Preserved Topic: Journey With Me Into My Upgrade

I've purchased plenty of peripherals and upgraded many a hardware component, but I have yet to build an entire system from the ground up. That is, until tonight.

In what some may interpret as an exhibitionistic attempt at letting others peek into my personal life, I am going to allow everyone who would like to bother reading this topic to follow along as I delve into what will more than likely become a drawn-out roller coaster of emotions. Witness my joy, feel my pain, share my frustration and marvel at the widening hole in my wallet as I try my best at building a system that will properly handle Premiere 6. Oh, and speed up everything else.

So, with a belly full of Mahatma Red Beans and Rice, I begin...

I went to Fry's yesterday and purchased the following items:

• 1 Lian-Li PC-7 aluminum case. I didn't intend to spend this much on a case, but it was the only one that satisfied my needs without ordering one online and I didn't want to wait 3-5 days.
• 1 generic 425W P4 power supply.
• 1 VIA P4X-266A motherboard. I wasn't 100% sure about this board, but read ahead.
• 1 Intel Pentium 4 1.80(A)GHz processor. The motherboard and processor came as a package deal, whereby I essentially got the mobo for free. Plus, I read some decent reviews for the mobo online so I wasn't totally skeptical.
• 1 IBM 61.4GB Deskstar hard disk. On sale for $79.
• 1 512MB DDR DIMM. Not the best brand, but not the cheapest, either. Get the feeling I'm trying to build a budget PC?
• 1 blue, round floppy cable.
• 3 blue, round IDE cables.

I have assembled these essential tools, as well:

• 1 electric screwdriver.
• 1 pair of scissors for opening those stubborn packages.
• 1 patented Texas Twisted screw and jumper holder. (Purchase your own here.)
• 1 Anger Bunny. A gift from an ex-girlfriend, I take my frustrations out on this little, blue bastard rather than throwing my power supply through my monitor.
• 8 hours of 80s hits. (Not pictured.)
• 1 frosty-cold, personalized beer glass. Most important.

My current graphics system is called Fat Man and my lower-end, everyday system is Little Boy. For now, we'll refer to the new system using the code name Silver.

I will be moving certain items, such as my RAID, from Fat Man to Silver. Fat Man will later become my new everyday system. Little Boy's fate is yet to be determined.

Stay tuned...


[This message has been edited by Wes (edited 06-27-2002).]

alright, got my popcorn, you peculiar geek you. Get after it Weswee.

Jason

Hmmm

I like the second picture.

Cool ! with a complete parts list, this could turn into a * Yes, you, too can build the Graphics Computer of your Dreams * ( or the Texas Twisted Picture Viewer ) tutorial.

Where`d ya get the popcorn, JK ? Everything down in the Mad Sci Lab smells like fish...

I found a veritable pantload under me couch cushions Bob, you're welcome over anytime, my cell's quite posh actually.

Jason

Whip It

I know what you're saying. "It took you that long to install the motherboard, processor and memory?"

Hey, get off my back. It's a free show.



(BTW, I'm not bothering to color-correct these images, so forgive me if they look like crap.)

Burning Down the House

Had to track down something to ground myself with. It wasn't the best solution, but some framing wire attached to the case and wrapped around my arm seemed to do the trick. Then I freaked when the SN on the board didn't match the one on the box. All was good, though, when I found the sticker with the actual SN on it. (They look exactly alike!)



Those mobo spacers were a pain to get in, too. Had to use a pair of pliers to snap the buggers into place. And believe you me, I was paranoid about handling that processor. I don't like playing with $200 compressed into something the size of a Wheat Thin. And clipping that big-ass heat sink/fan onto it made me nervous, too.

But, now I've reached the point where I'm dealing with things I'm used to.

I Wanna Be Sedated

Needless to say, I've cracked my first beer.


[This message has been edited by Wes (edited 06-27-2002).]

Sweet Dreams Are Made of These

I sigh a sigh of pleasure as I discover I've placed my card table/work area in a spot where the air conditioner vent is aimed. The halogen lamp I'm using to light Silver's innards is rather hot. I'm also reminded to turn my box fan back on; I turned it off when I was handling the touchy bits because the sound made me nervous.

Rock the Casbah

So, I got the power supply installed. Had to remove it and turn it over, though, to prevent the cables from having to cross right over the CPU fan.

Got all the basic power and mobo connections together: all three fans, LEDs, switches, front-case USB extensions (which were a pain in the ass).



I just hate that I have to assemble the whole thing before I can even test to make sure all this stuff is working.

Excuse me...I have to recycle my first beer.

