"With the latest version of Windows Update (essentially a mandatory download
and now part of SP3) you consent to sending the following information to
Microsoft:

* Operating-system version number and Product Identification number
* Internet Explorer version number
* Version numbers of other software
* Plug and Play ID numbers of hardware devices

This is stated in the "Windows Update Privacy Statement" which you can read
at You can also
follow the "About Windows Update" link off the WindowsUpdate page. Don't
bother trying to right-click, they've made sure to disable that."

Posted by tim @ 1:34AM PST 
Got a new vendor special for BP6/VP6 users from our sponsor Dunamis-Site.com. 7200 RPM 60 gig Maxtor Diamond Plus HD's, ATA-100.
Might be useful for VP6 users in a Raid config.
Get them while our sponsor has them in stock.. $230

Monday, February 19, 2001

Putting the "CORE" in HardCORE Overclocking
Posted by tim @ 2:01AM PST  6 Comments  | Top

"CORE" Backgrounds	Orb VS "CORE" [bottom]
"CORE"	Orb VS "CORE" [side]

Check out the latest creation from CPUfx.com. OverclockersHideout.com

This is the mother of all aluminum heasinks.I received a test unit last week.
First impression was, "Damn this one big bad ass looking heatsink".
I was told by CPUFX.com that this heatsink will cool your PIII CPU to about
2-3 degrees above room temperature. This isn't made out of cheap extruded aluminium
either. It's the real deal, and you can tell just by picking it up. The final
release has a few options such as High Speed or Low Speed fan, Fan guard (recommended),
and your choice of fan connectors. Looks like CPUFX has taken hardcore overclocking
to another level by dreaming up this high tech heatsink called the "CORE".
With an 80 watt peltier, tests have reported that this heatsink can keep the
CPU running at about 19° C.

The final retail version has special mounting clips that allow you to mount
the heatsink to either Socket A or socket 370/FC-PGA CPU's. As you can see in
the pics above, the "CORE" is about twice the size of the Golden Orb.
This also means that clearance can be an issue if you try to use 2 of them on
the BP6. The VP6 mobo however will work with dual COREs. Check out the background
pics I created here.

Overclockers has a preview article here

Hexus.net has an article here

Thursday, February 15, 2001

BP6 PIII Mod - translation correction
Posted by tim @ 11:00AM PST  0 Comments  | Top
Due to an oversight, there is one error in the translation. It affects
the Vcore mod. I have attached the updates to the original zip files listed in the previous post.

Download the Vcore mod updates (in PDF or Word Doc format) here

Tuesday, February 13, 2001

Windows XP aka Whistler
Posted by tim @ 10:26PM PST  10 Comments  | Top
Looks like microsoft is ging to have a preview program for Windows XP. codenamed "Whistler". Thanks to Dark Night for the link.

Check it here

Sunday, February 11, 2001

VP6FSB Beta for download.
Posted by tim @ 4:45PM PST  8 Comments  | Top
Christian Hansen has created a FSB utility for the VP6 motherboard.
Download the Beta here
Thanks for another cool utility Christian..

Here is the BP6 PII mod guide.
Posted by tim @ 11:34AM PST  13 Comments  | Top
Big thanks to Jeff Lim (jefflim@hotmail.com)For creating a detailed How-To article with Pics, on how to modify your BP6 for PIII's, and getting permission from Yoichiro to translate his article into english.. You can download the article here. This file is about 3.5 mb in size.

Let me know if anyone else is successful with this technique. So far I have been told by jeff that other overclockers in Japan have been successful using this this technique based off of Yochiro's mods. here Big thanks goes out to Yoichiro for creating this technique.

Saturday, February 10, 2001

We got a treat or two for you tonight...
Posted by tim @ 9:09AM PST  20 Comments  | Top
(How-to guide) PIII mods to make your BP6 run stable, with pics and in English (Courtesy of Jeff Lim). Also for you VP6 users, Christian Hansen the maker of BP6FSB has created a version for the VP6. Beta version of VP6FSB

I'll have the goods online tonight...

Thursday, February 8, 2001

ATI To The Rescue?
Posted by DareDevil @ 1:38PM PST  9 Comments  | Top
ATI has posted some (needed) updated drivers for their Rage 128 / Pro chipset. I’m a little late on this one *cough*, but haven’t been around the computer for a while.

Please post your results with these new updated drivers. Hey, they ‘require’ DX8

ATI Special Drivers Section

Monday, February 5, 2001

Ratpadz review at videocarddrivers.com
Posted by tim @ 5:50PM PST  0 Comments  | Top
Ratpadz (magic mousepad) -- Verdict.. Improves your gaming skillz and helps you devastate the enemy. Videocarddrivers.com has posted up their latest fraggin' experience. here May not improve your scores if your using a trackball or glidepoint. :-)


Aerodynamic -- Store bought rounded ATA ide cables
Posted by tim @ 10:29AM PST  6 Comments  | Top
Image removed -click here
Rounded IDE cables but in a retail form. If your not good at wrapping them with electrical tape like the how-to article listed in the post below then the store bought ones might be your ticket.
here

Sunday, February 4, 2001

New stuff at overclockers hideout..
Posted by tim @ 11:47PM PST  0 Comments  | Top
New watercooling kit over at overclockershideout.com

They currently don't have a new "Blizzard kit" for the BP6 using the new Blue Reservoir/pump but I was just told that you can piece one together for about $229.95. That should get you the best watercooling rig out there. You might want to add on their new 156 watt peltiers and 2 coldplates for that cooler edge.

Also They gave us a BP6.com special:
Just mention "BP6.com rocks!!" or "The BP6 rocks!!" when you place an order over $75 and the shipping is free.

Check out their how-to article on making thin IDE cables (in different colors too!) here

Keep an eye out on Overclockershideout.com (our watercooling sponsor) they have some more cool shiznit coming out soon.. -- Literally and figuratively speaking that is :-)

Saturday, February 3, 2001

nVidia Win2K Refresh Rate Fix.
Posted by Skitzo @ 3:56PM PST  5 Comments  | Top
Windows 2000 NVidia Refresh Rate Fix is a program which can be used to change the default 60Hz refresh rate under Windows 2000 with NVidia display adapters.

A must have for all you Win2K fans out there.

Grab the file over at VideoCardDrivers.com

Another BP6.com Special at Heatsinkfactory.com
Posted by tim @ 3:11PM PST  0 Comments  | Top
** This special ended Feb 9 2001***
Just got word of another BP6.com special at the Heatsinkfactory.com

"Buy Two FOP38's at $22.99 each and One tube of Arctic Silver Thermal Paste at 13.99 and get a GlobalWin FAC08 6,500 RPM Chipset Cooler for free! (A $9.99 value) for the fan in addition to already low prices."
-Their wording

Make sure to mention BP6.com special in the comments section to get this special.

Any other vendors have a special? If so, drop me an email

Thursday, February 1, 2001

Beta Drivers
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 2:58PM PST  25 Comments  | Top
Beta HPT Drivers
ftp://ftp.abit.com.tw/pub/beta/bp6/driver/1.28/

Beta Bios
ftp://ftp.abit.com.tw/pub/beta/bp6/bios/128/

Haven't tried them out yet.
Got to run.
Enjoy :-)

Tuesday, January 30, 2001

Vendor special and heatsink sponsor
Posted by tim @ 2:59AM PST  3 Comments  | Top
**This special is over now over, there is a new one, see above -edited Feb 3 2001
Many have asked when the heatsink section of the website would be done.. We'll we just got one more step closer to answering that question. We just got a sponsor to drop us the latest in heatsink cool-tech for the BP6. They have a special going on right now for BP6 users. Golden Orbs $12.99 and Blue Orbs $9.99. Check out the new sponsor below @
Heatsinkfactory.com.

Hopefully we can get this cooler review up and running soon..

Monday, January 29, 2001

Question
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 10:22PM PST  18 Comments  | Top
Some people complain that we don't have much original content...
Post the feedback on what you would like to see and we'll see what we can do.

Holodeck2 :-)

Friday, January 26, 2001

The new Duals
Posted by Diffusion @ 10:59AM PST  13 Comments  | Top
Well 2 things of interest first it looks as though there will be a dual P3 MB based on the i815 chipset. Viahardware has a story about it here: http://www.viahardware.com/acorpi815dual.shtm

Also dual AMD motherboards based on their 760MP chipset? Well they are not out yet but there are some pics of one you can look at here:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/pc/docs/article/20010124/pfc01.htm

I don't know about the rest of you, but I can't wait to go dual AMD.
As soon as ABIT has news about a offering in this are I'll let you know.

(Thanks to littlewhitedog.com for the info)

-D

If you find any info that you think others here would want to know send it to me!

Thursday, January 25, 2001

SUCCESS !! !! !!
Posted by Diffusion @ 1:04PM PST  20 Comments  | Top
FINALLY!!
Step by step instructions on bringing your BP6 up to PIII 800 in SMP mode!!!
go here for the instructions
http://www5b.biglobe.ne.jp/~geta_jp/eng_index.htm

Tuesday, January 16, 2001

Greetings
Posted by Diffusion @ 5:03PM PST  13 Comments  | Top
I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be trying to keep this site a little more alive, both through postings of relevant news articles, and via special deals for BP6 users.
For a look at what Insight can do for you go to the "Vendor Specials"
page (for the US its www.insight.com/bp6) and then login.

