KT3 Ultra2 R & memory question

I wanted to get some PC3200 memory for this motherboard. I was looking at Crucial PC3200 modules which are all rated CL3. However, the bios settings for the KT3 Ultra2 only shows CL settings of either 2 or 2.5. Of course I am aware that this board will only officially tolerate PC2700.
Presumably, if I bought the Crucial CL3, I would have to set the CL setting in the bios to 2.5. I wonder if someone could let me know if the crucial CL3 are going to work without ill effects or adversely affecting the rest of my set up; or if I should go for some other make of memory like the Corsair (value line).
Many thanks for any help you can provide

CL3 @ 400MHz must be able to hold CL 2.5 @ 333MHz
(3x5ns=15ns, 15ns/6ns=2.5).
Besides, the fact the manual setting only allows 2 and 2.5 doesn't mean that if set to SPD the module won't run at it's correct ratings.

Similar Messages

KT3 Ultra2 Problem/Question

Ok, no problem with *NORMAL* working situation.
AMD AthlonXP 2000+ (P.S. LOCKED)
KT3 Ultra2-R
512 MB Kingston PC2700 DDR @ 333Mhz
Leadtek A250 LE 64MB DDR
Enlight 420W PSU
+5v 40A
+3.3v 30A
Problem: I cannot change the ratio of the processor, if I did that then the computer won't start without any beep/screen.
The debug light hung on the IDE detection, but something more weird is before IDE detection there are few more tests need to be pass but it directly going to IDE detection from memory detection. What's wrong?
I need to clear BIOS to make it start again, even I did try lower my ratio.
Is that my processor lock cause this?
Question: Ok, I did search the whole forum, but still cannot find any thread that specified the right divide of FSB/AGP/PCI (Above 133MHz). Does MSI never tell outside how they work on it or what?
Thanks! Anything I missed?

I was able to use my Xp 1600 at the 166 FSB (locked) 166x10.5=1743 Mhz no problem on this board (KT3 Ultra 2). 166 FSB will probably be your sweet spot.
Here is my Madonion Score (12.5K):
http://service.madonion.com/compare?2k1=4427245
I ulocked the chip and have managed 11x166 so far. Now my PC 2100 memory is probably the holdback.
Hey Wonka, what is the highest FSB you've seen somebody clock this board sucessfully at? Do you think if I get PC 3200 mem I'll be able to go to higher fsb than 170? (this board does not work around the 6x mult. point/ 200FSB it can be adjusted to, does it?)
Thanks

KT3 Ultra2 Motherboard questions

Hi again - I decided to dig through my computer parts containers and found enough to build a backup PC using my MSI KT3 Ultra 2 motherboard and an AMD Athlon XP 2000+ CPU.
I haven't run this motherboard and CPU for at least three years, maybe more. There's 500 MB of PC2700 RAM.
Right now the Front Side Bus is set at 100. I recall that it used to be higher than that, but I am not sure. The manual doesn't specify it, or possibly I just can't find it.
Question 1 - What is the maximum FSB setting for this motherboard and the CPU I am using?
Here are the specs:
Motherboard ID   62-0224-009999-00101111-040201-VIA_K7$1AARK204_A6380VMS V5.7 022403
Motherboard Name   MSI KT3 Ultra2 (MS-6380E)
Front Side Bus Properties
Bus Type   DEC Alpha EV6
Bus Width   64-bit
Real Clock   100 MHz (DDR)
Effective Clock   200 MHz
Bandwidth   1600 MB/s
Memory Bus Properties
Bus Type   DDR SDRAM
Bus Width   64-bit
Real Clock   167 MHz (DDR)
Effective Clock   333 MHz
Bandwidth   2667 MB/s
Chipset Bus Properties
Bus Type   VIA V-Link
Bus Width   8-bit
Real Clock   67 MHz (QDR)
Effective Clock   267 MHz
Bandwidth   267 MB/s
Motherboard Physical Info
CPU Sockets/Slots   1
Expansion Slots   5 PCI, 1 AGP, 1 CNR
RAM Slots   3 DIMM
Integrated Devices   Audio
Form Factor   ATX
Motherboard Size   230 mm x 300 mm
Motherboard Chipset   KT333
North Bridge   VIA VT8367 Apollo KT333
CPU Properties
CPU Type   AMD Athlon XP, 1250 MHz (12.5 x 100)
CPU Alias   Palomino
CPU Stepping   A5
Instruction Set   x86, MMX, 3DNow!, SSE
L1 Code Cache   64 KB
L1 Data Cache   64 KB
L2 Cache   256 KB (On-Die, Full-Speed)
CPU Physical Info
Package Type   453 Pin PGA
Package Size   4.95 cm x 4.95 cm
Transistors   37.5 million
Process Technology   6Mi, 0.18 um, CMOS, Cu
Die Size   128 mm2
Core Voltage   1.75 V
I/O Voltage   1.6 V
Typical Power   41.3 - 64.3 W (depending on clock speed)
Maximum Power   46.1 - 72 W (depending on clock speed)
Thanks
Joe

