#THE BEST COMPUTER CASE?
15 messages in this thread
I finally got my PAR working. Even after following all the procedures posted by
the DPS guy, it still didn't work. Only after, in desperation, I also installed
the TBC card, the PAR just worked. Don't know why, maybe the PAR was lonely.
But DPS gets my 2nd Place Award for Most Difficult Installation (Hardware), the
First Place Award in that category is still retained by Wacom for its ArtZ
tablet — which took three full days of fiddling around.
So, now I've got a computer box with five drives, some of which are hanging out
the sides, every slot filled, and Gordian tangle of cables everywhere; I'm
looking for a new, bigger case. I'd like to have a case that had the floppy and
tape drives AND the (rear) end of the cards on the SAME side so I could see all
the connectors — but I don't think anyone makes such a case.
Another improvement would be to have a tower type case in which the cards were
all on the TOP of the case, not the bottom so when you have to change a cable,
you don't have to get flat on the ground with a flashlight. But they don't make
those either.
My third choice is a big, flat (not tower) type case which can be placed on a
table so I can simply walk behind and kneel down to fiddle around. But all the
flat cases don't seem to be as big as the tower types. I guess the best overall
choice is the Super Tower type with the sides that open because I need to have
access to the insides.
Anyone have any good ideas on nifty cases?
Alec Jason
Alec:
Talk to Dr. Pixel about an external case for the PAR stuff.
I hate to say it but my original PAR install went pretty smooth except I
misconnected a cable and wasn't genlocked. Luckily I was on vacation when the
PAR update software was posted or I would have been in the quagmire with
everyone else trying to get it running. I'll give it a shot soon enough I
suppose.
Now the disturbing part, the ArtZ installed so smoothly for me that I still
can't believe it. It is a constant source of amazement to me how I'll have a
nightmare of an install on a game like T7G and most people find it to be no
problem. My recent sound card install had me reaching for the Sledge-o-matic.
Go figure.
Bob
.
Now the disturbing part, the ArtZ installed so smoothly for me that I still
can't believe it. It is a constant source of amazement to me how I'll have a
nightmare of an install on a game like T7G and most people find it to be no
problem. My recent sound card install had me reaching for the Sledge-o-matic.
Go figure.
.
Sorry for the loooong quote BUT I just want to say three words:
IBM PC
CLONES
<bg>
ana /krazy images
Bob,
So everything installs smoothly for you, huh?
I'm envious.
Oh, I'm not looking for a case for the PAR drive, I'm trying to find the best
_computer_ case to re-build into.
Thanks,
Alec Jason
I have to admit that the PAR installation was probably the smoothest
I've ever had, however I haven't tried the new software yet…
I ran out of room myself when I got the PAR and yet another drive, and
after a couple of weeks of looking, I finally found a big server case at one of
those local computer shows that come around town every month or so. It's a
large tower on wheels (makes it easy to roll out) and it's sides are hinged at
the back and open easily for instant access. It's got space for 10 drives, has
a 300 watt PS and two fans (it has a front door that will cover the drive bays,
but it has to be left open or not enough air can get in the case). I got it for
$175, but I just looked, and I can't find a manufacturer's name on it anywhere
(sorry). Maybe computer shopper? They have lots of ads with that type of stuff.
David
David,
I'll probably end up getting one of those super towers you've got. I've seen
them in Computer Shopper too. I may just keep the thing flat on the side on top
of a table as it is sooo nice to be able to stand above the computer and insert
cards straight down — and to be able see what the heck is going on.
Thanks for you suggestions.
Alec Jason
NRN
>> I'll have a nightmare of an install on a game like T7G and most people find
it to be no problem.
We found it to be a real pain. I was surprised how much trouble it was. Using
DOS 6.0, we had to run MEMMAKER to free up the memory, strip out anything not
needed to run the game, setup up a special CONFIG.sys boot menu so we can
easily load all the other things we like to use with our system, and then
finally download new sound drivers from the Trilobyte section of their forum
(GO TRILOBYTE).
But we got it to run, and it's a lot of fun, worth the effort – so don't give
up.
J-me
Jamie:
I haven't gone so far as creating a different boot config. for T7G but it was
going to be my next step. I thought you were a QEMM user so I'm surprised to
see you mention MEMMAKER. The one thing I do get from the game is sound so I
may be able to put off downloading any drivers. Thanks for the tips.
Bob
>> I thought you were a QEMM user
No, I'm not a big fan of _any_ memory manager – dang computers should
be smart enough to manage their own memory. I mentioned Memmaker cuz
if you have DOS 6 (and most of us do these days) you already have it.
I HAD to use Qemm on one CPU because it had 192mb of memory and DOS
alone (or with EMM386) would not 'see' it all. At that point I tried
every memory manager I could get my hands on. Qemm was the only one I
got to work, and even that was after 'decoding' the secret way to do
it.
Anyway, hope you get the game running (and I hope you like puzzels).
There are some trouble shooting hints over on the Gamer's forum.
Jamie:
/_____________From your message_____________\\
I HAD to use Qemm on one CPU because it had 192mb of memory and DOS alone (or
with EMM386) would not 'see' it all.
_______________________________________________
I remember this and I saved your sage advice on this topic from the
DEC forum and ASOFT. That's why I thought you ran QEMM. The clean
config with some help from MEMMAKER looks like my best bet. Thanks
again.
Alec, you can get parts (like tower cases) at Dominos in San Rafael or you can
order one from PC Power & Cooling 800-722-6555.
Also, they happen to sell a killer power supply that is so quiet, all you'll
hear is your drives spinning. I just got one for my Gateway and MAN was it
worth the $120.00! (thanks to -G for the tip)
J-me
Jamie,
I might go over to Dominos and see what they have in cases. I am growing
increasingly fond of having my case horizontal. I just set up a swivel lamp
next to it and its great to be able to see clearly inside the computer!
The quiet power supply may be nice but I just put a 1000 watt UPS into the
corner and the darn inside fan cycles every few minutes with a load roar. I'm
going to try to aim a small, quiet fan at the UPS to keep it from cycling on so
often.
Even on the low end of this business, its hard to keep up with the hardware!
Thanks,
Alec Jason
>> I might go over to Dominos and see what they have …
Oh please, on the way back could you get me a large pepperoni and extra cheese?
.. I couldn't resist! <g>
NRNRNRNRN
>>NRNRNRNRN
???? Does this mean…
No Reply Needed, Really! Never Return Notes Regarding Notices.
Or did the keyboard stick?
J-me
Jamie, I thought that was a Three Stooges NRNRNRNRNRRN ! and also a very good
reply!
Larry