For Nerds Only
So I decided to build a new computer. I have been using my old Pentium 4 box with my huge 17 inch CRT monitor for like 6 years now and it's time for something else. To be quite honest my computer still runs completely ok and does pretty much everything I need it to do just fine. But I feel like I have lost touch with technology and I intend this to be a learning experience. Basically this all started because I randomly decided to treat myself to a new 22 inch 1080p Flat Panel LCD and it is so sweet I feel like I need a PC that is just as awesome to match. Seeing as how I intend this new computer to last just as long as my current one I ended up spending a significant amount of money to future proof it as much as I can. I realize only hardcore geeks who are reading this will appreciate this but I don't care. Here is what I have so far for about $1,150:
LIAN LI PC-7B plus II Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $90
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply - $120
ASUS P6T LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - $240
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - $290
G.SKILL 6GB DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $100
ASUS EAH3450/DI/256M Radeon HD 3450 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 Video Card - $30
LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model - $25
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive (2X) - $130
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM - $115
Overall I am amazed how expensive top of the line motherboards and processors are these days and how cheap DVD drives, hard drives, and memory modules are. The video card is shit but I don't really play games so I am still debating on what to get in that department and I just wanted something to get me up and running. Also I think I will add a blue-ray drive eventually but for the time being I think a regular DVD drive will serve me fine. Also I can't believe I spent over $100 for a legit copy of windows. This time I am doing things right because I can actually afford to do it. I have to say it was hard to hit the submit order button knowing $1,200 would disappear instantly from my checking account but I am glad I did. It is still a steal compared to what one would pay for a similarly equipped apple computer. I just hope I still know what I am doing since I have not touched the inside of a computer in some time!
In other less geeky news I am excited to see Cut Copy in Chicago on Wednesday. It should be a good show. I only wish Anne could come. Stupid Hyatt. They will finally get a chance to redeem themselves after their partial set at Pitchfork last year. Speaking of Pitchfork I am only semi excited about the lineup so far this year. The thought of a fan selected set list for Built to Spill is awesome but there is not enough else that I am interested in that night for me to justify going, especially since Built to Spill play pretty often. I am guessing Saturday and Sunday will warrant a visit but so far so few acts have been announced it's hard to say.
LIAN LI PC-7B plus II Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $90
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply - $120
ASUS P6T LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - $240
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - $290
G.SKILL 6GB DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $100
ASUS EAH3450/DI/256M Radeon HD 3450 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 Video Card - $30
LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model - $25
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive (2X) - $130
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM - $115
Overall I am amazed how expensive top of the line motherboards and processors are these days and how cheap DVD drives, hard drives, and memory modules are. The video card is shit but I don't really play games so I am still debating on what to get in that department and I just wanted something to get me up and running. Also I think I will add a blue-ray drive eventually but for the time being I think a regular DVD drive will serve me fine. Also I can't believe I spent over $100 for a legit copy of windows. This time I am doing things right because I can actually afford to do it. I have to say it was hard to hit the submit order button knowing $1,200 would disappear instantly from my checking account but I am glad I did. It is still a steal compared to what one would pay for a similarly equipped apple computer. I just hope I still know what I am doing since I have not touched the inside of a computer in some time!
In other less geeky news I am excited to see Cut Copy in Chicago on Wednesday. It should be a good show. I only wish Anne could come. Stupid Hyatt. They will finally get a chance to redeem themselves after their partial set at Pitchfork last year. Speaking of Pitchfork I am only semi excited about the lineup so far this year. The thought of a fan selected set list for Built to Spill is awesome but there is not enough else that I am interested in that night for me to justify going, especially since Built to Spill play pretty often. I am guessing Saturday and Sunday will warrant a visit but so far so few acts have been announced it's hard to say.