With that Palamino CPU it should be set for 133 (266) FSB.
Edit: If it's not in your paper manual look in the download PDF English version on page 3-28 to set it.
http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=downloaddetail&type=manual&maincat_no=1&prod_no=497

KT3 Ultra2 hangs during POST - Memory Detection

System specs:
KT3 Ultra2
Athlon XP 1900+
GeForce4 Ti4200
PC2700 512MB RAM non-ECC
***Nothing else connected***
The system only passes POST after clearing CMOS. When I load the default BIOS settings, the system hangs when it gets to the Memory Detection step of POST. I have tried different memory sticks and even motherboards with the same results. This seems to be a BIOS settings issue. Any Ideas???

I have tried 2. Mushkin (Samsung chips) with a heat sink. The other was oem and the chips are also Samsung. Same problem with both.
The Mushkin works fine in another system.

KT3 Ultra2-CL power suppy question

Hi,
In the manual of the KT3 Ultra2-CL (page 2-8) is shown "JWP1" as ATX 12V power connector, used to provide power to the CPU.
My question: Can I also use a ATX power supply without this 4-pin connector with this board? ?(
Jan

Hi,
Don't flash a BIOS of another board into yours, it can give strange results....
As for the specs, they where written at the time of the mobo's development and they can change if newer BIOS'ses surface...

MSI KT3 ULTRA2 - RAM question

Hi,
I just bought MSI KT3 ULTRA2 -Sound Motherboard
and for the RAM, I want to buy:
TOSHIBA 1.0GB ECC Registered DDR SDRAM DIMM (Toshiba model: THMD1GE0SB80 (PC1600) 128Mx72)
(for detail of the RAM, please read at: http://www.toshiba.com/taec/components/Datasheet/THMD1GE0SBxx-010702.pdf )
Do you guys know if that RAM is supported by MSI KT3 ULTRA2?
Thanks a lot

And beside, I'm building that computer with:
Mother Board : MSI KT3 Ultra2
Processor: AMD Athlon 1800+ XP
HDD : Western Union wb1000 100 gigs 7200
RAM: Toshiba 1 gigs pc 1600 ECC registered (still in doubt if I can use that)
Video Card: any suggestion? I'm thinking ATI radeon 9000 128 megs DDR, it's not that great, but I dont need a really good video card, I work most of the time
CASE: any suggestion?
Cooler: suggestion?
CD-R: 48x16x48 Asus
Thanks

KT3 Ultra2 Problems. Baby Steps. Question 1: Volume controls

The volume control window in Windows XP Pro is using the "wave" file volume slider, not my "CDplayer" volume slider. I checked to make sure that I have set the CD-player to use analogue sound. Is this normal?
Lite-on 48X24X48 CDRW
MSI Ultra2 (no raid)
Onboard sound AC97
Fresh clean WinXP install
Thanks

Bluegenes
Just wanted to let you know that I have experienced the same characteristic on a Kt3 Ultra2 and onboard audio. I have also noticed a similar situation with Windows XP using a Creative SB Live 5.1 on a K7M mobo and a Santa Cruz sound card on an A7V333 mobo.
I will also be interested in finding out how to make a change to enable controlling the audio level on the analogue CD ROM input. I believe it is a Win XP issue and not an issue with the KT3 Ultra2 onboard audio or its associated driver.
Iceberg

