't seem like these new boards and chipsets from intel have much to offer besides ddr 333 support. For those with the p4b266's thinkin of upgradin, i'd say to wait because it doesn't seem like much of an improvement.

 

[crapito]

just took the plunge and bought a new computer (basically) from Googlegear...

Abit BG7: $123.99
1.6A- 512: $137.00
Samsung 256MB PC2700: $61.00
total w/2day FedEx shipping: $339.69

I bought the BG7 in large part based upon the views expressed in this thread. I wanted a "new" system to replace my "old" Epox 8KHA+ AthlonXP setup. I haven't owned an Intel system since my good 'ol Abit BH6 Celeron 300a combo I bought new in 97, so a P4 setup with the 845G chipset and USB2.0 fit the bill. I went with only 256mb RAM as am worried that a main factor in people having trouble with the 845G motherboards overclocking well is having too many memory banks. while 512mb RAM was my first choice, I'd rather have a fun, easily overclocked setup than struggle with random lockups and such but have more RAM, which may be overkill for 99% of the stuff I use my computer for anyway.

anyway, I should (hopefully) get my stuff up and running by Wednesday, so I'll be sure to post my feedback, including preliminary overclocking results, for all to see. if I could get my 1.6a setup to run @ 2.4 150FSB 400DDR, I will be very happy. damn, I am sweating just thinking about it! (or am I sweating cause it's 91.6 degrees now at 11:50pm in my bedroom here in Albuquerque, NM... hmm...)

 

[Beatnik]

Just for yucks, I tried the 2.26/133 @166 with 5/4 MEM
2.82/166 DDR415 . The first sandra number came up as 3105.
Not sure what the second was. Then had the system fade to black. On reboot got some goofy message about ACPI and punted.

So in answer to the previous question: the potential is here. I think I could easily keep my CPU running at 2.82 with minor voltage increase. So that part is solved. But I still think the MEM is what is holding me back. At 166 I want to run DDR415. But with the multipliers we have I'm stuck at DDR333 @ 166. So, 150MHz/DDR375 is where I'm sitting.

So if they put out a DDR420 certified module, I'm there. Alternatively, if you beileve that FSB will produce other benefits, you can run at 166. In my case, using 3DMark2001SE on my Ti4400 gave equiv results:

150FSB/DDR375 = 166FSB/DDR333

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

Beatnik a good quality samsung stick can definitely do 415 DDR. The max is somewhere around 430 on Samsung PC2700 sticks. If you haven't tried already, up the vdimm voltage. Also try burning in your memory.

 

[1979]

Beatnik, Sudheer and Joker5150.. or anyone...

Beatnik im getting almost the exact same setup you are running. I havent purchased the mobo\cpu combo but the 2.26 is my choice cause i want the 533, and im wondering if you guys could let me know why the Asus PVB533-V is about 40 bux more expensive than the BG7. What does that 40 bux buy me over the Abit model?

One difference i will have from Beatnik is I have the Corsair 3200 XMS cas 2.5 Would it be realistic to think I could run this ram at the DDR 415, 166 FSB setting? Which of the 2 boards above in your opinion would allow me to hit this mark stably?

I have the proper cooling, I have an alpha 8942 with a Sanyo fan that pushes over 40cfm, and an aluminum case. I also have an Antec True 430 so power shouldnt be a limiting factor.

From everything I have gathered, the DDR bandwidth of the ram is more important than a few extra FSB points and Im insisting on DDR 400 for my setup, then the FSB the best I can do with the 400 DDR.

Just lookin for a little advice before I commit to a mobo, although the BG7 seems to be an economical choice. (I can spend the extra 40 for the asus if theres good reason )

 

[mike9390]

Dude your not stuck with just 150 or 166. Try 155, 160, or any on the 15 frequencies in-between. Try running both 3:4 and 4:5 at the lower range and upper range. Give it another try.

 

[5150Joker]

Originally posted by: 1979
Beatnik, Sudheer and Joker5150.. or anyone...

Beatnik im getting almost the exact same setup you are running. I havent purchased the mobo\cpu combo but the 2.26 is my choice cause i want the 533, and im wondering if you guys could let me know why the Asus PVB533-V is about 40 bux more expensive than the BG7. What does that 40 bux buy me over the Abit model?

One difference i will have from Beatnik is I have the Corsair 3200 XMS cas 2.5 Would it be realistic to think I could run this ram at the DDR 415, 166 FSB setting? Which of the 2 boards above in your opinion would allow me to hit this mark stably?

I have the proper cooling, I have an alpha 8942 with a Sanyo fan that pushes over 40cfm, and an aluminum case. I also have an Antec True 430 so power shouldnt be a limiting factor.

From everything I have gathered, the DDR bandwidth of the ram is more important than a few extra FSB points and Im insisting on DDR 400 for my setup, then the FSB the best I can do with the 400 DDR.

