VOGONS


First post, by tomusi

User metadata
Rank Newbie
Rank
Newbie

Hi there, first time posting in the site, I think you might be able to help me

I have this motherboard lying aorund and I was planning to put it in use very soon, specifically because of its seemingly universal AGP slot.
500

The thing is, I bought a bunch of old video cards that I really want to test, one of them being a Creative Banshee which needs 3.3v AGP, so I thought it was perfect for the job.
I dont have a "legit" 3.3v notched AGP Slot motherboard to use at the moment, and my other motherboards are 1.5v notched.

I know this is a delicate matter so I did a bit of research in the Gigabyte website: https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-7VM266-rev-10#ov
The manual specifies very clearly "1 universal AGP slot (1X/2X/4X) device support", which leads me to believe it should take a 3.3v card
On the other hand, the "Specification" section in the Gigabyte website states "AGP slot (4X/2X, Support 1.5V display card only)"

So... what is the truth?
1) Is there a way to confirm this more than risking a video card? (it would be a cheaper 3.3v one)
2) If I do that, is there any risk for the Motherboard? that would be a no-go

My hope is that someone here owns this same motherboard and has already tried 3.3v cards on it, if that's the case please let me know

Thanks in advance

Reply 1 of 2, by Roman555

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie

There is a good comprehensive article about AGP chipset/videocard compatibility:
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ru& … -standard.shtml

Your mainboard is based on VIA KM266 chipset.
According to it I would try to run GA-7VM266 and Banshee together. IMO they should work properly.

One more article:
http://www.playtool.com/pages/agpcompat/agp.html

P.S.
Also from datasheet

The VT8375 integrates the ProSavage8™ graphics core into the North Bridge offering competitive 2D/3D performance while retaining […]
Show full quote

The VT8375 integrates the ProSavage8™ graphics core into the North Bridge offering
competitive 2D/3D performance while retaining an optional external AGP 4X port for
configuration flexibility. The VT8375 also does not sacrifice support for older AGP2X
models, providing OEMs and SIs with additional configuration options.

[ MS6168/PII-350/YMF754/98SE ]
[ 775i65G/E5500/9800Pro/Vortex2/ME ]