Poasters
Computers and Technology => System Builds & Upgrades => Topic started by: Bill on June 27, 2012, 14:20 hrs
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I haven't looked at new parts and technology in a long time and have no real idea what's current.
Some thoughts: I'd like to stick with my Antec case, an AMB 3700 which is medium size. The SSD, raptor 150g can both carry forward and I'm willing to try the antec 550w psu in the new build. If that is a problem I can get a new one at that point. I have 2 working notebooks, one xp and a sony win 7 which I am trying to update and add email to for a temporary main unit, so I am not out of touch.
Intel is my preferred processor and Gigabyte my favored MB. I'd like to select the fastest ram possible and a new graphics card. Maybe an updated DVD writer although the samsung in the case now works fine.
Also any thoughts on 120mm fans (quiet and reliable)
I don't see any real reason to upgrade win7 to 64 so will reinstall my 32bit
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I have not looked recently for a new build, but I would want the latest features, such as USB 3.0, built-in wireless, etc., along with plenty of SATA and on-board USB connections. I would also consider on-board video as a backup, just in case the main video card fails. I've noticed a shift toward micro-ATX motherboards in high-speed systems, so it's something to consider if you don't need a lot of expansion.
I'm not entirely sure if I would want a new optical drive, but if so my preference would be for a writable Blu-Ray. But I find that I very rarely have a need for an optical drive anymore.
If you want an Intel system, you may as well go with the fastest Ivy Bridge (22nm) you can afford. For a heat sink/fan, I've already decided my next will be a Noctua (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_13?url=search-alias%3Dcomputers&field-keywords=noctua+cooler&sprefix=noctua+cooler%2Caps%2C282) (probably the NH-L12).
Scuzzy; I love spending other people's money.
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Look, I'm not going to fall for this again. I remember when Bill wanted a TV, and we went round and round on whether to go with plasma or LED or LCD or CRT or whatever. And then he had us jumping through hoops and Best Buys on an add-on sound system, of which I do not recall him ever proclaiming that he even wound up going, for. For which he went, going. Whatever that is, grammatically.
So no, I'm not about to fall for the "Oh, tell me what I should buy" ploy again. First off, I find it cowardly to have a pc fail and give up on it, in the same dang day. For crying out loud, I've gone months booting and rebooting and watching the mobo lights flicker and die. And yank switch shove RAM repeatedly. And try the other video card then the other one then the other one then both then the other one, again. And dink around in BIOS. And vacuum and plug and punch and shake and all manner of attempts. To rescuscitate a dying dead machine. Geez, I do not have a clue on how to spell rescuscitate.
If I was to offer a suggestion, I'd say be careful if you buy a used motherboard from Scuzzy. I still have nightmares of replacing a PSU, so I'd just as soon cook a batch of linguini and try to hook it up. Get a good floppy drive; you can't tell me those things aren't going to make a big comeback. And a modem; you never know when some Colorado fly by night wireless radar cell tower fake ISP is gonna come to your town, for a few months. Then bail. So you might want to do dial-up. Although you'd have to shoot me, to go back there. And then I probably wouldn't. Or, wouldn't care.
As far as laptops and iPads and the like; you guys can have them. As one who needs a full sized keyboard, and monitor, and mouse, to function at all, I figure one might as well add on that black box on the floor and complete the deal. Plus speakers, so that grenades and gunfire sound realistic when you're absorbing them.
Ace; heck, I'd go with a jumbo ATX. Who wants some dinky micro thingy. I need all the wiggle room I can get, and I still scrape my knuckles every time I try to fidget with some glitchy hardware.
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As a step toward a new system I ordered a new Antec PSU -BP550 Modular 550w and plan on trying it in the 'old' system to see if that's the problem as Scuzzy suggested. If not then it won't go to waste.
Bill
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How's it going, Bill? Any closer to any solutions, one way or the other?
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I am still awaiting delivery of the new PSU, should be here Tuesday 7/3. I have done nothing further with the system other than unplug it.
Bill
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If you have more than one memory module, you could remove one, one at a time and see if that is the problem.
Not sure what you are using your system for or what sort of budget you have in mind?
