Yess!!! New mobo just came in ,first time builder ,epox 8k7a,any hints...

[country2]

Hi,I'm gonna start on it tomorrow is there anything I should do to help it be more trouble free?I know about changing the default setting for the 266 (got a 1.2 amd/266 chip)gonna do a clean install with only the vid,hd and cdrom hooked up then hook up everything else seperate and do a boot on each.I've got all updated drivers for all my devices(gonna use winme) including the new 4 in 1 driver set incase older version is on the cd.I've also got extra fans for my enlight case to help on the cooling.Oh one thing that concerns me is the burn it proceedure..do you just let it stay on for say 24 hrs or what?...thanks

 

[overdog]

Start with just your mobo, processor, memory, and video card. Make sure it can POST, and then go into BIOS setup and check that everything works. Check your cpu temps in BIOS too, to make sure it is not too hot. Then put in your hard drive and CDROM, and make sure it POSTS again. Then chang your boot settings so it looks to boot from floppy first, harddrive second, and CDROM 3rd. (I guess the order doesn't really matter for now). Then insert your WinME CD, restart, and you should be good to go, as long as WinME CD has the capability of booting up and formatting your hard drive.

 

[dominic01]

If you are planned to connect a parallel printer, check it if it is working. Most of the 8K7A boards DO NOT. Mine did not work.

 

[overdog]

My HP Deskjet 930C works fine. It was the last thing I installed.

 

[bozo1]

My printer works fine...

Install the AMD AGP driver then the VIA drivers but NOT the Via AGP driver. (one of the 4)

 

[nokeo]

If your CPU was boxed...I had a strange thing happen...Glad I caught it quick...The stock fan on the CPU wasn't working...I called AMD and the tech said to push down real hard in the center of the fan til it clicked...HE HE HE...I thought he was pullin my leg...Got home that night....Started laughing...Pushed down hard...WOO it clicked loud...Worked fine ever since...It would be easy to overlook while trying to set everything up.

 

[zuze]

Get a lot of supplies in case something happens like nuclear war... Lock yourself in a bunker and set the door lock to open on 20 years from now.
Sorry... hehehe. Parallel port printer worked just fine with my board. One advice when you put it in the case make sure it doesn't short out in it. My host bro's was. No boot and etc. I put the board out of the case an it was fine. We just had to isolate case screws .

 

[dominic01]

I got this main from Epox

> Dear User,
>
> We are working hard to address the 8K7A/8K7A+ issue and ensure we deliver a
> stable and trouble-free product to you, our customer. Certain combinations
> of power supplies with devices attached to the printer port may produce the
> non-boot issue. For best results we recommend 'SPI' and 'Seventeam' brand
> power supplies.
>
> But nevertheless we have determined a workaround for the issue and are
> quickly implementing it to all those effected. But unfortunately we will
> need to address the issue by obtaining your board. Find attached our RMA
> worksheet. Please print out, fill out the applicable sections and fax back.
> We will then issue you shipping instructions to get the board fixed or
> swapped ASAP.
>

 

[nokeo]

Blue smoke...OK Gray smoke...Grab the plug Black smoke....Pull

No problem with Parallel printer...

 

[SpideyCU]

Hmm...interesting. Thanks for that tidbit dominic01. I didn't realize they already had a workaround...though I'd hate to send my board to them...it means I have to wait that much longer before my system is working again. :frown:

 

[heffe734]

My printer works fine too...haha

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

Installing the fan on your CPU is probably going to be the toughest thing to do. When I built my first computer, I was surprised in the extra force needed to get it mounted. I was afraid I was gonna "bust up" my CPU.

 

[webley]

<< Install the AMD AGP driver then the VIA drivers but NOT the Via AGP driver. (one of the 4) >>



Do you install the drivers after the operating system?

Also, where do you get the AMD AGP driver and how is it identified?

 

[Zuluwarrior]

oooo, if he's doing a first timer, he very easily could &quot;bust&quot; it

use a screwdriver to press down in one hand and another tiny screwdriver
in the other hand to tink the retainer around the clip.
and DON&quot;T LET IT SLIP!

best also to do this on a folded in thirds towel......yup...i said towel
and WHATEVER u do....don't do it in the case.

other than that, i can't tell ya much...i will tell ya that win me
doesn't like usb optical mice for some
reason......had to go to 98se to get issues resolved! all fine since.

Please consult a medical professional before taking this advice

 

[country2]

thanks for all the info....my cpu is retail so I know the fan comes with it but is it already installed?Also my vid card is gonna be a ati rage fury maxx agp (i know it sucks but just temp)and I'm seeing different reports on the driver(amd agp/via drivers)on what to install.I read somewhere that inorder to achve the full abilities of the chips you need to install the via 4 in one drivers....well besides the video driver guess I've just about covered it all..thanks for the great info!

 

[billyjak]

When installing a cpu &amp; fan Don't use a screwdriver get a notched nail puller or notch a piece of wood like oak to put that clip on.