I agree with John, but to add a couple of points: Shuttles aren't overly small anymore in comparison to what you can build. It's possible in fact probable that you'll be buying shuttle specific parts which will make it harder in the future wen one of them dies. I treated myself to a new system earlier in October actually and I built it all myself; the only thing I haven't been able to connect is the leds on the front; I'm sure that if I had the inclination I could sit down with my keyring light probe and get it sorted though. Personally I find it a really fun experience. Cheers, Ben. On 10/31/12, John G. Heim wrote:

I have avoided buyng a bare bones system because you can't know how noisy it will be or how hard it will be to work on. When I build a machine, I buy the mainboard, CPU and RAM from newegg and buy a case from a local computer shop where they let me see how easily I can open it up and how loud it is.

Its pretty easy to assemble a PC except for connecting the cables from the case to the mainboard. Installing CPU, RAM, and hard disk isn't too difficult. Some of the wires from the case to the mainboard plug in only one way. But I usually have to get sighted assistance to connect the LEDs, reset and power buttons, front panel audio, etc. Last time I built a machine, I got a good Samaritan on the web to send me a text description of the specs for connecting those wires. Then I did it myself.

If you don't want to go through all that (and honestly, I wouldn't blame you), maybe buying a barebones system from a local computer shop would be a good compromise.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:19 PM To: blind-sysadmins Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

Has anyone bought any of these barebones systems from newegg? If so, what did you think pro conn of them?

Thanks. Dave.

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Hi, I must admit to going down a completely different path these days - I tend to buy in from Dell and get a good system and keep it running. The system I am writing on is around 6 years old, and I am in the process of going with another system - probably an all in one. For my main desktop needs this is all I really need, and I ensure that all my data is stored on a NAS box somewhere else in the house and that it is backed up. Obviously different needs for different people but there you go. Andrew. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: 31 October 2012 18:49 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems? I agree with John, but to add a couple of points: Shuttles aren't overly small anymore in comparison to what you can build. It's possible in fact probable that you'll be buying shuttle specific parts which will make it harder in the future wen one of them dies. I treated myself to a new system earlier in October actually and I built it all myself; the only thing I haven't been able to connect is the leds on the front; I'm sure that if I had the inclination I could sit down with my keyring light probe and get it sorted though. Personally I find it a really fun experience. Cheers, Ben. On 10/31/12, John G. Heim wrote:

I have avoided buyng a bare bones system because you can't know how noisy it will be or how hard it will be to work on. When I build a machine, I buy the mainboard, CPU and RAM from newegg and buy a case from a local computer shop where they let me see how easily I can open it up and how loud it is.

Its pretty easy to assemble a PC except for connecting the cables from the case to the mainboard. Installing CPU, RAM, and hard disk isn't too difficult. Some of the wires from the case to the mainboard plug in only one way. But I usually have to get sighted assistance to connect the LEDs, reset and power buttons, front panel audio, etc. Last time I built a machine, I got a good Samaritan on the web to send me a text description of the specs for connecting those wires. Then I did it myself.

If you don't want to go through all that (and honestly, I wouldn't blame you), maybe buying a barebones system from a local computer shop would be a good compromise.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:19 PM To: blind-sysadmins Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

Has anyone bought any of these barebones systems from newegg? If so, what did you think pro conn of them?

Thanks. Dave.

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Hello, Thanks for all the responses. I wish I had a NAS box. For me I can put in the motherboard connect up most things the thing that's the problem is getting the CPU in right so that pin one is correct, the voltages are right, and the leads, I'm not so concerned about the leads but getting the power switch to turn the box on and off that's an important one. I also don't have a light probe but I've heard of them, how good are they and can I get a recommendation as well as a place to get it from? Thanks. Dave. On 10/31/12, Andrew Hodgson wrote:

Hi,

I must admit to going down a completely different path these days - I tend to buy in from Dell and get a good system and keep it running. The system I am writing on is around 6 years old, and I am in the process of going with another system - probably an all in one. For my main desktop needs this is all I really need, and I ensure that all my data is stored on a NAS box somewhere else in the house and that it is backed up.

Obviously different needs for different people but there you go.

Andrew.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: 31 October 2012 18:49 To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

I agree with John, but to add a couple of points: Shuttles aren't overly small anymore in comparison to what you can build. It's possible in fact probable that you'll be buying shuttle specific parts which will make it harder in the future wen one of them dies.

I treated myself to a new system earlier in October actually and I built it all myself; the only thing I haven't been able to connect is the leds on the front; I'm sure that if I had the inclination I could sit down with my keyring light probe and get it sorted though. Personally I find it a really fun experience.

Cheers, Ben.

On 10/31/12, John G. Heim wrote:

...

I have avoided buyng a bare bones system because you can't know how noisy it will be or how hard it will be to work on. When I build a machine, I buy the mainboard, CPU and RAM from newegg and buy a case from a local computer shop where they let me see how easily I can open it up and how loud it is.

Its pretty easy to assemble a PC except for connecting the cables from the case to the mainboard. Installing CPU, RAM, and hard disk isn't too difficult. Some of the wires from the case to the mainboard plug in only one way. But I usually have to get sighted assistance to connect the LEDs, reset and power buttons, front panel audio, etc. Last time I built a machine, I got a good Samaritan on the web to send me a text description of the specs for connecting those wires. Then I did it myself.

If you don't want to go through all that (and honestly, I wouldn't blame you), maybe buying a barebones system from a local computer shop would be a good compromise.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:19 PM To: blind-sysadmins Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

Has anyone bought any of these barebones systems from newegg? If so, what did you think pro conn of them?

Thanks. Dave.

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I have avoided buyng a bare bones system because you can't know how noisy it will be or how hard it will be to work on. When I build a machine, I buy the mainboard, CPU and RAM from newegg and buy a case from a local computer shop where they let me see how easily I can open it up and how loud it is.