A article of intrest today, Tom over at tomswardware.com has a cool how to article for building your own system, you can access it here:
http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/01q1/010115/index.html

- Diff

Saturday, January 13, 2001

Please welcome aboard Wade aka "Diffusion"
Posted by tim @ 1:07AM PST  1 Comments  | Top
Please welcome aboard our newest member to the editing team here at BP6.com. His name is Wade (aka Diffusion) This is the fellow bp6 user that hooked us up with the special BP6.com account over at Insight.com. His guy lives eat's and sleeps computer parts when he's not at work selling them to fellow BP6 users. (Not really-- BP6 mobo's aren't good for the diet.) In the meantime he can probably let us know about any good deals he comes accross over there.

On another note.. I apologize for the lack of posting and maintenance on the site. For those of you that know me, you can understand that the Space business can be tiring at times. I'll get around to finishing the "who's Tim" section soon. In case your wondering about the VP6.net website. It's been on the back burner also due to work also. But I plan on getting it up and running the next time I get soe free time (hopefully this weekend). I have benchmarked it, and 2 words come to mind " It Rox!" or "It's Stable" or "HPT370 rox". That should be a good indicator. As soon as I switch the VP6 to be my main machine ( and I pay for the 2 oc'd 700 MHz PIII's) I will be able to build up the VP6.net website to it's full potential.

BP6 Manual - Project?
I was wondering if any of you out there wanted to help in making "The Ultimate Guide to the BP6 mobo" Something with pics, tips, tricks, and common troubleshooting information that would be useful to all BP6 users. If I had a peso for every technical question I have ever answered about the BP6 mobo, I'd be driving a brand new Ferrari by now. Please check the FAQ and the messageboards before emailing me about a common BP6 problem, otherwise send me a peso :-) I have been asked about the "BP6 for dummies book" listed on the website. -- that is a fake image I made.. But with the completion of this book, we could basically call it that. anyont that want's to help out please email me.

SETI status - Congrats!!!
--------------------------------
661 Members as of this date.
346.17 years
256111 results received.
-------------------------------

I never imagined that this great group of computer users could move up in rank this quickly.

Ranked 47th out of the top 100 Teams and 27th for top 100 clubs.

Here a deal I want to setup through Encounter 2001 (the company I work for here in Houston Tx). Everyone that joins the team between now and the next space mission that my company has this year, will have their name broadcast into space. (Yes, the opposite of SETI). Check out this link of the company I work for, being talked about on the SETI.org website.

BIOS: That HPT368 experimental BIOS didn't seem to work (would not recognize the HD's), but i'm sure it's a matter of time before one of us BP6 users figures it out.

That's all I have for now. It's been a while in the making and the real work is just beginning.

-Tim

Wednesday, January 3, 2001

Very experimental BP6 BIOS w/ HPT 368 BIOS
Posted by tim @ 11:17PM PST  66 Comments  | Top
Here is the latest experimental BIOS from John... This is just an experimental BIOS which is untested at the moment. Only try this if you know what you are doing. (insert big ass disclaimer here - ACHTUNG! use at your own risk!) I'm only placing this here because some people have expressed interest in a BIOS like this and John was able modify the existing one he had created last month for this purpose.

After seeing this article (HPT366 to HPT368 Raid mod)sent to me by Dimitris:
http://www.tweakhardware.com/guide/hpt366/

I contacted John about and he created this bios:
Download BIOS with HPT368 drivers here

Thanks John!
Post your results in the comments section if you test these BIOS's out.

Sunday, December 31, 2000

Happy New Year!!!
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 10:30PM PST  1 Comments  | Top
Happy New Year everyone from the hard working crew of BP6.com (Well actually just from me right now, I'm assuming that DD and Tim also wish you guys a happy new year :-)
I'm still alive and well just a little overwhelmed by projects, that's all.
It's the New Year and I'm sure most of you have/are/will count down the new year (Depending on when you read this post) and I'm sure most of you don't have the correct time in your home.
Check out AnalogX's Atomic Time It uses the national atomic clock.

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year
One of my new years resolutions is to be a little more productive. What's yours?

Holodeck2 Signing off... Last post before the "REAL" millennium

Friday, December 29, 2000

Using Chopsticks To Remove/Add Heatsinks Article!!
Posted by tim @ 11:51PM PST  3 Comments  | Top
The guys over at Gaming 3D have a different take on lifting the heatsink off of a Mobo or Video card chipset. Not sure if this method should be tried. :-) Check it out here.

Wednesday, December 27, 2000

Register feature or the messageboard is currently disabled...
Posted by tim @ 11:19AM PST  4 Comments  | Top
Due to the recent abuse ont he messageboard, I have taken off the register feature. Anyone abusing their priveledges on the BBS may have their account disabled. Please make sure to post your questions in the appropiate area, and search for the question on the BBS first before posting. Chances are it has been answered and discussed before. If you are a new user or your account was deleted by accident. Just drop an email to tim@bp6.com. Cleaning up the messageboard, what a great way to spend a B-day...

Monday, December 25, 2000

... and Happy Holidays!
Posted by tim @ 2:12PM PST  0 Comments  | Top
and Happy Holidays for those celebrating other events.. :-)

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a single fan was a blowing except for the ones in the totally tricked out BP6 mobo system sporting dual golden orbs mounted to BP6 mobo oc'd at 100 MHz FSB, running Q3 arena with jingle bells playing in the background as I layed the smack down on unsuspecting green skin wearing grinches... --hmmm, that didn't rhyme.

It's great to be a part of this great BP6 community going on for the second year in a row, thanks to evryone out there for becoming a part of this great online user group!

Best Wishes to all,
Tim Brinkley
and BP6.com

P.S. Ditto DareDevil... :-)

Sunday, December 24, 2000

Merry Christmas!
Posted by DareDevil @ 12:31PM PST  1 Comments  | Top
Have a very merry Christmas from BP6.com!

HoHoHo!

Wednesday, December 20, 2000

VP6 For Sale!
Posted by DareDevil @ 11:54PM PST  5 Comments  | Top
OC Central has Pentium III Coppermine Combos set up for sale, and guess what MOBO they use? Yep, our favorite! The VP6! Check out the specs (I like the price too!)

"Dual P3 933 OC Combo [Part #: Cu-VP933]
$695.00 Pre-Tested!! In Stock!

Each Combo Included:
(1) ABIT VP6 Dual FCPGA Retail Motherboard NEW!!
with onboard UDMA 100 & UDMA 100/RAID Controller
(2) Intel Pentium III 700 FCPGA cC0 OEM Processors
(2) CoolerMaster DP5-5G11 Heatsink with Arctic Silver Paste Applied
(1) 128MB Mushkin PC133 High Performance SDRAM rev. 3 NEW!!
(1) Pretested [under Win2000 Professional) at Dual 933MHz!!
PLUS FREE PCNUT T-Shirt AND RATPADZ!!

[Option NR] without Mushkin Rev. 3 Memory -$125.00
i.e.: Cu-VP933 Combo without Memory = $570.00 + S/H
[Option 256] w/two 128MB Mushkin Rev 3 +$125.00
[Option PAL] with 2 Alpha PAL6035/Delta Fan +$50.00"

Head over there now: http://www.pcnut.com/cool/combo1.htm
*We are in no way promoting this site and/or its contents.

New SETI Version
Posted by DareDevil @ 11:39PM PST  4 Comments  | Top
Yep, a new SETI version out. Go download it now as there are server name changes in version 3.03.

Here's exactly what they changed:

Added additional science coverage. We now do a thorough search out to a chirp rate of +- 20 Hz/second. The cost of the additional coverage is that clients will take longer to process a workunit.

Fixed a small bug whereby triplet times were recorded incorrectly in the state file. The times sent back in the result file were correct.

Added a mechanism by which the server can tell the client that it is obsolete and the client will remember that. This will prevent obsolete clients from continually contacting the server.

Changed the alias of the server host. Both the old and new names will be in effect for a while. At some point, we will turn off the old name. The reason is that when we set our server to reject requests from older versions of the client, some of our really old clients (1.x) and some (otherwise great!) third party buffering programs don't have the correct logic to recognize what is happening, and they will keep retrying. By continually contacting our server, they will waste precious bandwidth. Once we turn off the old server name, they will no longer be able to reach the server.

Click here for the download menu.

Monday, December 18, 2000

Jingle Bells... Jingle Bells...
Posted by tim @ 1:25AM PST  3 Comments  | Top
Was listening to winamp and happened to run accross this visualization plugin while testing the VP6 mobo. Here(1.4 mb .asf file) is what this plugin looks like on dual PIII 700's oc'd to 933 MHz with a GTS 2 pro 32 MB card with AGP 4X enabled. If you need to get work done, then I advise you not to install this plugin guys.. This holiday helper has some good dance moves and fluid animation. Hmm, can this be used as an FPS benchmark?

Saturday, December 16, 2000

nVidia acquires 3Dfx
Posted by tim @ 1:36PM PST  6 Comments  | Top
It fianally happened. nVidia announced yeaterday it will be buying into 3DFX:
Excerpt takem from http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=NVDA&script=2400

---

SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 15, 2000 – NVIDIA® Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire certain graphics related assets of 3dfx Interactive (Nasdaq: TDFX), a pioneer and a recognized leader in graphics technology..."

