"Retro Rig" | Pentium 4 / AGP Build (Windows XP 32 Bit)

[frohner1]

This rig is based on the first custom PC I built. I first assembled around it around 2003 and have replaced and upgraded parts over the years as needed/when appropriate, either from component failure or finding a good deal.

Motherboard: Chaintech 9CJS Zenith / ASUS P4C800 Deluxe
The Chaintech 9CJS Zenith is the original board chosen for this build. My 9CJS board stopped working in 2021 and I am currently running the system with an ASUS P4C800 Deluxe until I am able to find another 9CJS, or can repair mine.
If you know of a working Chaintech 9CJS Zenith for sale, please email me at frohner1@frohner1.com

CPU Socket: mPGA478B
CPU Brand: Intel
CPU Model: Pentium 4
CPU Speed: 3 GHz
Processor Core Count: 1
L2 Cache Size: 1 MB
Bus Speed: 800 MHz
The CPU was upgraded from a 2.4 GHz / 512 KB L2 Cache / 533 MHz FSB in 2021. (For $10!)

RAM: Mushkin PC3200 Level II V2 1 GB (2 x 512 MB) / Mushkin SP3200 1 GB (2 x 512 MB)
I would like to upgrade all 4 RAM sticks to Mushkin PC3200 Level II V2 4GB (4 x 1GB) DDR 400.

Graphics Card: EVGA GeForce 6800 GT 256 MB
This could be upgraded to a Sapphire Radeon HD 3850 if the 6800 GT fails.

Power Supply: EVGA 450 BR, 80+ Bronze
The power supply is not the original, it has been replaced since the original failed. It will be upgraded to probably a Corsair SF 600 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply when the time comes. I like to use a PSU that will stay under 50% maximum load.

Case: Antec GX500 Window
The case was changed in 2021 for better airflow and wire management.

CPU Air Cooler: Intel Stock Cooler
I don't overclock and I've never had an issue with heat using the all-aluminum stock cooler. The new processor that I got in 2021 came with an Intel cooler that has copper directly on the CPU with aluminum fins between the fan, so I am using that now.

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 3.5" Internal
The HDD, originally an IDE, was changed to SATA in 2021 - after I upgraded my i5 build. I think the ONLY one faster is WD Velociraptor WD1000DHTZ 2TB 3.5" SATA, but I read that it is loud. Recently I have learned of the Seagate Firecuda 2TB 7200 RPM 64MB cache SSHD (ST2000DX002) with 8GB of NAND - would Win XP utilize this fully? There is also the Intel 520 series SSD (firmware supports TRIM) to consider.

Accessory: Chaintech CBOX3
Originally included with the 9CJS, this has always been a favorite front panel card reader for me.

CD/DVD: Pioneer DVR-108BK - DVD±RW
The DVD±RW drive is an upgrade from a CD-ROM drive in the initial build. It is a little too long for the GX500 bay and sticks out the front of the case. Some day I will replace this with an ASUS DRW-24B1ST, after ACTUALLY measuring, hoping that it will fit.

Floppy Drive: 3.5" Internal FDD
Just a standard FDD. Data decay has made all of my floppy disks blank anyway.

Keyboard: Hewlett Packard SK-2506 Internet Media Keyboard
I've had this keyboard for probably 15 years now. It is my favorite.

Mouse: EVGA X17 Gaming Mouse, Wired Black
I got this mouse for free from a Twitch channel point redemption. I would not buy one of these; This is my 15 month experience with it: the finish has flaked off where my palm rests and on the left click where my index finger rests. The rubber grooves on the side get dirty way too quickly and is becoming smooth where my thumb and pinky rest on the sides. The bottom front is wearing away from silver to black, just from friction on a mouse pad. I remapped the "Snipe Button" because I don't play First Person Shooters, though the crosshair on the button has still somehow managed to fade away on one half. And today, the axle on the mouse wheel snapped while I was casually browsing, causing it to free spin and no function. I used a Microsoft Intellimouse Optical daily for over 9 years before the mouse wheel broke. The X17 Gaming Mouse is the worst piece of computer equipment I have ever owned. I am still using this until I get another full size mouse to replace it.

In its current state, this rig runs all of my Windows XP 32 bit games and programs, at maxed settings.

[frohner1]

Latest Build Revision: June 14, 2022
- Updated Mouse

Latest Build Revision: Feb 6, 2022