My MEGA 180 Config

Hi there,
I wanted to share my dream 180 config (i have to push a button to order it) so that you can highlight me some potential issues or problems you may have already encounter.
I particularly have no clue about the power usage and the temperature.
MSI MEGA 180
MSI DR8-A Black 8X DVD±RW
Maxtor MaXLine Plus II 250GB 7200RPM 8MB Buffer ATA/133 HDD
Logitech Cordless MX Duo Keyboard & Mouse
AMD Athlon XP 3000+ 2.16GHz 333MHz/512KB Socket A CPU
Kingston 2GB KIT DDR333 PC2700 CL2.5 DIMM
MSI GeForce FX 5900-VTD128 128MB DDR AGP8X VIVO/DVI
About the video card, i'm not sure if it will fit inside ....
Also regarding the TV card, i'm still wondering if i'm going to buy it. I have cablevision at home ans i wonder if a simple cable input is enough.
Thanks in advance for your comments and advices.
Regards

hi
just to let you know that this is wot im running in my mega 180
mega 180
wd 250 gig fluid 8mb hdd
2x 512 mb major brand ddr 333
ati radeon 9800 pro
nec 1300a dvdrw
ram coolers on ram and vga
this all seem to run fine

Similar Messages

  • WMVHD on Mega 180

    Hi,
    I ask your help to understand if my Mega 180 with 1 gb ddr and integrated geforce4 (with 128 mb dedicated) can play smoothly wmvhd.
    Is there any bios setting that can solve the problem?
    Or I have to use the latest nvidia drivers?
    Or simply I have to add an AGP video card?
    Thanks in advance.

    So far I tested the ATI 9200, the situation improves a little, but only on WMV 720p, not on 1080i.
    Please help me to solve my problem. Should I:   
    -upgrade my bios
    -change some config on present bios
    -install a more powerful CPU (maximum allowed Athlon 3000+)
    -install an additional GPU like GeForce 6600 even if is suggested only with a PSU of 300 Watts and my Mega 180 has a 200W(PFC 5V/12V SB) Full Range
    the last solution is the most suggested but I'm scared about heating on my case.
    Thanks in advance
    Renato
    Configuration:
    Mega 180
    CPU Athlon 2600+
    1Gb (2x512) RAM DDR400 V-Data
    HD Maxtor 160Gb IDE
    DVD Burner Pioneed A109
    Integrated audio
    Integrated Geforce4
    USB-Bluetooth Dongle
    Bluetooth trackball keyboard DigitalRise (http://www.digitalrise.biz/products/input/keyboard_btb/)
    Windows XP Pro SP2
    Latest Nforce Sound drivers and Nvidia Video drivers
    TV CRT Philips 32PW9308 32 inch. 16:9 100hz (via S-SHS)
    Screen Resolution 720x480
    Audio output by Creative GD580 5.1 Surround Speaker (Dolby & DTS)

  • Mega 180 and MSI FX5200-TD128

    Hi all and thanks in advance for any help.
    I just bought MEGA 180 a some more things, here is my current config:
    Box - Mega 180
    CPU - Barton 2500+
    Memory - 2x256 - 400Mhz from Phoenix Technologies
    Disk - 120 Gigs HD - Seagate Ultraquiet
    DVD Rom - Leadtek Silent
    PVR PCI Card - PVR 350 from Hauppage
    Everything works fine.
    Now I have an MSI FX5200-TD128 Graphics Card and decided to try it out.
    With some difficulty I managed to put it in but now .... the computer simply does not start .. well sort off.  
    Once I hit the power on button three things can happen:
    * Computer starts but the display is not on, and eventually it locks.
    * Computer starts with some gittery on the screen and it locks
    * Computer starts, I hit the del key but I can't even get into the BIOS.
    In either case the OS never boots.
    My question is,
    * Do I need to set something on the BIOS before I install the card such as, increase the AGP voltage or something like that?
    * Can it be that my memory is just BAD for it?
    * Can it be that my AGP slot is just BAD?
    * Do I need to setup the BIOS prior to the operation?
    * Is this just that my MSI card is too power hungry, which I think it strange as it is from MSI, its the latest model of its type?
    Please help me, and again thanks in advance.
    Nuno
    PS: By the way, my BIOS is V3.30 downloaded two days ago from Live Update