---

First it was STB, now 3DFX.. I'm curuios to see what the new generation of video cards will be like after these two technologies combine.

They will be broadcasting the conference call between them and 3DFX on Monday 18 2000 @ 7:00 AM PT here (windows media player is required)

Thanks for the news daPope

Thursday, December 7, 2000

Misc stuff
Posted by tim @ 4:58AM PST  9 Comments  | Top
With all these VP6 posts it's starting to loo like this site is transforming to a VP6 site. It's my fault for not getting the new VP6.net site up and running yet. I should have things up and running this weekend for the new site, including the review of the mobo. I'll move the existing VP6 info over there also. The VP6 has been undergoing a lot of stability tests this week in house, and has proven to be very stable. I will have screenshots posted soon.

Wednesday, December 6, 2000

Just a rumor....
Posted by tim @ 3:24AM PST  14 Comments  | Top
There is no Abit VP6 recall... No revision 2....
Visiontek GTS 2 card works fine on the VP6 I have and, also hearing similar results from other webmasters.
Must sleep now.

Tuesday, December 5, 2000

Photoshop test screenshot
Posted by tim @ 10:52PM PST  0 Comments  | Top
Photoshop 6.0 test while running the CPU Stability test.

No lockups so far..


VP6 Rumor: Incompatable Video cards?
Posted by tim @ 3:17PM PST  10 Comments  | Top
Got word that one vendor stated that the VP6 has Video card Incompatability problems. Hmm, I was talking to late last night and heard nothing about it. I will contact them tonight and see what I can find out. All I know is that the GTS2 seems to work fine. Via chipsets have been known inthe past for Video Card problems, but a BIOS update have been able to fix them back in the Socket 7 days..

There are a lot of other hardware sites testing out this Mobo right now, so lets not spread any rumors about incompatabilities until the tests are done.



Stability testing VP6 right now..
Posted by tim @ 2:33AM PST  23 Comments  | Top
Stability or Benchmarks? I decided to test out the stability part first. Speed can always be changed easily and benchmarks are easily attainable, but system stability is very important.

I'm running through some of the BP6 stability issues on the VP6 and trying to get it to crash. I'll have benchmarks up in this week. But for now let's see what torture tests this mobo will pass. Post up your recommended torture tests for me to test out inthe comments section of this post, or drop me an email tim@bp6.com

VP6 testing is underway. [Day 1]
Posted by tim @ 1:28AM PST  10 Comments  | Top
Installed Win2K Advanced Server with 2 PIII 700 CPU's (100 FSB). No HPT370 driver problems at all. No drivers needed for the initial install using a WD ATA 100 HD. Testng is still in progress...
-laterz

Gold rush over at OverclockersHideout.com
Posted by tim @ 12:54AM PST  1 Comments  | Top
Just got a pic of the new "Gold" Ramsinks from OverclockersHideout.. These would match nicely with dual Goldenorbs. Who says overclocking isn't fashionable? Make sure you color coordinate your PC, chics dig it...
Word from Scott is that they have a whole line of new christmas colors to be introduced this Holiday season. hmm, "iMac" colors-- Can I get that in "Bondi Blue" and with a hanging wire so I can hang it on the christmas tree as an ornament? :-)

Saturday, December 2, 2000

Here is the VP6 user manual in different languages
Posted by tim @ 4:59AM PST  4 Comments  | Top
Here are the VP6 user manuals straight off of the CD that came with the VP6 motherboard from Abit. Enjoy! Big download though. 2-8 mb depending on the language.

Download in English
Download in French
Download in German
Download in Japanese

**None of the Abit FTP sites had it online yet so I'm posting them up here.

Friday, December 1, 2000

Celeron CPU's tested onthe VP6
Posted by tim @ 2:20PM PST  17 Comments  | Top
Did a quick test with 2 Celeron II 566 MHz cC0 stepping CPUs on the VP6. Only one would recognize on the motherboard inthe BIOS. Same results when using dual PPGA celeron 366 MHz. This may just be a BIOS issue. THis is based on the original BIOS that was on the VP6 and not the latest one listed on the Abit website. I'll yry out the new BIOS this weekend when I write up the review for the Mobo. All results will be posted on the upcoming VP6.net.

Thursday, November 30, 2000

VTF + Abit + 32 SMP clusters = a lotta FPU
Posted by tim @ 4:54PM PST  0 Comments  | Top
Got news earlier this morning from InsaneHardware of their article on some interesting info about the BP6,VP6,VP20 from the Via Technology Forum. Check it out here.

At the recent Via Technology Forum (VTF), we saw ABIT display a nice cluster of machines being demonstrated for the National Space Program Office of Taiwan. However we only saw a few pics of what was going on, however this is some stuff you may not have seen:

Talks of 32 CPU SMP Clusters
Beowulf Clustering
System Architecture of NSPO and Espoir Setup
Matrix Multiplication Benchmarks between Sun Sparc II, VP6 and BP6
BP6 vs VP6 vs VP20 Benchmarks
POV Benchmarks
...and much more

Link: http://www.insanehardware.com/scoopage.php?i=00013

Tuesday, November 28, 2000

The BP6 BIOS with VP6 PIII Microcode installed..(It's really in there...)
Posted by tim @ 12:50AM PST  37 Comments  | Top
Just got the latest BIOS creation from another BP6 user. This time it's from John Lajoie. Here is a snippet of his results.

"With some pointers from Ron I was able to extract the PIII microcode from the latest VP6 BIOS (which includes the cC0 microcode) and create a new BIOS for the BP6 that includes this microcode. The board seem quite stable running Linux at 800Mhz with 2 CPU's and I am very happy with it - long term tests will tell, however.."

This is the latest BP6 BIOS w/ PIII microcode extracted from the VP6 BIOS. Nice job!

NOTE: I have yet to test it out..

**Experimental: Use at own risk!***
Download here

Monday, November 27, 2000

Christmas list filled early this year.. VP6 has arrived
Posted by tim @ 9:02PM PST  5 Comments  | Top
UPS dropped off a brown paper wrapped box at work today.. Hmm, should I be embarrassed of what's inside? No it wasn't a package from one of those places... I had to double check the address and make sure it wasn't ticking and unusually heavy..
First impression of the mobo: Big just like it's younger brother -- the BP6. Although the VP6 is about 1 cm wider.. The PSU connector is now located at the very top, of the PCB (no longer a stretch like it was on in the BH6 mobo days).

Can I use Orbs/Alphas/waterblocks on this board without the capacitors gettng inthe way? Abit took care of that with plenty of clearance on all sides of the CPU sockets..

What about the Via Chipset? does it have the "greenie" heatsink on it and will I need to add thermal paste and a fan to it? Not this time, they added a much better passive heatsink to it attached directly to the VIA chipset.

The VP6 should be available any day now.. I got the VP6.net account ready to go for supporting the latest and greatest SMP board from Abit. The VP6.net ( #1 resource for the VP6 mobo) site will be up shortly once I get my schedule worked out. You guys will be in for a treat.

Looks like I'm gonna need to add some fellow BP6'ers and future VP6'ers to help out with both websites...
Fellow webmasters, send me your links for BP6/VP6 reviews and I'll post them up. mailto:tim@bp6.com

Thursday, November 23, 2000

BP6 Fan Control Software
Posted by DareDevil @ 10:06PM PST  6 Comments  | Top
There have been a lot of people on the forums asking about fan controlling software. I thought I'd surface the topic and make the software downloadable on the front page ;) After our makeover of BP6.Com, *all* the sections will be up, and new things will be added (Including the fan control software :)).

Silence Your PC! http://epkhardware.free.fr/bp6fctrl.zip

<ÐÐ>

Same BIOS, Different Logo
Posted by DareDevil @ 9:53PM PST  10 Comments  | Top
BalusC has modified the RU 1.25 BIOS with version 1.22 HTP drivers to use three kewl logos he's created:

  

Click Here to download a Zip of the BOIS(s).

(I told you I'd be back ;)) <ÐÐ>

BP6 - Just Got Better!
Posted by DareDevil @ 9:32PM PST  37 Comments  | Top
Wow, you thought you had all the tweaks in the world for you computer! Nop - Ataryan has informed us of a pretty nifty BX chip tweaker. Basically this program tweaks the board it-self, not the CPU or the RAM (for examples).

It's called "Northbridge Tune for BX" and can be downloaded here:

http://www.vector.co.jp/vpack/browse/person/an011668.html

Here's the email I received:

"This site http://www.vector.co.jp/vpack/browse/person/an011668.html is
in Japanese, you download file North Bridge Tune for 440BX.

Also, when running w2k, you'll have to register the special drivers with inst.exe as *administrator*

Yes, I’ve got my bios-cas @ 2, but this proggie does all sort of more
and deeper low-level tweaks that can scare the s*!t out of a BX :P

I got 25% memory performance increase. (Over the already set CAS2 bios
setting!)"

