VOGONS


Build Log: The Kraken DX4-100

Topic actions

Reply 20 of 41, by cj_reha

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie
jade_angel wrote:
My setup is as follows: […]
Show full quote

My setup is as follows:

CPU: AMD 5x86/133, Write-back cache
RAM: 64MB 60ns FPM (4x16MB)
Motherboard: Biostar MB8433UUD (UMC 8886), 512k L2.
Video: S3 Trio64V2/DX 2MB PCI
NIC: 3Com 3c905C PCI
Audio: Yamaha Audician 32 with Dreamblaster S1
Disk: 4GB industrial CF in adapter
Optical: 48x CD-RW
IO Controller: Onboard, PCI

That's why I'm a bit confused - faster CPU, WB cache... Either I'm doing something really wrong or you're doing something really right, or both!

Usually that'd blow away a measly AMD DX4 write through, maybe it's the CF card? I'm throwing out guesses here 🤣

Join the Retro PC Discord! - https://discord.gg/UKAFchB
My YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJYB_ZDsIzXGZz6J0txgCA

Reply 21 of 41, by jade_angel

User metadata
Rank Member
Rank
Member

Could be. I'll see if I can dig up a PATA disk, or make a SATA one work through an adapter, but on Speedsys's tests, the CF card buries the needle, so I'm not sure what's going on. Maybe my memory sucks.

Main Box: Macbook Pro M2 Max
Alas, I'm down to emulation.

Reply 22 of 41, by cj_reha

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie

The 256K of L2 cache is 25ns, according to CACHECHK. Memory is ~65ns, so maybe RAM timings?

Join the Retro PC Discord! - https://discord.gg/UKAFchB
My YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJYB_ZDsIzXGZz6J0txgCA

Reply 23 of 41, by jade_angel

User metadata
Rank Member
Rank
Member

I've sorta hijacked your thread here - would you rather I started up a new thread over this?

EDIT: Never mind, figured it out! DR-DOS EMM386 causes issues if I turn DR-DPMI on - doesn't crash but runs like wet dirt. Also, re-running the tests under Win98 DOS and under PC-DOS had better results.

Main Box: Macbook Pro M2 Max
Alas, I'm down to emulation.

Reply 24 of 41, by cj_reha

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie

Update 3/24/2017: Added Conner 420 MB (Compaq OEM) hard drive as slave. Games copied over.

Also, added 700 MB QIC tape drive (not hooked up, controller ribbon's coming in the mail) and a TEAC 5.25" floppy drive. 😀

Attachments

Join the Retro PC Discord! - https://discord.gg/UKAFchB
My YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJYB_ZDsIzXGZz6J0txgCA

Reply 25 of 41, by BeginnerGuy

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie

Awesome builds! Glad I came across this thread because I've been following that case and a few others through their ebay store, prices + shipping estimates are far lower through that website.

Question: Can you guys tell if this case has a power on/off switch? I can't tell through the cover, or if there is one I guess it's black? If I get one and it doesn't would a switch be expensive / hard to track down / difficult to install?

This one looks more like the case I had my 486 in years ago, with the sliding cover and 4 bays. Plus it'll make me a bit unique since we're all buying the 10 bay one, which is the only other one I like 😎

lgRNDTV.jpg

Sup. I like computers. Are you a computer?

Reply 26 of 41, by jade_angel

User metadata
Rank Member
Rank
Member

I'll bet that black square on the right is a switch, yeah. If it's not, you should be able to find one easily. You'll need a DPST toggle switch for an AT power supply, an SPST momentary switch for ATX, and an SPST toggle for one of those ATX-AT adapter widgets. You should be able to get those from Radio Shack or the local equivalent (to the extent that they still exist) or from folks like Digikey or probably Amazon, they're a buck or two usually. You'd want a panel-mount switch there. I'm not sure how big that hole is - 20mm would be my first guess but it might be as big as 30.

Main Box: Macbook Pro M2 Max
Alas, I'm down to emulation.

Reply 27 of 41, by BeginnerGuy

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie
jade_angel wrote:

I'll bet that black square on the right is a switch, yeah. If it's not, you should be able to find one easily. You'll need a DPST toggle switch for an AT power supply, an SPST momentary switch for ATX, and an SPST toggle for one of those ATX-AT adapter widgets. You should be able to get those from Radio Shack or the local equivalent (to the extent that they still exist) or from folks like Digikey or probably Amazon, they're a buck or two usually. You'd want a panel-mount switch there. I'm not sure how big that hole is - 20mm would be my first guess but it might be as big as 30.