Its pretty easy to assemble a PC except for connecting the cables from

On the topic of noise there is always a bit of a trade off. If you want to use smaller boxes with processors that have multiple cores they will run very warmly. The fans will be pushing as much air to cool the system as one in a larger case. Towers tend to be quieter due to the fact they have a lot of vacant space. Low profile systems will be noisier and even rack mounted systems, because the fans need to work hard to keep things cool and sometimes smaller fans need to be used. If these are operating at higher RPMs and have smaller channels to push out that warm air it will make noise. Vic -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 1:49 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems? I agree with John, but to add a couple of points: Shuttles aren't overly small anymore in comparison to what you can build. It's possible in fact probable that you'll be buying shuttle specific parts which will make it harder in the future wen one of them dies. I treated myself to a new system earlier in October actually and I built it all myself; the only thing I haven't been able to connect is the leds on the front; I'm sure that if I had the inclination I could sit down with my keyring light probe and get it sorted though. Personally I find it a really fun experience. Cheers, Ben. On 10/31/12, John G. Heim wrote: the

case to the mainboard. Installing CPU, RAM, and hard disk isn't too difficult. Some of the wires from the case to the mainboard plug in only one way. But I usually have to get sighted assistance to connect the LEDs, reset and power buttons, front panel audio, etc. Last time I built a machine, I got a good Samaritan on the web to send me a text description of the specs for connecting those wires. Then I did it myself.

If you don't want to go through all that (and honestly, I wouldn't blame you), maybe buying a barebones system from a local computer shop would be a good compromise.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:19 PM To: blind-sysadmins Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

Has anyone bought any of these barebones systems from newegg? If so, what did you think pro conn of them?

Thanks. Dave.

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Hi, I can get most of it, but I'd like to get all. The snafus are the CPU, getting it in right, and the leads and specifically the power button. Thanks. Dave. On 11/1/12, Scott Granados wrote:

Just to add to the noise thread, before I jumped on the Mac band wagon my last few machines were water cooled. I'll admit noise wasn't a concern for me it just happened that water cooling had the benefit of being damn near silent. Mac's interestingly are very quiet but you don't have the learning experience and gain the skills you do by building your own machine.

On Oct 31, 2012, at 3:24 PM, vic.pereira@ssc-spc.gc.ca wrote:

...

On the topic of noise there is always a bit of a trade off. If you want to use smaller boxes with processors that have multiple cores they will run very warmly. The fans will be pushing as much air to cool the system as one in a larger case. Towers tend to be quieter due to the fact they have a lot of vacant space. Low profile systems will be noisier and even rack mounted systems, because the fans need to work hard to keep things cool and sometimes smaller fans need to be used. If these are operating at higher RPMs and have smaller channels to push out that warm air it will make noise.

Vic

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 1:49 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

I agree with John, but to add a couple of points: Shuttles aren't overly small anymore in comparison to what you can build. It's possible in fact probable that you'll be buying shuttle specific parts which will make it harder in the future wen one of them dies.

I treated myself to a new system earlier in October actually and I built it all myself; the only thing I haven't been able to connect is the leds on the front; I'm sure that if I had the inclination I could sit down with my keyring light probe and get it sorted though. Personally I find it a really fun experience.

Cheers, Ben.

...

I have avoided buyng a bare bones system because you can't know how noisy it will be or how hard it will be to work on. When I build a machine, I buy the mainboard, CPU and RAM from newegg and buy a case from a local computer shop where they let me see how easily I can open it up and how loud it is.

Its pretty easy to assemble a PC except for connecting the cables from

On 10/31/12, John G. Heim wrote: the

...

case to the mainboard. Installing CPU, RAM, and hard disk isn't too difficult. Some of the wires from the case to the mainboard plug in only one way. But I usually have to get sighted assistance to connect the LEDs, reset and power buttons, front panel audio, etc. Last time I built a machine, I got a good Samaritan on the web to send me a text description of the specs for connecting those wires. Then I did it myself.

If you don't want to go through all that (and honestly, I wouldn't blame you), maybe buying a barebones system from a local computer shop would be a good compromise.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:19 PM To: blind-sysadmins Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

Has anyone bought any of these barebones systems from newegg? If so, what did you think pro conn of them?

Thanks. Dave.

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I hate to always give the same answer to all questions but I have been contemplating starting a project through the International Association of Visually Impaired Technologists (www.iavit.org) to deal with this problem. I was thinking of trying to develop a protocol for specifying motherboard connections in an accessible format and then getting manufacturers to include it in their docs. But I think the only other solution is to get sighted assistance. Last time I built a machine, some good Samaritan in England (I'm in Wisconsin) talked me through making the connections. He downloaded the manual and sent me email explaining how to connect everything. That was awesome but it was a slow, difficult process. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2012 9:18 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems? Hi, I can get most of it, but I'd like to get all. The snafus are the CPU, getting it in right, and the leads and specifically the power button. Thanks. Dave. On 11/1/12, Scott Granados wrote:

Just to add to the noise thread, before I jumped on the Mac band wagon my last few machines were water cooled. I'll admit noise wasn't a concern for me it just happened that water cooling had the benefit of being damn near silent. Mac's interestingly are very quiet but you don't have the learning experience and gain the skills you do by building your own machine.

On Oct 31, 2012, at 3:24 PM, vic.pereira@ssc-spc.gc.ca wrote:

...

On the topic of noise there is always a bit of a trade off. If you want to use smaller boxes with processors that have multiple cores they will run very warmly. The fans will be pushing as much air to cool the system as one in a larger case. Towers tend to be quieter due to the fact they have a lot of vacant space. Low profile systems will be noisier and even rack mounted systems, because the fans need to work hard to keep things cool and sometimes smaller fans need to be used. If these are operating at higher RPMs and have smaller channels to push out that warm air it will make noise.