KT3 Ultra2 + Heavy AGP usage = crash & beeps on reboot

PROBLEM: (story has 2 very exciting parts)
Part 1: When start using apps with intencive accellerated graphics, the computer gives a blank screen and hangs there forewer. After a while, monitor goes into powersaving mode.
Ex.: After passing the 1st, low-res (truck) test on Sysmark2001 successfully, sysmark happily and consistently hangs on the hi-res (truck) test.
Part 2 (More Interesting part): After the computer goes into blank screen (explained above), I push "reset" button and get:
- no picture
- several beeps (8 or 9). It is hard to say how many beeps; they all a short and first one is Very abrupt.
- The "D-"-whatever lights show code for "Testing RTC (Real Time Clock)"
- same thing happening no matter how many times I press reset. I have to unplug the computer for a while to make it boot normally.
SYSTEM INFO:
MSI KT3 Ultra2 mobo
Athlon 1800+ CPU
PowerColor Radeon 8500 based 128meg AGP video card.
No-name manufacturer 256mb PC2100 DDR RAM sticks
No-name manufacturer 400W PSU
all my other cards were removed for/while troubleshooting.
THINGS TRIED:
Since the "issue" continues after reboot, I immediately rule out the software problems. (though I did reinstall windows and tried other/newer chipset and video drivers for the heck of it)
- used 1 other memory chip (different brand) (no help)
- Used the Video card and memory in other computers (work fine)
- used other mobo (asus A7V133) and parts with the case and PSU (works fine)
- updated bios (no help)
- changed AGP Driving vale, AGP speed (1x,2x,4x), memory timing, disabling/enambling anything possible in BIOS. (none helped)
THINGS DID NOT TRY:
(I do not have unlimited budget, you know..)
- Another brand of accellerated video card (what is the point? I like my Radeon8500-128mb and it works with other boards. If KT3 is incompatible, screw KT3)
- Did not try another PSU (Do not have any better than the one I have.) If it is a problem, I do not mind buying a new one. But, is IT the problem?
- What else did I not try? You tell me.
WHAT I SUSPECT:
- Motherboard has electrical problems, or
- My PSU may be underpowered (but why the problem continues during the low-power bootup?)

Thenk you guys for such a prompt response
Let me address your questions/comments
> (maesus) Did you try - Load BIOS Setup Default
Yeah, I tried that.
> (maesus) do not overclock, everything goes default
I am a heat, noise and temperature control freak. I never overclock. I am more likely to underclock than overclock. Incidentally, I did try to underclock the FSB and memory to 100Mhz in order to see if the problem goes away. - It does not go away.
> (maesus) Update VIA 4-in-1 drivers to 4.43v and ATI Catalyst to 2.3
I tried Via 4-in-1 v 4.43, 4.41. I tried Catalyst 2.3 and 2.2. As for trying older drivers, my philosophy is the following: If the board makes me downgrade drivers and features in order to be functional, I get rid of the board, not the features. Downgrading Via 4-in-1 does not make much of a difference. Downgrading Catalyst further brings performance and features down significantly enough.
> (maesus) My suggestion to the AGP Driving signals is EA.
Thanks for the suggested value. It is so hard to find things like this. I looked all over the net and PowerColor groups to find values that work, and found none that match my system. I did try this value, though. I keep a list of values that usually work for me, and EA is one of them. Nothing from my list worked.
As a side-note, setting AGP to bellow 4x usually makes Driving Value setting irrelevant. On my previous boards, I would set AGP to 2x and Driv Value to Auto - the board would usually work OK. With KT3 though, The problem consistently happens even at AGP 1x.
> (maesus) Please try another more powerful PSU, borrow first before you buy
I will try this later in the week.
> (hjongste) You may need to clear CMOS first. Sometimes there is more to it than just shorting the jumpers. Read my page on this.
That is a neat site you have! I will try your suggestion later in the week. Right now the board is back in the box.

KT3-Ultra2 (MS-6380E) PC3200

Okey once again problem with this board!
I decided to upgrade the comp a bit.
From Barton XP2500+ to Barton XP3000+
From 3x256MB DDR PC2700 to 2x512MB PC3200
Now ofc I know the board only supports 333MHz FSB.
I need the FSB to be 166MHz(x2=333MHz) for the Barton to run at the proper speed, I have never been able to get the multiplier to work, probably cause the CPU is locked.
Now the newly bought PC3200 refuses to run at a lower speed then 200MHz(x2=400MHz), No matter what I do, User settings, set SPD to HCLOCK. Dosn't matter. As soon as I insert a third DIMM, a PC2700 they obey my rules and works fine at 333MHz, but this board, cant handle 3 DIMMs at 333MHz, running MEMtest86, phat chance.
Using one of the PC3200 with the PC2700 works fine.
Using the second PC3200 with the PC2700 works fine.
But I cant set it up to work with only the two PC3200 cause they wont run at 333MHz, and I cant have all 3 DIMMs cause the board gives me the finger.
Ive also tried using one of the PC3200 and two PC2700, same thing, 3 DIMMs dosnt work.
So my question is, how can I force my PC3200 to run on 166MHz(x2=333MHz)?
Mainboard MSI KT3-Ultra2 (6380E ver1.0 with BIOS 5.7)
CPU AMD Barton XP3000+ (333MHz version)
Graphic-card Powercolor ATI Radeon 9800 PRO (No OC atm)
PSU Chieftec (HPC-360-202) 340W, 5V 35A, 3.3V 28A, 12V 17A.
Whole bunch of memories that pass the test when set up properly
4x512MB DDR PC3200 TwinMOS (matched 2 and 2)
2x256MB DDR PC2700 Nanya (matched)
1x256MB DDR PC2700 KVM

