To build a PC

[MrLime]

First let me tell you that I`m mac-fanatic to the bones, but I`ve worked with pc`s and think they are somewhat ok.

So, why am I here? I`m here because just recently I got this old pc-server for free. It`s Compaq Proliant, said that it has 8GB Raid in it, 120MB RAM, network cards and stuff. I don`t know the processor or it`s speed, but I think it might be something like 133-200MHz. I haven`t got monitor yet, so I really don`t know if everything works ok.

Maybe I should look inside and start thinking for some upgrades. Yes, that`s what I`m going to do... but really, I`m a beginner with this kind of technical stuff and would be very pleased if you guys could help me a little.
What are the first things I should upgrade? Motherboard pretty likely, I hope that RAM is still fine with newer machines. How about that Raid-system and network connections? There seems to be a scsi-port at the back, but it`s much slimmer than what I`m used to, help me out here...

Tell me everything that pops in to your minds and maybe, just maybe, I won`t throw myself to this hopeless and endless project 😉

Thanks in advance,
Mr. Lime

ps. yes, I really want some advices.

 

[fkloster]

My advice? Don't upgrade it at all. Don't spend a stinkin' penny on it. If it works, leave it alone. Put in your OS and play total annihalation or Warcraft 2. Save your money to spend on a new system. Upgrading old servers is like fixing up old cars. VERY EXPENSIVE.

 

[chemos]

MrLime>
First of all, what do you plan on using this box for? Its role would play an important part in deciding where to upgrade. I assume it ran as a server in the past--is that what you'll be using it for?

If at all possible, before even popping it open, I would recommend finding a friend who's had at least a bit of experience in working with hardware. It's not very difficult, but like with most things, requires some practice (and, for some, damage) to get it down.

On that note, I'd really recommend finding a monitor (or using a monitor converter for your Mac monitor) and try booting the thing up. That way you can gauge what works, find out exactly what you're working with, and possibly try and determine where any bottlenecks may be.

 

[cheetoden]

Donate it to Letterman so he can throw it off a building along with his watermelons and old tv's.

 

[Bignate603]

i would just trash the old one and build a new one, it would be easier and you may get a few probs from old parts if you upgrade.

 

[Buddha Bart]

Ok, here's a rundown of what problems you'll likely run into.

Socket 5,7,or 8 Mobo: All of which are old and dead (socket 7 makes an occasional twitch, but it should be ignored)

AT motherboard: The motherboard likely follows the AT form factor, specifically in that it takes an AT power supply connector. This greatly limits your upgradablity because AT is dead. You'd have to find used or old parts.

AT Case: Inhernet to the motherboard situation, your case is likely AT, so you can't even upgrade and put an ATX board in it. So now the case and Mobo must go.

SIMM ram: Your ram is likely to be 72 pin simm sticks. New motherboards only support 168pin SDRAM, and some even newer RDRAM or DDRRAM (not quite yet on the ddr)

ISA cards: many of the expansion cards in that PC are likely to be the older ISA type instead of PCI. Most new mother boards come with few if any ISA slots, so you wouldn't have to be very selective about which to keep.

10baseT NIC: The Network Interface Card (nic) in there is likely old enough to be 10baseT, not 10/100. This probably won't matter if you just want to run a small home lan, but I bet nearly any of your newer mac stuff will be 10/100.

Overall i'd say just install linux on the thing and make a play-server of it.

bart

 

[Rigoletto]

Sell it to someone who wants a server in their own room. Buy a voodoo 5 for your mac.