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

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: 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.

The Corsair PC2700 is better than the Samsung, but it's more expensive. A good place to get memory is Googlegear. The best choice there would be the Corsair PC2700 C2 with the silver heatspreader, for $151. If that is too expensive, the next choice would be the Samsung for $124.

Now, for a HSF, I would use your Taisol, and save your moeny on the GC68. Make sure to use some AS3 paste and it should do a great job for you. I have almost the exact same HSF on one of my 8K5A2+/1600+ systems @ 166mhz FSB, I just have the one with the copper bottom. It should perform very similar to it's copper bottomed big brother.

Last, I know you don't need more than 20GB of storage, but anything under 40GB is just not worth it. Most 20GB and 40GB drives are within a few dollars of each other. If you get a 40GB drive, I would suggest a Maxtor. However, your best choice, even though it is larger than you want, is the WD 80GB SE drives @ Newegg. They have 8mb of cache and perform close to SCSI levels. Last time I checked, Newegg was running a special on them @ like $107 shipped. That's an excellent deal.

I hope that answers your questions, just let me know if you need any more help.

 

[bupkus]

Which of these two hsf's would you say is better?

I ordered 2 of the GC68's and I have 2 of the Taisol's.

I got the Taisol's for the Athlon 900MHz oc'd to 1GHz, but I now want to match the right hsf to the right cpu.

My new cpu's are the 1600+s which I don't yet know how to oc but hope to find a sweet spot with a fsb=166.

So, should I match the Taisols to the new cpu's and put the GC68's on the old Athlons or pair the new Gc68's to the new 1600+'s?

BTW, thanks for all the help you're offering everyone... insane, you the man.

 

[mooo]

BTW, thanks for all the help you're offering everyone... insane, you the man.

second that. go Insane!

 

[BigHouse]

CPU AMD|1600+/266 ATHLON 1.40G XP
2 HD 80GB|WD 7200RPM 8MB WD800JB
Coolmaster HHC-001 PURE COPPER
CPU THERM PAST|ARCTIC SILVER 3
CASE CHIEF|SVR DX-01WD-420W WHT U1
ATI 9000 PRO Retail ver (refurb)

(NEW EGG)

4 Sunon 80mm Standard CASE FANS KD1208PTS2 36 CFM
5 ROUND CABLES FOR MY DRIVES

(Sidewinder Computers!)

EPOX 8K5A2+ (mwave)

Corsair CMX5123200 512MB PC3200 (Googlegear) still have not shipped it yet ERRRRR!!!!

I orderd all this stuff yesturday (my small part for the economy)

I plane on running the the 2 hard drives in raid 0 should be real fast. Any tips for the best peformance???? My first IDE raid...

Will i have any problems with the Coolmaster HHC-001 PURE COPPER fitting on the board and is this a good one to use.
What can i get for good active cooling on the northbrige???

I was going to wait for nvidia2 but i dont want to start to grow moss on my head waiting for it arive.
I have been all over the net looking for the best board to get and this was on the top of my list and this thread sealed the deal. This will be my first try at OCing and i cant wait to burn up some parts

I was going to spend tommorow dowloading drivers but thanks to this thread its going to make it easy for me THANKS..

I almost got a gigabyte kt400 i am glad i did not.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: bupkus
Which of these two hsf's would you say is better?

I ordered 2 of the GC68's and I have 2 of the Taisol's.

I got the Taisol's for the Athlon 900MHz oc'd to 1GHz, but I now want to match the right hsf to the right cpu.

My new cpu's are the 1600+s which I don't yet know how to oc but hope to find a sweet spot with a fsb=166.

So, should I match the Taisols to the new cpu's and put the GC68's on the old Athlons or pair the new Gc68's to the new 1600+'s?

BTW, thanks for all the help you're offering everyone... insane, you the man.

Personally, I would use the Taisol's on the 1600+. However, the GC68 can use an 80mm fan, so it's a toss up. The Taisol is a better quality HSF with a much better clip, but the GC68 allows the use of a larger fan so that may even out the performance a bit. You could always put one Taisol on a 1600+, and one GC68 on the other 1600+ and see which performs better.