Frobe, lets be clear about this. Your rig ran fine with the set up which you described namely 2500 barton and 3x256mb pc2700 Ram. Is that correct?.
You now upgraded to xp3000 (in you sig you say xp3200) and are now using 2 sticks of pc3200 ram. Is this now correct?
With the new cpu and ram your rigs posts and works but you say that your new memory is detected at 400. Where is this showing 400 are you looking in the Bios and it shows HClck+33? Or is this by way of some software utility.
This board can only handle 333 mem by default, I have pc3200 mem in my pc (see my sig) and the bios runs it at HClck speed. There is no Hclck+33 option available.
This board is fussy about all 3 ram slots being used slots 1&3 work best as slots 1 & 2 share the MA channel to the northbridge whereas slot 3 uses the MB channel.
Try Running Fast command at 'Normal' (in advanced chipset>dram control) if you are not already.
You should have no trouble whatsoever running an xp3000 (333) together with pc3200 memory as described. The only reason I have only 1 stick of 512mb in my pc is that I dual boot with windows 98se and it does not work (with98) otherwise have run 1gb of ram with no issues.
What I would also suggest is that you clear the bios and check the clear nvram in the bios as well as follow Fredrik Åsenius advise namely to change the mem from spd to user.
Hope this helps

USB 2.0 Issues with KT3 Ultra2 6380E

Windows XP SP1
Bios: American Megatrends Inc. 07.00T
Hi I was wondering if someone could help me?
My machine has six USB ports. (1&2) Two ports are
installed on the motherboard, and my users guide says
they are legacy ports. (3&4) two ports are installed
on the d-bracket 2 connector: JLED, connected to
JUSB2, these are what I believe to be my only 2 USB2.0
ports. (4&6)Finally 2 ports are connected via JUSB3 to
the front panel of my Antec case. I think the front
panel of my case has 1.1 connectors so it is
essentially a 1.1 port.
I am having some difficulty getting my USB ports to
function properly with a USB 2.0 Buslink hard drive
UII-40 72E. I suspect there is some IRQ conflict.
Trying to alleviate this I disabled all the device
drivers I suspected might cause this in the device
manager in safe mode. I then removed from the device
manager all the USB (2.0 and 1.1) root hubs, and after
that their host controllers. I then booted to VGA
mode (thinking this should disable the video card
drivers??) and exported this IRQ info from my sys info
after the USB host controllers are reinstalled:
Resource   Device   Status
IRQ 9   Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System   OK
IRQ 11   RADEON 8500 SERIES    OK
IRQ 21   VIA Rev 5 or later USB Universal Host
Controller   OK
IRQ 21   VIA Rev 5 or later USB Universal Host
Controller   OK
IRQ 21   VIA Rev 5 or later USB Universal Host
Controller   OK
IRQ 21   Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller   OK
IRQ 0   System timer   OK
IRQ 8   System CMOS/real time clock   OK
IRQ 13   Numeric data processor   OK
IRQ 12   PS/2 Compatible Mouse   OK
IRQ 1   Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2
Keyboard   OK
IRQ 14   Primary IDE Channel   OK
IRQ 15   Secondary IDE Channel   OK
IRQ 6   Standard floppy disk controller   OK
Next I attempt to (already plugged into D-Bracket
port) power on my buslink USB 2.0 hard drive. As soon
as I do the machine immediately goes to a blue screen.
No messages given but numbers are shown. I have screen
shots taking with my digital camera. I then returned
to safe mode, remove the USB drivers as I did before,
and boot to VGA mode. Once the USB drivers have been
restored I attempt to power on the bus link hard drive
this time plugged into the onboard legacy ports. I
can I get another blue screen this time including a
message "IRQL not less or equal", again I have taken
screen shots with my digital camera.I then returned to
safe mode, remove the USB drivers as I did before, and
boot to VGA mode. Once the USB drivers have been
restored I attempt to power on the bus link hard drive
this time plugged into the front panel USB ports
(4&6). When I power it on Windows XP warns me that I