Thanks, this would be for an AT board and supply (advertised as included). If I grab the case and it happens to not be included, can an AT power supply be started easily? I can't remember if the motherboards have to be shorted or if the switch goes straight to the power supply on these. Could you link me to an example of what I would buy?

Sorry to totally derail the thread with this. I just can't tell if that thing has a button! According to the listing:

FEATURES

AT housing

0 external 3.5" drive bay
4 external 5.25" drive bays
888 Digit Vintage Display

With power switch or power supply included. Look at pics
ITEM IS in a NEW OPEN BOX. OPENED AND INSPECTED. THE ITEM IS A VINTAGE CASE DESIGNED AND MADE OVER 10 YEARS AGO.

SPECIFICATIONS

AT style Case

Dimensions (W x L x H): 7.5" X 16.5" X 25.5 "

..................well that's descriptive 😎

Sup. I like computers. Are you a computer?

Reply 28 of 41, by jade_angel

User metadata
Rank Member
Rank
Member

An AT power supply's switch is wired inline, switching mains voltage, so there's no real trick to turning it on. It'd be weird to have an AT power supply but no switch - I'd expect both, or neither, and AFAIK, there were no AT cases with ATX power supplies (though if this is one of those, you can still make it work).

I can't really link the exact switch you need, because I don't know the dimensions of the panel-mount hole. But the key specs are these: DPST (double pole single throw) or DPDT in a pinch; rocker, pushbutton or toggle latching (not momentary); rated for at least 120VAC (in the US/Canada) or 240VAC (Europe), if in doubt go for one rated higher; panel mount for a square hole. You'll have to measure the dimensions.

Main Box: Macbook Pro M2 Max
Alas, I'm down to emulation.

Reply 29 of 41, by BeginnerGuy

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie

Thanks jade, I'm sure it must have a switch I just like to be very sure of what I'm getting. I get the idea though, if it doesn't have a switch I'll message you with pictures and tape measures 😜.

Sup. I like computers. Are you a computer?

Reply 30 of 41, by cj_reha

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie
BeginnerGuy wrote:
Awesome builds! Glad I came across this thread because I've been following that case and a few others through their ebay store, […]
Show full quote

Awesome builds! Glad I came across this thread because I've been following that case and a few others through their ebay store, prices + shipping estimates are far lower through that website.

Question: Can you guys tell if this case has a power on/off switch? I can't tell through the cover, or if there is one I guess it's black? If I get one and it doesn't would a switch be expensive / hard to track down / difficult to install?

This one looks more like the case I had my 486 in years ago, with the sliding cover and 4 bays. Plus it'll make me a bit unique since we're all buying the 10 bay one, which is the only other one I like 😎

lgRNDTV.jpg

I don't think that case comes with a switch, looks like just a hole.

AT power supply switches are pretty cheap, although you might have to do a bit of digging to find some.

Beware also, the full tower cases (at least mine) has a gigantic 10+ pound monster PSU I had to source as standard AT PSU's don't fit and the cables don't reach (Believe me, I tried 🤣 )

Join the Retro PC Discord! - https://discord.gg/UKAFchB
My YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJYB_ZDsIzXGZz6J0txgCA

Reply 31 of 41, by BeginnerGuy

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie
cj_reha wrote:

I don't think that case comes with a switch, looks like just a hole.

AT power supply switches are pretty cheap, although you might have to do a bit of digging to find some.

Beware also, the full tower cases (at least mine) has a gigantic 10+ pound monster PSU I had to source as standard AT PSU's don't fit and the cables don't reach (Believe me, I tried 🤣 )

I don't believe it does either, not a big deal though I did the research yesterday. Did your case happen to also come with the keys or is the lock just for decoration at this point? I thought that case came with a brand new power supply installed, at least it does according to the seller, was it broken or you're just not interested in opening up old power supplies?

If the PSU is no good and you're in the US I'll probably be wanting to know where you got your replacement, newegg doesn't have much of a selection anymore

Sup. I like computers. Are you a computer?

Reply 32 of 41, by cj_reha

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie
BeginnerGuy wrote:
cj_reha wrote:

I don't think that case comes with a switch, looks like just a hole.

AT power supply switches are pretty cheap, although you might have to do a bit of digging to find some.

Beware also, the full tower cases (at least mine) has a gigantic 10+ pound monster PSU I had to source as standard AT PSU's don't fit and the cables don't reach (Believe me, I tried 🤣 )

I don't believe it does either, not a big deal though I did the research yesterday. Did your case happen to also come with the keys or is the lock just for decoration at this point? I thought that case came with a brand new power supply installed, at least it does according to the seller, was it broken or you're just not interested in opening up old power supplies?

