Tyan MB's...any good?

[Serpent's Coil]

The reason I ask is because I'm going to be purchasing a new custom-made system, and I'm still unsure about what motherboard to get.

My budget is moderate, but not huge. I was ready to get an ABIT BE6-II, but the rep from the store I'm buying from said it might be wiser to go with something newer.

He recommened the Tyan 1854 MB, but the thing is...I haven't even heard of Tyan before, so I'm kind of reluctant to go with it.

I read some mixed reviews on the site, but I'm still unsure.

Insight would be appreciated.

[Fingers]

If stability and features are more important than OC'ing, the 1854 rates very highly among the competition. It's not a good choice for the serious overclocker.
I am aware of 4 bios versions, 1.00 was the first release bios that supported all the chipset features. 1.06 was a disaster and performance suffers badly. 1.07 is the newest version, but it doesn't offer any substantial benefits over 1.00. Just make sure your not using 1.06.

Tyan 1854 homepage: http://www.tyan.com/products/html/trinity400_p.html
Unofficial S1854 Trinity Guide: http://www.btinternet.com/~pir8/home...mainframe.html

additional reviews: http://arstechnica.com/reviews/1q00/...permine-5.html
http://www.flipchip.net/TyanvsSoyo.htm
http://www.hardcoreware.net/reviews/...yan_1854/2.htm

[canit]

Maximum PC reviewed that board in their June issue p.80. It went head to head with a Soyo SY-61CA with expensive RD ram. They ran pretty much even except in the stream integer and stream FPU tests( Tyan with pc133;228MB/s, 255MB/s respectively-Soyo 377MB/s, 479MB/s). That Tyan is a nice board(6pci,1isa,1agp, slot or socket cpu).

[Serpent's Coil]

Hmmm...perhaps I'll consider it, then...

Thanks for the help!

[chuckiechan]

I have a Tyan 371 board and it seems to be OK, it works and has given me no problems. My problem is that I want to ask a question about compatability (i.e. a P3-667EB is not specifically mentioned as compatible, is it or isn't it?) this is not a hard question for a manufacturer! Instead I am getting jerked around by automated E-Mail answers that refer me to things I have already looked at. In short, I will never knowingly buy anything that handles tech support in this way! Feel free to ask my question just for giggles! If you are happy, then by all means be their customer! Rather that take a chance a new chip won't work, I'll probably just buy another board that I know will, and pass this down the line.

[Fingers]

Chuckie, I don't think there is a processor called P3 667EB.

Pentium® III Processors
"B" and "E" Designators on Pentium® III Processors

Some Pentium® III processors have the same core speed in MHz, but operate on different system bus speed. For Pentium III processors operating at the same core speed, the product that operates on a 133 MHz system bus has been given a "B" designator. All Pentium III processors with same core speeds, and are manufactured using Intel's 0.18 micron manufacturing process have been assigned a "E" designator.

As far as I know, all P-3 667MHZ are 133MHZ Coppermines, thus no "E" or "B" is necessary.

Yes, the Tyan 371 will support the P3-667.

Trinity 371 (S1857) webpage; http://www.tyan.com/products/html/trinity371_p.html

CPU compatibility chart; http://www.tyan.com//support/html/pe..._iii_ppga.html

check out alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.tyan

[chuckiechan]

Thanks for your input...! BTW, I do have the S-1857/371 with the via 133 chipset.

What you said was probably true, and this stuff below is probably a misprint.
http://www.pricewatch.com/1/3/2114-1.htm

I Can't find any info at Intel's website, either. Thank God for Fry's electronics. They don't treat you like a criminal when you want to return something!!

It's just that the P3-667 (slot 1) is at the upper range of this boards capability, so I am being careful. I may keep the board for a gamer, and upgrade higher than 667. Not sure yet.

My real point is customer service. I am asking a board-specific question that is well within the working knowledge of the manufacturer. If we as customer's don't acknowledge poor customer support, then we are saying we don't deserve any better.

Thanks again for answering my question, and allowing me to re-emphasise my opinion about indifferent customer service.




[This message has been edited by chuckiechan (edited 10-05-2000).]