Epox 8KHA+ (KT266A) and Barton 2500+

Hi to everybody.

I have an Epox 8KHA+ (KT266A chipset), revision 2.0 running XP1700+

I plan to upgrade to Barton 2500+ an overclock as much as I can, because I don't want to change my mobo right now. Considerations:

1.- I know it won't run at 333FSB. I will push FSB as far as I can using 333Mhz memory (CL2.5 512Mb Corsair). My idea is to increase FSB to 150 at least.
2.- I will also unlock the multiplier so I can rise it to compensate lower FSB. I know performance won't be the same due to lower FSB, but it's ok.
3.- I expect significant overclockability of the CPU

Now, I'm worried if my mobo will support it. I wrote an email to Epox:

"I have and Epox 8KHA+ rev 2.0 based on KT266A. I would like to know if I
can run Barton 2500+.

IMPORTANT: I don't mind runnig at 266 FSB instead of 333 FSB, I know
performance will be significantly lower, I just want to be sure it will
run. Also, will BIOS recognize it?

Thanks"

The answer has been:

"Yes, when you are using the latest bios it have to work without any
problems.
http://www.epox.org/support/cpu_support_socket_462.pdf


Kind regards"

The problem is that if you check the link it doesn't say anything about Barton. Also I'm not sure the guy has understood my question.

What do you think? Does anyone try this combination?

Thanks in advance for your answers. Also any comment, suggestion, etc. is welcome.

Still looking for a <b>good online retailer</b> in Spain

Ok, I see ...

I'm not really an expert but, if mobo supports Barton 2500+ at 266, it should support 333 version BUT running at lower frecuency due to unsupported 333 FSB.

I mean, if the only reason they say is not supported is FSB, then I don't mind. I can buy 333 version, unlock it and raise the multiplier. I know Epox can't tell me this, maybe that's the reason of their "technically response". But that opens a BIG window to update my system (and probably a lot of people are in a similar situation)




Still looking for a <b>good online retailer</b> in Spain

Basically its like this. AMD went from XP2400 to XP2600, the 2500 didn't come out till barton. What's gonna happen is, unless you can change the multiplier, you'll be stuck running at around 1900+ with 266 fsb.
Sorry to be a disappointer - but there's really no way around except to max out your mobo's fsb (I don't recommend, not that great for the mobo) or you increase the multiplier to 12.5.

No. If you get the impossible bios it would be fine. If your bios doesn't recognize the chip, it probably wont boot. If it does boot the base speed would be 1.37 gigs.Sure it has the extra line 2 cache but at a base speed lower than your 1700. What's the point. Especially when for $10 less you can get a 2400 that your board will run. It comes with the multipliers unlocked so its great to play with all the combos. I had mine on an A7V333 board,doig 13 X 166 no sweat. Who gives a rats arse about a little extra cache when you can get so much more speed.

Yes but you are starting at 1.37 gigs rather than 2 gigs To great a deficit to overcome period

Sorry my math was a bit out the 2500 would be at 1.46 gigs still not enough to compete with the xp2400 though.<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by endyen on 06/04/03 03:37 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

First off you have to find a bios for your board otherwise it wont recognize the chip,and your system wont post. Second, how can you expect to increase the multiplier that much (to beat a chip that starts with a 15X multiplier)with a cpu that starts at 11. If you can run the 2500 to 13 X 150 I would be glad for you. With that kind of cooling the 2400 could do at least 17 X 150 =2.5 gigs.
I have heard that the 2500 is a good ocer but that was using higher fsb and multiplier not lower fsb. First things first. You have to find a bios that supports the xp2500.