Building a Computer... What Could cause these Problems ??

[Kayos24]

My friend recently gave me a new MainBoard, its an Intel P4 1.5 Ghz, the # is D850GB. Along with a Nvidia TNT2 M64 Graphics card. Ive been driving my self nuts trying to install this into an old Sony computer from 98'... Although all thats left of that computer is the Case, and power supply. Now, I dont know much about putting a computer together from scratch, and this may be my problem, But ive been trying to use 2 old Hard Drives that I have from the 98' Sony... Ones a Quantum Fireball ST43A221 4.3 GB... and the others a Seagate ST34311A 4.1 GB. The problem im having is this, both drives have been formated, and Ive been trying to load an OS, such as Windows 98... My main goal is to get to Windows XP Pro, But everytime I try to install anything, about half way through, everything freezes up, and I have to start all over. Ive also tried to clean install Windows XP Pro, with no success. Ive been using a windows 98 start-up disk to get to a DOS prompt. Can some one tell me if im doing something wrong, or know more about this and can give me reccomendations, or other steps to follow ??
ANY help is GREATLY appreciated !!
Thanks !

 

[LiLithTecH]

When Win98 hangs or freezes after the first reboot it is a
problem with the VIDEO driver.

Is the card an Retail nVidia card or an OEM (like from a DELL or Gateway)?

 

[boomerang]

That Power Supply is too old for that Processor/Motherboard combination. There is a white, 4 pin connector on that board below the socket for the CPU. You must have a lead from your PS connected there. I would bet that your PS does not have that lead.

Now, there are adaptors available for this situation, but I'm guessing that the PS is just not powerful enough, and/or compliant with the specs necessary to power that board and processor.

If you have to purchase a PS, I would recommend you get a case also. There are many inexpensive cases that come with a PS that would work just fine that you could purchase for less than a PS alone.

While we're at it, how much RAM do you have? Also, those HD's are pretty small to be trying to install XP on. It will fit no problem, but you will have precious little space left over. They will actually hinder the system to a noticeable degree.

You may find some helpful information here.

 

[Kayos24]

It is a retail Video Card... And I have 128 Mb of Ram.
Thanks !

 

[Kayos24]

My Power Source is a ATX200-3505. And No I dont believe I have that 4 pin connector, What is that for ?
Thanks ALL !!

 

[jackschmittusa]

The 4 pin connector provides extra juice to the mobo.New psu should be "P-4 ready". You will need a new psu. Also, 128mb ram will choke XP. Manufacturers don't even ship rigs with 128mb and XP anymore because of all of the complaints.

 

[boomerang]

That board takes Rambus RDRAM too. Rambus = expensive. Although not as bad as it used to be.