What can I build with this?

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Originally Posted by Train

As for updating the BIOS, unless there is something in the update, that will stop errors you are getting or is adding a feature that you have to have, the best thing to do is leave it alone.

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I will ditto that three times over. I see it all the time on this and other tech forums...people attempting to upgrade their BIOS's like they do when upgrading software like antivirus programs. Unfortunately, I've even seen it given as bad advice:
"My desktop wallpaper has weird colors to it."---"Upgrade your BIOS".
"Microsoft Word won't indent paragraphs".--- "Upgrade your BIOS".
"It hurts when I move my head to the left"---"Upgrade your BIOS".

Beware of such "shotgun effect" advice....people who recommend a BIOS upgrade so casually do NOT understand what the BIOS is all about and obviously think that a BIOS upgrade is the cure-all for all computer woes. Rule of thumb: a BIOS upgrade is ONLY necessary if it adds an additional feature that you really need. If it is done wrong, flashing the BIOS can ruin the system. This is a case of "If it works, don't fix it". Yes, yes....I've heard all the people out there who say "Why....I've done it a thousand times and never had a problem". My answer is: Why did you waste the time doing it? What was the profit to your system? Who cares that you now have "version 2.54" instead of "version 2.53"?
While there ARE very legitimate circumstances to perform a BIOS flash, most users do perfectly fine without it.

My 2¢....the soapbox is now available for someone else... :D

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As for updating the BIOS, unless there is something in the update, that will stop errors you are getting or is adding a feature that you have to have, the best thing to do is leave it alone.

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Ditto, leave well alone unless you really need to.

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When I am ready to add the OS to my homebuilt machine, what are the steps I have to take? Thx in advance for the education.

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Insert the CD and reboot, if setup begins or you see a message to press any key to boot from CD then do so, follow the easy steps of the install wizard.:)


Liam

That seems too easy Liam! I have to format the new HDD first, do I not? Now you all see what I meant at the start of the thread... :o I thought that, with a never-used HDD and brand-new everything else, there'd be some prep work before inserting the CD into the drive. If the whole process is self-driven that's amazing.

http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_..._-_graphic.htm

Basic rundown and screenshots^^^:)


Liam

I was checking some other threads and saw Spooky Man G's about building a new machine....saw the Antec case and it was something.

Given all the stuff I've ordered so far, would 350 watts be enough from the new PSU or should I go for the 450W? I like the power idea, but that was a CASE.

Do you mean the Antec SLK3700 case, do you like it aesthetically or ergonimically? I like it ergo because it offers loads for the size, don't particularly like the way it looks though.

If the difference in PSU's you have been browsing are not much price wise (I would guess they would be around the same price) then it would give you some futureproofing to get the 450w, so at least you can add what you like and not have to worry, because you have sufficient power for quite a lot of drive/fans/lights/a ferris wheel, whatever you like:D (to a further extent than 350w)


Liam

I have that case and will use it after I get a larger PS. 5 or 6 HDDS and 2 dvd burners. Well that equals a load in my book.

The front and rear 120mm case fans do a real nice job of cooling things.

No if you are wondering about future proofing that setup, check this out.

Ergonomically. Aesthetically it looks like Darth Vader met a bench vise. However, gutting the few innards and some funky airbrush shading could do wonders for the case. Then replace the innards and start filling that thing up. Loads of room to expand! Been boning up on BIOS, think I get the basic working premise now. Makes little sense to me now why it's changed so cavalierly by so many. Unless it's absolutely essential I'd rather leave well enough alone. Starting to look at CD-RW drives now, if I need one quicker I have an old Compaq Prolinea to strip for parts. Same with the FDD.

