Hi,

>>
The following link gives an example of what someone else is experiencing with these chipsets btw this is a name brand machine http://forums.viaarena.com/messageview.aspx?catid=31&threadid=66714&enterthread=y
>>

All I gleaned from that is that someone had a machine that kept crashing and no-one knew why (or solved the problem).

Also, you seem now to have broadened your argument by claiming that even if the non-Intel chipsets are not directly to blame machines containing them are likely to be of inferior quality in respect of other components ?

Anyway, here's someone who shares you view on VIA:
pcbuyersguide.com/hardware/ motherboards/VIA-Problems.html

But do you have any thoughts on the snip I posted about XP SP2 - that's the only reference I've yet come across where the actual system information symptoms are the same as mine ?

Regards,
Viv