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Train: Found it. It's the Asus CUSL2 mobo. Intel 815e chipset. Has had excellent reviews. A real good one for overclocking/gaming. Still, if one isn't into gaming all that much, but wants a workhorse, I think that Abit 133BX may be the way to go. Only problem I see is future upgrading. Looks like GeForce 2 vid cards are quickly becoming "standard". The BX boards will run them, but as I said earlier, will not run at full potential (i.e high graphics games/applications)--but unless one is really into that, they're not going to see the difference very readily.
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bistro
Knew it was out there but, could not find it to save my ....
Also, I figure being more to the high end of the line It should have a long useful lifespan upgrade wise.
Q_O_H
A normal motherboard can take 4 ide devices only.
EXample
cd-rom
Harddisk
Zip
cd-rw
But, with the promise card.
Normal channel
Cd-rom
zip
tape
cd-rw
on ATA100 [promise]
4 harddrives [read lots of storage]
If you have 2 harddrives on the same ribbon it is slower to read from and write to the other as it has to interrupt as it read from one stops then writes to the other. Hope this makes cents https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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Lots of things to consider isn't there? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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greengoose
all kinds of compromises
Take your pick https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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Train and bistro:
I have a question for you.
You are aware of the problems Intel has had with the 815 chipset aren't you? Compaq even has a patch on its website for its computers that use the 815 chipset. Unfortunately, we (the company I work for)continue to have problems with the computers constantly freezing up. Even after the patch has been applied!
[This message has been edited by sdtech (edited 01-21-2001).]
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Haven't heard of problems with the 815; just the 810 (slow) and the 820's (lots of problems and will be pulling them out).
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No, thanks for the head up sdtech
Time to do some more research I see.
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Yes, thanks Train. I understand now. Can't chew gum and walk at the same time. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
I sure am glad you guys know what all those numbers mean. I am beginning to understand why you would want certain slots and numbers of them.
https://discussions.virtualdr.com/Thanks bistro,
Then the PCI Modem would be a good thing. Wouldn't want something that would become extinct. (got one of those already https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ )
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Spent last night tweaking the Prophet II MX card--managed to raise the benchmark score over 580 points. There's a slick little freeware utility called NvMax that has a lot of tweaks for the card--sits in the system tray--works very well. Also overclocked it slightly. If ya'll get that card, I'll post the NvMax settings that seem to work for my system as far as maximizing the performance.
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HUH? Wuts this all about?
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http://www.jtessi.com
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Well, Viper! Speak of the devil ! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
I was just looking at the video cards. Ok call me a stinge... https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ even selfish.... but is there any reason to not spend half as much on a 32MB video card ?
My kids will never know the difference. I will delete this if you try to email and tell them I said that!
What does (bare card) mean?
EDIT:
https://discussions.virtualdr.com/Nevermind...I see:
Intel Pentium II, AMD-K6-2 or compatible CPU
[This message has been edited by Queen_of_Hearts (edited 01-22-2001).]
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QOH: recommend not skimping on the video card. One can have a great system otherwise, but if it's a poor vid card, it's really all for nothing. Believe me, after a little while, you would kick yourself for not spending a little more for a quality card. Most of the good ones are averaging around 150. Anything well below that, I would take a step back and sniff the air...
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https://discussions.virtualdr.com/bistro,*sniff... sniff*
I see four listed. Which one did you get ?
32MB PROPHET2 MX 4X AGP W/B VIDHE100 31 $120.00
32MB DUAL DISPLAY VIDEO AGP W/B VIDHE103 10 $129.00
32MB PROPHET2 MX 4X AGP VIDHE101 6 $145.00
32MB PROPHET2 DUAL DISPLAY VIDEO 4X AGP VIDHE102 16 $159.00
[This message has been edited by Queen_of_Hearts (edited 01-22-2001).]
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Trying to determine why the big diff between number 1 and 3. (You don't really need the dual display models unless you have two monitors and need that kind of setup). That $120 for number 1 sounds just a little low---sure it's the Hercules Prophet II MX? (If so, snatch it up---good price).
There are other brands of GeForce II MX cards out there. Some good, some not so good.
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32MB PROPHET2 MX 4X AGP W/B VIDHE100 31 $120.00
I looked in the HELP page, to see what that meant:
What does White Box mean ?
A product is sold in a plain box as opposed to a retail box. Products shipped as White Box come with necessary software such as drivers. White Box often does not include extended software bundles and other promotional materials usually shipped with the retail version unless specified by us.
Kinda OEMy sounding, huh? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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I visited http://us.hercules.com/
https://discussions.virtualdr.com/I am very dissapointed. They misspelled a word on their fancy web page.
...tought? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/hmmmmm https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
EDIT:
https://discussions.virtualdr.com/oops! I mean -->disappointed
[This message has been edited by Queen_of_Hearts (edited 01-22-2001).]