Forget the cd-rw get a NEC 3520A or newer dvd burner. It takes care of cds also. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827152039

Or browse through what they list here http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...nufactory=1326

Will keep that under advisement, Train; PSU comes first, and the wife starting to notice the e-mails from supplier :eek: so I guess with my budget I need to prioritize. The DVD burner can wait. Also gonna buy a case; the old radio case needs too many mods, it would destroy the value (besides, the radio works and I can still get tubes for it). I like this case: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...676&CatId=1842
Plenty of room to grow and expand into. Case/PSU combos have so-so PSU's--gonna buy separately. I like the following--especially the Xion, plenty of connectors for future use. Is Xion an OK brand?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...306&CatId=1079 (leaning toward this one)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...225&CatId=1483
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...160718&CatId=0
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...194294&CatId=0

As usual, TIA for the insight and help from all.

Edit/P.S.--here's the motherboard specs while I'm thinking of it:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...8380&CatId=179

I haven't heard of those PSU manufacturers personally(Apart from Coolmax), but that might be because i'm in the UK, so i'm not sure, but if they have an output of 500w+ then they would be a good buy, usually the PSU's purchased with cases, or ones from unknown manufacturers are really cheap and really underpowered, they usually say 500w, but the total output is lower, and you'd be lucky to even run an extra fan without it dying, but these are usually tacky looking and cost about 4 times less than the ones you've found there, so i would say yeah they look worth it, BUT, if you can find a more well known make in the same price range and same output range then i would go for that, because you will more than likely get more life out of if, and maybe a longer manufacturer warranty(should it be needed).

Just my opinion.

Nice board btw........and for $55 its a bargain.

Examples from Tiger: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...184641&CatId=0 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...184622&CatId=0 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...184605&CatId=0

Pretty much the same PSU, but different model, at newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153008

And a 500w Antec: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103937


Liam

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Originally Posted by Train

Power supply, 450w minimum and of a good brand. Read fairly expensive because if you upgrade your video card, you will need a molex connector dedicted for the video card. So why by another PS.

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Train, is a dedicated video card connector unusual to find? And is molex just a material or a particular type of connector--# of pins, specific voltage or what?

And Liam, the board and Athlon XP 3000+ came as a combo for US$150 total. Thought it was a good deal myself, but TD is taking their time shipping it. Good thing I'm patient.

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And Liam, the board and Athlon XP 3000+ came as a combo for US$150 total. Thought it was a good deal myself, but TD is taking their time shipping it. Good thing I'm patient.

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Still a good price for the combo.


Tran is just stating that new Video cards need more power and have a standard molex cable attached (or included) and it needs extra power from the PS to run.

Example: http://www.ocmodshop.com/xfxgffx5700ultra/molex.JPG (Bottom Right black input)

And installed: http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/4...ntalled3wz.jpg


Liam

Neat pics....love that Zalman! Been reading the reviews on the Xion PSUs, think I'm gonna go that route; but for <$10 more I'll get the 600W unit. Tim the Toolman is my guiding light in that regard! :D

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Tim the Toolman is my guiding light in that regard

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:D

That's a good choice, 600w is quite high end at the moment, should last you a while.


Liam

A 600 I would concider as overkill myself. But seeing the price differential is not much. :D

I hope to grow into the need for the power; and when my wife sees what I've already bought, h*ll will freeze over before I can buy another one! :eek:
Actually, she's been pretty good about it, with small exceptions. If I boost her allowance (permanently) she'll tolerate this project (temporarily). And I can drag this project out for years with the room I've got for expansion, hee hee! ;)

:D :D

Well, mine has her own computer and she sees were we need a 4th rig just for some specialty items. So this fall we will whip one out. I will be using a kvm switch to control it. That will keep ours free to do what we want whileit is taking care of the dedicated stuff.

I went with the blue Premium case from TD but decided to get the Xion 600W PSU from Newegg--their product inventory seems to be more stable, had plenty in stock and price was close enough (less than US$90.00). Both are on their way. Should have everything except for HSF and extra case cooler by this Friday.
I just realized, duh, that I need Internet capability. Right now, we have a Linksys 802.11b router set-up, with the main computer on cord and the satellites on wireless. I've read that the 802.11g is backward compatible and works on the same frequency. I will get the newer router eventually, but want to keep it for now. Also read that network components from different mfrs. will work with each other--true? I could save a few dollars buying other than Linksys, but don't want problems. Also, are the USB adapters that look like a flash drive as effective performance-wise as the PCI adapters with the antenna? I'll be flush with USB ports (11), but want to keep the 5 PCI slots for more "important" stuff if possible. Thx again.