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Pat, the system won't stay on long enough to do anything, most efforts to re-boot don't get as far as the desktop. Budget is not really an issue but I use this for email, banking, a little gaming and general browsing. Not sure yet if I really will have to build from scratch but if it's not the PSU, that's what I plan to do.
Bill
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The PSU arrived a day early and I installed yesterday but ran out of time to test. This morning the machine is back under the desk and all seems to be well. Thanks Scuzzy for your suggestion! Guess I can postpone a new build for a while, I really wasn't looking forward to doing it again.
Bill
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Dang it. I was looking forward to building a new computer at your expense.
Scuzzy; I'm glad it's working. :)
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First off, let me say "your welcome." I have searched all over this new system poast chain, and I do not see any mention by Scuzzy of a recommendation to replace your power supply. I, however, did specifically note that I am adverse to ever attempting again to replace a PSU, and that I compared it to wiring linguini. So, it would seem to be my suggestion to not attempt to mess with your power supply, which apparently did prove to be the culprit, so credit to me for mentioning that.
Pat should probably get some credit for mentioning removing memory, one at a time, in sequence. As I recall, that worked to disable HAL in 2001, A Space Odyssey, which was about a year after all of those millenium scares.
Ace; Scuzzy is an Oddity, that takes up Space.
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Scuzzy's suggestion was in the initial poast about my system shutting down. I'm going back there because there is a continuing issue.
Bill
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Well, yes. Of course. He mentioned it there. Shoot, I knew that.
This thing is hop skip and jumping more than one of my misdirection broken chain links. I don't know if I should just wait here, figuring he'll get the thing straightened out and still want a new one, or it stays broken so he leaves that topic and comes back, or Janis Ian shows up here.
Ace; I should go home and see if my computer works.
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I've been looking for a gigabyte ATX M/B to pair with this CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504; an Ivy bridge requiring a z77 Northbridge and the Noctura NH-L12. Noctura publishes a list compatible boards but one must also select memory that is compatible with the M/B, cpu and the cooler -enough to make my head spin. I found one that looked OK but got less than stellar reviews on Newegg (Amazon was $15 cheaper). So back to square one on the M/B.
Bill
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Here are initial selections for a new system. I'm going to use my Antec AMB 3700 case (medium tower) new Antec 550w PSU and DVD drive and add:
Intel Core i5 3570 cpu 3.4 Ghz LGA1155 (Amazon)
GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard (newegg)
Noctua NH-L12 120mm & 92mm SSO Bearing PWM Fans CPU Cooler (newegg)
Noctua NF-S12B FLX 120mm, 3 Speed Setting, Beveled Blade Tips Design, SSO Bearing Fan (2) (newegg)
Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model KHX1600C9AD3K2/4G (amazon)
EVGA 02G-P4-2645-KR GeForce GT 640 2GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card (newegg)
In many cases Amazon is cheaper but I did my shopping at newegg and seemed to be nomenclature difference between the two sites.
And in the case of the M/B newegg is cheaper.
Any thoughts or recommendations . The video card has 2 DVI connectors which will allow me to use my existing monitors, but it's kind of middle of the road. I'm not heavy into games, but I am also uncertain about the new onboard video capability of the Ivy bridge cpu.
Thanks,
Bill
Edited to correct venders.
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Looks like nice picks, Bill. That GT 640 should kick Ace's tin can all over the place. It looks compact and should work great for your needs. I'm very happy with my EVGA GTX 560. I like that it's barely audible, if at all, and its performance is top notch.
The Ivy Bridge CPU should serve you quite well for years to come, especially with that Noctua heat sink to keep it cool.
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Good, I'm glad you agree, I'm ordering later,
Bill
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Before you order, have you considered the possibility of a fan-less video card?
I'm off to work and don't have time to look, but thought I'd toss it out there.
Scuzzy; I'd like to toss Ace out there too.
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No, I didn't. Quiet is not my top priority, I was looking for a compatible single bay card that would be a step up but accommodate my monitors. As it is, this s/b a pretty quiet system. I'm going to remove the third HD, a WD 80g sata that has been around the block a couple of times and that alone should lower the decibel level.
