NEED INPUT: Interested in an inexpensive Pentium M board?

[Geeky1]

If all else fails, I'll try to set up a group buy of the RadiSys LS-855 motherboard. However, I'm trying to get a major motherboard manufacturer to produce a reasonably priced (say, $50-$150- the same as what most other consumer boards go for) Pentium M (Banias & Dothan) ATX or mATX board.

According to AnandTech (http://www.anandtech.com/mobile/showdoc.html?i=1800&p=4), the Pentium M is electrically compatible with the P4:

Intel outfitted the Banias with a 64-bit 100MHz quad-pumped FSB, identical in design to the Pentium 4's FSB. The Banias' FSB is even electrically compatible to the Pentium 4's FSB, which is why any Pentium 4 chipset is able to interface with the chip as we saw at IDF with this E7501/Banias setup...

so it should run on say, the i865/875 chipsets as well.

Basically, the point of this thread is to show these manufacturers that there is enough demand for a pentium m board to justify building one. So, who wants one?

//EDIT
At the request of notdrugged at AMDMB's forums (I posted this there too), I'll explain why a mainstream Pentium M board is a good idea.

Reason 1: The Pentium M is very, very fast. The June 2004 issue of laptop magazine has a few notebook reviews in it. Two of the notebooks they tested were a Dell Inspiron 9100 (3.2GHz Pentium 4, 512MB Dual Channel PC3200, 7200RPM/60GB HDD, Radeon 9700m/128mb) and an Acer Travelmate 8000 (1.8GHz Dothan Pentium M, 512MB PC3200, 7200RPM/60GB HDD, Radeon 9700m/128mb).

The Dell hit 11,951 in 3dmark2001se. The Acer hit 11,572. A 1.8GHz Dothan is effectively as fast as a 3.2GHz Pentium 4 It's not just 3dmark, either. The Pentium M is a folding monster, too. It really is a very fast CPU.

Reason 2: The Pentium M is perfect for Home Theater PCs, SFF boxes, and silent systems; in addition to the fact that it's very, very fast, it also runs extremely cool. The 900MHz ULV Pentium M has a thermal design power of only 7w. Even the 1.7GHz Banias, which puts out more heat than the 2.0GHz Dothan, only puts out 24.5w. Compare that to a Prescott Pentium 4 at over 100w, the Athlon 64/Athlon FX/Opteron at around 75w, and the Barton, also at around 75w.

Reason 3: The reason the CPU runs so cool is that it uses very little power. This also makes it ideal for silent systems, because less power means that the power supply will run cooler, and therefore can either be passively cooled, or cooled with much less noise.

So, basically, a Pentium M desktop would be capable of keeping up with the fastest P4/Athlon systems around, while at the same time, running cooler, quieter, and using less power.

[edcentric]

Having used a M notebook I feel that this is the best all around CPU since the (short lived) P PRO. This would be a chance to show what a well integrated desktop package could do. P4s are brute force, and poorly applied at that.

[mmonnin]

Heck yeah, a desktop board from a notable manufacture like Abit, Asus, Epox, MSI, etc. would be great.

But wouldnt they need a license or something from Intel to do make motherboards using their chipsets? I dont think Intel would approve of this at all, esp since this is where they are going with future CPUs

Basically, it wont happen at all.

[Mt_Goat]

Ooohh, the dark side creeps closer and whispers sweet nothings in my ear. They make it sound so sweet too! Actually I had been conteplating getting a P4 for some time and this would make it a no brainer. Hell yea I'm in!!! :cool:

[drasnor]

It'd be kinda short-term though, since supposedly desktop Pentium M's are coming in 2005 (since Intel dumped Tejas).

-drasnor :fold:

[Thrax]

Heh. Yeah, they sacked the Tejas and the Jayhawk in favor of a more broadly-applied Pentium M architecture. But I guess Q4 of 04 wouldn't mind seeing a PM board.

[Omega65]

Thread Stickied!

