New VIA chipset.

[Mr.Goodbytes]

Are there any motherboards available that sport the KT266A chipset already?

[NDD]

ABIT KR7
AOPEN AK77 Plus A
ASUS A7V266-A
CHAINTECH 7VJDA
EPOX 8KHA2
FIC AN11A
MSI K7T266 Pro2
SHUTTLE AK31 Rev3
SOYO K7VA Dragon

More here (http://www.via.com.tw/jsp/en/products/apollo/ddrmobo.jsp).

Best Regards ...

[John Prophet]

uhhh...I was under the impression that the list there on VIA's site was KT266 motherboards that can be manufactured with the new KT266A chipset without modifications. In other words, those boards listed arent necesarily available with the KT266A yet. They are just compatible with the KT266A.

Here is the quote from VIA's site that gave me this impression..

"Since VIA Apollo KT266A is completely pin compatible with existing VIA Apollo KT266 chipsets, current motherboard designs may be updated to support VIA Apollo KT266A with a minimum of effort. More information on VIA Apollo KT266A motherboards can be found at www.via.com.tw/jsp/en/products/apollo/kt266a.jsp"

[Mr.Goodbytes]

Well, the board manufacturers haven't really posted their info about the new board models yet. I guess they're not entirely released. I'm curious to see how they'll stack up to nForce. Thanks for all the info so far.

[tmjf.com]

An interesting thought....

If users can upgrade mobo components such as CPUs, memory, and boot ROMs.....why can't we upgrade chipsets?

[outlaw_revolver]

thats a nice thing to think about. I feel the same way. ;)

[DemonKnight]

Probably cause the chipset is soldered to the motherboard, and controlls alot more functions than some other parts.

[tmjf.com]

If they say the CPU is the brain and the Chipset is the heart of a computer, then how come man have yet to replace a brain whereas we can replace a heart. Going back to my point, I think chipsets should be upgradable. :)

[Mr.Goodbytes]

When staying within a model line, I can see it being possible. I think board manufacturers are doing just that with VIA's KT266 and KT266A chipsets. But when you start with chipsets that communicate between north and south bridges with the PCI bus and then move to ones that talk to each other with VLink or Hypertransport or any other of the emerging technologies out there, it is impossible to just drop in another chip.

[hippo]

"Well, the board manufacturers haven't really posted their info about the new board models yet. I guess they're not entirely released."

Epox have (8KHA+)!
http://www.epox.com/html/english/default.htm

You can actually order it on Axion's website today. They are selling it at $114.95
http://www.axiontech.com/cgi-local/hardware.asp?category=MOTHERBOARDS&subcategory=KT266A


hippo