**Official Epox 8K5A Series (KT333) Thread** (Files, Reviews, and Info Inside!)

[Ray78]

Are you saying that the newer version with the square HS will not accept something like the Alpha 8045 on the CPU? I hope not because I always look for compatibility with the larger heat sinks before I buy a board.

I would assume so. Insane3D is using the 8045 in his setups, and I was planning on basically copying what he has.

 

[Actaeon]

Originally posted by: Actaeon
What does that IDE performance thing that comes on the cd (also available on there webpage, and on the 4 in 1s) do?

I have it installed, not sure what it does though.

Thanks.

Still wondering...



Thanks

 

[Technonut]

The 8K5A2+ never ceases to amaze me. I had some spare time on my hands and unlocked an MP 2100+ that I have. (The MPs up to 2000+ are factory unlocked, the 2100+ MP only requires conductive paint between 2 pins)

I booted up, and am now running at 2001.47 MHz / 421.36 MHz DDR System Bus. (WCPUID) Link I looped the 3DMark 2001 SE bench all afternoon, and currently have Prime95 running.

I just wish that my Radeon 9700 could take the high FSB. I have to use my retail 128MB 8500.

EDIT: Added WCPUID screenshot.

 

[PuppettMaster001]

I just wanted to thank everyone here. I bought a TBred 1700+ from somebody over at the Hard Forums and it doesnt work with my current MSI KT266 Pro2 RU so I had to buy another motherboard. I am going to order the 8K5A2+ tomorrow morning. I will post my OC results over at at CPU Overclocking forum as soon as I get the board in.

 

[Talyn328]

This may be a topic for a different thread, but it does relate to this thread...

I just got my 8K5A2+ and am now looking at what CPU coolers to get for the Athlon XP 2600+ that will fit on this motherboard. I'm still researching different coolers but the leading contenders are: Alpha PAL 8045, Swiftech MCX-462+ and the Fortis Monster 90.

I don't plan on overclocking the 2600+ immediately, but in the meantime I'd like a nice cooler that can handle the job (stock and overclocked) while being as quiet as possible too.

 

[mooo]

Do not use the VIA 4-in-1 drivers?!

Came accross this while looking for info on 3Dfx Voodoo drivers at voodoofiles.com (shame on me for getting such an old, unsupported card, but... )

People with VIA boards:

- DON'T install the 4-in-1 drivers if you're using XP. The drivers that came with XP have proven to be more stable for me over two different machines then the VIA-supplied ones if you must try the VIA stuff, avoid the IDE driver like the plague.

Insane3D/other knowledgeable ones, can you please comment? Is this true? Anyone hear of this/or have a similar thought?

 

[SP33Demon]

Guys,

My 8K5A3+ came in yesterday... I finally restored my OS (Win2K), so I'll be doing some minor OCing tonight and will post results tomorrow. On a side note, regarding the AlphaPal 8045, it is AN EXTREMELY TIGHT FIT. I got the Epox version with rectangular Northbridge, and I had to basically force it in there, because below it (behind the "step" of the Alpha) there was one of those round cylindrical transistors(?) in the way. You have to push it against this transistor so they are touching when mounting is complete. Also, on the side of the Alpha that faces the Northbridge HS, is a white plastic screw(?) on the Northbridge HS that prevents the Alpha from mounting on the CPU. To fix this, I used a small screwdriver to bend it to its left, and allow the Alpha to mount. But this plastic screw is now pressed against the Alpha as well.

All in all, if you can get a smaller HSF, I would recommend it, or you can just cram it on there like I did.

~Rob

 

[BZeto]

Will the SVC GC68 fit ok on the 8K5A2+ ? I'm looking for a good HSF for an OC'd XP1600 and the GC68 seems to be a favorite.

 

[Toro 45]

Guys,

My 8K5A3+ came in yesterday... I finally restored my OS (Win2K), so I'll be doing some minor OCing tonight and will post results tomorrow. On a side note, regarding the AlphaPal 8045, it is AN EXTREMELY TIGHT FIT. I got the Epox version with rectangular Northbridge, and I had to basically force it in there, because below it (behind the "step" of the Alpha) there was one of those round cylindrical transistors(?) in the way. You have to push it against this transistor so they are touching when mounting is complete. Also, on the side of the Alpha that faces the Northbridge HS, is a white plastic screw(?) on the Northbridge HS that prevents the Alpha from mounting on the CPU. To fix this, I used a small screwdriver to bend it to its left, and allow the Alpha to mount. But this plastic screw is now pressed against the Alpha as well.

All in all, if you can get a smaller HSF, I would recommend it, or you can just cram it on there like I did.

