Yeah, really. Pieces of the front panel had fallen in, as well as the power button. Also, I could hear something rolling and rattling inside as I lifted my computer out to inspect it. One of the things rattling inside fell out. It appeared to be a plastic snap meant to hold something in, possibly the front panels. More of them are inside the tower. I haven't opened it, yet.

I just contacted the guys that sent it to me, and gave them these pictures:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/ ... panels.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/ ... button.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/ ... _parts.jpg

I got a response from them. They say that all that's needed is a couple new faceplates. I talked to my uncle, and we're gonna try using one of the faceplates from the several dead towers that he's collected. How convenient that we decided this now, 'cause he was planning on trashing them in the near future.

We're gonna search for the rattling pieces, as well. Hopefully, nothing else came loose inside.

Edit. Okay, the faceplates were actually fine. The front panel, though, was not. Apparently those rattling pieces were the prongs that were supposed to hold the power switch in place. So I've sent a message back requesting a new front panel.

On one hand, it doesn't seem like a big deal as nothing seems to be broken that's of any huge significance. On the other, it's kind of the principle of the matter. You know, they sent you some broke sh*t, they should fix it. But I'd probably just deal with it. If it works, it works.

You made your post while I made an edit. *see above*

Okay, well, while I'm waiting for the new part, something I've noticed is that my new computer doesn't have the 9-pin COM port for using the Dex Drive. Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time.

I know that there is a special USB device that allows you to connect those 9-pin thingies to a PC. How exactly does that work? Is there a special program you have to install? Is one brand better than another? And most importantly, does using the thing make the Dex Drive less likely to work? 'Cause I've rarely had problems working my Dex Drive while I still had a 9-pin port, and yet other people have had lots of problems, and I'm curious if that's a possible reason.

Worst-case scenario, I'll be forced to use ePSXe when LPing RPGM1 games.


By the way, as it turns out, my previous computer didn't last three years. My first one did, but this one only lasted two. I'm definately thinking it has something to do with heating. My first computer lasted a while but then started messing up when I started playing the hardware-intensive Second Life. My previous, I've had Second Life the whole time, and while the computer was more powerful, it was built with some basic parts like an integrated graphics card.

Not taking chances with this one. First off, it was built with the best necessary equipment in mind (at least as far as running SL is concerned, as it's pretty much the only PC game I'll ever play). It also has several fans put in, including a fan that is essentially a built-in refridgeration unit. And I'm not putting it inside that cabinet of my desk.

I've never had one of those Serial-to-USB adapters... and I assume there's device drivers to have to install before they work. Since I've been building my own PCs for a while, none of them come with a 9-pin serial port. It's just considered obsolete these days. But all motherboards come with a COM port on the board. It's a nine pin rectangle (5 pins on one row and 4 on the other) and is used for one of these:

http://images17.newegg.com/is/image/new ... S01?$S300$

I've used these in at least two computers I've used, and I also put on in SK's computer after I build his. I've also had to use a few of them at work as some of the devices they use at the plant are super old and only send data via Serial.

From the sounds of it, your uncle should be able to take care of installing it for you with no trouble at all. And it works as if it was build into the tower anyways. So I would highly suggest this over the USB adapter.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... te&x=0&y=0

Did I mention they are also SUPER cheap?

Is that port guarenteed to be unused? Or should I consider an adaptor to share the port with another device?

Also, does the model matter? Looks like those metal bars come in various shapes and sizes. I assume they get bolted onto the outside of the computer somewhere.

Yeah, I'm 99% sure that there's nothing going to be in your motherboard's COM port.

I'm wondering where exactly the metal plate is supposed to attatch. Is one supposed to cut a hole in the casing? Looks like the plates come in multiple sizes, too. How should I know which one to get?

There are only two sizes, one of which is 'low profile'... avoid that one. Those are for small form factor computer. And they are installed on the back of the tower at the base along with all the other devices.

If you take a pic of the back of your computer, I'll highlight exactly where if you want.

Okay, I also see that one item says "IDC Motherboard" and another doesn't mention IDC. IDK what the difference is. Should I just assume that any of the longer plates will work no matter what motherboard I have, or should I do some extra research?

It doesn't really matter as long as it's 9 pin. IDC 10 is used for serial ports, and IDC 26 is for parallel... I haven't really looked into it all that much. But as long as you are getting a serial port, you are getting the right thing.

That 9-pin thingy came in. No instructions. My uncle knows where the plate goes, but he doesn't know where it plugs into the motherboard. What if there's more than one plug open on the board? Will it be obvious which plug it goes into?

The front panel still hasn't come in. I'm starting to lose my patience. And my sanity.

It looks pretty much just like the same thing you'd plug your front panel USB cord into. I was a little unfortunate with my COM port as it was on the other side of the board. It almost didn't reach the back of the computer where all the cards/plates are.

I have no idea what kind of motherboard you have or how new it is, but I was under the impression that all motherboards as of a few years ago had COM ports on them. Maybe if you hit me up with a pic of your board, I could spot it for you?

I hope this image works for you.
http://www.barebonekit.net/mmBBK/Images/H55MP31-001.JPG

Otherwise, just do a search on
INTEL LGA1156 H55 DDR3 SATA2 PCI-e X16

http://www.rpgmmag.com/imagine/imagez/c ... 397375.png

There they are. Either one will work fine.

Also, one of the computers I build for a friend was an MSI board. It ran like a champ for just about 8 years, I think. I can't remember quite how long ago it was, but it was a good chunk of time. But I'm fairly sure MSI doesn't build full computers, so I'm assuming you has this custom built. That means you are made of win.

Yeah, totally custom built, from a site called Ascend Tech. Was rather necessary, considering I wanted a very specific graphics card in my machine.

Okay, it's been 11 days since they said they were shipping the replacement part. I have officially lost my patience, and have sent them an angry e-mail.

Also, I wasted $10 choosing overnight shipping on my serial device 'cause I thought it'd get here at the same time as the new part.

So, my computer part came in today!

...But Windows 7 is corrupted, and they didn't send me an installation disk.

Damn, man. When it rains, it pours.