Vic

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 1:49 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

I agree with John, but to add a couple of points: Shuttles aren't overly small anymore in comparison to what you can build. It's possible in fact probable that you'll be buying shuttle specific parts which will make it harder in the future wen one of them dies.

I treated myself to a new system earlier in October actually and I built it all myself; the only thing I haven't been able to connect is the leds on the front; I'm sure that if I had the inclination I could sit down with my keyring light probe and get it sorted though. Personally I find it a really fun experience.

Cheers, Ben.

...

I have avoided buyng a bare bones system because you can't know how noisy it will be or how hard it will be to work on. When I build a machine, I buy the mainboard, CPU and RAM from newegg and buy a case from a local computer shop where they let me see how easily I can open it up and how loud it is.

Its pretty easy to assemble a PC except for connecting the cables from

On 10/31/12, John G. Heim wrote: the

...

case to the mainboard. Installing CPU, RAM, and hard disk isn't too difficult. Some of the wires from the case to the mainboard plug in only one way. But I usually have to get sighted assistance to connect the LEDs, reset and power buttons, front panel audio, etc. Last time I built a machine, I got a good Samaritan on the web to send me a text description of the specs for connecting those wires. Then I did it myself.

If you don't want to go through all that (and honestly, I wouldn't blame you), maybe buying a barebones system from a local computer shop would be a good compromise.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:19 PM To: blind-sysadmins Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

Has anyone bought any of these barebones systems from newegg? If so, what did you think pro conn of them?

Thanks. Dave.

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I hate to always give the same answer to all questions but I have been contemplating starting a project through the International Association of Visually Impaired Technologists (www.iavit.org) to deal with this

The good Samaritan pretty much found me. I was on an email list for people who build their own PCs. I guess some people found my situation interesting. I posted about my progress regularly. Then when I got stuck, someone just stepped up and helped me out. I didn't ask. In fact, at first I didn't know how he was able to help me. I assumed he happened to have the same mobo. But he had gone out and downloaded the manual on his own. If it matters, the list is 1PCBuilder@yahoogroups.com. Its not really a very active list though. It gets probably an average of about 10 messages a week. If you find a more heavily trafficked list, let me know because I'll subscribe too. My guess is that your best bet is to find a heavily trafficked list for build-your-own enthusiasts and hint around that you could use some help. I don't know what I'm going to do next time I need to build a new machine. I'll probably get sighted assistance. -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2012 11:14 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems? Hello, I wouldn't mind finding the good samaratin how did you do this? As for a standard protocol I'm all for it, it sounds great! Thanks. Dave. On 11/1/12, John G. Heim wrote: problem.

I was thinking of trying to develop a protocol for specifying motherboard connections in an accessible format and then getting manufacturers to include it in their docs.

But I think the only other solution is to get sighted assistance. Last time I built a machine, some good Samaritan in England (I'm in Wisconsin) talked me through making the connections. He downloaded the manual and sent me email explaining how to connect everything. That was awesome but it was a slow, difficult process.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2012 9:18 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hi,

I can get most of it, but I'd like to get all. The snafus are the CPU, getting it in right, and the leads and specifically the power button.

Thanks. Dave.

On 11/1/12, Scott Granados wrote:

...

Just to add to the noise thread, before I jumped on the Mac band wagon my last few machines were water cooled. I'll admit noise wasn't a concern for me it just happened that water cooling had the benefit of being damn near silent. Mac's interestingly are very quiet but you don't have the learning experience and gain the skills you do by building your own machine.

On Oct 31, 2012, at 3:24 PM, vic.pereira@ssc-spc.gc.ca wrote:

...

On the topic of noise there is always a bit of a trade off. If you want to use smaller boxes with processors that have multiple cores they will run very warmly. The fans will be pushing as much air to cool the system as one in a larger case. Towers tend to be quieter due to the fact they have a lot of vacant space. Low profile systems will be noisier and even rack mounted systems, because the fans need to work hard to keep things cool and sometimes smaller fans need to be used. If these are operating at higher RPMs and have smaller channels to push out that warm air it will make noise.

Vic

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 1:49 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

I agree with John, but to add a couple of points: Shuttles aren't overly small anymore in comparison to what you can build. It's possible in fact probable that you'll be buying shuttle specific parts which will make it harder in the future wen one of them dies.

I treated myself to a new system earlier in October actually and I built it all myself; the only thing I haven't been able to connect is the leds on the front; I'm sure that if I had the inclination I could sit down with my keyring light probe and get it sorted though. Personally I find it a really fun experience.

Cheers, Ben.

...

I have avoided buyng a bare bones system because you can't know how noisy it will be or how hard it will be to work on. When I build a machine, I buy the mainboard, CPU and RAM from newegg and buy a case from a local computer shop where they let me see how easily I can open it up and how loud it is.

Its pretty easy to assemble a PC except for connecting the cables from

On 10/31/12, John G. Heim wrote: the

...

case to the mainboard. Installing CPU, RAM, and hard disk isn't too difficult. Some of the wires from the case to the mainboard plug in only one way. But I usually have to get sighted assistance to connect the LEDs, reset and power buttons, front panel audio, etc. Last time I built a machine, I got a good Samaritan on the web to send me a text description of the specs for connecting those wires. Then I did it myself.

If you don't want to go through all that (and honestly, I wouldn't blame you), maybe buying a barebones system from a local computer shop would be a good compromise.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:19 PM To: blind-sysadmins Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

Has anyone bought any of these barebones systems from newegg? If so, what did you think pro conn of them?

Thanks. Dave.