    Hi,
    Managed to get it working. Here is what I did in case anyone has the same problem as mine.
    1) Take a memory DIMM out, a let one just stay there. This will get you a memory total of 256 Mgs and your system will now boot.
    2) Get to the BIOS settings.
    3) Choose the option concerning DIMM's and performance (third option I think).
    4) In the third option select Manual. This will allow you to set specific options for the memory.
    5) Select Auto in the option concerning CPU / DIMM transfer rating.
    6) Select High Performance in the 7th or 8th option concerning your DIMM settings.
    7) Save the BIOS
    8) Put the DIMM back in
    9) Start your system and voila it works.
    Best regards,
    Nuno

  • Mega 180 BIOS v.3.30 available

    If you need the 3.30 bios for the Mega 180, PM or email me.
    Like many here, Live Update reverted back to an older beta.  But thanks to my retailer and their floor model, was able to backup the 3.30 and successfully revert to the stock config.
    -lajaro

    Quote
    Originally posted by sav_
    Last Q: has anyone succesfully succeeded in replacing the stock fans with something a bit quiter, like Zalmans?
    You bet!
    I got tired of the constant noise from the 60mm Delta and replaced it with a Papst (german fan) last weekend! The Papst is claiming around 18dB so it's a whisper compared to my stock fan  
    Couldn't get hold of a Zalman around here. Don't even know if they've got a 60x60x15mm, since that is the only size that will fit...
    While I was diggin' around in there I also followed John's advice about optimizing the airflow by securing the cables out of the way, and all-in-all I lowered my idle CPU-temps by 2-3 degrees to 38-39C. Since that wasn't the primary objective it's an added bonus!
    Negative's then:
    Well, although the new fan is quiet and manages to move around enough air on idle, it doesn't cope as well with a stressed CPU. Temps are not alarmingly high - around 49-50C, but that's a 4-5 degrees increase under load.
    The smaller CPU-fan is still as quiet as before, and still running at 3200rpm, so it's not a real problem (yet). (I know you would kill for these temps, sav_, but I just use the onboard graphics and shouldn't run any hotter...)
    My problem's don't end there though, since replacing the fan actually didn't help that awfully much with the sound-issue!   I still have this high-pitched, vibrating, most irritating sound in the Mega, and it is most likely the PSU's fault. Which is a bummer, since tampering with the PSU means I void my warranty...   (Does anybody happen to know what kind of fan that sits in the PSU?)
    Well, the bottom line of my experiences are that you probably need larger fans to successfully both cool the Mega and keep the noiselevel down. If your stock fans are quiet (which obviously some are) you don't gain much from replacing them. Silent 80mm fans elsewhere in the case could do the trick, but I leave that to someone else to try for now... (Actually think not_pleased put a 92mm fan inside the case, dunno if it helped though...?)
    Cheers!

  • [SOLVED] Mega 180 + AGP additional card = beeps and no boot

    Hy, I've just got a mega 180 that works just fine ... with no agp card ...
    If I plug an additional card into it, like the basic 6600, the pc won't boot and beeps will be heared.
    These are : beeep (1-2 sec), ... (2 or 3 sec), beep, ..., and so on ...
    Again, if there is no additional card, it works just fine.
    I've tried it with an old xentor 2 card --> same result.
    Is there any bios setup ?
    Anything to do ?
    Plz help ! :-)
    Config :
    bios v3.5
    sempron 2500+
    2*256 corsair high speed
    80Go HD
    Leadtek 6600TD 128Mo

    Quote from: VieuxEd on 22-April-05, 18:11:09
    3. Can you get into the bios, and change the settings to not use the onboard (don't remember the exact words, but it's somewhere in there, see the manual if you cant find it).
    I've been looking at it but could not find it ! --> can you please tell me the right setup ?
    Is it anyway possible to make the mega pc 180 work with the onboard Graphic card and an additional one at the same time ?
    Because right now, with the beeps, I don't have access to the bios.
    So I will have to setup first the bios with no additional agp card (setup not to use onboard) and then turn it off and then plug the agp card
    Coul it be possible for the agp plug to be broken ?
    It's not impossible that the AGP slot is broken, but I would try other things first.
    As you say, you can change the BIOS to use AGP card, shut it down, plug in the AGP card, and power on.
    Chapter 3.8 in the manual (avaible @ http://www.msi.com.tw). Please work with me... 
    You can also try to fiddle around a bit with the other AGP settings and see what happens....

