Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Getback on January 04, 2025, 01:08:04 AM
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I built my last PC in 2012. It's considered a family heirloom by now and is affectionately known as Big Red. It's been at my son's house, my oldest daughter's house and back to my house. With me it was at my old home and then to my apartment while my new home was being built. Now, of course, it's at my new home. There's also been two builds in the same case. The last one was in 2012. Believe it or not it is still a beautiful case.
It has run day and night for most of those years. I'm using it now. I think it has an atx Abit motherboard, the latest intel chip at the time, Thermaltake 750w power supply, and two hard drives. Who knows what else. I know the GPU is so old it won't run a curved monitor. Found that out the hard way. Wire management is...well what wire management!
I played Aces High with it for several years and then started using it for business. Then I bought my first new Lenovo PC for gaming. Ironically, I only played Aces High for a few months after I bought it. I had a bunch of issues I had to deal with and dealt with them quite well. It took a while.
One of the reasons Big Red ran day and night is because the start button popped off one day. I pressed the button and when I released it shot about a foot in the air. Uh! Big Red is showing its age. The sound quit with a good ole Windows update. I had been able to reinstall the sound drivers and get it to work. Not this time. Both case fans are finally quiet after make annoying noises. Then again, they aren't turning either. The CPU fan is working thank goodness. (I just spotted a dead cricket in the case! WTH!) I'll be vacuuming.
Currently I'm getting ready to move all of the data from Big Red to the Lenovo and use the Lenovo as daily business/personal computer. Big Red may not last much longer, so I started looking for a replacement. I like having multiple computers in the house.
I've done some online searches and good ole privacy invading Google started making suggestions. YouTube videos about computer builds appeared. I hadn't even thought about building since 2012. In fact, I was so over that. However, I just had to look.
So, what has changed since my 2012 build. Technology is ever advancing for sure, faster CPUs and GPUs and no doubt advanced chip sets. What really caught my eye are the SSD drives. Just insert them into the Motherboards. Wowsers! Those SSD drives are also so much cheaper than the hard drives. No need to route the wiring and power for the hard drives. The guy I've been watching, Crater, throws out the Hard drive cages should the case even have one. He also uses at least 3 case fans. Also, some GPUs need a 16-pin connection from the power supply. Not all power supplies have that.
I realize that most of you in this forum are way savvier today than I am. For someone that hasn't even looked inside a computer for years. It's pretty impressive.
I definitely will be building a new PC. How much? I'm thinking between $500 and $1000. The $500 version used an I3 and from there mostly AMD. I did see an I5 build though that was of interest.
In a bit of side note, I just assembled an L-shaped desk in my office. That only took 3 days! It looks really good. I wanted room for at least 2 computers that I could reach from a single chair.
I haven't been on here for a good while and I hope that you all are doing well.
I may post pictures of Big Red and then new build later.
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There has been some really good looking cases through the years. Most often those that stand the test of time are a bit sturdier as well. 30 lbs wasn't uncommon, now they weigh less than 10 lbs, even brand name ones. The main issue in reusing old cases is the front panel connectors: Worn out audio and USB, and no USB3. Then again, I have a friend who does some Frankenstein surgery so even those can be fixed without major costs.
The big start button has been an issue for many cases. There used to be a popular model whose button stuck in. Hitting the front panel with the handle of a screwdriver was what they did at the IT school, a drop of oil was what I used after starting my own business.
Regarding m.2 SSD's, the tiny raiser nut is very important! If the disk isn't aligned with the motherboard the system may not start at all. Old systems used to inform about a non-existent hard disk, new ones look like dead. Learning that was humiliating...
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GPU's are still crazy expensive
VR is a huge change since your last build
Most don't have cd/DVD players as usb and streaming updates is now the norm
Best of luck with your new box.
Eagler
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Awesome getback! Glad you're enjoying with Big Red! Computers are definitely not what they used to be...but, concept hasn't changed...kinda like a car I guess lol.
Thanks for sharing and would enjoy to see Big Red. Took me back when Gateway2000 came out and we had just upgraded from IBM floppy disk PC...same time around when AOL came out and of course the wonderful Air Warrior...fell in love with the game then and here we are, many computers later. Keep us posted, hope to see you flying soon :salute
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I recently upgraded the video card in my computer, went from a a GTX 1060 to a RTX 2060. I didnt need anything more powerful so I didnt go any higher. My tower recently had its power switch fail, had to take the front panel off and solder a new power switch button into it. It doesnt sit flush with the case, it hangs out the front on a pigtail. Also took the time to redo the cpu paste on the fan and blow the dust out. Found out that at some point one of the cpu cooler fans died so that got swapped also.
I have been looking for a different case but I cant not find anything I really like. I want one of these "Cooler Master HAF XB EVO High AirFlow Lan Box Case" but they are long discontinued, I put it off too long and then when I wanted to get it, its too late. Used prices are insane as people charge $100 for shipping when it doesnt even come close to that. I dont like any of the newer cases as they have tempered glass which I will never have on a case or it is full of the RGB rainbow puke lights that look like crap. PC part picker if I do a search only give back a half dozen hits because a plain metal mid size atx case with multiple 5.25 inch and 3.5 inch drive slots is not common, but if I want something with rainbow puke and tempered glass so I can stare at the flashy lights there is 30 returns on it.