GamePC: Dothan Arrives... (http://www.gamepc.com/labs/view_content.asp?id=dothan&page=1)

Testing with a new notebook processor is quite difficult, as every notebook platform has different components which are nearly impossible to replicate with a desktop configuration. The ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics processor in our Dothan notebook is based on a 4x1 GPU architecture, the same as the Radeon 9600 Pro/XT graphics processors. The chip runs at 400 MHz GPU / 400 MHz DDR. Using ATITool, we were able to replicate the clock speeds of a Mobility 9700 128MB with a desktop Radeon 9600XT running at custom clock rates. This helps us give even gaming performance numbers between the mobile and desktop platforms.

What we see is that the Dothan P-M 1.7 GHz handles itself quite well in terms of gaming, giving performance on par with its higher clocked brethren. While we’re assuredly seeing some graphics bottlenecks here due to the limits of the Mobility Radeon 9700 architecture, be assured that the Dothan can be a very nice gaming chip.

.......

We have a feeling that a 2.0 GHz Pentium-M CPU could compete quite well in the desktop market against high-end Pentium 4 and Athlon64 processors. On a clock for clock basis, the Dothan core appears to be the most efficient on the market, in terms of performance and consumption. After seeing this chip in action, it's not surprising that Intel is considering chaining multiple Dothan cores together for a high-performance, low-power desktop processor.

[muddocktor]

I would definitely be interested in a desktop or SFF Pentium M machine. Just think how it would perform with a modern DC chipset like the i875. Since it's electrically compatible, it wouldn't be too hard for the mobo manufacturers to adapt a present board, I would think.

[Geeky1]

bump (gotta keep this thing on the hot threads list- get as many people to vote as possible :))

[Creep]

The pirce would be a large factor for me to buy one.

[GHoosdum]

I said no. As dras stated above, desktop systems based on the Dothan core will be coming out soon. The development cycle on a motherboard is not exactly short, so I don't think we'll be able to encourage anyone to realease a Pentium-M based desktop motherboard before their destop versions would be released.

[muddocktor]

Since Pentium M is electrically compatible with the P4, I would think that a simple adaptation of present P4 boards to utilize the pinouts of Pentium M instead of the P4's pinouts would probably suffice, minimizing development costs and the time contraints required to get product to the retail sector. BTW, both the Pentium M and the P4 use the same socket 478 package that you know and love; the difference is the pinouts used. ;)

Also, I think that it will be closer to 1 1/2-2 years before you see Pentium M technology released to the desktop formally because Intel also has dual core plans for this technology.

I looked at Intel's website for information on Pentium and and the i855 chipset and I found this page (http://www.intel.com/design/mobile/desguide/252614.htm) , which is the design guide for using i855 for Pentium M and Celeron M processors. Everyone knows that all Celeron processors since the Celeron 2.0 are based on the P4 Northwood core, so that indicates to me the total compatibility of Intel's P4 chipsets and Pentium M, if Celeron M can use the same i855 chipset as Pentium M.

In short, that shoots a big hole in your development costs and cycle, GHoosdum. :p ;)

EDIT: After further checking, it seems that the Celeron M processor they are talking about on that page must be based on Banias instead of Northwood but further checking also shows the Celeron M can be used with both the i855 and the i852 GM chipsets. The i852 GM chipset is definitely used on mobile P4 platforms, still proving my point that both processors are electrically compatible.

[GHoosdum]

Alright, then count one of those "no" answers as a "yes" because I'd love to see something like that.

[Omega65]

Since Pentium M is electrically compatible with the P4, I would think that a simple adaptation of present P4 boards to utilize the pinouts of Pentium M instead of the P4's pinouts would probably suffice, minimizing development costs and the time contraints required to get product to the retail sector. BTW, both the Pentium M and the P4 use the same socket 478 package that you know and love; the difference is the pinouts used. ;)


The Pentium M (Banias & Dothan) use a mPGA479 (http://www.gamepc.com/labs/view_content.asp?id=dothan&page=2) (479 pin) package. Otherwise, current P4 chipsets should work just fine.

[mmonnin]

Ok so who wants to take a Intel Desktop board, take the ZIF socket off and wire the CPU Pins to the traces?

