On Jul 14, 11:09 pm, "Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote:
> NewEgg would be a winner, they are litterly out my back door.
>
> Now if I can just figure out how to configure a system for them to
> quote.
Lew - go to their website, and they literally have bundled kits ready
to go that provide just about anything and everything. With their
already aggressive pricing, this just makes it a bit sweeter if you
don't mind spending the time to put it together. Look at the bottom
right of this page:
http://www.newegg.com
I have bought the components for my last two computers there, and it
*seems* that they have better than the normal stuff at the discount
computer places around here. Plus, my experience is that they really
stand behind their products.
They have good prices on their finished boxes, too.
As for me, I split the difference. Although I don't mind working on
one, I didn't want to build it myself either as I would be spending an
entire day doing it. So I paid a friend of mine to build it for me at
the going rate of $100, including having him do all diagnostics on the
machine and print out reports. I got it from him, took it home,
hooked up the monitor, modem, mouse and speakers and off I went.
Remember, due to licensing agreements, these things aren't always what
they seem. If you buy a prebuilt machine, you will get some form of
Windows if it is a working box, even with no keyboard, monitor or
mouse.
But if you buy a kit or box of parts, you need to remember that you
will be buying your operating platform, so don't forget to figure that
into the price. For an apples to apples comparison.
DAMHIKT. Lessons learned.
Robert
Larry Blanchard <[email protected]> writes:
>On Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:05:54 -0700, Lew Hodgett wrote:
>
>> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>>
>> Need to find a new source.
>
>JDR Microdevices?
>
>http://www.jdr.com/
>
>I've seen better web sites, but call up and get a catalog. They're not
>in SoCal, but at least in CA (San Jose).
I've bought over a hundred custom systems from these guys (Santa Clara, Ca)
in the last 8 years. They're very good. I'm not sure if they do one-off's tho.
http://www.hdlfocus.com/hpc.html
#########
Go to Craiglist in you state/city.
Low prices and freebees
Smitty
########
On Jul 13, 6:05=A0pm, "Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>
> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>
> Need to find a new source.
>
> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>
> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>
> Lew
"m II" <[email protected]> writes:
>Classic moronic faker. You can't install the O/S in half an hour.
>
I beg to differ. In our lab, we use PXE to install the system, and
it gets installed with our hypervisor and control domain (a linux OS).
The BIOS is configured to boot from the network, our DHCP server points
the BIOS to a host configured with a /tftpboot directory containing the
install image for the O/S and the BIOS downloads the kernel and initial
RAMdisk image from the /tftpboot directory on the boot server and executes
it. From there, it's just like a standard CDROM install, except it uses
NFS to access the distribution over gigabit ethernet.
The entire install takes exactly 3 minutes and 15 seconds[*]. Trust me, I do
this dozens of times a day when testing changes to the hypervisor.
Interactive Windows may be a different story, but your claim that an O/S can't
be installed in 30 minutes is shown to be incorrect. For Windows, you
can Ghost an image in under 10 minutes from a golden master, and we
have a product called Power Cockpit that does unattended windows installs
over the network configuring the registry automatically per site template;
I don't recall how long a windows provision takes, but it is certainly much
less than 30 minutes.
An interactive redhat/centos 5.5 install takes about 16 minutes from CDROM,
depending on hard disk speed (15kRPM SCSI or SSD will install in less than 10 minutes).
scott
[*] 2 minutes 4 seconds when the system has SSD instead of rotating media.
On Jul 14, 8:28=A0am, "HeyBub" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Lew Hodgett wrote:
> > Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>
> > Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>
> > Need to find a new source.
>
> > A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>
> > Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>
> Check the Computer section of Craigslist.
>
> In my city, there are two or three guys who get TONS of computers back fr=
om
> lease, spiffy them up, and ship them to Nigeria by the pallet load. They
> will eagerly sell one to you.
>
> I've gotten three in the past six months, two Dell Inspirion desktops (fo=
r
> $65 each) and one HP laptop ($140). Happy with all of them.
>
> Aside:
> Ever wonder what happened to all the CRT monitors? One place I visited mu=
st
> have had over a thousand being crated up for shipment to Patagonia,
> Rhodesia, or some other third-world customer.
Makes sense. Ship all the inefficient monitors to countries with
underdeveloped power grids.
>> What did I pay,,, $1325. PC
>
> Not too awfully bad. His site didn't list any PCs in stock.