Looking at Linksys inparticular, the PCI version seems to have more (better) features, such as better security protocol(s).


Well, the two i looked at were anyway:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...p?EdpNo=628082

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...512146&CatId=0

And the PCI version is cheaper in this case, but then again Networking is not my strong point, so i may have got them totally wrong, and gave you different standards there.:o


Liam

Just to add to your wish list :D

http://www.xbitlabs.com/images/other...s9500/11-s.jpg

The new Zalman CNPS9500 just as effective as water cooling in tests here

Ahh, yes its arrived, check out the pics of the display model: http://discussions.virtualdr.com/sho...d.php?t=192731

Imagine if that was a working model.:D


Liam

Forgot about the wired USB, but have one of those and they're a pain in the a$$. Was wondering about this type: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...4105&CatId=369
For the price, I may go this route and upgrade later; re-use the cheap one on my crash-test Compaq. :D

Oooo, I like the fan!

OK, I just noticed the mobo I'm getting supports either 2 sticks DDR 333/400 OR 3 sticks DDR266. I didn't look closely enough; I ordered 3 sticks DDR 400, (256MB each). Will installing all 3 sticks overload or harm anything, or will it just not see all of the installed memory? :confused: I can always return/exchange if I have to, but hate to wait much longer. The stuff is starting to arrive, and I'm like a kid at Christmas here. (Mobo link in earlier post.)

Some motherboards only support the higher speed memory on one or two of the slots and even then it may be restricted to certain tested brands so Id suggest you download and check the manual.

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Originally Posted by liam858

Ahh, yes its arrived, check out the pics of the display model: http://discussions.virtualdr.com/sho...d.php?t=192731

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Please note: This product is expected to arrive in late August. Advance orders are now being accepted.
#: ZM9500
Price: $74.95
Retail: $74.95

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QuietPC USA.com

I think its out in the UK...........or starts shipping today.



Liam

Will do that, 10. The more I look at it, it's worded such that DDR400 is supported until one exceeds 2GB RAM, so that to cram in 3GB the lower DDR figure is necessary. I wanted 768MB because, rightly or wrongly, I understand 98SE operates best in that range and that it gets squirrelly at or over 1GB RAM. I'll try it anyway, from what I've been researching if there's an effect at all it would be non-lethal.

WHEW! after reading the first and last pages, are you sure you don't just want to get a NEW rig running XP, format the drive and put old reliable 98 on it?
It reminds me of the advice an army buddy gave me when I was having car troubles it went like this:
"All you need is a new radiator cap"
"Wow, really I was worried!"
"Yes, get a new radiator cap and then drive a car under it!"

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Originally Posted by senseigreen

WHEW! after reading the first and last pages, are you sure you don't just want to get a NEW rig running XP, format the drive and put old reliable 98 on it?

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No, not really.

I'm almost 50 and can afford a brand-new off-the-shelf computer, but where's the fun in that? When I'm done I'll know how this beastie works, why it works, and I will have made it myself. ;)

P.S.--I'm sorry for the strident tone earlier, I should be less brusque. I never dreamed even a month ago that, with the help of all the great people here, I would learn so much about computers--let alone actually do something I've wanted to try for years. When I'm this close I don't quit. :)

And after you have the first one up and running, you will wonder "Why was I so scared to take that first step!"

Been there myself. :D

But on the same token, I agee that building is not everyones bag, even though after you see how the hardware is all tied together, you will have a better idea of some of the concepts [ yep $50 word] of how a comnputer basically works.

Sure makes for easier troubleshootin.

