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First post, by cj_reha

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So I just recently got this computer from an online eRecycler of sorts on eBay. They're pretty common, selling a bunch of old towers without hard drives or otherwise partially stripped. This one was bought for $27.50, plus about $30 shipping. 2 days and it came!

It was listed as having no hard drives, but there were two mounted upside down, partially hidden by the I/O ribbons. Both worked, however the Quantum drive is finicky and seems to be close to failing.

Also, on the WD Caviar drive, in two folders, I found over 150 images of softcore and hardcore porn, dating from 1995 and 1996. Eugh. 😵

Specs:
Motherboard: Biostar MB-8500TVX-A (512 KB onboard L2 cache)
CPU: Intel Pentium MMX 166 MHz (Ceramic)
RAM: 64 MB EDO (16MB x 4)
Video: Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 (S3 ViRGE, 2? MB video memory)
Sound: ESS ES1868F PnP
NIC: Linksys 10/100 PCI
I/O: 2x LPT 8-bit ISA cards, 1 HP-branded, 1 generic
Modem: US Robotics 56k (8-bit ISA)

HDDs:
Quantum Sirocco 2.5 GB
WD Caviar 853.6 MB

Optical:
BTC 8x CD-ROM Drive
Colorado 250 MB Tape Streamer
Panasonic 1.2 MB 5.25" Floppy
Chinon 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy

MACASE 250Watt AT PSU

Not yet installed an OS, but leaning towards Windows 98 SE or 95b. Or, I could make it a fast DOS gaming rig? Not sure, but I want to keep it stock as I like with my machines.

It's also missing the side panel, so I may either make one or steal one from a spare case and drill holes if needed for it.

Oh yeah, and it came with free PS/2-to-DB9 and DB9-to-DB25 converters 😁

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

Reply 2 of 7, by cj_reha

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Brickpad wrote:

Really sharp looking case, but why was the seller so dumb as to put a sticker over the PSU fan??

No idea. And of course it's one of those stupid ones that leaves a ton of residue. 🤣

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

Reply 3 of 7, by AzzKickr

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I always had a soft spot for 166-mmx's. Mainly because my "rich" friend when I was little had one and we were gaming on that thing all the time.
Never owned one though... maybe one day 😀

So consider me subscribed !

Heresy grows from idleness ...

Reply 4 of 7, by chinny22

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YOU DELETED THE 90'S PORN!!!! I GREW UP ON THAT!!!! 😊
Right back to the topic on hand....

Funny mix of hardware!? 3 parallel ports, 5.25 on a Pentium, tape drive, bet its had an interesting history!

Reply 6 of 7, by cj_reha

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UPDATES:

Installed Windows 98 SE with all drivers 😁

Replaced the Quantum Sirocco drive as mid-Windows install it went *clunk*...and Windows said it couldn't write to disk. RIP

Replaced with, coincidentally, a 20 gig Quantum Fireball which noticeably has faster access times. 😜

The WD caviar, however, returns 0 bad sectors on a ScanDisk thorough scan, so it's gonna be a games drive.

@chinny22, it appears to have been some sort of business server as I found lots of financial software from the mid to late 90s, even early 00s. But then again, it may have been used for a home business or something because of the porn stash. 🤣

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

Reply 7 of 7, by cyclone3d

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cj_reha wrote:
Brickpad wrote:

Really sharp looking case, but why was the seller so dumb as to put a sticker over the PSU fan??

No idea. And of course it's one of those stupid ones that leaves a ton of residue. 🤣

That sticker residue will come off real easy. The most commonly available thing is citrus based furniture polish.

The best thing to get it off (not for use with plastics as it will melt them) is a citrus essential oil.

Either of those works way better than any of the sticky remover stuff such as goo-gone.

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