Modem, soft or hard ?

[theCorvetteDoctor]

Soft modem? Does this mean it's controlled by software not hardware? I am forced to live with 28.8 dial-up. Right now I must buy two modems. Which one works with modern 475, 400 AMD or P120?(Win98 both) I got a dead PCtel hsp56 modem on a equally wierd pc100 something mobo. Attaches with 12 or so pins sticking up outta da mobo. Is this normal? I haven't seen too many computer guts, maybe a hundred or so and I never have seen such a odd configuration. oh well, it was only 189.00, so I can't gripe too loudly. thanks, sorry for the drivel DrVette

[bigslammer]

I know many won't agree with me but softmodems on the right mobo, cpu, memory work pretty well. the only problem with softmodems is that they use cpu cycles, and resources. As a result when I played intensive first player games my ping would be inconsistent. and when I overclocked my cpu my modem did "seem" to work better. I'd assume that a softmodem on your k6-400+ would work pretty well. if you're really into gaming I'd say spend the money on a hard modem. if it is only for general browsing/downloading I'd go with a winmodem. and my lucent winmodem also works on NT4 sp6 so if you dual boot your winmodem might work on NT. I connect at 53,333 and download usually around 5.2kbps sometimes over the 5.3(slightly over, getright rounds it up to 5.4kbps). but it just kind of depends on your needs and budget. the p120 probably would need a hard modem. good luck
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Axel]

If all the speed your ISP will allow you is 28.8, then I'd say go with a hard external 33.6 modem. You can pick up a nice USR external for about $45 at that speed. Don't forget the com port cable.

That way, you've got nothing sharing your CPU resources and you can reset the modem without rebooting the PC itself. Attach it to COM2 on your system and you'll not have another problem until it comes time to choose a 56K modem once your ISP upgrades.

[Red Rage]

SoftModem is controled by software.

If i remember right the Minsystem requirements for that PCTel 56 HSP is P166 according to their web site.. I've seen them work in P133 but it did freeze and disconnect often. you can also limit how much CPU time it uses via init strings check the below site for the strings

http://www.tech-hell.com/knowledge/modeminits.htm#hsp

What i think your seeing with the HSP and the pins is an on board modem. meaning that the modem is accually on the mother board with a ribben attaching to on of your slots to allow access for the phone line.

The best modem i've seen for the price is the USR/3Com Sportster External 56k, if you can afford it maybe go Courier, but i've noticed no major difference other than the courier handles line condition changes better.

any way i hope it helps.

~Red

[theCorvetteDoctor]

Kewl Dudes! I'll look for the 3com fur sure. One thing I've changed my mind on in the last few years, is the usefulness of a p100 or 120 system. I refurbed(read cleaned) a couple lately and noticed how fast they are, with 32-64ram and Win98. Shocked is a better word on their net surfing performance and the shutdown time on both was 3sec or so. anyway the 14.4 mow-dum outta the dump is chugging away. I didn't even know the jumpr on one pin set, not the irq or com port either, I just guessed on one of four and it works, well, more drivel, thanks for the comeback. US Robitics will be my next target. later gang

[This message has been edited by theCorvetteDoctor (edited 01-07-2000).]

[Comtech]

Before you run out and spend huge $$$ on any USR, check at www.56k.com (http://www.56k.com) for used ones, and/or post this again on the Message Board over there.