  • Mega 180 Temps

    Let me start off by saying that the Mega 180 is a great idea for a product but unfortunately it is not finished.  MSI is using us as beta testers - at our expense.  I build computers for people as a side business and against my better judgement, I built a customer a Mega 180 based system and I've had nothing but problems with it and it's damaging my reputation.  But, OK enough of that.
    One major problem with the Mega 180 is it's CPU and hard drive temp and here's what you can do to fix it.  First off, the CPU heat sink is nice and big and made of copper - very nice.  However, the underside of the sink (the part that touches the CPU) is absolutely aweful!  The bottom should be mirror smooth.  Mine looks like the surface of a record.  Therefore, you need to lap it.  Look this process up on the net to see exactly how to do it.  Once lapped and the bottom is mirror smooth and you can see your reflection, use ARTIC SILVER thermal grease (just a tiny bit) and put the sink back on.  Your CPU temp under load will be about 8 degrees cooler.  Next, replace the small fan on the cooler with a bigger one (make sure you use one that's sensored, like the one you're replacing).  Lastly, get some flexible ducting from the hardware store (plastic, not aluminum), attach one end over the sink's big fan and carefuly route the other end to the side of the case (may not be possible if you are using an AGP card) and position it so it sucks in outside air.  Now that your CPU is cooled with fresh air, you will see another 2 - 3 degree reduction of CPU temp.
    Finally, the hard drive is way too hot.  I measured it with a IR temp meter after a full defrag and my jaw hit the ground when I saw how hot it was - 152 degrees F.  That type of temp will kill your hard drive.  Fix this by placing a fan inside the case (RAM side) blowing fresh air right onto the hard drive.  This brought the temp down significantly.  It also cooled other items too (CD drive, chipset).
    The only downside to this is your system will be louder due to fan noise.  However you will have fewer system lock-ups and mystery reboots (caused by overheated components).
    One last idea, if the case is just too cramped for you, remove the power supply, buy a new one and mount it outside the case on the back.  It doesn't look good but it sure frees up space and improves air flow (plus you'll have more power if you buy a higher watt supply).
    Peace!

    Hey cb31,
    Even though this thread is about temps, I too think noise is the biggest problem with the Mega, and my current efforts are targeted at killing the constant background noise. My goal is the same as your's - I want to leave the computer on most of the time and not be bothered with it.
    I'm proceeding slowly however, and so far I've only done the following:
    -Replaced the 60mm Delta fan with a Papst of the exact same size. I found the Delta to be noisy, while others report that it's doing ok. Don't know about you... The Papst is really quiet and actually cools a little bit more effective, though that's a bonus feature! But on the overall it didn't have the effect I hoped for  
    -The smaller Delta fan (outtake side of heatsink) already is quiet enough, so doesn't need to be replaced on behalf of noise anyway...
    -Took out the PSU and put White Lithium Grease in the fan for smoother operation since I figured it made a lot of noise. That didn't help much either... I'm thinking about replacing the PSU fan with something better, even though a lable on the back of the PSU states "W/ Noisekiller". It's still a no-name fan and can be improved upon.
    Right now the loudest noise in my Mega doesn't seem to come from any fan at all, but rather from the hd. And it's not so much the actual noise from the unit as vibrations reverberating through the chassis. A common problem obviously, but there isn't any room for hd suspension systems in the Mega, so other actions are required here! I tried to slide in thin sheets of plastic between the drive and the cage, to act as silencers, but that didn't have any real effect as the cage touches the drive in several places, thus transfering the vibrations anyway. A new drive cage could do the trick, but I haven't gotten that far yet, and might not ever...
    The Seagate Barracuda is considered to be a silent drive, so replacing it probably wouldn't help.
    To conclude: If your fans are noisy, replace them or grease them for better operation, but you might not even hear the difference...
    The major flaw seems to be the internal design of the Mega, and there's isn't much to be done about that, unless you're handy with a Dremel and sheets of metal.  I might be, but I will have to get back to you on that!
    Cheers!
    -M

  • TV-Out on Mega 180 (Composite)

