Chipset Question/Hard Drive Question

[andrewkstone]

Hello All,

I just bought an Mbox2 today and am reading thru the documentation. I noticed that my chipset (Intel 925X) isn't supported. How big a problem could this be? I haven't yet hooked up the unit, as I want to read thru everything first. Will it not work or limit functionality? Any ideas for fixes? (Can chipsets be upgraded ...?)

My other question is about hard drives. I'm inferring that I should buy another drive that's dedicated to the Mbox2. Can anyone recommend an internal drive (as it would be cheaper). I'm on a limited budget.

My system: A Dell Demension 8400, Pentium 4 3.00Ghz, 2.99 Ghz, 1.00 GB RAM.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

Andy

[ejwells]

Well...if your chipset isn't supported, another hard drive won't do you much good.
That said, I like Seagate Barracudas. I have 4 of them in my machine, and they've never let me down.

[andrewkstone]

Thanks for the reply. But I'm wondering what to do -- has anyone had any chipset issues? I don't know anything about them. Can I get upgrades for it? New drivers, etc? If I don't do anything, will Protools not work, have limited functionality, etc? I'm hesistant to even install Protools if it's not going to work.

Thanks in advance

Andrew

[thenchel]

The only thing you can do is try and see. If you run into problems, then you'll know.
I would change out the motherboard with one that has a compatible chipset. Driver changes wont help.
Check out the compatibility section of Digidesign.

[andrewkstone]

So there might be a chance that my chipset may have little or no affect on Mbox2? The specs on the site are a bit vague - digi seems to be pointing the finger at Intel, while Intel is pointing it right back.

[spkguitar]

It doesn't really matter whose fault it is; Your chipset will not work with the mBox. Period. You will only frustrate yourself trying.

[DigiTechSupt]

Assuming you can replace the motherboard, you may be able to get a new motherboard with a compatible chipset.

[oneyeball]

Okay just talked to Dell support person. Long wait so try it only if you have entertainment. The following information was extracted:

1. Even though I thought I had a 925x chip, after reading the support guy the service number on the back of my 8400, he said I actually have the 925xe. That's good. The erroneous information on what chip I had came from my own query of my system using freeware called PC Wizard 2006. So make sure you indeed have the 925x.

2. Yes, if it turns out you have to change chips, you can do so by replacing the motherboard. Go to dell.com for that, or give up in advance and call them at 800-759-8437.

I have a question: The Pro Tools information is that it will not run if it is asked to record multitrack edits onto the startup (boot) disk. Anybody know how hairy it is to install an additional internal drive in an 8400?

Thanks.

[andrewkstone]

Thanks to everyone who chimed in with help. And, oneeyeball, I, too, spent a few hours on the phone with Dell. I had already downloaded PC Wizard and found out I did have the 925X. So I ordered a new mother board and hard drive, to dedicate to audio. It's all PCI based, so shouldn't be too difficult, But if you buy from Dell, you can call their tech support and they will walk you thru the install process. I'm still waiting for mine to arrive.

Thanks again.

Andrew

[oneyeball]

Okay, let me update this post. Wrongo. It turns out that I do have the 925x after all. PC Wizard one, Dell guy zero.

So if you're still there, what motherboard did you get? And I assume you're adding a separate dedicated hard drive. Looks like you'll need Dell part number A0151972, which can be seen at http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...&sku=A0151972. It's the internal Serial-ATA cable, which plugs into the motherboard. $9.95.

Which drive did you end up getting? Sounds like we are doing exactly the same thing.

Thanks.