MSI k9a2 cf

[shk021051]

this board need to update bios ????
from here:http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=downloaddetail&type=bios&maincat_no=1&prod_no=1333

 

[Silverel]

Depends on what you want to put in there. The V2 should come with a newer bios, but if you're using an X2, shouldn't be any problems.

When the V1 was released, it supported 125W processors, which was revoked purely based on the failure rate of the MOSFETs due to high heat and failure rates. With an added heatsink, it passes (they use a large aluminum one, mine are copper). The only thing you need a bios update for is if you're going to use an 8X50 or 9X50 processor. The V1 was released with X4 9x00 support, and the entire X2 line.

It really is a good board. Most of the components are exactly the same as the Platinum version, onboard sound is a bit above standard, Gigabit LAN works well. Comes with 4 SATA2 ports,1 IDE, 24-pin Mobo power (20-pin works if you're not overclocking), 4pin CPU power. Lots of voltage (up to 1.6v I believe) and OC options in the bios. Longer cards can block the SATA ports, but they have 90degree angled cables that fit right underneath it.

If you're getting into a AMD board, this is one of the best for the $$$.

 

[flyin15sec]

WoW! Thanks for the info. I have 2 of V1 boards and was reluctant to buy any higher end quads for them. If it's just a mosfet cooling problem, I can take care of that.

 

[Silverel]

Heh, if you can touch those heatsinks without burning off some skin, you should be fine.

My nice copper ones are slightly warm to the touch with an X2 running at 3.2ghz

 

[Champ]

Okay, I finally put it all together and it turned out great. So far I've only been able to OC the 4850. I read the limits for the processor and memory I have. How do I get a AMD 5000+ BE to 3.30 GHz at 1.450 volts and how do I get my Mushkin 2 Gbs to 450 Mhz 270 FSB 2.2v 4-5-4-12? It looks like you can get close to those be not exactly. This Bios is a little hard to understand.

 

[Kei]

I used to own V1 of this board and thought it to be an excellent board with very good options for it's price range and good stability. It does indeed offer a very fair amount of overhead for overclocking even on the V1 version of the board and the temperatures to the touch on the board were very good.

After a few months using the board I added Artic Silver Ceramique (my paste of choice) to the Northbridge and Southbridge for better cooling and it helped a lot as the two heatsinks were barely warm to the touch even when overclocked.

I used the Athlon 64 X2 4800+ on the board up to 3Ghz and still had room to go without high temperatures (up from 2.5Ghz) tested with 10+hrs validation no problems. I also used a Phenom 9500 (B2 stepping) 95W cpu which is officially supported with the board as the certs on the board went up to 89W but specifically it was stated that 95W Phenoms were compatible.

I can completely vouch for this as I saw absolutely no problems and took the processor from 2.2Ghz up to 2.6Ghz without any problems from the board nor high temperatures. Crossfire worked well on the board as well (8x8 but that doesn't matter much anyway) which is a very nice plus.

The motherboard bus speeds (HT Bus) was taken up to a nice 306Mhz using the 4800+ processor so the board works very well for that price range indeed. I can completely recommend buying this board as long as you will be using it on either an X2 processor of LESS than 125W, or using it with a 95W Phenom or less you will have no problems and should enjoy the board very much indeed.

I hope that helps,

K