In the meantime, let's ponder the age-old question: Which is better, "99 Luftballoons" (the German version) or "99 Red Balloons" (the English version)?

I think I'll turn in, let you get a little deeper into that playlist 'fore I return...

it'll work fine =)

oh yeah, luftballoons

Jason

Good Show Wes!

*sits back with a wicked smile... and waits for someting to go wrong*

by-the-way... Did you eat a pear today?

Izzay

Hooooo........boy.

So, I was afraid this play-by-play was getting a little boring, so I thought I'd throw in some nudity.



Yes, I have a gymnast's calves. A feature second only to my big, kissable bottom lip.



It's been a while, but here's the update. I've installed a floppy which matches the brushed-aluminum case so well, as well as an HP CD-RW, which also matches it so well. The 3.5" cage is so easy to slide out and fastens back in with three thumb screws. (I'm loving this case more and more.) Note the product placement.



And those round, blue cables look so pretty. I can't wait to install a window in the case. And talk about air flow! I really do hate ribbon cables. I'm surprised that round cables are such a recent development. Or maybe I'm just behind the times.



As you can see, I've begun to cannibalize Fat Man and Little Boy (top and bottom, respectively). Where do you think I got the floppy and CD-RW?

I've installed an old 8MB video card in Little Boy for now and shifted the others upwards. I couldn't spend another $150-$200 on another video card and I'm pretty happy with what I've got for now. Budget, budget, budget!

So, I'm sucking on another in a series of beer (that's plural, like "deer") and thanking the gods for another guest appearance on The Screen Savers by that hotty geek Sumi Das as I get ready to see if my Frankenstein's Monster will live.


[This message has been edited by Wes (edited 06-27-2002).]

Rag Doll

Well, boys and girls, I've reached a dead end. I didn't expect to so soon, but here it is.

I turn the machine on, it waits a few seconds, then emits a long, sustained beep.

I've disconnected the floppy, the HD, the extra USB connections...I've checked the case connections (the power light didn't work at first, but it does now that I've flipped it)...and I get nothing but that long, sustained beep.

It's starting to sound more and more like "Return meeeeeee!"

Thanks for the jynx, eyezaer.

Guess I'll get some sleep before I have to disassemble this damn thing.

So close, yet so PISSED OFF. C'mere, Mr. Anger Bunny...


[This message has been edited by Wes (edited 06-27-2002).]

*sits on edge of chair bunny eyed*
will it be hi-ho Silver or will the fat man return to fend off the aluminum crusader?
Find out at this theatre, same time, same place. . . .


~We're not here for long, we're here for fun~

Ohhh, this is getting interesting...c'mon Wes! Don't give up!! Mind over matter!

Get that thing going, then get this thread into a 'tut' form...it's turning into a gem...

*roots for Wes* Go Wes! Go Wes!

Talk about drama - I'm on the edge of my seat I'm not sure about anyone else but I suspect the problems started when Wes began drinking his own urine:

quote:

---

Excuse me...I have to recycle my first beer.

---

Which is OK(ish) for a couple of cycles but once the toxins start building up we get psychosis and Anger Bunny abuse.

I'm curious to know if a good nights sleep has helped provide the answer?

___________________
Emps

FAQs: Emperor

LMAO! this thread is great. this must definatley be archived.

Keep on smiling WES....you'll get that beast running. This thread was a great idea to, by the way.

EG

*saves the nudie pic, zips it, password protects it*



njuice42 Cell # 551
icq 957255

*!YES!* i knew it was not Just me that always had problems startin a new system!

Sorry 'bout that tho... blah.

by-the-way... Did you eat a pear today?

Izzay

Hahaha look at that leg ..... hehe nice wes, loving this step by step how build a comp .

I love that case, I wanted on of them but could find a decent place in the UK to buy it from. Did the Anger Bunny come in handly any time?

*Takes a seat up top row, gets a drink and some popcorn and watches to see if it boots up fine *

Good morning, all.

Sleep has not helped. I can't think of a single thing that could be wrong; there's not even that much connected together. Since I can't even get the thing booted into the BIOS, it has to be a motherboard problem. I guess that doesn't surprise me, they were practically giving the things away and too many of them had returned/inspected stickers on the boxes.

I didn't figure such a cheap mobo would work out, but I had to give it a shot. I'll just be returning it today. Guess I'll wait till tomorrow for their new ad and see what deals they'll have this weekend.

Blast it, I was hoping to do this cheap.

Did you read your mobo manual about boot-up beeps? They do mean something, let me find my manual and rummage through it here...

