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_posts/2018-04-03-reparing-my-first-pc.md

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+---
+title: Reparing my first PC
+tags: [retrocomputer, hardware]
+updated: 2018-04-03 17:00
+description: Attempt to repair my first PC and part inventory
+---
+
+This was my first PC back in ~ 2001 2002. It was already used back then and
+it shipped with the mighty Micro$oft Windows 98 OS (probably the "First 
+Edition").
+
+{% include image.html file="dsl_boot_on_old_pc.gif" alt="booting Damn Small Linux (DSL) from the CD-ROM" caption="booting Damn Small Linux (DSL) with the CD-ROM" %}
+
+I remember using *Intern€t Explor€r* (version 5?) with 
+this thing (sic) and to do that I had to connect the internal 
+[Winmodem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softmodem) to a 
+[tripolar phone 
+plug](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripolar_plug) with an RJ-45 to 
+tripolar beige wire (this also happened with the 
+next computer). Internet speed was around 32Kbps on average.
+No USBs, no WiFi, no Ethernet. Only a CD-ROM and a floppy disk drive which was 
+the only medium I used at the time to move files. Infact I remember using 
+floppy drives for school researches using Micro$oft Word as an editor.
+
+It was not a gaming PC but I was able to play
+titles like *Hard Truck: Road To Victory*, *Age Of Empires II* or *Flight 
+Simulator 98* anyway.
+
+Sadly, some years ago this PC refused to boot up. This happened 
+more and more frequenly and I had no idea on what was going on. I gave up 
+using it...
+
+... until I decided to repair it and I noticed some corrosion on 
+the RAM module. I found [this post](http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/253501-30-cleaning-memory-eraser-chips)
+which suggests using a pencil eraser on the pins. It worked. When booting, the 
+leds of the AT keyboard instead of blinking once, now blinked twice. So I 
+connected the video card as well but nothing happened. I then connected a PC 
+buzzer and found out that it was an
+[AGP socket problem](http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgrading/post-beep-codes.htm) a.k.a. 
+*Video error*, since the motherboard has an AWARD BIOS.
+
+I tried another AGP video card with no luck. The AGP socket was probably just 
+broken.
+
+To be sure the system was working I tried a Windows 98 recovery boot floppy 
+disk. I issued the `dir` command and listened to the floppy drive making 
+the usual noise.
+
+Since it's pretty useless as it is, and of course painly slow, I think it's 
+time to recycle the components...
+
+What follows is a thorough inventory of the parts with some photos.
+
+## The full hardware specs
+
+### Motherboard
+
+- 1x Unkown "Super Socket 7" motherboard with AWARD BIOS and VIA, Winbond and 
+  other chips.
+
+{% include image.html file="DSCN3132.JPG" alt="motherboard and processor" %}
+
+#### Slots
+
+- 3x PCI 
+- 2x ISA 
+- 2x DIMM 168 pin
+- 2x [SIMM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIMM) RAM (Don't know pin #)
+
+#### Connectors
+
+- 1x ATA Floppy
+- 1x primary IDE (ATA)
+- 1x secondary IDE (ATA)
+- 1x PS/2 mouse (not the actual PS/2 connector but 5 pins. See [this](https://www.altex.com/5-Pin-to-6-Pin-F-Intel-PS2-Mouse-Cable-BKT-PS2-P139177.aspx) for example)
+- 2x COM 10 pin
+- 1x IDC 26 pin
+- 1x USB 8 pin (don't know what version but i suspect it's 1.1)
+- 1x 3 pin fan
+- 1x AT Keyboard
+- 1x AGP 124
+- 1x P8 P9 (power)
+- 1x 20 pix ATX (power)
+- 1x KEYLOCK
+- 1x 4 pin speaker (buzzer)
+- 1x reset
+- 1x HDD LED
+- 1x power ON/OFF
+- 1x `EXTSMI`
+- 1x INFRA-RED
+
+### Processor
+
+- 1x AMD `AMD-K6-2/450AFX`
+
+### Cards
+
+- 1x PCI Winmodem (can't find it)
+- 1x ISA `CRYSTAL CX4235-XQ3` sound card
+- 1x `ATI HIS Rage IIc` video card
+
+{% include image.html file="DSCN3131.JPG" alt="sound card and video card" %}
+
+### Memory
+
+- 32MB `DIMM32MTEC AL0457BY` DIMM RAM. It has 4 `M.tec` memory modules on the 
+  front.
+
+### Drives
+
+- 1x 1.44 MB `MITSUMI MODEL D359M3` floppy drive
+- 1x 44x `Delta Electronics, Model OIP-CD440A` CD ROM drive
+- 1x 8.4GB `Seagate U8 Model ST38410A` HDD
+
+{% include image.html file="DSCN3156.JPG" alt="HDD" %}
+{% include image.html file="DSCN3157.JPG" alt="HDD" %}
+{% include image.html file="DSCN3159.JPG" alt="HDD" %}
+
+### Power Supply
+
+- Power supply with P8 and P9 pins: `EXON COMPUTER SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY 
+  230W`. Model name should be `EX04T`.
+
+{% include image.html file="DSCN3130.JPG" alt="FDD and power supply" %}
+
+### Case Connectors
+
+These connectors are placed on the back part of the chassis. They have the 
+classic bracket form factor.
+
+#### Connector 1 
+
+- 1x female PS/2 mouse connector
+- 1x female parallel port
+
+#### Connector 2
+
+- 1x 9 pin male serial port
+- 1x 25 pin male serial port
+
+{% include image.html file="DSCN3134.JPG" alt="Keyboard and case connectors" %}
+
+### External Accessories
+
+- AT Montewrey Keyboard `MODEL : K280W` with the right foot/leg broken 
+  (looking at the keyboard from behind). 
+- DELL Trinitron monitor `UltraScan 800HS Series MODEL: D825TM`, with a nice 
+  integrated crack on the basement and a non functional horizontal line on the screen.
+- A serial mouse (can't find it)
+- Classical PC speakers (light blue transparent plastic) with power supply (can't find them)
+
+{% include image.html file="DSCN3140.JPG" alt="monitor back view" %}
+{% include image.html file="DSCN3143.JPG" alt="monitor front view" %}
+
+
+
+