The Pics:
Pic #1
Pic #2

I'll be back <ÐÐ>

Wednesday, November 22, 2000

Artic Silver Thermal Paste review
Posted by tim @ 2:12AM PST  3 Comments  | Top
Can your thermal paste handle the heat? SOme people think thermal heatsink compounds are all the same.. You might change your mind after reading this review over at Hardware Extreme.
Their result from using this compound was 2-7 degrees cooler than other compounds.

Read all about it here.

In case your looking to get your hands on some you can pick some up over at Overclockershideout.com or just click here.

Tuesday, November 21, 2000

Windows Whistler Beta review
Posted by tim @ 12:05PM PST  2 Comments  | Top
Decided to add 2 more OS topics to the forum. Windows Whistler and Windows ME. For a preview of Whistler check out this link sent to me from Richard.

Friday, November 17, 2000

Again?
Posted by DareDevil @ 6:46PM PST  0 Comments  | Top
Yep! Submit your case designs to yet another mod gallery:

http://casemod.tripod.com

ÐÐ

Thursday, November 16, 2000

Ram schweet ram.... the perfect stocking stuffer for the price..
Posted by tim @ 7:06PM PST  10 Comments  | Top
I dunno if you have been checking out the prices on ram lately, but it's been dropping low...
PC133 SDRAM prices acording to todays search on pricewatch, sent to me by Rich.

PC133 128M SDRAM $45
PC133 256M SDRAM $89

* please note that some of this generic cheap ram is not fully compatable on all chipsets.. A lot of the real cheap PC133 SDDRAM is meant to only be compatable with Via Chipsets.. You might want to double check before dropping your christmas cash on a few phat sticks.. My safe bet would be to go with Micron Infineon or other namebrand memory chip just to be on the safe side..

Sunday, November 12, 2000

Cases, cases, and more cases!
Posted by DareDevil @ 12:29PM PST  3 Comments  | Top
Worked on your case? Wanna show it off!?

Check this out:

http://www.virtualhideout.net/cool_case/index.shtml

(More Coming) ÐÐ.

Saturday, November 11, 2000

DirectX 8 Released
Posted by tim @ 12:30PM PST  8 Comments  | Top
Just got word that Microsoft has released Direct X 8.0 for download today. Download for Win 9X/ME and 2000:
http://www.microsoft.com/directx/homeuser/downloads/default.asp
Thanks for the update Bob...

Thursday, November 9, 2000

VP6 to be seen at Comdex...
Posted by tim @ 12:56AM PST  9 Comments  | Top
The VP6 has been awaiting it's welcome here in the US, but the recent minor details have cause a slight delay.

Delay details:
1. Final Release Drivers
2. Natural Disaster (Typhoon in Taiwan)
3. Outcome of the Bush / Gore Presendential Election

Now with that out of the way mass production should begin this week and then there will be about a 2 week period before the boards make their way through the channels around the globe and into our systems.

However if you don't have the patience and want to check out the VP6 in action, then you might want to book a flight for Comdex for Nov 13-17th. Abit will have a booth setup and will be showcasing their latest and greatest engineering marvels. One of them being the VP6.

They will have a game rig set up with the VP6, GTS card and their new 6 channel audio system.

If anyone is gong to check it out, please drop me an email. I'm not sure I'll be able to make it to Comdex this year, and would like to get some pics of their setup.

Wednesday, November 8, 2000

Huge giveaway at 3DHardware.net!
Posted by tim @ 9:19AM PST  0 Comments  | Top
Got word from 3Dhardare.net that their long awaited hardware giveaway contest is now underway. Click here to go win some free schtuff.

Grand prize is an Athlon T-bird 800 MHz @ 1 GHz in a Minotaur/Asetek Vapochill modified by 3dhardware with 3 3dfx Cool 120mm 137CFM fans.
worth over $3,000.

Tuesday, November 7, 2000

Speedfan 0.91 (temp vs. fan RPM's)
Posted by tim @ 11:54PM PST  11 Comments  | Top
Alfredo Milani-Comparetti
Has written a proggie to control your fan RPM's based on the current CPU temperatures. Download it here. You will need to copy the Dll files to the system directory if you don't already have MBM (motherboard monitor) installed.

"I've coded a small program that variates the speed of the fans inside the BP6 according to temperatures... ...included(and plan to further develop) a complex statistical model in order to achieve the best performances and the lowest noise." -Alfredo
Give it a whirl and email him know your feedback.



MJPG codec SMP optimized and designed on a BP6
Posted by tim @ 11:35PM PST  7 Comments  | Top
Guillaume de Bailliencourt created an SMP optimized MJPG codec.
More info and the trial download is available here.

AVI file : 640x480 - M-JPEG 4:2:2 - Quality 95 - 2080 KB/s on the following system:

MB Abit BP6 440BX bus @ 100Mhz
2 x Celeron 300A oveclocked @ 450Mhz (4.5x100)
128Mb SDRAM PC133 @ 100Mhz
ATI Rage 128
Western Digital 20Gb ATA66 / HPT366 controler
Windows Me / Windows 2000 professional

Benchmark Results
------------------------------------------------------
- SMP optimized (turned off) Morgan Multimedia MJPEG codec v2.00 SMP
(fps) gets 41.3 FPS in (RGB 32)
- SMP optimized (turned on) Morgan Multimedia MJPEG codec v2.00 SMP
(fps) gets 68.8 FPS in (RGB 32)

Thursday, November 2, 2000

VP6 pricing $189
Posted by tim @ 8:53PM PST  16 Comments  | Top
Just got an email from Mark with word that some retailers are pre-selling the VP6 on pricewatch. Looks like it's going to start out at $189 USD.. ETA mid Novemberish.


WaZZabie!?
Posted by DareDevil @ 7:14PM PST  4 Comments  | Top
I'm still alive ;) Don't you worry... I'll have some stuff to post soon - Out <>

ÐÐ.

Tuesday, October 31, 2000

Happy Halloween
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 11:05PM PST  4 Comments  | Top
It's halloween... beware of the geeks!!

Created by SfintelI and Me (it's [H]ard)

In tech news today: Napster Lives on

Have a safe and fun Halloween.
Holodeck2 signing out.

BTW: Who is this RC person and whatever happened to Thè Ðå®ëÐêví£?

Monday, October 23, 2000

Voodoo5 5500 Contest
Posted by RC @ 6:21PM PDT  0 Comments  | Top

Our buddies over at Core Meltdown have a contest going, the prize is a BRAND NEW VOODOO5 5500 64MB! You can read the contest details here.

BP6 Q&A on Abit's Site
Posted by tim @ 3:44AM PDT  13 Comments  | Top
Abit updated their site with a helpful FAQ on the BP6 mobo. BP6 Q&A

The AGP slot and PCI-1 share an IRQ
PCI-2 has its own IRQ
PCI-3 and the ATA66 IDE controller share an IRQ
PCI-4, PCI-5 and the USB controllers share an IRQ

Manually assigning the IRQs is possible in the "PnP/PCI configuration"
BIOS submenu.
PIRQ_0 is for AGP and PCI-1
PIRQ_1 is for PCI-2
PIRQ_2 is for PCI-3 and the IDE controller
PIRQ_3 is for PCI-4, PCI-5 and USB contollers

Sunday, October 22, 2000

Posted by Holodeck2 @ 3:23PM PDT  4 Comments  | Top
When will Thermaltake® stop this madness?!?!?
The Blue orb was designed to cool small chips from chipsets to graphic cards comes with just about everything you need.

Don't even think about sticking this Blue baby on that 1GHz AMD Thunderbird

431W power supply
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 3:10PM PDT  2 Comments  | Top
Enermax Created a monster!!
It’s more powerful than the competition’s 430W power supply!
It's the 431W ATX Noise Killing, AMP pumping, Powersupply!
Review over at Frosty Tech

"Thats no how you make porridge......."
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 2:59PM PDT  1 Comments  | Top
This is a BP6er's view on this BP6/VP6 thing

Gamin' In 3D links
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 2:54PM PDT  1 Comments  | Top
Microsoft is at it again trying to get you to feel all the shocks in your 1st person game.
Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 Review

Got a PC? *DUH*
is it a boring beige color? well spice that old box up with some
Sound Sensitive Neon Lights
and check out PCMOD to give that old box a new face.

Thursday, October 19, 2000

First VP6 mobo "PREview" over at Hardocp.com
Posted by tim @ 1:17AM PDT  9 Comments  | Top
Kyle went and put the "DVT" pre-VP6 through it's paces and has some good words about the upcoming predecessor to the BP6.

Here is what Kyle has to say about this "pre" version of the VP6

"ABIT has put together a mainboard that any BP6 owner would be proud to call their own. After shattering the market with the very unexpected and groundbreaking BP6, it was expected of ABIT to build another dual mainboard. The legacy of the BP6 provided them with a very tall order to fill. I have no problem suggesting that the ABIT VP6 has stepped up and fulfilled the wants and needs of the inexpensive but quality driven SMP mainboard market. I truly credit ABIT with being the first at bringing affordable SiMPy to the market and the VP6 carries on the tradition.

The overclocking features on this board are abundant and functional. I think any DIYer would be satisfied with the tweaks that are able to be applied through the SoftMenuIII and, as always, all of this is done with no jumpers to set. The stability of the memory bus with multiple brand modules is impressive too, as well as all of the tweaks that ABIT allows you to implement if your SDRam is up to it."
-- Kyle [H]ardocp

Read the rest of article here and start marking your calendar.