    Hi there,
    I just received my Mega 180 some days ago. So far I'm really satisfied. I just have one problem an perhaps you could help me.
    I at first used the S-Video out from Mega to my S-Video-Scart-In of my TV. That worked without problems.
    Now I wanted to use the Composite out instead of S-Video out from the Mega 180. So I connected a composite-adapter to the S-Video port and connected a composite cable to it. Now my TV only shows the picture black/white.
    I know that this is an issue connected with S-Video. So I changed in nvidia-driver the automatic detection to manual (composite). But whenever I change this, I just get a complete black screen. I tried this with many nvidia driver versions. All the same.
    And now the really misteryous thing: when I de-install the nvidia driver (graphic) and start windows with standard vga-mode, I have a colored picture with the mentioned composite out without having changed anything.
    Anyone has an idea? Thanks in advance.
    My Hardware:
    - MSI Mega 180
    - Athlon Sempron 2800
    - WinTV 350 PVR
    - 512 MB
    - onBoard graphicscard

    Quote
    I at first used the S-Video out from Mega to my S-Video-Scart-In of my TV. That worked without problems.
    Quote
    I want to use composite instead of s-video because my tv doesn't support s-video. It only supports composite.
    just re-reading this post has got me a little confused. are you now connecting to a different TV now?

  • MEGA 180: A story of stupidity mixed up with bad product design

    This is more for a word of caution to Mega180 users and future owners.
    A bit angry as I managed to burn ( physically ) 2 harddrives  because of carefulness about 10 mins.
    Spend quite some time looking for a SATA to ATI power converter while looking for a solution to CPU temp problem. Could not find one ( and  I don't know if any one does it )
    As my old HD did not start the OS on Mega180 for some data transfer I was not able to use my USB external HD. So I decided to connect old HD as slave and do a HD to HD transfer. Here comes the bad design, the HD connection cable specifies a slot for a slave HD however there is only one power connector (ATI) for supported IDE HD. and there is a useless SATA power connector,it is useless as MEGA 180 does not support SATA.
    Here comes the stupidity, for a min I came up with the bright idea of using the CD drives power connector ( I now remember that I ruled this option earlier, I wish I remembered it all along) As there is always a current on this cable (when there is a power connection - for the HIFI mode to work ) I guess some static electricity effected my HD. Not having realised the HD is already affected, I swapped the cables as the HD connection cable is not long enough to keep 2 HDs in a steady state.
    As a result both my HDs are now not working, when I tried the original master HD I was horrified to see a spark and some fume  
    I wish I never tried to use my old graphics card - which I wanted only for the DVI support. This led to CPU temperatures of average 70 degree celcius and when I ever I tried to use the PC properly I was had to turn it off due to extreme temperatures over 75 degree celcius.
    All I was after is a troublefree smooth working nice looking PC, yet I am stuck now... I am both upset for the data I lost as well as hours I spend in trying to put this thing together. I will decide in the morning to return or keep the product. If I keep it the next challenge will be getting my external HD to run an OS as I need to save up again to buy a new HD, I was hoping my next HD would be a SATA one :(
    This is definately a bitter lesson. Such a pity that with just a little more effort MSI could have really improved the profuct most are listed here but I want to summarise:
    1. before getting the new product out try fitting a new graphics card and a TV card and operate both for 2 hours... That is if you could fit them both in the first reason why you could not is the cables from power supply is unnecessarily long for supplying power to the board and unsuitably located. the best you could do is place them all infront of the cpu fan.
    2. It is really great to have detachable ODD and HD yet Floppy drive ( card reader ) bay is static
    3. a better location for CPU or card slots would have contributed to airflow far more.
    Better close here... I am still not sure if positives of the product companates all the negatives.  

    Simply, be aware that the power cable for the CDRom is live most all the time that your backpanel power cord is plugged in. Its for the support of CD/MP3 in HI-Fi mode. If you shut down your system, and not unplug the power, and you try to connect or disconnect anything to the IDE cable, and you are using the power cable for the CD, you can cause static/surging on the component you are hooking up....
    If you must hookup an alternate drive [slave] for data dumping/imaging etc. use a Y cable from the HDD power cable. It only activates when the PC power switch is utilized....

