From pberry2 at cfl.rr.com Sat Oct 1 09:43:52 2005 From: pberry2 at cfl.rr.com (patrick) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] View EXT2/EXT3 partitions, from windows Message-ID: <200510010943.52302.pberry2@cfl.rr.com> http://www.fs-driver.org/ is the website I found, for this 'freeware' any comments? Suggestions? It allows one to view, modify, files over 'there' on other partitions, with out re-booting into Linux! -- Patrick Berry, USAF (Ret.) http://af.mil http://counter.li.org http://knopper.net/knoppix http://distrowatch.com http://livecdlist.com http://linuxiso.org http://yolinux.com http://safeharbordome.com http://monolithicdome.com http://minidome.net http://fairtax.org From tim at mcdonough.net Sun Oct 2 12:05:41 2005 From: tim at mcdonough.net (Tim McDonough) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Samba Config Question Message-ID: <43400555.1040600@mcdonough.net> I have a Debian Linux system that runs Samba 3.0.14a to serve up files for a home network with 3 Windows machines. How can I configure Samba so that there is one directory that is available to anything on the network without having to enter a login name or password? Everything works as I want it for other directories for specific accounts/users. -- Tim From philb at philb.us Sun Oct 2 13:56:17 2005 From: philb at philb.us (Phil Barnett) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Samba Config Question In-Reply-To: <43400555.1040600@mcdonough.net> References: <43400555.1040600@mcdonough.net> Message-ID: <200510021356.17615.philb@philb.us> On Sunday 02 October 2005 12:05 pm, Tim McDonough wrote: > I have a Debian Linux system that runs Samba 3.0.14a to serve up files > for a home network with 3 Windows machines. How can I configure Samba > so that there is one directory that is available to anything on the > network without having to enter a login name or password? Everything > works as I want it for other directories for specific accounts/users. To my knowledge, there is always a user associated with SMB shares. But, you can put the user id and password in the fstab that automounts the share like this: in /etc/fstab //smb/pub /mnt/dir smbfs username=me,password=XoXoX 0 0 -- Don't think that a small group of dedicated individuals can't change the world. it's the only thing that ever has. From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Mon Oct 3 12:46:32 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Intel, Microsoft to support HD DVD, not BlueRay ... Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F1148@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> http://www.betanews.com/article/Paramount_to_Support_Bluray/1128357330 Paramount has just announced its hopping the fence to join the Blu-Ray group "after more detailed assessment and new data on cost, manufacturability and copy protection solutions". Interesting. The question is: which format will the porn industry support (the porn industry's support of VHS pushed it to become the defacto standard in the 80's over the superior Betamax)? -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From b.j.smith at ieee.org Mon Oct 3 14:47:36 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Antec Midsize ATX w/120mm fan and 350W ATX 2.0 PS for $39 AR ($69 OtD) Message-ID: <20051003184736.93454.qmail@web34107.mail.mud.yahoo.com> CompUSA.COM had an Antec Midsize ATX with a 120mm outtake fan and a 350W ATX 2.0 power supply (12V1=10A, 12V2=15A) for $39 after-rebate (AR), $69 out-the-door (OtD). I bought one and it's the best steel ATX case deal I've seen in awhile with It basically cuts 2x 5.25" bays off of the old SX1000 series (a good 4" lopped off the height, and a little off the depth too), adds a nice 120mm outtake fan (as well as a 80mm "intake tube above CPU" on the side) plus the moern ATX 2.0 power supply. I'm using it for my old Abit BP6 dual-Celeron for now (with an older ATX 1.0 PS), and the top two (2) of four (4) 5.25" bays have enough clearance for two (2) long, removable hard drive bays. The cooling may not be the ultimate (like a Lian Li PC-1x000V or Silverstone TJ-06), but it's "good enough," and the weight isn't that much over the Antec LanBoy Alumnium (which costs twice as much without a PS). http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=312799 CompUSA also has an Antec 500W ATX 2.0 power supply on-sale for $59 AR. It has much higher output on the 12V1 (16A I believe?) and 12V2 (17A I believe?), as well as one SSI WS (aka PCIe) power 2x3 connector. Not bad for the price if you want a true 500W (this one rates at 490W overall) without stooping to el'chepo brand. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From b.j.smith at ieee.org Mon Oct 3 15:06:41 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Socket-754 SFF (9.5x8.3x12") nForce3 Barebones Kit for $129, $144 with 8xDVD+/-RW Message-ID: <20051003190641.98045.qmail@web34107.mail.mud.yahoo.com> If you've already got an AGP card, but are interested in moving to Athlon/Sempron 64 in a small form-factor (SFF) with a good chipset and on-board peripherals, this might be it. At 9.5" x 8.3" x 12", it's almost a good 1.5-2" smaller in every dimension than my Chemning MicroATX cube. Being alumnium, it should weight 3-4lbs. less too. It's clearly a proprietary mainboard (only 1 AGP x4/x8 and 1 PCI slot), although I'm not sure about the PS (possibly MicroATX?). PS is only 220W, so don't throw a GeForce 6800GT in there, although a GeForce 6600GT or lower might do just fine. All kinds of goodies on-board, including FireWire, optical audio in/out and 6 USB ports. 1x 5.25" ext, 1x 3.5" ext and 1x 3.5" int. The enclosure with PS, mainboard and cabling can be had for $129. Or by using another code, you can get it with a Sony DRU-530A 8x DVD+RW/+R (that also does DVD-R/RW). http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=hu61&sourceid=qIZmQ0F-YnD5AlnvzEkG&cm_ven=CJ&cm_pla=0039448524&cm_ite=hu61 -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From b.j.smith at ieee.org Mon Oct 3 15:08:16 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Socket-754 SFF (9.5x8.3x12") nForce3 Barebones Kit for $129, $144 with 8xDVD+/-RW In-Reply-To: <20051003190641.98045.qmail@web34107.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <20051003190817.60101.qmail@web34104.mail.mud.yahoo.com> "Bryan J. Smith" wrote: > The enclosure with PS, mainboard and cabling can be had for > $129. Or by using another code, you can get it with a Sony > DRU-530A 8x DVD+RW/+R (that also does DVD-R/RW). > http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=hu61&sourceid=qIZmQ0F-YnD5AlnvzEkG&cm_ven=CJ&cm_pla=0039448524&cm_ite=hu61 Here's the link with all the codes needed for either of the 2 configuration options/prices: http://dealnews.com/deals/FIC-Ice-Cube-IC-HU61-Barebones-System-w-Sony-8-x-DVD-RW-IDE-for-145/96888.html -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From b.j.smith at ieee.org Mon Oct 3 16:06:08 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Anyone have a GeForce AGP card they want to sell? Message-ID: <20051003200608.15905.qmail@web34110.mail.mud.yahoo.com> As irony would have it, I have a need for a nVidia GeForce AGP card. It can be any make, legacy, etc... -- from the NV11 MX to a NV34 GeForce FX5200 will do. I've lent out most of my cards, and I'm finding that a GeForce FX5200 PCI (yes, 32-bit PCI) is tying up too much I/O on my Abit BP6's shared PCI bus. BTW, I'm willing to swap 1:1, the FX5200 PCI for an AGP, if you're looking for a PCI (not PCI-Express/PCIe, this is 32-bit PCI) version. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net Mon Oct 3 19:28:22 2005 From: ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net (Austin Denyer (Ozz)) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. Message-ID: <20051003192822.758cbc15.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> Hi Guys. I'm looking for some advice on a power workstation. There is a choice of four. The first 2 are from Monarch Computers, the third is Penguin Computing and the last is from Dell. The main difference between them is the CPU. AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Dual-Core 1MB AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Dual-Core 1MB AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 (939) Dual Intel? Xeon? Processor 2.80GHz 2MB The box will be a business workstation, so high-end gaming-quality video is not required. Raw CPU and I/O is more important, but so is bang for the buck. It will be running Debian. What do y'all recommend? Here are the choices: 1. Case: 100159 - NO PS - Antec Performance One P160 ATX $125.00 PSU : 100992 - PS 430W - Thermaltake W0070RUC TR2 ATX 12 $49.00 Case Fan: 100887 - 120mm - Antec 120mm SmartCool Case Fan $18.00 MB: 110366 - BFG BFGRNVF4U NForce4 Ultra Audio/LAN/USB $112.00 CPU: 120243 - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Dual-Core 1MB $884.00 Thermal Grease: 800018 - Shin-Etsu G675 Thermal Grease $14.00 Memory: 140713 - DDR (400) 3200 - 1 GB (2 pcs 512) OCZ $127.00 1st Hard Drive: 150352 - SATAII - WD Caviar SE 160 GB $87.00 2nd Hard Drive: 150352 - SATAII - WD Caviar SE 160 GB $87.00 CD-RW/DVD-RW: 160236 - DVD?RW - NEC ND-3540A 16X DL DVD? $46.00 Floppy Drive: 170511 - TEAC 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy Drive $18.00 Video: 190504 - ATI (Connect 3D) Radeon X700 PRO 128MB DD $125.00 $125.00 Network Card: 280116 - 3Com 3C2000-T NIC 10/100/1000 $56.00 Order Total: $1,832.00 ================================================================== 2. As above but: CPU: 120241 - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Dual-Core 1MB $526.00 Total: $1,474.00 ================================================================== 3. Case: 100239 - NO PS - Thermaltake VA7000BWA Shark Full $150.00 PSU: 100122 - PS 535W - Enermax EG565P-FMA REV.2.0 ATX $80.00 MB: 110257 - Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe nForce4 SLI $165.00 CPU: 120465 - AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 (939) (Retail) $811.00 Thermal Grease: 800018 - Shin-Etsu G675 Thermal Grease $14.00 Memory: 140252 - DDR (400) 3200 - 1 GB (2 pcs 512) Corsair $204.00 1st Hard Drive: 150938 - SATA - WD (WD2500JD) 250 GB $117.00 DVD: 160620 - DVD-RW - Asus DRW-1608PBLK 6x-DVD $84.00 Floppy Drive: 170511 - TEAC 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy Drive $18.00 Video Card: 190325 - eVGA GeForce 6600 GT 128MB $160.00 Network Card: 280116 - 3Com 3C2000-T Gigabit NIC $56.00 Total: $1,943.00 ================================================================= 4. Dell Precision Workstation 470n Intel? Xeon? Processor 2.80GHz, 2MB L2 Cache Operating System Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS v4 for EM64T 64bit system w/ 1 YR RHN, w/ Media 2nd Processor (Must match speed selection above) Intel? Xeon? Processor 2.80GHz, 2MB L2 cache Memory 1GB, DDR2 SDRAM Memory, 400MHz, ECC (2 DIMMS) Keyboard Entry Level, USB, No Hot Keys Graphic Cards 64MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro NVS 280, Dual DVI or Dual VGA Capable 1st Hard Drive 160GB SATA, 7200 RPM Hard Drive with DataBurst Cache? without RAID 2nd Hard Drive 160GB SATA, 7200 RPM Hard Drive with DataBurst Cache? without RAID Hard Drive Configuration C1A- All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 2 drive total configuration Floppy Drive Options 3.5 inch 1.44MB Floppy Drive USB Memory Key 512MB Dell? USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Memory Key CD-ROM, DVD, and Read-Write Devices 48X/32X CD-RW/DVD Combo, Data Only Speakers Dell? two piece stereo spkrs Resource CD Resources CD contains Diagnostics and Driver for Precision Systems Hardware Support Services 3 Year On-site Economy Plan Mouse Pad Quick Reference Guide TOTAL:$2,347.00 ========================================================= Regards, Ozz. From jasonb at edseek.com Mon Oct 3 20:25:44 2005 From: jasonb at edseek.com (Jason Boxman) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. In-Reply-To: <20051003192822.758cbc15.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> References: <20051003192822.758cbc15.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> Message-ID: <200510032025.45058.jasonb@edseek.com> On Monday 03 October 2005 19:28, Austin Denyer wrote: > Hi Guys. > > I'm looking for some advice on a power workstation. > > There is a choice of four. The first 2 are from Monarch Computers, the > third is Penguin Computing and the last is from Dell. I may be the only one who had this issue, but when I called Monarch Computer for a quote for a small shop, I found their voice mail busy back in June or July. It was strange. I ended up buying a rackmount server from rackmountpro.com. For a personal purchase from Monarch, I ended up with this result[1]. Note that, despite my last update, I still do not have the credit applied to my card. I'm going to have to call and play phone tag again I suppose. Very irritating. Sigh. [1] http://edseek.com/archives/2005/08/25/boo-on-monarch-computer-for-taking-my-cash/ -- Jason Boxman http://edseek.com/ - Linux and FOSS stuff From damien at mc-kenna.com Mon Oct 3 20:58:50 2005 From: damien at mc-kenna.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. In-Reply-To: <20051003192822.758cbc15.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> References: <20051003192822.758cbc15.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> Message-ID: <4341D3CA.7090604@mc-kenna.com> Austin (Ozz) Denyer wrote: > There is a choice of four. The first 2 are from Monarch Computers, the > third is Penguin Computing and the last is from Dell. > The main difference between them is the CPU. > AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Dual-Core 1MB > AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Dual-Core 1MB > AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 (939) > Dual Intel? Xeon? Processor 2.80GHz 2MB > Of the three CPU types the Biathlon 64 X2 is the best chip for multitasking, i.e. when you want multiple tasks getting lots of CPU time and not just one all-for-nothing (e.g. gaming). Intel x86 processors aren't worth it these days. Some other thoughts: * You might consider getting some of the parts separately, e.g. the LG Electronics GSA-4163 or similar for about $50 including shipping will do the same as the drives you list *and* DVD-RAM, which is useful for workstationy things. * I'd suggest 2gig of RAM if you're really aiming at heavy multi-tasking big apps. * If you aren't after graphics performance you could save yourself some more and get a lower card, e.g. an nVidia 6200 (non-Turbocache). * Consider looking at nVidia Pro-based motherboards, they'll give you more I/O and have less of the useless bells 'n whistles like RAID or SLI that you won't want anyway. * The nVidia boards are better supported with drivers than ATIs. * I got a Radeon x700 Pro 128mb card a few months ago for $110-ish. * The nForce 4 chipset includes gig-E so why are you paying extra for it? * Read up on some of the recent HD threads here, the executive summary is that WD Raptors are the best to get, then Seagate drives, then WD "JD" drives, with just about everything else in fourth place. * The Dell is over-priced compared to the others for what you get. Unless you're doing heavy CAD, CAM, etc the Quadro video card won't be worth it. * Did you look at HP or Sun systems, they do some good Biathlon 64 / Deuteron systems these days. * Any reason you didn't consider building it yourself? Bryan, know of any up-to-date benchmarks between Deuteron systems with the nForce Pro chipsets and the 64X2s on the nForce 4 Ultra for workstation tasks? I've not seen any myself. BTW, Ozz, I'm exceedingly jealous :-P -- Damien McKenna, husband, father, geek. damien@mc-kenna.com - http://www.mc-kenna.com/ From whittake at sbaflorida.com Tue Oct 4 07:25:01 2005 From: whittake at sbaflorida.com (Homer Whittaker) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. In-Reply-To: <20051003192822.758cbc15.