New Box Soon

[marnold]

Hey kids,

I decided (and got approval) to do a complete computer upgrade for the first time since February of 2002. I was going to build it myself, but CyberPower can build me one for a buck or two more than I can part it out myself, plus they have a three year warranty and lifetime tech support. Pretty cool. Here's the scoop:

NZXT Beta case
Corsair CMPSU-750TX PSU
Intel i5-750 with stock cooler
GigaByte GA-P55A-UD3
4G DDR3 RAM
NVIDIA GeForce GT 220 1GB
750GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD
Sony 20x DVD Burner
Slackware64 13.0

The total comes to $839 with $50 in rebates and free shipping. Today only they have a deal where you can double the hard drive size for free. The base model comes with a 500G drive, so they'll give you a 1TB drive for no extra. Basically, I could up the storage by 1/3 and knock $14 off the price.

I know that that PSU is very phat for this build. However, I wanted to get a good one and Corsairs have been rated highly. The 750W is only $8 more than the 650W. That will allow me to throw just about any video card I'd ever want in there and not have to worry. Even NVIDIA's top-o-the-line $500 card right now wouldn't even make that one flinch. Since it's 80+ certified, it's very efficient regardless of the draw.

The Intel i5-750 seems to be the bang-for-buck king right now. The thing I didn't like about previous quad-core CPUs is that if one core was cranked, all of them were cranked. The new Lynnfield chips (of which the I5-750 is one) can power down unused cores and use the extra power to boost the core that is being taxed.

I chose that Gigabyte board because it has USB3.0 and SATA3.0 built-in. Not that I have any of those devices now, but I probably will over the useful life of this box. Unfortunately, the i5-750 and P55 chipset only have 16 PCIe lanes. When USB3.0 is active it will eat up 8 of those lanes (although it doesn't actually use them all), limiting the bandwidth to the video card. I saw some benchmarks, though, that showed that even using NVIDIA's top-end card, dropping half the lanes had a minimal effect on performance.

I saved money with the video card. NVIDIA is not the bang/buck leader right now, but their drivers are so much better in Linux than ATi's. This card will handle the older game I play just fine, it runs very cool, and can off-load video decoding.

CyberPower is offering Asetek's LCLC 120 liquid cooling system for the CPU for free this month after rebate. The performance seems quite good, especially relative to the stock cooler, so I'll have to think about that one. I have no intention on overclocking, but cooler is always better. It's self-contained so it's maintenance-free.

Slackware64 13.0 is the first 64-bit version of Slackware to be released. That should be interesting learning about that. The biggest "issue" will be getting the 32-bit compatibility stuff installed. Doesn't look like a big deal.

 

[oldguy]

Congrats, sounds like you're getting a new computer...............:AOK :applause









the rest of it I didn't understand.................................... :what :help ancake

 

[Commodore 64]

I just installed Ubuntu 9.10 on my home computer (a Dell laptop). It's been about 2 years since I used Linux...the install was super easy.

Tuxguitar was so easy to install...open a terminal window, type: "sudo apt-get install tuxguitar" and away you go. Does slackware do Apt-Get? I love apt-get.

 

[marnold]

Tuxguitar was so easy to install...open a terminal window, type: "sudo apt-get install tuxguitar" and away you go. Does slackware do Apt-Get? I love apt-get.

Not by default (that's more of a Debian-and-its-progeny kind of thing) but IIRC someone created a way to have apt-get in Slackware. I've never tried it.

 

[marnold]

Well, I just ordered it. I ended up going with the Asetek cooling and the 1TB drive. The total ended up being $845 with $70 in rebates for a grand total of $775. That's a little more than I really wanted to spend, but I think it will be well worth it.

 

[Kazz]

The only thing I can find fault with here is while you went with a 1tb drive, I always recommend at least 2 internal hard drives. I would also not recommend a 1tb drive for the OS and programs....I would use a much smaller say 200gb drive for the OS and programs and then a 1tb for storage. I am also making a huge leap that you already have an external drive....if not...then I would recommend one of those too.

 

[Eric]

Hey kids,

I decided (and got approval) to do a complete computer upgrade for the first time since February of 2002. I was going to build it myself, but CyberPower can build me one for a buck or two more than I can part it out myself, plus they have a three year warranty and lifetime tech support. Pretty cool. Here's the scoop:

NZXT Beta case
Corsair CMPSU-750TX PSU
Intel i5-750 with stock cooler
GigaByte GA-P55A-UD3
4G DDR3 RAM
NVIDIA GeForce GT 220 1GB
750GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD
Sony 20x DVD Burner
Slackware64 13.0

The total comes to $839 with $50 in rebates and free shipping. Today only they have a deal where you can double the hard drive size for free. The base model comes with a 500G drive, so they'll give you a 1TB drive for no extra. Basically, I could up the storage by 1/3 and knock $14 off the price.

Wow. Jealous.

Can you keep us updated on how this works for you? I know people love to say how awesome their purchases are and everything -- I know because I do it -- but I would appreciate some objectivity as well. It looks pretty sweet.