Bill
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Should be good, I'm not as well versed on Intel offerings as AMD. I've always used AMD as the price to performance difference, for my needs, has always favored AMD.
I see you are reusing your Windows 7, is it an OEM version or retail?
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To be honest Pat, I don't remember, but it works. It's 32 bit which I chose because of a legacy program I use, only to find out it simply won't run on 7. Its on my XP notebook, not as convenient but it works.
Bill
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Both Newegg and Amazon orders shipped yesterday. Amazon using USPS with an estimated arrival on Sat., Newegg using Fedex with a Monday arrival. Amazon coming from Charlotte NC and Newegg from Edison NJ. I redistributed the items between the two vendors because the Noctua stuff was coming from Amazon "partners", delaying delivery, while Newegg had them in stock.
Bill
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Wait! Bill! Hold it! I just figured out what was wrong with your system and how to fix it! Hold on..
Shoot.
Ace; never mind.
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LOL! You're too much!
B
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Yes Ace, you actually did!
But now, what to do? Today and Monday the new parts arrrive. Do I wait to restore my old system and then return them all or pile them in a corner until I need them. or...?
Bill
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If you really don't want that stuff, just refuse the packages. They will go back with no shipping charges and no restocking fees. At least I'm pretty sure that's how it works with newegg and most likely Amazon, but you may want to check to be sure.
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Well, I feel somewhat responsible. Which is unusual, since I'm typically irresponsible.
Look, here's another suggestion; just go ahead and forward the new stuff to me. I could probably try to figure out what they are, and find some use to them. I've always gone AMD too, but I bet I could just bend some stuff and make an Intel work if I had to on my board. Or run two; that'd be fast, I would think.
Ace; I'm probably going to try a spray bottle of isopropyl alcohol and clean my system. Or mixed in lemonade.
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Yes JA, that's what I've decided. Before I order what's required to finish my "Cray", I'm going to make certain the cpu in the old system isn't fried, hopefully it isn't. But I just cannot leave the new stuff in a corner. If by chance something isn't right, I'd lose the RMA opportunity. So I'm going to start looking for a case, an O/S, more memory and a new SSD.
Bill
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I've decided to complete the new machine regardless of the outcome with the old one.
Today I ordered the balance of the necessary stuff:
Antec Sonata Series SOLO II Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model (total now of 8gs)
Plextor M3 Pro Series PX-128M3P 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC 7mm Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner SATA Model SH-222BB/BEBE - OEM
Should be interesting.....
Bill
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AAAaugh!!! You beat me to the Plextor Pro SDD! I've been considering ordering one for my current system.
Actually, I'm happy for you. Good move on the 64-bit OS, too.
Scuzzy; and nice case.
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I don't mind being a beta tester, I'll let you know.
B
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Let me know how you like the case, too. It looks like a very nice pick. I'd prefer matte over piano black, but it could work.
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Bill,
Out of curiosity, what are doing for keyboard/mouse?
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At the moment the new system will get my Saitek KB and one of the Logitech M510s. The old system, assuming it's OK will get a back up K/B and a wired Logitech mouse, at least for testing purposes. Beyond that I'm not sure. I have thought about the wireless Logitech K/B but that's another $100.00. Why do you ask ?
Bill
Edit: I also have to make a decision about the legacy printer. I suppose I can transfer the com port cable to the new machine. The old HP 2100 Laser Jet still worked pretty well with the old system. But I might be open to suggestions.
B-
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I was just curious if you had something new or special in mind. I don't have any suggestions; just being nosy.
Scuzzy; Ace is being big-footed.
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I've been considering upgrading the printer for months, on one hand it would be easier to work with a usb unit, on the other hand, I don't do a lot of printing on a regular basis and picking a new one is always a hassle and a kind of a crap shoot.
When it comes time to replace the K/B, Logitech is in my sights and the M510 ain't all that expensive.
Bill
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I have a puzzle with the Noctura heat sink. The top fan came assembled with the output blowing into the heatsink.. I had to dismount it to mount the lower unit on the cpu. Logic suggests, at least to me, that the top fan (yes, there are 2) should be sucking hot air out of the cooling fins and into the case proper. The top one can be mount either way.
Any opinions or experience?
