My New Planned Builds

[Corrine]

No sense replacing machines that are in good working condition. Besides, that leaves more flexibility in your budget (both for hardware and your apartment).

 

[Digerati]

No sense replacing machines that are in good working condition.

Tell that to my Commodore 64 collecting dust in the basement, next to my old laser printer, a host of old hard drives, routers, hubs, unopened boxes of 5.25" and 3.5" floppy disks, and several CRT monitors.

 

[Anthony N]

Corrine, it will be replaced just won't be recycled. That's all.

Digerati, invite me over some time we'll do some spring cleaning in your basement. :)

 

[Digerati]

Digerati, invite me over some time we'll do some spring cleaning in your basement. :)

Don't tempt me. I am looking to buy a new house soon so I will need to go through 23 years of junk that has accumulated in this house. There's old TVs, tons of old RAM sticks, PSUs, cases, case fans - not to mention the last remnants of the kids things they refuse to come get but holler and yell when I tell them I'm renting a dumpster soon.

Sadly, I can't even give much of it away. I used to refurbish old computers and give them to churches and schools and such. But unless they run today's software (including Windows 7) and perform pretty well compared to today's machines, even churches and schools don't want them. Fortunately, more and more precious metals recycling centers are taking old electronics. But in some cases, you have to pay them to take your junk off your hands.

 

[Corrine]

I wish you could get those old PC parts to a friend in California. He rebuilds old PCs from parts, installs Linux and gives them to elderly people who cannot afford a computer.

 

[Digerati]

I wish you could get those old PC parts to a friend in California. He rebuilds old PCs from parts, installs Linux and gives them to elderly people who cannot afford a computer.

Well, that's what I did for awhile too - for the elderly and young struggling families too, when I got all the parts necessary to make a whole computer. I gotta admit, it is a good "warm fuzzy" to get a computer into an "appreciative" home that otherwise could not afford one - especially with young kids in school - all of whom need computer skills.

But nobody wants big, heavy and old, CRT monitors anymore - especially since they are 4:3 (not widescreen) and typically 17" or less (as most CRTs are). 4:3 LCDs can be found, which is good if they are decent size so text is readable and widescreen is not essential. I still have a couple of those. One is special - a big (at the time) Samsung Porsche Design 17" that cost me a fortune (~$900 on sale!). It still has a gorgeous display. But 17" is just too small these days - at least for a PC. Still that is a special piece of hardware, as is my C64, and first PC "clone" build, and I will not get rid of them.

Sadly, most people keep (or throw away) the original installation disks and license information when they get rid of their old computers. This in spite of the EULA term (we all agree to) that says it must stay with the "original equipment". So that generally forces the use of alternative operating systems (Linux) or no OS (assuming I want to stay legal). Most organizations want Windows. And those who cannot afford a computer generally cannot afford a new Windows license.

But I have pretty much stopped building computers out of old parts to give away. I got tired of "unappreciative" homes. The case is too big, the monitor too small, the computer is not very fast, 2Gb is not enough memory. And I too frequently ran into problems with Linux and family members of the elderly. They were used to Windows, got lost with Linux, and/or tried to do something and messed it up. Or got upset because some program they wanted on Grandma's computer does run on Linux. I guess it happened once too often - getting some complaint after lugging it over, setting it up, and giving away a good, secure and free computer. So I stopped doing that.

The Salvation Army (or Goodwill, maybe both - I forget an am too lazy to look it up) will now take old computers and computer parts, refurbish and/or properly recycle the precious metals and hazardous waste. And they promise to "wipe" the drives of any personal information. I trust they do, but I don't trust they maintain proper physical security of the drives every minute, 24/7 until they are wiped. So I make sure that is done here before I donate them.

 

[Anthony N]

The Salvation Army (or Goodwill, maybe both - I forget an am too lazy to look it up) will now take old computers and computer parts, refurbish and/or properly recycle the precious metals and hazardous waste. And they promise to "wipe" the drives of any personal information. I trust they do, but I don't trust they maintain proper physical security of the drives every minute, 24/7 until they are wiped. So I make sure that is done here before I donate them.