Tuesday, October 17, 2000

Experimental Bios from Jeff(aka Amakusa) V 1.28
Posted by tim @ 3:20PM PDT  49 Comments  | Top
Here is another experimental BIOS from Jeff. I meant to put it online last week.. Download it here.

--Should fix problems detecting Celeron II's
Thanks Jeff...

Saturday, October 14, 2000

Golden orb's bigger taller brother...
Posted by tim @ 10:52PM PDT  4 Comments  | Top
What do you get when you cross a golden orb with an an alpha? The taller bigger Super Orb Socket A. Looks like you'll need some extra headroom clearance to install this silver dual fan orb in a system. I wonder if this thing will come with earplugs :-) Thanks to Garret for sending a link to his article.



How cool is your ram?
Posted by tim @ 8:59PM PDT  0 Comments  | Top
Scott of (OverclockersHideout)sent me the pics of some "cool" looking uses for their RamSinks.

They cost $2.99 each and work great on chipsets and vid card memory.

New BP6FSB beta 6 courtesy of Mr. Hansen
Posted by tim @ 11:20AM PDT  16 Comments  | Top
Christian created a new beta of the BP6 FSB program. If you haven't tried it, then your missing out..

- October 14th - 2000 - version 1.3 beta 6
Changed the way Fan Control works, it is now 'static', with an adjustable temperature range.
A Max. and Min Fan throttle can now be selected too.
It is only possible to have one configuration dialog open at a time now.
Fixed the configuration dialog redrawing problem.
Changed the order of the tray icons, it will now display CPU1 - CPU2 - Case - Fan1 - Fan 2.

Click here to download

Friday, October 13, 2000

6.34 nvidia drivers
Posted by tim @ 10:56AM PDT  3 Comments  | Top
6.34 nvidia drivers are available for download at zoiah.m3dzone.com

Tuesday, October 10, 2000

AMD SMP? Yep...
Posted by tim @ 11:57PM PDT  9 Comments  | Top
In SMP related news today AMD showed off it's first SMP powered workstation.
Dual Processor System Features Forthcoming AMD-760™ MP Chipset for Enterprise Computing
here

Breakfast for champions (er.. I mean lunch for Abit PR guru Scott)
Posted by tim @ 11:32PM PDT  0 Comments  | Top
Tim: So what's for lunch in the cafeteria there today?
Scott:"Today, is chicken feet , shark fin soup and a snickers."
Tim: R U serious?
Scott: About the snickers, yes. FOr me, potato salad, a ham pita and an apple.

Hmm, reminds me of the snickers commercial I saw on TV today.
Video.


Early version of the VP6 spotted...
Posted by tim @ 11:00PM PDT  3 Comments  | Top
Kyle has some pics of the (early version?) Abit VP6 in house. here. Hmm, I wonder when BP6.com or VP6.net will get one in house.... If you take closer look you should see the green wires.. The reason this mobo is taking so long to be released is because they are testing it out in every way possible and engineering it to make it a bad arse mobo..

Got another BIOS from Jeff... It will be posted in the BIOS section soon.

Thursday, October 5, 2000

messageboard is down again..
Posted by tim @ 11:35PM PDT  1 Comments  | Top
Messageboard is having probs again... It's being worked on and should be back up by tommorow.

Wednesday, October 4, 2000

IBM ATA100 compatability fix
Posted by tim @ 12:25AM PDT  35 Comments  | Top
Fellow BP6 user Bill notified me that the V.126 BIOS at ftp://ftp.abit.com.tw/pub/beta/bp6/bios/126/" fixes the compatability problem with the IBM ATA100 Drives. I don't have one in house so i haven't had a chance to test it out.

New version of BP6FSB 1.3 beta 5
Posted by tim @ 12:14AM PDT  12 Comments  | Top
Christian Hansen has just released a new version of his famous BP6FSB program..

- October 1st - 2000 - Version 1.3 beta 5
Noise reduction feature added, it is now possible to change how fast the CPU fans are running, based on CPU temperatures.
Minor bugfixes, registry handling code changed, should solve the problems people have reported.
Commandline support(very simple).
Changed configuration dialog layout, and added a few new settings.

Click here for the details

Monday, October 2, 2000

1Ghz PIII Review
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 10:10PM PDT  2 Comments  | Top
How about slapping two of these babies on the up and coming Abit VP6 mobo!!
2+ Ghz machine... YES, now that's what I'm talking about.
Check out the 1 Ghz PIII review done by G3D

Sunday, October 1, 2000

Even more WOOHOO!!
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 10:25PM PDT  4 Comments  | Top
The great people at Danger Den have a great offer for all you BP6 owners!!
Order 2 water blocks or systems from them for your bp6 and they will refund you $10
This offer is good until October 9th at midnight... just put in the purchase notes that you saw it on BP6.com
This is a great price of a COPPER waterblock.
(Aluminum good, Copper Better)
This would be a great time to start watercooling if you've been putting it off for a while.
Danger Den offers Great Products at Great Prices and they're all Excellent Quality.
Now this is what I call Quality. Their waterblocks can withstand 1000 PSI!!

Woohoo!!
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 9:04AM PDT  1 Comments  | Top
Confirmed Danger Den's water blocks are compatible with the bp6!!
Go get some and squeeze every drop of computing power out of that chip.

Capacitors, get your capacitors.. EC10 compatable
Posted by tim @ 1:21AM PDT  17 Comments  | Top
Got an email earlier in the week from Gordon, letting me know he has some 1500 uF capacitors perfect for the EC10 fix (better than the VTT Q6 mod). Thses things are hard to find. Luckily john has about 90+ of them, unfortunately that was the minimum quantity he was to get them in. Drop him an email if you want them.



Email him here.

John Thompson drop me a set of new HPT366 beta drivers from highpoint. V1.28 although the install still says 1.25. It fixed all his HPT366 mebbe it will fix your also.
Downlaod here

Also Overclockers Hideout has some more anodized blue stuff for cooling the ram on your video cards.

Saturday, September 30, 2000

Got Counter-Stike?
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 8:43PM PDT  0 Comments  | Top
I'm more of a Quake freak but if you play counter-strike this might or might not help your performance in beating your opponents butt.

Accuracy Spread of weapons at Asup Hardware
follow up to their damage table... check it out!

New water block
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 8:36PM PDT  0 Comments  | Top
New waterblock from Danger Den



It's not as cool as then anodized blue aluminum waterblock but these are made out of copper and If you were awake in chemistry class then you know that copper absorbs heat faster than aluminum :-)

Check these out... they have some pretty descent prices.
I believe they have Bp6 compatible blocks.

Also check out the review at G3D
they're using one of danger den's water block to overclock a PIII 800 to 1081Mhz!!!

Friday, September 29, 2000

Abit interview with he US PR guru Scott Thirlwell
Posted by tim @ 10:07AM PDT  3 Comments  | Top
The guys at Techpiles got some questions answered from the PR dept over at abit regarding the VP6:

"We all know what how hot the guys at ABIT are when it comes to making motherboards and so with the VP6 about to land, we thought it was about time to find out a little more. So off went our roving reporter Mathew Evans who caught up with Scott Thirlwell."

Read the rest of the story over at Techpiles. Nice job guys.

Tuesday, September 26, 2000

VP6 press release
Posted by tim @ 2:14AM PDT  27 Comments  | Top
VP6 press release psted to the Abit website on the 22nd.

Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. Friday, September 22, 2000—ABIT is proud to announce the launch of the VP6. This dual processor motherboard is a follow-up to the immensely popular BP6. The VP6 is an ATX form-factor mainboard designed for use with all PIII Coppermine FC-PGA 370 Processors. It supports all normal industry standard functions, including Advanced Configuration and Power Management Interface (ACPI), AGP 1X/2X/4X and 100/133MHz SDRAM Memory Bus Settings. The VP6 features four 168-pin DIMM sockets supporting up to 2GB memory.

Check out the press release here

VP6 specs here

Saturday, September 23, 2000

Messageboard is back up and running now.
Posted by tim @ 7:57AM PDT  5 Comments  | Top
The messageboard should be back up and running now..

messageboard probs
Posted by tim @ 3:56AM PDT  1 Comments  | Top
Having a problem with the messageboard. It's being worked on.
Provider error '8000ffff'
Catastrophic failure
/Forum/admin/count.asp, line 10

Wednesday, September 20, 2000

Posted by Holodeck2 @ 6:02PM PDT  2 Comments  | Top
Now for something useful :-)

Today's SETI Update is brought to you by SWAR on the messageboard

Here's the main portion of it :-)

BP6 User Group - Club Report for Week ending Sep-16


Total Workunits 140569
11 New Members bringing 381 wu's
1 Leaving Members taking 594 wu's
Total Members 595
Workunits this week 6355

305 members returned 0 wu's
76 members returned between 1 and 5 wu's for a total of 203
42 members returned between 6 and 10 wu's for a total of 325
45 members returned between 11 and 15 wu's for a total of 562
46 members returned between 16 and 25 wu's for a total of 907
30 members returned between 26 and 50 wu's for a total of 1121
16 members returned between 51 and 100 wu's for a total of 1156
13 members returned over 100 wu's for a total of 2181

Wanna know more?

