Well, I've missed y'all. I'm in NC and computer is in FL so I've had to skim the Shop Forum when I was at someone else's machine... but things have changed.

I built my own machine! Finished getting all the parts last Tuesday and had him up and running that night. I call him FirstBuilt.

For those of you interested, here are the specs:

Antec Server Case 400w
Soltek SL75FRN2-RL motherboard
AMD Athlon XP "Barton" core 2500
512 Kingston Value Ram (1 stick)
Western Digital "Raptor" (only 36GB but runs at 10,000 rpm)
Gigabyte Radeon 9200 video card
lil ole $100 monitor
Sony Floppy (had to have to install my Serial ATA Raid/Drivers)


I built this so I could get online now and upgrade later (more RAM/another HD etc.) ...was cheaper than any I found that was already put together and I have some quality components. I went to PCPitstop and got all checkered flags! He's really humming! (I have software to monitor the temp and rpms of the fans as well as the voltage)

Anyway, I'm glad to have a machine of my own again and can access MercedesShop anytime I want!

I've missed you people.


oh, ignore the weather thingy, I haven't changed it yet

__________________
Nello Tare

1982 300D (266,001 mi.) looking and running great

Previously owned:
1976 450 SLC
1983 300D
1976 300D
also
1982 Jaguar XJ6 (loved, but gone)

you can do it.. build your own machine.. not that difficult. As far as the books go, I'm thinking of writing one. I picked up several magazines and went to numerous websites for info... got a lot about installing memory, video card etc. but very little regarding hardware and cables and proper installation. One mag said "now slap in the drives" If you do, then you might break them. I think any 8 year old can put memory in, but the other stuff they don't mention is what slowed me down.

You can try picking up mags and going to some websites to get info (techtv.com arstechina.com) then study and think about it before ordering parts.. then get them and go to town.. really, if you can tinker with your MB you stand a good chance of building your own machine. If you get seriously interested, write me privately and I'll be glad to help in any way possible!

my 2500 is only 1.8 GHz (AMD makes it confusing)

and I forgot to mention my LiteOn CD-RW I've never had one before and it's great to burn a CD (only done data so far)

Oh and I have RoadRunner and boy it's fast.. I think they just downsized the grid here in Wilmington and things run better.

Later

__________________
Nello Tare

1982 300D (266,001 mi.) looking and running great

Previously owned:
1976 450 SLC
1983 300D
1976 300D
also
1982 Jaguar XJ6 (loved, but gone)

I only spent about $700 without the monitor. Of course when I add on other stuff in the future, the price will be about a thousand. Bought most from NewEgg.com and they ship almost instantaneously.

Live Long and Prosper!

__________________
Nello Tare

1982 300D (266,001 mi.) looking and running great

Previously owned:
1976 450 SLC
1983 300D
1976 300D
also
1982 Jaguar XJ6 (loved, but gone)