will_scarlet7
asked on
WinXP SP2+Atheros Chipset PCI Wireless G Adapter+VIA MB = Freeze...
Hi All,
I'm really hoping someone out ther has an answer to this dilema I'm facing... I'm trying to re-setup my girlfiriend's computer, and am hitting a wall with the Wireless G adapter. Below are the specs:
Athlon XP 2000+
MSI KT4V (MS-6712)
512MB PC3200
ASUS 9200 AGP
Plextor PX712A DVDRW
Lite-On LTR-52327S CDRW
Hitachi 60GB Hard-Disk
Canopus ADVC 1394 Video Capture Card
Setup of the above has gone well, so now I am installing the following:
D-Link DWL-520 Wireles G Adapter
It seems to install fine and is working, until I plug in either of the following:
USB external Hard-Drive
WACOM Tablet (USB)
The system now runs unstable, with frequent pauses and regular freezing up (The USB devices did not cause any trouble when running them prior to installing the wireless adapter). I have looked this up on-line and have found many discussions on forums about people facing similar issues with various brands of wireless adapters, and the one thing they all seem to have in common is the Atheros chipset.
One interesting bit of news that I ran acros today seems to point to a latency problem of the PCI bus on the VIA chipset (she has the KT400) (See the link below at the section called "VIA PCI Latency Patch"):
http://www.usbman.com/Guides/VIA%20Tips%20and%20Tricks.htm
Any help would definately be appreciated!
Sam
I'm really hoping someone out ther has an answer to this dilema I'm facing... I'm trying to re-setup my girlfiriend's computer, and am hitting a wall with the Wireless G adapter. Below are the specs:
Athlon XP 2000+
MSI KT4V (MS-6712)
512MB PC3200
ASUS 9200 AGP
Plextor PX712A DVDRW
Lite-On LTR-52327S CDRW
Hitachi 60GB Hard-Disk
Canopus ADVC 1394 Video Capture Card
Setup of the above has gone well, so now I am installing the following:
D-Link DWL-520 Wireles G Adapter
It seems to install fine and is working, until I plug in either of the following:
USB external Hard-Drive
WACOM Tablet (USB)
The system now runs unstable, with frequent pauses and regular freezing up (The USB devices did not cause any trouble when running them prior to installing the wireless adapter). I have looked this up on-line and have found many discussions on forums about people facing similar issues with various brands of wireless adapters, and the one thing they all seem to have in common is the Atheros chipset.
One interesting bit of news that I ran acros today seems to point to a latency problem of the PCI bus on the VIA chipset (she has the KT400) (See the link below at the section called "VIA PCI Latency Patch"):
http://www.usbman.com/Guides/VIA%20Tips%20and%20Tricks.htm
Any help would definately be appreciated!
Sam
Have you already tried using a different pci slot for the wlan adapter?
ASKER
Hi rindi,
I tried switching PCI slots with no improvement :-(
I tried switching PCI slots with no improvement :-(
Did you also try more than one other slot? Some share the same hardware resources (they usually are paired, but the pairs don't necessarily have to be next to each other).
ASKER
I've tried it in 3 different slots...
What about adding an external, powered USB hub or changing the powersupply for a higher powered unit? Did you test your RAM with memtest (http://memtest.org)?
ASKER
I've just installed the generic Atheros driver, and it seems to be an improvement...
I'll have to let it run for a while to see if it works long term...
I'll have to let it run for a while to see if it works long term...
I thought you had tried all types of drivers allready. Anyway, of course you'll have to let it run for a while...
ASKER
ThanX for your patience rindi... I had tried several of the D-Link drivers, but only figured out how to get the generic Atheros working until this afternoon. Umfortunately, it did not solve the problem. The performance was greatly improved with the Attheros driver, but the machine still froze up whenever I had any intense hard-drive or USB activity.
The power supply is 500Watt and the external hard-drive is self powered. I'm nearly ready to give up on the PCI wireless card as just an incompatibility with the current configuration (VIA chipset and heavy bus throughput), and either figure out a way to run a wire or go USB...
The power supply is 500Watt and the external hard-drive is self powered. I'm nearly ready to give up on the PCI wireless card as just an incompatibility with the current configuration (VIA chipset and heavy bus throughput), and either figure out a way to run a wire or go USB...
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
I'll see if I can find one...
For now I'll leave the question open in case I do get ahold of a power supply in the next couple of days, and if I can't test that by Tuesday I'll close this with a grade of "B" if you agree that it is fair. I do appreciate you taking the time to try and help!
Sam
For now I'll leave the question open in case I do get ahold of a power supply in the next couple of days, and if I can't test that by Tuesday I'll close this with a grade of "B" if you agree that it is fair. I do appreciate you taking the time to try and help!
Sam
No problem, keep it open as long as you like.
ASKER
well... The power supply just blew up, so tomorrow I'll go out and buy a new one and test it out.
ASKER
I tried a new power supply, but unfortunately it made no difference. I therefore had to resign from my effort to get that set of hardware to function together, as I had to leave (I was visiting my girlfriend for the week). My current assumption is that the motherboard while not defective, was particularly susceptible to the VIA chipset weakness of PCI bus latency, which when combined with the Atheros chipset (which does not have the highest compatibility reputation) made for an unworkable combination.
I am now closing the question, and awarding you rindi a grade of "B" for your time and help. I am grateful!
Sam
I am now closing the question, and awarding you rindi a grade of "B" for your time and help. I am grateful!
Sam
Thanx, and better luck next time!
ASKER