One thing you should remember about o/cing these 1600+ chips is that to run 166mhz FSB, you usually don't need to up the voltage at all, so the heat output is essentially the same as a 2100+. High end cooling is really not needed.

 

[bupkus]

Personally, I would use the Taisol's on the 1600+. However, the GC68 can use an 80mm fan, so it's a toss up. The Taisol is a better quality HSF with a much better clip, but the GC68 allows the use of a larger fan so that may even out the performance a bit. You could always put one Taisol on a 1600+, and one GC68 on the other 1600+ and see which performs better.

One thing you should remember about o/cing these 1600+ chips is that to run 166mhz FSB, you usually don't need to up the voltage at all, so the heat output is essentially the same as a 2100+. High end cooling is really not needed.

It sounds like either one would do the job for either processor. I guess I'll just have to select the quieter of the two and put that one on my desktop.
Can you imagine an absolutely quiet pc? Maybe someday. Or maybe I should just buy a laptop? I've never used one let alone owned one.

Have any links to how to oc the 1600+? I knew how to oc the athlon but I imagine the xp is different. I don't want to bother you with creating links for me. If you could just mention a few sites, I'll take it from there.

Thanks again.

 

[Insane3D]

bupkus -

I sent you a PM.

 

[SP33Demon]

Ok guys, I have my OCing results in! I hit 190Mhz = 380 FSB speed with Samsung 256MG "DTL" with the multiplier at 9 = 1710MHz on my Athlon 1900+MP. Vcore was at 1.9, and I upped the VDimm by .1, note that my Ram settings were on "FAST" in the BIOS and not FASTEST or TURBO (see question below)

My case temp was 35deg, CPU 40deg...

I couldn't hit 200 FSB though... I'm going to get a Corsair PC3200 stick for that! So if anyone wants to buy the Samsung, let me know...

4 Quick questions for Insane or anyone who may know the answer:

Question 1: Dimm slot 1 is very close to my HSF, so I was wondering what would happen if I put it in slot 4, which is furthest away?? I want to try this next week and see what happens.

Question 2: I know someone already asked this, but what is the best way to actively cool the NorthBridge (square HS, I know Technonut already answered for the Round?)

Question 3: Is cooling supposed to be better with my fan on the AlphaPal 8045 blowing in or out from it? I currently have the fan blowing "in", and was wondering if this was the correct way?

Question 4: Can I run Turbo or Fastest settings for my RAM? Note, my Samsung is 2.5CL and Turbo/Fastest settings in my BIOS will only run at 2CL, it's locked when I switch to this setting. Is there a way to change the 2CL to 2.5CL in this section of the BIOS? Should I even attempt to run 2.5CL RAM at 2CL?

~Rob

 

[russr]

To answer your questions:

1) I recommend moving the stick of RAM to the furthest slot away from the CPU...that way it will avoid taking direct heat from the cpu.
2) If you've got a square NB heatsink, you can easily attach a regular chipset fan to it to cool it. It should screw into the groves of the sink.
3) I think you have it the correct way, blowing air onto or into the heatsink is most effective.
4) Fast or fastest settings with cl2 is better than the turbo with cl2.5 I think.

 

[tRaptor]

I need some help. I have a 8k5a2+ Installed 3 days ago, clean install of windows lastnight.

When i run 3d, it runs good but it jerks every 5-10 seconds. Its a All In Wonder Radeon 7500. Its never done this before.

I've tried everything. New drivers, new BIOS for the MB, 4in1's are installed. Thats all i can think of now. Any help?

I've yet to try SP1 but i'll do that now.

~tyler

 

[Toro 45]

I noticed when I have my fsb set to 173 my Crucial PC2700 ram is running at 166,I know PC2700 ram is suppose to run at 166 but I thought my ram would be running the same speed as my fsb/cpu?


I have the Dram clock on SPD,the other choice is 166,strange I just noticed it always says my fsb is at 166 even when I change it to 169,171,173.I'm seeing this on the ram page in the bios ,the frequency page does show the proper fsb.

What am I missing here,all of my previous mobo's & overclocking the ram always run same speed as fsb unless you intentionally change it depending on the board

Toro

 

[CyNics]

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

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

OKay guys, some said it won't fit and some had done it?? I'm confused
Can my Alpha 8045 fits in the newer version of 8k5a2+ with square/rectangular heatsink?