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> References: <20051003192822.758cbc15.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> Message-ID: <1128425101.28278.8.camel@sbaflorida> On Mon, 2005-10-03 at 19:28 -0400, Austin Denyer wrote: > Hi Guys. > > I'm looking for some advice on a power workstation. > > There is a choice of four. The first 2 are from Monarch Computers, the > third is Penguin Computing and the last is from Dell. > > The main difference between them is the CPU. > AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Dual-Core 1MB > AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Dual-Core 1MB > AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 (939) In re the 64 bit cpu, my personal advice is don't. I have had an amd64 bit machine for 6 or more months now and the 64 bit stuff stinks. I now run only 32 bit programs on the machine. I do not have Bryans technical knowledge on why or why not but I have used (not been able to) use(d) it. > Dual Intel? Xeon? Processor 2.80GHz 2MB > > The box will be a business workstation, so high-end gaming-quality > video is not required. Raw CPU and I/O is more important, but so is > bang for the buck. It will be running Debian. > > What do y'all recommend? > > Here are the choices: > > 1. > > Case: 100159 - NO PS - Antec Performance One P160 ATX $125.00 > PSU : 100992 - PS 430W - Thermaltake W0070RUC TR2 ATX 12 $49.00 > Case Fan: 100887 - 120mm - Antec 120mm SmartCool Case Fan $18.00 > MB: 110366 - BFG BFGRNVF4U NForce4 Ultra Audio/LAN/USB $112.00 > CPU: 120243 - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Dual-Core 1MB $884.00 Same as above. > Thermal Grease: 800018 - Shin-Etsu G675 Thermal Grease $14.00 > Memory: 140713 - DDR (400) 3200 - 1 GB (2 pcs 512) OCZ $127.00 > 1st Hard Drive: 150352 - SATAII - WD Caviar SE 160 GB $87.00 > 2nd Hard Drive: 150352 - SATAII - WD Caviar SE 160 GB $87.00 > CD-RW/DVD-RW: 160236 - DVD?RW - NEC ND-3540A 16X DL DVD? $46.00 > Floppy Drive: 170511 - TEAC 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy Drive $18.00 > Video: 190504 - ATI (Connect 3D) Radeon X700 PRO 128MB DD $125.00 If you are not doing games and high speed graphics, why the fancy video. Take a look at the Matrox cards, like G400 or G450. > $125.00 Network Card: 280116 - 3Com 3C2000-T NIC 10/100/1000 $56.00 > > Order Total: $1,832.00 > ================================================================== > > 2. > > As above but: > > CPU: 120241 - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Dual-Core 1MB $526.00 > > Total: $1,474.00 > ================================================================== > > 3. > > Case: 100239 - NO PS - Thermaltake VA7000BWA Shark Full $150.00 > PSU: 100122 - PS 535W - Enermax EG565P-FMA REV.2.0 ATX $80.00 > MB: 110257 - Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe nForce4 SLI $165.00 > CPU: 120465 - AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 (939) (Retail) $811.00 > Thermal Grease: 800018 - Shin-Etsu G675 Thermal Grease $14.00 > Memory: 140252 - DDR (400) 3200 - 1 GB (2 pcs 512) Corsair $204.00 > 1st Hard Drive: 150938 - SATA - WD (WD2500JD) 250 GB $117.00 > DVD: 160620 - DVD-RW - Asus DRW-1608PBLK 6x-DVD $84.00 > Floppy Drive: 170511 - TEAC 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy Drive $18.00 > Video Card: 190325 - eVGA GeForce 6600 GT 128MB $160.00 > Network Card: 280116 - 3Com 3C2000-T Gigabit NIC $56.00 > > Total: $1,943.00 > > ================================================================= > > 4. > > Dell Precision Workstation 470n > Intel? Xeon? Processor 2.80GHz, 2MB L2 Cache > > Operating System > Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS v4 for EM64T 64bit system w/ 1 YR RHN, w/ > Media > > 2nd Processor (Must match speed selection above) > Intel? Xeon? Processor 2.80GHz, 2MB L2 cache > > Memory > 1GB, DDR2 SDRAM Memory, 400MHz, ECC (2 DIMMS) > > Keyboard > Entry Level, USB, No Hot Keys > > Graphic Cards > 64MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro NVS 280, Dual DVI or Dual VGA Capable > > 1st Hard Drive > 160GB SATA, 7200 RPM Hard Drive with DataBurst Cache? without RAID > > 2nd Hard Drive > 160GB SATA, 7200 RPM Hard Drive with DataBurst Cache? without RAID > > Hard Drive Configuration > C1A- All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 2 drive total configuration > > Floppy Drive Options > 3.5 inch 1.44MB Floppy Drive > USB Memory Key > 512MB Dell? USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Memory Key > > CD-ROM, DVD, and Read-Write Devices > 48X/32X CD-RW/DVD Combo, Data Only > > Speakers > Dell? two piece stereo spkrs > > Resource CD > Resources CD contains Diagnostics and Driver for Precision Systems > > Hardware Support Services > 3 Year On-site Economy Plan > > Mouse Pad > > Quick Reference Guide > > TOTAL:$2,347.00 > ========================================================= > > Regards, > Ozz. > _______________________________________________ > Pc_support mailing list > Pc_support@matrixlist.com > http://lists.matrixlist.com/mailman/listinfo/pc_support From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Tue Oct 4 11:33:30 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F1183@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> > In re the 64 bit cpu, my personal advice is don't. I have > had an amd64 bit machine for 6 or more months now and the > 64 bit stuff stinks. As mentioned in other threads, the distribution you use makes a huge difference. Also, some drivers are much more mature than others, specifically the nVidia chipsets have better drivers than e.g. VIA. > > Video: 190504 - ATI (Connect 3D) Radeon X700 PRO 128MB DD $125.00 > > If you are not doing games and high speed graphics, why the > fancy video. Take a look at the Matrox cards, like G400 or G450. Unless he wants to waste motherboard resources and limit future upgrade abilities he should look for PCI-Express and not AGP or PCI. Matrox don't make any PCI-Express cards last time I looked, and even if they did they'd cost the same as better cards from other suppliers. The G4xx series are all AGP or PCI based, and he'd choke his system to use either. As I mentioned he'd be best to look at an Geforce 6200 (non-Turbocache) card and save the $50 when he doesn't want 3d power. -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From b.j.smith at ieee.org Tue Oct 4 12:11:53 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. In-Reply-To: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F1183@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Message-ID: <20051004161153.46361.qmail@web34107.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Homer-de-Hacker wrote: > In re the 64 bit cpu, my personal advice is don't. I > have had an amd64 bit machine for 6 or more months now > and the 64 bit stuff stinks. Hate to cross you Homer, but I think your issues have more to do with chipset (possibly distribution) than AMD64. I've been running with AMD64 on my personal workstation and build system for work (I tote it back'n forth) with Fedora Core 3/x86-64, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (and CentOS) 3 and 4/x86-46 with _no_ issues except manually re-packaging Firefox and associated bins, libs, plug-ins for it. If you're like me, I'm not building a full ATX system anymore. With the new GeForce 61x0 / nForce 4x0 in MicroATX, I _strongly_ recommend you go with these solutions for <<$100. The Socket-754 is just over $50, and the Socket-939 (which has dual-core options) start at $70. You get on-board video that does the job -- GeForce 6150 come with HDTV component out (including 1080p). Not sure about GeForce 61x0 support in Linux, but I assume all but the latest features work with the existing G7x drivers in the Standardware "nvidia" driver. If you want more of a full ATX, there are countless nForce4, 4x, Ultra and even SLI mainboards that are sub-$100. I highly recommend the nForce4. If you want more workstation, then look to nForce Pro 2200, possibly the 2200+2050, and with the AMD8131 if you want PCI-X busses (for 3Ware cards). Otherwise, the on-board I/O contention is solved quite well given the fact that the SATA ports are on their own, dedicated PCIe x1 channels (1 channel per 4 SATA ports). I can't believe how fast I can install software from CD/DVD now that the CD/DVD (ATA) and HD (SATA) drives are on different PCI busses. > Unless he wants to waste motherboard resources and limit > future upgrade abilities he should look for PCI-Express > and not AGP or PCI. Matrox don't make any PCI-Express > cards last time I looked, and even if they did they'd cost > the same as better cards from other suppliers. PCI-Express (PCIe) is now the future, and stability is most excellent. Especially on native PCIe designs like the GeForce 61x0, 6200, 6600 and 7800 series. OTHER BS NOTES: 1. Monarch Computer is getting a bad rap as of late. I'd avoid them. 2. NewEgg.COM doesn't offer pre-assembly w/burn-in as an option IIRC. 3. I haven't used them in awhile, but Multiwave (http://www.mwave.com) does offer pre-assembly w/burn-in as an option IIRC. They are close to NewEgg.COM in pricing in many areas (and I used to use them before I discovered NewEgg in 2001). 4. LG GSA-4167BK (black faceplace) is $42.99 at NewEgg.COM. No reason to buy any other drive -- it's got the best features (and the best Linux compatibility). 5. Dual-core (single socket) <= Dual-processor (dual-socket) when comparing AMD to AMD. In AMD, dual Socket-940 Opteron 2xx gets you 2x memory and I/O versus single Socket-939 Athlon64x2 or the new Socket-939 Opteron 1x5 (dual-core Opteron in Socket-939, uses ECC non-registered). 6. Now when it comes to Intel, dual-core v. dual-procesor makes _little_ difference. The memory and I/O in 2x Socket-604 versus LGA-775/Socket-479 can (and often is in low-cost mainboards) _no_better_. It all depends. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From b.j.smith at ieee.org Tue Oct 4 13:02:35 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. In-Reply-To: <20051004161153.46361.qmail@web34107.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <20051004170235.29208.qmail@web34105.mail.mud.yahoo.com> "Bryan J. Smith" wrote: > 3. I haven't used them in awhile, but Multiwave > (http://www.mwave.com) does offer pre-assembly w/burn-in as > an option IIRC. They are close to NewEgg.COM in pricing in > many areas (and I used to use them before I discovered > NewEgg in 2001). Actually, I don't see it anymore, but that might be because I didn't go through some steps. Both they and NewEgg have bare-bone kits, although I think NewEgg is more "vendor created" kits whereas MWave has some of their own. In any case, if you just want PCIe and 64-bit on the cheap, the Sempron 64 2800+ (1.6GHz, HT800, 256KB L2) is probably the best "Bang-for-the-Buck" right now in the Socket-754 mainboard (only 1 DIMM required), especially the new GeForce 6100 + nForce 410 combination that is ultra-cheap. MWave actually bests NewEgg in pricing there, and will test the mainboard + CPU + memory and ship you the 64-bit version of FarCry for free: http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=MB-BA21790 $ 67 for the Sempron 64 2800+ AMD retail box $ 58 for the Biostar GeForce6100-M7 S754 mainboard $ 46 for 512MiB Crucial DDR400 $ 9 for assembly/testing I tried to add the Aspire X-QPack w/420W ATX 1.0x PS, but there were no options for assembling futher that I could see. If you're not looking there, as far as cheap mini-tower ATX cases with an ATX 2.0 PS included, the Antec w/350W ATX 2.0 at CompUSA this week for $39 AR ($69 OtD) is one I personally bought and recommend. The CPU intake cylinder is nice on the side, and the 120mm outtake in the back does the job. Plus it's tool-less entry, drives, etc... (you never have to take the backpanel off). -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From b.j.smith at ieee.org Tue Oct 4 13:13:03 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. In-Reply-To: <20051004170235.29208.qmail@web34105.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <20051004171303.11912.qmail@web34101.mail.mud.yahoo.com> "Bryan J. Smith" wrote: > MWave actually bests NewEgg in pricing there, and will test > the mainboard + CPU + memory and ship you the 64-bit > version > of FarCry for free: > http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=MB-BA21790 > $ 67 for the Sempron 64 2800+ AMD retail box > $ 58 for the Biostar GeForce6100-M7 S754 mainboard > $ 46 for 512MiB Crucial DDR400 > $ 9 for assembly/testing It looks like they have the specs wrong for the page (I noted the same, incorrect specs on just the CPU page by itself too). It's clearly the 64-bit, otherwise the mainboard selection would not be Socket-754 (compared to the page for the Socket-462 ones). Someone copied specs and didn't check. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Tue Oct 4 13:13:48 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F118B@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> > Homer-de-Hacker wrote: > > In re the 64 bit cpu, my personal advice is don't. I > > have had an amd64 bit machine for 6 or more months now > > and the 64 bit stuff stinks. > > Hate to cross you Homer, but I think your issues have more to > do with chipset (possibly distribution) than AMD64. Yeah, that one was pretty well covered in a leaplist thread last week or so. > I've been running with AMD64 on my personal workstation and > build system for work (I tote it back'n forth) with Fedora Core > 3/x86-64, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (and CentOS) 3 and > 4/x86-46 with _no_ issues except manually re-packaging > Firefox and associated bins, libs, plug-ins for it. I've got Ubuntu/64 running on my home Athlon64 (nForce4 mobo) just fine. Took a little tweaking because I've got an ATI card, but its fine now. > I can't believe how fast I can install software from CD/DVD now > that the CD/DVD (ATA) and HD (SATA) drives are on different > PCI busses. That's probably one of my problems at home, 8x speed DVD-R burning often fails using Nero on our GSA4163 (Maxtor 160gb IDE HD) while the P4/1.8ghz POCompaqS works fine every time... Confuses the heck out of me. I'm looking to get an SATA drive soon, hopefully it should boost performance in this regard. -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Tue Oct 4 13:16:18 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:19 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F118C@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> > That's probably one of my problems at home, 8x speed DVD-R > burning often fails using Nero on our GSA4163 (Maxtor 160gb IDE HD) > while the P4/1.8ghz POCompaqS works fine every time... Oh yeah, *and* my PC at work (P4) has a PCI video card adding extra bandwidth & CPU wasting to the equation. -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From whittake at sbaflorida.com Tue Oct 4 09:40:46 2005 From: whittake at sbaflorida.com (Homer Whittaker) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. In-Reply-To: <1128425101.28278.8.camel@sbaflorida> References: <20051003192822.758cbc15.