  • Things to Know Before Building Your Mega 180

    Some people have asked me for a list of tips so here is my attempt---I'll ask Wonk to sticky it if it turns out OK....
    Feel free to PM me with more tips---I'll add as necessary....
    TIP SHEET FOR THE MEGA 180:
    So you bought that new Mega 180 and the docs leave a lot to be desired......Don't panic!!  Take a look at this tip sheet.  Should save you a lot of hours!
    RAM AND PROCESSOR:
    Several things here.....If you are going to use onboard video----you should NOT use higher RAM than PC 2700----waste of money to buy higher as the Nforce2 18G "Crush" was only designed to run no higher than with DDR333 RAM (PC2700).  Nvidia warns against it on their site.  I have personally experienced a LOT of problems when you try to run the onboard at DDR 400 (PC3200)----trashed Bios in most cases.  Also---the 18G and to some extent---"Dual Channel" is picky about memory----try to get a matched pair of DIMMS----and if you REALLY want to be on the safe side----go to Nvidias site and look up the page that lists known, compatable memory with the NForce2 chipsetNforce2 compatable memory.  I use A-Data 512 sticks---but they are hard to find.
    If you are going to use a Vidcard---then higher memory is just fine----but if you are NOT planning on overclocking-----there is really NO need for higher than PC2700 as the default bus for Barton 2800+ and below is FSB 166 (DDR333---PC 2700).
    Alyways run your RAM (Synch) 100%---do not play with dividers if you are using the onboard video.  If you have no clue what I just said----you are fine as the defaults will take care of this----this last was for overclockers.
    Processor----I like the cost of the Barton 2800+ right now----fast, cheap and even using the onboard and no overclocking----you have a fast machine that can do anything.  The 2800+ also leaves the door open for a slight overclock (I have not tried this yet) without too much stress on anything.
    LCD PANEL:
    Do Not----I say again----Do Not use the "welcome.exe" program----or ANY other program on ANY disk or the MSI website to do ANYTHING to your front panel.  That program is for the Mega 651 model and WILL TRASH YOUR LCD.  The LCD panel works just fine----it doesn't need any updating.
    If this advice is to late, the firmware fix is in here:
    https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?threadid=46355&sid=
    Do download and install the latest version of PC Alert MSI Mega 180 Downloads----works great with the front LCD panel and displays PC info nicely.
    Use the EQ mode buttons while playing in the HiFi mode----changes the sound a lot and also the display changes------COOL!
    OPTICAL DRIVE:
    Use an MSI optical drive----basically anything from MSI will work fine---some other drives are reported to work fine like a NEC 2500A----but if you use an MSI drive----you can't go wrong.  You might want to put the drive in another machine with a floppy first----and download and update that drive to the latest firmware (most will require a floppy to do that and the Mega 180 has none.)
    CABLE MANAGEMENT:
    Buy a dollar pack of cable ties and go to work-----make sure ALL cables are away from the front of the intake fan for the CPU----you want a very clear path to the cooler.  Less clutter---better airflow.  Better airflow----lower temps.
    CPU INSTALL:
    Get rid of the MSI thermal grease with some Goof Off or acetone-----and get some good Arctic Silver 3, AS5 or AS Ceramique.  Clean both the chip top and the bottom of the HS with denatured alcohol before applying the thermal grease.  You might also want to lapp the bottom of the HS which is not very well done----but I found it not necessary.  The HS/Fan unit is very easy to install----just rotate your screw down points as perscribed by the sticker on the cooler----don't tighten one screw all the way down----then go to the next.
    DRIVERS:
    I found the drivers on the install disk to be non-functional---- get the latest drivers from the MSI website (you can use Live Update for this) or go to http://www.nforcershq.com and get the latest Nforce2 Driver Remix from Morpheus1 or Mwarhead.
    DO NOT use the Nvidia SW IDE driver (say "No" when it asks you in the driver install)  Only use the ITB (In The Box) IDE driver----it's the default driver.  Your Optical device will probably not function correctly (eject, etc) with the Nvidia SW IDE driver.
    Nforce2 SoundStorm Drivers are a tricky topic----there are TONS of versions out there.... I've had the best luck so far with Drivers 4.31 (Off Microsoft Windows Updates---it was a Driver Update) and Audio Control Panel 4.31.  Nvidia has a driver update package now JUST for audio-----posted Here
    If you are having problems with Media Center III crashing----it seems to be a conflict between the SoundStorm Drivers and Media Center III,  Uninstall your Nvidia audio devices in the device manager (Three of them----there is one hidden---so go to view and "show hidden devices")  then reboot and let Windows rerecognize your devices and reload drivers.  This will solve most problems until Media Center II has another bad crash----in which case---you may have to do this procedure over again.  You can tell if it's really hosed up because the radio sound will come on automatically at boot----or you will have lost the SoundStorm Control Panel Icon in the SysTray.  I'm working on different versions of SoundStorm to see which works best---will update if I find anything new.  (Update)----4.31 seems to be the best but I still can'ttotally eliminate the crashing in Media Center III.
    Once you get your Lan device up and running (or your modem) Go to Windows Update and make sure you are completly updated with all latest window updates---If using WinXP-----you need to be at WinXP ServPack 1a when you are done.
    Use Windows Cleanup and Defrag when you are done----ESPECIALLY cleanup---to get rid of any left over temp files in the Mega----To get the BEST and most optimised defrag----run windows defrag at least three times in a row----maybe more----it will REALLY optimise the drive.
    TV CARD:
    The main TV Card designed for the Mega 180 is the MSI 8606-40 Mega TV Card----be careful to get it vice the other version of the MSI 8606 which is the MSI 8606-10 TV@anywhere Master.
    The Mega TV Card does not include a Radio while the 8606-10 DOES include a radio.  Since your Mega 180 already has a radio----you absolutely don't need or want the 8606-10 TV@anywhere Master.
    Do NOT use any drivers or software you receive with the Mega TV Card MSI 8606-40----just set the disks aside.  You will ONLY uses the drivers off the Mega 180 Install Disk.
    The Mega TV Card MUST be installed before the menu item for "Install TV Tuner Drivers" becomes visible on the Mega 180 install disk.
    Make sure your TV Card is hooked into the line called "Remote Control" within the Mega 180 itself----there is a small 3 inch connecting wire in the TV card box.
    The TV and Radio function well with the remote----but you must have MSI Media Center III installed.  I could not get the TV or the Radio to work without Media Center III.
    Upon initial setup of the TV within Media Center III---you may have to switch the source between cable and antenna to get the initial channels to auto scan.  Once done auto scanning---switch back to cable as source (assuming you have cable).
    Using the remote to force the TV screen to full screen:  When you use the up/down arrows on the remote----watch the menu items on the screen----the various menu item buttons will highlight as you hit the arrows.
    Once you have highlighted the little arrow button on the lower right of the screen----just below the TV display (it will turn green)----hit the ENTER key
    It goes to widescreen----hit the ENTER key again------it goes to fullscreen
    BTW, the remote works fine-----the trick is you HAVE to have Media Center III installed and available to be called for it to control the TV Card----Radio Etc.  It will start up normally when you push the TV button on the remote.
    BIOS SETTINGS:
    The defaults will mostly work.  One thing----to get BEST performance out of the NForce 2 Onboard video----set AGP to 128 and Set Frame Buffer to 128----I had crashes with almost any other video setting.  I'm still playing with PCI clock, voltages, and some other settings to get better stability-----will let you know.....
    6 CHANNEL SOUND
    Use all three ports in the back of the Mega 180 and then configure it using the SoundStorm Control Panel----Use the "Speaker Setup Wizard".  Check and adjust using the "Test Tone" button.  I'm using an inexpensive set of Analog Altec Lansing 5.1s----the sound is excellent.
    That's all for now----tell me what else you've found and I'll post.
    John