550 Watt PSU
Posted by tim @ 10:34AM PDT  5 Comments  | Top
Need some extra power for all thse fans/drives/peltiers/ etc. Take a look at this dual fan PSU from Enermax . It's supposed to be "Whisper" quiet also. Thanks for the link Toby

Z3 series waterblock review
Posted by tim @ 10:19AM PDT  0 Comments  | Top
Club Overclocker has a review of those blue waterblocks mentioned in the previous post. Leave it to a BP6 user to come up with a bad arse product.



""I have no problems saying that the Z3 series heatsinks are the best liquid cooled heatsinks I have ever seen! The review samples I've looked at not only have an excellent design to ensure maximum cooling, but they are also professionally built with the highest level of quality that can only be compared to the likes of Alpha. Let's hope CPUfx keeps up the awesome work!"
-Scott Club Overclocker

Tuesday, September 12, 2000

VP6 Preview pick
Posted by tim @ 1:13AM PDT  36 Comments  | Top
Due out in Mid October here is the succesor to the BP6 (aka VP6). Check out the blurb here

New Blue Waterblocks...
Posted by tim @ 12:25AM PDT  8 Comments  | Top
Scott (fellow BP6 user) over at Overclockers Hideout sent me the pics of their new blue anodized waterblocks.

Definition:
anodize - To coat (a metallic surface) electrolytically with a protective or decorative oxide.







I have a feeling those things are gonna sell out fast.


Just H2O watercooling on the bp6..
Posted by tim @ 12:10AM PDT  3 Comments  | Top
Got the Sharp Internet Camera fired up tonight and recorded little video of the BP6 system that I worked on what seems like ages ago. This file is about 7-8mb in size. ASF Format Download. (Note: I was tired when I recorded it and in need of some caffeine...)
That system was based on the first generation of waterblocks supplied by Overclockershideout.com He just notified me today of their new waterblocks, precision cut and with a blue anodized finish. I'll have pics online in a few.

Sunday, September 10, 2000

Clock speed utility...
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 9:58PM PDT  5 Comments  | Top
RADAD send me this excel "Program" that let's you calculate your CPU clock speed and Bus Speed just by plugin' in your multiplier. Simple and easy. Go get it
Right click on it and click "save target as"
... Going to try and turn this into a simple little program if I have time :-)

Happy Birthday to me ;-)
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 8:06PM PDT  7 Comments  | Top
Wassup?!?!? long time no post. You can blame the lack of posting on school.
well... FYI: I'm my birthday. WOOHOO!!
still no digital camera :*-(

Want to decode DVD's but don't know how? if you're an l33t programmer or have a lot of spare time then head over to Gallery of CSS Decrambling

mmm... all my homework finished... Messageboard answering spree!!!

CU People later :-)

Thursday, August 31, 2000

Custom watercooled rig - BP6.com special @ http://www.overclock-watercool.com
Posted by tim @ 8:37AM PDT  17 Comments  | Top
Overclock-watercool has a customized BP6 system for sale today. First come first serve on this one, he has only one.

"This system was assembled last week for a client who backed out at the last minute due to financial problems

New BP6 Mobo w/4 coats of waterproofing on both sides
40mm fan on the Green Meanie
Sockets sealed front & back against condensation, ETC..

There's about $400 worth of hardware here, not to mention the hours of work & testing. "

-It dosen't get much better than this.
(Comes with Celeron 366s stable at 110fsb/605mhz, watercooled, and 4 coats of fresh sealent)

Monday, August 28, 2000

Adding a little fibre to your BP6 diet...
Posted by tim @ 11:25PM PDT  10 Comments  | Top
Fellow BP6 user Sandin Feuss has a good how-to article on adding some fibre channel HD space to your BP6 system without spending a fortune...
[clip from the article]
"It wasn't easy going anywhere along the line, but the reward? 180+ MB/sec, and temporary bragging rights to the fastest storage reported in the Wintune database..." (that's some serious transfer!)

Check out the article here.

Friday, August 25, 2000

VP6 (aka BP6.2?) link
Posted by tim @ 3:07PM PDT  15 Comments  | Top
Here is the link again about the VP6 info listed on hexus.net. However the PM specification is incorrect according to Abit.

Tuesday, August 22, 2000

How far is your system overclocked?
Posted by tim @ 8:47PM PDT  81 Comments  | Top
A question most overclockers ask each other.. How fast can you overclock a BP6 mobo? My systems don't exactly break any speed barriers, so those of you who have really pushed your systems, please drop me an email with your system specs and I'll create a section on the website for it. Drop an email here ...lets see who sets the pace and takes names...

Sunday, August 20, 2000

New experimental BP6 BIOS...
Posted by tim @ 12:50PM PDT  71 Comments  | Top
Jeff (aka Amakusa) came up with a RU BIOS with the hpt126 bios, P3/C2 support(beyond 1ghz!) and a BP6 logo. This is experimental so use at your own risk, but it has been reported to work. (Thanks jeff...)
Download here.

Friday, August 18, 2000

Powerleap still working on it..
Posted by tim @ 10:52PM PDT  16 Comments  | Top
Just thought I'd revisit the Powerleap Neo S-370 issue real quick. Planned rollout for the "New" improved Neo S-370 Plus is estimated to be about Mid September. This one has a few extra features that we BP6 users should like. If you haven't already seen it, then check out the prototype here. Also you might want to hang out in their discussion group and ask them a few questions about. NEO S-370 Forum


Detonator 3 Drivers are now available
Posted by tim @ 10:43PM PDT  4 Comments  | Top
Detonator 3 drivers are now out..
Here. Thanks BenoA.



Posted by tim @ 12:00PM PDT  18 Comments  | Top
Just got an email from Henrik Törnqvist that abit released a new beta BIOS and drivers. Check them out:
ftp://ftp.abit.com.tw/pub/beta/bp6/bios/126/ ftp://ftp.abit.com.tw/pub/beta/hpt366/1.26/

Ask nVidia some questions
Posted by tim @ 9:17AM PDT  0 Comments  | Top
VideoCardDrivers.com is pleased to announce an Ask nVidia session.

"Basically, the viewers ask their questions and VideoCardDrivers.com will select the top 15 questions (or more depending on if they are good) and then submit them to nVidia for their review."

Monday, August 14, 2000

BP6 cooling sneak peek....
Posted by tim @ 4:24AM PDT  11 Comments  | Top
Here is a quick little view of the watercooled Bp6 project that has been on hold for the past month due to a conflicting work/sleep schedule. This project did not disappear, but was on the back burner for a little while, and is now being revisited. I will post up the lost episode of Part I of a series of video reviews on how to water cool your BP6 system using readily available parts. So here is the sneak peek, and I apologize for the delay...

Also: I updated the Quakecon 2000 coverage with video I took of the award ceremony including Zero4 stating that he is now going to Disneyland after kicking everyones arse in Quake 3. 8 mb download here NOTE: Had audio trouble when recording the vid...

P.S. Send the email to tim@bp6.com again HD2 :-)

Fellow BP6 user Jonas sent me some pics of his custom LCD monitor he made from parts around the house and other places... Awesome job Jonas! Too bad manufacturers sell them this way....

I recieved an E-Mail from Badbert last night. It's regarding Hard-Drives and Windows2K verses Hard-Drives and WinMe. When I looked at the charts he sent along, I was astonished. Using dual processors is actually slowing down my HD read speed, rather then speeding it up! Here's the E-Mail I recieved from Badbert (edited for space):

"I just ran some benchmark comparison tests for my IBM 34.2gb 7200rpm Deskstar. Read this link first.

His Post

Then check out my Pic. It compares Win2k with WinME using HDTach. Even worse than the obvious number differences. Check out the red spikes in Win2K! The thing literally stops reading when it switches processors! I verified this by using Taskmanager, each spike represents a switch in processors, from CPU1 to CPU2 and vice-versa!"

Wow, take a look of these charts!

Thanks Badbert! (I'm going to go try this! =Þ)

I've modified my MOBO for massive cooling of the BX chipset (pictures are on there way!)

ÐÐ

Arrived at quakecon today registered under the alias "Dohmaster". If you hapen to see me, say what's up... I'm going to try to get some streaming video of the event online tommorow andposiby get a webcam going.

Here are some images taken earlier today...

---

EnVaDoR went on a shopping spree and got himself an upgrade to his already cool case (pun).
Check it out EnVaDoR's PCV Case II


He installed a new grill to keep kitty out :-) and added casters to roll that thing around the house. (and to Quakecon)

That is a really kick ass case and will turn heads at Quakecon 2k.
Happy Fragging.
Too bad I won't be there :-(

WTF?!? You still don’t know how that dang peltier thingie works??!?!
The Screen Savers’s Patrick Norton wrote a little article on How Peltiers Work.


You just might learn something. Don't forget to watch the video
Catch The Screen Savers every day on ZDTV. Amaze yourself

“Sometimes it fun to push things as far as it can go” – Patrick Norton
I totally agree with that statement :-)

Me go to sleep now, Goodnight

Get them now!!
This is a fixed bp6 wallpaper. In all the popular flavors, err... resolutions.