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> <1128425101.28278.8.camel@sbaflorida> Message-ID: <200510040940.46974.whittake@sbaflorida.com> Before you sink big bucks into an amd64 system I suggest that you hit and/or subscribe to debian-amd64 and/or suse-amd64 pages. The comments are voluminous, to say the least. Homer On Tuesday 04 October 2005 07:25, Homer Whittaker wrote: > On Mon, 2005-10-03 at 19:28 -0400, Austin Denyer wrote: > > Hi Guys. > > > > I'm looking for some advice on a power workstation. > > > > There is a choice of four. The first 2 are from Monarch > > Computers, the third is Penguin Computing and the last is > > from Dell. > > > > The main difference between them is the CPU. > > AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Dual-Core 1MB > > AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Dual-Core 1MB > > AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 (939) > > In re the 64 bit cpu, my personal advice is don't. I have had > an amd64 bit machine for 6 or more months now and the 64 bit > stuff stinks. I now run only 32 bit programs on the machine. > I do not have Bryans technical knowledge on why or why not but > I have used (not been able to) use(d) it. > > > Dual Intel? Xeon? Processor 2.80GHz 2MB > > > > The box will be a business workstation, so high-end > > gaming-quality video is not required. Raw CPU and I/O is > > more important, but so is bang for the buck. It will be > > running Debian. > > > > What do y'all recommend? > > > > Here are the choices: > > > > 1. > > > > Case: 100159 - NO PS - Antec Performance One P160 ATX > > $125.00 PSU : 100992 - PS 430W - Thermaltake W0070RUC TR2 > > ATX 12 $49.00 Case Fan: 100887 - 120mm - Antec 120mm > > SmartCool Case Fan $18.00 MB: 110366 - BFG BFGRNVF4U > > NForce4 Ultra Audio/LAN/USB $112.00 CPU: 120243 - AMD > > Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Dual-Core 1MB $884.00 > > Same as above. > > > Thermal Grease: 800018 - Shin-Etsu G675 Thermal Grease > > $14.00 Memory: 140713 - DDR (400) 3200 - 1 GB (2 pcs 512) > > OCZ $127.00 1st Hard Drive: 150352 - SATAII - WD > > Caviar SE 160 GB $87.00 2nd Hard Drive: 150352 - > > SATAII - WD Caviar SE 160 GB $87.00 CD-RW/DVD-RW: > > 160236 - DVD?RW - NEC ND-3540A 16X DL DVD? $46.00 > > Floppy Drive: 170511 - TEAC 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy Drive > > $18.00 Video: 190504 - ATI (Connect 3D) Radeon X700 PRO > > 128MB DD $125.00 > > If you are not doing games and high speed graphics, why the > fancy video. Take a look at the Matrox cards, like G400 or > G450. > > > $125.00 Network Card: 280116 - 3Com 3C2000-T NIC 10/100/1000 > > $56.00 > > > > Order Total: > > $1,832.00 > > ============================================================ > >====== > > > > 2. > > > > As above but: > > > > CPU: 120241 - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Dual-Core 1MB > > $526.00 > > > > Total: > > $1,474.00 > > ============================================================ > >====== > > > > 3. > > > > Case: 100239 - NO PS - Thermaltake VA7000BWA Shark Full > > $150.00 PSU: 100122 - PS 535W - Enermax EG565P-FMA REV.2.0 > > ATX $80.00 MB: 110257 - Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe nForce4 > > SLI $165.00 CPU: 120465 - AMD Athlon 64 > > FX-55 (939) (Retail) $811.00 Thermal Grease: > > 800018 - Shin-Etsu G675 Thermal Grease $14.00 Memory: > > 140252 - DDR (400) 3200 - 1 GB (2 pcs 512) Corsair $204.00 > > 1st Hard Drive: 150938 - SATA - WD (WD2500JD) 250 GB > > $117.00 DVD: 160620 - DVD-RW - Asus DRW-1608PBLK 6x-DVD > > $84.00 Floppy Drive: 170511 - TEAC 1.44 MB 3.5" > > Floppy Drive $18.00 Video Card: 190325 - eVGA > > GeForce 6600 GT 128MB $160.00 Network Card: > > 280116 - 3Com 3C2000-T Gigabit NIC $56.00 > > > > Total: > > $1,943.00 > > > > ============================================================ > >===== > > > > 4. > > > > Dell Precision Workstation 470n > > Intel? Xeon? Processor 2.80GHz, 2MB L2 Cache > > > > Operating System > > Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS v4 for EM64T 64bit system w/ 1 > > YR RHN, w/ Media > > > > 2nd Processor (Must match speed selection above) > > Intel? Xeon? Processor 2.80GHz, 2MB L2 cache > > > > Memory > > 1GB, DDR2 SDRAM Memory, 400MHz, ECC (2 DIMMS) > > > > Keyboard > > Entry Level, USB, No Hot Keys > > > > Graphic Cards > > 64MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro NVS 280, Dual DVI or Dual VGA > > Capable > > > > 1st Hard Drive > > 160GB SATA, 7200 RPM Hard Drive with DataBurst Cache? > > without RAID > > > > 2nd Hard Drive > > 160GB SATA, 7200 RPM Hard Drive with DataBurst Cache? > > without RAID > > > > Hard Drive Configuration > > C1A- All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 2 drive total configuration > > > > Floppy Drive Options > > 3.5 inch 1.44MB Floppy Drive > > USB Memory Key > > 512MB Dell? USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Memory Key > > > > CD-ROM, DVD, and Read-Write Devices > > 48X/32X CD-RW/DVD Combo, Data Only > > > > Speakers > > Dell? two piece stereo spkrs > > > > Resource CD > > Resources CD contains Diagnostics and Driver for Precision > > Systems > > > > Hardware Support Services > > 3 Year On-site Economy Plan > > > > Mouse Pad > > > > Quick Reference Guide > > > > TOTAL:$2,347.00 > > ========================================================= > > > > Regards, > > Ozz. > > _______________________________________________ > > Pc_support mailing list > > Pc_support@matrixlist.com > > http://lists.matrixlist.com/mailman/listinfo/pc_support > > _______________________________________________ > Pc_support mailing list > Pc_support@matrixlist.com > http://lists.matrixlist.com/mailman/listinfo/pc_support From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Tue Oct 4 13:49:35 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F118F@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Homer write: > Before you sink big bucks into an amd64 system I suggest that you > hit and/or subscribe to debian-amd64 and/or suse-amd64 pages. > The comments are voluminous, to say the least. >From a quick glance they seem to be complaining about the IA32 libs package and drivers. Drivers will improve over time and the IA32 libs package is required if you want to run 32bit software - stick to 100% 64bit and you'll be fine. -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From whittake at sbaflorida.com Tue Oct 4 09:54:57 2005 From: whittake at sbaflorida.com (Homer Whittaker) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Anyone have a GeForce AGP card they want to sell? In-Reply-To: <20051003200608.15905.qmail@web34110.mail.mud.yahoo.com> References: <20051003200608.15905.qmail@web34110.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <200510040954.58258.whittake@sbaflorida.com> On Monday 03 October 2005 16:06, Bryan J. Smith wrote: > As irony would have it, I have a need for a nVidia GeForce > AGP card. It can be any make, legacy, etc... -- from the > NV11 MX to a NV34 GeForce FX5200 will do. Bryan: I have a V9520/TD/N/128M that I have had for ages. You suggested that I not use it for "something" several years ago, after I complained about some of its actions. Homer > > I've lent out most of my cards, and I'm finding that a > GeForce FX5200 PCI (yes, 32-bit PCI) is tying up too much I/O > on my Abit BP6's shared PCI bus. > > BTW, I'm willing to swap 1:1, the FX5200 PCI for an AGP, if > you're looking for a PCI (not PCI-Express/PCIe, this is > 32-bit PCI) version. From b.j.smith at ieee.org Tue Oct 4 14:00:14 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. In-Reply-To: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F118B@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Message-ID: <20051004180014.67224.qmail@web34115.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Damien McKenna wrote: > I'm looking to get an SATA drive soon, hopefully it > should boost performance in this regard. Just do _not_ get a SATA optical drive. ;-> Most SATA controllers do ATA just fine. But virtually _no_ SATA controllers handle ATAPI correctly. The new SATA optical drives use a converter, and their Windows drivers are typically hacked to only support 1 chipset (newer Intel ICH6+). -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From b.j.smith at ieee.org Tue Oct 4 16:12:29 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] You have got to be shXXing me! Palm Watch now $30 (no longer $80)! Message-ID: <20051004201229.59554.qmail@web34114.mail.mud.yahoo.com> >From the "I spent $50 too much, could have saved 60%" department: http://dealnews.com/deals/Fossil-Abacus-Wrist-PDA-w-Palm-OS-for-30-shipped/97001.html I'll take an uglier band for that kind of savings! -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net Tue Oct 4 18:56:01 2005 From: ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net (Austin Denyer (Ozz)) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. In-Reply-To: <1128425101.28278.8.camel@sbaflorida> References: <20051003192822.758cbc15.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> <1128425101.28278.8.camel@sbaflorida> Message-ID: <20051004185601.6aa0d1ef.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> On Tue, 04 Oct 2005 07:25:01 -0400, Homer Whittaker wrote: > > In re the 64 bit cpu, my personal advice is don't. I have had an amd64 > bit machine for 6 or more months now and the 64 bit stuff stinks. I now > run only 32 bit programs on the machine. I do not have Bryans technical > knowledge on why or why not but I have used (not been able to) use(d) > it. I'm sorry you've had trouble with 64-bit systems. What kind did you run? I have been running AMD64 with Debian Pure64 for over 6 months now at home, and I'm very happy with it. I am also subscribed to the Debian AMD64 list. Basically, I need to have a lot of apps open at one time (I run ten virtual desktops!) so I may up the RAM to 2 gigs. I also run some virtual systems (mainly Qemu) and so on. I've been known to code, too... I would LOVE to just buy the components and build the sucker (like I did for my home box), but I really don't have the time right now. For example, I just got home an hour ago, after being at work since 3am... The main reason I included the Dell was that my Boss is looking to buy that box unless I come up with something better within the same price range. The rest of the department run the same basic machines (Dell), but with just one Xeon processor. I looked at HP, but they were FAR more expensive than the Dell. As for SUN, well, I toyed with the idea, but decided against it. I am less than happy with the issues that the Debian SPARC ports have been experiencing recently. I don't feel that the support is there any more. For example, the issues I had recently installing Debian on a Sun Fire v210 were known issues from a year or so ago. I'm sure it's not a major issue to fix, but no-one has done it, despite numerous people suffering the same problem. Yes, I could run Solaris on it but I don't want to. I wanna run Linux . Now, I know that SUN also offer AMD processors, but again their hardware is WAY overpriced compared to the competition. I do like AMD, so I would much rather go AMD64 than Xeon. Thanks for the advice so far, guys. Regards, Ozz. From b.j.smith at ieee.org Tue Oct 4 20:39:54 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. In-Reply-To: <20051004185601.6aa0d1ef.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> Message-ID: <20051005003954.35177.qmail@web34109.mail.mud.yahoo.com> "Austin (Ozz) Denyer" wrote: > As for SUN, well, I toyed with the idea, but decided > against it. I am less than happy with the issues that > the Debian SPARC ports have been experiencing recently. > I don't feel that the support is there any more. For > example, the issues I had recently installing Debian > on a Sun Fire v210 were known issues from a year or so ago. > I'm sure it's not a major issue to fix, but no-one has > done it, despite numerous people suffering the same problem. > Yes, I could run Solaris on it but I don't want to. I > wanna run Linux . There's your problem. ;-> Solaris is more mature than Linux in many aspects. > Now, I know that SUN also offer AMD processors, but again > their hardware is WAY overpriced compared to the > competition. Not from what I saw. You get what you pay for. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From damien at mc-kenna.com Tue Oct 4 22:44:58 2005 From: damien at mc-kenna.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: 68-pin SCSI-SE? -- 53c895 for $10 ... In-Reply-To: <20050929011732.60501.qmail@web34108.mail.mud.yahoo.com> References: <20050929011732.60501.qmail@web34108.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <43433E2A.3080804@mc-kenna.com> Bryan J. Smith wrote: > Ironically, here's a 53c895 pull for a mere $10 (yes, ten > bucks!) from the same reseller as above, picture and all: The card arrived (took them an extra day to pack it, then three days from CA) today so I attempted to connect them all together... only to realize that the card is a SCSI BLVD with female connectors while my cable also has a female connector on that end. In effect I still can't hook 'em up together. So what can I do? I've got an BLVD card, SE cable and SE drive - will the drive and card work together at all or do I need to replace one of them (again)? -- Damien McKenna, husband, father, geek. damien@mc-kenna.com - http://www.mc-kenna.com/ From damien at mc-kenna.com Tue Oct 4 22:52:24 2005 From: damien at mc-kenna.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] CentOS PCIe SATA2 FRAID card Message-ID: <43433FE8.5080706@mc-kenna.com> http://www.centos.com.tw/centos/CI_3800.htm Uses the SiI 3132: http://www.siliconimage.com/products/product.aspx?id=32&ptid=1 "SiI 3132 also supports all Serial ATA II features, including 3.0 Gbps SATA II transfer speeds, Native Command Queuing, port multipliers with FIS-based switching, programmable output signal swing strengths for longer external cables or extended backplanes, hot plugging, enclosure management and ATAPI device support." Seems like its software / FRAID though: http://www.siliconimage.com/docs/SI_3132PB_FINAL.pdf Some nice basic specs though. No idea on pricing, nothing shows up on Google. -- Damien McKenna, husband, father, geek. damien@mc-kenna.com - http://www.mc-kenna.com/ From b.j.smith at ieee.org Wed Oct 5 00:43:39 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: 68-pin SCSI-SE? -- 53c895 for $10 ... In-Reply-To: <43433E2A.3080804@mc-kenna.com> References: <20050929011732.60501.qmail@web34108.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <43433E2A.3080804@mc-kenna.com> Message-ID: <1128487419.5091.11.