And while I'm asking for help, I have front panel plug labeled HDA and the only remaining socket that fits is the front panel audio? Plug has 8 multi-colored wires and I can find no reference in the manual. Any ideas?
Bill
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Thanks John. I never would have guess HDAudio and didn't have the inclination yesterday to go looking. Might be worth a set of decent headphones.
Bill
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Now I really know how tired I was yesterday, HDA is explained 2 pages further on in the manual!!!
B-
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After much ado the new machine is up and running but not without some setback. The new video card was DOA so I'm presently using the old one, fortunately also a PCIE 2. I have already gotten a Newegg RMA number and will send tomorrow (refund requested). I will start browsing Amazon but I have used Evga cards before, maybe this was just a bad one. However if someone has a recommendation I'd certainly like to hear it. Must be single bay, 2 dvi connectors - the one I'm returning is Evga GT 640.
Scuzzy, the Plextor SSD seems fine, maybe little faster than the Intel one, and loaded without incident. When I installed Win7, I partitioned the Plextor, roughly 70/50 gigs so I can use some of it for certain other installs.
So much more to do....
But it's now cocktail hour...more tomorrow.
Thanks all for your help and suggestions.
Bill
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That's good news, Bill. At least it's mostly good news; sorry to hear of the video card.
You may want to take a look at PassMark's video card rankings (http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html). Some Radeon offerings post higher results than the GT 640, for close to the same amount of cash. Or you may consider the GTX 550 Ti (http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Mini-HDMI-Graphics-01G-P3-1556-KR/dp/B004S5CCP4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) for $128.87 (Amazon), which rates considerably higher than the GT 640.
That's great about the Plextor. I'm looking forward to my new build next year.
Are you happy with the replacement motherboard?
Maybe you'll share some photos of your build?
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The GTX looks terrific and I have the room but I don't know if I have the power. I looked at
Amazon and Newegg and could not find any information on power required other than it needs an 8 pin connector. The connector (6+2 PCI-E) is on my new PSU (Antec Basiq 550w ATX 12v v2.3) but I don't see any info on its output, so far I have 2 unknowns before I can make a decision. For now the GF 9500 GT is doing OK, nevertheless I would like to upgrade.
Bill
Edit: I checked the Antec site and the user manual for my PSU, it mentions the PCI-E connector but not the output.
Good news: I've read several reviews by users with 350w and 400w psu s running this card without difficulty. Amazon here I come!
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Scuzzy,
You asked how I like the Asus board, I really don't know yet. But cold boot to desktop is about 10 seconds, POST is too fast to read. The only difficulty I've had so far is with the front USB ports. I had a M510 receiver plugged into the front and the mouse behavior was erratic, and I tried all 4 ports -3g and 6g. I move the receiver to a rear 3g USB port and the mouse is fine. On the other hand my Saitek was plugged into the front next to the mouse and it's been fine.
I have not yet connected the second SSD or the Raptor, nor the second monitor, but so far so good. I am poasting with it right now.
Pictures are coming, Photobucket is in maintenance mode this AM and I was having trouble with a resize error preventing photo uploads. Can't try to correct that until maintenance is completed.
Bill
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Bill,
EVGA's site on the GeForce GTX 550 Ti (http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=02G-P3-1559-KR&family=GeForce%20500%20Series%20Family&sw=) shows a recommended minimum power supply of 400w, with a +12 volt current rating of 24 amps. I don't know the specs of your PSU (I couldn't find the Antec Basiq 550w at Newegg or Amazon), but my PC P&C Silencer 500W PSU is capable of 35 amps on the +12v rail.
That's odd about the M510 acting up depending on the USB port it's connected to. I can't see how it would matter, unless there was some possible interference going on.
If you get tired of your old Intel SSD, let me know. :)
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/foxybill/028.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/foxybill/029.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/foxybill/030.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/foxybill/031.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/foxybill/032.jpg)
Bill
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Amazon continues to impress me. E-mail just arrived, the video card ordered this morning has shipped, with delivery on Friday!
Bill
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Thanks for the pics, Bill, although I have to run off to work right now.
So you ordered the GTX 550 Ti?
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Yes I did.
