2 Aug
2014
2 Aug
'14
4:07 p.m.
On 08/02/2014 02:53 PM, Mark J. Blair wrote:
While searching for "486" on eBay, the HP Vectras did appear visually
attractive to me. In particular, I see a 486/33 Vectra (not a VL2 model, though, I think)
that has only 3.5" bays, which looks downright cute. The lack of 5.25" bays
isn't a show-stopper, since I'd expect to run it case-open to plug in an 8"
drive at times, anyway.
Before I buy one, I want to be positive that the built-in floppy controller can be
disabled, though.
I've used two minitower Vectras--a P1 and a P2. The P2 now has a 1.4GHz
Celeron installed via a Slocket. It works fine--if you decide to try
either one of those, I can test them, but ISTR that I had an ISA floppy
controller installed in both.
I like the VL minitowers of that era--the main motherboard is installed
in a vertical orientation, while the expansion slots are on a smaller
horizontal section. Very easy to get at and work on, but the PSU is
pretty much HP-specific.
The older Compaq Deskpro towers can be pretty rugged also.
But be careful with HP--Vectra labeling or not, sometime around the
P2-P3 era HP started using third-party motherboards. FIC and ASUS were
common suppliers--but with HP "gizmos" on them. For example, I have an
otherwise ASUS motherboard with a Socket 370 PC that will bellyache and
prevent booting if an HP power supply isn't installed--complaints about
not finding a power supply fan.
--Chuck