HowToFixComputers.com

Bob · Guest

This newgroup is suspiciously devoid of 710XL owner postings. Is no
one buying them, or are they just so good that no one is having
issues.

In any case, I'm considering one and would like to get some comments.
Anyone care to exchange some emails?

One question I have is the 500GB HD (2 * 250GN). This recent review
in PC mag says they are connected to a RAID controller and appear as
one huge 500MB drive
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,113306,00.asp

But a during a recent chat with a GW rep, I was told the PC Mag review
is wrong (suspicious) and they are 2 drives C: 250GB and D: 250GB.

21:35 bob> That review says it is one 500GB RAID. Has there been a
change or is the review wrong?
21:35 ******> That review is incorrect. This is not the first time
they have done that...
21:35 *******> Otherwise, it is a great review!
21:36 bob> Thanks. So the configuration would be a 250GB "C" and a
250GB "D" drive?
21:37 ******> That is correct.

What's the story?

Also, is the MB a standard Intel MB or a specific OEM model that
doesnt use standard BIOS.

How about the GEForce card, standard or some GW special OEM card that
uses customeized drivers? My last GW had a TNT card (special OEM) but
I could use Nvidia detonator drivers anyway.

Thanks,
Bob

*********************************************
** PLEASE NOTE: Do NOT use your REPLY **
** button to reply to this message. **
** **
** REPLIES--> bob@XXXae1m.com **
** Remove the XXX **
** **
*********************************************

Tweek · Guest

I don't know about the hard drive issue, but I don't see how there would be
any benefit to two physical drives showing up as one drive. As for the MBD,
it is likely an Intel design manufactured to Gateways specs. The BIOS is
custom Gateway and only the Gateway BIOS updates for that particular board
will work. As for the GeForce FX card, it is probably made by MSI (the GF4
4600 I had was) and the detonator drivers will work, they are just
unsupported by Gateway.

"Bob" <email_address@in.message.ae1m> wrote in message
news:2grfrvoko650bc24hhk8qh78iqgafpht3c@4ax.com...

Ken Smith · Guest

The review is correct. There are two 250GB hard drives ( haven't heard of a
single 500GB drive yet, but there may be one out there). Thanks to 875 chip
set, and RAID controller the two drives can and do appear as a single drive.
Great for streaming video applications and storage. If you can, drop by a
GW store and have a look.

Frank Fussenegger · Guest

The MB that Gateway is using is a version of the Intel D875PBZ. Most
of the features of the retail MB are there, but not all. You are also
stuck with the OEM BIOS. Alienware is using a retail version of this
MB I think.

Bob <email_address@in.message.ae1m> wrote in message news:<2grfrvoko650bc24hhk8qh78iqgafpht3c@4ax.com>...

Bob · Guest

Frank,

Thanks for the reply.

Any ideas what features are not in the OEM version? Anything that
makes it seriously crippled?

Bob

frankfuss@earthlink.net (Frank Fussenegger) wrote:

Frank Fussenegger · Guest

One thing for sure is that it is NOT crippled.

Hardware-wise it is the same MB except for integrated audio, the front
panel fan connector, and maybe some other small differences that
probably do not matter. Here is a link to the latest Gateway support
information:

http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/INTEL2/2520577/2520577nv.shtml

The BIOS is a different story. A don't know all the differences, but
I do know that you cannot change the APG Aperture. It is hard coded
to 64MB, which is the default for the Intel BIOS. Also, some Chipset
options like "Burn-In Mode" are not available. This probably does not
matter to most users.

I tried the "Intel Active Monitor" with the Gateway MB and it works,
but I am using Motherboard Monitor 5 now because it works with my
Matrix Orbital LCD display.

Intel also has a new "Intel Desktop Control Center" that looks cool,
but it will only work with the latest Intel BIOS and not the Gateway
version.

Bob <email_address@in.message.ae1m> wrote in message news:<8g0jrvsb80pbe6iquler0hdjl6r5c58nah@4ax.com>...

Bob · Guest

Thanks Frank, that link is helpful.

What do you know about the 500GB HD (2 * 250GB)? This recent review
in PC mag says they are connected to a RAID controller and appear as
one huge 500MB drive (maybe RAID 0)
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,113306,00.asp

But a during a recent chat with a GW rep, I was told the PC Mag review
is wrong (suspicious) and they are 2 drives C: 250GB and D: 250GB. I
dont think that would be how a RAID would appear.

Bob

frankfuss@earthlink.net (Frank Fussenegger) wrote:

Frank Fussenegger · Guest

The 710XL should have a 500GB system partition using two 250GB drives
in a RAID 0 configuration. I think the GW rep you taked to is wrong,
but you would want to confirm your understanding with them to be sure.
My own 700XL came with a 320GB system partition using two 160GB hard
drives in a RAID 0 configuration.

Bob <email_address@in.message.ae1m> wrote in message news:<4iolrv8e2tjkhmf9srdn8kmdhh7nkvff5i@4ax.com>...