OK, now I have the computer with the M598LMR motherboard with me, but there is some trouble. I wanted to test whether the memory from by Abit-based computer will work there (it's PC100 64 MB, so it should). I opened it up, but decided that before I put in the memory, I will clean the dust out of the fan that's on top of the processor, which is in the Socket-7 slot. So I took the fan out, and I also took out a metal structure supporting the fan. Then I wasn't sure what way to put it back. I ended up locking the metal structure (it's sort of a zig-zag shape, black) back in. I've tried several possibilities, but now the computer won't do anything after I start it up (the CD-Rom drive flashes, and I hear the HDD, but the monitor doesn't react, and I can't even get into BIOS). Why is this? It shouldn't be because of the memory, since I put it back the way it was, and it's still dead. I've tried both the original memory and the memory from my other computer, but it's still dead. Did I hurt the processor somehow? Does anybody have any ideas? I guess I should have been more secure about what I was doing, but it didn't seem to me I was doing anything special, since I had done that before on a different computer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
OK it's running again. It might have been the RAM (although I had checked before that it was in tight), but I also reset the CMOS, etc.
The CPU temperature is at 54 Celsius - is that OK?
There is no fan inside other than the CPU fan (which I suppose should be waving the air in the inner direction at the CPU). Do you think it might be good to get another fan, or it's not necessary?
One more question - an optional component with this motherboard was a "ATX Form card" which supposedly has two USB ports. I don't have this component, but would like to have a USB port. Do I need to get a PCI USB card, or can I get just get something that would plug into the "J1-ATX Header" (that's what the manual calls it - I am attaching a picture).
Thanks.
No extra fans needed. You should get hold of one of those ATX form cards; these give you 2x USB, PS/2 mouse and IR module connections on one slot bracket. Dunno where you are, but normally these aren't really hard to find yet.
Yes, thanks, I've found several places where they sell them now. I'm wondering whether USB 2.0 is supported, but I'll have to e-mail the vendors to ask them I guess...
But I don't like this heavily integrated type of board too much....
Hmmm...then there's no point really in getting the ATX form card, and instead I should get a PCI USB 2.0 card, shouldn't I? (The only problem is that I only have one PCI slot left, and will need a network card too. Oh well. This motherboard is supposed to have on-board LAN, but my version doesn't have it.) I actually don't have any USB 2.0 devices at the moment, only a 1.1 compliant CD burner, and for that the ATX card would be enough. But you're sure they don't sell any which would have a 2.0 slot on them (I guess not since this is an old product anyway, right?)
The form cards aren't very reliable, really. A USB 2.0 (5-port NEC-based) card is the best idea. If you need networking, you can use a USB network adapter:
The ATX form cards are OK - the people who connect them seem less so.
Remember, that card has no active components on, just a bunch of decoupling capacitors and resistors - and it gives you a PS/2 mouse port as well. For the $9 it typically goes for, it's certainly worth a try before you waste money and a PCI slot for an USB 2.0 card.
I've been routinely putting those ATX form cards onto PC-Chips BAT mainboards when they were new, and I have yet to see a dud one. What seems to happen with pre-owned boards is that people have already tried to connect something homebrew to the board; at least the occasional report of dead +5V rail on the connector lets me suspect that.
Since the form card is so cheap, I'll probably get it, and I might get the USB 2.0 PCi card too, since I'm sure it will come handy at one point, even if not on that system.
Anyway, Peter Missel and BP Bill and others, thanks so much for your help. It's great that I am new to this forum, and you veterans help out. I really appreciate it.
OK, one more thing. I've seen some PCI cards that have both USB 2.0 and Firewire ports on them. If the card uses different chipsets for each of these specifications, is that a good investment?
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