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> On Tue, 2005-10-04 at 22:44 -0400, Damien McKenna wrote: > The card arrived (took them an extra day to pack it, then three days > from CA) today so I attempted to connect them all together... only to > realize that the card is a SCSI BLVD with female connectors Wide, HD 68-pin connectors -- both internal and external -- are always female on _all_ the cards I've seen -- SE, LVD, HVD, etc... Both the internal and external HD 68-pin cables are always male. While this is opposite of the internal 50-pin IDC (male card, female cable), it is the same as the newer, HD 50-pin cables which the HD 68- bit is based on. > while my cable also has a female connector on that end. I guess that's why you got the cable cheap. ;-> I have internal 68-pin SCSI SE cables if you need them. I just have to dig them up, but I have them. Heck, I even think I have a few LVD (UTP) ones too. > In effect I still can't hook 'em up together. So what can I do? If you want to drop by my house in Oviedo, I can help you with the cables. > I've got an BLVD card, SE cable and SE drive - will the drive and card > work together at all or do I need to replace one of them (again)? I've yet to see a LVD card that didn't also do SE. Here are the 4 SCSI symbols to note: http://scsifaq.paralan.com/scsifaqanswers4.html#a52 I have _never_ seen the first one (LVD without SE). Everything has been LVD (that also does SE), SE or HVD. If you have the LVD symbol with the "right dash" that's an LVD that also does SE. -- Bryan J. Smith b.j.smith@ieee.org http://thebs413.blogspot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The best things in life are NOT free - which is why life is easiest if you save all the bills until you can share them with the perfect woman From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Wed Oct 5 02:16:45 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: 68-pin SCSI-SE? -- 53c895 for $10 ... Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D1083F0A@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Thanks, Bryan, I'll take you up on the cables tomorrow night. I got a loaner of a short 68pin cable from Kevin Korb and have verified the drive and card at least seem to work. More in the next message. -----Original Message----- From: pc_support-bounces@matrixlist.com on behalf of Bryan J. Smith Sent: Wed 10/5/2005 12:43 AM To: This is the PC Support list. Cc: Subject: Re: [Pc_Support] Re: 68-pin SCSI-SE? -- 53c895 for $10 ... On Tue, 2005-10-04 at 22:44 -0400, Damien McKenna wrote: > The card arrived (took them an extra day to pack it, then three days > from CA) today so I attempted to connect them all together... only to > realize that the card is a SCSI BLVD with female connectors Wide, HD 68-pin connectors -- both internal and external -- are always female on _all_ the cards I've seen -- SE, LVD, HVD, etc... Both the internal and external HD 68-pin cables are always male. While this is opposite of the internal 50-pin IDC (male card, female cable), it is the same as the newer, HD 50-pin cables which the HD 68- bit is based on. > while my cable also has a female connector on that end. I guess that's why you got the cable cheap. ;-> I have internal 68-pin SCSI SE cables if you need them. I just have to dig them up, but I have them. Heck, I even think I have a few LVD (UTP) ones too. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 3351 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.matrixlist.com/pipermail/pc_support/attachments/20051005/4b14d313/attachment.bin From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Wed Oct 5 02:25:47 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] ATX 2.0 PSU needed Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D1083F0B@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> I need a new ATX 2.0 PSU, my current one is not up to the tasks I'm asking of it. The current PSU I have in our PC is an Antec SL400. It powers a Gigabyte nForce 4 SLI motherboard with an Athlon64/3000, 512mb PC2700 DDR, two Maxtor ATA-133 drives (160gb, 80gb), an ATI X700 Pro PCI-Express video card, an LG GSA4183 DVD burner, an array of USB devices and the SCSI card I got the other day. Everything was fine this evening with the above components. Tonight I finally got the correct cabling necessary to install a DLT drive and as soon as I got it wired correctly the PCI-Express card stopped working and the motherboard started beeping when it was turned on. The weird part is that it booted twice while I was getting the card & drive set up correctly and indeed may have worked perfectly once, but on a third boot I was greeted with four short beeps and no POST signal! This was an immediate throw back to when our previous PCI-e video card gave up the ghost and was replaced with our current card. I spent a little time fiddling with different attachments to see if I could work out what was going on and finally I've tracked down the problem: the PSU isn't good enough. The PSU is an Antec SL400: http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=25400 http://www.antec.com/specs/sl400_spe.html It has a 20pin connector which suggests its ATX 1.0 rather than 2.0. Its also driving a heck of a lot of stuff that it probably isn't able for, namely the DLT drive along with the rest. So I'm on the market for a new ATX2.0 PSU. Any suggestions for something reliable but not too expensive? We've been sinking more into our PC lately than I like. Thanks. Damien From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Wed Oct 5 02:31:01 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] ATX 2.0 PSU needed Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D1083F0C@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Oh yeah, forgot to mention... right now even with the DLT drive disabled I'm unable to boot from the PCI-Express card, should I take it that its dead too? I really didn't want to have to return *another* card :-( But maybe that's my lesson for not making sure I had a decent PSU? Damien -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 2548 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.matrixlist.com/pipermail/pc_support/attachments/20051005/0cd4b1e7/attachment.bin From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Wed Oct 5 02:34:28 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Antec Midsize ATX w/120mm fan and 350W ATX 2.0 PS for$39 AR ($69 OtD) Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D1083F0D@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> > CompUSA also has an Antec 500W ATX 2.0 power supply on-sale > for $59 AR. It has much higher output on the 12V1 (16A I > believe?) and 12V2 (17A I believe?), as well as one SSI WS > (aka PCIe) power 2x3 connector. Not bad for the price if you > want a true 500W (this one rates at 490W overall) without > stooping to el'chepo brand. Hey, Bryan, you think this'd be good enough for my motherload? Damien -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 2891 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.matrixlist.com/pipermail/pc_support/attachments/20051005/3b0a877d/attachment.bin From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Wed Oct 5 02:37:32 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] ATX 2.0 PSU needed Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D1083F0E@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Lastly, I should also mention that the machine gives its four warning beeps if I'm using a PCI video card and the DLT drive but does at least boot. According to my motherboard's manual, the Award BIOS gives "continuous short beeps" if there's a power problem - my board isn't continuously beeping but they are short and the sequence doesn't match any of the other sequences listed. Damien -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 2604 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.matrixlist.com/pipermail/pc_support/attachments/20051005/c536a4d8/attachment.bin From b.j.smith at ieee.org Wed Oct 5 04:30:46 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Antec Midsize ATX w/120mm fan and 350W ATX 2.0 PS for$39 AR ($69 OtD) In-Reply-To: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D1083F0D@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> References: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D1083F0D@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Message-ID: <1128501046.5091.14.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> On Wed, 2005-10-05 at 02:34 -0400, Damien McKenna wrote: > Hey, Bryan, you think this'd be good enough for my motherload? Yeah, that 500W should be given the specs I read. Especially with the cabling options that you may not currently have. -- Bryan J. Smith b.j.smith@ieee.org http://thebs413.blogspot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The best things in life are NOT free - which is why life is easiest if you save all the bills until you can share them with the perfect woman From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Wed Oct 5 09:14:02 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Antec Midsize ATX w/120mm fan and 350W ATX 2.0 PSfor$39 AR ($69 OtD) Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F11A2@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> > On Wed, 2005-10-05 at 02:34 -0400, Damien McKenna wrote: > > Hey, Bryan, you think this'd be good enough for my motherload? > > Yeah, that 500W should be given the specs I read. > Especially with the cabling options that you may not currently have. Awesome, I'll pick it up today then. What do you think of my chances for not to have killed the video card (again)? -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Wed Oct 5 11:57:40 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Sun looking to integrate PostgreSQL! Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F11B0@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> According to the executive vice president of software at Sun, they're looking to add PostgreSQL to Solaris and ultimately integrate it into the OS. Pretty darn spiffy! It may have taken them a long time but they're finally catching a modicum of common sense. http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;116679278;fp;16;fpid;0 -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Wed Oct 5 12:05:53 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Sun looking to integrate PostgreSQL! Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F11B1@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> And they're also intending backing Sunbird, the Mozilla Foundation's calendar app. Good times! -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From b.j.smith at ieee.org Wed Oct 5 12:23:06 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Antec Midsize ATX w/120mm fan and 350W ATX 2.0 PSfor$39 AR ($69 OtD) In-Reply-To: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F11A2@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Message-ID: <20051005162306.15110.qmail@web34112.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Damien McKenna wrote: > Awesome, I'll pick it up today then. > What do you think of my chances for not to have killed the > video card (again)? Very high. I've never lost a video card due to inadequate current. I've only had some issues with the video card / mainboard due to voltage issues -- e.g., older x1 (Matrox G200 AGP) card in newer slot. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Wed Oct 5 12:29:18 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Antec Midsize ATX w/120mm fan and 350W ATX 2.0PSfor$39 AR ($69 OtD) Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F11B4@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> > Damien McKenna wrote: > > What do you think of my chances for not to have killed the > > video card (again)? > > Very high. > I've never lost a video card due to inadequate current. Any idea, then, why it has stopped working when the DLT drive is not wired up? The system doesn't give any beeps, but it also doesn't POST. -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From b.j.smith at ieee.org Wed Oct 5 12:39:51 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Antec Midsize ATX w/120mm fan and 350W ATX 2.0PSfor$39 AR ($69 OtD) In-Reply-To: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F11B4@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Message-ID: <20051005163951.96199.qmail@web34114.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Damien McKenna wrote: > Any idea, then, why it has stopped working when the DLT > drive is not wired up? The system doesn't give any beeps, > but it also doesn't POST. You may have caused some damage to the PS with the load, and now it's unable to provide the same load as before. That's just a guess. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From b.j.smith at ieee.org Wed Oct 5 12:40:38 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Sun looking to integrate PostgreSQL! In-Reply-To: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F11B1@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Message-ID: <20051005164038.43938.qmail@web34107.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Damien McKenna wrote: > And they're also intending backing Sunbird, the Mozilla > Foundation's calendar app. Good times! Sun ain't dumb. And they have certainly gained my mindshare again. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Wed Oct 5 12:44:09 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Antec Midsize ATX w/120mm fan and 350W ATX2.0PSfor$39 AR ($69 OtD) Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F11B5@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> > Damien McKenna wrote: > > Any idea, then, why it has stopped working when the DLT > > drive is not wired up? The system doesn't give any beeps, > > but it also doesn't POST. > > You may have caused some damage to the PS with the load, and > now it's unable to provide the same load as before. That's > just a guess. I'll let you know after I install the new PSU, which I'm picking up tonight. They only had three left when I called in so I paid by phone and its waiting for me. Thanks again for the help, Bryan. -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Wed Oct 5 16:09:01 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] USB IRDA widget? Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F11BA@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Anyone have a spare USB <-> IRDA widget they'd sell? I've got a friend who needs one for Saturday but can't find anywhere that will ship before then for less than $40. Thanks. -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From b.j.smith at ieee.org Wed Oct 5 19:45:29 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] ATI releases Radeon X1300 Pro and X1800XL, announces 1600XL and 1800XT ... Message-ID: <20051005234530.14924.qmail@web34112.mail.mud.yahoo.com> >From AnandTech, ATI's X1000 series answer to nVidia's G70 series: http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2552 -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net Wed Oct 5 20:52:52 2005 From: ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net (Austin Denyer (Ozz)) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations. In-Reply-To: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F118F@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> References: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F118F@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Message-ID: <20051005205252.3e31b80f.