Wipe your drives before discarding. Having worked at an electronics recycling facility. We just threw the hard drives in a gaylord bin and they were shipped to a 3rd party to be destroyed. What actually happen to them from that point on? I have no idea. My boss said they are untouched by human hands when they leave us and dumped into a shredder.

Now as to what I do, I seperate the metals and render the patters unable.

I'll etch each patter and then bend them in multiple directions. If I know that the platter was not wiped I'll pass a magnet over the platter as a final polish before I discard in my metal bin.

 

[Digerati]

Now as to what I do, I seperate the metals and render the patters unable.

I have disassembled a few drives in my past but that is too much work. A good wipe program is good enough. Badguys go for the easy pickings. But the problem with wipe programs is the disk has to be usable to work. So in that case, I just drill three holes through the drive in the platter area. Takes about 1 minute and the drive is worthless.

Some, I suppose most, of those shredder companies are legit. The better ones come to you so can witness the shredding, or you can take the drives to them, where they shred in front of you (or let you toss them in the shredder).

Either way, taking apart a drive, after you have done it once to have a look inside, is just not necessary.

 

[Anthony N]

To each their own method.

I recycle each metal so I have no choice but to separate everything.

 

[Anthony N]

GAMING COMPUTER
Case: NZXT Phantom (White)
Power Supply: CORSAIR HX Series 1050w
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3
CPU: AMD FX-4170 Zambezi 4.2GHz (4.3GHz Turbo) 125W Quad-Core
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3 1333
HDDs/SSD: Western Digital 320GB HDD x2, Crucial M4 128GB SSD
Video Card: HIS IceQ Radeon HD 7870 GHz Ed. 2GB 256-bit GDDR5
Monitors: x2 Acer 23" LED-Backlight LCD monitor
Optical: ASUS DVD Burner, LG Blu-Ray Burner
Mouse: Logitech Performance Laser Mouse MX
Cooling: XIGMATEK Dark Knight II Night Hawk Edition CPU Cooler, XIGMATEK XLF 120mm White LED Fan (CPU add-on for push-pull), 3 x BitFenix Spectre Pro 120mm Blue LED Case Fan, 1 x BitFenix Spectre Pro 140mm Blue LED Case Fan, 2 x BitFenix Spectre Pro 200mm Blue LED Case Fan, 1 x BitFenix Spectre Pro 230mm Blue LED Case Fan
Other Hardware: 2 x ERGOTRON LX Desk Mount LCD Arm, AFT Pro-55U Card Reader, SilverStone 3.5" to 5.25 Bay Converter, Rosewill RX-358 U3C External Enclosure
Data Cables: 3 x OKGEAR 24" Silver SATA 6 Gbps Cable
Software: Microsoft Office 2010 Home and Business, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit


All Changes marked in red. Some items were completely removed. Therefore not marked.

New Price on this build: $2,681 without shipping.

 

[Digerati]

Well, again there's the issue of CPU warranties - so again, if not a concern for you, then no worries.

The motherboard is an ATX motherboard. That case is a monster EATX case - designed to hold 12 drives! 12! Plus monster-size server-type EATX motherboards. Much more case than you need. Plus it does not have removable, washable air filters to block all the dust all those big fans will draw and pack in. And speaking of fans, I note that case comes with,

REAR, 1 X 120mm (included)
SIDE, 2 x 120mm, 1 x 200/230 (2 x 120mm included)
TOP, 2 X 200mm (1 x LED 200mm included)​

So why buy more? And I note of the 230mm fan it says it only guarantees "fitment" of their own 200mm. Just make sure you are not wasting your money - though it seems you have plenty to go around here - envy, not a criticism.

