VIAs new KT266A chipset

[DrZaius]

VIA just announced (http://www.viahardware.com/kt266a_1.shtm) their latest revision of their DDR chipset, the KT266A. Although the new scores are impressive (http://www.amdmb.com/article-display.php?ArticleID=116) and knock the SiS735 from the top spot, I'm still skeptical of VIA. The fact that it has taken them two revisions of both their KT133 (revised to KT133A) and now the KT266 (revised to KT266A) shows that their testing and research is not of high quality. Looks like they just try to release chipsets as quick as they can without working all the bugs out.

http://www.amdmb.com/images/kt266a/sisoft-mem.gif

This is good for board manufactures since all they have to do is replace the KT266 chip with the KT266A on their production lines, no changes to the boards have to me made. However, I feel bad for all the people who bought the KT266 and now are left in the dust with their "older" board. And, even with the changes VIA has made, they still need the 4-in-1 drivers! What do you guys think?

[mc2phat]

I have purchased my last Via board. I am waiting for NForce, or 760MP to drop in price, or a good stable chipset from Wintel before I do anything. Thanks for the info.

[mike breck]

Hi Doc,

I was just reading this preview today. It makes interesting reading and supports your arguement.

http://hardocp.com/reviews/chipsets/kt266a/

[DrZaius]

Thanks Mike, just read the review. It does look promising and is helping VIA get over the buggy KT266 reputation, but it seems people have short memories. Like I said before, VIA has repetely released buggy chipsets only to fix them later with a new version and claim "new features!" Past VIA blunders:

Apollo 133 to 133A
KT133 to KT133A
686A to 686B
KT266 to KT266A

I'm waiting for the nForce which should give VIA's KT266A a run for it's money, but I don't plan on upgrading anytime soon, I'm happy with my SiS735. :D

[dan3223]

Yeah I agree about the KT266, Via really stuck it to the people that bought essentially beta boards and then they got it right and now have the KT266A which has the better memory controller. </run on sentence alert> Via really leaves something to be desired sometimes. I'm still using an Epox KT133a board and want to upgrade but I think I will wait until Epox releases a KT266A board.