Archive | October 2006
October 31, 2006  

links for 2006-11-01

October 30, 2006  

links for 2006-10-31

October 21, 2006  

links for 2006-10-22

October 18, 2006  

My New Computer

Update: I forgot to mention that I’m running XP, not Windows Vista. I installed Vista RC2 first, but found that all the motherboard software and speedfan didn’t work correctly (for tracking the cpu and motherboard temperatures). Also, my attempt at installing World of Warcraft on Vista RC2 failed. I realize that these problems could have been overcome, probably, but I wasn’t in the mood to compromise with my brand new hardware.

On Friday, I built a new PC with parts I ordered from NewEgg.com. The components are listed at the bottom of this post. The total was well under $1500, including tax and shipping. The build procedure took more than 5 hours including the OS install – it was well worth it. My new pc is very fast and can handle all the games I tested at excellent speed with lots of beautiful graphics. Here are some thoughts:

  • Second Life character animations are still choppy even with a fast CPU and Graphics card. Am I doing something wrong? I tried Second Life earlier this year and was turned off by the clunky look. I assumed it was my computer, but now that I know that’s normal, I guess I won’t be going back.
  • Installing the heat sink/fan is much less stressful now than it was a few years ago. You don’t have to apply as much pressure. That’s a welcome change. When I built my AMD 2500+ based machine back then, I was afraid I was going to snap the motherboard because I had to press really hard, with a screwdriver, to get the heat sink set up.
  • Battlefield 2142 is amazing.
  • I haven’t tried Oblivion on this PC, yet, but I’m looking forward to it.
  • World of Warcraft runs at 60 FPS with all settings on high in windowed and full screen mode.
  • The case is very quiet. I installed a second 120mm fan and it’s still very quiet. The CPU and motherboard temps stay around 35-39 degrees celsius. The graphics card gets as high as 45 degrees under load.
  • I bought a Logitech MX Revolution wireless mouse last night. More on that later. I love mice.
  • Haven’t overclocked anything, yet.

Components:

October 17, 2006  

links for 2006-10-18

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