Custom hardware advice needed

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Custom hardware advice needed

Hi, I was hoping I could please get some advice on a PC hardware-related issue. As a fan of older (mid-90s) PC games, I still use my '98 HP Vectra VE 6 PC to play these older games. This is largely because a lot of these games will not work with newer PCs, not just because of OS-related issues, but also because they are relying on older hardware. For example, one of my favorite games can only seem to generate sound when using the ISA-based Sound Blaster Pro sound card in my PC -- PCI sound cards will not work.

I anticipate playing these older games for some time to come. The thing is, eventually my PC will inevitably start to age. If the PC capable of running these games breaks down due to old age, will it realistically be repairable, or would you recommend trying to find and purchase an identical "back-up" system if anything happens to it? (The problem with trying to find another identical system is, it is really tough to find an exact match, and the last time I tried, the seller had removed the original ISA sound card and installed a new PCI one, so I had to return it.) Or if the PC did break down, would it be possible to remove the ISA sound card and install it in another newer PC and still expect it to work the same way it did in the old PC?

Any advice you could provide would be deeply appreciated. Also, if you have any practical tips on how to ensure the PC enjoys the maximum life span possible, these would be welcome as well. Thanks!

Posted: 11/10/2004 @ 08:08 PM (PST)

galahad04: Job Role: Web / Multimedia Developer; Location: BURKE, Virginia; Member since: 04/27/2000

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Custom hardware advice neededgalahad04 | 11/10/2004 @ 08:08 PM (PST)

Also one reason I am so fixated on this particu...galahad04 | 11/10/2004 @ 08:14 PM (PST)

Availability of motherboards with ISA slots sho...ccollins@... | 11/11/2004 @ 06:34 AM (PST)

...galahad04 | 12/25/2004 @ 12:17 AM (PST)

As for sound drivers: Odds are that you are us...willcomp | 11/11/2004 @ 09:17 AM (PST)

I am not aware of any currently available mobos...willcomp | 11/12/2004 @ 02:59 PM (PST)

Poster rated this answer.
...galahad04 | 12/25/2004 @ 12:17 AM (PST)

First, I'm sure you'll still be able to custom ...markusfrei@... | 11/12/2004 @ 12:00 AM (PST)

Please see latest comment added on 11/12/04...galahad04 | 11/12/2004 @ 09:39 AM (PST)

I have tried using at least 3 sound blaster emu...galahad04 | 11/12/2004 @ 09:36 AM (PST)

Try to buy older PC's (P1 to P200) u can have t...mikex | 11/18/2004 @ 07:34 AM (PST)

Poster rated this answer.
...galahad04 | 12/25/2004 @ 12:17 AM (PST)

Try Xp with emulators. ME was a mistake by Mic...trockii@... | 11/29/2004 @ 08:34 AM (PST)

With minor driver modifications, the games ...galahad04 | 12/25/2004 @ 12:17 AM (PST)

This question was closed by the author...galahad04 | 12/25/2004 @ 12:17 AM (PST)

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