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Build your own PC

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by stitch, 2004/01/03.

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  1. 2004/01/03
    stitch

    stitch Inactive Thread Starter

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    As my husband bought himself a new computer we gave the old one to the children minus modem for thier games and school work. But it has developed big problems over time and i would like to build them a new one. The actual puting together poses no problems, its the ctual part to use that im not sure of. I cam use some of the pieces from the old one but i need help Please.
    This is what we have.
    6 years old
    A Open DVD 9632 drive (keeping?)
    Samsung 20gb HDD (keeping?)
    Mitsumi D359M3 Floppy Drive (keeping?)
    Monitor 14" (keeping?)
    Speakers (New)
    Creative Labs CT4810 Sound Card (????????????)
    3x ILR Dem DP100 SD64M PC100 322 memory (???????????????)Tornado TNT 2M64 (????????????????)
    Pentium 2 Processor with heat sink(??????chuck it????????)
    P4 ATA 300w CE Power Supply (new)
    Mother board? (2 things written on it not sure which is which)
    Intel APG Set FW8244 43LX
    F840 TD70
    SC2KK (????????????????)

    Intel PC (Set RW82 371E8
    L8381 519
    SL2MY (???????????????)

    Case (not a tower)(????????????????????)

    As this is for a 9year old and a 5 year old i dont need a fantastic up to date machine. most educational programs that we have run on very little spec. i have one or two that have suddenly stopped working though (keep crashing system) so would like to be able to run them again.
    Any ideas on what i need to go shopping for.
    Thanks
    Stitch
    :)
     
    Last edited: 2004/01/03
    stitch,
    #1
  2. 2004/01/04
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Hi Stitch,

    It would help to know what sort of problems you have been experiencing - may have a bearing on which components to salvage. Maybe the PC can be brought back to good health.

    On the face of it I guess you need to acquire .....

    Case for ATX board normally supplied with power supply - your existing mobo is almost certainly AT

    Budget Socket A motherboard

    Low end AMD processor - Duron/Athlon

    Say 64 Mb RAM minimum for Win 95/8, double that for XP - to suit mobo

    Recycle .......

    DVD drive
    HD - unless this turns out to be the source of your problems
    Floppy drive
    Monitor - unless you want a larger one, can always do this later
    Speakers
    Soundcard if PCI - ISA slots are a rarity today
    Likewise video card
    Mouse
    Keyboard
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2004/01/04
    stitch

    stitch Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hi PeteC
    Thanks for the reply.
    Problems.
    After doing a reformat to give the kids a cleen computer (got the reformat down to a T now) i had problems putting the driver in for the sound card, it would crash and reboot just befor it finished loading. Then i would no sooner get that sorted the graphics would dissapear on a couple of games, ones that had previously run fine. Tomb raider 3 for instance i now have either a white screen or all the articles in the inventory are nearly transparent. unloaded reloaded had different problems each time. then i lost sound again. Had three 64mb memmory sticks but now it only reads as 2.

    Now dont get me wrong this comp is so old its teeth have fallen out. My husband only gave it to the kids because he got a new one after a huge power surge, which came down the phone lines during a storm blew the modem and it wasnt worth fixing when he is into gamming a big way and wanted a new one anyway we just thought the kids could get some use out of it.

    Im now thinking that more damage was done than just the modem.

    I just get confused when looking at all the different parts that i will need.

    Forgot to mention other than the 20gb hdd there is also a 4gb inside which doesnt register at all since i did the first reformat this could be used for the kids rather than the 20 if its damaged as 4 will be more than enough for what they need

    i would like to replace the case, mother board (intel 440LX(EX) legend?????? this info from mobo driver cd) , and sound card, and processor, first. the graphics card is only 2 years old so i thought it might go in a newer board. and if there are still problems with graphics i could then replace that too. not sure about if the memmory will fit new boards so again might have to get new, i just dont know what to ask for in the shop or on line.
    any ideas?????
    Thanks
    Stitch
     
    stitch,
    #3
  5. 2004/01/04
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Hi Stitch

    I get the picture now - and I think you're right - the power surge probably fried much more than the modem.

    I see you're in the UK so I'll put together a list of parts from my favourite supplier - www.dabs.com - for a budget rebuild - give me a day or so.

    Two questions - which OS do you expect to use and can you tell me if the video card is PCI or ISA - is the Tornado the video card?
     