Ah yes, here it is:

quote:

---

Award BIOS Beep Codes
? One short beep when displaying a logo - No error during post (in other words, WOO it works!)
? Long beeps in endless loops - No DRAM installed or detected
? One long beep followed by three short beeps - Video card not found or video card memory is bad
? High frequency beeps when system is working - CPU overheated, system running at a lower frequency

---

Now those codes were just for my mobo (ASUS A7V), but take a look at your manual if you haven't already. It might be a small thing, or something you just have to take back.

Checked the manual over and over; nothing in there about beeps.

If they're anything like your beeps, then it would be a memory problem. But, I checked it -- it was in there right. So, if it wasn't detecting it, then it could be the mobo or bad memory. Ugh...and I don't feel like driving all the way out there to exchange a DIMM, then come all the way back and get the same result, then have to go back to return the mobo...

With so many of the boards having been returned, I'm inclined to think it's just the board.

I guess I'll just pony up the extra bucks and get a nice Asus or one of those Soyos my dad just got.

Rock Me Amadeus

OK, so one of the qualities I hate most about myself is that I just refuse to give up. I'll waste hours and hours and build up unending stress not allowing myself to admit the game's over.

But, it seems to have paid off this time.

I figured this would work out one of two ways:

1. I start entirely over like I want to and get a new motherboard, then discover it was the memory the whole time.
2. I exchange the memory and end up with the same problem, then start over with a new mobo, pretty sure of the problem.
3. I exchange the memory and it works this time.

Option A would have enraged me, so I took my chances with B and C. And lookie lookie, who's got the cookie:



I'm going to eat some taquitos now and we'll begin where we left off.

So it was the memory then?

Oh good!

*tries to read the sticky notes*

Yep, 'twas the memory.

Things are progressing. Please stand by. Your browsing may be monitored for customer assurance.

[Muzak: The Girl From Ipanema]

She's Blinding Me With Science

Okay, boys and girls, we're on our way.



Once I got the memory working (go with Corsair, always go with Corsair), I reinstalled the hard drive and the floppy. Note the remaining IDE connection, waiting for the CD-RW. I just want to make sure these first two important drives are recognized properly.



I also reinstalled the video card I boosted from Fat Man, just in case I want to see something on the screen.



Ah, sweet CMOS/BIOS! Check, check, check. Everything set the way I want it. Exit and save.

Of course, it didn't turn out that easy. The floppy wasn't recognized. But, I turned the drive-side connection right side up and all was well. No, I hadn't been drinking; there was no notch!



Now, let's get that CD-RW in there so I can install Windows.

Boot. Error. Found the CD-RW, no HD.

Play with jumpers. Boot. Error. Found the HD, no CD-RW.

Play with jumpers some more, then realize I have the cable plugged in like a complete moron would do it. (See image above.)

Boot. Still error! OK, fine, completely turn the cable around and stick the other end into the board.

Success! I didn't realize these things were directional.

Now let's boot to that floppy...

(Edit: I screw these images up every time.)


[This message has been edited by Wes (edited 06-28-2002).]

~quickly runs off to the concession stand for *another* large popcorn~

Hmmmm... How's that anger bunny doing?




[This message has been edited by NoJive (edited 06-28-2002).]

Oddly enough, the Anger Bunny has gotten off pretty easily. But, I predict the hardest is yet to come.

So, here's what I've been up to. I've formatted the new drive and I've gotten the Windows 2000 installation to start successfully, but had to take a detour and take care of some other business we won't discuss here. I'll just say I was scouring the local Half-Price Books stores.

And since I was in the area, I thought I'd stop by and see the parents. Plus, I thought it would be a good idea to borrow a spare monitor, keyboard and mouse from my dad. My KVM switch only has two ports and it's getting to be a pain trying to use all the sytems at once.

Oh, and I took care of something else just slightly important...I ate.

The spicy chicken sandwich, spicy curly fries and jalepeno poppers (also spicy) should keep me up long enough to get the system running.


[This message has been edited by Wes (edited 06-28-2002).]

...or just until your ass explodes

Ohhh, this could get messy! *tries to picture the explosion, shudders*

Go Wes! Go Wes!

Now it's starting to get complicated...installing an OS known for it's failability...hehe...let's see if Wes survives this with all his hair intact...

Hmm, didn't know Windows 2000 had a reputation for failing. Actually, it's the most stable OS I've ever used, which is one of the reasons I'm using it on this new system. (If that sounded defensive, that's just fatigue setting in.)

The problem was with something I don't remember having such trouble with before. Anyway, I've found a way that I would never encounter it again. What? Nothing. Eat your popcorn.