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Hello Very informative indeed. A podcast or a series of podcasts describing the process from start to end would be very useful. Thanks Chamandeep Sent from my iPhone On 1 Nov 2012, at 19:04, Ben Mustill-Rose wrote:

Hi,

To answer a few questions:

It's inpossible to install the CPU incorrectly because it's keyed so that really shouldn't be a problem. To clarify, it's possible to break a CPU whilst trying to install it incorrectly, but you'll know if you're not putting it in correctly. Anything socket 775 or newer on the Intel side has the pins on the motherboard, so you'd actually be breaking the board and not the CPU. Every modern CPU uses a zif socket which stands for zero insertion force so the clues in the name really; if it doesn't fall into place, you've orientated it wrong. The power button usually connects to 2 of the pins that form part of the header on the bottom left hand of the board. Usually, I'll confirm this with the trusty screwdriver method and then go about putting the power button connector onto each pare of pins until I get it right. Note that it's possible to determin if the wire you're feeling from the case is a light or a button or not; the connector on the end of the cable will be smaller if it's a led, larger if it's a button and even larger if it's a pc speaker. For the most recent build I did, it was possible to trace the wire that was connected to the button on the case, so I new that I was working with the right one from the start.

I was bought a keyring probe as a present; it's one of the most usefull pieces of tech I've been given for a long time. It would seem that this http://www.rnib.org.uk/shop/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=dh24801 is the one that I have; it's worth every penny. I've learnt how to tell roughly what state a computer is in using this probe - E.G. booted to Windows but no sound or stuck on some form of bios error. If you push it right against a screen, you will be able to tell how much of the screen is black / very dark and the more of the screen that is like this the more likely you're not in Windows. In other words: a bios error will sound completely different to the windows logon screen.

People can get very picky about noise; I had a quiet system in 2003 and since then I've never been able to stand noisy builds. Unfortunately this can make builds noticeabley more expensive. It is possible to go quiet and small though; I have a fanless mini itx setup in my desk draw (No case) that acts as a fake server; the heatsync has no fan and niether does the PSU. It does get a little toasty inside the draw sometimes, but if a CPU reaches it's thermal cut off point it just shuts itsself down anyway to prevent damage; it really is hard to kill a CPU because of poor cooling these days. I've done micro ATX builds that have been fairly quiet; you can get very expensive fanless Micro ATX psu's and some of the more recent stock coolers from Intel are tiny and fairly quiet. It all depends on how much you want to spend though.

I wonder if a podcast where I build a machine would be of help to anyone?

Cheers, Ben.

On 11/1/12, John G. Heim wrote:

...

The good Samaritan pretty much found me. I was on an email list for people who build their own PCs. I guess some people found my situation interesting. I posted about my progress regularly. Then when I got stuck, someone just stepped up and helped me out. I didn't ask. In fact, at first I didn't know how he was able to help me. I assumed he happened to have the same mobo. But he had gone out and downloaded the manual on his own.

If it matters, the list is 1PCBuilder@yahoogroups.com. Its not really a very active list though. It gets probably an average of about 10 messages a week. If you find a more heavily trafficked list, let me know because I'll subscribe too.

My guess is that your best bet is to find a heavily trafficked list for build-your-own enthusiasts and hint around that you could use some help. I don't know what I'm going to do next time I need to build a new machine. I'll probably get sighted assistance.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2012 11:14 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

I wouldn't mind finding the good samaratin how did you do this?

As for a standard protocol I'm all for it, it sounds great!

Thanks. Dave.

...

I hate to always give the same answer to all questions but I have been contemplating starting a project through the International Association of Visually Impaired Technologists (www.iavit.org) to deal with this

On 11/1/12, John G. Heim wrote: problem.

...

I was thinking of trying to develop a protocol for specifying motherboard connections in an accessible format and then getting manufacturers to include it in their docs.

But I think the only other solution is to get sighted assistance. Last time I built a machine, some good Samaritan in England (I'm in Wisconsin) talked me through making the connections. He downloaded the manual and sent me email explaining how to connect everything. That was awesome but it was a slow, difficult process.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2012 9:18 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hi,

I can get most of it, but I'd like to get all. The snafus are the CPU, getting it in right, and the leads and specifically the power button.

Thanks. Dave.

On 11/1/12, Scott Granados wrote:

...

Just to add to the noise thread, before I jumped on the Mac band wagon my last few machines were water cooled. I'll admit noise wasn't a concern for me it just happened that water cooling had the benefit of being damn near silent. Mac's interestingly are very quiet but you don't have the learning experience and gain the skills you do by building your own machine.

On Oct 31, 2012, at 3:24 PM, vic.pereira@ssc-spc.gc.ca wrote:

...

On the topic of noise there is always a bit of a trade off. If you want to use smaller boxes with processors that have multiple cores they will run very warmly. The fans will be pushing as much air to cool the system as one in a larger case. Towers tend to be quieter due to the fact they have a lot of vacant space. Low profile systems will be noisier and even rack mounted systems, because the fans need to work hard to keep things cool and sometimes smaller fans need to be used. If these are operating at higher RPMs and have smaller channels to push out that warm air it will make noise.

Vic

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 1:49 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

I agree with John, but to add a couple of points: Shuttles aren't overly small anymore in comparison to what you can build. It's possible in fact probable that you'll be buying shuttle specific parts which will make it harder in the future wen one of them dies.

I treated myself to a new system earlier in October actually and I built it all myself; the only thing I haven't been able to connect is the leds on the front; I'm sure that if I had the inclination I could sit down with my keyring light probe and get it sorted though. Personally I find it a really fun experience.

Cheers, Ben.

...

I have avoided buyng a bare bones system because you can't know how noisy it will be or how hard it will be to work on. When I build a machine, I buy the mainboard, CPU and RAM from newegg and buy a case from a local computer shop where they let me see how easily I can open it up and how loud it is.