    PeteC,
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  6. 2004/01/04
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    PeteC,
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  7. 2004/01/04
    stitch

    stitch Inactive Thread Starter

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    The Graphics is
    Tornatdo TNT2 M64 AGP 4x 2x
    thats the one on your link, and as to OS I have windows 98, 98SE and XP all origionals and all mine. would prefer to use 98 or 98se rather than xp. (xp came with new laptop but i used old code from previous laptop with xp. was told origional xp and key code were worth a bit so might come in handy one day)
    Kids dont need xp any way
    Thanks for your help with this.
    Stitch
     
    Last edited: 2004/01/04
    stitch,
    #6
  8. 2004/01/05
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Stitch

    I have PM'd you with a list
     
    PeteC,
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  9. 2004/01/05
    stitch

    stitch Inactive Thread Starter

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    WOW
    That was quick.
    Thank you very much, i will look up the items sugested and as far as the prices you gave i think they sound more than reasonable, i was expecting much more. You didnt mention graphics cards in your list i am hoping that the one i have is still usable but if it isnt i will be sure to get back to this board for some helpful sugestions
    Once again THANK YOU
    Stitch
    Will let you know how i get on
     
    stitch,
    #8
  10. 2004/01/05
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    You're welcome :)

    You mentioned that you would try the existing video card first so I passed that by on the list.

    Good idea to get suggestions from the Board - my computing is heavily graphics oriented - Photoshop and I have no need of the fancy cards used for games. Come to think of it I don't have a single game loaded - apart from XP's defaults :) Having said that I was once deeply into Doom.
     
    PeteC,
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  11. 2004/01/14
    stitch

    stitch Inactive Thread Starter

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    Pete
    Hope you see this and can help
    I have just about decided to use my XP on the childrens computer rather than 98SE as then it will be more up to date and i can pass on any updates from either my laptop or my husbands computer. One problem though How do i register it when i am not putting a modem in. XP only gives 30days to activate it before it shuts down doesnt it. Will i have to ring microsoft for a special code or something
    Stitch
    PS I ordered all my parts after i pulled all the info of the DABS site and had a good nosey over them. Wanted to know what i was ordering and what it did etc. went for the 256 memory rather than 128. with any luck the memory i already have will also go in so that will be even better. Thanx:)
     
    stitch,
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  12. 2004/01/14
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Stitch,

    Absolutely no problem activating by 'phone and you will be given that option when the Activation screen pops up at the end of the install - from 'Help & Support' -

    " To activate Windows by phone.

    The Windows Product Activation Wizard is located in System Tools. To open a system tools item, click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click the appropriate icon., then click Activate Windows.
    Follow the activation instructions that appear on your screen.
    Notes

    Alternatively, you can open the Windows Product Activation wizard by clicking Start, then Run, and type in "oobe/msoobe /a ".
    If you do not have a modem or an Internet connection, you can activate your copy of Windows by calling a Microsoft customer service representative. Activating Windows is fast and does not require your name or other personal information.
    If you have not yet activated Windows XP, you can initiate activation at any time by clicking the Windows Activation icon in the system tray. Once you have activated Windows XP, this icon disappears from the system tray.If you choose not to activate now, reminders will appear periodically during the next 30 days. After that time has expired, you will be required to activate in order to continue to use Windows. "

    One point to bear in mind - updates downloaded via Start > Windows Update are downloaded and installed direct to the PC. If you want the updates to be saved to your hard drive for installation later or on another m/c go here :

    http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/catalog/en/default.asp

    Only snag is that you will need to know which updates you want as this site simply catalogues those available for download - it does not search your m/c like Windows Update.

    If you decide to fit a modem just for updating - and most critical updates are only really necessary if you are connecting to the net, then don't forget to put some antivirus software on first, with the latest virus definitions and turn on the XP firewall before you connect.

    Therehave been several posts here of folk who failed to do this and were zapped within milliseconds of connecting to the net - even to Windows Update.

    Good luck with the build.
     
    PeteC,
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  13. 2004/01/14
    RayH

    RayH Inactive

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    If that DVD ROM works, it's DEFINITELY a keeper. The firmware probably doesn't have any region coding in it. The region is controlled by Windows and software.

    This could be handy if you're into ordering movies from overseas!
     