have a high-speed USB device plugged into a non
high-speed USB hub. But I receive no error messages.
However I do not exceed the drive through "my
computer". I go through the add hardware wizard to try
and at the drive manually and it says the device is
working properly. Still I do not see the drive.
Finally I tried installing a Buslink USB 2.0 PCI card
after the above steps. I then returned to safe mode,
remove the USB drivers as I did before, and boot to
VGA mode. Once the USB drivers have been restored I
attempt to power on the bus link hard drive this time
plugged into the PCI card. The drive seems to be
recognized automatically by Windows XP however my
system slows to a crawl trying to access any hard
drive. When I try and access the USB 2.0 hard drive I
get a message something to the effect of "(the drive
letter) not being recognizable".
Any ideas on what could be causing this? The same
Buslink hard drive works great at work on my Windows
2000 machine plugged into the same PCI card using the same USB cable and power supply. Would any other information be useful?
Thanks!
andrew
System Info:
ANTEC PERFORMANCE II Model# SX630II (BEIGE) ATX MINI TOWER CASE w/ 300W POWER SUPPLY - RETAIL Special features include the Smart Power ATX12V P4 compliant power supply that runs cooler and quieter, front USB/Firewire ports, washable air filter on the front, & quick-release drive bays with release lever. Specifications: Material: 1.0mm SECC Drive Bays: External 3 X 5.25" - 2 X 3.5" Internal 3 X 3.5" System Board: Fits standard ATX / Pentium 4 Up to 12" (W) x 9.6" (L) Expansion Slot: 7 Slots USB/IO: 2 Front USB port, 1 Front IEEE 1394 (Firewire) port Standard Fan(s): 1 X 80mm (rear) Optional Fan(s): 2 X 80mm (front) Dimensions: 18.6" (L) X 8.1" (W) X 17.25" (H)    $80.00    1   $80.00
MSI Motherboard for AMD Processors Model KT3 Ultra2(6380E-050) Retail Specifications: Supported CPU: A (Socket 462) for AMD® Athlon XP/ Athlon/Duron Chipset: KT333+VT8235 FSB: 100/133 MHz RAM: 3x DDR DDR266/333 184-pin Max 3GB IDE: 2x Ultra DMA133/100/66/33 Up to 4 Devices Slots: 5x PCI (32-bit) ,1x AGP(AGP 2.0 1x/2x/4x ) Ports: 1x FDD, 2x COM, 1x LPT, Onboard Audio: ALC650 Audio (This board doesnt include the S-Bracket)    $82.00    1   $82.00
AMD Athlon 1700+/266 FSB XP Processor CPU- OEM Athlon XP 1700+/ 1.47GHz , AX1700DMT3C The AMD Athlon XP processor with QuantiSpeed architecture powers the next generation in computing platforms, delivering extra performance for cutting-edge applications and an extraordinary computing experience. Specifications: CPU: 1.47 GHz Type: 1700 XP Cache: 256K BUS: 266MHz Socket A (PGA) OEM (Processor Only)     $66.00    1   $66.00
CRUCIAL MICRON 512MB 64x72 PC 2700 DDR RAM - OEM 184-Pin, CL=2.5-Unbuffered Non Parity 2.5V, CT6464Z335 Requires DDR supported Motherboard - Lifetime Warranty. OEM    $176.00    1   $176.00
WD WESTERN DIGITAL EIDE HARD DRIVE 40GB 7200RPM MODEL # WD400BB -CAVIAR OEM, DRIVE ONLY Specifications: Size: 40 Gigabytes Interface: IDE ULTRA ATA100 Seek time: 8.9ms RPM:7200 Cache 2MB OEM(Drive alone) 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty --* Works With PC & Mac *--    $80.00    1   $80.00
Linksys EtherFast 10/100 LAN Card Model LNE100TX : Version 5.1 - RETAIL Easy to Use Plug-and-Play 10/100 PCI Network Card. Full Duplex Capability at Up To 200Mbps. Connects to Both 10Mbps Ethernet and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet Networks. Power On Your PC From Anywhere on the Network with Wake-On-LAN Management.    $24.00    1   $24.00
ATI RADEON 8500LE 128MB DDR TV out, NO DVI,BULK Powered by the revolutionary RADEON™ 8500 LE world’s fastest and most advanced graphics processing unit (GPU) Features ATI's TRUFORM, SMARTSHADER SMOOTHVISION, and HYPER Z II technologies
GPU: RADEON 8500 LE
Specifications:
Memory 128MB of double data rate memory
Resolutions: 640-480 200Hz to 2048x1536 at 85Hz
Connections:CRT Monitor: 15-pin VGA connector TV and VCR: s-video connector
DirectX® 8.1 support OpenGL® 1.3
Operating systems support: Windows® 98/98SE Windows® Me Windows® 2000 Windows® XP Model#: RADEON 8500le 128M –