Its pretty easy to assemble a PC except for connecting the cables from

On 10/31/12, John G. Heim wrote: the

...

case to the mainboard. Installing CPU, RAM, and hard disk isn't too difficult. Some of the wires from the case to the mainboard plug in only one way. But I usually have to get sighted assistance to connect the LEDs, reset and power buttons, front panel audio, etc. Last time I built a machine, I got a good Samaritan on the web to send me a text description of the specs for connecting those wires. Then I did it myself.

If you don't want to go through all that (and honestly, I wouldn't blame you), maybe buying a barebones system from a local computer shop would be a good compromise.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:19 PM To: blind-sysadmins Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

Has anyone bought any of these barebones systems from newegg? If so, what did you think pro conn of them?

Thanks. Dave.

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

I've heard of that Asus feature before; I went through a stage of looking on eBay for boards that had it just so I could play with it but I never ended up buying one. Is it any good? My understanding is that it's not encorporated into any of their newer boards? Cheers, Ben. On 11/1/12, Philip Hall wrote:

The way I trace or figure out cabling, is using a talking multimeter.

When booting, Some bios especially some on Asus boards will verbalize each major section of the post.

Phil

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2012 3:04 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hi,

To answer a few questions:

It's inpossible to install the CPU incorrectly because it's keyed so that really shouldn't be a problem. To clarify, it's possible to break a CPU whilst trying to install it incorrectly, but you'll know if you're not putting it in correctly. Anything socket 775 or newer on the Intel side has the pins on the motherboard, so you'd actually be breaking the board and not the CPU. Every modern CPU uses a zif socket which stands for zero insertion force so the clues in the name really; if it doesn't fall into place, you've orientated it wrong. The power button usually connects to 2 of the pins that form part of the header on the bottom left hand of the board. Usually, I'll confirm this with the trusty screwdriver method and then go about putting the power button connector onto each pare of pins until I get it right. Note that it's possible to determin if the wire you're feeling from the case is a light or a button or not; the connector on the end of the cable will be smaller if it's a led, larger if it's a button and even larger if it's a pc speaker. For the most recent build I did, it was possible to trace the wire that was connected to the button on the case, so I new that I was working with the right one from the start.

I was bought a keyring probe as a present; it's one of the most usefull pieces of tech I've been given for a long time. It would seem that this http://www.rnib.org.uk/shop/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=dh24801 is the one that I have; it's worth every penny. I've learnt how to tell roughly what state a computer is in using this probe - E.G. booted to Windows but no sound or stuck on some form of bios error. If you push it right against a screen, you will be able to tell how much of the screen is black / very dark and the more of the screen that is like this the more likely you're not in Windows. In other words: a bios error will sound completely different to the windows logon screen.

People can get very picky about noise; I had a quiet system in 2003 and since then I've never been able to stand noisy builds. Unfortunately this can make builds noticeabley more expensive. It is possible to go quiet and small though; I have a fanless mini itx setup in my desk draw (No case) that acts as a fake server; the heatsync has no fan and niether does the PSU. It does get a little toasty inside the draw sometimes, but if a CPU reaches it's thermal cut off point it just shuts itsself down anyway to prevent damage; it really is hard to kill a CPU because of poor cooling these days. I've done micro ATX builds that have been fairly quiet; you can get very expensive fanless Micro ATX psu's and some of the more recent stock coolers from Intel are tiny and fairly quiet. It all depends on how much you want to spend though.

I wonder if a podcast where I build a machine would be of help to anyone?

Cheers, Ben.

On 11/1/12, John G. Heim wrote:

...

The good Samaritan pretty much found me. I was on an email list for people who build their own PCs. I guess some people found my situation interesting. I posted about my progress regularly. Then when I got stuck, someone just stepped up and helped me out. I didn't ask. In fact, at first I didn't know how he was able to help me. I assumed he happened to have the same mobo. But he had gone out and downloaded the manual on his own.

If it matters, the list is 1PCBuilder@yahoogroups.com. Its not really a very active list though. It gets probably an average of about 10 messages a week. If you find a more heavily trafficked list, let me know because I'll subscribe too.

My guess is that your best bet is to find a heavily trafficked list for build-your-own enthusiasts and hint around that you could use some help. I don't know what I'm going to do next time I need to build a new machine. I'll probably get sighted assistance.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2012 11:14 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

I wouldn't mind finding the good samaratin how did you do this?

As for a standard protocol I'm all for it, it sounds great!

Thanks. Dave.

...

I hate to always give the same answer to all questions but I have been contemplating starting a project through the International Association of Visually Impaired Technologists (www.iavit.org) to deal with this

On 11/1/12, John G. Heim wrote: problem.

...

I was thinking of trying to develop a protocol for specifying motherboard connections in an accessible format and then getting manufacturers to include it in their docs.

But I think the only other solution is to get sighted assistance. Last time I built a machine, some good Samaritan in England (I'm in Wisconsin) talked me through making the connections. He downloaded the manual and sent me email explaining how to connect everything. That was awesome but it was a slow, difficult process.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2012 9:18 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hi,

I can get most of it, but I'd like to get all. The snafus are the CPU, getting it in right, and the leads and specifically the power button.

Thanks. Dave.

On 11/1/12, Scott Granados wrote:

...

Just to add to the noise thread, before I jumped on the Mac band wagon my last few machines were water cooled. I'll admit noise wasn't a concern for me it just happened that water cooling had the benefit of being damn near silent. Mac's interestingly are very quiet but you don't have the learning experience and gain the skills you do by building your own machine.

On Oct 31, 2012, at 3:24 PM, vic.pereira@ssc-spc.gc.ca wrote:

...

On the topic of noise there is always a bit of a trade off. If you want to use smaller boxes with processors that have multiple cores they will run very warmly. The fans will be pushing as much air to cool the system as one in a larger case. Towers tend to be quieter due to the fact they have a lot of vacant space. Low profile systems will be noisier and even rack mounted systems, because the fans need to work hard to keep things cool and sometimes smaller fans need to be used. If these are operating at higher RPMs and have smaller channels to push out that warm air it will make noise.