EDIT: Insane3D, sorry I missed one of your post which northbridge heatsink do you have since your alpha 8045 fits in nicely

 

[MrEMan]

CyNics

I never stated that I knew for sure which heatsinks would fit and which wouldn't (I haven't purchased one as of yet). All I claimed was that the photos of the various versions of the 8K5A2/2+ showed quite a bit of difference in the spacing between the CPU socket and the northbridge heatsink with the older 5 PCI slot 8K5A2 having the most space, and the space varying quite a bit on the 6 PCI slot versions of the 8K5A2/2+ depending on the northbridge heatsink.

Check out http://direct.mwave.com/mwave/doc2/a16116.html , http://www.bunta.com/products/prodspec.asp?item=MOEP8K5A2 , the www.socketa.com and the other reviews listed at the beginning of this thread and you will see that the rectangular heatsink provides the most space on the 6 slot boards, followed by the square one, with the round one (apparently the current one being shipped on the latest boards, based on other's comments) providing about 3/16" (5 mm) less space due to the circular overhang portion of the heatsink. In my opinion, EPoX and other board manufacturers need to provide clearance specs around the CPU socket, and anywhere else spacing could be a problem.

A question about heatsink fans. Do the EPoX boards or any others, control the speed of the fan based on CPU temperature? I have seen ASUS specs that seem to imply that their boards do. Any one know for sure? Thanks.

Regarding the problem of people returning many boards to NewEgg due to high temperatures, apparently many don't realize how totally INACCURATE mounting a thermosensor under the CPU socket is. The ONLY way to get an accurate reading is thru a calibrated on-die thermal diode! I sure hope EPoX allows reading the on-die diode for actual temps as well as for emergency shutdown.

Insane3D, regarding your comment about Chris Tom's review (www.socketa.com) comments concerning the on-board audio, I can only guess that he listed the audio on the minus side, because while it is 6 channel, it is still only AC97 compliant, which probably means it sound quality isn't as good as a high-end plug in card.


[/quote]
OKay guys, some said it won't fit and some had done it?? I'm confused
Can my Alpha 8045 fits in the newer version of 8k5a2+ with square/rectangular heatsink?[/quote]

 

[russr]

it says that the 8k5a2+ has a 6 channel audio output. How is that possible? I only see 1 lineout on the board. 1 lineout translates to at most 2 channel audio. I don't get it.

And how are we supposed to use that SPDIF thing? Most sound cards with spdif actually have an SPDIF audio out.

 

[RideFree]

CyNix,
Don't be afraid of CPU-coolers like the Alpha PAL 8045U (or 8045T). I just completed an install on 8K5A2+ and It was/is flawless.
Dropped the CPU from 115-120f to 98F. I was blown away (no pun intended). Used A/SII (Didn't have III on hand).

Probably, one of the synergistic things that happened is that I used a Lian-Li PC50 case and a 350w dual fan PSU. The HS (8045U) is a sucker, not a blower) and throws the exhaust air from the CPU directly at the bottom PSU heat/slots and at the rear PSU fan.
I believe this is the second highest rated (depends on the site) HSF for the XP+s. Noise level is quite acceptable, however, case has top & front 80mm fans and PS has two. Four fans are running in addition to the 8045U. It's quieter than most of the recent rigs I've put together.
CPU is set at 166FSB and PC2700 ram is in synch.
I couldn't be more tickled (except at the very flakey WD600BB).:disgust:

 

[Ray78]

Originally posted by: russr
it says that the 8k5a2+ has a 6 channel audio output. How is that possible? I only see 1 lineout on the board. 1 lineout translates to at most 2 channel audio. I don't get it.

And how are we supposed to use that SPDIF thing? Most sound cards with spdif actually have an SPDIF audio out.

The motherboard comes with software that allows the headphone jack and microphone jack to act as outputs for rear surrounds and the center channel.