>
> --
I ordered mine from him on a Friday afternoon, he delivered on Monday
afternoon. He builds to his customers needs so he really does not keep
an inventory of assembled machines IIRC. He does not just buy parts and
assemble, he apparently knows which parts work best together.
I was sold on an i7 processor and he talked me out of it. Apparently
nothing that the average user would use would ever need an i7 processor
in the foreseeable future or as he put it, the life expectancy of the
machine.
It would have been significantly less expensive had I gone for a 1TB
primary hard drive instead of the 128GB Solid State drive.
I have really enjoyed the simplicity of having the OS and program files
on the SSD and my data files on the HD. No convoluted tree/directory to
track down a data file.
I use Quicken home and business and when I installed the program it
placed my data file on the SSD also. Launching the program was
instantaneous. As soon as I clocked or let go of the enter key the
program and file were on the screen. Now that I have moved the data
file to the HD it takes 2 seconds. Seems like an eternity. :~)
Component Details Subscore Base score
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500K CPU @ 3.30GHz 7.5 7.0
Determined by lowest subscore
Windows Experience Index on score 1.0 to 7.9
Memory (RAM) 8.00 GB 7.8
Graphics ATI Radeon HD 5670 7.0
Gaming graphics 4852 MB Total available graphics memory 7.0
Primary hard disk 64GB Free (119GB Total) 7.9
Windows 7 Professional
System
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manufacturer System manufacturer
Model System Product Name
Total amount of system memory 8.00 GB RAM
System type 64-bit operating system
Number of processor cores 4
Storage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total size of hard disk(s) 1517 GB
Disk partition (C:) 64 GB Free (119 GB Total)
Disk partition (D:) 878 GB Free (932 GB Total)
Media drive (E:) CD/DVD
Disk partition (J:) 226 GB Free (466 GB Total)
Media drive (L:) CD
Graphics
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Display adapter type ATI Radeon HD 5670
Total available graphics memory 4852 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 1024 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 3828 MB
Display adapter driver version 8.821.0.0
Primary monitor resolution 1920x1080
DirectX version DirectX 10
Network
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Network Adapter Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller
Network Adapter Bluetooth Device (Personal Area Network)
On Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:05:54 -0700, "Lew Hodgett"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>
>Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>
>Need to find a new source.
>
>A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>
>Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>
>Lew
>
Are you wanting to build a computer, or to find someone who can build
one for you?
If the latter, I have no advice for you. If the former, I have one
and only one suggestion, based on personal experience:
http://www.newegg.com/
Reply-to address is real
-- John
"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in news:4e1e6b23$0$19596
[email protected]:
> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>
> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>
> Need to find a new source.
>
> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>
> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>
> Lew
>
>
I ordered mine directly from Lenovo. Don't let them sell you anything
other than a Thinkpad, the ONLY system available with a decent keyboard.
(Toshiba had a good layout, but the keys are slicker than a properly
polished table saw top.)
Online, I usually check Newegg (newegg.com) and Computer Geeks (geeks.com
-- they usually have slightly older stuff).
Puckdropper
"Bill" wrote
>
> Disabling the CPU Smart Fan Control solved the problem. It took me over a
> week to isolate the problem/solution. It wasn't so hard to fix, but it
> was frustrating. I don't think Lew wants to put himself in that
> situation--obligated to learn computer repair. Maybe I'm wrong?
>
Reminds me of a story a friend told me of his navy days. He was an
electronics guy who maintained much of the ship board electronics, back in
the day when they had no replaceable boards. Everything had to be trouble
shot down to the bad component, which was then removed and replaced.
They were conducting some kind of fleet exercises. About twenty ships were
involved. The admiral was on board and this ship was the command ship.
Everything was going fine until some important piece of gear broke down.
The exercise had to stopped until it was repaired. He was called in to make
the necessary repairs. He quickly figured out which item broke down and got
out his manuals and started the laborious job of checking out the boards,
component by component, circuit by circuit. This was done in the presence
of the entire fleet command staff. And it was taking awhile. No quick
solution was happening.
His irritated commanding officer yelled at him, "How long is this going to
take?" He stood up, looked at him eye to eye, and yelled back at him,
"Fifteen minutes AFTER I FIND THE PROBLEM!" The red faced officer backed
off. Not a word or sound from the rest of the staff either.
I always remember that story. A lot of time a problem is easily solved. It
is just finding the damn thing to begin with! How many times have you
struggled to do something and it took and inordinate amount of time? And
the second time it was a breeze and happened easily and efficiently. the
first time was learnin' time. The second time was doin' time.