OK, so the OS is installed and the drive partitioned into two logical drives, both formatted. I also flashed the BIOS to the most recent version. Many things to come.

For now, I sleep...

Awww...now that is computer love...

Go Wes!

Hehe, wes what happened? two bottles of polar beer and you out!! I know it' strong but come on

Nice to see it up and running fine and not a big bang and a puff of smoke .

*Asks the person next to me is it over?*

This is so funny. What a good read.

I don't think that I have ever seen round IDE cables before!! Those are just too sweet.

Later,
C:\


~Binary is best~

brings back memories of building my own system recently... *sigh*
That A: drive cable will throw you one! Everything else has a notch, why not that one?

quote:

---

I don't think that I have ever seen round IDE cables before!! Those are just too sweet.

---

Actually, they're becomming quite popular - especially with the case mod freaks. Plus, the REALLY help with airflow.

Wes, this is really cool, I take it you'll be putting up these pictures and commentary on your site? This could be very useful for someone building a computer for the first time.

-jiblet

And if you want more ideas...... http://www.fast-mhz.com/casemods/index.shtml

*stands up clapping, whistling*

BRAVO! BRAVO! WOO!

*slowly realizes everyone's eyes on him, and the errie silence that soon follows.*

Umm... *sits back down*... coo, man, coo.

njuice42 Cell # 551
icq 957255

This is really fun reading while listening to the 'Asylum Street Spankers.' GO WES! GO! You going along quite well! Keep it up man! 'The Infernal How - To Manual to Building Your Own Computer for Beginners' by Wes! hehehehehehe!



'Me no here. Me go bye. Leave me message. Me reply.'

Wolfen's Sig Site

btw Wes, I really like the 'tunes!' <lol> What's playing now?

go wes, go wes, go wes, go wes...

Let's Dance

Darkshadow - Those are just two of the many Shiner Bocks I had the other night. After the spicy food last night, I didn't think beer would be a good idea. And don't jynx me! I've got a long way to go.

CPrompt - Just wait till I install the window.

Jiblet - I've been taking many more pictures in case I have the time to put together a sort of tutorial for the GN, if they'll have me.

Magic Man

So, hello all. I'd say good morning, but when I first started to write this earlier today, it somehow got lost and I didn't feel like retyping it. I picked up someone's shift tonight at the station and I wanted to see what I could get done, which turns out, wasn't much.



As I mentioned earlier, I picked up some extra peripherals from my dad so I could work with all three computers without constantly having to switch out cable connections. Makes things quite a bit easier, although I don't like to think what kind of radiation that old monitor is throwing at me.

So, I poured myself a cup of coffee, checked the newest ways I could lower my insurance costs and increase my bust size, and got to work.



I dug out an old network card to stick in Silver so I could more easily acquire software updates. When I tried to stick it in, however, I remembered its an ISA, a slot for which does not exist in Silver. So, I had to pull out my 10/100 PCI from Fat Man, put that in Silver and put the 10Mbps ASI in Fatty for now.

I also found a really long patch cable so I could run Silver into my router located over on my desk.

Setting up the connection, I discovered a strange problem. The long, orange cable would work from the computer directly to the modem, but wouldn't work with the router. Any other cable would. Just the orange cable and just when connected to the router. Weird. The Anger Bunny took a beating over that one, I can tell you. I really hate networking.



So, this introduced a proximity predicament. I was forced to put the router on the floor under my work table and pull the modem over to the end of the desk. However, I was able to connect to the Internet and begin installing drivers and Windows updates. (I do, however get a strange connection error that I will ask you networking gurus about later.)

Paul Revere

Had to run to my parents' place during my dinner break to borrow a patch cable from my dad so I could get all three computers hooked together. (I'm so glad I got the 4 port router.) While I continue updating SIlver, I'll get these others to talk to each other again.

I'm off again tomorrow, so I've broken out the beer and will try to update you guys on my progress as often as possible.



Argh! Wheeling back and forth between the desk and the card table has just caused me to run over my toe!

And just a quick note while I'm running Windows Update...

I gotta tell ya, I'm in geek heaven here. Playing with three networked computers, listening to 80s pop and watching Doctor Who on PBS!

Tom Baker was such a badass. And that Sarah Jane...I think I still hold her up against every woman I meet.

Takes me back to my C64/RMAC days. If only I had one of those thin, 99-cent microwave pizzas...