The other thing that's impressive Is the HD audio codec with Media player. The music sounds, IMO, 50% better than in my old system. At the moment that's B B King and Clapton - Riding with the King- 3'O Clock Blues.The Stereo separation is really something to behold - King's guitar in the right speaker and Clapton' s from the left! Yes I know, it was recorded that way, but it's not been so pronounced before.
Bill; wow.
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That's good info on the HD audio, as for my next build I will likely upgrade the speaker system.
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Interesting observation on the Plextor SSD. Windows Experience Index for the Plextor disk data transfer rate is 5.9. When the Intel SSD was in the old system the transfer rate was 7.6, I can recall Pat commenting about it. What could be different with 64 bit windows on a more recent SSD that's supposed to an industry leader? I wonder if there are tweaks to be done?
Edit: I just ran a re-assessment of the Windows Experience Index and the disk reading this time is 7.9. First one must have been a fluke. Guess there are no tweaks to be done.
I am anxious to see what effect the new video card has on a 4.3 graphics rating for the current GT 9500.
I am still having some jerky behavior with the M510 mouse. I replaced the batteries but I have also temporarily moved the case to the floor along side the desk. The second mouse in use with the notebook works extremely well, and I have used them side by side without difficulty in the past. I have tried both units alternately in the case and they both mirror the jerky behavior. When I open the case to install the new video card, hopefully tomorrow, I will try and re-seat the Front panel USB cable or re-route it.
Bill
Edit: I've discovered another reason to shop Amazon. They have a warehouse in or near Charlotte, NC and my 2 day shipping turns out to be overnight! New video card arrived today, one day early.
B-
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Windows Index numbers.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/foxybill/windowssnip.png)
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Geez, Bill. It looks like you need to add flame pin striping to the side of your case.
The only thing I can think of is that some sort of interference is going on with the M510. Do you have a USB hub that you can temporarily connect between the mouse's connector and the computer, just to see if it makes a difference?
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I don't have one and Logitech warns specifically against trying to use a hub. I think if it were interference it would probably affect both of them but the only one that's troubled is the one in the new case. I re-seated the front USB cable when I had the case open. After I'm pretty sure everything else is as it should be, I'm going to move it back under the desk and try a front port again. That's the way the receiver was mounted in the old system. Maybe there's something about the location it doesn't like. Guess I'll have wait and see.
Bill
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After recovering from a small disaster this morning, the system is buttoned up and under the desk. At the moment I am running only the Plextor .
And I am happy to report the M510 mouse is back to working flawlessly, go figure.....
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Nice. I'm glad that finally everything fell into place.
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So what's the prognosis, Bill? Are you happy with your new build?
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Yes, the new system is fast, stable and seems reliable. The Asus motherboard is the one aspect could be improved. The documentation is skimpy and somewhat misleading. For instance, the string of SATA connectors starts with 2 plugs that are a dark blue and next in line are 2 white ones. The white ones are supported by the Intel northbridge. The blue ones are described in the manual as "for data drives". What the manual doesn't say is they're not for the O/S. Win7 simply isn't supported by the Asmedia chip and you simply cannot use them for them for Windows, so why are they in such a prominent place? The other issue is that Asus doesn't specify how the SATA connections are numbered. The white ones for the O/S drive are numbered 1 and 2, but no indication of which is which. Being a bit complusive, I like to put the O/S drive one SATA 1, which required trial and error.
The other issue I have with the M/B is my fault, it doesn't have an E-SATA connector on the rear panel, and I missed it. It does have a couple of USB 3.0 ports.
But all in all its a decent system and much better than the one it replaced.
Bill
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No eSATA on the rear panel? I would have expected at least one. Does it come with an eSATA adapter?
As for the documentation, I know how frustrating that can be. I normally don't require step-by-step instructions, but an occasional clue is helpful. BTW: I too want to connect my drives in sequence, since it matters for disk management. Otherwise they won't appear in the proper order and can become a source of confusion.
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I just checked again, no E-SATA and no adapter or a connection for an adapter.
Bill
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I probably would have ordered the same motherboard without giving it a second thought, figuring that eSATA would come standard. I guess when my turn comes it will be worth paying attention to.