    My MSI MEGA 180 has a strange display on the monitor.
    I opened the boxed removed all items.
    Installed the CPU (supported on the CPU compatability list for the MSI MEGA 180), installed the heatsink & fan.
    Installed the HD drive.
    Installed the MSI DVD+/-RW
    Installed 1 DIMM module of DDR RAM PC2700 333MHZ 1GB
    Pushed the Power button for the PC and the desplay is corrupted.
    I tried the 4 possible configurations for Jumpers 7 and 8 to alter the FSB speed with no luck.
    I also tried the 4 different J7 and J8 configurations without having the HDD and DVD-RW drives connected - same result.
    I also tried the 4 different J7 and J8 configurations with the Secondary VGA output connected to my monitor.
    I also tried the 4 different J7 and J8 configurations with the S-Video output connected to my TV and no signal at all.
    Both my monitor and HDD work fine with my other PC.
    I noticed the jumper pins are not numbered - made the configuration job a bit more tedious.
    Please note the LCD screen works correctly, however the redio tuner in HiFi mode doesn't pick up any local stations.
    As I am a Software Test Engineer, I am 100% confident I have checked all possible configurations including clearing the CMOS, but the system simply will not display to the VDU. The POST should at least be visible when Power is turned on for the PC mode.
    NOTE: I will update the RAM Brand as soon as I find out the title from the supplier, but I believe it is OEM.
    NOTE II: this is the URL to the CPU used: http://www.excaliberpc.com/product_info.php?products_id=1798
    PLeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssss ssssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eee  help ease my pain!!

