nfraser01 wrote on 2025-07-23, 20:29:

Nice retro looking ATX desktop case...

It is nice. I saw that one listed but passed because of the PSU form factor (SFX?).

Bought this HP Proliant ML115 that was supposedly working, but it has lots of problems:

• Keyboard doesn't work. It will just light up all LEDs when first pressing the power button and then not respond to key presses.
• Came with 3 non-ECC memory sticks besides the single ECC original one, but I can't get it to boot when any of the non-ECC sticks are inserted.
• Will hang a few seconds after booting from CD and doesn't seem to boot from any other media type.
• The BIOS recovery process (has a jumper for that) doesn't seem to work at all.
• PSU is not the original one, but I only noticed when I got home.

It seems to have a few bulging caps, but I'm unsure if it's worth it to replace them, since I've never seem these kinds of issues before on other boards with bad caps. It's still a nice case though, and will look great after a good cleaning, so I can always use it for a custom build.

Managed to score locally this beauty (TC430HX). Looks like solid DOS machine with S3 graphics and Yamaha OPL+MIDI.
If I'm not mistaken this is intel board, but it's brown? Anyways it feels very robust. That linear voltage regulator heatsink is massive. I also like CPU heatsink with slightly shifting golden shade...
There is one VRE jumper which puzzles me. It's missing but board booted up. I have 166MMX there atm I suppose it should be in "Standard".
Need to sort out how to get into bios, because atm after pressing F2 it seems to be stuck with "scanning ROM options" something message.

vutt wrote on 2025-07-25, 16:07:

Managed to score locally this beauty (TC430HX). Looks like solid DOS machine with S3 graphics and Yamaha OPL+MIDI. If I'm not m […]
Show full quote

Managed to score locally this beauty (TC430HX). Looks like solid DOS machine with S3 graphics and Yamaha OPL+MIDI.
If I'm not mistaken this is intel board, but it's brown? Anyways it feels very robust. That linear voltage regulator heatsink is massive. I also like CPU heatsink with slightly shifting golden shade...
There is one VRE jumper which puzzles me. It's missing but board booted up. I have 166MMX there atm I suppose it should be in "Standard".
Need to sort out how to get into bios, because atm after pressing F2 it seems to be stuck with "scanning ROM options" something message.

wow that looks nice.

vutt wrote on 2025-07-25, 16:07:

Managed to score locally this beauty (TC430HX). Looks like solid DOS machine with S3 graphics and Yamaha OPL+MIDI. If I'm not m […]
Show full quote

Managed to score locally this beauty (TC430HX). Looks like solid DOS machine with S3 graphics and Yamaha OPL+MIDI.
If I'm not mistaken this is intel board, but it's brown? Anyways it feels very robust. That linear voltage regulator heatsink is massive. I also like CPU heatsink with slightly shifting golden shade...
There is one VRE jumper which puzzles me. It's missing but board booted up. I have 166MMX there atm I suppose it should be in "Standard".
Need to sort out how to get into bios, because atm after pressing F2 it seems to be stuck with "scanning ROM options" something message.

There is a very similar Intel board that uses the 430TX chipset (with optional onboard ATI Rage II). Yours is a very solid board. It would support more cached memory than the 430TX, but the TX conveniently uses SDRAM.

See here for my repairs on my 430TX:

Any ideas on how to repair this Socket 7 motherboard?

I also did a repair on an TC430HX which uses the green PCB, for reference:

Intel TC430HX Socket 7 motherboard repair

Note that the onboard S3 BIOS suffers from the overbright bug.

Re: S3VBEFIX - PC\MS-DOS TSR fix for S3 VESA 2.0 video BIOS

Got this beat up CM-32L today, do you reckon its easy and safe to remove the case do a bit of retro brightening?

amontre wrote on 2025-07-25, 16:39:

Got this beat up CM-32L today, do you reckon its easy and safe to remove the case do a bit of retro brightening?

I've disassembled all of my vintage synthesizers, including this one. It's very easy to take apart, since there is no front panel or buttons, and only a few rear connections. Make sure to pull the volume knob straight out before removing the case. The power button is inside the case; don't try to pull on that or it will break.

amontre wrote on 2025-07-25, 16:39:

Got this beat up CM-32L today, do you reckon its easy and safe to remove the case do a bit of retro brightening?

The attachment IMG_1462.jpeg is no longer available

Make sure you clean it very thoroughly first or the retrobrighting could end up splotchy and uneven.

I've had very good results cleaning old electronics using Goo Off and then isopropyl alcohol; especially those with textured surfaces. Goo Gone is also great for tough to remove spots, but is quite a bit harsher than Goo Off.

