Vintage Gateway P5-120 hardware options 2

[trybry]

Hi,

I have a vintage Gateway P5-120, it runs fine, but I'd like to do a few things with it. I am currently running windows 95, I guess I'm being a bit nostalgic here.

Here's a few of my guestions for the group.

1) I am currently using an external modem (Motrola 28.8). I would like to know what kinds of internal modems (56k) are still out there? That I could also get to work with the current setup and work well? I bought a Hawking V90 PCI Data/Fax/Voice Modem. I could never get it to work, it needs a P-233 or higher. Instead of my good ole P-120. So a little help on where I can find compatable internals is needed here?

2) I have two hard drive bays (C: & D, but the originals are so small, drive C: is 156 mb and drive D: is 601 mb. I like to get bigger hard drives to install and increase capacity. How much bigger can I get before, size compromises speed? I also need to know where to find them and who makes them?

3) I also attempted to install an internal dual USB port, that too did not work out well. I found this website looking for a Windows patch for USB's and thought I might ask the group for suggestions. Can Win95 be configured to use USB ports? If so can my P5-120 do it too?

4) Since this model is before MMX technology and P2 technology. Can I add a CD RW ? It came with a regular and somewhat reliable CD rom. If possible I'd like to find one that is compatable.

5) I also have a PCMCIA moblile adapter (10/100 Mbps), I am going to get a router for it and use it in my Laptop. Can Win 95 and Win 98 communicate over a network? Does the P5-120 I have is able to work on a network too?

Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to see what I have and how far I can stretch it.

Thanks

 

[micker377]

1. You need a modem with "Onboard DSP". The specs will be for Win 95 - NT - and DOS.
2. Hard drive: I believe 8 gig is the biggest you can go without an "Overlay".
3. Was the USB card USB 1.1 or 2.0? Win 95A could recognize USB. Win95 couldn't.
4. I'm looking at a box with the specs for a BTC 52x32x52 R/W CD. "Pentium ll 350 with at least 64 meg memory. Minimum 200 meg HD space available. Win 98/ME/2000/XP. Don't look good.
5. Networking is OK between 95 and 98. You will need to setup with the Win95 install disk(s). You will need a NIC adapter in the Win95 computer.

 

[CreamCake]

I'm not sure I would spend much cash on rebuilding something so slow.(though i'd have happily donated my p200mmx chips, but I tossed them last weekend while cleaning)
For less than $100, you could ebay something in the 450-600MHZ range.
I know I sold a p3-550 w/ cd-rw and 30gb hdd for $100 one month ago.. Similar deals are available.

 

[CreamCake]

Thanks for the star!

If it helps any, I bought the computer I spoke of earlier for $12 at a local thrift store and it only needed a few unused parts to get her running again.
(My current system has 520gb split between 3 internal and 1 external firewire drive...and I still need to archive stuff off to DVD, so yes! you can find very good deals on used, uneeded equipment if you only use your PC for moderate websurfing and email.. .some geek w/ an ebay account always has a closet that needs cleaning.)

 

[CreamCake]

... all to fund a sushi dinner!