I Don't Want to Hack a Sony Vaio...

[Bruce Gillis]

Hello people:

I would like your opinion about a PC's cooling system.
This particular PC was given to me and it's a
Sony Vaio with a P200 MMX (haha)

When I first got it home, I turned the unit around to
the back and held my breath to check whether the
system was based on either a proprietary design mobo
or a generic ATX formfactor. To my amazement, it was
the familiar ATX I/O riser shield that greeted my
eyes. So, I then got around to checking out the case
design for ventilation (in the event that I
spontaneously overclocked a future CPU and mobo
Well, the design is rather substandard as it lacks
active intake cooling. Rather, it has a strip of
ventilation holes along the length of the case with
the standard power supply exhaust fan. This isn't all
good, I know, but the case is unique and quite sharp.

For better ventilation, I have thought about an
improved power supply fan assembly (single fan only)
and the PCI system coolers that exhaust air, rather then
circulate it, as advertised on some PC hardware sites.
I'm considering these units becasue I would prefer not to
hack into the case or toss it in favor of an improved design.

I would like to get some feedback from some builders who
have some experience in dealing with case cooling and
whether these units can minimize the heat buildup in
my case enough to handle the newer CPUs and moderate
overclocking.

Regards,

Bruce

 

[OneActor1]

Just for the sake of conversation, how much can a Pentium 200 be
overclocked? We've got an old Toshiba tower with that same Pentium 200
MMX processor. After it was replaced a couple yars ago (by a computer
that's subsequently been replaced itself) we used it as a MAME machine
but now it just sits in a closet. I've been thinking about putting a
big hard drive in it (160 gigs or bigger) along with a soundcard that
has an optical output, and connecting it to our stereo system for use
as a "jukebox", as well as for backup storage, since such applications
don't require much power. But if the Pentium can be OC'd then maybe it
can be used otherwise.

 

[Gary J. Tait]

Just for the sake of conversation, how much can a Pentium 200 be
overclocked? We've got an old Toshiba tower with that same Pentium 200
MMX processor. After it was replaced a couple yars ago (by a computer
that's subsequently been replaced itself) we used it as a MAME machine
but now it just sits in a closet. I've been thinking about putting a
big hard drive in it (160 gigs or bigger) along with a soundcard that
has an optical output, and connecting it to our stereo system for use
as a "jukebox", as well as for backup storage, since such applications
don't require much power. But if the Pentium can be OC'd then maybe it
can be used otherwise.

If it has the right motherboard (something to do with voltage
regualtors), I think you can put in a K6 chip.

I too am am member of the PI ATX club, with a micron Millenia MME
(PI200MMX, Anchorage Mobo, Palo Alto case), and am considering
upgrading the mobo to a more modern system.

 

[Bruce Gillis]

On 4 Feb 2005 15:09:26 -0800, "(e-mail address removed)" <[email protected]>
wrote:

Just for the sake of conversation, how much can a Pentium 200 be
overclocked? We've got an old Toshiba tower with that same Pentium 200
MMX processor. After it was replaced a couple yars ago (by a computer
that's subsequently been replaced itself) we used it as a MAME machine
but now it just sits in a closet.

The first generation Pentiums were never good to overclock because of
their large die size and voltage requirements, which is why I am going
to toss the CPU and mobo duo in favor of a more "overclockable" chip
and upgraded mainboard. Many of the PIIIs and old Celerons along with
almost all of the original Athlons will fit the bill nicely (Pick up a
copy of Richmond and Wainnner's "The Book of Overclocking"). The
reason I am not dabbling into anything newer is cost; these older
components can be picked up dirt cheap

I like the idea of using an older computer as a jukebox with a home
stereo hookup; it would be a great way to squeeze more use out of an
older unit. And as for a dedicated MAME computer, that's a cool idea
for an old beater, too.

 

[OneActor1]

<<I like the idea of using an older computer as a jukebox with a home
stereo hookup; it would be a great way to squeeze more use out of an
older unit. >>

I thought so too. I've got about 40 gigs worth of music, more or less
all of which was ripped in high quality AAC format from my CDs. If I
could hook up the PC via Toslink to my stereo, I could let it's high
end DACs do the conversion work and have access to all my CDs without
having to actually deal with the CDs. The only real debating point
right now is if I want to try to find space for a PC monitor near my
stereo system or if I want to try and find a cheap video card with an
s-video out so that I can use the TV. I really only need to be able to
browse through my music catalog on iTunes.

<<And as for a dedicated MAME computer, that's a cool idea
for an old beater, too. >>

Yea, it's a lot of fun. I'd sort of like to put togethor an inexpensive
machine solely for MAME use but what I really want is to put it in an
arcade cabnit, which I lack space for right now.

 

[Bruce Gillis]

I thought so too. I've got about 40 gigs worth of music, more or less
all of which was ripped in high quality AAC format from my CDs. If I
could hook up the PC via Toslink to my stereo, I could let it's high
end DACs do the conversion work and have access to all my CDs without
having to actually deal with the CDs. The only real debating point
right now is if I want to try to find space for a PC monitor near my
stereo system or if I want to try and find a cheap video card with an
s-video out so that I can use the TV. I really only need to be able to
browse through my music catalog on iTunes.

This may sound frivolous, but imagine the convenience of mounting an
old LCD monitor on the wall (say, in a boxy picture-type frame with a
neat cable job) next to your entertainment unit to save space and blow
some minds >:->

 

[Woodsy]

This may sound frivolous, but imagine the convenience of mounting an
old LCD monitor on the wall (say, in a boxy picture-type frame with a
neat cable job) next to your entertainment unit to save space and blow
some minds >:->

I love mine, just getting set up good.
vids,mp3s,pics,start a playlist, let it cycle thru the vacation pics!
something similar to ebay item 5162309485, a little underpowered but
that is easy to fix.