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If the mobo doesn't go up to 333mhz, the CPU will not work at all or will run at a reduced speed of 266mhz which may or may not be unstable.
Since they no longer make mobos or CPUs for Socket A... you don't have much options or than looking for older boards online or someone giving them away.
Since they no longer make mobos or CPUs for Socket A... you don't have much options or than looking for older boards online or someone giving them away.
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You can still buy socket A boards new, however the choices are getting pretty slim. Here is a board that will do the job for you. It is out of stock now however it is due back in by 04 Jan 2007. Newegg link You will also need new ram to take full advantage of the higher fsb. It really does not make much sense to spend money on outdated technology.
Yep... agreed... unless you already happen to have DDR 333 on that 266board...
If you need new RAM and a mobo, you might as well buy an AM2 socket setup. Those boards are just as cheap or cheaper than a rare socket A.
Newegg sells an AM2 from MSI for $45.00 (VIA with built-in video) But its AGP. (shocking) But for $52, MSi board with PCIe x16 slot. (Great price) $58 gets you an NForce board from MSI... (on board video + PCIe) - I dont recommend ECS or biostar.
Then you can pop in a $45 Sempron CPU or a $75 or so for an AMD64.
If you need new RAM and a mobo, you might as well buy an AM2 socket setup. Those boards are just as cheap or cheaper than a rare socket A.
Newegg sells an AM2 from MSI for $45.00 (VIA with built-in video) But its AGP. (shocking) But for $52, MSi board with PCIe x16 slot. (Great price) $58 gets you an NForce board from MSI... (on board video + PCIe) - I dont recommend ECS or biostar.
Then you can pop in a $45 Sempron CPU or a $75 or so for an AMD64.
I already have everything to build a computer. I had to replace the mobo from my old computer which short circuited. I put the thing together but it doesn't want to boot 
I don't mind AGP because it gives me something to do with my 9600XT 256 which I bought LAST YEAR
I'll fool around with it more later.
I don't mind AGP because it gives me something to do with my 9600XT 256 which I bought LAST YEAR
I'll fool around with it more later.
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46,887 Posts
Here is a set of instructions to follow for problem builds. Follow the set under you assembled the system and it will not post.
What to do with a "Problem Build"
First are you getting the board to post [power on self test] If yes follow the first set of instructions
Board posts however there are lockups, bsod, cannot install windows
1) Since it posts, check your temps in the bios. It is very difficult to say what a "Normal" temp should be since each type of cpu [P4, Athlon, AMD64, etc] has a normal temp. What you should see in the bios is a stable temp of <55C. If the temp is much higher than that, you probably have the heatsink fan installed incorrectly.
2) If the temps are ok, pull all cards from the system except the video card. Disconnect any peripherals such as printer, scanner, usb hub, etc. Is it stable now? If so you have a problem with a piece of hardware or its driver.
3) Test the memory with a tester like memtest86. Just because you see a memory test during post means nothing. All that does is check to see if the memory is there. It does not check each memory address. Note this test is run from bootable media ie CD or floppy; there is no need for an operating system to be installed.
4) Power supply. A modern P4 or AMD64 needs a quality power supply. It is difficult to say what wattage you will need since this is dependant on many things; the number of fans, the number of hard drives you have installed, the type of video card you have installed, amount of ram, etc. A bare minimum would be in the neighborhood of 350W. The power supplies that come with many cases [however not all] are junk. Since modern systems make a very high demand on the 12V rail of the power supply, what you are looking for is something around 20+ amps on the 12V rail. Some good brands of power supplies are Antec, Enermax, Enlight, Sparkle, and some models of Coolmax. There are other quality units, however those are what I use in my builds.
You assembled the system, and it will not post
1) Remove EVERYTHING from the case
2) Set the motherboard on a non conductive surface. The motherboard box is perfect for this. .DO NOT PLACE THE MOTHERBOARD ON THE STATIC BAG! The outside of some of these can actually conduct electricity! We are going to try and assemble a running system outside of the case.
3) Install the CPU and heat sink.
4) Install the RAM (only install 1 stick for SDRAM, 2 for RDRAM)
5) Install the video card. Do make sure the card is FULLY seated.