It's still the Intels Inside one with a spelling change; from "Mothboard" to "Motherboard"

Thanks to Matt for pointing that out to me.
I would also like to thank Kevin for hosting my last batch and Radu for the previous "DUEL"/"DUAL" error.
And 1 more person, THANK YOU TIM for letting me borrow your server space ;-)

If you need a weird resolution, feel free to e-mail me requesting for one.
If you have ideas or more errors to point out, you know where to find me (Holodeck2@home.com)

800x600
1024x768
1152x864
1280x1024
1600x1200

Enjoy :-)

Holodeck2,
[H]ard at work on the Brand Spanking New Wallpaper.


Seti update
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 12:40AM PDT  5 Comments  | Top

You like the pic?

Bp6 User Group Update:
Completed 61531 units!!
#168 on Top 200 All Groups (Going to pass CLRC in a few days)
#74 on Top 200 Teams (Gaining fast on Starfleet)

We are flying though at the speed of light (may be a little slower).
Good job everyone!!

Check this page at least once a day for new stuff :-)

Thursday, July 27, 2000

Judge gives Napster the Boot!!
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 4:10PM PDT  0 Comments  | Top
Good afternoon for everyone living in EST. I was going to post today morning but I didn't. Here's my story:
I woke up and thought about posting something but I decided to wax my car before the sun came up (draw your own conclusions), wax on, wax off, wax on,..., did that for about an hour. Then I saw the sun rise (Aaahh I'm melting... not). I sat in front of my comp and started to search for good news to post. Saw that a stoopid judge temporally shuts down napster. Goes to room and cry. and now I'm here :-)

Judge shuts Napster down

Check out the Goofy guy in the suit
He's Sean Fanning, founder of Napster.

Got news?? Send it in: Holodeck2@home.com


Ram Sinks.. more cooling for small places.
Posted by tim @ 10:54AM PDT  0 Comments  | Top
Need some cooling for your Videocard memory to get a little extra overclockability and FPS? Overclockers Hiedout Ram Sinks They just notified me of their new design.

Wednesday, July 26, 2000

is it [H]ard?
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 11:19PM PDT  0 Comments  | Top
Big heatsinks are good, very good. The bigger the better.
You can never can have a too big of heatsink on a small chip (CPU, GPU, CHIPSET, etc)


Here's a Voodoo3 2000 with a BIG mofo heatsink on top.
(if you pry off the heatsink you void the warranty )

it was originally posted on [H]ardOCP

WiLd CaSe!!
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 3:40PM PDT  9 Comments  | Top
Now this person really knows how to keep his case cool!!
Addin an 18" Fan!! WOW!!


Click to go to his site.


What the heck is a Peltier?!?!
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 12:05PM PDT  6 Comments  | Top
This is for all you people who wanted to know what a peltier is.

The quest fo the Perfect Peltier

Thanks to TweakMax.com

Note: Today morning when I woke up I saw my whole screen cluttered with a bunch of IMs!! I live in the USA on EST. If you live somewhere else please check the time in my area. for example: If you live in Europe and IM me in the morning your time I would be sleeping it would be like 4 in the morning here. Just to let you know
I'm not angry at anyone... good thing I have a long fuse


HELLO EVERYONE!!!
Posted by Holodeck2 @ 12:03AM PDT 
Hello everyone, Woohoo!! I'm on!!
Who is this Holodeck2 person anyways?!?! Read on :-)
I’m a regular on the bp6 messageboard, trying to help people out with their problems.
I’m the self-proclaimed bp6 cooling expert, If you have a cooling idea, I’ve probably already done it and can offer some incite.
My computer is always on so you can contact me whenever... problem is, I'm not always in front of it. I'll try to update this page and keep everyone happy :-)
Any Questions or comments, you can either contact me or post it on the messageboard.

Ways to contact me.
E-mail: Holodeck2@home.com (All E-mails will be answered in 24 hours or less, I guarantee it.)
When you write me an e-mail please put in the subject line "BP6" then the rest of your subject so my e-mail program can sort it, thanks
AIM: Holodeck2 (instant response if I’m in front of my comp and not trying to frag someone)
ICQ: 82640218 (rarely on)

P.S. If someone named “Digital Vortex” on either Quake 3 or 2 frags you, it’s probably me. ;-)

Monday, July 24, 2000

BP6 Q3 server up and running..
Posted by tim @ 4:06AM PDT  4 Comments  | Top
Setup a Q3 server for anyone wanting to practice in preparation for Quakecon.. Connect to bp6.dyndns.org default port. (SERVER: BP6 system, 256 MB ram, celeron 600 on a T3 connection)... Will be moved to another BP6 server eventually. This is only a temporary test of the system and net connection.
(BTW- there are a few bot's running around in there..)

BIOS Savior to the rescue....
Posted by tim @ 2:53AM PDT  2 Comments  | Top
Do you sweat during the BIOS flashing procedure on your BP6 mobo? If so then this little gadget maybe worth a first look. It's called the "RD1 BIOS Savior" and it plugs in between your BIOS ROM and the BIOS ROM socket on your mobo. This device will backup your BIOS and and allow you to recover your BIOS in the event that your flashing session goes wrong. In the event of a bad flash, just flip a switch on the RDI and boot up your system, and flash again. This is also good as a failsafe in case you don't believe in Virus Protecting your computer. (Thanks to Fred for link)
Manufacturers Brochure (PDF Format)
Another info page
Available for about $20

Monday, July 17, 2000

How To Overclock
Posted by DareDevil @ 6:17PM PDT  3 Comments  | Top
For those of you who are new to overclocking, this guide will explain to you how to overclock, and what some of the terms are. Like 'FSB' (what the heck is that!? :0))

How To Overclock

The Cardcooler XT
Posted by DareDevil @ 6:11PM PDT  1 Comments  | Top
Wow! I am impressed! Nevermind keeping the CPU's cool... Keep your whole board cool!

Even if your not overclocking your system (or planning on it), this unit will provide system stability and longevity. What would happen one day of your GeForce or CPU fan went dead? You can also think of this cooling unit as a backup to essential cooling fans in your system.

Check this out!

http://www.brokenpixel.com/articles/coolerXT/cardcoolerXT_1.shtml

'Nerd Inside'
Posted by DareDevil @ 1:53PM PDT  1 Comments  | Top
We all need to have some fun sometimes! Check out this little web site that sells 'nerd' clothing ;) (I like the bibs in the Junior Hackerz section) :-Þ

Dual PSU Wiring diagram... (preview to Part 1 Watercooling Project)
Posted by tim @ 2:43AM PDT  11 Comments  | Top
When is comes to overclocking your system, cooling plays a big role. Powering all of those fans in your system can cause quite a strain on your PSU (Power Supply Unit). Depending on the number of peripherals in your system, adding a more powerfull PSU or adding a second PSU may be neccesary. For watercooling and using peltiers, dedicating a second PSU to power the Peltiers (TEC's) is a good idea. Here I have come up with 2 diagrams on how I wired dual 300 watt ATX power supply units for the Blizzard BP6 watercooling project. Consider this part of Step 1. More will follow this week. BTW.. hacking up your PSU's is very dangerous and is not recommended unless you know what you are doing.

View Diagram 1 here.
View Diagram 2 here.

I used Tap-In Squeeze Connectors and 22 guage wire to connect the wires. You can get them at Radio Shack Part# 64-3053 or click here.

Sunday, July 16, 2000

RAM Overclocking? Hmmmmm.
Posted by DareDevil @ 11:57AM PDT  3 Comments  | Top
I know we're pretty big overclockers here at BP6.Com so, this is a post of choice ;-) I've seen the question in the message boards, 'why can't I overclock any higher?' Well, it's not always the CPU that's holding you back... Many other things need to be taken care of to overclock such as your PCI devices (can they handle the higher bus speed), the actual CPU, and your RAM. I'm not saying that that a high quality stick of silicon will enable you to overclock your 366MHz to 1 GHZ (I wish!), but, it will certainly help =)

Extreme Overclocking has tested (overclocked) PC133 RAM to there full potential. Here's a quote I found and the link:

Well, the guys at Extreme Overclocking have been hard at work again with their latest review. This time they have put seven 128MB PC133 memory modules through the torture tests to determine their maximum overclocking potential. Which one's came out on top? Read the review to find out....

Cooked RAM... Yummie

The ÐÐ.

CPU Guide
Posted by DareDevil @ 11:17AM PDT  0 Comments  | Top
A follow up on the 'Weekly CPU Prices', this guide will help you determine which cpu is best for you (and your board ;-)). Sent to me by Spanky, here's the link:

http://www6.tomshardware.com/howto/00q2/000412/index.html

Saturday, July 15, 2000

Weekly CPU Prices
Posted by DareDevil @ 1:29PM PDT  2 Comments  | Top
Wow, found this very useful! Wanting to buy a new CPU? Check out this detailed price list!

Click Here.

Thanks Sharky Extreme!

Fast Wallpapers
Posted by DareDevil @ 11:51AM PDT  0 Comments  | Top
FAST-MHz has released some wallpapers! Click here to view them. They come in sizes 800x600 1024x768 and 1152x864. If you have your desktop set at a larger size, just use the 'stretch' function in desktop properties instead of 'center'. Works great.

In other news, we want to finnish off all the sections at BP6.Com so, to start, we're going to work on the Picture Gallery. To help us out, you can send in all your cool, wierd, crazy pics that you may have to: thedaredevil@bp6.com. (The topic being computers, duh! :0) And no... I don't want to recieve any porno piccies in my mailbox! I have enough of those!) Kidding guys.