Just lookin for a little advice before I commit to a mobo, although the BG7 seems to be an economical choice. (I can spend the extra 40 for the asus if theres good reason )

Ok the differences between BG7 and Asus P4B533-V:

1. Asus has C-Media sound
2. Asus has 6 PCI slots
3. Asus lets you change the voltage in .025 increments and volts higher than the BG7 for both core and memory
4. Asus doesn't suffer from undervoltage, if anything it overvolts (according to a person that owns one)
5. Asus has a better software bundle (don't know if that matters to you)
6. Asus has the Q-Fan technology to regulate your fan rpm's depending on usage

For me the reason I'm buying the P4B533-V today is because of of the 6 PCI slots and the higher voltages available. Aside from that, there probably isn't a huge difference between the two boards unless you value onboard sound in which case the C-Media is a lot better than the crappy AC'97 sound the BG7 sports.

 

[1979]

Ok the differences between BG7 and Asus P4B533-V:

1. Asus has C-Media sound
2. Asus has 6 PCI slots
3. Asus lets you change the voltage in .025 increments and volts higher than the BG7 for both core and memory
4. Asus doesn't suffer from undervoltage, if anything it overvolts (according to a person that owns one)
5. Asus has a better software bundle (don't know if that matters to you)
6. Asus has the Q-Fan technology to regulate your fan rpm's depending on usage

For me the reason I'm buying the P4B533-V today is because of of the 6 PCI slots and the higher voltages available. Aside from that, there probably isn't a huge difference between the two boards unless you value onboard sound in which case the C-Media is a lot better than the crappy AC'97 sound the BG7 sports.

Thanks for quick reply

Well, of those 6 reasons

1. I have an OEM audigy so that reason is not a concern for me.
2. I dont have enough PCI cards to need 6 PCI slots so that reason is not a concern for me.
3. The .025 is of interest because I would like to be very careful of any voltage increases and feel safer taking .025 baby steps
4. The under\over voltage is of interest because I do plan to overclock.
5. Software bundle means little to me so its not a concern.
6. I like the q-fan technology because I would like my fan to run as quietly as possible when im not using the PC. Right now I have to crank my TV to hear it over the Athlon\dragon orb 3

7. The deciding factor for me would be the flat out speed since Im a Gamer and this machine will be running UT2 as fast and top quality as possible. However, these boards are too new for that to be compared. Plus the damn game isnt out yet to run benches :frown:

I know Asus and Abit are both top quality stable boards.. So I guess I just need to decide if the better voltage control and q-fan are worth the 40 dollars.

 

[Dason]

I've been playing a lot with my BG7 and 2.23 GHz P4. I'm using a Samsung 512 MB DDR 333 module from Googlegear, and it's really holding me back. Even at 2.8 volts, the highest my memory will go is a 145 MHz bus speed at 4/5. At 145 MHz I get around 2810 in Sisoft's memory test. I suspect the Googlegear modules only have Samsung chips and aren't true Samsung modules.

At this point I'm debating going for processor speed over memory performance. I can get 160 MHz bus speed if I set the memory to 1/1. 3DMark at 160-1/1 is 100+ points higher for me than 145-4/5. Gotta wait for that Arctic Silver 3 to come in so I can make my retail heatsink run a bit cooler.

I'm still wondering if anyone is using more than one DDR333 DIMM in this board. Does this work?

 

[Beatnik]

Good point, Mike!

160FSB would put you at a perfect DDR400. So 17*160 = 2.72GHz. I'll give that a try to night then post the results. I'm just betting that this memory won't hack anything above 374. I wonder what the chances are of a Cas2 DDR415 are appearing on the market in the next couple of months... ???

 

[JamesC]

Hi Joker and others

1. Out of interest is there any difference between the memory ratios on the abit and asus, will the asus run DDR333 & 354 at 133fsb.

2. I am very interested about the difference in onboard sound. I have never tried onboard sound before, will i notice any difference as i output all sound to an home cinema amplifier via optical connection. I am hoping that as the amp deals with all my sound i will not notice any difference in quality.

3. Where can you purchase the asus 845g board. Does anybody know of anywhere either in the UK or that ships to the Uk that i could purchase this board.

4. Has anybody seen any reviews of the asus 845g boards or know of a forum discussing it.

Thanks a lot,
James

 

[mike9390]

CAS 2 at that speed doesn't make a difference and may be slower. Try your ram a 2.5/3/3/6 and see for yourself. Set your ram to the highest Mhz you can run it at 2/2/2/5 and then bench. Then change only just your timings to 2.5/3/3/6 and bench again. I heard the slower timing are better. Go figure. If it is better then you should be able to run your ram at a faster speed at a lower voltage.

Mike

 

[Beatnik]

Yup, I definitely need some Cas2 DDR415. I hope that somebody starts cranking that out, though I doubt it is going to happen.

http://www6.tomshardware.com/mainboard/02q2/020507/timing-06.html

Setting to Cas2.5 did make primes95 run right at 160MHz. But my 3DMark2001 SE didn't improve at all. Running at about 53degC right now, default voltage on the CPU. I really need some good Cas2 DDR400.