I first tried installing the VIA4in1 and VIA USB2.0 patch. Then I tried the D-bracket after refreshing the usb drivers (I did not disable all other devices like in my original post, should I have?). Same result, blue screen crash at power on.
Next I disable USB ports in BIOS and install USB PCI card. Then power on the USB HD plugged into card. Same result. Computer slow accessing local drives. When I try to access the USB drive I get a "E:/ is not accessible; the file or data is corrupted or unreadable."
Next I remove the USB card. I enter BIOS and set to "2" ports. Presumably this turns on the USB1.1 ports on the mobo. I return to windows xp. It now seems to install the drivers, but just as it finishes I get a "a problem has been encountered instaaling this device (it has done this before but after finishing I get the blue screen most times). Next I goto the device manager, and in my USB devices I have a USB mass storage device w/ a yellow flag. I goto properties and see a:
"the device cannot start (code 10)" device status. I click "troubleshoot" and voila... blue screen.
Finally I reboot, and set 4 ports in BIOS, making my JUSB3 FRONT PANEL usb1.1? ports active. Interestingly these respond like the PCI card. Computer slow accessing local drives. When I try to access the USB drive I get a "E:/ is not accessible; the file or data is corrupted or unreadable." As soon as I power off the USB HD things are normal...
I will take this USB HD to work tomorrow just to ensure its integrity. Any other ideas? What kinds of BIOS settings might F up USB?
Andrew

Problems w/ KT3 Ultra2 w/R

I think the best thing to do it's to explain the problem from the beginning.
A couple of months ago I bought my computer by components and put it togheter myself. Everything was fine, but there was a problem. Back then, my mobo was an ABIT KX7333R and it wouldn't boot if I changed the processor speed in the bios (it booted allright with the defalut -XP 1500- but when changed it to the real one -XP 2000- it didn't boot at all). So I used it for about 3 weeks with the default setting (I was too lazy at that moment to change the damn thing) and one night, the computer died while I was using it. Anyway, I assumed twas the mobo, so I requested a RMA from Abit, and had my motherboard replaced. The replacement worked fine for about 10 minutes, and when I was writing an email, puff, died again. At that time I was swearing and cursing, and blamed Abit. By then, I was tired of waiting and everything (just got stressed) so I ordered an MSI KT3 Ultra2 with raid. When I first booted the PC, the motherboard didn't recognized my HDD when I entered the Bios. I tried restarting, but the pc would not respond. So I checked the D-Bracket lights and they say that the problem was in the IDE controller or device. So I replaced my HDD with another one, but nothing happened.
So, my questions are:
1- Am I the guy with the worst luck in the world and got three defective motherboards in a row?
2- Could it be that something else in my PC is causing the problem?
If you have any questions, please post it here and I'll answer them. Here it's my computer components:
Athlon XP 2000
MSI KT3 Ultra2
Gainward GF4 TI4200
SB Audigy Gamer
3COM Ethernet card
Corsair XMS PC2700 512MB (Silver heatspreader)
Turbolink 420W PS
Lite-On CDRW
PS: Sorry for the length...

Have you tried with another CPU ? If not, please do so ; or return the CPU for RMA.

BIOS Settings Problem on KT3 Ultra2 MS-6380E with Barton 3000+(FSB333)

