Compaq EVO 2.2GHZ Win 98 build \ VOGONS

Compaq EVO 2.2GHZ Win 98 build

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First post, by Klw2

Posted on 2020-07-17, 00:34

Klw2 Offline

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I have a Compaq EVO 2.2GHZ that I plan to put together with 512 Mb RAM, a SoundBlaster Live 5.1 audio board and I have a choice of a few video cards in my old parts bin.
GeForce FX 5900
Radeon 9600
TNT2 Pro 16
TNT2 Standard 32
Workstation Nvidea Quadro AGP.. not sure which model

I will install Win 98SE and the card needs compatibility for that and DOS, I don't care about Win 3.1.

I rarely play any FPS or RPG games, mostly Sierra or Lucas Arts Point n Click, some games like Dune 2000 etc., so the video card may not be super important, but I would like to use the est one that works with my games and may be able to play games that require more video resources (FPS, etc.) when my son swings by. I have read a lot of posts here on video cards and looked at Phil's Lab videos, but haven't found what might be the better card for me in this machine.

I may also build a 486 or P2 Win 98 machine that is less powerful, targeted at older Sierra, Lucas Arts games as well, so one of the cards will go there. I know it sounds like I'm building 2 machines to do the same thing and I guess I am, but I'm not very knowledgeable about which video card would be better suited for each machine.

Thanks

Reply 1 of 9, by ODwilly

Posted on 2020-07-17, 03:53

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If you have a good powersupply then I think the fx 5900 is the best bet for compatibility and such. The TNT2 would be fantastic for a slower P3 or P2.

Main pc: Asus ROG 17. R9 5900HX, RTX 3070m, 16gb ddr4 3200, 1tb NVME.
Retro PC: Soyo P4S Dragon, 3gb ddr 266, 120gb Maxtor, Geforce Fx 5950 Ultra, SB Live! 5.1

Reply 2 of 9, by Klw2

Posted on 2020-07-17, 13:35

Klw2 Offline

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Thanks ODwilly,
Would a 350W power supply be sufficient? Also, the cooling fan on the FX5900 card is very loud, Sounds like a dentist’s drill on max speed, are you aware of a quieter solution?

Reply 3 of 9, by ODwilly

Posted on 2020-07-17, 20:49

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You could see about tracking down an Arctic Silencer 4. Also possibly take the stock cooler apart and clean/refresh the thermal paste if you havent already. The 5900 is famous for it's noise but old thermal paste surely doesnt help.
For the PSU I believe 350watts should be fine, as long as it is a high quality unit in good repair that produces suitable 12v amperage.

Main pc: Asus ROG 17. R9 5900HX, RTX 3070m, 16gb ddr4 3200, 1tb NVME.
Retro PC: Soyo P4S Dragon, 3gb ddr 266, 120gb Maxtor, Geforce Fx 5950 Ultra, SB Live! 5.1

Reply 4 of 9, by Klw2

Posted on 2020-07-17, 23:06

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Thanks! I snagged a new Arctic Cooling AVC-NV4 NV Silencer 4 VGA Cooler on-line. I had redone the paste and cleaned the fan and cooler.. just noisy as heck! I really appreciate your help!

Reply 5 of 9, by ODwilly

Posted on 2020-07-18, 21:22

ODwilly Offline

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Klw2 wrote on 2020-07-17, 23:06:

Thanks! I snagged a new Arctic Cooling AVC-NV4 NV Silencer 4 VGA Cooler on-line. I had redone the paste and cleaned the fan and cooler.. just noisy as heck! I really appreciate your help!

Your welcome! Mind posting the model and specs of the PSU?

Main pc: Asus ROG 17. R9 5900HX, RTX 3070m, 16gb ddr4 3200, 1tb NVME.
Retro PC: Soyo P4S Dragon, 3gb ddr 266, 120gb Maxtor, Geforce Fx 5950 Ultra, SB Live! 5.1

Reply 6 of 9, by Klw2

Posted on 2020-07-18, 22:31

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I have this one
https://www.startech.com/Computer-Parts/PSUs/ … rs~ATX2POWER350

Reply 7 of 9, by ODwilly

Posted on 2020-07-18, 23:49

ODwilly Offline

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Klw2 wrote on 2020-07-18, 22:31:

I have this one
https://www.startech.com/Computer-Parts/PSUs/ … rs~ATX2POWER350

Looks like a solid PSU, iv used a few of those mid 2000's Startechs and never had any issues. Usually really well built. They usually use Teapo caps so maybe pop it open and make sure they havent bulged. The 12v rails look perfect for that P4 + fx 5900. If you have any PSU issues any modern 400watt+ unit will work as a replacement no problem.

Main pc: Asus ROG 17. R9 5900HX, RTX 3070m, 16gb ddr4 3200, 1tb NVME.
Retro PC: Soyo P4S Dragon, 3gb ddr 266, 120gb Maxtor, Geforce Fx 5950 Ultra, SB Live! 5.1

Reply 8 of 9, by Klw2

Posted on 2020-07-19, 00:04

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Thanks!!!

Reply 9 of 9, by Klw2

Posted on 2020-07-20, 00:38

Klw2 Offline

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I have it built except for the Arctic Cooling Silencer and I played a little Dune 2000 and the machine worked well. I'm going to look for a game to give the system a better work out. Suggestions?
Thanks again!

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