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What's the Procedure for getting pictures to post?
Thank you!
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What's the Procedure for getting pictures to post?
Thank you!
Upload your picture to a free picture place, I use https://postimages.org/ Sign up, and click upload. Browse your computer for the picture and click the upload button. Then it will give you this page.....
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZqtgJrH7/postimage.jpg)
Click on the second line down far right to "copy" the address of the picture.
Then open a post here.....
(https://i.postimg.cc/K8gwX9P3/post_pic.jpg)
Click inbetween the IMG tags and paste the address and your done.
Welcome back!!!
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What's the Procedure for getting pictures to post?
Thank you!
If you don't want to sign into yet another service, you can also upload a picture (almost) directly to the post.
Simply use the "Attachments and other options" feature below the post text window. Adding a picture as an attachment is a no-brainer. If you want to show the picture immediately without readers having to download it first, modify your post, copy the link of your attachment and finally use the "Insert image" button up left to link directly to the attachment.
As not all forums have the option for attachments you can create a thread in the Films and Screenshots section, attach your pictures and link from there. Copy-paste, guess that should be familiar to you.
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Thanks Fugitive and Bizman. I'll give it a shot.
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Sheet, I'm still using my 2012 built rig with an old ATI hd5770.
I upgraded it from a KT7A raid when the caps bulged and blew but I kept it and another because I can fix both. They were the last of the motherboards that supported ISA boards (like the Sound Blaster AWE32) as well as our dynometer controller because old proprietary ISA interface cards for machining are still far more expensive than buying old hardware to fit them.
Even most the industrial motherboards that support ISA don't have DMA so it's best to check if you're putting together a machine to run all the old dos games that run the DOS4GW extender.
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I've started "collecting" older computers since I'm getting to the point of finding something new to fiddle with. Most recent finds were a 486/66 desktop and a 486/25 dos only laptop that works perfectly fine except the floppy drive is toast so I can't install windows 3.1 on it. . Got the desktop for $10 and the laptop for free. Got a 4 tier shelf full of computers and parts that I have come across
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https://ibb.co/NCbnHjb
Here's Big Red. It may have been built in 2010. I have files going back that far.
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https://ibb.co/NCbnHjb
Here's Big Red. It may have been built in 2010. I have files going back that far.
Wow! That was definitely not what I was imagining! She's a beaut!
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Wow! That was definitely not what I was imagining! She's a beaut!
She's heavy too!
I don't think I'll retire that case.
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https://ibb.co/9V9hpnf
Lenovo, the case has never been opened.
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https://ibb.co/9V9hpnf
Lenovo, the case has never been opened.
Now that looks like mine, except the side facing you has glass. This one is cool too but Big Red1 definitely has more character :cheers:
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[img]https://i.postimg.cc/sxjrSG22/Big-Red-Copy.jpg[img]
Hope this works
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(https://i.postimg.cc/Q9ywZt1L/Big-Red-Copy.jpg)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/sxjrSG22/Big-Red-Copy.jpg)
Eagler
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(https://i.postimg.cc/JtsScNCR/New-Desk.jpg)
New desk. Spent three days on that. It has a ton of storage space. Plus it's L shaped which means I can easily move between Consoles.
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I've started "collecting" older computers since I'm getting to the point of finding something new to fiddle with. Most recent finds were a 486/66 desktop and a 486/25 dos only laptop that works perfectly fine except the floppy drive is toast so I can't install windows 3.1 on it. . Got the desktop for $10 and the laptop for free. Got a 4 tier shelf full of computers and parts that I have come across
I have a fully functioning Compaq portable 286, aka the suitcase, from 1985.
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Thats awesome!
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Thats awesome!
My Mother in law used it in banking. When they were getting new machines, I was able to get the one she used to use for business. This was not too long before she retired from the bank.
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I have a fully functioning Compaq portable 286, aka the suitcase, from 1985.
That is awesome! And here I thought I had done something by having one for 12-15 years.
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I ordered a Ryzen 5 5600X. It should be here in the next week. I haven't chosen a motherboard yet. I need to learn more. The GPU will be the last thing I order. Those are expensive!
Big Red update: I took out all the fans and have new ones arriving tomorrow. Then put in all new ram, 4 sticks of 2 gigs each. Also took out an old CD drive. One cool thing I did was install a little USB 3.0 card with two ports and attached the USB 3.0 cable from the case to it. So now I will have 4 working USB 3.0 ports. The RAM and the USB card were purchased a couple of years ago. I was pretty sick in those days, so I never got much done. I may flash the bios too. I need to learn a bit more on that.
The motherboard on Big Red has an error code, FF. I know that is bad. I read where it probably is a component. If what I have done doesn't fix it, and it probably won't, I'll use Big Red for the new build. Would save some bucks. Hopefully I can also use the power supply.