6) Connect the monitor to the video card.
7) Connect the power supply to the motherboard. Do make sure you plug in the extra power connector [if used]
8) Connect power to the power supply
9) Do NOT connect ANYTHING else. Make sure you have the power connector on the CPU fan connected.
10) Use a small screwdriver to momentarily short the power switch connector on the motherboard.
If all is well, it should power up and you should get a display. You now have found you have a mounting problem. The board is shorting to the case. If not, then you most likely have a faulty component. You will need to swap parts with known good units ie power supply, cpu, ram, video card.
How to mount a new board in a case
1) Remove the IO plate from the back of the case.
2) Place the board in the case and use something like a sharpie or a pencil to mark the case where you will need to install the standoffs.
3) Remove the board and install the standoffs.
4) Install the IO plate
5) Place the board on the standoffs and slide it into the IO plate. Secure it with the screws provided with the case.
Just a reminder do not buy cheap parts!!!
I have one rule.
Quality hardware and properly installed software do not lockup, bsod, reboot itself, etc
What to do with a "Problem Build"
First are you getting the board to post [power on self test] If yes follow the first set of instructions
Board posts however there are lockups, bsod, cannot install windows
1) Since it posts, check your temps in the bios. It is very difficult to say what a "Normal" temp should be since each type of cpu [P4, Athlon, AMD64, etc] has a normal temp. What you should see in the bios is a stable temp of <55C. If the temp is much higher than that, you probably have the heatsink fan installed incorrectly.
2) If the temps are ok, pull all cards from the system except the video card. Disconnect any peripherals such as printer, scanner, usb hub, etc. Is it stable now? If so you have a problem with a piece of hardware or its driver.
3) Test the memory with a tester like memtest86. Just because you see a memory test during post means nothing. All that does is check to see if the memory is there. It does not check each memory address. Note this test is run from bootable media ie CD or floppy; there is no need for an operating system to be installed.
4) Power supply. A modern P4 or AMD64 needs a quality power supply. It is difficult to say what wattage you will need since this is dependant on many things; the number of fans, the number of hard drives you have installed, the type of video card you have installed, amount of ram, etc. A bare minimum would be in the neighborhood of 350W. The power supplies that come with many cases [however not all] are junk. Since modern systems make a very high demand on the 12V rail of the power supply, what you are looking for is something around 20+ amps on the 12V rail. Some good brands of power supplies are Antec, Enermax, Enlight, Sparkle, and some models of Coolmax. There are other quality units, however those are what I use in my builds.
You assembled the system, and it will not post
1) Remove EVERYTHING from the case
2) Set the motherboard on a non conductive surface. The motherboard box is perfect for this. .DO NOT PLACE THE MOTHERBOARD ON THE STATIC BAG! The outside of some of these can actually conduct electricity! We are going to try and assemble a running system outside of the case.
3) Install the CPU and heat sink.
4) Install the RAM (only install 1 stick for SDRAM, 2 for RDRAM)
5) Install the video card. Do make sure the card is FULLY seated.
6) Connect the monitor to the video card.
7) Connect the power supply to the motherboard. Do make sure you plug in the extra power connector [if used]
8) Connect power to the power supply
9) Do NOT connect ANYTHING else. Make sure you have the power connector on the CPU fan connected.
10) Use a small screwdriver to momentarily short the power switch connector on the motherboard.
If all is well, it should power up and you should get a display. You now have found you have a mounting problem. The board is shorting to the case. If not, then you most likely have a faulty component. You will need to swap parts with known good units ie power supply, cpu, ram, video card.
How to mount a new board in a case
1) Remove the IO plate from the back of the case.
2) Place the board in the case and use something like a sharpie or a pencil to mark the case where you will need to install the standoffs.
3) Remove the board and install the standoffs.
4) Install the IO plate
5) Place the board on the standoffs and slide it into the IO plate. Secure it with the screws provided with the case.
Just a reminder do not buy cheap parts!!!
I have one rule.
Quality hardware and properly installed software do not lockup, bsod, reboot itself, etc
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