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Q_O_H
Thank you for the list. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
That list of vid cards saves me some time.
The shock is when you read $130
and get there it reads $310 and they say typo https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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I was using pricewatch to find out how much the card would be. The only place listed for reasonable ones was microxpress. The others were hundreds. I'm still digging.
They ought to have to be held to it, even if it is a typo !
Sounded like a German accent possibly, created the graphics at the hercules site ? My German teacher in H.S. used to say words like that. turd = third. We, of course, got a big kick outta that. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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Unst you half a problum mein Frau? Nein? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ I'm here you unfortunate people just long enough to type this and ask you look at my post on 98. 'Tis strange but I almost think Mosaic was involved also. Be back in 20min. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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Bistro
What about the G450 Dual HD 32M? What do you know about it.
Yes, I would like the dual head set Up , I believe as I run multi windows open at times.
Like now.
EDIT: How is this for a can do list
This does not look bad either
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[This message has been edited by Train (edited 01-22-2001).]
[This message has been edited by Train (edited 01-22-2001).]
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4AM comes early. Nite All. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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Haben Sie gute Nacht eine grüne Gans. Traum des Erwerbes der Computerstücke. Morgens bilden Sie es Wirklichkeit. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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Q_O_H
Grun Gans... LOL ROFLMAO
Yes, I understood !!
Ich vohnan am Berlin fur drei jahre.
Berliner and bavarian = funnieeeee
He should try my 3 AM once in a while.
Night all.
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https://discussions.virtualdr.com/Tren, Engañé. Debo confesar? Ningún español tampoco. VivÃ* en San Antonio por casi 20 años.
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Morning All, Give the QoH an inch and watch out. I just will never learn. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ Later. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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Oodgay Orningmay....and I only know enough Spanish to order at Taco Bell....
Qoh: yes that sounds very, very OEMish. Would steer away from those. Sometimes can find a real deal, but it's like a box of chocolates....
Well, throw me in the briar patch, but last night I was getting more and more bugged about the low benchmarking scores for that card. Something wasn't right---knew that it shouldn't be that low. Did a registry dig and came up with zilch. So I did the radical thing--reformat and clean install. Put the latest drivers on and benchmarked again. How's a jump from 2225 to 4646 sound to you? That's right--the card is up to snuff and works perfectly on this BX board--probably even better on the Abit BX133-RAID. Thought it might have something to do with that 2.0 compliance (I'm sure it helps, but...). That 4646 score is right up there with other scores reported on the 3DMark forum. Not the highest, mind you, but I really didn't care about that; just that whatever the bottleneck was, it's gone. Ran the 3dMark demo that puts the card through some paces also--absolutely great.
So if you're gonna get this card, get the real thing--avoid those "plain box" deals unless the vendor would let you try it out first (and you could also wait for a cold day in Hell....).
[This message has been edited by bistro (edited 01-23-2001).]
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https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ouyay eekspay igpay atinlay ! What part of "Pig" are you from, bistro ? or did you learn that in the service like Train, as well?
Ok no OEM or White Boxes. I was wondering about that bundled software omission business anyway. Wouldn't want it to be the easy install part of the software.
Are we certain about the board now ? I'd like to order a couple more parts. But if we decide not to get one thing... then I'll have to switch other things. Should I wait? I know we want the WD hard drive for certain. And the Sound Blaster Live sound card. Could also pick up the CDROM and floppy drive, and the RAM.
I'm just itchin' to spend some money !
EDIT:
I did a little reading in a couple of forums, yesterday. Searched on the Prophet II to see what popped up and it looks like everybody's happy from what I saw.
You sound pleased, too. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
[This message has been edited by Queen_of_Hearts (edited 01-23-2001).]
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Very pleased with the card. I think you will be too--and you won't have to upgrade it for quite a while--just upgrade the drivers from time to time.
EDIT: One note on the Hercules--the bundled software package isn't all that great--Hercules drivers (better to use the latest Nvidia drivers), Thief II (already had it--great game, by the way...), a few demos. Didn't buy it for the bundle anyway--just wanted the card.
[This message has been edited by bistro (edited 01-23-2001).]
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https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
I have spent money! I picked up a floppy drive, Mitsumi 48X CDROM and Sound Blaster Live sound card. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Ready to figure out how those glides work.
My friend is checking into prices for me on the other stuff. I'll hear back this afternoon.
He said he uses another brand of Video card that is the same chipset as the Hercules Prophet II in the ones he builds https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ Have you heard of such a thing, bistro ?
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https://discussions.virtualdr.com/I have them in. Two bays filled!
The CDROM used no screws just little tiny tabs. I put one screw in each side of the floppy drive. It used the flimsy looking glide. I put the CDROM in the top bay of the 51/2" orifice and the floppy drive into the top bay of the 31/2". They just slid in and kinda locked into place.