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Those compaq and kaypro suitcases came with a CP/M game called ladders.
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After deep research and intense study, I installed the 5 5600x into the motherboard. There used to be a gold triangle on the MB and the CPU. There was only a gold triangle on the CPU. After watching a video on how to install the chip I learned that there is one tiny missing pin that you line up the edge of the processor to. Went right in. Thank goodness!
Rusty doesn't even begin to describe me.
GPU and Ram will arrive Sunday. The SSD is installed. That part still puts me in awe, no wires and no cages.
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Load up speed is doubled at least with a ssd drive..
Good luck with your build
Eagler
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Those compaq and kaypro suitcases came with a CP/M game called ladders.
Still have my old CPM and all the old floppies.
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My Compaq has 2 floppies.
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My Compaq has 2 floppies.
:lol
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Installed the Heatsink and MB tonight. I'm waiting the GPU and Ram, which will arrive tomorrow allegedly.
I had purchased a contact adhesive, 3M 90, to hold screws while I fix my grandson's train. The train still needs fixed but, it worked great on the screws for the Stand-Offs. I think it's a liquid version of sticky notes.
I'm going to hold off on connecting any cables until the other parts arrive.
It was probably the best job I have ever done on installing the I/O shield and matching the MB ports to it. Satisfying moment!
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(https://i.ibb.co/BLsnsX0/IMG-20250119-171612913.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LSpNpLV)
(https://i.ibb.co/56JsbS4/IMG-20250119-171604163.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t41YVvK)
It's alive!
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Could never get the sound working. Never had that happen before. Still working on it.
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Guess you've already double checked the MSI downloads: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/B450-GAMING-PLUS/support#driver (https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/B450-GAMING-PLUS/support#driver)
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What type of sound chip? Realtek? Check which sound output is active.
Disable all but what you are connecting your speakers to.
(https://i.postimg.cc/DJSXPHCm/2025-01-26-15-47-06-Settings.png) (https://postimg.cc/DJSXPHCm)
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Realtek sound needs you to go into “hd deck” at least once.
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BTW, there's a free handy app for switching between your audio outputs/inputs using hotkeys. In case it's not obvious the output device selected can be color coded and my speakers are green as you can see in the systray.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Wd5Hk6M4/2025-01-29-09-49-34.png) (https://postimg.cc/Wd5Hk6M4)
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Most probably don't use 3.5mm outs for both their speakers and headset like I do. If you do though you probably found that plugging in your headset automatically switches the output to that. If you leave your headset plugged in all the time you may not be able to switch to the other 3.5mm output for the speakers. There is a setting for that in the Realtek console. If anyone runs into that lemme know.
(https://i.postimg.cc/hXkRvRTr/2025-01-29-13-18-06-Realtek-Audio-Console.png) (https://postimg.cc/hXkRvRTr)
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Thanks AKIron!! I need that!
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It's up and running! And has sound!
I was getting ready to play Diablo II when I fully realized it didn't have a DVD drive nor a place to even put one. LOL However an external DVD drive is on the way. Should be here today. I bought a display cable to hook to my curved monitor. The one that I stored in the garage. It's the only monitor that had a display port. Unfortunately, even though the garage is attached to the house the monitor froze. Sigh! A little forethought would have been nice.
A new monitor is in the future. I have a 25 inch screen I'm using for now. Can't wait to see how this baby handles games.
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You can buy cables that adapt from display port to HDMI
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You can buy cables that adapt from display port to HDMI
I wonder if the resolution would be the same as a Display port to a Display port.
Played a bit of Diablo III on the new computer tonight. Ran great! Very quiet. Downloaded Call of Duty but haven't played it yet. It was 175 Gigabytes! Crap, my 1 Terabyte drive may not be enough. LOL
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I have assorted adapter cables for hdmi, dvi, displayport, etc for different computers and I cant tell a bit of difference on a 32 inch monitor. They all have sharp crisp picture
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I have assorted adapter cables for hdmi, dvi, displayport, etc for different computers and I cant tell a bit of difference on a 32 inch monitor. They all have sharp crisp picture
I may give that a shot. Seems cheaper than a new monitor.
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Still have my old CPM and all the old floppies.
Lol. Nice! :aok
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It's alive!
Looking good! :aok
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Looking good! :aok
Thanks! It seems to be working very well. I plan on getting some strip lights and an aRGB controller for the fan lights. Also want a new 32-inch monitor and a game controller.
What do you folks think about curved screens?
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Well, I built it, it looks pretty but, hadn't had time to play with it. Besides working part time I've been volunteering to do tax returns and going to the wellness center to exercise.
I do have high hopes though.
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Well, I built it, it looks pretty but, hadn't had time to play with it. Besides working part time I've been volunteering to do tax returns and going to the wellness center to exercise.
I do have high hopes though.
I invite you to come fly in the Battle of Britain scenario. :aok
More info:
https://ahevents.net/index.php/events/scenarios/current-or-next-scenario
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I'll give that some serious thought Brooke! I don't currently have an account.