Well, I finally got my Barton 3000+ with 333 MHz FSB and installed it yesterday in my MSI KT3 Ultra2 Mainboard....
System Before changing anything:
PSU: DTK 400 W
+3.3 V / 22 A
+5 V / 35 A
+12 V / 15 A
-5 V / 0.5 A
-12 V / 0.8 A
+5 V VSB / 3 A
So that should make up 400 W as far as I know, my total System drain should be around 300-350 W so even if it would not suffice 400 W it should run the system ?
Mainboard: KT3 Ultra 2 (BIOS v5.7)
CPU: AMD XP 2100 FSB 133 MHz
RAM: 1.536 MB, 3x512 MB Infineon PC3200 (400MHz) CL 3-3-3-8 @400MHz, Cl2.5-3-3-7@333Mhz, 2-2-2-6@266MHz
VGA: MSI RX-9800 Pro 128 MB
DVD/CD-R/RW-Combo: Plextor PX-708 (Firmware 1.08)
CD-R/RW: TEAC CD-W540E (Firmware 1.0K)
Storage: Western Digital WD800BB (80 GB) (Firmware 17.07W17)
USB-Storage: Maxtor 4 K080 H4 (80 GB)
Monitor: Samsung Syncmaster 172T with Driver Version 1.0
Printer: HP Deskjet 970Cxi with Original HP Driver Version 4.3
OS: Windows 2000 Professional with Service Pack 4
BIOS Settings: SDRAM 1T Command: "Disabled" It won't work stable with 3 RAM's in it with that setting, but that I did know before.
CPU Fast Command: "Ultra"
System was running stable for nearly 2 years with this Configuration:
So now it goes:
First I changed the CPU form my old AMD XP 2100+ to the new Barton 3000 + with its new Arctic Cool Copper Silent 2TC.
Then I went into BIOS and raised the FSB to 166 MHz, which should be the correct one, or do I have to put 167 MHz in there (since 166.666666 MHz is rounded to 167)?
Then I exited and watched the restart...but it didn't start-up it only got me 3 long beeps at the HOST.
After some whining and beating I plugged out anything and cleared CMOS and started the whole thing again:
System after Clearing CMOS:
Mainboard: KT3 Ultra 2 (BIOS v5.7)
CPU: AMD XP 3000+ FSB 100 MHz
RAM: 1x512 MB Infineon PC3200 CL 2-3-3-7 (BIOS setting CAS Latency by "SPD")
Storage: Western Digital WD800BB (80 GB) (Firmware 17.07W17)
Monitor: Samsung Syncmaster 172T with Driver Version 1.0
OS: Windows 2000 Professional with Service Pack 4
With all Default settings, the Computer boots up, and is correctly Recognized as a Barton 1300 MHz.
When increasing FSB to 133 MHz it is correctly displayed as a Barton 2200+
NOW...
...after adding one BIOS setting after another I narrowed the problem down to the "CPU Fast Command (decode)" Function...if set to Ultra it does not boot-up when running 166 MHz FSB, it does not even let me into BIOS. I have to clear CMOS and restart from scratch again...
Is this normal and expectable with a Barton 3000+ running at the native 166 MHz FSB or not ?
Since my system before was running on "Ultra" with my old AMD XP 2100+.
There is only one more thing I noticed, the CPU V-Core is shown to be only 1.616 V (setting on "Auto" but it should be 1.65 V ? Should I increase the V-Core to 1.675 V in order to get closer to 1.65 V or shouldn't I worry about ?
Thanks for any Input you can give me on the problem.
Iscaran

Iscaran, you are indeed correct in the statement which you made
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...after adding one BIOS setting after another I narrowed the problem down to the "CPU Fast Command (decode)" Function...if set to Ultra it does not boot-up when running 166 MHz FSB, it does not even let me into BIOS. I have to clear CMOS and restart from scratch again...
This setting can be set to fast/ultra on the KT3 Ultra2 when using PC2100 ram running at 266. However, when using PC2700 ram running at 333, this setting MUST be set to normal for the satisfactory operation of the board. I know that you have PC3200 ram actually installed but it is only running at 333.
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Is this normal and expectable with a Barton 3000+ running at the native 166 MHz FSB or not ?
Yes, absolutely normal
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There is only one more thing I noticed, the CPU V-Core is shown to be only 1.616 V (setting on "Auto" but it should be 1.65 V ? Should I increase the V-Core to 1.675 V in order to get closer to 1.65 V or shouldn't I worry about ?
How are you measuring this ie Bios or o/s utility? Not unknown that these are incorrect. However, if you feel unhappy about this, try setting the V-core manually to 1.65v and check what this gives.
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So 3.3 V x 22 A gives 72.6 W, that could be really a little cutting the edge. Could that cause the board to not respond when setting the "CPU Fast Command" to "Ultra" ?
Getting a more powerful psu will not likely cure this well documented problem.
However, this board mostly draws power from the 3.3 & 5v rails. The 12v is mostly used to power HDD, optical and fans. When you consider that 128Mb of ram draws about 8-10w from the 5v rail and you have a total of 1.5Gb that adds up to 96-120W of juice just for the memory alone. This board will beep at you at o/s level when it's running underpowered but my opinion is the same as osnavi's your 3.3v & 5v rails are too low. Also what is combined 3.3v & 5v wattage. What kind of reading do you get on monitoring utilities.
By the way I have as you can see from my dets below the same board and cpu as you and when I changed from a XP2000 Palomino with PC2100 ram to XP3000 Barton and PC3200, I changed the 'Fast Command' setting from 'Fast' to 'Normal'
Hope this helps, enjoy the board

KT3 Ultra2 won't run XP 2500 at more than 151 Mhz

Not an unusual topic I know but I haven't found any solutions in this forum as yet!
With my XP 2000 cpu installed my system is stable when the FSB is overclocked to 150 Mhz. When I install the XP 2500 cpu and set the FSB in the BIOS (latest vertsion) to 166 Mhz it won't access the hard drives at all. My initial thought was the psu so I reduced the system to 1 hdd, 1 DVD rewriter, 256Mb memory and tried again. No change! Then I started reducing the FSB until at 151 Mhz it would boot but as an XP 1900 cpu. The VIA chipset drivers are up to date.
I' don't know what to try next. Any ideas?