I'm getting to the point where a new puter might be in the cards, and I generally use the wussier Linux distro of Ubuntu, so your compatibility considerations are shared. Did you not get a separate audio card, or are you filching the SB from your old computer?

 

[marnold]

The only thing I can find fault with here is while you went with a 1tb drive, I always recommend at least 2 internal hard drives. I would also not recommend a 1tb drive for the OS and programs....I would use a much smaller say 200gb drive for the OS and programs and then a 1tb for storage. I am also making a huge leap that you already have an external drive....if not...then I would recommend one of those too.

If I were still using Windows, I might agree with that. However, I haven't found a need to have dual HDs with Linux--if I partition everything intelligently. All I need to backup is my /home and /etc and everything else is easily reinstalled. Unlike my Windows days, most of the apps I use are on the Slackware disc. The few that aren't (like digiKam and OpenOffice) are easily reinstalled. My games can just stay in their own partition. It's all much easier when you don't have the tangled web of the registry to deal with.

I've been backing up to DVDs which works reasonably well. The issue will come as my picture and MP3 collections expand. I've also been doing occasional backups to thumb drives for easy access. The DVD thing is becoming inconvenient to the point where I need to look elsewhere.

I'm getting to the point where a new puter might be in the cards, and I generally use the wussier Linux distro of Ubuntu, so your compatibility considerations are shared. Did you not get a separate audio card, or are you filching the SB from your old computer?

I'm hoping that the onboard audio will be adequate. I did a bit of reading on it. Creative has ticked me off enough that I'm not keen on buying another discreet sound card.

By the by, I don't think Ubuntu is "wussier," just different. I'll keep you posted on this since this is my first adventure into 64 bit computing. With the exception of the multilib stuff for running 32 bit apps, it should be reasonably straightforward. I know, famous last works.

 

[Monkus]

Good Luck !!!

I tried UbuntuStudio but it couldn't see my firebox, then tried Windows but was laggy couldn't get my mind around what the causes of the latency were, then I got an imac, works wonderful, gonna pull the trigger on Logic express in January. Keep us updated!!!

 

[Eric]

I guess you haven't received this computer yet, considering the bit about February.

My computer is on the fritz (likely hardware-related) for the millionth time, and I'm not sure whether major surgery is worth it. I'm weighing the relative virtues of desktop vs. netbook, and knowing how the marnold 'puter works would definitely be useful for reference purposes. This spec'ed out listing is incredibly useful for these types of decisions.

 

[marnold]

I guess you haven't received this computer yet, considering the bit about February.

My computer is on the fritz (likely hardware-related) for the millionth time, and I'm not sure whether major surgery is worth it. I'm weighing the relative virtues of desktop vs. netbook, and knowing how the marnold 'puter works would definitely be useful for reference purposes. This spec'ed out listing is incredibly useful for these types of decisions.

If their website is to be believed, it should ship out around the 12th, which would get it to me by the end of that week. The bit about February was just mentioning the last time I built a system from scratch. Tried to build it and get it working the day before Ash Wednesday. Bad idea.

Netbooks are too underpowered to be a main machine for me. I don't really need the portability of a laptop. With laptops you sell everything out for portability. A well-powered desktop combined with a PDA/Smartphone is the best combo for me.

 

[Eric]

Netbooks are too underpowered to be a main machine for me. I don't really need the portability of a laptop. With laptops you sell everything out for portability.

That's how I've been in the past, but 1) netbooks are cheap, whereas laptops have traditionally pricey, and 2) I run my systems very lean, and some netbook specs these days look comparable to (or better than) my desktop.

If I had to guess, I would say I'll probably land in desktop-ville when the dust settles, but I'm coming off of a Christmas with very limited access to computers, where something portable would have been a lifesaver.

 

[marnold]

That's how I've been in the past, but 1) netbooks are cheap, whereas laptops have traditionally pricey, and 2) I run my systems very lean, and some netbook specs these days look comparable to (or better than) my desktop.

My other problem with netbooks is form factor. The ones I've tried were very hard for me to type on (of course, I'm one of those people who still uses an IBM Model M keyboard). For me, a smartphone is a better deal. I can slip it in my pocket and use it if I'm on a hospital call or something whereas a netbook is too big. But then, everybody's needs are a little different.

I'm going to be interested in seeing how fast this new box can compile a kernel, especially with four separate threads

 

[Eric]

My other problem with netbooks is form factor. The ones I've tried were very hard for me to type on (of course, I'm one of those people who still uses an IBM Model M keyboard). For me, a smartphone is a better deal. I can slip it in my pocket and use it if I'm on a hospital call or something whereas a netbook is too big. But then, everybody's needs are a little different.

I think that's a key point -- I need to actually try a netbook at some point. Not being a frequenter of electronics-gear stores, I have not yet had a chance to do so.

I'm too cheap to buy a fully-featured phone, and it blows my mind that seemingly everybody out there owns an iphone, as the monthly costs are probably 2-2.5x what mine are. Anyway, different discussion... Do let me/us know about the new box.

 

[marnold]

Do let me/us know about the new box.

