X-bit labs

Biostar Barebone Systems: Minimal Size Maximal Functionality (page 9)

Category: Mobile

by Vasily Melnik

[ 06/12/2005 | 02:05 PM ]

Assembly and Setup

We used the following parts for assembling the computers: Intel Pentium 4 3.2GHz and AMD Athlon 64 3000+ CPUs, two 256MB modules of Kingston HyperX DDR400 SDRAM, a combo-drive from LG, a Western Digital 300BB hard drive and a Gainward FX5900 graphics card (for the iDEQ 210P).

The components we stuffed the barebones with.

Even an inexperienced user should find it easy to transform a barebone from Biostar into a regular computer. Both barebone systems come with in-depth instructions on the assembly process, so you only have to put the components in and attach the power cables. The optimal sequence for the iDEQ 210P would be like that: carefully install the CPU and mount its cooler.

You can fasten the CPU cooler with your single hand.

Then you fasten the hard drive and install the memory modules. The HDD basket is detachable and can accommodate two drives at once, but you’d better stop at one since two drives would find it too hot in such a cramped space.

Put the hard drive and the memory modules in.

The graphics card goes in last of all. If you install it before fastening the HDD basket, there will be some risk of damaging the card as you’ll be manipulating the hard drive. If your card has an additional power connector, make sure you can use the standard Molex for that. Its cable is rather short and I just couldn’t attach it to the card in my case. So, check the length of the cables beforehand and use an extension cable, if necessary.

The graphics card should be the last item installed.

As for assembling a system in the iDEQ 300G, I can’t give you any useful advice just because you can do it in any sequence. The system is ideally designed and there’s no chance an installed component would hinder the installation of another one. The only pitfall is that you should make sure beforehand that your graphics cards fits into its space if its cooling system occupies more than one slot of space.

We can’t find any faults with the design of the barebone’s interior. It’s ideal.

Unlike with the iDEQ 210P, the 300G can take in two hard drives without problems: they will both feel comfortably thanks to the good case ventilation.

As for the BIOS settings, the user shouldn’t tamper with them without need. Both systems worked normally right after my assembling them, requiring no additional setting-up.