I can only say, I'm running my KT3 Ultra2 with XP 2800+ without any problem at 333 Mhz. Remember you have to upgrade Bios with ver 5.7 so Mobo can work with a 166 FSB. Also, better try starting with only one memory module. You can take a look at my P.S. specs. on my sig. It's not too good, but enough for this rig. So, don't dispose yet your 2500+, try and tell us how did it go.
A bit off: Do you like this Forum ? If yes, Read the post on first page in this Forum " Forum Team on Strike...". If you want this Forum to stay as it is now, please send a mail to MSI. Adress is mentioned in first post.

KT3 ultra2 BR problem

I have already read Bas' post about the common problems but still, my own problem can't be solved. I hope you guys could help me. Here's the problem:
Specs: KT3 Ultra2 BR/2 x Kingmax 256 MB DDR333 RAM/AthlonXP 2000+
I know that the default fsb is 100. The system reaches POST at 100 fsb. Now, if I use that fsb, my athlon xp is almost worthless. Everytime I try to set the fsb at 133 and saves the CMOS setup, the system couldn't even initialize the VGA card and won't even reach POST. The LEDs tell me that the problems are with the memory modules. I hope you people can help me because I can't use my system until this is solved. Thank you and more power to you.

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Originally posted by larryj
I bought a stick from auib which I will never do again said it was 2700 turned out ot be 2100 which is prob why it come with a free heatsink caused all kinds of probs for me so I ordered Crucial ram & all is well. http://www.crucial.com if you have another ddr system try it in there but it prob is bad ram.
Could you prove it was 2100? If so, I would have taken it back and shoved it up........ Sorry, got carried away. I would have dobbed the retailer in to the authorities for misrepresentation or fraud.

KT3 Ultra2 & FSB

Alright, the problem is that from a cold boot, the systems hangs with loading an OS at 166fsb. The cpu usually runs at 166x10.5 but dropping it down to 166x10 or 9.5 does no good so I know it is not the processor. The ram is 2-512MB sticks of PC3500 hyperx (looking to use this in a newer system and putting pc2700 samsung back in current). There is no setting in the bios that makes it stable (have tried them all in groups of ~5 changes per boot). The psu is an Antec 300w which is only required to power mb, video, nic, 1 hd, 1 cd, and 2-120mm fans so it shouldn't be at fault. The system will simply not boot up using a 166/167/etc fsb (haven't bothered with 152(?)-165 which is the range of the 1/5 divider) until the system has been running for awhile, sooner if I get the system going with a game or something. Then I can reboot and throw the fsb up, stable up to 183. The question, why does it not boot at 166fsb from a power-off state? Latest BIOS. Any ideas?
Currently running at 133x12.5

The following was typed up and supposed to be posted last night but comcast decided to crap out and not work until now
Antec PP-303X 300W
I've been reading up and it looks like it depends on where the motherboard gets most of its current. If its from the 5v rail, there shouldn't be much of a problem, but if it gets most of it from 3.3, then there's a problem. I didn't realize some motherboards use one rail over another depending on design.
It looks as if this psu was designed in mind with a motherboard pulling off the +5, but I'm having problems finding technical documents for the KT3 Ultra2. The CPU itself should be draining about 20 amps by itself at load according to the calculations that were made, which leads me to believe this motherboard is pulling from 5v as the 3.3 on this power supply is very unefficient for this use. The weird thing is, their truepower series doesn't put out much more, if any, power on the 5v rail than the current psu and if this motherboard is designed to take what it can from the 5v, it doesn't appear the decision to buy a new antec power supply is a good one, unless its the 530watt varient which puts out 40amps on +5. I'm going to look into tring a different power supply tomorrow and see if it fixes the 166fsb problems. In the mean time, anyone know where I can find technical documents for this motherboard? Its the most difficult piece of hardware to find detailed information on.
Added now:
From what I've learned, a lot of the time the ram feeds off the 5v line, again depending on the motherboard. Nowhere in the spec sheets of hyperx does it claims to use 40 watts per stick of ram. I'll try readng over my nonsense post later today when I'm more awake as its 6:55am right now and it was 1am last night. Going to stop by the bank today and head out to probably pickup antec's 530w psu.

KT3 Ultra2 R & memory question

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