Vic

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 1:49 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

I agree with John, but to add a couple of points: Shuttles aren't overly small anymore in comparison to what you can build. It's possible in fact probable that you'll be buying shuttle specific parts which will make it harder in the future wen one of them dies.

I treated myself to a new system earlier in October actually and I built it all myself; the only thing I haven't been able to connect is the leds on the front; I'm sure that if I had the inclination I could sit down with my keyring light probe and get it sorted though. Personally I find it a really fun experience.

Cheers, Ben.

...

I have avoided buyng a bare bones system because you can't know how noisy it will be or how hard it will be to work on. When I build a machine, I buy the mainboard, CPU and RAM from newegg and buy a case from a local computer shop where they let me see how easily I can open it up and how loud it is.

Its pretty easy to assemble a PC except for connecting the cables from

On 10/31/12, John G. Heim wrote: the

...

case to the mainboard. Installing CPU, RAM, and hard disk isn't too difficult. Some of the wires from the case to the mainboard plug in only one way. But I usually have to get sighted assistance to connect the LEDs, reset and power buttons, front panel audio, etc. Last time I built a machine, I got a good Samaritan on the web to send me a text description of the specs for connecting those wires. Then I did it myself.

If you don't want to go through all that (and honestly, I wouldn't blame you), maybe buying a barebones system from a local computer shop would be a good compromise.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:19 PM To: blind-sysadmins Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

Has anyone bought any of these barebones systems from newegg? If so, what did you think pro conn of them?

Thanks. Dave.

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

_______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins

Hello, I'll second the idea for a podcast, it would be helpful! Thanks. Dave. On 11/1/12, Ben Mustill-Rose wrote:

I've heard of that Asus feature before; I went through a stage of looking on eBay for boards that had it just so I could play with it but I never ended up buying one. Is it any good? My understanding is that it's not encorporated into any of their newer boards?

Cheers, Ben.

On 11/1/12, Philip Hall wrote:

...

The way I trace or figure out cabling, is using a talking multimeter.

When booting, Some bios especially some on Asus boards will verbalize each major section of the post.

Phil

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2012 3:04 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hi,

To answer a few questions:

It's inpossible to install the CPU incorrectly because it's keyed so that really shouldn't be a problem. To clarify, it's possible to break a CPU whilst trying to install it incorrectly, but you'll know if you're not putting it in correctly. Anything socket 775 or newer on the Intel side has the pins on the motherboard, so you'd actually be breaking the board and not the CPU. Every modern CPU uses a zif socket which stands for zero insertion force so the clues in the name really; if it doesn't fall into place, you've orientated it wrong. The power button usually connects to 2 of the pins that form part of the header on the bottom left hand of the board. Usually, I'll confirm this with the trusty screwdriver method and then go about putting the power button connector onto each pare of pins until I get it right. Note that it's possible to determin if the wire you're feeling from the case is a light or a button or not; the connector on the end of the cable will be smaller if it's a led, larger if it's a button and even larger if it's a pc speaker. For the most recent build I did, it was possible to trace the wire that was connected to the button on the case, so I new that I was working with the right one from the start.

I was bought a keyring probe as a present; it's one of the most usefull pieces of tech I've been given for a long time. It would seem that this http://www.rnib.org.uk/shop/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=dh24801 is the one that I have; it's worth every penny. I've learnt how to tell roughly what state a computer is in using this probe - E.G. booted to Windows but no sound or stuck on some form of bios error. If you push it right against a screen, you will be able to tell how much of the screen is black / very dark and the more of the screen that is like this the more likely you're not in Windows. In other words: a bios error will sound completely different to the windows logon screen.

People can get very picky about noise; I had a quiet system in 2003 and since then I've never been able to stand noisy builds. Unfortunately this can make builds noticeabley more expensive. It is possible to go quiet and small though; I have a fanless mini itx setup in my desk draw (No case) that acts as a fake server; the heatsync has no fan and niether does the PSU. It does get a little toasty inside the draw sometimes, but if a CPU reaches it's thermal cut off point it just shuts itsself down anyway to prevent damage; it really is hard to kill a CPU because of poor cooling these days. I've done micro ATX builds that have been fairly quiet; you can get very expensive fanless Micro ATX psu's and some of the more recent stock coolers from Intel are tiny and fairly quiet. It all depends on how much you want to spend though.

I wonder if a podcast where I build a machine would be of help to anyone?

Cheers, Ben.

On 11/1/12, John G. Heim wrote:

...

The good Samaritan pretty much found me. I was on an email list for people who build their own PCs. I guess some people found my situation interesting. I posted about my progress regularly. Then when I got stuck, someone just stepped up and helped me out. I didn't ask. In fact, at first I didn't know how he was able to help me. I assumed he happened to have the same mobo. But he had gone out and downloaded the manual on his own.

If it matters, the list is 1PCBuilder@yahoogroups.com. Its not really a very active list though. It gets probably an average of about 10 messages a week. If you find a more heavily trafficked list, let me know because I'll subscribe too.

My guess is that your best bet is to find a heavily trafficked list for build-your-own enthusiasts and hint around that you could use some help. I don't know what I'm going to do next time I need to build a new machine. I'll probably get sighted assistance.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2012 11:14 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

I wouldn't mind finding the good samaratin how did you do this?

As for a standard protocol I'm all for it, it sounds great!

Thanks. Dave.

...

I hate to always give the same answer to all questions but I have been contemplating starting a project through the International Association of Visually Impaired Technologists (www.iavit.org) to deal with this

On 11/1/12, John G. Heim wrote: problem.

...