Note that these surface cleaners always have the risk of removing paint. I had this happen when I used Goo Off on an old VCR. It should be perfectly safe on straight ABS plastic. When it doubt, use mild dish soap and water to prevent damage to the paint.

Kahenraz wrote on 2025-07-25, 16:18:

There is a very similar Intel board that uses the 430TX chipset (with optional onboard ATI Rage II). Yours is a very solid board […]
Show full quote

vutt wrote on 2025-07-25, 16:07:

Managed to score locally this beauty (TC430HX). Looks like solid DOS machine with S3 graphics and Yamaha OPL+MIDI. If I'm not m […]
Show full quote

Managed to score locally this beauty (TC430HX). Looks like solid DOS machine with S3 graphics and Yamaha OPL+MIDI.
If I'm not mistaken this is intel board, but it's brown? Anyways it feels very robust. That linear voltage regulator heatsink is massive. I also like CPU heatsink with slightly shifting golden shade...
There is one VRE jumper which puzzles me. It's missing but board booted up. I have 166MMX there atm I suppose it should be in "Standard".
Need to sort out how to get into bios, because atm after pressing F2 it seems to be stuck with "scanning ROM options" something message.

There is a very similar Intel board that uses the 430TX chipset (with optional onboard ATI Rage II). Yours is a very solid board. It would support more cached memory than the 430TX, but the TX conveniently uses SDRAM.

See here for my repairs on my 430TX:

Any ideas on how to repair this Socket 7 motherboard?

I also did a repair on an TC430HX which uses the green PCB, for reference:

Intel TC430HX Socket 7 motherboard repair

Note that the onboard S3 BIOS suffers from the overbright bug.

Re: S3VBEFIX - PC\MS-DOS TSR fix for S3 VESA 2.0 video BIOS

This motherboard does not have a second tag ram nor socket for second tag ram. 64MB max cache-able. There are caveats even one have a HX chipset. Takes skill to spot a motherboard with spot for second tag ram to go with HX chipset. I have to choose HX boards with care to have dual tag ram chips.

Cheers,

pentiumspeed wrote on 2025-07-25, 19:57:

Kahenraz wrote on 2025-07-25, 16:18:

There is a very similar Intel board that uses the 430TX chipset (with optional onboard ATI Rage II). Yours is a very solid board […]
Show full quote

vutt wrote on 2025-07-25, 16:07:

Managed to score locally this beauty (TC430HX). Looks like solid DOS machine with S3 graphics and Yamaha OPL+MIDI. If I'm not m […]
Show full quote

Managed to score locally this beauty (TC430HX). Looks like solid DOS machine with S3 graphics and Yamaha OPL+MIDI.
If I'm not mistaken this is intel board, but it's brown? Anyways it feels very robust. That linear voltage regulator heatsink is massive. I also like CPU heatsink with slightly shifting golden shade...
There is one VRE jumper which puzzles me. It's missing but board booted up. I have 166MMX there atm I suppose it should be in "Standard".
Need to sort out how to get into bios, because atm after pressing F2 it seems to be stuck with "scanning ROM options" something message.

There is a very similar Intel board that uses the 430TX chipset (with optional onboard ATI Rage II). Yours is a very solid board. It would support more cached memory than the 430TX, but the TX conveniently uses SDRAM.

See here for my repairs on my 430TX:

Any ideas on how to repair this Socket 7 motherboard?

I also did a repair on an TC430HX which uses the green PCB, for reference:

Intel TC430HX Socket 7 motherboard repair

Note that the onboard S3 BIOS suffers from the overbright bug.

Re: S3VBEFIX - PC\MS-DOS TSR fix for S3 VESA 2.0 video BIOS

This motherboard does not have a second tag ram nor socket for second tag ram. 64MB max cache-able. There are caveats even one have a HX chipset. Takes skill to spot a motherboard with spot for second tag ram to go with HX chipset. I have to choose HX boards with care to have dual tag ram chips.

Cheers,

I assume you're referring to your HX vs my HX. Would you be so kind as to circle the important differences between our boards? I know about tag ram chips and their purpose, but I don't know how to spot them.

Kahenraz wrote on 2025-07-26, 00:04:

pentiumspeed wrote on 2025-07-25, 19:57:

Kahenraz wrote on 2025-07-25, 16:18:

There is a very similar Intel board that uses the 430TX chipset (with optional onboard ATI Rage II). Yours is a very solid board […]
Show full quote

There is a very similar Intel board that uses the 430TX chipset (with optional onboard ATI Rage II). Yours is a very solid board. It would support more cached memory than the 430TX, but the TX conveniently uses SDRAM.