"Scott Lurndal" wrote:
> I picked up one of these the other day:
>
> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856173023&cm_re=zotac_zbox-_-56-173-023-_-Product
-----------------------------------
NewEgg would be a winner, they are litterly out my back door.
Now if I can just figure out how to configure a system for them to
quote.
Lew
"Han" wrote:
> Have you considered building it yourself/hisself?
-------------------------------
Have done that, but not this time around.
Just want to to spec a build list and have others do the work.
----------------------------------
> Next time for a desktop I'll do it myself, either using parts from
> Newegg,
> as last time,or from Microcenter.com (they have a store close by me,
> in
> Paterson, NJ. They also have stores in CA:
> <http://www.microcenter.com/at_the_stores/index.html>)
> Microcenter has good prices, knowledgeable people, at least around
> here.
MicroCenter is about 50 miles, NewEgg is in the neighborhood.
Lew
"Josepi" <[email protected]> wrote:
>Crap!
IAWTP... you ARE full of it.
Back to running three personas in the single
newsgroup are we dWeebTVer?
Get to behaving yourself
Gym Bob/Benji/Josepi/Janice
or I get busy.
You choose.
george
UPDATE:
The deed is done.
Thank you all for your inputs.
When I started this project, knew friend had a Toshiba lap top and was
very happy with it.
Turns out it was Micro Center located in Tustin, CA, that supplied it.
This was the same outfit suggested by Han based on his dealings with
their NJ operation.
So Micro Center got the order to build a puter.
Will pick it up this week end.
Once again, thanks for every bodies input.
Lew
On 7/13/2011 11:05 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>
> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>
> Need to find a new source.
>
> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>
> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>
> Lew
>
>
I have a neighbor that has a computer business. He just built me a new
one 8 weeks ago. I am very happy with it. i5 processor, 125 GB Solid
State primary drive, 1 TB data drive. 8 gig DDR5 memory, USB 3.0, 4
fans, etc. Win 7 pro. Boots up and ready to go with all my start up
programs, 11 of my own, in 30 seconds.
http://viper-computers.com/testimonials.html
On Jul 14, 12:05=A0am, "Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote:
First thought "Begin with the end in mind."
That is, define the needs the device is to meet. That allows you to
determine the hardware, operating system and software required. From
there,one can add RAM and storage option upgrades, video card
enhancements, etc. and so forth.
If you examine the files saved on your friend's old computer, that
will give you a good idea of what he/she uses the device for. Add to
that the current "wish list" ranked by importance/value to the
intended end-user.
If it turns out that an off the shelf Laptop will suffice, you'll have
the specs requisite to effectively putting out a "Request For
Proposals" or shopping pecs sheet.
Then go looking for suppliers and deals on price, quality, warranty,
service, etc.
Lew Hodgett wrote:
> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>
> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>
> Need to find a new source.
>
> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>
> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>
Check the Computer section of Craigslist.
In my city, there are two or three guys who get TONS of computers back from
lease, spiffy them up, and ship them to Nigeria by the pallet load. They
will eagerly sell one to you.
I've gotten three in the past six months, two Dell Inspirion desktops (for
$65 each) and one HP laptop ($140). Happy with all of them.
Aside:
Ever wonder what happened to all the CRT monitors? One place I visited must
have had over a thousand being crated up for shipment to Patagonia,
Rhodesia, or some other third-world customer.
On Jul 15, 11:57 am, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
> An "entire day" huh? I trust the people making comments like this are
> the same ones that walk into a woodworking store and buy a TS on the
> first visit. I almost hate to say it, and it may be difficult to
> believe, but I think a computer is at least as complicated as a TS and
> you can easily, even accidentally, devote as much time to choosing the
> components for one. For instance, try to answer the question, "Which
> SSD drive" should I choose? A year ago, there was a clear answer, but
> "marketing" will (try to) obscure your ability to find it.
Hmmm.... reading your posts, it does seem that you might have a bit of
a comprehension problem. I never said I picked out all components for
construction in a day. I never said that I checked parts for maximum
compatibility in a day. I never said I bought a case, fan, power
supply, video card, memory, in a day, nor any other part.
Having all carefully selected parts in front of me (last two computers
I labored over parts for a month), I can indeed get one together in an
eight hour period.