[Geeky1]

The Pentium M uses a 479 pin package, I believe.

[mmonnin]

And whats the other PIN, ground?

[muddocktor]

The Pentium M (Banias & Dothan) use a mPGA479 (http://www.gamepc.com/labs/view_content.asp?id=dothan&page=2) (479 pin) package. Otherwise, current P4 chipsets should work just fine.


Actually no, they're wrong. :p

According to Intel's spec sheet (ftp://download.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/30218901.pdf) , the processor in Micro-FCPGA packaging is 478 pins. The version that is in Mico-FCBGA packaging is in a 479 ball package.

I do check sources when I post something like this. ;)

[Omega65]

;D ;D ;D

Check a little further, the only difference is Pin B2 (reserved) is removed in the mFC-PGA version.

Probably the only reason for the pin is to make the socket different from S478.

[Leonardo]

Just what I was thinking all along!! I was way ahead of you guys on this. :bigggrin:





:bs:

[Geeky1]

*bump* (gotta get people to vote on this poll :))

[muddocktor]

BTW, I put a question into Powerleap asking if they were planning to build an adapter socket to do this. I would think it might be feasible, since they were able to build an adapter to run socket 478 in socket 423 boards. If enough people asked them about it, it might influence them enough to look into doing it.

[Geeky1]

If the P4 is electrically compatible with the Pentium M, might it be possible that normal P4 boards can run the Pentium M?

[TheGr81]

You got my vote! :) A desktop board for the Pentium M chips would be sweet.

[qparadox]

For that price range I'm definitely in. I wouldn't want to spend more than $200 cdn for a mobo tho, esp when the procs are sooo expensive.

[muddocktor]

If the P4 is electrically compatible with the Pentium M, might it be possible that normal P4 boards can run the Pentium M?

The pinouts are totally different between the 2. You would at least have to have a converter socket for it to run on present P4 mobos. I think Intel did that on purpose so Banias and Dothan wouldn't be competing (and embarrassing :D ) against P4 procs. :rolleyes:

[Straight_Man]

Depends on how fast Dothan core CPUs for desktops roll out. THAT, I would expect to see in next year to 16 months max. An on-package pin remapping adapter could be used, as noted, and the Willamette P4 I sold Prime was one such done by Intel themselves for an earlier gen (willi core, package478 pinning assembly). Package pinout remap redux is very possible.

I say we talk to INTEL about this one.... :D

[Geeky1]

I doubt Intel would care, altho it may be worth a shot :-/ Besides, the LAST thing I want is an Intel motherboard. Those two words, in that order, are enough to trigger a massive gag reflex from me. Intel. Motherboard. *gag*

[Geeky1]

http://forum.abit-usa.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53387
Posting there may help... :)

[Straight_Man]

I doubt Intel would care, altho it may be worth a shot :-/ Besides, the LAST thing I want is an Intel motherboard. Those two words, in that order, are enough to trigger a massive gag reflex from me. Intel. Motherboard. *gag*

TRY a Dothan with a pin-pack for socket 478 package compatibility.... CPU.... Not a Intel board, Intel CPU and chipset. IC7-Max3 motherboard running Dothan would be a drooler of a combo for me.... EVEN if the CPU is OEM only! :D

[jchanbr]

Via will release its Esther processor next semester and will use the pentium M fsb pinout layout and probably will release some mini-atx or mini-itx compatible mobo, who know will serve for the pentium m too!

http://www.via.com.tw/en/Digital%20Library/PR040106IBMfoundry1.jsp

Or an alternative is to use the new A64 754pins mobile with low voltage and large 1mb cache. New Abit K8Vpro seems like a hot mobo.

:)

[GHoosdum]

Via will release its Esther processor next semester and will use the pentium M fsb pinout layout and probably will release some mini-atx or mini-itx compatible mobo, who know will serve for the pentium m too!

http://www.via.com.tw/en/Digital%20Library/PR040106IBMfoundry1.jsp

Or an alternative is to use the new A64 754pins mobile with low voltage and large 1mb cache. New Abit K8Vpro seems like a hot mobo.