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> OK - there has beena lot of useful info here so far - thanks Guys. Let's try approaching this from a different angle. If you could buy the system of your choice, and had a budget of around $2k (I was told to aim for around $2k, although the Dell they were talking about was $2,347 so I probably have a bit of freedom there - let's ass-u-me that $2k is the 'soft' limit and $2,347 is the 'hard' limit). What would YOU buy, and why? I'm more interested in pre-built systems here (mainly due to time constraints) but would consider building myself if the difference was sufficient to make it worthwhile. My gut feeling is that I would be better off with a single, high-GHz CPU rather than a dual-processor box. All I need is the system unit - I already have a screen, keyboard, mouse, etc. Regards, Ozz. From damien at mc-kenna.com Wed Oct 5 21:47:23 2005 From: damien at mc-kenna.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] ATI releases Radeon X1300 Pro and X1800XL, announces 1600XL and 1800XT ... In-Reply-To: <20051005234530.14924.qmail@web34112.mail.mud.yahoo.com> References: <20051005234530.14924.qmail@web34112.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <4344822B.7070407@mc-kenna.com> Bryan J. Smith wrote: > From AnandTech, ATI's X1000 series answer to nVidia's G70 series: Too bad they won't have the full range out for a while, they're doing a staggered release. It also seems that several of the cards aren't able to compete even against the 6xxx generation cards at the given price-points, though the features list looks good. -- Damien McKenna, husband, father, geek. damien@mc-kenna.com - http://www.mc-kenna.com/ From damien at mc-kenna.com Wed Oct 5 22:39:53 2005 From: damien at mc-kenna.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Antec Midsize ATX w/120mm fan and 350W ATX2.0PSfor$39 AR ($69 OtD) In-Reply-To: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F11B5@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> References: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F11B5@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Message-ID: <43448E79.1050302@mc-kenna.com> Well I got the PSU and have just spent twenty minutes getting it installed... plugged in the DLT drive and PCI-e video card and they're all working! The mobo *is* still giving its four quick beeps when I turn on the machine, but the video and DLT drive are both working so I dunno. I'm going to contact Gigabyte to see if they have any ideas, I doubt its anything too serious but I don't want to just shrug it off. One thing about this PSU - its *sweet*, the highest quality PSU I've ever bought and it seems like its definitely worth it! The device connectors are all separate to the PSU itself, you connect them separately so you don't have to have lots of extra cables cluttering up the case - very nice. It was also nice to see they included a PCI-Express connector, just in case I upgrade the video card next year; its also strong enough that it'll easily cope with the dual-core CPU I intend upgrading to next year :-) So thanks for finding that, Bryan, it suspect it'll work out great! -- Damien McKenna, husband, father, geek. damien@mc-kenna.com - http://www.mc-kenna.com/ From b.j.smith at ieee.org Thu Oct 6 08:45:56 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] RE: Antec 500W ATX 2.0 (w/PCIe) for $59 AR -- WAS: Antec Midsize ATX w/350W ATX 2.0 Message-ID: <20051006124557.44796.qmail@web34101.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Da'man McKenna wrote: > Well I got the PSU and have just spent twenty minutes > getting it installed... plugged in the DLT drive and > PCI-e video card and they're all working! Great to hear! > The mobo *is* still giving its four quick beeps when I > turn on the machine, but the video and DLT drive are > both working so I dunno. Since you said the PCIe card is working, I suppose it's not because you don't have the monitor cable connected. Some BIOSes like to bark with 3-4 quick beeps if they don't get a VESA DDC (or similar) signal from the video before POST. > I'm going to contact Gigabyte to see if they have any ideas, > I doubt its anything too serious but I don't want to just > shrug it off. It's always good to know. > One thing about this PSU - its *sweet*, the highest > quality PSU I've ever bought and it seems like its > definitely worth it! The device connectors are all > separate to the PSU itself, you connect them separately > so you don't have to have lots of extra cables cluttering > up the case - very nice. Yes, the "modular" design is becoming more and more popular. I wouldn't recommend it for a SFF case where your 5.25" drives are already "butting up against" the PS, but for a normal ATX, definitely. In fact, in this regard, I really like the Seasonic S12 500W I purchased. It has shorter cables, which many people complain about, but make it ideal for a SFF IMHO. > It was also nice to see they included a PCI-Express > connector, just in case I upgrade the video card next year; It's good to have the PCIe card on its own rail. Even the GeForce 6600GT can draw 150W and the 6800 Ultra and 7800GTX can eat up well over 200W at times. > its also strong enough that it'll easily cope with the > dual-core CPU I intend upgrading to next year :-) > So thanks for finding that, Bryan, it suspect it'll work > out great! Glad it worked out. And thanx for being the "guinnea pig" on that power supply, since I didn't buy one myself (just the Antec case w/350W ATX 2.0 PS). Seems like it's a good choice based on your experience. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From b.j.smith at ieee.org Thu Oct 6 12:17:48 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Hardware recommendations -- What would you buy? Message-ID: <20051006161748.1536.qmail@web34105.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Ozzination wrote: > OK - there has beena lot of useful info here so far - > thanks Guys. > Let's try approaching this from a different angle. > If you could buy the system of your choice, and had a > budget of around $2k (I was told to aim for around > $2k, although the Dell they were talking about was > $2,347 so I probably have a bit of freedom there - > let's ass-u-me that $2k is the 'soft' limit and > $2,347 is the 'hard' limit). > What would YOU buy, and why? First off, the Dell comes with a Quadro NVS 280 video card which is really a business version of the NV34 (GeForce 5100/5200/5500). I think even the new chipset-integrated NV-C51 (GeForce 6100/6150) would be far, far better. Secondly, I haven't personally used the GeForce 61x0 chipsets yet, so I don't know if the newer Xorg drives it like any other NV4x (6000 series) card, but I think the nVidia driver might. But the good news is that it's still an nForce, ultra-compatible with kernel 2.4.23+ or 2.6.5+ (or the Red Hat backports for RHEL3/2.4.21), and it has a PCIe slot. So I'm really into those 11" x 9" x 14" MicroATX systems: http://thebs413.blogspot.com/2005/08/small-enough-form-factor-pc.html I mean, you still have 2x5.25" + 1x3.5" external and 2x3.5" internal, excellent cooling, the base 300W ATX 2.0 of the Chemning 118 was strong enough to drive a GeForce 7800GTX, and you still get 4 usable slots (just 3 less than a full ATX). > I'm more interested in pre-built systems here (mainly > due to time constraints) but would consider building > myself if the difference was sufficient to make it > worthwhile. I think I can show you it might be worth it indeed. ;-> > My gut feeling is that I would be better off with a > single, high-GHz CPU rather than a dual-processor box. On kernel 2.4, the way the kernel schedules, dual-processor or dual-core is better for lower latency (desktop or real-time). On kernel 2.6, the pre-emptive patch is standard, but DP or DC is still preferred for such usage. The ultimate is, of course, a 2x Socket-940 Opteron 2xx. But pricing is high. You _could_ build one for $2,000 easily, but I could give you something almost as good for $1,000 in SFF too. ;-> > All I need is the system unit - I already have a screen, > keyboard, mouse, etc. Okay, here's my suggestions ... Dual-core Athlon 64 w/integrated video - Chenming MATX118 Alumium MicroATX 2.0 300W $ 75 - BIOSTAR TForce6100-939 Mainboard $ 75 - Athlon 64x2 3800+ 2.0GHz/2x512K Rev. E $ 350 - (2) 1GB DDR400/PC3200 Memory $ 200 - (2) WD1600SD 160GB "Caviar RE 24x7" SATA $ 200 - LG GSA-4167B (Black) DVD-RAM/R/RW/+RW/+R DL $ 45 - Mitsumi FA404A/404M (Black) 1.44MB/9-in-1 $ 25 -------- $ 970 Options (Additional): - SysKonnect SK-9E21D PCIe-x1 GbE NIC $ 40 - GeForce 6600GT 128MB DDR PCIe-x16 $ 140 Options (Replacement): - (2) ST3250623NS 250GB "NL35 24x7" SATA $+100 - (2) WD3200SD 320GB "Caviar RE 24x7" SATA $+150 If you need GbE (10/100/1000), add in the $40 SK-9E21D which is on its own PCIe x1 channel (10/100 is on-board). If you want a faster video card, or the integrated GeForce 6100 doesn't work, go for the GeForce 6600GT 128MB DDR PCIe-x16 which works with newer Xorg releases as well as the nVidia drivers. As far as drives, I quoted the 5-year warranted, 24x7 rated 160GB "Caviar RE" drives, with an option for the 320GB versions. I also listed the 5-year warranted, 24x7 rated 250GB Seagate "NearLine 35 (NL35)" if you prefer Seagate. Dual-processor Opteron - Lian Li PCV-1200 Aluminum Flip-EATX Tower $ 200 - (various) 500-600W EPS12V Power Supply $ 100 - Tyan S2895A2NRF "Thunder K8WE" 2200+2050+8131 $ 450 - (2) Opteron 246HE 55W 2.0GHz/2x1M Rev E $ 500 - (4) 512MB Registered ECC DDR400/PC3200 Memory $ 500 - (2) WD1600SD 160GB "Caviar RE 24x7" SATA $ 200 - LG GSA-4167B (Black) DVD-RAM/R/RW/+RW/+R DL $ 45 - Mitsumi FA404A/404M (Black) 1.44MB/9-in-1 $ 25 - GeForce 6600GT 128MB DDR PCIe-x16 $ 140 ------- $2,360 Options (Additional): - 3Ware Escalade 8006-2 PCI64/66 RAID-0/1 card $ 150 Options (Replacement): - (1) Tyan S2895UA2NRF w/2x U320 SCSI $+ 75 - (2) Opteron 265 dual-core 1.8GHz/2x1M Rev E $+800 - (4) 1GB Registered ECC DDR400/PC3200 Memory $+250 - (2) ST3250623NS 250GB "NL35 24x7" SATA $+100 - (2) WD3200SD 320GB "Caviar RE 24x7" SATA $+150 The "big cost" with 2x Socket-940 Opteron 200 is the requirement of "Registered" DDR SDRAM (which might as well be ECC for little, additional cost) -- and it's not much more for 1GB DIMMs instead of 512MB DIMMs. But for maximum performance, you need four (4) DIMMs -- 2 per CPU -- for the full 256-bit wide memory bus (128-bit per CPU). The Opteron 246HE (2.0GHz/1MB) "55W low-power" are now under $250/each. The Opteron 265 (2x1.8GHz/1MB) dual-core are $650/each and probably not worth it, unless you *REALLY* need CPU power (no change in memory-I/O). ;-> You need an EPS12V power supply, but many "high-end" ($100+) ATX2.0 power supplies are now "universal" and include EPS12V converters (make sure it explicitly says EPS12V capable), and the 8-pin (2x4) "Server" and 6-pin (2x3) "Workstation" (aka PCIe) connectors are pretty standard on EPS12V capable Power Supplies. Some even have three (3) and even a rare few have four (4) +12V rails, although you're at $150+. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From b.j.smith at ieee.org Thu Oct 6 12:29:29 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Hardware recommendations -- What would you buy? In-Reply-To: <20051006161748.1536.qmail@web34105.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <20051006162929.44438.qmail@web34115.mail.mud.yahoo.com> "Bryan J. Smith" wrote: > Dual-processor Opteron > - (4) 512MB Registered ECC DDR400/PC3200 Memory $ 500 > - (4) 1GB Registered ECC DDR400/PC3200 Memory $+250 > > The "big cost" with 2x Socket-940 Opteron 200 is the > requirement of "Registered" DDR SDRAM (which might as well > be ECC for little, additional cost) -- and it's not much > more for 1GB DIMMs instead of 512MB DIMMs. But for maximum > performance, you need four (4) DIMMs -- 2 per CPU -- for > the full 256-bit wide memory bus (128-bit per CPU). BTW, you _could_ go with (8) 256MB Registered ECC DDR333/PC2700 Memory modules for about $200-250, and save a good $250-300 (more than half). This will "max out" your DIMM slots to give you 2GB. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Thu Oct 6 12:37:38 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:20 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Hardware recommendations -- What would you buy? Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F11CF@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Some extra thoughts on Bryan's suggestions. > First off, the Dell comes with a Quadro NVS 280 video card > which is really a business version of the NV34 (GeForce > 5100/5200/5500). I think even the new chipset-integrated > NV-C51 (GeForce 6100/6150) would be far, far better. .. And far, far cheaper. > Secondly, I haven't personally used the GeForce 61x0 chipsets > yet, so I don't know if the newer Xorg drives it like any > other NV4x (6000 series) card, but I think the nVidia driver > might. For a workstation best to go with a removable card for expansion abilities later on if needed, though I've not looked at these boards in much detail to know if the boards without onboard video add in enough to make it worth it. If you could get a board with e.g. gig-e built in or the nForce 4 Ultra chipset instead of video I'd recommend going for it instead. > I mean, you still have 2x5.25" + 1x3.5" external and 2x3.5" > internal, excellent cooling, the base 300W ATX 2.0 of the > Chemning 118 was strong enough to drive a GeForce 7800GTX, > and you still get 4 usable slots (just 3 less than a full > ATX). Pretty darn reasonable IMHO. Won't fit a DLT drive & DVD drive though ;-) > > My gut feeling is that I would be better off with a > > single, high-GHz CPU rather than a dual-processor box. > > On kernel 2.4, the way the kernel schedules, dual-processor > or dual-core is better for lower latency (desktop or > real-time). On kernel 2.6, the pre-emptive patch is > standard, but DP or DC is still preferred for such usage. For workstation usage I personally recommend going with dual-core over a faster, single core processor. > BTW, you _could_ go with (8) 256MB Registered ECC > DDR333/PC2700 Memory modules for about $200-250, and save a > good $250-300 (more than half). This will "max out" your > DIMM slots to give you 2GB. I'd agree with that, best to save a few hundred bucks if it won't give any more than a few bare percent speed difference. -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From b.j.smith at ieee.org Thu Oct 6 12:52:24 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Hardware recommendations -- What would you buy? In-Reply-To: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F11CF@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> Message-ID: <20051006165224.47133.qmail@web34102.