~Rob

Thanks for pointing that out,the Alpha is a favorite & most likely others would be trying it.I'm using the Thermalright AX7 on my 8k5a2,which I thought was a close fit until I saw your threadBut it does fit nicely with out touching anything.

Toro

 

[Macro2]

Why isn't Newegg carrying these boards anymore?

Mac

 

[Dewey]

Originally posted by: Macro2
Why isn't Newegg carrying these boards anymore?

I noticed this too. Newegg was carrying them just 2 days ago with an ominous warning about not being able to return them.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: Macro2
Why isn't Newegg carrying these boards anymore?

Mac

Dunno...don't care. Their prices have been much higher on the Epox boards lately, and they had that disclaimer for awhle that no other vendor had. I buy my Epox stuff my Mwave, so I could care less f Newegg carries them or not. There was a thing in the mobo foruma few months ago about Newegg not carrying Epox anymore, and it turned out to be a rumor.

Did Newegg suddenly become the only online vendor?

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: Dewey

Originally posted by: Macro2
Why isn't Newegg carrying these boards anymore?

I noticed this too. Newegg was carrying them just 2 days ago with an ominous warning about not being able to return them.

If you bothered to read the whole thread, you can see that the Newegg disclaimer issue was already discussed....

 

[Macro2]

I see your earlier explanation.

So these boards aren't using the internal diode for shut down anymore? Or can you get a reading on both the thermistor and internal diode? That would be nice...


RE:"Their prices have been much higher on the Epox boards lately, and they had that disclaimer for awhle that no other vendor had.""

Well Ilike to buy other things from Newegg besides Epox boards. Package up a bunch of other stuff.

 

[Insane3D]

So these boards aren't using the internal diode for shut down anymore? Or can you get a reading on both the thermistor and internal diode? That would be nice...

No, they use the diode for emergency shut down only, the temp readings come from the thermistor. It's a similar scheme to what Asus does..

It's sad that so many people couldn't handle seeing the real temps and just complained about the board running "too hot" so it made Epox step back on their diode support for temp monitoring. The mass RMA of 8K3A boards for this reason hurt us enthusiasts and kept us from seeing the "real" temps. It makes me wonder if they will ever show the real temps on any board because something similar might happen.


I'm hoping they will modify a bios to show the real temps someday.

 

[bupkus]

Is the Antec Antec SLK2600AMB w/ANTEC SMART POWER 300W more than is needed if my goals are to run a 1600+ with a 166fsb?
Is the Enlight that follows adaquate as a ps for an overclocked but lean(1 hdd, 1cdrom) pc?
ENLIGHT MID TOWER

 

[Technonut]

Is the Antec Antec SLK2600AMB w/ANTEC SMART POWER 300W more than is needed if my goals are to run a 1600+ with a 166fsb? Is the Enlight that follows adaquate as a ps for an overclocked but lean(1 hdd, 1cdrom) pc?

I don't see why not. You could always pick up another PSU if you decide to add more components to your system and need the extra juice. Antec makes a good PSU. The important thing especially on the EPoX boards, is clean, consistant power to the +3.3V and +5V rails. The higher the combined rated amps, and maximum output power, the better.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: Talyn328
This may be a topic for a different thread, but it does relate to this thread...

I just got my 8K5A2+ and am now looking at what CPU coolers to get for the Athlon XP 2600+ that will fit on this motherboard. I'm still researching different coolers but the leading contenders are: Alpha PAL 8045, Swiftech MCX-462+ and the Fortis Monster 90.

I don't plan on overclocking the 2600+ immediately, but in the meantime I'd like a nice cooler that can handle the job (stock and overclocked) while being as quiet as possible too.

I'm not familiar with the Monster 90, but the Alpha and the Swiftech are both top notch coolers. I prefer the Alpha myself, but many people claim the Swiftech performs a little better. The Alpha is ~$34 and the Swiftech is ~$50, so it's up to you. Both will fit on the board.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: Salvador

Actually, with the 8K5A2+ having sound, LAN, and RAID on-board, I would have preferred that they kept the 5 PCI slot layout, and moved the AGP socket and northbridge to the left more. This would have allowed for larger CPU heatsinks (especially for those that utilize the 4 mounting holes, such as the one in the amdworld photo), northbridge heatsink with a fan, and would have also increased air flow from a front case mounted fan past the video card, to the CPU.

Are you saying that the newer version with the square HS will not accept something like the Alpha 8045 on the CPU? I hope not because I always look for compatibility with the larger heat sinks before I buy a board.