:)

I couldn't find any information about the pin layout... am I just blind?

[Omega65]

I couldn't find any information about the pin layout... am I just blind?

You're Blind Ghoos! ;D

Go to Mudds post here (http://www.short-media.com/forum/showpost.php?p=147001&postcount=18). Clicnk the link to Intel's Spec Sheet (ftp://download.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/30218901.pdf) and pg 37 of the pdf has the pin out.

[GHoosdum]

I'm sorry, I meant that I can't find info on jchanbr's link about the pin layout of VIA's Esther processor...

[Omega65]

I'm sorry, I meant that I can't find info on jchanbr's link about the pin layout of VIA's Esther processor...

:hiding:

[jchanbr]

I couldn't find any information about the pin layout... am I just blind?

Oh, sorry in the Via news don't talk about the fsb layout.

Here some comments about the fsb pinout layout, Via licensed from Intel the technology.

http://forum.pcvsconsole.com/viewthread.php?tid=10923

- 128KB L2 Cache
- 26.2 Million Transistors
- 31.7 Square Millimeters Die Size
- 200MHz Banias Bus (800MHz quad-pumped) and VIA "V4" Bus

http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2004/0519/epf04.jpg

Hope the Via that build a compatible chipset (cheap), too!

But Ali would be our salvation, because will release this year a new series of chipsets

ALi M1685 North Bridge for the next-generation of Intel Pentium 4, Prescott and Pentium M processors in PGA or LGA packaging will be mass produced already in the second quarter of the year. ALi M1685 will support single-channel DDR and DDR2 SDRAM memory at 400, 533 and 667MHz. When coupled with M1566 I/O controller, the M1685+M1566 combination will provide 1 x16 PCI Express port for graphics and 2 x1 PCI Express slots for other add-in cards or some on-board peripherals, such as LAN controller and even 1 x4 PCI Express slot for bandwidth-hungry add-in cards.

http://www.uli.com.tw/m1685.php

This chipset smokes! Will use HT to connect southbridge and many features!

ALi M1691 North Bridge is projected to come out in late 2004 and is expected to be considerably faster than the previously mentioned M1685. It will feature dual-channel DDR and DDR2 (DDR-II) memory and will also be compatible with future processors from Intel, such as Prescott and Pentium M (probably, the Dothan). The M1691 is anticipated to work with M1673 South Bridge that sports High-Definition (Azalia) audio as well as some other interesting peculiarities.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/chipsets/display/20040405091956.html
http://www.hardtecs4u.com/?id=1081730627,77980,ht4u.php

Hope the mobos factories use these chipsets to make desktop boards soon :D

[muddocktor]

One thought that I just had about present mobile Dothans is that the multiplier is downward unlocked for it to support Speedstep. Does anyone know if this feature has to be supported by special instructions at the chipset level in the i855 chipset or is it bios enabled. If it is bios enabled, then that would give us a chance at 200 fsb Dothans on i865 or i875 chipset boards. :cool:

[muddocktor]

I just found out that Upgradeware has a forum and I just posted a message over there asking if they are planning any kind of adapter so that we could run a P-M proc on our P4 boards. Here is the thread I started over there (http://www.jes-computer.de/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=18227#18227) if you want to go and post, voicing your opinions on a socket adapter. :)

[jchanbr]

Just thinking.

If we got the adapters made by one of the companies.

How to get news bios versions for these standard P4 boards? The mobo companies will make? Or need some especialist to make for us? :rolleyes:

[muddocktor]

I just read a great review on the Dothan 2.0's performance (http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2129) at Anandtech yesterday and picked up some neat info at the end of the article. It seems that Shuttle has woken up to the possibilities of using P-M in their SFF systems and is presently designing a SFF system to use P-M procs. :thumbsup: I just hope that they use a desktop chipset such as i865 or i875 with it, along with some good overclocking adjustments so we can truly explore the true power of these processors. They also point out in that article that Intel is also coming out with some ULV versions of Dothan clocked at 1100 and 1000 MHz. To me, that flags 200 fsb overclocks with that low multi on processor hand picked for their strength to run at ultra low voltages. :cool: The model numbers for them are 723 for the 1.0 and 733 for the 1.1 processors. This really sounds to me like an Intel version of the mobile XP's, albeit at a lot higher price.