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Damien McKenna wrote: > For a workstation best to go with a removable card for > expansion abilities later on if needed, Understand the GeForce61x0/nForce4x0 _do_ have a _full_ PCIe x16 slot for video. For all intents and purposes, consider it an nForce4 (GF6100/nF410) or nForce4Ultra (GF6150/nF430) with "video for free." So if you're going MicroATX, unless you absolutely want a 2nd COM port, there's no reason not to buy a GF61x0/nF4x0 mainboard instead of an nForce4/4Ultra. > though I've not looked at these boards in much detail to > know if the boards without onboard video add in enough to > make it worth it. $60+ for the Socket-754. $75+ for the Socket-939. Virtually _no_ difference between them and the nForce4/4Ultra options, sometimes cheaper ironically enough. > If you could get a board with e.g. gig-e built in The versions with the nForce 430 MCP have GbE on-board: http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2537&p=2 They should be out very shortly. Several mainboard vendors already show the models with them, for a sub-$100 price -- if not already. I've seen several GeForce6150 / nForce430 mainboards on pre-sale for $90. > or the nForce 4 Ultra chipset instead of video I'd recommend > going for it instead. Again, the nForce430 = nForceUltra feature-wise, so it's like you're getting the "GeForce 61x0 for free." It's just that these "available now" Biostar mainboards are only the nForce410. > Pretty darn reasonable IMHO. Won't fit a DLT drive & DVD > drive though ;-) No, but you can put in a SCSI card into one of the 2-3 PCI slots (depending on if it has a PCIe x1 slot or not, the Foxconn mainboards don't so they have 3x PCI), and the DLT drive externally. > For workstation usage I personally recommend going with > dual-core over a faster, single core processor. Then the Athlon x2 3800+ is your baby. > I'd agree with that, best to save a few hundred bucks if it > won't give any more than a few bare percent speed > difference. Just limits your expansion. BTW, I think you can find the DDR400/PC3200 ECC Registered DIMMs in 256MB for as little as $35 -- so you'd still save almost $250. I just know the DDR333/PC2700 are most commonplace for Opteron. Why? Stability largely. Because DDR400/PC3200 limits your expansion to 2 Registered DIMMs per channel, whereas DDR333/PC2700 can have 4 Reigstered DIMMs per channel. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From b.j.smith at ieee.org Thu Oct 6 12:56:40 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Hardware recommendations -- GF61x0+nF430 = nForce4Ultra In-Reply-To: <20051006165224.47133.qmail@web34102.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <20051006165640.52246.qmail@web34115.mail.mud.yahoo.com> "Bryan J. Smith" wrote: > Understand the GeForce61x0/nForce4x0 _do_ have a _full_ > PCIe x16 slot for video. For all intents and purposes, > consider it an nForce4 (GF6100/nF410) or nForce4Ultra > (GF6150/nF430) with "video for free." ... cut ... > The versions with the nForce 430 MCP have GbE on-board: > http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2537&p=2 FYI: http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=GeForce+6150&btnG=Search+Froogle&scoring=p > Again, the nForce430 = nForceUltra feature-wise, so it's > like you're getting the "GeForce 61x0 for free." It's just > that these "available now" Biostar mainboards are only the > nForce410. The cool thing about the GeForce6150 is that it has HDTV component out -- including 1080p (as well as 1080i, 720p, 720i and 480p). -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From b.j.smith at ieee.org Fri Oct 7 02:26:36 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Kinda glad I held off on HDTV ... serious DLP 1080p commodization ahead? Message-ID: <20051007062636.87290.qmail@web34108.mail.mud.yahoo.com> I still have my 30" 480p/1080i that's going to keep me wishing that I had 720p as all the new XBox 360 games come out, but I'm willing to wait a little longer. I notice TI has a new DLP 1080p (1920x1080@60Hz) engine out now, and there are some pretty sweet DLP projection TVs coming down the pipe. This includes the Tohsiba 195 series: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050909/nef006.html It only only does 1080p (as well as 1080i, 720p, 540p, 480p and 480i), which is what the new PS3 supports, but has numerous digital (as well as analog) inputs/outputs on-board. This includes dual-HDMI, optical audio and dual-IEEE1394 firewire. QAM/CableCard and Terrestrial-ATSC tuners are included. The "MX" versions ($300 list upgrade) advertise home networking capability, so you can connect to PCs and display pictures, play MP3s, etc... This has got to be a new, Single Board Computer (SBC) design that brings costs down. It wouldn't surprise me if either TI or Toshiba is licensing it. So this probably means that DLP will likely undergoing some semi-serious "commodization" in the next 9-12 months. As such, I think next summer is when I'll start targetting a HDTV purchase again. For now, the entry 56" 56HM195 lists at $3,199, but is already close to $2,400 on-line. At 87lbs., shipping is far more affordable than any projection of similar size, or even a 27" CRT (around $100-150 typical). Sears was offering free shipping (although it was still selling at the list price, $3,199). -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From b.j.smith at ieee.org Sun Oct 9 01:09:18 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Flipped ATX Cases Gone Mainstream ... Message-ID: <1128834558.4990.27.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> Just a blog entry follow-up to my various posts since last fall and this past April (after the Tom's Hardware Review). http://thebs413.blogspot.com/2005/10/flipped-atx-cases-gone-mainstream.html -- Bryan J. Smith b.j.smith@ieee.org http://thebs413.blogspot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The best things in life are NOT free - which is why life is easiest if you save all the bills until you can share them with the perfect woman From b.j.smith at ieee.org Sun Oct 9 01:17:36 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations -- Revisited ... In-Reply-To: <20051006161748.1536.qmail@web34105.mail.mud.yahoo.com> References: <20051006161748.1536.qmail@web34105.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1128835056.4990.31.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> On Thu, 2005-10-06 at 09:17 -0700, Bryan J. Smith wrote: > Dual-processor Opteron > - Lian Li PCV-1200 Aluminum Flip-EATX Tower $ 200 > - (various) 500-600W EPS12V Power Supply $ 100 > - Tyan S2895A2NRF "Thunder K8WE" 2200+2050+8131 $ 450 > - (2) Opteron 246HE 55W 2.0GHz/2x1M Rev E $ 500 > - (4) 512MB Registered ECC DDR400/PC3200 Memory $ 500 > - (2) WD1600SD 160GB "Caviar RE 24x7" SATA $ 200 > - LG GSA-4167B (Black) DVD-RAM/R/RW/+RW/+R DL $ 45 > - Mitsumi FA404A/404M (Black) 1.44MB/9-in-1 $ 25 > - GeForce 6600GT 128MB DDR PCIe-x16 $ 140 > ------- > $2,360 Let's revisit that with the Aerocool Spiral Galaxies case and 256MB Registered DDR333 SDRAM ... Dual-processor Opteron - Aerocool Spiral Galaxies Flipped ATX Case $ 100 - (various) 500-600W EPS12V Power Supply $ 100 - Tyan S2895A2NRF "Thunder K8WE" 2200+2050+8131 $ 450 - (2) Opteron 246HE 55W 2.0GHz/2x1M Rev E $ 500 - (8) 256MB Registered ECC DDR333/PC2700 Memory $ 240 - (2) WD1600SD 160GB "Caviar RE 24x7" SATA $ 200 - LG GSA-4167B (Black) DVD-RAM/R/RW/+RW/+R DL $ 45 - Mitsumi FA404A/404M (Black) 1.44MB/9-in-1 $ 25 - GeForce 6600GT 128MB DDR PCIe-x16 $ 140 ------- $2,000 > Options (Additional): > - 3Ware Escalade 8006-2 PCI64/66 RAID-0/1 card $ 150 > Options (Replacement): > - (1) Tyan S2895UA2NRF w/2x U320 SCSI $+ 75 > - (2) Opteron 265 dual-core 1.8GHz/2x1M Rev E $+800 > - (4) 1GB Registered ECC DDR400/PC3200 Memory $+250 > - (2) ST3250623NS 250GB "NL35 24x7" SATA $+100 > - (2) WD3200SD 320GB "Caviar RE 24x7" SATA $+150 Now if we could only shave off a little more, you could go dual-Socket w/dual-Core bay-bee! -- Bryan J. Smith b.j.smith@ieee.org http://thebs413.blogspot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The best things in life are NOT free - which is why life is easiest if you save all the bills until you can share them with the perfect woman From tracy at airtalk.net Sun Oct 9 12:17:58 2005 From: tracy at airtalk.net (Tracy Markham) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] 3ware at a discount ? :D Message-ID: <20051009161759.70351.qmail@web50106.mail.yahoo.com> Where is the best deal on a simple 3ware PCI32 2 channel SATA RAID card? (raid 1 or 0 ...) Anyone have one used they wanna let go of? Tracy N4LGH From b.j.smith at ieee.org Sun Oct 9 12:55:01 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: 3ware at a discount ? :D -- 3Ware Escalade 8006-2 pulls for $89 In-Reply-To: <20051009161759.70351.qmail@web50106.mail.yahoo.com> References: <20051009161759.70351.qmail@web50106.mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1128876901.4990.67.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> On Sun, 2005-10-09 at 09:17 -0700, Tracy Markham wrote: > Where is the best deal on a simple 3ware PCI32 2 > channel SATA RAID card? (raid 1 or 0 ...) Weirdstuff has a few Escalade 8006-2 pulls left for $89: http://www.weirdstuff.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=14205 [ If you want one new, you can usually find them for $119+ on Froogle from Directron, Monarch Computer, etc... ] Also note the 8000-2 is an option, it just doesn't do 66MHz PCI (the 8006/8506 series are 64-bit PCI @ 66MHz, 8000/8500 series are 64-bit PCI @ 33MHz. Both work in 32-bit @ 33MHz PCI slots without issue, and are _universally_ keyed (3.3V and 5V compatible). You can get release 7.7.1 CD (13MB iso image) from 3Ware: http://www.3ware.com/support/download.asp?code=8&id=7.7.1&softtype=Complete+7.7.1+CodeSet+Release+ISO Be sure to: - Update to latest firmware (7.7.1 = 1.08.00.048 BIOS at POST) - Install the driver in your OS - Install the 3DM utility in your OS NOTE: The 7.7.1 firmware is very mature and has been out quite awhile now (couple years?). I trust it explicitly. Also note the newer, cooler 3DM2 utility for the 9000 series actually works with the 7000/8000 series too (at least under Linux): http://www.3ware.com/support/download.asp?code=9&id=9.2.1.1&softtype=3DM2+Management+Utility > Anyone have one used they wanna let go of? For the most part, 3Ware Escalade 6000+ are keepers. ;-> -- Bryan J. Smith b.j.smith@ieee.org http://thebs413.blogspot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The best things in life are NOT free - which is why life is easiest if you save all the bills until you can share them with the perfect woman From jasonb at edseek.com Sun Oct 9 16:05:58 2005 From: jasonb at edseek.com (Jason Boxman) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: 3ware at a discount ? :D -- 3Ware Escalade 8006-2 pulls for $89 In-Reply-To: <1128876901.4990.67.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> References: <20051009161759.70351.qmail@web50106.mail.yahoo.com> <1128876901.4990.67.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> Message-ID: <200510091605.58101.jasonb@edseek.com> On Sunday 09 October 2005 12:55, Bryan J. Smith wrote: > > For the most part, 3Ware Escalade 6000+ are keepers. ;-> I wish. My second 6200 appears to be DoA from Ebay. I tried setting it up last night and was getting random segfaults. Everything's fine when I revert to the original ATA for /home and SCSI for /, ect setup. It was only ~ $20. Waste of several hours, though. -- Jason Boxman http://edseek.com/ - Linux and FOSS stuff From b.j.smith at ieee.org Sun Oct 9 16:25:00 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: 3ware at a discount ? :D -- 3Ware Escalade 8006-2 pulls for $89 In-Reply-To: <200510091605.58101.jasonb@edseek.com> References: <20051009161759.70351.qmail@web50106.mail.yahoo.com> <1128876901.4990.67.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> <200510091605.58101.jasonb@edseek.com> Message-ID: <1128889500.4990.78.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> On Sun, 2005-10-09 at 16:05 -0400, Jason Boxman wrote: > I wish. My second 6200 appears to be DoA from Ebay. I tried setting it up > last night and was getting random segfaults. Everything's fine when I revert > to the original ATA for /home and SCSI for /, ect setup. It was only ~ $20. > Waste of several hours, though. Well, eBay is a whole different ballgame. But at least when you buy a pull from a reseller, they will replace anything DoA. -- Bryan J. Smith b.j.smith@ieee.org http://thebs413.blogspot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The best things in life are NOT free - which is why life is easiest if you save all the bills until you can share them with the perfect woman From jasonb at edseek.com Sun Oct 9 16:52:18 2005 From: jasonb at edseek.com (Jason Boxman) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: 3ware at a discount ? :D -- 3Ware Escalade 8006-2 pulls for $89 In-Reply-To: <1128889500.4990.78.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> References: <20051009161759.70351.qmail@web50106.mail.yahoo.com> <200510091605.58101.jasonb@edseek.com> <1128889500.4990.78.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> Message-ID: <200510091652.18354.jasonb@edseek.com> On Sunday 09 October 2005 16:25, you wrote: > On Sun, 2005-10-09 at 16:05 -0400, Jason Boxman wrote: > > I wish. My second 6200 appears to be DoA from Ebay. I tried setting it > > up last night and was getting random segfaults. Everything's fine when I > > revert to the original ATA for /home and SCSI for /, ect setup. It was > > only ~ $20. Waste of several hours, though. > > Well, eBay is a whole different ballgame. > > But at least when you buy a pull from a reseller, they will replace > anything DoA. Yep, it was totally my bad. Oh well. :) -- Jason Boxman http://edseek.com/ - Linux and FOSS stuff From b.j.smith at ieee.org Sun Oct 9 23:45:05 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Anyone have a GeForce AGP card they want to sell? (Solved) Message-ID: <20051010034506.59737.qmail@web34102.mail.mud.yahoo.com> "Bryan J. Smith" wrote: > As irony would have it, I have a need for a nVidia GeForce > AGP card. It can be any make, legacy, etc... -- from the > NV11 MX to a NV34 GeForce FX5200 will do. > I've lent out most of my cards, and I'm finding that a > GeForce FX5200 PCI (yes, 32-bit PCI) is tying up too much > I/O on my Abit BP6's shared PCI bus. > BTW, I'm willing to swap 1:1, the FX5200 PCI for an AGP, if > you're looking for a PCI (not PCI-Express/PCIe, this is > 32-bit PCI) version. Okay, after some investigation, I ended up getting a cheap GeForce4 MX4000 series (NV18/19). These are often low-trace (64-bit) GeForce2 cores that perform little better than old GeForce2 MX ICs. But they do work at AGP x2/x4. That was most important. You have to be careful with anything NV3x (GF-FX) or newer like the NV4x (GF-6xxx) which seem to be AGP x8-only. And even the NV18 (GF4-MX8x) and NV28 (GF4-Ti8x) are designed for AGP x8, and might not do AGP x2/x4. The NV17 (GF4-MX) and NV25 (GF4-Ti) were designed for AGP x2/x4, although the newer revision NV18/28 were not. But apparently the NV18 (NV19?) MX4000 still supports AGP x2/x4. It's clear a cheap option for OEMs where performance is not required. Just FYI in case you go upgrading video cards. It's not worth it unless you have an AGP3.0 (x8) mainboard, or better yet, just go PCIe x16 and solve the problem once-and-for-all. Especially with the C51/GeForce 61x0-integrated chipsets starting at $60 for new S754/939 mainboards. