How to update VIA mobo chipset ?

[mjlynch]

I'm pretty good at updating sound card and video card drivers, but I've never updated my mobo drivers (are they drivers at all?). Matter of fact, the only reason I know I have a VIA chipset is that I asked tech support at Micronpc.com.

1. Is there a way I can confirm that I have a VIA chipset?

2. How do I know which updated drivers I need?

3. Any chance updates will solve/help my constant UT crashing problem?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Mike Lynch

 

[Nevar]

Small free program that will give you info on your system
http://www.tweakfiles.com/diagnostic/sysid.html

 

[Crager]

Originally posted by mjlynch
3. Any chance updates will solve/help my constant UT crashing problem?
Mike Lynch

For # 3, post your syetm specs. You may get better help that way. This is a good place to help work out your system/game problems.

 

[Kray]

1. Check the mobo's manual. If you don't have it/lost it, look at the mobo itself.

2. Since you're not familiar with updating via mobo driver, I suggest you download the via 4-in-1 driver (rather than individually). Currently the latest one is version 429. But its still very new. I'm using the 425 right now. You can get it here:

http://www.viahardware.com/download/index.shtm#4in1

3. Well, it didn't solved my online-only freeze/crash problem completely, but it does reduce the number of times UT freezes by quite a bit. So you might wanna try it.

If installing the 4-in-1 driver causes UT crash within 5-10 seconds into the game, then re-install the 4-in-1 again but during the installation, set the AGP driver to STANDARD mode (default is TURBO mode). The standard mode is more stable than the turbo mode.

Hope this helps.

 

[mjlynch]

Thanks guys - much appreciation.

 

[ZenPirate]

4.29's are rock solid

 

[Kray]

Zen, I tried 4.29. It crashes online after 15 mintues. I changed back to 4.25 (then re-installed my graphic card driver), and got 1+ hour online before I quit UT. Maybe its because I have a low spec system. I dunno. What's your system spec? Do you use win2k?

 

[ZenPirate]

Kray,my system is:
Duron 600@850
Abit kt7 non-raid
320 mb Crucial pc100-133 ram
Sound Blaster Live value
Elsa Gladiac GeForce 2 GTS (overclocked:260/380)
Windows ME(I know...I know...)

 

[Kray]

Hmm. Rock on system, butter on other. Oh well.

 

[ZenPirate]

The biggest thing with any drivers,be they via or detonator,is that they are going to vary from system to system.You just have to experiment with them,at your own risk,and find out which ones work the best for you.At best,I end up re-formatting once a month due to instabilities from all the different driver combos I try.But,I know what works and what doesn't(untill a new set is released sigh)

 

[Stosh]

Kray, I find that very interesting....

I have the Abit KT7A MB. I also have had numerous freezing problems.

I did reinstall the 4n1 drivers using standard mode. I still get the freezing problem, however it really has been happening less and less. I have been able to play for countless hours with no problems at all.

Another problem with te VIA chipset is that interrupt sharing can cause lockups. I ensured that my devices did not share and irq. All I know is for the most part my system has been very stable... Stosh is a VERY happy man!!!

 

[Kray]

That's great Stosh! I'm glad that it helped.