[Omega65]

AOpen has launched an interesting Pentium-M micro-ATX mainboard in Japan, with 2 x GB Ethernet, Serial ATA, Firewire.

A 2GHz Pentium-M has the same integer benchmark ratings as a 3.4GHz P4, but much lower power consumption.

Source: Akiba PC Hotline. (http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/akiba/hotline/20041009/etc_i855gme.html)

http://www.short-media.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=12493&stc=1

[drasnor]

Not bad at just under $275 for all that. Can't wait for them to bring it to the US.

-drasnor :fold:

[Geeky1]

IF they bring it to the US. :-/

And $275 is still absurd for a single CPU board, but it's a hell of a lot better than the ~$400 for the Radisys board.

[muddocktor]

IF they bring it to the US. :-/

And $275 is still absurd for a single CPU board, but it's a hell of a lot better than the ~$400 for the Radisys board.

Plus you get some overclocking options too. :thumbsup:

[Geeky1]

Anybody speak Japanese?
http://www.pc-success.co.jp/dir/catalog/P0106/P0106015J8Pvuf.html

I need to find out if those guys ship to the US...

[jchanbr]

Wow! Nice mobo!

In USA Aopen site already shows it as new release, so I think that will be in Newegg store soon. The price will be a suprise... :confused:

But another question is where to get these 479pin pentium M processors?

I researched in Ebay and stores, they just have the 478pin version :mad:

???? some clue?

[GHoosdum]

The 478 pin version is the Pentium M we've all come to know and love. 479-pin is a regular P4.

[muddocktor]

Actually GH, Intel's s-spec finder shows P-M procs as both 478 and 479 pin procs. I believe the extra pin on the 479 pin versions are to keep them from bieng plugged into a P4 board. Here's a screenie of the P-M s-specs:

[GHoosdum]

Oops - I had it backwards then. Sorta. Thanks for the clarification, mudd!

[jchanbr]

Yeap! But somebody have seen these 479 pins version to sell?? :confused: Only in Japan?

Because the new Aopen mobo just use the 479 pin version.... :wtf:

[Geeky1]

Yeap! But somebody have seen these 479 pins version to sell?? :confused: Only in Japan?

Because the new Aopen mobo just use the 479 pin version.... :wtf:

S478 cpus will work in a 479 pin socket.

[jchanbr]

S478 cpus will work in a 479 pin socket.

Wow, are they different interfaces? or the same? :confused:

[muddocktor]

Wow, are they different interfaces? or the same? :confused:

They are the same interface. Intel just removed the extra pin that was originally put on them to keep them from being plugged into a P4 board.

[drasnor]

Even if they are the same electrical interface, it won't work if you mix BGA and PGA packages. BGA is just little ball studs on the underside of the package, whereas PGA actually has pins. Here's a few diagrams to illustrate taken from the Intel® Pentium® M Processor on 90*nm process with 2-MB L2 Cache for Embedded Applications
Thermal Design Guide (http://www.intel.com/design/intarch/designgd/30223102.pdf).

-drasnor :fold:

[jchanbr]

Reading the mobo manual, it fits boths version BGA e FGA :)

But backing to the 479 pin number history. Like the Intel cpu Xeon 603 and 604 pins interfaces. Newer 604 cpu boards accept the 603 cpu old version.

Checking with a zoom in the manual pdf pics, they use a SL7EP (that is a 478 pin version) to show how to install the cpu. So I think that will works with any Pentium M processor. :D

Because I intend to buy an used Banias cpu, until Dothan prices drop. :thumbsup:

[GrayFox]

I would be more intrested in the overclocking ability of the pentium M. They gota run cold to run in a notebook.

[jchanbr]

I think these screens show some ability :D

http://219.113.251.125/c-board/file/28s_PenM755_2671.24_x15.png

http://219.113.251.125/c-board/file/PenM755_2804MHz_x20.png

[]'s

[Geeky1]

They gota run cold to run in a notebook.

