System advice

[jerrygarcia]

I'm looking to build and internet surfer/e-mail machine. It's for a firestation where there are up to 45 user over 3 shifts. What I'm looking for is something simple and inexpensive. We already have 2 machines, an XP 1600+ and a XP2000+ that are gaming compatible(GF4 Ti4200's + lots of memory).

Maybe onboard sound, video, lan, usb in a desktop case. I really don't even need the sound as no speakers will be hooked up to it and it will be for surfing/mail only.

Is it possible to run a machine with no cd or floppy drives? I would pull them after build. There would be a problem with a lot of users wanting to install stuff. I do run the big machines on XP Pro with me as the administrator so those aren't a problem and I would like to just run 98se on this one with no input drives.

With 11 users/shift, sometimes it's hard to get any computer time with the others in game mode. Just would like your advice on a simple machine.




P.S. I have my own machine so I don't wait in line for anyone. XP 1800+, GF3 Ti500, 384 sdram, burner, dvd.

[woodbutcher]

I would not see a problem running a comp with no floppy or cd-rom.
Once the install is done pull them out along with the cables.

Hardware reccomendations;
ECS K7S5A mobo Newegg $57.00
XP1700 Newegg $50.00

WB

[jerrygarcia]

Know the board well. All of the other machines mentioned are on this board. Would it fit in a desktop?

[jerrygarcia]

Anyone else?

[earlthepearl]

Jerry
If you are looking for an alternative to the board that you are already familiar with, check out a Biostar M7VIG. It's in the same price range at NewEgg or TCWO, & I've had no problems with several that I've used. Supports SDR or DDR memory.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...tby=14&order=1

Pop in a Duron 750, & install Win2K & the gamers will flee!

PS Say Hi to Elvis for me!

[Richard Cranium]

Exactly the vendor and mfg I was gonna suggest, great stable board.

[woodbutcher]

Re-read your post, no mention of a desktop (horizontal?) case.
No big deal but if your looking for a small board you know as well as I do that the ECS board is BIG.
I bought an Evercase when I put my first ECS K7S5A board together and it barely fit.
I too have heard good things about the Biostar, haven't actually had one to play with yet.
One of the many reasons I recomend the ECS board is the for the option of DDR or SDRAM.

WB

[jerrygarcia]

I do like the K7S5A and I haven't had problems like some people have had with this board. It is a big board! I really don't need a desktop but it would make life a little easier as it will be in a hallway(end).

I do like that Biostar board. All the features that I'm looking for and with a small(750-950) Duron, it would make the gamers flee with the addition of no drives. It is demo-download central around there.

Am I on the right track to run a machine with no drives? Will that work?

[ragtop]

I would also suggest going with one of the Biostar boards with everything built in. They are perfect for the application you described.

As far as running with no floppy or CDROM - thats no problem at all. Lots of places build machines like that for basic LAN/workstation use. The only problem comes when you need to install or update software - but you can usually find a way to download what you need rather than install from disc - or get an external CDROM and just plug it in when you need to do some maintenance.

[Richard Cranium]

You called my name Cheap

What about a ready built unit for $125~ ?
IBM PII450 Desktop

Apex PII350 Tower

IBM 300PL PII350 Tower



I've been really satisifed with the "refurb" computers that I've gotten from them.