OT: computers

Wardad · #1 April 3rd, 2003, 05:58 PM

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 · #2 April 3rd, 2003, 06:00 PM

- 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.

Quote:

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 · #3 April 3rd, 2003, 06:13 PM

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 · #4 April 3rd, 2003, 06:39 PM

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 · #5 April 3rd, 2003, 06:54 PM

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/

Wardad · #6 April 3rd, 2003, 07:26 PM

looks GOOD to me...but...
I'd upgrade to a Western Digital Hard Drive,
I do not know about the Motherboard Brand and would look for reviews on the web.

[ April 04, 2003, 16:39: Message edited by: Wardad ]

Instar · #7 April 4th, 2003, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 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...

Not to say you're wrong Wardad, but you can redrill the holes on an AT case to get an ATX case, and the AT PSU can be rewired as well... but I would not want to do it, and I am good at computers!