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Mon Oct 10 10:26:44 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Seagate introduces new product range, 7200.9 Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F1228@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=2559 New drives from Seagate covering everything from 40gb to 500gb. -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From dmckenna at thelimucompany.com Mon Oct 10 10:32:00 2005 From: dmckenna at thelimucompany.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Seagate introduces new product range, 7200.9 Message-ID: <5C9DC445A45FEC4185D272DAF6AF37D19F122D@tlc001.tlcusa.thelimucompany.com> >From the article: Seagate states that it has incorporated all of the features that SATA has to offer in the 7200.9 series including the following: * Hot Plug * Hot Swap * eSATA * ClickConnect * Native Command Queuing (NCQ) * Staggered Spin-Up * 3G (3.0Gb/sec, backwards compatible with 1.5Gb/sec hardware) maximum transfer rates Nice! Availability seems a little low right now, though it should pick up in plenty of time for the holiday season. -- Damien McKenna - Web Developer - Damien.McKenna@thelimucompany.com The Limu Company - http://www.thelimucompany.com/ - 407-804-1014 #include From ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net Mon Oct 10 12:48:24 2005 From: ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net (ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Hardware recommendations -- Revisited ... Message-ID: <37828.69.176.47.130.1128962904.squirrel@www.ozz.is-a-geek.net> Hmmm - interesting stuff. One concern I have is the case - I saw quite a few complaints that the flipped design combined with the height of the case caused problems with the psu cables not reaching the mobo plugs... > Let's revisit that with the Aerocool Spiral Galaxies case and 256MB > Registered DDR333 SDRAM ... > > Dual-processor Opteron > - Aerocool Spiral Galaxies Flipped ATX Case $ 100 > - (various) 500-600W EPS12V Power Supply $ 100 > - Tyan S2895A2NRF "Thunder K8WE" 2200+2050+8131 $ 450 > - (2) Opteron 246HE 55W 2.0GHz/2x1M Rev E $ 500 > - (8) 256MB Registered ECC DDR333/PC2700 Memory $ 240 > - (2) WD1600SD 160GB "Caviar RE 24x7" SATA $ 200 > - LG GSA-4167B (Black) DVD-RAM/R/RW/+RW/+R DL $ 45 > - Mitsumi FA404A/404M (Black) 1.44MB/9-in-1 $ 25 > - GeForce 6600GT 128MB DDR PCIe-x16 $ 140 > ------- > $2,000 I make that $1,800, which is even better. As for the dual-core option, that would be sweet, but I'd need to be able to shave another $300 off the price. Hopefully I'll be ready to order soon... Thanks guys. Regards, Ozz. From b.j.smith at ieee.org Mon Oct 10 15:03:06 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Hardware recommendations -- Revisited ... In-Reply-To: <37828.69.176.47.130.1128962904.squirrel@www.ozz.is-a-geek.net> Message-ID: <20051010190306.27779.qmail@web34101.mail.mud.yahoo.com> ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net wrote: > One concern I have is the case - I saw quite a few > complaints that the flipped design combined with the > height of the case caused problems with > the psu cables not reaching the mobo plugs... Yep, that's an issue with the designs that still put the PS at the top. Seasonic S12s are popular, but also known for their short cable lengths. Luckily, there are extenders, and with the new, 2-3 multi-rail +12V lines, the wire gages are more than adequate these days. > I make that $1,800, which is even better. Damn, I just can't add. > As for the dual-core option, that would be sweet, but I'd > need to be able to shave another $300 off the price. You were already looking at dual-Xeon for $2,300 from Dell, what more do you want? @-ppp > Hopefully I'll be ready to order soon... In the end, an $600 MicroATX does the job, or $1,000 dual-core model. -- Bryan J. Smith | Sent from Yahoo Mail mailto:b.j.smith@ieee.org | (please excuse any http://thebs413.blogspot.com/ | missing headers) From ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net Tue Oct 11 05:16:17 2005 From: ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net (Austin Denyer (Ozz)) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Hardware recommendations -- Revisited ... In-Reply-To: <20051010190306.27779.qmail@web34101.mail.mud.yahoo.com> References: <37828.69.176.47.130.1128962904.squirrel@www.ozz.is-a-geek.net> <20051010190306.27779.qmail@web34101.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <20051011051617.4f883936.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> On Mon, 10 Oct 2005 12:03:06 -0700 (PDT), "Bryan J. Smith" wrote: > > ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net wrote: > > One concern I have is the case - I saw quite a few > > complaints that the flipped design combined with the > > height of the case caused problems with > > the psu cables not reaching the mobo plugs... > > Yep, that's an issue with the designs that still put the PS > at the top. Seasonic S12s are popular, but also known for > their short cable lengths. Luckily, there are extenders, and > with the new, 2-3 multi-rail +12V lines, the wire gages are > more than adequate these days. The Tyan board looks like it has the power connectors near the center of the board, so it may not be such an issue there. > > I make that $1,800, which is even better. > > Damn, I just can't add. > > > As for the dual-core option, that would be sweet, but I'd > > need to be able to shave another $300 off the price. > > You were already looking at dual-Xeon for $2,300 from Dell, > what more do you want? @-ppp The Dual core would have pushed it to $2,600. > > Hopefully I'll be ready to order soon... > > In the end, an $600 MicroATX does the job, or $1,000 > dual-core model. It looks like I'm gonna wind up with a pre-built box after all, but customized towards the suggestions here. This is what I'm looking at right now: 1 x Thermaltake Xaser III V1000A Tower $125.00 1 x PS 550W - Enermax EG651P-VE-24P ATX-EPS/S $102.00 1 x Tyan S2895A2NRF K8WE Audio/GB-LAN/IEEE-13 $407.00 2 x AMD Opteron 246 2.0GHz 1MB 64/32 Bit $450.00 2 x Thermaltake A1770 AMD Opteron/64 Heatsink $ 56.00 2 x DDR (266) 2100 REG ECC - 1 GB (2 pcs 512) $288.00 2 x Western Digital Caviar SE 200 GB SATAII $192.00 1 x DVD?RW - NEC ND-3540A 16X Dual Layer DVD? $ 46.00 1 x TEAC 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy Drive (Black) $ 18.00 1 x eVGA GeForce 6600 GT 128MB DDR3/PCI-E/TV- $165.00 1 x Thermaltake 80mm Ball Bearing DC Fan $ 9.99 1 x Logitech X-120 Multimedia PC Speakers $ 25.00 ======== $1883.99 Plus a few extra bits n pieces that take it to $2,005. Thanks to all who helped with the decision. Regards, Ozz. From ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net Tue Oct 11 07:40:26 2005 From: ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net (ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Hardware recommendations -- Revisited ... In-Reply-To: <20051011051617.4f883936.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> References: <37828.69.176.47.130.1128962904.squirrel@www.ozz.is-a-geek.net> <20051010190306.27779.qmail@web34101.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <20051011051617.4f883936.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> Message-ID: <42620.69.176.47.130.1129030826.squirrel@www.ozz.is-a-geek.net> Oops - wrong RAM... Should be: DDR (333) 2700 REG ECC - 2 GB (4 pcs 512) $300.00 Regards, Ozz. From b.j.smith at ieee.org Thu Oct 13 20:27:49 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Hardware recommendations -- Revisited ... In-Reply-To: <20051011051617.4f883936.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> References: <37828.69.176.47.130.1128962904.squirrel@www.ozz.is-a-geek.net> <20051010190306.27779.qmail@web34101.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <20051011051617.4f883936.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> Message-ID: <1129249670.4931.7.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> On Tue, 2005-10-11 at 05:16 -0400, Austin Denyer wrote: > 2 x DDR (266) 2100 REG ECC - 1 GB (2 pcs 512) $288.00 You want at least 2x DDR _per_ Socket-940 (4 total). Otherwise you're _halving_ your all-important memory bandwidth. -- Bryan J. Smith b.j.smith@ieee.org http://thebs413.blogspot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The best things in life are NOT free - which is why life is easiest if you save all the bills until you can share them with the perfect woman From ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net Thu Oct 13 21:26:51 2005 From: ozz at ozz.is-a-geek.net (Austin Denyer (Ozz)) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Hardware recommendations -- Revisited ... In-Reply-To: <1129249670.4931.7.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> References: <37828.69.176.47.130.1128962904.squirrel@www.ozz.is-a-geek.net> <20051010190306.27779.qmail@web34101.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <20051011051617.4f883936.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> <1129249670.4931.7.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> Message-ID: <20051013212651.7eaf2ce7.ozz@ozz.is-a-geek.net> On Thu, 13 Oct 2005 19:27:49 -0500, "Bryan J. Smith" wrote: > > On Tue, 2005-10-11 at 05:16 -0400, Austin Denyer wrote: > > 2 x DDR (266) 2100 REG ECC - 1 GB (2 pcs 512) $288.00 > > You want at least 2x DDR _per_ Socket-940 (4 total). > Otherwise you're _halving_ your all-important memory bandwidth. That's what I did. It's not too clear from my post (I just copied it from the spec page) - I got 4 sticks of 512 Meg DDR (333) 2700 REG ECC - 2 GB total. I can't wait for it to arrive... Regards, Ozz. From b.j.smith at ieee.org Fri Oct 14 01:07:20 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Retro Windows Gaming System: P3-866, 512MB, Voodoo3 16MB AGP TV-Out Message-ID: <1129266440.4967.8.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> In my quest to clean up all my old systems, I've given various components away, but also come close to finishing off a couple of specialized systems. One is my old Abit BP6 dual-Celeron 466MHz, which has 768MB of PC100 Registered ECC SDRAM and (2) hot-swappable HD bays (HPT366) as well as an earlier generation GSA-4081 (DVD-RAM/R/RW/+R/+RW). It is in that black Antec ATX case with an older 435W Enermax ATX 1.0 PS. Another is an old Tyan S1854 (late rev.) P3-866MHz, which has 512MB of PC133 SDRAM and (1) 40GB Western Digital HD and a Panasonic DVD-RAM/R/RW drive. It's in the smallest ATX form-factor case I've ever had, with a 350W Antec ATX 1.0 PS. The PS is just above the CPU area -- not enough good for new CPU fansinks, but good enough for the Intel OEM fansink. The 80mm outtake fan on the PS spins at 1,000rpm, and the CPU fan is not audible either, making the system very, very quiet. The Voodoo3 16MB AGP TV-Out is connected to my Philips 480p/1080i, which has 1050 lines of horizontal resolution. The 480i TV output (640x480) is extremely clear, as it clearly doubles the inputs to seem like "flicker free" 480p. Unfortunately, when I push 800x600, it's still only S-Video out, so it's not quite a nice looking. The system is completely manageable -- from BIOS to Windows -- via the TV-Out. I'll be loading some of my old favorite games, especially older Glide games, most of which run on the Voodoo3 (only a select few require a true Voodoo or Voodoo2). My Compaq wireless keyboard/mouse provides the needed input, although I'm looking for a wireless gamepad. -- Bryan J. Smith b.j.smith@ieee.org http://thebs413.blogspot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The best things in life are NOT free - which is why life is easiest if you save all the bills until you can share them with the perfect woman From b.j.smith at ieee.org Fri Oct 14 01:30:02 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: USB backups -- for 4-7GB, DVD-R is ideal ... In-Reply-To: <20051014024926.C01DA299DB@xprdmailfe21.nwk.excite.com> References: <20051014024926.C01DA299DB@xprdmailfe21.nwk.excite.com> Message-ID: <1129267802.4967.25.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> On Thu, 2005-10-13 at 22:49 -0400, Sally Welch wrote: > Bryan, > I have searched your blog and didn't find the answer to my question. I just started it a few months ago. Sooner or later I'll dump a good decade of past info into it. > Could you please give me your advice? I work with a small business that > has a Linux server and 2 Windows XP workstations. I am backing up > workstation data to the server, but offsite backups are needed. The > owner doesn't want the data backed up to a server elsewhere since he > doesn't own these other servers (privacy/security concerns). > There is currently about 4-7gb data to backup. What has a native capacity of 4.7GB (4.35GiB), costs only $45 for the drive, is less than $0.25 per unit media and works 100% with Linux? An LG GSA-4167B (Black): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827136063 They also have a Beige version: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827136064 If you want to save a few bucks ($3-5), you can go with the older GSA-4165 or 4163 series (do _not_ buy a refurb though, they never last). Some of the earlier 416x just don't do some of the higher speed dual- layer, although they _all_ do 16x DVD-R and DVD+R recording. If you need a backup program, my old "back2cd" works for DVDs as well as CDs. I get about 9-12GB on a single DVD-R: http://www.samag.com/documents/sam0204c/ > The owner was thinking about purchasing two external hard drives for > backups. One of the drives would be taken home for offsite storage on > an alternating basis. I like the idea, but I am concerned that > backups would take a long time with the 2.0 USB hard drives being > considered. The main issue is the reliability of _off-line_ ATA drives and their intolerance to _shock_. But if you still want to go that way, the new Seagate NL35 ("Near-Line") drives are the best you'll get. http://www.samag.com/documents/sam0509a/0509a_s1.htm [ As part of this main article on network backup: http://www.samag.com/documents/sam0509a/ ] BTW, FireWire tends to have better, sustained transfer rates. I won't get into the long engineering babble on why. ;-> > Would flash memory be better? No, definitely _not_! They are _slower_ because EEPROM takes a long time to write. And you _only_ get 1,000 writes per cell on average. Yes, the solid state EEPROM solves the reliability of high-density platters, but they introduce a performance and rewrite lifetime issue. > I see 4gb USB memory sticks for $230 or so, though they would probably > need four of these. There are a couple USB ports available on the > workstation, and two more on the keyboard. > I believe that speed of backups will be much more important to the > users than the disparity in price between USB hard drives and USB > memory sticks. The smaller size of the sticks would be an added > bonus. EEPROM writes are typically _slower_ than today's bursting hard drives. Granted, USB 2.0 is more of the "bottleneck" issue, which puts EEPROM and fixed disk on the same field of performance, but I would not go the EEPROM route. > Is there something that I am not considering? What do you advise? DVD-R If you record DVD-R via cdrecord+DVDpatch (standard with most 2.6 distros, and many late 2.4 distros) in disc-at-once (DaO) mode, you get a media that will last 10+ years. It's also very portable and cheap. Also note that you can use my script to just master the .iso files, then record them to DVD-R on whatever system you want. I.e., you could put LG GSA-4167 drives in all systems. -- Bryan J. Smith b.j.smith@ieee.org http://thebs413.blogspot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The best things in life are NOT free - which is why life is easiest if you save all the bills until you can share them with the perfect woman From b.j.smith at ieee.org Fri Oct 14 01:46:15 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Talking with a client about cheap storage In-Reply-To: <1129263392.6469.14.camel@lin-workstation.azapple.com> References: <1129166440.2349.185.camel@lin-workstation.azapple.com> <1129263392.6469.14.camel@lin-workstation.azapple.com> Message-ID: <1129268775.4967.40.