I could swear ive seen 99cent frozen pizza down here. If you live in fort worth it's only a 200 mile trip down south just head down I-45

----------------------
how did I get in a cell?
Cell 650

The world can always use a new website...
MetalHead Magazine

Well, I tried posting this last night (i.e. 4:00 AM), but it was all lights out at the Asylum. So, here it is today:

Let's Dance

After completing all the necessary Windows updates, meanwhile discovering that my headphones will reach all the way to the toilet*, I get back to the fun hardware stuff.



I removed the Promise RAID card from Fat Man, as well as both 60Gb hard drives from their fan-cooled drive docks. I quickly discovered that those drive docks didn't keep the drives as cool as I thought ? couldn't hold the drives in my hand they were so toasty.

The dual 80mm fans in Silver, though, should keep them pretty cool in their new cage. And as for those drive docks, I've got plans for at least one of them later. (I'll give you one hint: I'm a paranoid, precautious son of a bitch.)

The RAID card popped in quite easily onto the new motherboard, at which point I discovered Silver will automatically boot up if you poke him. Oops ? forgot to pull the plug first.



The drive cage, which holds 5 drives, BTW ? perfect for upgrading that RAID ? slides in easily and fastens down with two thumb screws. (Did I mention I like this case?) Mounting those hot drives into the cage warmed up that cage pretty quickly, too, which assures me that it will act as somewhat of a heat sink, making it easier for those fans to blow the warmth away.



And more blue, round cables just to add to the coolness.

Brass Monkey

Boot-up went nicely. No need to set the array up again or reformat the drives after moving them. You just have to make sure you plug the same drives into the same IDE connections. All the data is preserved. (It was, of course, properly backed up, though, just in case.)

You know, there's really not much else to say here. RAID transfer = incredibly painless. Flash the BIOS, update the Windows drivers, reassign the drive letters the way I want them, and that's that.

The true test is yet to come, though. Gotta make sure my DVRex works well with this motherboard. I'll wait to relieve myself of that tension till tomorrow I think.


*Yes, I'm one of those people who actually tries not to disturb his apartment neighbors, although it's really not about respect as much as it's about not getting my cute little ass kicked. And on the way to the toilet, I once again realize what a pain it is having to step over all those blasted patch cables. But, I give the Anger Bunny a good head squish for it with each egress.

I have made an enormous mistake.

One of the problems I had when choosing a case was that I had to make sure the DVRex card had room. You see, the Rex card is a good 12" long.

So I had to make sure that the case, with all its drive cages, had clearance for the card. This is another reason I didn't want to order a case online. I wanted to physically measure the cases to make sure there was a spot for the Rex. I did so with this Lian-Li.

There are 7 slot openings in the case. The top one I left for the AGP slot. The next one down was for the first PCI; I could plug the Rex in there. Would the Rex bump into the built-in 3.5" drive cage? Nope. Would it clear the top of the removable drive cage? Yes. A 12" card using the 2nd slot opening down would indeed have room.



However, the top slot opening in the case isn't used with this motherboard. the AGP aligns with the 2nd opening down and the first PCI with the 3rd. Therefore, there isn't room for the Rex.

There are 7 slots in this board and 7 slot openings in the case. It made total sense that they would line up correctly. I assumed that CNR slot, whatever it was, was meant to use the bottom opening.

My only choice now is to remove the drive case, stick the RAID drives back in those docks and put them in the 5.25" bays above.

Or I could (a) spend another $1000 and get the newest Canopus card, which I believe is shorter, or (b) shop around for another motherboard that will fit. I never really came across another case that came close to working without getting a monster tower.

So, anyone want to buy a DVRex? I'm serious. It's an incredible editing system. I love it. The card is just long. I'll give you a good deal and I'll throw in Premiere 6.

No thanks...got my EZDV and ADVC, I'm all set...came with Premiere 6...bargain at AU$1500.

Koan 63, written on the wall of cell number 250:
Those who Believe
Can
Those who Try
Do
Those who Love
Live

This is fascinating. I have started a FAQ on building/upgrading a computer:
http://faq.ozoneasylum.com/672/

and customising/modifying your computer:
http://faq.ozoneasylum.com/673/

so throw in any tips and resources you know of.

DS: I've thrown in some links to some case manufaturers in the first one and there are various (UK focused) sites for buying computer stuff in both so you might be able to track down a case manufaturer. Have a look at the Frozen Case aluminium cube though

Wes; Keep up the good work We might need an Anger Bunny Rescue Center though by the end of this

___________________
Emps

FAQs: Emperor

Emps: added an apple site that had case mod ideas. applefritter.com



'Me no here. Me go bye. Leave me message. Me reply.'

Wolfen's Sig Site