The Intel MTH (memory translator hub) that converts an RDRAM interface into an SDRAM one (so you can use SDRAM modules) was indeed problematic. Never use SDRAM in any Intel chipset that was designed for RDRAM.

I'm not particularly familiar with boards that offered both RDRAM and SDRAM, but you might be fine as long as you stick to RDRAM. Do not, under any circumstances, consider running SDRAM (unless you're specifically trying to research the issue the MTH causes or something).

I have an 820 board myself, but it only has RDRAM.

kenrouholo wrote:

The Intel MTH (memory translator hub) that converts an RDRAM interface into an SDRAM one (so you can use SDRAM modules) was indeed problematic. Never use SDRAM in any Intel chipset that was designed for RDRAM.

I'm not particularly familiar with boards that offered both RDRAM and SDRAM, but you might be fine as long as you stick to RDRAM. Do not, under any circumstances, consider running SDRAM (unless you're specifically trying to research the issue the MTH causes or something).

I have an 820 board myself, but it only has RDRAM.

Thanks for responding! Sounds encouraging. Knew this was going to be sketchy but the board was cheap compared to the other VIA chipsets that could take my P3.

I had an Intel board with Intel 820 chipset once. And that has been my only RDRAM board ever.
For your board, I know nothing. Though the Intel VC820 that I had, ran stable on a P-III-500.
If it was fast? Well... It was fast enough for 1998/1999 games. (Super stable actually)

brostenen wrote:

I had an Intel board with Intel 820 chipset once. And that has been my only RDRAM board ever.
For your board, I know nothing. Though the Intel VC820 that I had, ran stable on a P-III-500.
If it was fast? Well... It was fast enough for 1998/1999 games. (Super stable actually)

I loved my VC-820!

It only has 2 RAM slots though and for a good reason. I have an ES VC-820 which is kinda identical in layout, except for a few differences. Most noticeably it has 3 RDRAM slots instead of just 2 and for the heck I couldn't even get WinME installed on that thing without it getting unstable. Tried different configurations, even using a CRIMM in the 2nd and 3rd slots..or in just the 2nd or just the 3rd and with or without RDRAM...

In the end I gave up, replaced with retail VC-820 and it was smooth sailing ever since 🤣

I can't tell if there was any speed difference, but I don't think it actually matters that much. Mine used a proper Slot 1 Coppermine of at or slightly below 1GHz (133MHz variant) and I found it an enjoyable ride (or at least once I started using the retail board).

Finally got around to testing this board with the intent of at least getting it to post but sadly it's been all uphill. Everything is hooked up to the best of my ability but all I get is the mobo light on and the cpu/gpu fans running - no video, beeps....nada. Tried swapping cpu, gpu, ram out, clearing cmos, switching monitors, standing on my head and etc. No change. This board was NOS but it's a recall product due to the MTH issue (which I wasn't aware of till after the fact). Here's how I have it put together at the moment:

350W Thermaltake PS - NOS which works since fans are running.
800mhz 133fsb PIII slot 1
512MB RDRAM (2) slots 256MB ea. thought I'd have better luck with these instead of using the (2) SDRAM slots and running into the MTH issue
Abit GeForce3 Ti200 128MB
Std. PS2 keyboard/mouse
No drives hooked up - tried it but made no difference

Thought I'd go barebones to make sure it'll work before putting it in a case. I hate to give up on something I paid for but this may be a lost cause. Those of you who have experience with this scenario please tell me if I should pack it in and try another direction. Attached are some pics for a look see.

I'm going to take a stab at you needing to replace capacitors on the board. In my stash are two PIII Supermicro boards (based on Serverset chipset) - one with bulging caps that does the "lights on, no-one home" thing, the other works fine. Even if the caps aren't visibly damaged or leaking they may need replacing after all this time.

replace the cmos battery, some boards do the weirdest shit with a dead battery, including playing dead.

If that fails, try it with sd ram just to see if it shows life signs that way.

If all of this fails, I guess its time to change the capacitors.

Koltoroc wrote:

replace the cmos battery, some boards do the weirdest shit with a dead battery, including playing dead.

If that fails, try it with sd ram just to see if it shows life signs that way.

If all of this fails, I guess its time to change the capacitors.

Tried replacing the battery to no avail. I'll try it with sd ram and see what happens.

Looks like I see a few bad capps on the board.

Also make sure the cmos jumper is in the right spot and try removing JP12 Also try sd ram and another cpu.

EDIT:
Also a cheap PCI post card can be alot of help.

Jade Falcon wrote:

Looks like I see a few bad capps on the board. […]
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Looks like I see a few bad capps on the board.

Also make sure the cmos jumper is in the right spot and try removing JP12 Also try sd ram and another cpu.

EDIT:
Also a cheap PCI post card can be alot of help.

Yeah cmos jumper is ok and tried removing JP12, using a PCI video card, still no dice. Know nothing about replacing capps or what the cost would be to have someone do it. Thanks for all the responses but it's looking like I need to turn the page on this.

Already burnt money on this board so I'm hesitant to jump back in Ebay or wherever and find a slot 1 mobo to go with my P3 800mhz/133fsb cpu, most good ones are priced "out the gazeebo". May have to start hitting the flea markets in the area and hope I get lucky.

Most places charge alot to recap a board. I reacll the guy from bad caps charging well over 100$ for some boards.
I sometimes do it for friends for around 15-20$ hour + parts/materials. Most goo caps cost around $.25-.75 a piece. Finding a local to do it would be your best bet cost wise.

But I don't see the problem just being bad caps. it would atlest try to post if the caps were bad. Maybe give off bios error beeps, that is unless if a cap or two are shorted out witch is not likely.
Are you sure the ram and cpu are good?

Jade Falcon wrote:

Most places charge alot to recap a board. I reacll the guy from bad caps charging well over 100$ for some boards. I sometimes d […]
Show full quote

Most places charge alot to recap a board. I reacll the guy from bad caps charging well over 100$ for some boards.
I sometimes do it for friends for around 15-20$ hour + parts/materials. Most goo caps cost around $.25-.75 a piece. Finding a local to do it would be your best bet cost wise.

But I don't see the problem just being bad caps. it would atlest try to post if the caps were bad. Maybe give off bios error beeps, that is unless if a cap or two are shorted out witch is not likely.
Are you sure the ram and cpu are good?

The CPU is good as it was running fine in another system. Only have the (2) sticks of Rimms so will have to try the other Dimms I have on hand. After that, if no success will box it up and order another slot 1 board - probably go with an Asus or Gigabyte brand.