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> On Thu, 2005-10-13 at 21:16 -0700, Craig White wrote: > > Thinking that I would get perhaps 2 external 4 drive or 1-8 drive > > enclosure with the above card... > > > > 1 - is it a dog in RAID 5 ? Hardly. The XScale superscalar microprocessor pushes some serious data around. > > 2 - other than the mess of 8 cables between external enclosure and LSI > > card, is there something else I have to consider? There are multi-lane concentrators for SATA, pioneered by 3Ware, that turns 4 ports into 1 cable. But if you're concerned about external cabling, then consider SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) instead. Most SAS cards not only do SATA as well as SAS drives, but they typically have hardware RAID-0, 1, 1e and/or 10 built-in. > > 3 - I would expect this to work with CentOS 4.x - I have been able to > > get the CERC controller to work no problem. Any fears ? LSI Logic has been excellent at supporting Linux, their newer XScale products included. Not totally satisfied with their monitoring tools in Linux though, but they are far, far better than the majority out there (sans 3Ware). BTW, 3Ware has introduced a real _powerful_ card in the Escalade 9550SX series with a serious PowerPC embedded microprocessor on-board. It's the same cost as the existing 9500S series, but moves 2x as much data in RAID-5 thanx to the PPC. The only kicker with 3Ware is that I typically wait 6-9 months for their firmware to "shake out." http://www.3ware.com/products/serial_ata2-9000.asp They can also do PCI-X @ 133MHz. The previous 8506 and 9500S only did 64-bit PCI @ 66MHz. > didn't get a reply to this but sometimes your emails end up in my > spambox (think that your yahoo account scores fairly close to spam) and > usually, you are very quick to reply. Sorry, I work about 12-16 hours/day, and in many cases, I work a spurt of 8-10 hours without a break. -- Bryan CC: PC_Support list (where I typically post on hardware) -- Bryan J. Smith b.j.smith@ieee.org http://thebs413.blogspot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The best things in life are NOT free - which is why life is easiest if you save all the bills until you can share them with the perfect woman From damien at mc-kenna.com Fri Oct 14 22:02:42 2005 From: damien at mc-kenna.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] AMD spouts marketing speak regarding future plans Message-ID: <43506342.60806@mc-kenna.com> http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2565 Lots of buzz words. -- Damien McKenna, husband, father, geek. damien@mc-kenna.com - http://www.mc-kenna.com/ From b.j.smith at ieee.org Sat Oct 15 10:43:05 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] AMD spouts marketing speak regarding future plans In-Reply-To: <43506342.60806@mc-kenna.com> References: <43506342.60806@mc-kenna.com> Message-ID: <1129387385.4933.5.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> On Fri, 2005-10-14 at 22:02 -0400, Damien McKenna wrote: > http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2565 > Lots of buzz words. Yes bay-bee! This is what I was hoping for! 2007+ is when new AMD64 extensions will _break_ i486 TLB compatibility, and move beyond the current 48-bit/PAE52 approach. It will do this in its multi-core, virtualized, partitioned processor, which can instantiate individual 48-bit/PAE52 and 32-bit/PAE36 virtual processors. This will indeed bring more capabilities while each virtualized processor will remain fully compatible with existing x86-64 and i486 ISA while also offering mainframe-class reliability. Intel is not even looking at this, is playing games with their extremely aging Pentium M (PPro-P3) based core through 2007+. I'm sure AMD's is not going to share how they are doing this, and Intel will once again fall beyond and saved only by their fabrication technology lead. -- Bryan J. Smith b.j.smith@ieee.org http://thebs413.blogspot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The best things in life are NOT free - which is why life is easiest if you save all the bills until you can share them with the perfect woman From b.j.smith at ieee.org Sat Oct 15 10:50:34 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Conspiracy... What conspiracy? -- a double-standard? In-Reply-To: <4enk8j$96a1uj@mxip30a.cluster1.charter.net> References: <4enk8j$96a1uj@mxip30a.cluster1.charter.net> Message-ID: <1129387835.4933.13.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> On Fri, 2005-10-14 at 11:14 -0500, William Underwood wrote: > Samsung to pay $300M fine for DRAM price fixing > It will plead guilty to being part of an 'international conspiracy' > http://www.computerworld.com/governmenttopics/government/legalissues/story/0,10801,105431,00.html > Thought it might interest some of you.... At first, I was happy to see this, because the Asian rim of company have kept prices artificially high using various excuses. They've gone from razor-thin margins or even running fabs at a loss (because it's more of a loss to shut them down) to healthy profits. But then I thought about things again. First off, we're talking extremely massive volumes and in many cases, the profits they make on memory are _less_ than the profits Dell, Gateway and other Tier-1 OEMs make on memory mark-up in their systems. Now keep that in mind as we look at where the complaints are coming from -- Dell, Gateway and other Tier-1 OEMs. *SO*, if Dell, Gateway, etc... are allowed to complain about the Asian rim of companies who run multi-billion dollar fabs that lose money for 3 years, then make a healthy profit for 3 years, etc..., then *CONSUMERS* should have the right to hold Dell, Gateway and other Tier-1 OEMs to the _same_standard_ when we go to configure a system and we pay 2-3x the price for the _exact_same_ memory than we can get directly from Crucial, Infineon, etc... Sometimes I think consumers are merely prey for the massive number of lawyers in this country, and they do little for us. Yes, price fixing did occur. And yes, people profited, but how "fair" is it that we have only penalized companies based outside the US, and not the ones based on the US that pull the same non-sense, and often using foreign products anyway? Or maybe that's just my Libertarian views getting in the way of good regulation. I don't know, still seems like a double-standard. -- Bryan J. Smith b.j.smith@ieee.org http://thebs413.blogspot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The best things in life are NOT free - which is why life is easiest if you save all the bills until you can share them with the perfect woman From b.j.smith at ieee.org Sat Oct 15 16:26:28 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (=?ISO-8859-1?Q?Bryan=20J=2E=20Smith?=) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: =?ISO-8859-1?Q?[Pc=5FSupport]_Windows_XP_VPN_Usage?= Message-ID: I've seen this exact issue many times. In a nutshell, the VPN client is misconfigured, typically because it is not allowing the default route out to the Internet. What VPN client? -----Original Message----- From: Tim McDonough Date: 05-9-26 16:13 To: This is the PC Support list. Subj: [Pc_Support] Windows XP VPN Usage I use a VPN connection from a Windows XP machine here at home to connect to our office so I can run an application that needsthe database at work. The VPN disconnects if I use my local web browser at the same time. Is this supposed to happen for security related reasons or do I perhaps have something mis-configured? -- Tim _______________________________________________ Pc_support mailing list Pc_support@matrixlist.com http://lists.matrixlist.com/mailman/listinfo/pc_support From tim at mcdonough.net Sat Oct 15 17:28:48 2005 From: tim at mcdonough.net (Tim McDonough) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Windows XP VPN Usage In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <43517490.90906@mcdonough.net> The one that's built in to Windows XP Pro. Bryan J. Smith wrote: > I've seen this exact issue many times. In a nutshell, the VPN client is misconfigured, typically because it is not allowing the default route out to the Internet. > > What VPN client? > > -----Original Message----- > From: Tim McDonough > Date: 05-9-26 16:13 > To: This is the PC Support list. > Subj: [Pc_Support] Windows XP VPN Usage > > I use a VPN connection from a Windows XP machine here at home to > connect to our office so I can run an application that needsthe > database at work. The VPN disconnects if I use my local web browser at > the same time. > > Is this supposed to happen for security related reasons or do I > perhaps have something mis-configured? > -- Tim From b.j.smith at ieee.org Sun Oct 16 21:35:01 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] AMD outsells Intel on US retail shelf for a full month for the first time ever ... Message-ID: <1129512901.5233.14.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> Interesting results for 2005 September retail sales: http://www.tgdaily.com/2005/10/14/amd_outsells_intel/index.html Sure enough, it was HP who was largely responsible for AMD's success. As I have repeatedly stated, HP has been the sole Tier-1 that has been the AMD thorn in Intel's side. But while Intel has been beating HP to drop their AMD Opteron server sales from over a 30% share to under 10% on the business front, AMD quietly took control of the Media PC on the consumer shelf right under Intel's noses. Interesting fact that 46% of all US retail desktops were Media PCs. I wouldn't have guessed that, but it seems AMD -- or at least HP -- _might_ know their market a bit better than Intel, Dell and the mail order channels, eh? ;-> My, my how the market changes. -- Bryan J. Smith b.j.smith@ieee.org http://thebs413.blogspot.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The best things in life are NOT free - which is why life is easiest if you save all the bills until you can share them with the perfect woman From damien at mc-kenna.com Sun Oct 16 22:59:30 2005 From: damien at mc-kenna.com (Damien McKenna) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] AMD outsells Intel on US retail shelf for a full month for the first time ever ... In-Reply-To: <1129512901.5233.14.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> References: <1129512901.5233.14.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> Message-ID: <43531392.7040207@mc-kenna.com> I thought they'd done it before, during early 2004? -- Damien McKenna, husband, father, geek. damien@mc-kenna.com - http://www.mc-kenna.com/ From m9u35g at gmail.com Mon Oct 17 00:35:39 2005 From: m9u35g at gmail.com (Justin M. Keyes) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Conspiracy... What conspiracy? -- a double-standard? In-Reply-To: <1129387835.4933.13.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> References: <4enk8j$96a1uj@mxip30a.cluster1.charter.net> <1129387835.4933.13.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> Message-ID: <46f680d0510162135v61caf4a1ud646ac5bde4c073d@mail.gmail.com> On 10/15/05, Bryan J. Smith wrote: > Or maybe that's just my Libertarian views getting in the way of good > regulation. I don't know, still seems like a double-standard. There's no such thing as good regulation, or "price-fixing", and the government doesn't have a right to tell a company how it may price its goods. Sounds like your [lL]ibertarian views aren't getting in the way enough ;p -- Justin Keyes From jasonb at edseek.com Mon Oct 17 03:15:18 2005 From: jasonb at edseek.com (Jason Boxman) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Conspiracy... What conspiracy? -- a double-standard? In-Reply-To: <46f680d0510162135v61caf4a1ud646ac5bde4c073d@mail.gmail.com> References: <4enk8j$96a1uj@mxip30a.cluster1.charter.net> <1129387835.4933.13.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> <46f680d0510162135v61caf4a1ud646ac5bde4c073d@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: <200510170315.18766.jasonb@edseek.com> On Monday 17 October 2005 00:35, Justin M. Keyes wrote: > On 10/15/05, Bryan J. Smith wrote: > > Or maybe that's just my Libertarian views getting in the way of good > > regulation. I don't know, still seems like a double-standard. > > There's no such thing as good regulation, or "price-fixing", and the > government doesn't have a right to tell a company how it may price its > goods. Sounds like your [lL]ibertarian views aren't getting in the way > enough ;p Off-topic, but I appreciate not dying from random drugs that may or may not work as a drug company chooses to claim were there only the free market in effect. -- Jason Boxman http://edseek.com/ - Linux and FOSS stuff From m9u35g at gmail.com Mon Oct 17 03:40:47 2005 From: m9u35g at gmail.com (Justin M. Keyes) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] Re: Conspiracy... What conspiracy? -- a double-standard? In-Reply-To: <200510170315.18766.jasonb@edseek.com> References: <4enk8j$96a1uj@mxip30a.cluster1.charter.net> <1129387835.4933.13.camel@bert64.oviedo.smithconcepts.com> <46f680d0510162135v61caf4a1ud646ac5bde4c073d@mail.gmail.com> <200510170315.18766.jasonb@edseek.com> Message-ID: <46f680d0510170040kfddb92uff1addc14c6b5f01@mail.gmail.com> On 10/17/05, Jason Boxman wrote: > On Monday 17 October 2005 00:35, Justin M. Keyes wrote: > > On 10/15/05, Bryan J. Smith wrote: > > > Or maybe that's just my Libertarian views getting in the way of good > > > regulation. I don't know, still seems like a double-standard. > > > > There's no such thing as good regulation, or "price-fixing", and the > > government doesn't have a right to tell a company how it may price its > > goods. Sounds like your [lL]ibertarian views aren't getting in the way > > enough ;p > > Off-topic, but I appreciate not dying from random drugs that may or may not > work as a drug company chooses to claim were there only the free market in > effect. I like to make my own choices -- Justin Keyes From b.j.smith at ieee.org Mon Oct 17 09:37:40 2005 From: b.j.smith at ieee.org (Bryan J. Smith) Date: Tue Oct 31 13:17:21 2006 Subject: [Pc_Support] AMD outsells Intel on US retail shelf for a full month for th