Might I
<I trust the people making comments like this are
> the same ones
that don't read and understand the written language? Ones that might
jump to conclusions based on their own arrogance?
With little doubt, I would say that anyone that did not select their
parts beforehand is an idiot. Was that your assumption, even though
it was never expressed, written, or alluded to in any way by me?
With all selected parts in hand, my computer guy can put a machine
together in a couple of hours, install the OS, and run all his
diagnostic software in a couple of more. He can have a new machine
out the door in 4 - 5 hours, but her prefers overnight self
diagnostics. He has done it for me and my business associates many,
many times as he does it all day long. The diagnostics run far longer
than the assembly time from him.
As I said, for me, it would take a full day (if all assembly went
right and there were no DOA parts.)
It appears, your mileage may vary.
Robert
"J. Clarke" <[email protected]> writes:
>In article <[email protected]>, frozenNorth123
>> IRQs, I/O addresses, DMA channels etc., now days, if it will fit, it
>> pretty much is guaranteed to work, not to say there is no research
>> involved, but the actual technical knowledge required is a lot less.
>
>But when it doesn't work it's a bear. In theory there are ways to
>override the automatic assignment of IRQs, I/O addressed, DMA channels,
>etc, and in theory there are now enough to go around anyway, but in
>practice every once in a while you get two boards sharing an IRQ or the
>like that just plain don't like each other, and getting them moved to
>different IRQs etc can be a royal pain. Used to be with 8-slot machines
>you could play musical boards until the problem went away. Now there
>aren't all that many slots and they aren't all ther same.
>
This hasn't really been a problem since 1995. Once PCI superceded
ISA/EISA/MCA as a bus architecture, and ACPI came along as a standard
mechanism for the BIOS to convey confguration information to the
operating system, hardware has truely become plug and play. PCI (& PCI-X)
only had 4 defined interrupts (per PCI bridge) orignally anyway; until
MSI and MSI-X came along. With PCIe (PCI-Express), multiple PCI root
complexes and MSI-X, there are effectively more physical interrupt vectors
available on the I/O side than the processor can handle (the x86 processors
are limited to 256 entries in the interrupt vector table).
That's not to say that particular operating systems (such as win2k or xp)
don't have driver conflict issues - but that's not a hardware problem.
scott
These days the CPUs are so fast and the drivers are actually written
properly to enable sharing or IRQs and DMA channels without crashing.
Most of the MoBos have more IRQs now anyway.
--------------
"J. Clarke" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
But when it doesn't work it's a bear. In theory there are ways to
override the automatic assignment of IRQs, I/O addressed, DMA channels,
etc, and in theory there are now enough to go around anyway, but in
practice every once in a while you get two boards sharing an IRQ or the
like that just plain don't like each other, and getting them moved to
different IRQs etc can be a royal pain. Used to be with 8-slot machines
you could play musical boards until the problem went away. Now there
aren't all that many slots and they aren't all ther same.
All sounds good except for one thing. By the time somebody posts a review of
the parts they assembled the MoBo has revisions made to it.
Most is pot luck but going by reputation of the labelled manufacturers is a
good idea for the best pot luck.
-----------------
"Bill" wrote in message news:[email protected]...
That's EXACTLY why is doesn't normally seem to work that way.
Computer forums are littered with "large and small annoying problems".
Lots of folks give there systems specs in detail at NewEgg (in their
product reviews) and in other forums. You might wish to consider
duplicating a successful system that appears consistent with your needs.
You'll still get all the excitement that comes with starting the
system the first time.
BTW, my dad gave me a "pick-up" tool alot like this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/24-inch-2-in-1-pickup-tool-94162.html
The end of mind doesn't have as much girth, but you get the idea. In my
mind, it's a must! :) You put a screw in its patented grip, and the
long handle permits you to start threading the screws holding the
mainboard to the case while you are eating a sandwich with your other
hand. In the remote (very) chance you drop a screw, the tools may help
you recover it. You said you've already built before so please excuse me
if this is redundant information.
Bill
In article <[email protected]>, frozenNorth123
@gm.nospam.ail.com says...
>
> On 7/15/11 12:57 PM, Bill wrote:
> >
> > An "entire day" huh? I trust the people making comments like this are
> > the same ones that walk into a woodworking store and buy a TS on the
> > first visit. I almost hate to say it, and it may be difficult to
> > believe, but I think a computer is at least as complicated as a TS and
> > you can easily, even accidentally, devote as much time to choosing the
> > components for one. For instance, try to answer the question, "Which SSD
> > drive" should I choose? A year ago, there was a clear answer, but
> > "marketing" will (try to) obscure your ability to find it.
