XP backwards compatibility

[GTS]

Can anyone advise if older KT333 chipsets can run one of the XP 333FSB chips, at 266FSB? Can the Newer Barton chips 'drop down' to 266Mhz, or only at 333?
TIA

 

[Scout]

You've got a couple of challenges here. First, will your BIOS even recognize the Barton chip with the 512 L2. It may not and the machine just sits there when you try to boot. I assume you've reviewed the latest BIOS available for your board and it doesn't list Barton support? Have you checked for any Beta BIOS's?

If it does recognize the chip, then to run the Barton down at 266, you'll want to change the multiplier, or else underclock your chip. I've had mixed results with unlocked Athlons and I'm not sure how the Barton's are set up. However, there are mods you can do to manually set multipliers by closing bridges, but those involve chip mods.

Scout
700 Mflops in SETI!

 

[GTS]

Thanks for the info
I have checked the latest BIOS, and the manufacturer does state that the mobo only accepts upto XP2600 266FSB - however I was not sure if this just meant that 2600 was the fastest it would go, and wondered if a faster chip would simply drop to this speed.
So, anyone know if anyone still selling 266FSB 2600+?
Seems all the stores now only have 333FSB chips in anyhing over 2400..

 

[Prof133]

<A HREF="http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=120724&Category_Code=P" target="_new">AMD Athlon XP 2600+ 266MHz FSB (Heatsink+Fan sold separately)</A>

<b><font color=blue>Oh, I can shed light on that ...</font color=blue></b>

 

[endyen]

I had an a7v333 mobo, with the fsb at 166. Ran great. Depending on your mobo manufacturer, it may handle the bartons even if it isn't supported in bios. Try with your current chip. If the pci and agp timings are set to 33 and 66 at 166 fsb, it's a good bet that a barton will run just fine. A barton will run at any bus up to (and beyond) what it is rated for. Most via 333 boards will give you the multipliers as well.(only up to 12.5).