Will do! The status updated saying that today was the assembly date and quality control date, which I assume means "Did we put the crap in here that he ordered?". The only other thing on the site is "final quality control date" which I assume means that they'll power it up and make sure everything functions as expected. It still has the 12th as an estimated ship date. I hope it's earlier!

Update OK, the order status page now also lists today as the final QC date, but the aforementioned ship date remains the same. I hope they're not planning on just fondling it for a week

 

[MichaelE]

My other problem with netbooks is form factor. The ones I've tried were very hard for me to type on (of course, I'm one of those people who still uses an IBM Model M keyboard).

What else is there? :dude

I've had Model M's since they were introduced. I have two now for two of my four networked machines. The trash on the other two machines will be replaced this year.

One is dated 02MAR1989 and my newest is a 19SEP1991 model. Nice and LOUD! And reliable too. No fancy buttons that I don't need, no squishy keys, and built like tanks.

I thought I was the only Model M fanatic here.

 

[marnold]

One is dated 02MAR1989 and my newest is a 19SEP1991 model. Nice and LOUD! And reliable too. No fancy buttons that I don't need, no squishy keys, and built like tanks.

I thought I was the only Model M fanatic here.

Gotcha beat. Mine says 04APR1988 I love a keyboard that you could also use for self-defense. There's a company that still makes them. When I was ordering my new box I was happy to see that it had one PS/2 port anyway. Otherwise I thought I'd have to buy one of the newer USB-equipped Model Ms. My guess is that those aren't as tank-like as the originals.

I need the proper "throw" and tactile feedback that the Model M provides. Using anything else makes me afraid I'm going to dislocate my fingers.

 

[MichaelE]

Yep, wonderful keyboards that are a dying breed.

I buy mine on e-Bay or clickykeyboard.com

 

[marnold]

It shipped today! I've got a tracking number and everything! Of course, it won't show up in UPS's tracking system until tomorrow. Now I'm all excited!

 

[marnold]

Yep, wonderful keyboards that are a dying breed.

I buy mine on e-Bay or clickykeyboard.com

Don't forget the "s" at the end of the url

That site's pretty cool! I might have to place an order because I need a ctrl and left arrow cover.

 

[guitartango]

Wow nice PC marnold, let us know how Slackware pans out?

 

[marnold]

According to UPS, it left Oak Creek this morning for Marinette which is the final stop before my house! I just have to make sure that I'm here on Monday to sign for it. The only bummer is with it being so cold out now, I'm going to have to wait a good long time until it gets up to room temperature before firing it up for the first time.

My Slackware 13 DVDs are ready to roll. I just hope that the new drive doesn't have any problems reading the ones my old one burned.

The first orders of business are:
1) Installing the OS
2) Upgrading to the newer KDE
3) Applying any updated packages as necessary
4) Getting my printer working

Once all that's done and I'm sure that I can do work, I can start to install the multilib stuff so that I can play games

 

[guitartango]

Once all that's done and I'm sure that I can do work, I can start to install the multilib stuff so that I can play games

I take it that you use Wine to install the games or Crossover ?

 

[marnold]

I take it that you use Wine to install the games or Crossover ?

Depends. I mainly use Cedega for Windows games, although I may try Crossover more if Cedega's development continues to be non-existent. I use Crossover for a couple of apps. A good chunk of the games I play are native binaries: Neverwinter Nights, DOOM3, the Quake series, etc.

 

[marnold]

Yeehaw! Here's my first official post from my new box! I ran into some self-inflicted problems, but basically so far, so good. I'm very tired though and need to go to bed. Tomorrow's my day off so there'll be some serious haX0ring.

 

[sunvalleylaw]

New computers are fun. Congrats!

 

[Monkus]

Congrats !!!

 

[marnold]

Well, everything seems good so far. I had a few PEBKAC-related moments. I've got everything on here so I can do work now. I haven't touched the multilib stuff so no games yet. It sure does seem to compile stuff quickly. The issues I've run into so far are mainly from being unfamiliar with the box itself and unfamiliar with the new KDE. I'm amazed at how quiet this thing is. My old box sounds like a turbo jet next to it.

 

[marnold]

Here's a gut shot. I'm pretty impressed with how they assembled it. You may notice (as I did after I took this picture) that the right memory module is not quite seated properly. I thought I fixed it, but I got some lockups yesterday. Last night I reseated the memory and the video card and it's been going fine since. I hope that's all it was. I ran memtest86 on the memory and it passed so if there is another lockup, I'll know one thing it isn't.

That's the only problem with a new box and a new OS. When there's a problem there are just too many variables.

I got the multilib stuff installed so I've gotten Doom3, NWN, and some Windows apps in Crossover working. I've got Audacity working so I'm going to have to try some recording. The cool thing is that this one has a headphone jack on the top front so I can record and listen through headphones now.

 

[Eric]

Cool. My computer has been behaving itself recently, but as I've been perusing computers here and there, I've started to wonder: what's the important stuff to have these days? USB 3.0? One of the Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors? What if you don't get one of those? What's a good version of yesterday's technology? Core 2 Duo? Core 2 Quad? How important is the motherboard, and how do you know what you're getting motherboard-wise?

How did you decide on all of your stuff?