> >
> > After choosing an SSD (or HDD) you can play the same game with "Which
> > graphics card?". You should probably choose your platform and MB before
> > you choose your SSD or HDD. It's sort of a circular process, with your
> > applications leading the way, and some choices dependent on others
> > (consider various HDD interfaces available).
> >
> > Not all graphics cards fit in all cases, but I also expect that no one
> > here is afraid to cut sheet metal. Anyone can build a computer and it's
> > getting easier every year, it seems. I'm just sayin'.
> >
> > I blew the $10 on an anti-static mat, and in the wintertime I left a pot
> > of water on the stove to create humidity while I installed the
> > components, but that's just me. In California the steam is probably
> > unnecessary.
> >
> > Bill
> >
> I worked for a "grey" market computer dealer back in the mid to late
> eighties
> and have built literally hundreds if not thousands of machines. Back
> then between the proprietary parts in Compaqs, microchannel stuff in the
> IBM boxes, and just the odd assortment of stuff built into the clones
> you had to know what you were doing, just to get it to work.
>
> IRQs, I/O addresses, DMA channels etc., now days, if it will fit, it
> pretty much is guaranteed to work, not to say there is no research
> involved, but the actual technical knowledge required is a lot less.
But when it doesn't work it's a bear. In theory there are ways to
override the automatic assignment of IRQs, I/O addressed, DMA channels,
etc, and in theory there are now enough to go around anyway, but in
practice every once in a while you get two boards sharing an IRQ or the
like that just plain don't like each other, and getting them moved to
different IRQs etc can be a royal pain. Used to be with 8-slot machines
you could play musical boards until the problem went away. Now there
aren't all that many slots and they aren't all ther same.
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
>
> These days the CPUs are so fast and the drivers are actually written
> properly to enable sharing or IRQs and DMA channels without crashing.
Except when they don't.
> Most of the MoBos have more IRQs now anyway.
Which doesn't mean that the automatic assignment actually uses them.
>
> --------------
> "J. Clarke" wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> But when it doesn't work it's a bear. In theory there are ways to
> override the automatic assignment of IRQs, I/O addressed, DMA channels,
> etc, and in theory there are now enough to go around anyway, but in
> practice every once in a while you get two boards sharing an IRQ or the
> like that just plain don't like each other, and getting them moved to
> different IRQs etc can be a royal pain. Used to be with 8-slot machines
> you could play musical boards until the problem went away. Now there
> aren't all that many slots and they aren't all ther same.
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
>
> [email protected] wrote:
>
> > Having all carefully selected parts in front of me (last two computers
> > I labored over parts for a month), I can indeed get one together in an
> > eight hour period.
>
>
> Gosh, I hope so. Like you said when you were being a jerk, that's not
> the time-consuming part.
Christ, my students used to be able to tear one down and reassemble it
in 4 hours.
In article <[email protected]>, lcb11211
@swbelldotnet says...
>
> On 7/17/2011 4:48 PM, Eric wrote:
> >
> >
> > "Scott Lurndal" wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> >
> > "J. Clarke" <[email protected]> writes:
> >> In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
> >>>
> >>> [email protected] wrote:
> >>>
> >>> > Having all carefully selected parts in front of me (last two computers
> >>> > I labored over parts for a month), I can indeed get one together in an
> >>> > eight hour period.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Gosh, I hope so. Like you said when you were being a jerk, that's not
> >>> the time-consuming part.
> >>
> >> Christ, my students used to be able to tear one down and reassemble it
> >> in 4 hours.
> >>
> >
> > My lab guy routinely does it in 30 minutes. 15 minutes to swap out a
> > power supply, mobo or processor. 5 minutes to swap out dimms (most of that
> > removing/attaching cables so the system will slide out of the rack). There
> > are currently about 300 1U and 2U boxes in the lab (all servers);
> > including one
> > that has 192 cores, 1 TB DRAM and 100TB disk.
>
> I believe you just won the pissing contest.
Half an hour sounds about right for an experienced builder.
Larry Jaques <[email protected]> writes:
>On Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:09:48 -0500, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>wrote:
>
>>On 7/14/2011 7:37 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
>>> On Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:39:46 -0500, Leon<lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 7/13/2011 11:05 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
>>>>> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>>>>>
>>>>> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>>>>>
>>>>> Need to find a new source.
