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Via DMA troubles - how can I tell if this is me?
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Author:  rando [ Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:18 am ]
Post subject:  Via DMA troubles - how can I tell if this is me?
tjc wrote:
- Motherboards based on many Via chipsets - known to have DMA problems. This is particularly problematic with the Hauppauge PVR cards. There is no known work around.


I've read through this forum, and understand that VIA based boards are often (but not always) trouble. My current backend system is an nForce based Shuttle with just a single PCI slot. I'd like to move to a full sized tower with a 2nd tuner. I've got a spare motherboard (Biostar - K8M800-M7A - VIA VIA K8M800 / VIA VT8237R chipset) laying around waiting for something to do.

What I'd like to know is, how can I test this out before I tear up my current backend system and find out if it's going to work for me? In my current setup I have a PVR 150-MCE card, and will be looking to move to a system with both a PVR 150-MCE and a PVR 150 non-MCE. I've bought the Non MCE already, and it's laying unused beside the motherboard, ready to install.

1)Will building the new backend with just one tuner (and a tiny spare HD to test - need to rip the big HD out of my backend when i'm ready to do this for real) manifest the problem if it's present in my motherboard? Or is it possible that this will work fine with the single tuner, and that once I drop in the second tuner i will start to see problems.

2)Do i need to be recording and watching TV at the same time for this to occur? What kind of details are available on what needs to happen to cause this DMA problem to creep up?

3)What log files should I be keeping my eye on to see if this is goign to be a problem, or will it be overly obvious that I'm encountering this?

4)If this board is unsuitable as a backend system due to the DMA bug with the Hauppauge cards, what are the chances that it would serve as a stable frontend system with strictly TV out being it's only task?

I'd like to know if this is going to work before I take apart my current setup, but at the same time am eager to get the new setup running as I'll have access to the digital channels in my area now that I have an IR blaster.

Thanks in advance for anything anyone can offer for suggestions here.
Author:  rando [ Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:16 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ok, here's a little updated info.

I've installed the system with a spare HD, and the single non-MCE PVR 150 tuner. Everything during the install seems to have gone through flawlessly, and I can record with good results. Recording and playing back at the same time don't seem to generate any performance issues.

Would I know by now if I were having DMA troubles? is this problem obvious and catastrophic? If everything is good with one tuner can we know that it will be good with two? or is it possible that adding in the 2nd tuner will cause havoc and madness?

I'm leaving a 6 hour block recording to test while I'm gone to work, I should be able to remote access in via SSH and take a peek at log files if someone can tell me what i'm looking for, and where to look for it.
Author:  tjc [ Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
See the Hauppauge MOMS list mentioned in that "Hardware to Avoid" thread you quoted from. It includes hints on diagnoses and alleviattion.
Author:  rando [ Thu Jun 01, 2006 7:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
Well, I'm not running into those black streaks, or lockups at all (at least not yet) with one tuner, so I guess maybe i'm in good shape?


I'm gonna toss the 2nd tuner in this wknd and see what I get there.


thanks for the prompt response tjc.
Author:  Xsecrets [ Thu Jun 01, 2006 9:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
those problems were mostly for the 133 and 266 chipsets. the 400 seemed better and I think many people are having pretty good luck with the 800.
Author:  Greg Frost [ Thu Jun 01, 2006 9:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
I had a 266A based motherboard (MSI K7T266 Pro2) and didn't have any of these lockups, so it may be only the 266 chipset and not the 266A.
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