Finally, you did not specify the model but Acer is not known for quality monitors. In fact, Acer is not known for quality anything, IMO. For example, the specs look great, but the display still gives a lousy picture, as reported here. Since your monitors are what your eyes will be staring at, you need good monitors to minimize eye strain, headaches and all the things that go with staring at lousy displays all day. I like Samsung and ViewSonic displays, but I avoid their entry-level lines too. The eyes are pretty important - treat them nice.

I see a mouse but no keyboard or speakers.

Also, "Data Cables: 3 x OKGEAR 24" Silver SATA 6 Gbps Cable". Why?

 

[Anthony N]

Well, again there's the issue of CPU warranties - so again, if not a concern for you, then no worries.

Always gone straight to aftermarket. So a voided warranty is of no concern to me.

Much more case than you need. Plus it does not have removable, washable air filters to block all the dust all those big fans will draw and pack in.

Non-sense, I'd totally go for one of those super towers, but that's unrealistic how big those are. Digerati, I don't care about dust, I'll have a little more down time cleaning it, but I don't care, it get's me off my lazy butt and allows me to look for weaknesses and improve on them. Simply put, when I move into my apartment, there will always be dust. That's a simple fact. But if 90% of it is getting sucking into my computers, then obviously my living standards aren't high enough.

As for why I picked the case, shear appearance. It's not a "box", sure they use plastic trim pieces, but that's not what matters, it matters that's it different. I've always wanted a full tower, I intend on getting one. I know that there will be much trial and error. So yes, I will be going through many changes, specially since AMD just released FM2 Socket and the Trinity Series. But I might stay with AM3+ for a while.

As for fans, I've never trusted stock fans ever since I had my blue case (on another thread of mine here). When my fan's bearings suddenly failed and caused a 4000rpm fan to come to a screeching halt; arc and smoke, then the stock side panel fan went out the same way. The motor arced, smoked then the LED "band" started to crackle and fizz but not a week later. Simply put I don't trust what they use in cases as stock cooling. I'd rather spend the extra $20 on a good fan than $5 on one that has or doesn't have color just to have it fail a week from purchase.

Finally, you did not specify the model but Acer is not known for quality monitors. In fact, Acer is not known for quality anything, IMO.

In your opinion. In my opinion, Acer out builds some of the even well known manufactures. I love my Acer monitor. As to why I'm buying two more, the HDMI inputs.

I would buy HP, but no VESA mounting on their LED LCD line. I've wanted to experience ASUS, but to get everything I want out of a monitor in a comfortable shell, they don't cut the cheese.

I see a mouse but no keyboard or speakers.

I already own speakers Bill. No need to re-buy them. I have more speakers than I know what to do with. I have a set in my shop for tunes down there. I have a set for my ipod in my office. I have a set for my current desktop and my netbook goes through my TV.

As for the keyboard, same deal, I already have a keyboard. I am however slightly considering of buying the same keyboard for my netbook replacement and a new mouse.

Let's be frank, this is why I'm planning so early, sure prices and stock will swing and cause sudden changes, and what of it. I want to have everything settled before I click the "proceed to checkout" button.

Also, "Data Cables: 3 x OKGEAR 24" Silver SATA 6 Gbps Cable". Why?

Because I can? Just kidding. Because again, I'd rather not use stock provided items, while I've had no issues with stock cables I want a touch of color.





Edit: Just went to newegg and wadda ya know, HP does have a VESA mountable monitor. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824176250 (I know it doesn't have HDMI, but oh well...)

Ok you win, here's two ASUS Monitors: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236288 and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=24-236-175

 

[Laxer]

I enjoy ASUS, for the last few years they have been my favorite manufacturer/re-distributor. :grin1:

I do like samsung too but they always seem to charge an extra premium for no reason...

One of my monitors at home is a samsung and the other is a viewsonic... No complaints, they work fine.

Also curious, why do you have two diskdrives?

I have an LG blueray burner currently that I picked up years ago for about twice what it is now... :lolg:

It works great for burning and reading just about anything only problem I have is it's a bit loud...