>>>>>
>>>>> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>>>>>
>>>>> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>>>>>
>>>>> Lew
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I have a neighbor that has a computer business. He just built me a new
>>>> one 8 weeks ago. I am very happy with it. i5 processor, 125 GB Solid
>>>> State primary drive, 1 TB data drive. 8 gig DDR5 memory, USB 3.0, 4
>>>> fans, etc. Win 7 pro. Boots up and ready to go with all my start up
>>>> programs, 11 of my own, in 30 seconds.
>>>
>>> Holy Shit, Maynard! What'd you pay for that beast?
>>>
>>> It's a Macbook?
>>
>>Also running at 3.3GHz plus it has a turbo boost but I never use it.
>>
>>What did I pay,,, $1325. PC
>
>Not too awfully bad. His site didn't list any PCs in stock.
>
I picked up one of these the other day:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856173023&cm_re=zotac_zbox-_-56-173-023-_-Product
dual core, 64-bit, GPU on cpu die (AMD Fusion), HDMI, SATA 6Mb/s, 1Ge, USB 3.0
pulls 11 watts idle; 18 under load[*]. Supports virtualization (I'm running 2 web servers
and a mail server, all in individual virtual machines).
Price can't be beat. Should be sufficient for most home surfing/word processing
and media center applications.
scott
[*] Measured at the 120v wall plug.
Crap! I am in Canada and ordered two 2TB external harddrives for my kids on
the week of last Christmas last year. I ordered them on Monday and they
arrived on Wednesday, two days later, and three days before Christmas!
The price was slightly more than half the staples prices (I bought one
locally just in case the timing didn't work out), the quality of the brand
was better (had sleep modes and lower power) and I took the one back to
Staples and got almost the same amount refunded as the two from NewEgg.ca.
They shipped the units from New Jersey somewhere, cleared customs and was at
my door in under two days! Online I could track them and was informed of the
delivery time within an hour of stated ETA. I have always been impressed
with these guys. Their website has lots of feedback ratings and warranty
coverage stories where they have stood behind their products. Their tech
help has been available in the past for "tweaking" hardware and software to
make it work when I called, also.
------------
"Eric" wrote in message news:[email protected]...
Newegg.com
The prices are good,you can choose your parts individually and they will be
there the next day.
--
Eric
What system would he use to build his ghost image? It would take him a day
to create a temporary system to make the ghost image, then he would have to
tear it apart and send it back to the seller.
None of that applies to a unique one of a kind, stand alone user system
build, as the faker was referring to.
I used to use O/S systems that fit on a FDD too. Over 100K was big then.
Once Linux grows up it will compete with the User system O/Ses. Until then
mark it with a Red Hat, Alberta symbol and keep it for control systems and
servers that don't like Users, expecting the O/S to work for them instead of
them adapting to the O/S.
LOL
--------------------
"Scott Lurndal" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
I beg to differ. In our lab, we use PXE to install the system, and
it gets installed with our hypervisor and control domain (a linux OS).
The BIOS is configured to boot from the network, our DHCP server points
the BIOS to a host configured with a /tftpboot directory containing the
install image for the O/S and the BIOS downloads the kernel and initial
RAMdisk image from the /tftpboot directory on the boot server and executes
it. From there, it's just like a standard CDROM install, except it uses
NFS to access the distribution over gigabit ethernet.
The entire install takes exactly 3 minutes and 15 seconds[*]. Trust me, I
do
this dozens of times a day when testing changes to the hypervisor.
Interactive Windows may be a different story, but your claim that an O/S
can't
be installed in 30 minutes is shown to be incorrect. For Windows, you
can Ghost an image in under 10 minutes from a golden master, and we
have a product called Power Cockpit that does unattended windows installs
over the network configuring the registry automatically per site template;
I don't recall how long a windows provision takes, but it is certainly much
less than 30 minutes.
An interactive redhat/centos 5.5 install takes about 16 minutes from CDROM,
depending on hard disk speed (15kRPM SCSI or SSD will install in less than
10 minutes).
scott
[*] 2 minutes 4 seconds when the system has SSD instead of rotating media.
On 7/17/2011 4:48 PM, Eric wrote:
>
>
> "Scott Lurndal" wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
> "J. Clarke" <[email protected]> writes:
>> In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
>>>
>>> [email protected] wrote:
>>>
>>> > Having all carefully selected parts in front of me (last two computers
>>> > I labored over parts for a month), I can indeed get one together in an
>>> > eight hour period.
