new system questions?

Not sure if this msg goes here or in hardware. Feel free to move it to correct
forum.

WinXP, Home, SP2

A couple questions for a new system -

The new system has an OEM version of winxp with 915G chipset vs old 875chipset.
It also has integrated sound from Intel and integrated graphics adapter 6200gt.

My plan is to upgrade the power supply from a 305W to a 500\550W, another SATA
drive, upgraded graphics card (BFG nvidia 6600GT PCI-X16), and my Audigy2
sound with front panel. I have all this except the power supply so far.

Questions:
1. System has a SATA drive with a "C" partition (Win, Active) and a "D"
partition that is used for doing a system recovery (I cant even look at "D ").
The "C" has a total of 144GB, 137 free.
The "D" has a total of 4.90GB, 1.64 free.

I have my previous HD, also a SATA, it contains Windows from MS with partitions C, D,
E, and F. I dont think i can use the windows version on this previous disk -
different graphics, different sound, different drivers, different chipset.
What happens if i install my previous HD with all my applications (duplicating
the C and D partitions?).

Is it possible to create new partitions (like E,F,G) without having to do a
re-format of the OEM harddrive?

2. Integral graphics: Havent been able to find out how to turn off the
integrated graphics at all.
Will the integral graphics adapter be set to turn off when windows finds the new graphics card?

More questions as they occur.

thank you,
savagcl

 

PeteC,

Thanks for the info Pete. Really appreciated.

As for your question - thats my next project, to build my own (between you and
Mattman and this latest fiasco from gateway) I'm convinced.

I do have Acronis Disk Director which will let me create partitions without losing
any data. Will try it first then just put my old HD in and see what happens.

thanks again,

 

I just removed the case cover and found out that GW is not using the
internal graphics on this system (but they were using it on the broken system
that they sent me). Makes me wonder if i bought a new system with used
parts...... Specially since there is a sticky on the primary monitor output plug
with a note to use the alternate monitor output plug (nVidia 6200).

Anyway, this system is using a nVidia 6200 GT (with turbo-boost) in the
PCI-E X-16 slot. Question now is will the power supply support a BFG 6600GT
graphics card, also PCI-E X-16?

Maybe i can save a little more money for my build-it-yourself system..

thanks,

 

PeteC,

Max output is 308 Watts.
Yes, i'm using the DVI output (the broken GW didnt have DVI at all).

Nothing seems to be straining so maybe i'll upgrade the graphics card then get
the integrated sound turned off and sound card gets put in.

Still have lots of software and utilities to put in. Not to mention the 30in
HDTV monitor, hummm, i might just use it as a HDTV not hooked to the PC
(table space is getting scarce).

The Acronis Disk Director worked fine, now have C, D, J, K, L partitioned. Will
hold my other HD as an emergency replacement.

Will post about the graphics card here, when i get rid of the honey-do list for today.

clif

 

Graphics card went in just fine, no problems there. Now if it will accept the
Audigy2 ZS and the front panel, i think i'm set (until i get ansy again).

clif

 

Audigy2ZS sound card/panel is in. Went well except for the DVD unit developed
a bind and wouldnt close completely, very close tolerance there between units.
A lot of little wires left over and i see the plugs on the card but no where for
the other end to go.....

Sounds better than the onboard sound from intel.

Next is the TDK CD-RW but i dont have a bay for it, need to get an external
case for it (soon).

I'm really surprised that the PS is handling it without an upgrade needed. Money
in the bank!

thanks for the support PeteC,

 

Hi PeteC,

Looks like a full load of 283W (with some fine adjustments for a PCI-E graphics card).
Since everything is not running at the same time, i think its OK.

Thanks for the link,

 

OK. I think i finally got this baby licked. Just a matter of installing some
software now.

Anyway, after all the muss and fuss, here is a pic (granted, nothing special but
i like it).
Well, at least until i can get some more money to start building my own.

Thanks for all the help,

 

well, that picture didnt work so good, did it.
will check into it.

savagcl