OT: computers

[Hunkpapa]

Okay I tried to figure out to the best of my ability what I have.

Bought an off the shelf Compaq Presario 7470.

Processor AMD-K5-2 533Mhz
Upgraded to 512 168 pin DIMM SDRAM
I have 1 CD-R drive and space for a 2nd but no corresponding hook-up for the wire inside unless I pull the 3.5 floppy.
20 GB memeory
I couldn't find out much more but did come across this information

VIA Tech 3038 PCI ?motherboard?
Board ID 648
Base Board 0648h

I e-mailed compaq to send me a part list, we'll see if I get it if so I will post it.

Here is what I want to do/have...

faster system/better processor
Have a 2nd disk drive for easier copying of disks
Install and ehternet card
Upgrade to WinXP
And possibly upgrade my hard disk space to 40 or 60 GB.

I will use it for gaming*, internet surfing, wordprocessing, digital photography and CD-burning

And suggestions...and again thank you.

*SEIV, Alpha Centauri, Jagged Alliance, etc., no 3-D/FPS games more strategy/sim based

[Iron Giant]

Originally posted by Hunkpapa:

faster system/better processor
Have a 2nd disk drive for easier copying of disks
Install and ehternet card
Upgrade to WinXP
And possibly upgrade my hard disk space to 40 or 60 GB.
I will use it for gaming*, internet surfing, wordprocessing, digital photography and CD-burning
*SEIV, Alpha Centauri, Jagged Alliance, etc., no 3-D/FPS games more strategy/sim based

Is there space in the case for an additional hard disk? It would be a shame to lose the 20 gig in an upgrade.
Is there a PCI slot avaiable in the case and motherboard for a network card?
What is the Wattage output of the powersupply? (230w - 250w - 300w - 350w - 400w)
What is your video card?

Random, off the top of my head idea:

AMD 1800+ - 512mb ram - new Motherboard (this is dependant on the powersupply being compatible and capable)
$150
Generic Network card
$30
Windows XP
$100
60 Gig hard disk installed as D:
$75
Good case fan well placed to increase air flow in the case
$20

$375 and that includes shipping. It saves your 20 gig and your burner and your video card and gives you a reason do do it yourself.

Even better idea if you can afford it: Do the above AND buy a brand name computer so you have 2 computers. When you are building a computer and don't have one thats already working, you tend to cut corners to save time.

*WARNING* I can't help you if something goes wrong. None of these parts will have a warranty to speak of (some RAM and processors are 30 days!). If you need a computer to do your job, or if you don't think its worth learning to do this yourself, buy a full computer.

[Wardad]

I think Hunkpappa would have too much upgrading to do to make it worth while.
My old AMD-K6 was not worth the effort because it was an AT format case, not the AT-X case.
The AT connectors and their locations are different from the AT-X, so the keyboard, power supply, and case can not be reused. (motherboard upgrade).

Maybe you can keep it as a second system and drop a network card in it.
Then you could play SEIV head to head.
Or maybe you can give it to a poorer relative, like I did.

Check out this link:
http://www.pcclub.com/systems_config...p&bomid=EN-ME6

Less money, but I suggest you upgrade the memory and hardrive a little...
http://www.pcclub.com/systems_config...p&bomid=EN-PF4

These system do not come with a monitor.
My old monitor was not plug-n-play and that became too much of a setup pain.

The hardrive can be partitioned. The system will act like each partition is a seperate drive.

I hope I am helping you...

[ April 03, 2003, 16:03: Message edited by: Wardad ]

[Suicide Junkie]

- A second floppy? I haven't used mine in ages, but you can get them for about $5. With a CD burner, you can get a rewritable disk for a buck or two, and carry a 650 meg "floppy" around There is free software around which will make it act exactly the same as your standard 3.5" floppy (except bigger, and faster).
- All you need in an ethernet card comes in at under $25. If its much more than that, it will be loaded with useless features, like the ability to turn your computer on remotely.
- WinXP may or may not be an "upgrade", depending on your point of view
- You can easily boost yourself into the 1500 Mhz range for $150 these days.
- DVD burners are about the same price ($150). If you just want a CD burner its less ($50), and read-only CDs go for $20.
- Hard Drives are roughly $1 per Gigabyte of storage, with almost 200 Gig drives appearing lately. Going from 60 to 80 will probably cost you only $10 more, depending on the store.

I have 1 CD-R drive and space for a 2nd but no corresponding hook-up for the wire inside unless I pull the 3.5 floppy.

The floppy and the CD/Harddrive cables are not the same size.
Usually, the CD and Harddrive cables have three connectors on them (one at each end, and one in the middle), and motherbords come with two connections for them. That gives you room for a total of 4 CDs and HDs.
The floppy cables are set up in a similar way, so adding a second drive will be easy.

If need be, you can buy fresh "IDE" cables for $1.99

[Thermodyne]

All of the advice here is good, but let me give you a little word to the wise. Do not try your first major upgrade on your only computer. And be careful of upgrading name brand computers, some of them use proprietary designs on the motherboard, power supplies, and cases. These
can make upgrading very difficult. Also, be sure that you have access to someone who is
experienced and willing to help you if things don’t work out. My first home built started with the motherboard DOA. I was instantly in over my head.

Look at Dells site, they have a 2GHz P4 w/17”moniter for 599 right now. Add a $45 dollar
CD reader and some memory to that and it will be just what you need. Then if you want to try
home building, buy a book on A+, read it and practice on the Compaq.

[ April 03, 2003, 16:15: Message edited by: Thermodyne ]

[Wardad]

good advise Thermodyne..

I have seen old DELLS, Compacs, and others that had custom power connectors and motherboard sizes.

It kills your abiltiy to upgrade later.

The DELLS with the better processors and graphic cards started at $799.

[Hunkpapa]

It looks like it is a no go with upgrading what I have effectively, thnak you all for the input.

Dell seems to be the best deal mentioned, any thoughts on this company...

http://www.buyabs.com/