>>>
>>>
>>> Gosh, I hope so. Like you said when you were being a jerk, that's not
>>> the time-consuming part.
>>
>> Christ, my students used to be able to tear one down and reassemble it
>> in 4 hours.
>>
>
> My lab guy routinely does it in 30 minutes. 15 minutes to swap out a
> power supply, mobo or processor. 5 minutes to swap out dimms (most of that
> removing/attaching cables so the system will slide out of the rack). There
> are currently about 300 1U and 2U boxes in the lab (all servers);
> including one
> that has 192 cores, 1 TB DRAM and 100TB disk.
I believe you just won the pissing contest.
"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in news:4e1e6b23$0$19596
[email protected]:
> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>
> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>
> Need to find a new source.
>
> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>
> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>
> Lew
Have you considered building it yourself/hisself?
Next time for a desktop I'll do it myself, either using parts from Newegg,
as last time,or from Microcenter.com (they have a store close by me, in
Paterson, NJ. They also have stores in CA:
<http://www.microcenter.com/at_the_stores/index.html>)
Microcenter has good prices, knowledgeable people, at least around here.
"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in news:4e1e6b23$0$19596
[email protected]:
> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>
> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>
> Need to find a new source.
>
> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>
> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>
> Lew
>
>
Lew,
Check out these guys. In San Diego but they ship everywhere. I have had
very good luck with them over the years.
http://www.thechipmerchant.com/store/
Good Luck,
Steve
"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in news:4e41ea77$0$32188
[email protected]:
> UPDATE:
>
> The deed is done.
>
> Thank you all for your inputs.
>
> When I started this project, knew friend had a Toshiba lap top and was
> very happy with it.
>
> Turns out it was Micro Center located in Tustin, CA, that supplied it.
>
> This was the same outfit suggested by Han based on his dealings with
> their NJ operation.
>
> So Micro Center got the order to build a puter.
>
> Will pick it up this week end.
>
> Once again, thanks for every bodies input.
>
> Lew
I just bought an ASUS X53E laptop there, with the extended warrantee. I
put at least 3 full days in installing all kinds of software and tweaks.
Then I noticed the funny light spots on the screen, and soon they became
really distracting. SO I brought the machine back and exchanged it
(everyone agreed there was a screen defect). While there I swapped the
hard drives, so the software I had (partly) purchased for the first
machine now resided on the replacement. Didn't want to spend days
reinstalling again. That worked almost flawlessly. The only software
that protested being in a different box was Perfect Update (driver
updates), but I got a new license key for it from the nice folks at Raxco
after explaining what I had done. Now I wish I could get the SD card
reader to work ...
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> On 8/10/2011 6:30 AM, Han wrote:
>> "Lew Hodgett"<[email protected]> wrote in news:4e41ea77$0$32188
>> [email protected]:
>>
>>> UPDATE:
>>>
>>> The deed is done.
>>>
>>> Thank you all for your inputs.
>>>
>>> When I started this project, knew friend had a Toshiba lap top and
>>> was very happy with it.
>>>
>>> Turns out it was Micro Center located in Tustin, CA, that supplied
>>> it.
>>>
>>> This was the same outfit suggested by Han based on his dealings with
>>> their NJ operation.
>>>
>>> So Micro Center got the order to build a puter.
>>>
>>> Will pick it up this week end.
>>>
>>> Once again, thanks for every bodies input.
>>>
>>> Lew
>>
>> I just bought an ASUS X53E laptop there, with the extended warrantee.
>> I put at least 3 full days in installing all kinds of software and
>> tweaks. Then I noticed the funny light spots on the screen, and soon
>> they became really distracting. SO I brought the machine back and
>> exchanged it (everyone agreed there was a screen defect). While
>> there I swapped the hard drives, so the software I had (partly)
>> purchased for the first machine now resided on the replacement.
>> Didn't want to spend days reinstalling again. That worked almost
>> flawlessly. The only software that protested being in a different
>> box was Perfect Update (driver updates), but I got a new license key
>> for it from the nice folks at Raxco after explaining what I had done.
>> Now I wish I could get the SD card reader to work ...
>>
>>
> Obviously and or hopefully a setting change isall that is required.
> When I got my new desk top a few months ago the DVD player would not
> work, not recognized was the reason. Odd since this is how the builder
> installed the OS. I went into properties and the DVD was set up to
> act as something else, virtual HD IIRC.. Changing to DVD player/burner
> solved the problem. I am probably totally off base here but similar
> problem.