I was thinking of trying to develop a protocol for specifying motherboard connections in an accessible format and then getting manufacturers to include it in their docs.

But I think the only other solution is to get sighted assistance. Last time I built a machine, some good Samaritan in England (I'm in Wisconsin) talked me through making the connections. He downloaded the manual and sent me email explaining how to connect everything. That was awesome but it was a slow, difficult process.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2012 9:18 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hi,

I can get most of it, but I'd like to get all. The snafus are the CPU, getting it in right, and the leads and specifically the power button.

Thanks. Dave.

On 11/1/12, Scott Granados wrote:

...

Just to add to the noise thread, before I jumped on the Mac band wagon my last few machines were water cooled. I'll admit noise wasn't a concern for me it just happened that water cooling had the benefit of being damn near silent. Mac's interestingly are very quiet but you don't have the learning experience and gain the skills you do by building your own machine.

On Oct 31, 2012, at 3:24 PM, vic.pereira@ssc-spc.gc.ca wrote:

...

On the topic of noise there is always a bit of a trade off. If you want to use smaller boxes with processors that have multiple cores they will run very warmly. The fans will be pushing as much air to cool the system as one in a larger case. Towers tend to be quieter due to the fact they have a lot of vacant space. Low profile systems will be noisier and even rack mounted systems, because the fans need to work hard to keep things cool and sometimes smaller fans need to be used. If these are operating at higher RPMs and have smaller channels to push out that warm air it will make noise.

Vic

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 1:49 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

I agree with John, but to add a couple of points: Shuttles aren't overly small anymore in comparison to what you can build. It's possible in fact probable that you'll be buying shuttle specific parts which will make it harder in the future wen one of them dies.

I treated myself to a new system earlier in October actually and I built it all myself; the only thing I haven't been able to connect is the leds on the front; I'm sure that if I had the inclination I could sit down with my keyring light probe and get it sorted though. Personally I find it a really fun experience.

Cheers, Ben.

On 10/31/12, John G. Heim wrote: > I have avoided buyng a bare bones system because you can't know > how noisy > it will be or how hard it will be to work on. When I build a > machine, I buy > the mainboard, CPU and RAM from newegg and buy a case from a local computer > shop where they let me see how easily I can open it up and how loud > it is. > > Its pretty easy to assemble a PC except for connecting the cables > from the > case to the mainboard. Installing CPU, RAM, and hard disk isn't too > difficult. Some of the wires from the case to the mainboard plug in only > one > way. But I usually have to get sighted assistance to connect the > LEDs, reset and power buttons, front panel audio, etc. Last time I > built a machine, I > got a good Samaritan on the web to send me a text description of > the specs > for connecting those wires. Then I did it myself. > > If you don't want to go through all that (and honestly, I wouldn't blame > you), maybe buying a barebones system from a local computer shop > would be a > good compromise. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Blind-sysadmins > [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf > Of David > Mehler > Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:19 PM > To: blind-sysadmins > Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems? > > Hello, > > Has anyone bought any of these barebones systems from newegg? If > so, what > did you think pro conn of them? > > Thanks. > Dave. > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins > > _______________________________________________ > Blind-sysadmins mailing list > Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org > http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins >

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Hi, To answer a few questions: It's inpossible to install the CPU incorrectly because it's keyed so that really shouldn't be a problem. To clarify, it's possible to break a CPU whilst trying to install it incorrectly, but you'll know if you're not putting it in correctly. Anything socket 775 or newer on the Intel side has the pins on the motherboard, so you'd actually be breaking the board and not the CPU. Every modern CPU uses a zif socket which stands for zero insertion force so the clues in the name really; if it doesn't fall into place, you've orientated it wrong. The power button usually connects to 2 of the pins that form part of the header on the bottom left hand of the board. Usually, I'll confirm this with the trusty screwdriver method and then go about putting the power button connector onto each pare of pins until I get it right. Note that it's possible to determin if the wire you're feeling from the case is a light or a button or not; the connector on the end of the cable will be smaller if it's a led, larger if it's a button and even larger if it's a pc speaker. For the most recent build I did, it was possible to trace the wire that was connected to the button on the case, so I new that I was working with the right one from the start. I was bought a keyring probe as a present; it's one of the most usefull pieces of tech I've been given for a long time. It would seem that this http://www.rnib.org.uk/shop/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=dh24801 is the one that I have; it's worth every penny. I've learnt how to tell roughly what state a computer is in using this probe - E.G. booted to Windows but no sound or stuck on some form of bios error. If you push it right against a screen, you will be able to tell how much of the screen is black / very dark and the more of the screen that is like this the more likely you're not in Windows. In other words: a bios error will sound completely different to the windows logon screen. People can get very picky about noise; I had a quiet system in 2003 and since then I've never been able to stand noisy builds. Unfortunately this can make builds noticeabley more expensive. It is possible to go quiet and small though; I have a fanless mini itx setup in my desk draw (No case) that acts as a fake server; the heatsync has no fan and niether does the PSU. It does get a little toasty inside the draw sometimes, but if a CPU reaches it's thermal cut off point it just shuts itsself down anyway to prevent damage; it really is hard to kill a CPU because of poor cooling these days. I've done micro ATX builds that have been fairly quiet; you can get very expensive fanless Micro ATX psu's and some of the more recent stock coolers from Intel are tiny and fairly quiet. It all depends on how much you want to spend though. I wonder if a podcast where I build a machine would be of help to anyone? Cheers, Ben. On 11/1/12, John G. Heim wrote:

The good Samaritan pretty much found me. I was on an email list for people who build their own PCs. I guess some people found my situation interesting. I posted about my progress regularly. Then when I got stuck, someone just stepped up and helped me out. I didn't ask. In fact, at first I didn't know how he was able to help me. I assumed he happened to have the same mobo. But he had gone out and downloaded the manual on his own.