NEXT!?
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Yep. There are a few other companies that make a vid card with the same chipset--uses the same Nvidia drivers and everything. Leadtec for one. You'll get the same results. Just that I trust Gulliemot (makers of the Herc)--most of the reviews I've seen concerning GeForce 2 MX cards used the Hercules; a few used the Leadtec; even fewer the Creative version.
Concerning the slides--you don't screw them on like the "generic" type. Place them on the sides of the device with the silver 'clip' towards the front so that it angles outward (NOT inward)--it will extend just behind the front panel of the device. Those tiny protrusions on the inside of the bracket fit into the screw holes on the device. Put the front protrusion into the front hole, then gently "snap" the rear protrusion into the rear hole. (This is sounding really weird, eh? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/) Then holding the brackets in place, line them up with the bay glides and gently push the device back into bay (take off the case front panel first!)--should push back then "snap" into place. The device will appear to be sticking out too far, but with the case front panel in place, it should line up--test it with the front panel in place.. If the device is sticking out too far, take it out and re-align the brackets. All depends on how many holes are provided on the device (2 or 4)--may have to line up the brackets with the top holes or bottom ones. The bottom bay of that S500 case does not use glide brackets--just regular mounting with screws.
One thing I noticed though, on the top two bays--there are these 1/2 inch nubbins towards the back of the bay(s) that stopped me from pushing the CD's back far enough to snap into place--don't know why they did that. Wrote to them concerning this and haven't received an answer yet. Ended up having to take a needlenose and bend them inwards (towards the hole they were cut out of) and then slide the CDs in. Must just depend on the make/model of CDs--some long, some shorter. Still worked great--devices snapped in and were perfectly aligned with the front panel on. Be gentle with those brackets (you did order extras, didn't you? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/). those little protrusions can bend and break fairly easily.
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'course I did ! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Your protrusions along with my orifices? Yep... sounds pretty bad. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
They went in perfectly. I like the way the front covers snap in and out. in case I want to move something later.
Hey...in the bag of screws. (lots of little bags now) was a tiny little black plastic screw looking thing. Kind of a little cap or cover for a hole...know what that is?
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That's a cap button to place into any one of those "dimples" where the mobo is mounted; just in case the mobo doesn't have a corresponding hole there to screw into. Keeps the mobo "wiring" from coming into contact with the case at that particular point. Probably won't need it with the BX133-RAID board.
https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ protrusions, holes, dimples....what a sexy case...
[This message has been edited by bistro (edited 01-23-2001).]
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https://discussions.virtualdr.com/Naturally...you picked it! Shore am glad it wasn't the Alien ! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
My friend just called and has some prices on my stuff. He also said he has some RAM that will work in this old computer. I'm fixing to go by there and get it. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ It's used but who cares.
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https://discussions.virtualdr.com/MY Lord ! I am flying the CONCORDE ! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ This is amazing!
I had 24MB. He gave me two sticks of 32MB and I took out two sticks of 4 MB (6 slots 3 pairs of 4MB)to put them in. You should see how long it took for all those numbers to roll around when I booted up !
It went all the way to 81920 !
Nevermind. I don't need a new one! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ When you finally get over the thrill of watching those numbers roll around...you can speed up your boot time by going into the BIOS and enabling Quick power on Self Test.
That'll speed up your boot. You should be seeing quite a difference in speed on that system of yours. But you ain't seen nuffin' yet, girl. When we get through, you'll need a seat belt on that chair you're sittin' on. Just wait until I have you run a 3DMark2000 demo on your new system.... https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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https://discussions.virtualdr.com/It'll be a while before I tire of lookin' at it. I have shut down three times. So silly ! It is really a big difference. Something's missing. Like the sound of popcorn popping.
Windows fly open instead of gradually filling the page. And when I close one, it snaps right off instead of lagging, turning white and grinding for thirty seconds.
I really have not noticed any big difference in the loading of web pages. I guess that has to do with the connection, and not RAM.
hmmmm ...maybe I need 256MB instead of 128MB on the new system ? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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Q_O_H
Your 4 doing it already, ehh. Upgrade the upgrade. [Welcome to the club https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ ]
bistro
Found that they make a Hurcules 3D Prophet II MX dual head. Interesting indeed.
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$150 at Amazon.com
https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Need to be at work at 4 AM. Night folks
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[This message has been edited by Train (edited 01-23-2001).]
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Hi All, Made it. My complements again Bistro on your written instructions. I could again "See" what you were saying. Those how tos you're putting in are great. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
QoH, you have again accomplished what no other person has ever done with technical writing etc. Absolutly the first XXX technical writing ever. How do you expect Bistro to keep focused? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
An outlaw bunch if I ever ..., Train. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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