Okay, that's all for now.

The ÐÐ.

Friday, July 14, 2000

Hey There!
Posted by DareDevil @ 7:05PM PDT  7 Comments  | Top
Hey guys, just wanted to introduce myself, some of you may have already met me on the BP6.com board. I'll be posting up news from time to time now so, if you'd like, you may send me some news to be posted if you find any ( we don't want to flood Tim ;-) ).

My e-mail address is killz@i82hq.com

Ciao for now.

The ÐÐ.

Thursday, July 13, 2000

Blizzard Watercooling testing in progress..
Posted by tim @ 2:09AM PDT  5 Comments  | Top
I have slowly been testing the Blizzard watercooler, due to limited free time. Results so far: Dual PPGA 366 celerons overclocked to 600 MHz stable running SETI. Average temp @ idle water at room temperature was 15-25°C. After going to the freezer for ice water I got it down to 0° C for each CPU Temperature reading. Almost had it load Win2K using 2.3 Volts 366@682 Mhz. Stay tuned for detailed pics and the step-by-step process, including video coverage.. (Sponsored by overclockershideout.com)

Interactive BP6 BIOS
Posted by tim @ 2:00AM PDT  4 Comments  | Top
Just thought I'd pass this on to some of you that need a guide on configuring your BP6 BIOS. Our buddy Richard "Webguy 1" Stephenson over at PUIcorp created this great interactive Award BIOS guide in flash. Go check it out here. here Thanks Richard...

SETI Ranking now in the Top 200 list
Posted by tim @ 1:52AM PDT  1 Comments  | Top
According to Richard Weaver the BP6 User Group is now in 199th place for the Top 200 Overall list. here.

If you haven't done so and are still on the other BP6 SETI team, be sure to join the combined SETI team, here. Great work guys!


New Livewire 3.0 drivers for Win2k/9X/NT
Posted by tim @ 1:46AM PDT  2 Comments  | Top
Got word from BenoA that Soundblaster now has the Livewire 3.0 drivers on their site. It's now supposed to support SMP. Check out the download page here.





Anyone have some free time to spare?
Posted by tim @ 12:04AM PDT 
Anyone out there have an article or review they want to post up on the site? I'm currently bogged down with work and could use a little help.. You'll even get your own bp6.com email account (incentive? Large Pizza or 12 pack of Mountain Dew? :-)

Sunday, July 9, 2000

BP6 Blizzard cooling How-To in progress
Posted by tim @ 4:31AM PDT  2 Comments  | Top
Working on a multi part How-To review on water cooling your BP6 computer system. For a sneak peak of what to expect, check out the background images I made. NOTE: These are big images 400kb-800kb
Tweakit @1600X1200 Resolution or
1600X1200 Resolution or
1024X768 Resolution

Video Review
I also have an intro video review of Part I in progress and should be uploaded Monday after I clear up some server issues.

PIII 500E
I finally picked up some PIII 5000E FC-PA CPU's to test out on the modified Powerleap adapter I got from BBA. Thanks to PUICORP for supplying them to test out and for BBA for sending the adapters. Now If I can just get some free time off from work so I can test them out.

*Posted up a new Pic of the VTT mod I did for on a BP6 mobo. Check it out here for the picture.

I will have detailed pics of the watercooling project posted online early this week.

Sunday, July 2, 2000

Gentus 3.0 Download URL correction
Posted by tim @ 8:41PM PDT  5 Comments  | Top
Abit just fixed the permissions so the Gentus 3.0 can now be downloaded @ ftp://www.gentus.com/pub/3.0

Gentus 3.0 download
Posted by tim @ 3:40AM PDT  7 Comments  | Top
Just got word from Phillip that Gentus 3.0 is downloadable at
ftp://ftp.aarnet.edu.au/gentus
Note: kernel is 2.2.15-30 with source code.

Recieved the Blizzard watercooling kit from overclockers hideout friday. I'm chopping up and modifying a full tower ATX case to house this schweet looking cooling rig. Plan on seeing pictures soon. I would have had pics up today but I figured all the grinding noise made by cutting up my case would probably disturb the neighbors at this time of night.

Discovered one of my PIII's is now dead due to the recent tweaking that's been going on. These FC-PGA CPU's aren't as tough as the PPGA cpu's are. I'm going try to get some new cA2 steppings Wednesday so I can continue with testing out the NEO mods BBA had done.

Wednesday, June 28, 2000

Abit Interview Complete!
Posted by tim @ 10:32PM PDT  20 Comments  | Top
Finished up the interview with Abit PR Specialist Eric Boeing. We got the some scoopage on the VP-20 & upcoming DUAL FC-PGA along with another new mobo about to hit the market. Check out the interview for the candid details straight from Abit. Special thanks to Eric for particpating in the Interview.

Abit Interview here.

Tuesday, June 27, 2000

One more try for the Dual P3's via BP6 & NEO S370's
Posted by tim @ 3:41AM PDT  14 Comments  | Top
Did a little testing with the BBA modified NEO adapters. (Thanks for allowing me to test them!). Had a little prob with my mobo, but will be picking a different BP6 to test them out later tonight. according to BBA, SMP + FC-PGA stability problems could be due to RF interference, or VRM mobo issues. (BBA has some mad solderng skillz -- talk about very precise)

Abit Interview coming up!
Got in touch with Abit and should have an interview posted up on the site late tonight or early next morning if the 14 hour time difference goes ok. What time is it by the way? :-)

Big Waterblock Here is a one piece waterblock design to cool both CPU's on the BP6. Check out the unique peltier heat exchanger.

. Nice job on the waterblock by Brett Young. His website is here.

Monday, June 26, 2000

Interview with Abit this week!
Posted by tim @ 1:01AM PDT  15 Comments  | Top
I will have an Interview with Abit later this week. Stayed tuned to find out the nitty gritty from the inventors of the BP6 mobo that created this online community. - If possible I will try to get a guest voice chat scheduled this week.

Sunday, June 25, 2000

Another Virtual Desktop manager
Posted by tim @ 1:10AM PDT  2 Comments  | Top
Got another link to a virtual desktop monitor sent to me from Adrian (thanks).

".. Here's another (http://oneguycoding.com) virtual desktop app that works with a dual mon setup and actually shows windows in miniature (similar to the utilities available under X-Windows).
Download.."

Saturday, June 24, 2000

Useful Utilities
Posted by tim @ 10:18PM PDT  0 Comments  | Top
Here is a small utility that provides Virtual desktops for Windows 9X/NT/2000 homepage.

Trans Text - Turns the background of your icon text clear. here


New Detonator 5.30 for Win2K.
Posted by tim @ 10:01PM PDT  2 Comments  | Top
New Detonator 5.30 for Win2K over at videocarddrivers.com. Also got a link from Skitzo about an article on how to turn your PC into an Alchohol Still aka the "The X86 Still". Disclaimer: Don't drink and overclock. - Hmm... Use a BP6 and you should get twice the distilling speed.



Another Experimental BP6 BIOS
Posted by tim @ 9:51PM PDT  6 Comments  | Top
Disclaimer: Use at your own risk.
This one is from Smith Mark.
(Modified version of RUHPT125.BIN)
The only changes are the bootup message, RU to ZA plus microcode updates for cA2 AND microcode Updates for cB0 0683h.
here.

I just found a misplaced BIOS that Ron sent me a while back. It's the QQ beta 1 BIOS with HPT 125 (QQB1125.bin) and the one without HPT (QQB1WO.bin) here.



Updated the watercooling section
Posted by tim @ 9:36PM PDT  0 Comments  | Top
Got word from Scott over at OverclockersHideout that the schweet looking Blizzard (see pic) cooler is on its way here.

Earlier in the week John Anderson sent me the Maxtor Utility to turn your ATA66 Maxtor Diamond Max HD into a ATA100 drive.
Works on these models (according to the readme.txt):
96147U8,33073U4, 94610H6, 34610H6, 93073H4, 33073H4, 92305H3, 32305H3, 92049H3, 31536H2, 91536H2, 31369H2.



Neon case + blow hole
Posted by tim @ 2:05AM PDT  14 Comments  | Top
Just a quick pic of a neon case sent to me by someone in the voice chat room. Here Nice job nosoup4you!

The voice chat session workd well and will now be an integrated feature of the website.

Will be updating the site this weekend.

Friday, June 23, 2000

Doing a live voice chat right now.
Posted by tim @ 11:23PM PDT  5 Comments  | Top
Doing a live voice chat right now. Click on the voice chat link on the left menu bar. Just testing it out and chillin online with my mic right now.

Thursday, June 22, 2000

good morning
Posted by tim @ 10:54AM PDT 
Sorry for the lack of updates lately. Going to play catchup on the news during the weekend. I got word from BBA that he is sending a new mod he has done to the powerleap neo S-370. He has a new mod to test stability on the BP6. I also received new BIOS's lately and will be posting them up later. I tried the latest Ron BIOS but didn't see any stability improvements in the modified BP6 mobo I've been testing on. I think I may have caused a little damage to my CPU's (doh!). I plopped them back into my unmodified BP6 and had some big stability problems. W