The *Official* MSI K8NGM2-FID GeForce 6150 Motherboard Thread

[BernardP]

Originally posted by: Aveli
I bought a 7300GT (zogis oc) from newegg and tried to put it in my dell E521(with 6150 on board video card). But it just gave me the blank screen except for the first time, there were some chars such as 7300GT... but those were distorted. And the LED of dell 521 showed that there was "possible graphic card problem".

I do not know whether this is due to the 305W or this video card is bad... I can not find another computer to test the video card.

So finally, someone who tried the new Zogis brand...The 305 watts should be more than enough, as this 7300GT is a low power card.

You did check that the BIOS is set up to detect and enable the videocard in the PCI-E slot...?

EDIT You also installed the Forceware drivers that came with the videocard or the latest Forceware drivers from NVidia's web site...?

The way to make sure is to try another PCI-E card in the slot and try your card in another computer. The problem could also be with the PCI-E slot on your motherboard.

You could try conditionally buying a card at a local specialty shop who has a generous return policy. You could explain them your problem. If the card works in your computer, keep this card and RMA the NewEgg card. If not, have the store check the card in one of their own computer. If it works, then you will have to deal with Dell's after-sale service

 

[h0mi]

The K8NGM2-FID seems to be hard to find... only NCIX (anyone got seller ratings on them) has it in stock. I'm not sure I'd want to pursue the am2 option though.

Am I crazy for wanting 1 of these for a gaming system? Yes, I'd buy an add on pcie card... probably an nvidia one.

 

[agent2099]

The K8NGM2 works great as a gaming system, it just won't be an upgradable one. You could wait for a comprable C2D mATX motherboard but I dont know if one as good as the K8NGM2 will ever be available.

 

[you2]

Why is there so much interest in the msi solution (as oppose to the asus or foxcon). Is it more reliable or 'better' in some way ? (the foxconn is $30 less)

 

[h0mi]

I'm not too worried about upgrades, I've never bothered with upgrading the CPU on a computer of mine... it seems to be a waste to me to have a spare CPU lying around without a motherboard. (For that matter I've only once ever movied a MB out of its case, and only when I thought the case's PS was going and I found a good deal on an antec). My upgrades have been limited to changing/adding ram or upgrading the video card or hard drives.
In the event I decide to upgrade in the future, the K8NGM2 would still be an excellent system to maintain... I'd remove the HD and video card (replacing the HD) and it would probably still be very usable, even if not as a modern gaming system.

 

[h0mi]

you2-

From the beginning of this post:

ASUS A8N-VM CSM (Global site) or ASUS A8N-VM CSM (USA site)

This board was the earliest GeForce 6150 board. Consequently it was once very popular. However it lost its popularity quickly (at least in this forum) because of:

* Numerous problems, BIOS-related or non BIOS-related
* Poor overclockability
* Audio is 5.1 channels and the driver is ASUS proprietary (Windows only).
* Poor accessories (it comes with only an IEEE1394 bracket.)


# Foxconn 6150K8MA-8EKRS (Global site) or Foxconn 6150K8MA-8EKRS (USA site)

This board is popular only among overclockers because of the lack of onboard DVI, poor audio (AC'97) and poor accessories (only an S-Video bracket).

# GIGABYTE GA-K8N51PVMT-9 (Global site) or GIGABYTE GA-K8N51PVMT-9 (USA site)

This board has good overclocking options, but seems to be a lemon according to many user reviews.

# MSI K8NGM2-FID (Global site) or MSI K8NGM2-FID (USA site)

This board was released a month later than the ASUS board, but gained popularity quickly because of:

* Almost problem-free
* Good overclockability
* Rich accessories (it comes with a TV-out bracket, an audio-out/SPDIF bracket and a USB bracket.)

I currently have the Asus, and I've not experienced the problems mentioned here. (For a while I experimented with 64bit xp though and that wasnt a lot of fun... I downgraded to 32bit and most of my issues went away). My next machine, I've wanted to buy the same chipset since I like having on board video available... I can wait for a deal on that $250 card (though if I want to play KOTOR, I can't wait that long).

I'd get the MSI due to those features... I won't use them in that gaming machine I'm building much, but I know I'll probably rebuild the gaming rig in the future again (or at the least, I'll swap MBs with my Asus machine, and then upgrade from the asus to whatever comes next).

 

[imported_Marcm]

I recently bought a second k8ngm2 because the first made such a perfect media center motherboard. Interestingly the bios this board has factory loaded is version 2.59. Afaik the latest on the msi site is 2.50.

Would it be of interest to anyone if I made it available? I jut don't have the time atm to hunt down the differences between the versions.

Marc

 

[you2]

Do you think the msi board would be reliable for a 24/7 server with an opty 165 ? (does the bios support 64bitx2 ?
(This will be a unix based system not windows

 

[rfan622]

Not too sure if I have a possible bad motherboard. I've been having major instability issues and I've followed the FAQ to a tee in the installation.