P42.26 @ P42.72 160FSB DDR 400 but Cas2.5/slow-timings
160MHz
3DMark2001SE 11274 Ti4400
Sisoft INT 2966
Sisoft FLT 2972

So that's my conclusion. For right now, a good stick of Cas2 DDR400 would be ideal for 160MHz with a P4 2.26. Not sure if/when anybody will product a good stick of Cas2 DDR400. For my own use, I'll wait for a stick of Cas2 DDR415 before I upgrade the DDR.

 

[JamesC]

Doesn't anybody have any news about the Asus 845G
James

 

[cobrasvt]

I will have the Asus P4B533-V tomorrow. I ordered 1 this morning, called and confirmed this evening that it shipped out!

I also ordered a BG7, then I found out about the Asus board. I like the idea of having the 6th PCI slot, if not to use, just to get some other cards away from the Ti4600 to let it breath more... However, it was $35 more than the Abit board ($129 for the Abit @ Newegg and $165 for the Asus from Memory Media). The Asus has more features than the Abit, but that really doesn't matter. What matters is the overclockability of the board! Newegg told me to just refuse the Abit board when it arrives tomorrow and they will take care of it when it returns (I had actually sent them a email to cancel the order but it was to late I guess). They said they would take care of the shipping costs. I love Newegg! You can't beat them! If only they carried the P4B533-V.... Don't know if I will get to install it tomorrow night or not (online NASCAR Racing 2002 league night)... If I do, I will post back some thoughts! If not, you'll hear from me on Thursday evening. Wish Asus had made a version with onboard Raid (not for the raid part, just for the extra IDE controllers), but nothing a add-on pci controller won't take care of.

BTW... when I checked earlier, CDR Express had over 300 of these boards in stock (I think Memory Media is the same company)...

 

[5150Joker]

Hi guys,

First cobra, you're going to love the p4b533-v! I drove down to CDR Express (yes they are the same company as Memory Media) yesterday and picked up a P4B533-V from them. I just finished installing it today and right off the bat I booted up at 160 fsb (4:5 divider) with 1.625 volts and 2.7 vdimm with no problem. When I checked the voltages in the bios, the board was actually overvolting! I was pleasantly surprised to see this since the Abit's tend to undervolt. This board is loaded with features! I'll post more details later after I'm done installing the leaked UT2K3 So far this is by far the best 845G board and it is ROCK solid and it seems to be higher quality than the BG7. I guess you really DO get what you pay for.

 

[Krellor]

My Processor and Ram showed up today!

The 1.6A is a pack date of 4/30/02 from Batch# 7210A510, but how do you know where it was packaged?

Also please post as much info as you can on the Asus P4B533-V. My motherboard doesn't arrive until Thursday from Googlegear (BG7) so I may return it without opening if you guys are happier with the ASUS board. Especially if I don't have to redo the cooling on the NB.

Thanks for the great info so far!

 

[Beatnik]

Can you guys start an *** OFFICIAL ASUS P4B533-V (i845G) Thread
Seems like it is gathering steam here....

 

[crapito]

quick update...

got my new setup today: BG7 + P4 1.6a + samsung 256mb pc2700. after a few beep/motherboard errors with the RAM in slot 3, I put it in slot 1 and booted up. spent about 10 minutes fooling with the BIOS and got up to 160FSB @ +10% voltage with 4/5 RAM divider @ 2.8v which results in ~2.56GHz and DDR400. not a bad setup for $340 shipped, eh?

I just finished reinstalling WinXP Pro, so I have some stress testing and more fine tuning to do, but all in all, I am very happy. I'll post more later...

 

[easystreet]

I got my BG7 yesterday and my P4 1.6A and 512mb Samsung PC2700 are running Prime at 160 fsb and 4/5....+5% and 2.8v.
When I get stuff burned in I will try for more.....but I am pleased with this set-up already.

 

[cowofwar]

Well I'll be picking up a 1.6A and a new mobo very soon. But I have no idea which board to get. At first I was going to get the IT7, but now I don't now if it's worth it seeing the performance of the BG7 and BD7II.

So what would you reccomend?

Abit IT7
Abit BG7
Abit BD7II

Looks from this thread that the BG7 is the winner, would you agree?

 

[gafga]

I just recentely build a P4 system around an Abit bg7 and have run into a problem/question. I have tried using the onboard video and set the BIOS to onboard/AGP slot for for first initial video to use. The problem I have is that if turn the system off and try to restart it I get no video display. I borrowed an AGP card from a friend and tried it and the problem doesn't happen when using a card in the slot. I have the most current BIOS version installed from Abit's website and wanted to know if anyone else has ran into this and found a solution or did I recieve a 'bad' board from Newegg.com?

TIA,

Shawn