If the PSU is no good and you're in the US I'll probably be wanting to know where you got your replacement, newegg doesn't have much of a selection anymore

The one I bought came with the keys, yes. (Which I've since lost. 🤣 ) It also came without a power supply, which is why I had to blow $30 on one I found by chance on eBay.

Join the Retro PC Discord! - https://discord.gg/UKAFchB
My YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJYB_ZDsIzXGZz6J0txgCA

Reply 33 of 41, by BeginnerGuy

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie
cj_reha wrote:
BeginnerGuy wrote:
cj_reha wrote:

I don't think that case comes with a switch, looks like just a hole.

AT power supply switches are pretty cheap, although you might have to do a bit of digging to find some.

Beware also, the full tower cases (at least mine) has a gigantic 10+ pound monster PSU I had to source as standard AT PSU's don't fit and the cables don't reach (Believe me, I tried 🤣 )

I don't believe it does either, not a big deal though I did the research yesterday. Did your case happen to also come with the keys or is the lock just for decoration at this point? I thought that case came with a brand new power supply installed, at least it does according to the seller, was it broken or you're just not interested in opening up old power supplies?

If the PSU is no good and you're in the US I'll probably be wanting to know where you got your replacement, newegg doesn't have much of a selection anymore

The one I bought came with the keys, yes. (Which I've since lost. 🤣 ) It also came without a power supply, which is why I had to blow $30 on one I found by chance on eBay.

Ouch, did you know it was coming without a power supply? When I look on that website you linked on page one it's advertised to come with a power supply, well in their poor wording.. " INCLUDES 230 WATTS -300 WATTS".. I'd be pretty upset if it didn't come with one in it, but I see some are listed on ebay without it.

I emailed them about the case I want early this morning wondering if maybe the power switch is on the included power supply or in a bag.. waiting for a reply to buy

Sup. I like computers. Are you a computer?

Reply 34 of 41, by MrKsoft

User metadata
Rank Member
Rank
Member

Anyone have a delay in shipping on these? I jumped on the bandwagon and ordered one a few days ago and haven't gotten any notification on shipping. Might have to reach out to them.

Wafflenet OPL Archive - Preserving MS-DOS music in a unified format!

Reply 35 of 41, by cj_reha

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie

Yeah the listing did say no power supply so I didn't get ripped off 🤣

Of course I ordered mine off ebay, bUT since I see these super cheap ones on the surplus store I may have to stock up 😀

Another thing, the displays came from the factory with the turbo off as 20 and turbo on as 158. Through trial and error you can get it to display correct but it takes a lot of patience.

Join the Retro PC Discord! - https://discord.gg/UKAFchB
My YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJYB_ZDsIzXGZz6J0txgCA

Reply 36 of 41, by cj_reha

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie
MrKsoft wrote:

Anyone have a delay in shipping on these? I jumped on the bandwagon and ordered one a few days ago and haven't gotten any notification on shipping. Might have to reach out to them.

My case took almost a month to ship so I wouldn't exactly be surprised if it took long

Join the Retro PC Discord! - https://discord.gg/UKAFchB
My YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJYB_ZDsIzXGZz6J0txgCA

Reply 37 of 41, by MrKsoft

User metadata
Rank Member
Rank
Member
cj_reha wrote:
MrKsoft wrote:

Anyone have a delay in shipping on these? I jumped on the bandwagon and ordered one a few days ago and haven't gotten any notification on shipping. Might have to reach out to them.

My case took almost a month to ship so I wouldn't exactly be surprised if it took long

Ah, alright. I won't fret just yet then. Looking forward to it though, my 486 is not in an era appropriate case right now.

Wafflenet OPL Archive - Preserving MS-DOS music in a unified format!

Reply 38 of 41, by BeginnerGuy

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie

Did you order the monster case too? :p.. im thinking i may order the same one so i know what to expect. I emailed them about the one i wanted but no answer as of yet. A month just to ship too? Wow 😒. Guess ill have to run loose boards without a case for a while

Sup. I like computers. Are you a computer?

Reply 39 of 41, by cj_reha

User metadata
Rank Oldbie
Rank
Oldbie

Added a MIDIMan WinMan 2x2 ISA MIDI interface card and installed drivers for 3.x, don't have a breakout or any MIDI equipment but excited to experiment in the future 😀

Join the Retro PC Discord! - https://discord.gg/UKAFchB
My YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJYB_ZDsIzXGZz6J0txgCA