Sal

I have an 8045 on one of mine and it fits fine. I guess you could say the fit is a little tight, but I didn't have any issues installing mine. The top plastic push pin for the NB HS can touch the HSF, but if you just turn it slightly, it's out of the way. Also, there is a capacitor near the top of the board, between the CPU socket and the first DIMM slot, and it runs kinda close, but it doesn't touch the Alpha in my system.

I find it highly unlikely, but if for some reason the capacitor did touch the Alpha, and you were worried about it, you can just slide a piece of paper or something in between them, but like I said, it's close, but does not touch on my boards...

One last thing, you can move the mounting posts around a bit before you tighten them down. This might help you if you are having clearance problems..

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: mooo
Do not use the VIA 4-in-1 drivers?!

Came accross this while looking for info on 3Dfx Voodoo drivers at voodoofiles.com (shame on me for getting such an old, unsupported card, but... )

People with VIA boards:

- DON'T install the 4-in-1 drivers if you're using XP. The drivers that came with XP have proven to be more stable for me over two different machines then the VIA-supplied ones if you must try the VIA stuff, avoid the IDE driver like the plague.

Insane3D/other knowledgeable ones, can you please comment? Is this true? Anyone hear of this/or have a similar thought?

Ummm...absolute CRAP. Yes, by all means you should install the latest Via drivers. While XP does come with an older version of the 4-in-1's installed, they were released way before the newer KT333/KT400 chipsets were out. If you buy a new board like the Epox, you should install the latest drivers for it. I had a discussion about this same topic here.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Guys,

My 8K5A3+ came in yesterday... I finally restored my OS (Win2K), so I'll be doing some minor OCing tonight and will post results tomorrow. On a side note, regarding the AlphaPal 8045, it is AN EXTREMELY TIGHT FIT. I got the Epox version with rectangular Northbridge, and I had to basically force it in there, because below it (behind the "step" of the Alpha) there was one of those round cylindrical transistors(?) in the way. You have to push it against this transistor so they are touching when mounting is complete. Also, on the side of the Alpha that faces the Northbridge HS, is a white plastic screw(?) on the Northbridge HS that prevents the Alpha from mounting on the CPU. To fix this, I used a small screwdriver to bend it to its left, and allow the Alpha to mount. But this plastic screw is now pressed against the Alpha as well.

All in all, if you can get a smaller HSF, I would recommend it, or you can just cram it on there like I did.

~Rob

Can't comment on the 8K5A3+, but it may be a slightly tighter fit than the 8K5A3+ since the 3+ has the fourth DIMM slot which probably shifts everything to the left a bit. If the Alpha is touching the capacitor, and you are worried, slide a piece of cardboard or paper between them to break any contact with something non conductive. You could even put a smal piece of electrical tape over the side of the capacitor that touches the Alpha.

Also, check my post above. It's possible to shift the four mounting posts around a bit. You may want to try loosening them a bit and shifting everything to the left a bit. It won't move a lot, but it might be enough to clear the capacitor.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: BZeto
Will the SVC GC68 fit ok on the 8K5A2+ ? I'm looking for a good HSF for an OC'd XP1600 and the GC68 seems to be a favorite.

Should work fine...

 

[Insane3D]

Yeah, you should be fine. That Antec 300W has a better combined output (220W) than my dual fan 350W Antec (180W) and it powers my 1600+ @ 1.8ghz with two optical drives and a 80GB WD SE drive...

 

[SP33Demon]

Can't comment on the 8K5A3+, but it may be a slightly tighter fit than the 8K5A3+ since the 3+ has the fourth DIMM slot which probably shifts everything to the left a bit. If the Alpha is touching the capacitor, and you are worried, slide a piece of cardboard or paper between them to break any contact with something non conductive. You could even put a smal piece of electrical tape over the side of the capacitor that touches the Alpha.

Thanks for the suggestion, Insane. Does it really even matter that the Alpha is touching the capacitor? It seemed like it has a plastic covering on the outside of it, didn't seem to be metal...

~Rob

 

[bupkus]

Insane,
I've been researching this for days and my eyes are beginning to cross.
I'm not sure what you suggested about the memory.

Gonna get:

1. 1

AMD 1600+ (I'll try to OC w/ fsb=166)

1. 2

Memory (512MB of either Samsung or Corsir PC2700) Where can I get them and which is better/cheaper.

1. 3

Epox 8K5A2+ (mwave)

1. 4

GC68 for $5.99 (I hope it can do the job) I have my old trusty Taisol CGK742092 I can swap from my Athlon 900 oc'd to 1GHz??

1. 5

Suggestions and hard drives? I don't really need more than 20GBs and I'm not fond of my IBM GXP60.

Need to get up and walk around now.