That's not entirely true. To run in the small notebooks that some Pentium Ms are in, yes, they need to put out a fairly small amount of heat. But a laptop can have a very high heat output CPU- like a 3.4GHz Prescott, which is what's in my Dell.

[edcentric]

http://usa.aopen.com/products/mb/i855GMEm-LFS.htm

I still don't see it for sale anywhere.
This would make a great livingroom box, small and quiet.

[jchanbr]

Good and bad news :bawling:

http://www.chait.net/index.php?p=485

Last tuesday Aopen's release says that the board is now shipping, but will cost $270 ( MSRP) :(

Of course, when hit the final consumer market will reduce a little this price like all products.

But I think that will cost about U$230 for us... (I could buy a MSI K8T Master2-FAR dual Opteron mobo instead) :scratch:

[jchanbr]

Good news, DFI also released a Pentium M mobo:

http://www.x86-secret.com/pics/cm/dfi855/layout.jpg

http://www.x86-secret.com/articles/cm/dfi855/dfi855-2.htm

http://partsdog.dospara.co.jp/40c8d65e.JPG

I think that only sell in Japan at moment.

But the price will be same Aopen mobo. :bawling:

[]'s

[Geeky1]

64 bit pci slot! sweet!

[Omega65]

Pentium-M @ 2.55ghz X86-Secrets (http://www.x86-secret.com/popups/articleswindow.php?id=113)

OCWorkbench (http://www.ocworkbench.com/ocwbcgi/newspro/viewnews.cgi?newsid1099483700,53170,)

The French website X86-Secret has tested a Pentium M Dotham overclocked to 2.55GHz (26% overclock) on a DFI 855GME-MGF mainboard, the only Pentium M mainboard available at the moment with an AGP slot. The results are suprising, to say the least: the Pentium M is perfectly competitive with both the P4 EE and the A64 4000+. And it uses just a small chipset HSF!

[Thrax]

I don't find the results at all surprising.

[TheGr81]

omg...
/me drools

How long until these boards come to the US??? :D

[mmonnin]

We are looking at the future in Intel right there. At least they would be freakin dumbasses to not go that way.

[Omega65]

"Conroe" a desktop version of the Dothan is due in 12-18 months

[jchanbr]

DFI will start sell in november 8 in US. Here the final version.

http://www.dfi.com.tw/Press/press_header_content_us.jsp?PAGE_TYPE=US&TITLE_ID=4652&LINKED_URL=arch333.jsp&SITE=US

http://www.dfi.com.tw/Product/xx_product_spec_details_r_us.jsp?PRODUCT_ID=3350&CATEGORY_TYPE=MB&SITE=US

http://www.dfi.com.tw/Upload/Product_Picture/855GME-MGF-side.jpg


:thumbsup:

[jchanbr]

Finally one store has the Aopen mobo to sell (U$267)

http://store.myaopen.com/i855gmemlfs.html

Now is waiting past the Xmas to low a little bit the price :(

[edcentric]

I am surprised that Shuttle doesn't have a SFF out for the 'M'. It makes sense.
micro atx with a cool running, powerful cpu. This could be fun.
I am keeping an eye out for the DFI mobo.

[mmonnin]

Around $250 for a motherboard and P-Ms arent cheap either. Around $440 for the 2.0 Dothan.

[jchanbr]

I am surprised that Shuttle doesn't have a SFF out for the 'M'. It makes sense.
micro atx with a cool running, powerful cpu. This could be fun.
I am keeping an eye out for the DFI mobo.

I'll prefer the Aopen mobo, because the heatsink option that allow you use P4 coolers, DFI mobo need to use a screwdriver to install the processador like a notebook and to need to use only the cooler that comes with the mobo. :cool:

[Leonardo]

We are looking at the future in Intel right there. At least they would be freakin dumbasses to not go that way.
Indeed that is Intel's short term future (http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=19538) .