Just got the case and mobo/processor today. Now it's no longer a mess of parts, but a computer needing assembly...as well as a few more things. I changed my mind and decided to buy new DVD/CD-RW units, a floppy reader for my older stuff and a flash-media card reader. Recycled components have lost their appeal for me (104456, you were right!). Any recommendations on brands for the DVD/CD units? I figure I'll buy two, so I can record directly from one to the other. Also, should I buy both with the write-ability, or make the second one a ROM unit? USB or IDE? Am looking in the US$50-60 range for each, ideally $100 max but I'm flexible. The media card reader will be handy for viewing pics from all the digital cameras the family has (one xD, two SD and I forgot the other one). Found this at Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820300606
Figure that ought to cover anything. Also, I do need an HSF and am buying this one:
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16835118119
It also comes available in copper/aluminum for $10 less, but copper has better coefficient of heat absorption. Anyone have thoughts one way or the other? And no, I didn't forget the Arctic Silver! Lastly, ordering two case fans, 120mm front and back, one blue and one red LED (just in case I decide to make/buy a see-through side cover) by Thermaltake; and a new keyboard/mouse combo by Logitech: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16823126136
Seems like a well-thought out combo, and my other Logitech stuff is bulletproof.
If I've forgotten anything by now, it can wait. This last order should be delivered early next week, then the fun starts. ;)

Drives, Lite-on/NEC/Sony, any colour preference? and i came across a nice combo card reader/drive, but its here in the UK, newegg don't seem to stock them, they have floppy drive/card reader drives which would be okay.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16821104104 - Its an internal USB drive.

Nice choice in Keyboard/Mouse, and Heatsink.:)


Liam

Made my mind up, going with the all-copper Zalman. At this point $10 is immaterial. Did see some combo floppy/card readers but those carried by Newegg didn't have xD format capability (our camera, natch). Color on the 5.25" drives? Going with white if possible, set off the blue case so says the wife. She thinks the project is wonderful, go figure...I thought she'd go into orbit when she learned of it but she sees the benefit. Guess I'll upgrade her laptop to 2GB memory and return the favor. ;)

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She thinks the project is wonderful, go figure...I thought she'd go into orbit when she learned of it but she sees the benefit. Guess I'll upgrade her laptop to 2GB memory and return the favor.

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Lol, its like an interior design project now, looking at colour samples? :D

Is everything being purchased "Retail"? as in, will you be sure to get everything you could need to get this baby going when it arrives e.g Drive cables(IDE/SATA) with motherboard.


Liam

Just thought of something: If I had two writeable CD/DVD drives, could they be set up to run different projects concurrently? For example, be burning an Excel project to one disk while viewing a DVD on the other?

They do have several 3 1/2" internal/external multi card readers here that will mount below a floppy drive if thats what your looking for.
https://discussions.virtualdr.com/im.../2005/08/2.jpg

Yeah, i think you can burn on 2 seperate drives, only if you have the drives on different cables(i think) 104456 will correct me if i'm wrong.


Liam

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Originally Posted by lgbpop

Was wondering about this type: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...4105&CatId=369
For the price, I may go this route and upgrade later; re-use the cheap one on my crash-test Compaq. :D

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Heres a PCI wireless card for less as to the fan its £54 + delivery over here or $74.95 to yous yankeeshttps://discussions.virtualdr.com/im...2008/07/10.gif

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Originally Posted by liam858

Lol, its like an interior design project now, looking at colour samples? :D

Is everything being purchased "Retail"? as in, will you be sure to get everything you could need to get this baby going when it arrives e.g Drive cables(IDE/SATA) with motherboard.


Liam

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If she likes Paisley she can have it as long as it gets completed! :eek: And yes, all of the necessary paraphernalia are included. Between mobo, PSU and case I'll have leftovers. Can't have enough cables! Someday I may post a pic of my desk drawer, designed for Pendaflex folders but full to the top with coaxial, IDE, AC, parallel port, you name it. 104456, I'm going with the Sabrent 42-in-1 reader. Saw the others but must have the xD compatibility. Fan is the Zalman 7000 for socket-A use, the other won't work sigh. Sure like that one, though...lastly, going wired. Running a LAN cord through the wall to my soon-to-be new office, only 7' from the router. Plug-in wall jacks on both sides, professional-looking if I do say so myself.