See here for my repairs on my 430TX:

Any ideas on how to repair this Socket 7 motherboard?

I also did a repair on an TC430HX which uses the green PCB, for reference:

Intel TC430HX Socket 7 motherboard repair

Note that the onboard S3 BIOS suffers from the overbright bug.

Re: S3VBEFIX - PC\MS-DOS TSR fix for S3 VESA 2.0 video BIOS

This motherboard does not have a second tag ram nor socket for second tag ram. 64MB max cache-able. There are caveats even one have a HX chipset. Takes skill to spot a motherboard with spot for second tag ram to go with HX chipset. I have to choose HX boards with care to have dual tag ram chips.

Cheers,

I assume you're referring to your HX vs my HX. Would you be so kind as to circle the important differences between our boards? I know about tag ram chips and their purpose, but I don't know how to spot them.

The Vutt's TC430HX board.
Winbond 32K x 8 chip near the rear ports. Just one, there's no second solder spots nor socket.

FYI: Majority of HX chipset boards only have one tag ram chip. Even SBC cards too, Not many have dual tag ram chips even a second socket.

This is not big issue as not many need more than 32MB if using DOS, or 64MB for windows 95 if in the case.

Cheers,

Got some name brand vintage speakers today. I expect they will be poor fidelity but my m.o. is mainly to buy and use things that look cool or appeal to my personal nostalgia and these seem like they fit the bill 😄

dukeofurl wrote on 2025-07-26, 16:41:

Got some name brand vintage speakers today. I expect they will be poor fidelity but my m.o. is mainly to buy and use things that look cool or appeal to my personal nostalgia and these seem like they fit the bill 😄

The attachment PXL_20250726_161831765.jpg is no longer available

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BymLlpTH7Pk

while i was using pc speaker and then in 1998 a Genius ISA with Crystal and a pair of Aiwa speakers similar to that. Still, one of the core memories of my first years with PC when i heard Lotus 3 in SB mode.

yeah...🤣

Last week, I decided to buy some things:

Apple IIGS Woz Edition

3.5" 800K floppy drive

5.25" 140K floppy drive (was listed as untested)

Apple IIGS ADTPro kit (serial cable. serial to USB adapter, male to female adapter (I took that off since the one pin was missing to make it function), and disks - floppy and CD)

I have everything and I did test the 800K drive on my Mac Classic beforehand, which passed without issues.

I also cleaned the system out and am in the middle of removing the rust from the shielding, which I need to buy more distilled water to rinse the shielding off and wait for them to dry and try to remove them so I can paint the shielding with an aerosol can of enamel paint (which I know, bad idea, but it'll make the shielding look nice).

Living wrote on 2025-07-26, 16:58:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BymLlpTH7Pk […]
Show full quote

dukeofurl wrote on 2025-07-26, 16:41:

Got some name brand vintage speakers today. I expect they will be poor fidelity but my m.o. is mainly to buy and use things that look cool or appeal to my personal nostalgia and these seem like they fit the bill 😄

The attachment PXL_20250726_161831765.jpg is no longer available

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BymLlpTH7Pk

while i was using pc speaker and then in 1998 a Genius ISA with Crystal and a pair of Aiwa speakers similar to that. Still, one of the core memories of my first years with PC when i heard Lotus 3 in SB mode.

yeah...🤣

Still leaps and bounds better than the PC speaker. Adlib is glorious by comparison by any measure.

tehsiggi wrote on 2025-07-20, 09:11:

A dead Radeon x1600Pro AGP from ebay. For science!

Well.. I wonder why that card isn't working properly?
(apart from the missing caps here and there on the PCB)

The bridge is out.

Badum tss.

amontre wrote on 2025-07-25, 16:39:

Got this beat up CM-32L today, do you reckon its easy and safe to remove the case do a bit of retro brightening?

The attachment IMG_1462.jpeg is no longer available

Highly recommend replacing the voltage regulator. Super simple to do… Re: What retro activity did you get up to today?

tehsiggi wrote on 2025-07-27, 07:53:

Well.. I wonder why that card isn't working properly?
(apart from the missing caps here and there on the PCB)

The attachment venice_has_fallen.jpg is no longer available

Yikes. This one is even more dead than the one i got. I still did not get to fixing mine, this tiny caps scare me. I have the tools and everything, but still it is a significant challenge to solder them.

I wonder if this bridges are all the same and if stealing one from some newer dead card would work...

Did they only add that thermal pad for protection on newer cards like x19xx and above? So far i've seen a few cards like this from older series with no pad and i suspect it was not removed from all of them by previous user - probably was not there at all.