Windows 7 + Intel x38 Chipset = Issues :(

[Grey M@a]

Does anyone run Windows 7 RC with a motherboard that uses the x38 chipset from Intel?

I have installed Windows 7 on the PC and pre-ordered two copies of Windows 7 Home Premium but after getting the Win 7 RC on the Shuttle sx38 pro, Win 7 has built in drivers for the chipset but I get real poor hard drive performance out of those drivers. Using the older Intel drivers from Vista 64 the hard drive performance goes back to what I had with Vista but there are the odd stutter here and there. Knowing Intel, once they stop supporting a chipset their drivers are few and far between and it seems that way for the x38 chipset.

There doesn't seem to be a happy medium with drivers for the chipset. Since the x58 chipset appeared for the i7 and i5 chips from Intel it looks like the x38 and x48 chipsets are now old hat and they won't be supporting them with newer drivers. I have tried the last set of drivers from the Intel site and also their chipset installation utility with windows 7 64 bit support and it's either worse or half the usb ports tied to the chipset don't work nor show in Win 7.

Does anyone have the x38 chipset from Intel and has a working Windows 7 build that doesn't suffer the problems I have above. I would change the motherboard to a newer one but with it being a shuttle system I don't want to pay over the top money for a replacement board but also I don't have the money or need to buy a whole new pc.

Wondering whether I should cancel the Windows 7 pre-orders as I can imagine it will be the same issue's once I get the final release of Windows 7 Home Premium and just stick with Vista Ultimate 64 bit as it does everything I need and works with the hardware I have now.

[shaithis]

Odd, been running W7 RC on a ABit IX38 QuadGT without any additional motherboard drivers, or issues.

[Grey M@a]

So you are using the built in Win 7 drivers?

I spent yesterday testing this and then stuck Vista 64 back on and the system runs 100%, go back to a fresh rebuild with a total hard drive format and the issue's are there from the get go.

[shaithis]

Yes, in fact that machine is running 100% MS supplied drivers, including video drivers from Windows Update.

[Grey M@a]

Will give it another shot tonight then, if it still has the same issue's then I will go back to Vista 64 and cancel the windows 7 orders until I get a new PC in a year or two.

[Grey M@a]

Anyone else out there with the x38 chipset and Windows 7 suffering chipset issues?

[dangel]

I've had lots of issues with drivers with W7 builds - but they do get resolved in later builds so I wouldn't take it as read that the problems with exist in the shipping copy (especially if it's a mainstream part). My HTPC experienced severe murder death kill because of the hauppauge freesat card in it on one build, only to work fine with the next.

Also check your bios is up-to-date too.

And chin up, it'll be alright!

[Grey M@a]

Latest drivers, latest bios, built in drivers are shocking, the last .1018 chipset utility drivers helped for the x38 but knowing Intel on their lack of support for their older chipsets. Loving some of the new features with Windows 7, still not sure on the new task bar etc.

[Grey M@a]

Well I have finally gave up on Windows 7 for now and thinking of cancelling the pre-orders. Several blue screens last night which resulted in win7 not booting anymore, all screens pointing to the chipset or devices off it Gone back to Vista for now, will look at Win 7 when I get the next PC in a few years time.

[dangel]

I still say stick with your pre-order - i highly doubt the RTM will have the same problems. The RC wouldn't even install on my HTPC but I've had confirmed reports of a later build working just fine.

[Grey M@a]

It's the lack of drivers from Intel and the likely hood of never seeing them as they dumped the x38 it seems along with the 4 series chips. I might keep the pre-orders, stick with Vista and have Win 7 sitting there read for the new pc in a year or two. The other copy I will sell on if I keep the pre-orders.

From playing with Windows 7 whilst it lasted, I loved it but there was no major performance increase or feature I would get in home premium that I can't already do in Vista. Seems a waste of money at present to buy an OS I wouldn't use for a year or two.