    RayH,
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  14. 2004/01/22
    stitch

    stitch Inactive Thread Starter

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    Pete help

    Started to put the computer together but have a problem.
    When i try to put the mother board in it is to high for the pannel at the back. This is because i have put the brass standoffs in some raised parts of the tray if i remove the the standoffs it would go in fine but then the mother board would be sat on the tray of the case itself. this i thought was wrong???? the standoffs are the same height as the raised bits inside. the raised parts match exactly the holes for the screws.
    Any ideas
    Thanx
    Stitch:confused:
     
    stitch,
    #13
  15. 2004/01/22
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Stitch,

    I am not familiar with that case, but it is for an ATX board - have checked, and it is listed on the Dab's site below the description of the motherboard, also ATX.

    Two thoughts - I guess you have replaced the I/O plate in the case (the plate that locates the rear ports) with that which came with the motherboard? This is not likely to affect the height, just the arrangement of the port holes.

    Secondly are the brass standoffs exactly the same height as the 'raised' portion of the case - if they are slightly higher it would suggest that the motherboard fits here, obviously without the standoffs, but with an insulated washer between the board and the case. Were any washers supplied with the case - in the bag of screws. Any instructions with the case?

    You are correct in thinking that the mobo should not touch the case.

    HTH
     
    PeteC,
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  16. 2004/01/23
    stitch

    stitch Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hi Pete
    The stand offs are exactly the same height as the raised parts of the case. No washers came with it at all. The raised parts are sections of the case which have been cut out and sort of stretched upwards to form what i can only describe as looking like a bridge. these have holes in the top to ***** the motherboard down to. i suppose i could get sleightly bigger brass standoffs and som washers from our local shop. it would make the fit a bit tighter to the back plate but it would go im sure??????????
    What do you think. I realy dont feel happy about fastening it straight to the raised parts as some one told me to (local person near my home).

    One thing that did come with it is a funny little object its like a small but deep battry size disc with two wires coming out the top????????what is it////no instructions for it

    One other thing. the cables, I know where they all go and to what they are fastened to except the little tiny small ones at the front of the case, the ones for HDD LED, Power, +5v, ground etc. these are confusing. (no wire named for the front USB ports) the manual that came with the motherboard gives some direction but the names on the wires are sleightly different. there are about 20 pins i believe and 14 single pin wires not quite sure about which goes where. if i give you the exact name and colour of the wire any chance you could help with that too. I can feel i am so close to having this licked i can taste it. Kids are excited but are having to wait while i sort out these last two problems.


    Sorry to be so long winded
    Stitch
     
    Last edited: 2004/01/23
    stitch,
    #15
  17. 2004/01/23
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Hi Stitch

    The old brain is a little clearer this morning :) Coincidentally I have just built a new superfast PC (2 hrs to build - 2/3 days to load software and tweak!) and had a 'minor' problem with my Internet connection which was bugging me - thankfully now solved thanks to the guys on the Board.

    If you think about it - and I clearly didn't yesterday - the mobo is connected directly to the case via the standoffs anyway. So, if I understand you correctly the raised portions of the case are small, individual bridges - like an inverted 'U' and mimic the standoffs both in height and (very) approximate size?

    If this is the case connect the mobo directly to them - this is clearly 'by design'.

    Yes, the small wires you mention can be a pain - not only to identify, but also to fit, and there does not appear to be a universal standard.

    Post the details by PM and we'll sort it out that way.

    I'm in most of the day and will keep checking back - and keep those kids calm :D
     
    PeteC,
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  18. 2004/01/23
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    I wonder if this is the case speaker for the BIOS beeps.
     
    PeteC,
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  19. 2004/01/23
    stitch

    stitch Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks Pete
    Will get details to you when i get home from work (just after 4)
    stitch:)
     
    stitch,
    #18
  20. 2004/01/23
    stitch

    stitch Inactive Thread Starter

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    Pete
    I have PM'd you twice as the first got swollowed by mistake before i finished. Hope you can make head nor tail
    Stitch
    Taking Kids for McDonalds with there friends Might keep them quiet for 5 mins
     
    stitch,
    #19
  21. 2004/01/23
    bubba169

    bubba169 Well-Known Member

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    about the standoffs if you are concerned about the MoBo touching the case you can cut some small peices of rubber (I've used and old innertube out of a bicycle tire before) and make a set of insulating washers just put them between the raised part of the case and MoBo.

    As for the case wires I have often had to cut the connectors in order to make everything line up. I used an Xatco knive (razor knive used in crafts) to seperate the connectors but be careful not to cut the connectors off.

    Bubba169
     
    bubba169,
    #20
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