  • Cd rom boot problems with MEGA 180

    I recently recieved my MEGA 180 and have been unable to successfully install an OS because when I boot from CD, the computer freezes at various stages of installation. The point at which it freezes varies between the point at which the CD is initialized to anywhere in the windows xp setup process up untill the drive format. Occassionally the lockup coincides with an error copying a file, but this is not consistent. I have tried two different cd-rom drives as well as three different xp installation cds. Further I have run with 5 different sticks of ram (kingston and corsair). None of these changes have had any obvious effect.
    Having read the warning labes regarding non MSI optical devices, I am tempted to think that may be the problem as I am not running on an MSI drive. However, the warning souned like it was about mechanical parts and thus I assume the ability of a drive to fit in the MEGA 180 case while opening and closing correctly.
    I would appreciate any input you might have on this matter as I am finding this experience rather frustrating.

    I had the exact same problem when upgrading from a 2100+ Palamino processor to a 2800+ Thoroghbred one. The screen had already dissappeared due to powering up with no monitor plugged in, so I tried a reinstall of Windows XP. It kept falling over randomly during the install process. I then swapper the CPU back and had no problems at all. I have since lapped the heatsink and reduced the FSB to 157MHz in the BIOS, and have not had a problem with the 2800+ CPU. I have not tried installing windows again, but feel this will be OK too.
    My test is to run FujiFilm Snapshot Slideshow, which sends the CPU temp rocketting. I have found that when it goes above 70 C it starts getting unstable. I throttled the FSB back to 157MHz and it does not get to 70 C any more. In normal operation it never gets above 60 C, so I don't know why the slideshow takes so much CPU power  

  • Mega 180 Remote

    Hi,
    Is there a "code" know'n for the Mega 180 IR-remote
    I'd love to use my Marmitek remote for HIFI and CD playing
    As i use the Marmitek remote for showshifter on my Mega 180 and for my TV, DVD and Sat set.  
    Don't like my table full with remote's

    LOL 
    There is not any stockist in France for Mega 180 beacause this Mega is too old and nobody ditribute it now 
    And MSI France is not able to help me.
    I'm very    about MSI custumer service.
    I must to make everything myself.

  • Mega 180 and Media Center III----looks perfect----is it??

    I DON'T want to shell out $1000 for cheap HP/Compaq or whatever which includes Media Center Edition
    But I DO like the look and features of Microsoft's Media Center Edition.
    In the Manual for the MEGA 180-----Media Center III looks perfect for what I want.
    Am thinking of a Mega 180 using onboard video, the MSI TV/Tuner Card, onboard SoundStorm---and a cheap Barton.  I already have 2 x 512 of NVidia recommended PC2700 RAM for use with the onboard and almost all other parts----but by the time I'm done----I'd be shelling out around $400
    The manual makes everything look good "on paper"----but I see from this forum their are "issues".
    Did/does MSI support the 651 model well??  Bios updates----utility and driver updates??
    This thing looks like a tremendous alternative to a Microsoft Media Center Edition overpriced machine.  And I'm willing to do driver updates and Bios updates----heck, I love a challenge----I just don't like a product that lies about what it can really do.
    Worth it----or should I pass.....
    Thanks-----John