 

[BZeto]

I just got my 8K5A2+ today! It has the round heatsink on the northbridge. One thing I noticed is those cylinder things are quite close to the socket(left side), hopefully those dont cause conflict. I assum they dont b/c most people seem to be concerned about the northbridge heatsink more. I'm happy It came with an I/O panel for the case, I was getting worried I'd have to do some modding to my current one. i cant wait to get this baby installed.

Btw, do I have to change that one jumper near the AGP slot for the 133 fsb? B/c I think the default is 100 right now.

And what is with the lighted numbers near the IDE ports? Is that for post codes? or is the speaker still nessesary?

 

[williamkusumo]

I just got my Epox 8K5A2+ and I suddenly realized that the onboard audio Realtek output has only three holes in it! Speaker hole, Line-In hole, and Mic hole. How the hell can you plug a 4.1 or 5.1 or even 6.1 speakers system if you only have one hole for speaker! Even my old SoundBlaster Live! has two input hole for 4.1 speakers system.

If I have to use Y-cable to combine and connect those mini plug of my 4.1 speaker to this onboard audio, it wouldn't be surround, it will instead be a stereo reproduced into 4 speakers.

Is this what 6 channel support is called?

William

 

[ShotgunSi]

Originally posted by: williamkusumo
I just got my Epox 8K5A2+ and I suddenly realized that the onboard audio Realtek output has only three holes in it! Speaker hole, Line-In hole, and Mic hole. How the hell can you plug a 4.1 or 5.1 or even 6.1 speakers system if you only have one hole for speaker! Even my old SoundBlaster Live! has two input hole for 4.1 speakers system.

I believe with the sound card software, you can "re-map" the outputs. So you can take the mic in and turn it into a rear channel out.

Check the cd and the user manual.

 

[russr]

william, you gotta read the posts man...just two posts before yours I asked the same question and someone answered me.

 

[Mem]

New Epox 8K5A2+ review @Neoseeker ,also Epox 8K5A3+ review@active-hardware .

 

[RideFree]

Don't be afraid of CPU-coolers like the Alpha PAL 8045U (or 8045T). I just completed an install on 8K5A2+ and It was/is flawless.

This went on a M/B with the round chipset H/S.
There have been some ?s in ref to the square chipset H/S.
Anybody able to expand on this ????? and add to what is known about the square chipset H/S?

 

[CyNics]

Originally posted by: RideFree
CyNix,
Don't be afraid of CPU-coolers like the Alpha PAL 8045U (or 8045T). I just completed an install on 8K5A2+ and It was/is flawless.
Dropped the CPU from 115-120f to 98F. I was blown away (no pun intended). Used A/SII (Didn't have III on hand).

Probably, one of the synergistic things that happened is that I used a Lian-Li PC50 case and a 350w dual fan PSU. The HS (8045U) is a sucker, not a blower) and throws the exhaust air from the CPU directly at the bottom PSU heat/slots and at the rear PSU fan.
I believe this is the second highest rated (depends on the site) HSF for the XP+s. Noise level is quite acceptable, however, case has top & front 80mm fans and PS has two. Four fans are running in addition to the 8045U. It's quieter than most of the recent rigs I've put together.
CPU is set at 166FSB and PC2700 ram is in synch.
I couldn't be more tickled (except at the very flakey WD600BB).:disgust:

RideFree, I'm using an alpha 8045 with a 80mm delta 40cfm fan, the noise level is very acceptable

 

[Salvador]

Ok.. I'm totally confused here. I've seen photos of 3 different 8K5A2+'s. One has a round chipset hs. One has a rectangular hs and the one that I bought from Mwave has a square hs with the Epox logo imprinted on it. Which board is the newest? Which one is best or does it matter?

I just checked the warranty status at Epox and I'm under warranty until 8/28/03. My guess is that I have an older revision to the board considering I only have a 1 year warranty and it's not even a year (11 months)?

Does anyone have the board with the square hs that I described with the Epox symbol on it? Once again, I bought it from Mwave.com. Does anyone know for sure if the Alpha 8045 will fit this revision of the board?

TIA,

Sal

 

[bupkus]

I hope so, Salvador, I'm expecting delivery of two from mwave early next week.
Although I already ordered the GC68 hsf I'm thinking of getting the Alph Pal 8045. I wonder why it's so popular.

Insane3D, I sent you a pm.