Basically the system will randomly jam or stall requiring a hard reboot. Here is a list of some of instances in which it'll crash:
-Playing MP3's for any random amount of time
-Watching DVD's any random amount of time
-Screen saver just going (usually after a night or a day away from the computer)
*With all these instances sometimes I can play MP3's, watch DVD's, and walk away from my computer with no crash occuring.

When the jam occurs, the entire system is stalled and I have to hit the reset button (there is no response from the keyboard). The screen jams up and whatever sound is playing just sits repeating in an endless loop.

Here's my system information:
Drivers and OS
-All the latest drivers according to MSI Live Update
-Running Forceware 9147
-Windows XP MCE Rollup 2

PCI cards
-Hauppauge PVR-250

CPU
-AMD Opteron 165 no overclocking
*Temps are always around 44 and constantly measured. During the crashes the temp's (ambient case and cpu) as well as voltages are always stable.

PSU
480 Watts

Attached Devices
1 SATA
1 PATA
1 DVD-RW
6 USB hard drives
MCE remote
Multi-memory card reader

I think that's all the primary information needed if any more info is needed just let me know.

Please help me with this as I am at my wits end trying to debug this issue.

 

[Aveli]

Hi, BernardP,

Thanks for the advice. In fact, I tried as exactly as you said. I bought a PNY 7300GT from bestbuy and it worked well with my computer. So I RMA Newegg that card.

It seems that core clock o fZogis card is 450, which is much more then PNY. (350). Is it the reason?

 

[grits]

Rfan, I occasionally have the same symptoms, including the sound in a loop.

My system is much different with only MCE in common.

Funny thing is although the system appears locked up, recording in the background continues on.

 

[you2]

hum so the msi board is not reliable 24/7 ?

 

[rfan622]

grits,

I'll get the loop but I believe my entire computer is jammed up. Occasionally it'll stop recieving input for the mouse/keyboard and the screen freezes but I still see the hard drive light going.

 

[RishiK]

Originally posted by: you2
hum so the msi board is not reliable 24/7 ?

its a very reliable board!! i have been using it 24/7 since the day i got it....its almost been 3 months now i guess....
I do switch off the systems when i am away for a few days.....

 

[RishiK]

Originally posted by: Aveli
Hi, BernardP,

Thanks for the advice. In fact, I tried as exactly as you said. I bought a PNY 7300GT from bestbuy and it worked well with my computer. So I RMA Newegg that card.

It seems that core clock o fZogis card is 450, which is much more then PNY. (350). Is it the reason?

I dont think the core speed is the problem....i have a BIG 7300GT its default core was 400 and right now i have oc'ed it to 585
And it works perfectly fine!

 

[you2]

Interesting. It seems that almost no one has this mb in stock. Been discontinued ?

 

[renethx]

Probably K8NGM2-FID has been discontinued. If you are looking for a 24/7 server, ASUS A8N-VM CSM is a good choice (support for ECC memory). It's still available in many retailers.

 

[blimey]

Originally posted by: you2
Interesting. It seems that almost no one has this mb in stock. Been discontinued ?

Keep checking pricegrabber everyday if you're interested in a K8NGM2-FID. Buy.com had some for about three days last week. Sometimes the inventory information is wrong for the smaller retailers, so call to confirm stock before you place an online order. The reviews for the ASUS A8N-VM CSM on newegg aren't so hot. The Foxconn 6150K8MD-8EKRSH (note the 'H' at the end, as opposed to the model without the 'H' at the end) is worth checking out also.

 

[solaris9000]

Has anyone experienced jerky pictures with the MSI K8NGM2-FID board when used with a PCI based DVICO digital TV card?

Thanks.

 

[grits]

I use a Fusion3 under MCE and only get some jerkiness during football games transmitted at 1080i. Turning off CnQ helps.

 

[solaris9000]

I'm only using standard res at the moment and I still get choppy pictures.

I will check if CnQ is enabled or not.

Thanks.

 

[you2]

Which do you think would be more reliable the MSI or foxconn ?

 

[you2]

Any comments on the GIGABYTE GA-K8N51PVM9-RH

 

[BernardP]

Hey you2, if you want a MSI K8NGM2-FID, cou can still grab one at NCIX.com. Click the US flag for US prices and delivery.

Here is a direct link

 

[Mark9]

Well my initial K8NGM2-FID system is starting to "go south". It won't recognize the mouse or keyboard (tried new units and still no recognition). It's not a Windows problem because the bios doesn't see them on startup any longer. And, Yes, all my systems have UPS protection. I've been building computers before Microsoft came into being, and have built hundreds over the years. Currently I have 14 systems on-line on my network doing various work related duties. I have no problem in troubleshooting systems, in fact I usually enjoy straightening out problems - it's just that after the RMA hassles with a second system I built based on a K8NGM2-FID board (that would never start on the first power up despite a LOT of troubleshooting) I just don't want to screw around with this MSI board model any longer.

I realize that all manufacturers produce a percentage of boards that aren't the best of quality, that's real life. But, despite using boards from all major board manufacturer, I've never had two boards of the same model fail identically with so little use.

This list is an outstanding resource for K8NGM2-FID users, and I've enjoyed logging on frequently, so it's with a bit of sadness that I sign off.