There's a big internal reorganisation happening inside Intel and according to Otellini that means each "platform" has a single risk assessment methodology. It has appointed people inside to consolidate this shift. It wants to "Centrino-ise" its whole range of products. The Inquirer

Not to mean that Pentium M will be the standard bearer, but that Centrino/Pentium will be pushed hard by Intel as platform-centric devices that live up to their hype.

[TheLostSwede]

New toy from Aopen. This time it's the i915 chipset which means the introduction to dual channel, DDR2 and PCI-e for the Dothans. I have ordered one and a Dothan + that i have some DDR2 at tight timings on it's way. This will be fun i think.

http://www.aopen.nl/products/mb/i915GMm-HFS.htm

[Omega65]

Looks like a nice toy. How much was the board and CPU?

[TheLostSwede]

You get a 1.6/400 2mb Dothan for $110$130 on Ebay. The board costs a zillion though. Over $300 on Newegg i think.

[muddocktor]

Yeah Mack, I saw how much that board cost! :eek:

I've been thinking of going the other way for a Dothan upgrade with the Asus socket converter and an Asus i865 mobo myself. Since I already have some decent ddr and vid card in my daughter's P4 rig, I'm thinking of getting a refurb Asus board and the socket converter and going that route instead of buying that uber-expensive Aopen board.

[TheLostSwede]

I agree, but i'm after DDR2/Pci-e and sata2 so i have no other choice i'm afraid.

[muddocktor]

I finally bit the bullet and decided to build me a Pentium M system. I'm going with an Asus P4C800-E Deluxe board I got on ebay new for $137.50 shipped, ordered the Asus CT-479 adapter from ZipZoomFly for $49.99 delivered, and just this morning I won an auction on ebay for a Dothan 735 (1.7/400) proc for $122.50 shipped. The proc isn't exactly what I was wanting to get (I really wanted a 133 fsb Dothan), but the price was just too good to pass. Plus, that Asus 875 board has multiplier control in bios, unlike the P4P800 SE boards, so I should be able to throttle back the multi so I can get some good fsb speeds out of this setup. That is why I went with the more expensive P4C800-E Deluxe over the P4P800 SE. I'll be using 2X256 MB sticks of Corsair XMS3200 C2 from my NF7-S machine so I should be able to run some really tight timings with this setup and see just what a Dothan can do with decent memory bandwidth. This is going to be a dedicated folding rig (for right now at least), so don't expect any 3DMark benching but I will be doing a fair amount of number crunching benches with it after it's set up and stable. I still have to work out a premium hsf setup for it; the CT-479 comes with an aluminum hsf but it doesn't look like anything to get excited about. I will be considering what cooling options once the board gets here and I can drop the adapter in the socket on the board.

I'll take pics of everything and post up my progress on this experiment as I get stuff in; will start a new thread on it. :)

[GHoosdum]

Awesome, mudd... just post a link to that thread here so we don't miss it! ;)

[yagga]

I'll take pics of everything and post up my progress on this experiment as I get stuff in; will start a new thread on it. :)
Link? :shakehead

[muddocktor]

Sorry I've been so late getting some info posted, but a processor upgrade and 2 near miss hurricanes have kind of slowed things down. I just upgraded from my original Dothan 735 to a Sonama 730, which is a jump from a 1.7/400 to a 1.6/533. This makes a great difference in fsb speed as the original 100 fsb Dothans don't do well over around 160 fsb or so, but the Sonoma procs seem to tolerate high fsb speed very well. I'm presently testing the system at 235 X 11 and still at stock 1.3 vcore and 2-2-2-5 ram timings (@3.3v via ddr booster). :D This hombre is mucho snappy. :thumbsup:

I will be testing for max overclock on the proc then I plan to optimize GHz vs fsb speed. I've also tested my ram to 250 fsb at 2-2-2-5 timings with PAT enabled, so I still have plenty of headroom for fsb speed right now.

So far, I have a 985 MHz overclock on that P-M with stock vcore too, so that is boding well for it's headroom. I bought it off eBay for $129.00 delivered. :cool:

I plan to do some benching with it now also, since I also got a good deal on an X800XT-PE, which is presently installed on this system.