 

[Anthony N]

Optical or hard disks dude?

Optical - I still use a lot of disk media despite much digitally download.

Hard Disks - I'm going to divide up the work load. I'll basically cause the SSD to become OS only.

 

[Digerati]

but that's unrealistic how big those are.

No it isn't. Any case that can house 12 drives and an EATX motherboard is a very big case. You only need space for 4 or 5 drives. A good mid-tower case is all you need - and there are plenty quality mid-towers to choose from.

But if 90% of it is getting sucking into my computers, then obviously my living standards aren't high enough.

Lol. I wish it worked that way. Regardless how clean you are, dust is everywhere and the more traffic you have in your house or apartment the more dust you will have to be drawn into the computer. Most dust is not dirt, but dander and microscopic critters and their poop. If you have skin, you contribute dander. If you have pets, lots of dander, and hair. If you smoke, it is even worse.

For me, I'd rather ride my bike for exercise than lug my systems outside - even if only a couple times a year. But then I'm 60 - I need to use my time for better things.

As for fans, I've never trusted stock fans

Those aren't stock fans. You don't pay money for a case like that and get "stock" (generic, no-name) fans. Part of the big money you are paying for that is the fans.

I've always wanted a full tower, I intend on getting one.

And that's fine. I just want to ensure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision - which is why I assume you posted.

No doubt, you will have a fine system once done.

And for sure, I urge you to download the manuals for the case, motherboard, PSU, and graphics card now and read up on them - especially any precautions about ESD and mounting in the case.

 

[Laxer]

I was talking about optical drive sorry...

I generally use diskdrive referring to CD/DVD/blueray drives and harddrive or HDD for the actual data drives...

Multiple HDDs I understand, faster access times if in raid :grin1:

Multiple diskdrives I also understand... (I have two in my computer) I just don't see the majority of people needing them :grin1:

 

[Digerati]

faster access times if in raid

That depends on the RAID array used, and the controller. Most RAID arrays are used to create "robust" "redundant" storage - so the loss of a drive does not result in any downtime, or more critically, loss of data. Mirrored RAID arrays typically don't provide any significant or "noticeable" improvement in performance. Years ago when drives had tiny buffers and RAM was very costly, you might see a slight improvement in reads (again, depending on how smart the controller), but not writes. But today, with SSDs becoming more common and with hard drives having big 32-64Mb buffers (or hybrid drives with 8Gb SSD buffers!) and with 8 and even 16Gb of RAM becoming common, RAID arrays have little value in terms of performance.

Striped RAID arrays can improve performance with very disk intensive programs, but at a much greater risk of data loss and downtime. This is because the data is store across multiple drives so loss of any one drive can take out the whole computer.

(I have two in my computer)

I do too. My C drive holds my OS and all my hardware drivers and everything else is on my D drive. Well, I also have a small SSD that holds my Page File and temp files.

I just don't see the majority of people needing them

Me either - especially with 1 and 2 TB drives being so affordable.

Much more important than having a RAID is having (AND USING) a good backup strategy.

 

[Anthony N]

Digerati, re-read his post, you did the same thing I did.

Laxer, please clarify next time from the get-go

To both of you men (and everyone else), dual optical drives serve their purpose as if I have one drive occupied and one free. At one time (through many add-on cards) my blue rig (as pictured in another thread here) had 3 optical drives, and 6 hard drives.

As for mounting all the hard drives? Lots of cheating.

Now, a year later, I'm gonna reinvent the wheel. Dual optical drive and dual hard drive, why people assume more than one hard drive automatically means RAID is beyond me, because this machine will be raid free.

The SSD is OS only and non-directable programs. The 320's are for programs and user data.

 

[Digerati]

Digerati, re-read his post, you did the same thing I did.

Sorry, but I don't know what or who's post this comment refers to, or how it would change my comment, but I don't think it matters much either.

 

[Anthony N]

Laxer's post Bill.