    Quote
    Originally posted by johnrr6
    Did you try the settings button in MC III that says "Enable Fullscreen"
    That may not be it----it may just be a TV setting----but it's the only thing I can think if.
    Good Luck,
    John
    I believe that function is only for viewing the videos from the preview window to fullscreen. I don't think it enables/disables "stretch mode" but i'll try that tonight.
    if it works i'll post it here. if not ... well .... same thing i guess

  • MEGA 180 as Media Center (experiences)

    I am trying to use my MEGA 180 as a Media Center, i.e. to listen to radio and CD's, to watch TV and DVD's, and to use the HDD to record programs on temporarily to watch later. Plus the TV pause facility. I am using Windows XP home on it, and have all the latest Windows patches. I don't want to have a PC screen atached to it, so the listening needs to be done without turnig the TV on, and the rest without any tiny writing on the screen etc.
    HiFi mode works fine for the listening to radio and CD's.
    Once I start PC mode, windows boots to the login screen. I would like to boot straight into a Media Center application, missing out this login screen. Any ideas?
    I have tried Media Centre Deluxe III, and ShowShifter. Although I much prefer ShowShifter, it has to be ruled out as it does not use the LCD display at all (as far as I know!). Media Center Deluxe III has a lot of functionality missing, and is a little unstable, but it generally does the job. Has anyone had experiences with other packages?
    I have found how to give the radio channels proper names (editing a text file with the details called .freq). I can't do the same with the TV channels. Also I haven't found how to remove all the junk TV channels found during the auto-scan. Anyone with any ideas here.
    What about a list of remote key functions. I have found quite a few, but I think we could all gain from a documented list of them. They certainly aren't in the manual that I downloaded.
    I have noticed that the whole unit powers on sometines when I use the remote for my old video recorder. I have not yet identified the exact cause of this. I also have an infra-red wireless keyboard that may giving it the wakeup indication, but I'm not sure if it was in sleep or power down. The standby mode seems to lock up the box, i.e. it does not power up again properly.
    What about getting EPGs and setting the unit up to record TV programs. Can it be set to a no-noise state whilst waiting for the show to start, and then power to that state again when the recording has finished. I have toyed with the boot-up clock in the BIOS, but have not had it working yet.
    This could be such a great box given the right software.

    Autologon with windows XP
    I Use TweakUI to autologin windows xp
    you can download it here
    Set native resolution to 768x576
    I also use TVtool to set the resolution to 768x576 which is the native PAL resolution. This prevents that stuff gets scaled
    However, note that MediaCenter III Deluxe doesnt work nicely with it
    Many stuff will b offscreen
    Remote control
    I use Girder for my remote control. It allows me to control all programs using a remote control (unfortunaly not msi's remote control).
    TV Guide
    Try to see if there's XMLTV support for your country. Many HTPC support XMLTV to show a TVguide

  • MEGA 180 remote control LINUX support

    I'm trying to set the MEGA 180 up as a home entertainment system with Freevo on Debian (Linux).
    The system now boots from network, and sound/video/tv-out works perfectly.
    I've not managed to use the LCD, radio and remote control yet.
    (Or the card reader, but that should not be a problem).
    The radio and LCD I can live without, but the remote control was what got me to buy the system in the first place.  Does anyone know how to make it work with linux?
    If someone could supply me with specs for the hardware, I should be able to write a driver myself, but so far, I've had no luck finding the info I need.
    (I didn't expect the onboard IR reciever to work, so I had build a serial IR reciever... but when I got the PC... no serial port )
    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    These are the only links I have got that might be of interest.
    http://www.siliconmotion.com.tw/bluebirdvl.htm
    http://lirc.sourceforge.net/remotes/msi/
    not a lot of help I know but I light a candle every so often

  • Mega 180 spdif out w/ Linux ALSA

    Has anyone managed to get the spdif output working under Linux ALSA?  I've got analog out working no prob, but I'm getting nothing out on optical. A working .asoundrc  file would be much appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Roman

    Quote from: romanr on 22-January-05, 23:25:42
    Just a follow up - ALSA does *NOT* currently work on the Mega 180 as it is not supported by the nvidia drivers.
    OSS however does work as of the 0292 release and is pretty much fully implemented. Hopefully the next set of drivers will support ALSA.
    Cheers,
    Roman
    ALSA has worked for me since 2.6.8, but I don't use the nvidia binary Nforce2 drivers (net, sound etc.)
    - Stian

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