If it matters, the list is 1PCBuilder@yahoogroups.com. Its not really a very active list though. It gets probably an average of about 10 messages a week. If you find a more heavily trafficked list, let me know because I'll subscribe too.

My guess is that your best bet is to find a heavily trafficked list for build-your-own enthusiasts and hint around that you could use some help. I don't know what I'm going to do next time I need to build a new machine. I'll probably get sighted assistance.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2012 11:14 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

I wouldn't mind finding the good samaratin how did you do this?

As for a standard protocol I'm all for it, it sounds great!

Thanks. Dave.

...

I hate to always give the same answer to all questions but I have been contemplating starting a project through the International Association of Visually Impaired Technologists (www.iavit.org) to deal with this

On 11/1/12, John G. Heim wrote: problem.

...

I was thinking of trying to develop a protocol for specifying motherboard connections in an accessible format and then getting manufacturers to include it in their docs.

But I think the only other solution is to get sighted assistance. Last time I built a machine, some good Samaritan in England (I'm in Wisconsin) talked me through making the connections. He downloaded the manual and sent me email explaining how to connect everything. That was awesome but it was a slow, difficult process.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2012 9:18 AM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hi,

I can get most of it, but I'd like to get all. The snafus are the CPU, getting it in right, and the leads and specifically the power button.

Thanks. Dave.

On 11/1/12, Scott Granados wrote:

...

Just to add to the noise thread, before I jumped on the Mac band wagon my last few machines were water cooled. I'll admit noise wasn't a concern for me it just happened that water cooling had the benefit of being damn near silent. Mac's interestingly are very quiet but you don't have the learning experience and gain the skills you do by building your own machine.

On Oct 31, 2012, at 3:24 PM, vic.pereira@ssc-spc.gc.ca wrote:

...

On the topic of noise there is always a bit of a trade off. If you want to use smaller boxes with processors that have multiple cores they will run very warmly. The fans will be pushing as much air to cool the system as one in a larger case. Towers tend to be quieter due to the fact they have a lot of vacant space. Low profile systems will be noisier and even rack mounted systems, because the fans need to work hard to keep things cool and sometimes smaller fans need to be used. If these are operating at higher RPMs and have smaller channels to push out that warm air it will make noise.

Vic

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 1:49 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

I agree with John, but to add a couple of points: Shuttles aren't overly small anymore in comparison to what you can build. It's possible in fact probable that you'll be buying shuttle specific parts which will make it harder in the future wen one of them dies.

I treated myself to a new system earlier in October actually and I built it all myself; the only thing I haven't been able to connect is the leds on the front; I'm sure that if I had the inclination I could sit down with my keyring light probe and get it sorted though. Personally I find it a really fun experience.

Cheers, Ben.

...

I have avoided buyng a bare bones system because you can't know how noisy it will be or how hard it will be to work on. When I build a machine, I buy the mainboard, CPU and RAM from newegg and buy a case from a local computer shop where they let me see how easily I can open it up and how loud it is.

Its pretty easy to assemble a PC except for connecting the cables from

On 10/31/12, John G. Heim wrote: the

...

case to the mainboard. Installing CPU, RAM, and hard disk isn't too difficult. Some of the wires from the case to the mainboard plug in only one way. But I usually have to get sighted assistance to connect the LEDs, reset and power buttons, front panel audio, etc. Last time I built a machine, I got a good Samaritan on the web to send me a text description of the specs for connecting those wires. Then I did it myself.

If you don't want to go through all that (and honestly, I wouldn't blame you), maybe buying a barebones system from a local computer shop would be a good compromise.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:19 PM To: blind-sysadmins Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

Has anyone bought any of these barebones systems from newegg? If so, what did you think pro conn of them?

Thanks. Dave.

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I have avoided buyng a bare bones system because you can't know how noisy it will be or how hard it will be to work on. When I build a machine, I buy the mainboard, CPU and RAM from newegg and buy a case from a local computer shop where they let me see how easily I can open it up and how loud it is.

Its pretty easy to assemble a PC except for connecting the cables from

On the topic of noise there is always a bit of a trade off. If you want to use smaller boxes with processors that have multiple cores they will run very warmly. The fans will be pushing as much air to cool the system as one in a larger case. Towers tend to be quieter due to the fact they have a lot of vacant space. Low profile systems will be noisier and even rack mounted systems, because the fans need to work hard to keep things cool and sometimes smaller fans need to be used. If these are operating at higher RPMs and have smaller channels to push out that warm air it will make noise. Vic -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Ben Mustill-Rose Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 1:49 PM To: Blind sysadmins list Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems? I agree with John, but to add a couple of points: Shuttles aren't overly small anymore in comparison to what you can build. It's possible in fact probable that you'll be buying shuttle specific parts which will make it harder in the future wen one of them dies. I treated myself to a new system earlier in October actually and I built it all myself; the only thing I haven't been able to connect is the leds on the front; I'm sure that if I had the inclination I could sit down with my keyring light probe and get it sorted though. Personally I find it a really fun experience. Cheers, Ben. On 10/31/12, John G. Heim wrote: the

case to the mainboard. Installing CPU, RAM, and hard disk isn't too difficult. Some of the wires from the case to the mainboard plug in only one way. But I usually have to get sighted assistance to connect the LEDs, reset and power buttons, front panel audio, etc. Last time I built a machine, I got a good Samaritan on the web to send me a text description of the specs for connecting those wires. Then I did it myself.

If you don't want to go through all that (and honestly, I wouldn't blame you), maybe buying a barebones system from a local computer shop would be a good compromise.

-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of David Mehler Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:19 PM To: blind-sysadmins Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] newegg's shuttle barebones systems?

Hello,

Has anyone bought any of these barebones systems from newegg? If so, what did you think pro conn of them?

Thanks. Dave.

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