Core i7 and Linux

[starfry]

Hello,

I plan to purchase a core i7 system and have shortlisted Scan as a supplier. I am still researching the actual specifications and have some questions:

1. What is the position on Linux support on the 3XS builds. Specifically Ubuntu Desktop/Server in 64 bit, but the question covers Linux in general.

2. Do any Core i7 boards support two floppy disk drives. I provide an archiving service and would rather avoid keeping old systems for the purpose.

3. Do you know if it's possible that a board stating one floppy in its bios would support two at the OS level (i.e. from within Linux) ? I realise this would mean it would not be possible to boot from the second floppy but that is fine.

Many thanks for your time.

[LeeP]

Hi Starfry,

I'm afraid Scan don't support any form of Linux OS as far as I'm aware (my "work" username is LeePen@Scan). In my time there I've only seen Windows systems sold through Scan, however I may be wrong and think that Phil P will have some answers for you on Monday.

There are no i7 boards as far as I'm aware that offer two Floppy Disk headers on the board, however I haven't come across anyone using a standard cable with two drives either. You can however, use USB floppies providing that Linux drivers are available.

BIOS functions normally govern OS functionality, so it's unlikely that the second floppy would be supported in the OS if the BIOS does not.

It's also well worth checking the usual Linux compatibility sites;

http://www.ubuntuhcl.org/browse/prod...x58-i7?id=6603

I can't imagine this being a problem to physically install and get running.

I'll make sure that one of the 3XS guys gives you the skinny on this on Monday

[Jay]

you could use a USB floppy if you had to

[starfry]

Thanks Lee for your reply. To be clear, I am not looking for Scan to install any OS (I will do that myself), I am just looking for a level of confidence that what I need to do will work.

There are no i7 boards as far as I'm aware that offer two Floppy Disk headers on the board

I am not looking for two headers (I don't think there ever were two headers). What I want to check is if any boards support two drives when using a twisted cable (drive A connects before the twist and drive B after it). I think the most recent BIOSes have removed their support for drive B.

BIOS functions normally govern OS functionality, so it's unlikely that the second floppy would be supported in the OS if the BIOS does not.

I think this is probably the case but just wondered if anyone knows to the contrary. As a parallel, the OS can support hard drives that the BIOS can't (think back to when drives went over 2Gb).

It's also well worth checking the usual Linux compatibility sites;

ubuntuhcl.org

Great - I'll check out this link.

I can't imagine this being a problem to physically install and get running.

Neither can I but I just want to consider any potential issues. I have no issues spending the cash but I want to make sure that what I get works.

I'll make sure that one of the 3XS guys gives you the skinny on this on Monday

That would be great. Thank you.

Oh, on the subject of USB. I do not think you can get a USB 5.25 drive; I have looked hard for one. Also, I already have the hardware (a good 3.5/5.25 combo unit) and all I want to do is to be able to connect it up. If there is a USB to 34pin Floppy interface that may work but, again, my research has drawn a blank!

[starfry]

I'll make sure that one of the 3XS guys gives you the skinny on this on Monday

Hi Lee, this never happened. Would you be able to follow this up please ?

[Vadim]

I think Philip was off sick by the looks of it, better wait for his answer

[LeeP]

Just spoken with Phil - he's doing his homework on this one first! Sends his apologies for the delay

[Philipp]

Thanks Lee

starfry, should have some solid answers by morning, sorry for the wait.

Cheers

[starfry]

Thanks Lee

starfry, should have some solid answers by morning, sorry for the wait.

Cheers

Thanks

[Philipp]

Hi starfry,

Unfortunatly I have no experiance of Linux what so ever...

We have in the past built systems that were going to have Linux installed at a later date by the end user...

I have just requested that we test the Asus P6T with 2 floppy drives with twisted cable, I will post back with the results, again this will be under windows only

Cheers

[starfry]

I have just requested that we test the Asus P6T with 2 floppy drives with twisted cable, I will post back with the results, again this will be under windows only
Cheers

That's brilliant, thank you very much

[Philipp]

Not a problem

Quick update, when I left the office it wasnt working windows vista only saw 1 floppy drive, I know the guys were still messing about with it, Ill post up confirmation tomorrow.

Thanks

[starfry]

Thanks, I really appreciate you checking this out. One thought.... is there a bios option for drive B ?

[starfry]

Hi there - I am told by DFI that their LP UT X58 board (LN26030) supports A and B floppies. Can you confirm this ?

[Philipp]

Hi Starfry,

Sorry was intending to update on friday, the Asus board doesnt support it.

We will crack a DFI one out on monday and give it a whirl

Have a good weekend

Cheers

[starfry]

Thank you Phil.

I am building up a component list now so if this board works that's a win. Also DFI are Linux-friendly so it's a double win! Thanks for testing it for me


I'm trying to decide on a case. I have 3 or 4 on my shortlist now.

ps. it's a breath of fresh air to experience Scan's attitude towards customers, even potential customers. Keep it up