Whatever it was, it now works.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
"J. Clarke" <[email protected]> writes:
>In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
>>
>> [email protected] wrote:
>>
>> > Having all carefully selected parts in front of me (last two computers
>> > I labored over parts for a month), I can indeed get one together in an
>> > eight hour period.
>>
>>
>> Gosh, I hope so. Like you said when you were being a jerk, that's not
>> the time-consuming part.
>
>Christ, my students used to be able to tear one down and reassemble it
>in 4 hours.
>
My lab guy routinely does it in 30 minutes. 15 minutes to swap out a
power supply, mobo or processor. 5 minutes to swap out dimms (most of that
removing/attaching cables so the system will slide out of the rack). There
are currently about 300 1U and 2U boxes in the lab (all servers); including one
that has 192 cores, 1 TB DRAM and 100TB disk.
But he's been building mainframes, large MPP machines, small unix boxes,
servers and PC's for 30 years.
scott
wrote in message news:[email protected]...
>>When my top-of-the-line Dell died recently I discovered it would cost
>>twice
>>as much to replace the motherboard as it should have, so I had a local
>>shop
>>build a new computer that ran circles around the Dell for half what the
>>Dell
>>had cost me.
> " Dell from Hell"
DELL -- Doesn't Ever Last Long
They wanted about four hundred and sixty bucks for a new motherboard (and it
would probably have been a refurb). Hell, they wanted sixty bucks just to
talk to a service tech on the phone to figure out what was wrong. It's the
only PC I've ever owned that died due to a parts failure that I couldn't
fix, it was their top-of-the-line model too. I'll never buy another DELL.
Classic moronic faker. You can't install the O/S in half an hour.
Crikey! My mom could lick your dad with his hands tied behind his back and
a blindfold on.
------------
"J. Clarke" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
Half an hour sounds about right for an experienced builder.
On 8/10/2011 6:30 AM, Han wrote:
> "Lew Hodgett"<[email protected]> wrote in news:4e41ea77$0$32188
> [email protected]:
>
>> UPDATE:
>>
>> The deed is done.
>>
>> Thank you all for your inputs.
>>
>> When I started this project, knew friend had a Toshiba lap top and was
>> very happy with it.
>>
>> Turns out it was Micro Center located in Tustin, CA, that supplied it.
>>
>> This was the same outfit suggested by Han based on his dealings with
>> their NJ operation.
>>
>> So Micro Center got the order to build a puter.
>>
>> Will pick it up this week end.
>>
>> Once again, thanks for every bodies input.
>>
>> Lew
>
> I just bought an ASUS X53E laptop there, with the extended warrantee. I
> put at least 3 full days in installing all kinds of software and tweaks.
> Then I noticed the funny light spots on the screen, and soon they became
> really distracting. SO I brought the machine back and exchanged it
> (everyone agreed there was a screen defect). While there I swapped the
> hard drives, so the software I had (partly) purchased for the first
> machine now resided on the replacement. Didn't want to spend days
> reinstalling again. That worked almost flawlessly. The only software
> that protested being in a different box was Perfect Update (driver
> updates), but I got a new license key for it from the nice folks at Raxco
> after explaining what I had done. Now I wish I could get the SD card
> reader to work ...
>
>
Obviously and or hopefully a setting change isall that is required.
When I got my new desk top a few months ago the DVD player would not
work, not recognized was the reason. Odd since this is how the builder
installed the OS. I went into properties and the DVD was set up to act
as something else, virtual HD IIRC.. Changing to DVD player/burner
solved the problem. I am probably totally off base here but similar
problem.
On Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:09:48 -0500, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
wrote:
>On 7/14/2011 7:37 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
>> On Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:39:46 -0500, Leon<lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On 7/13/2011 11:05 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
>>>> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>>>>
>>>> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>>>>
>>>> Need to find a new source.
>>>>
>>>> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>>>>
>>>> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>>>>
>>>> Lew
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> I have a neighbor that has a computer business. He just built me a new
>>> one 8 weeks ago. I am very happy with it. i5 processor, 125 GB Solid
>>> State primary drive, 1 TB data drive. 8 gig DDR5 memory, USB 3.0, 4
>>> fans, etc. Win 7 pro. Boots up and ready to go with all my start up
>>> programs, 11 of my own, in 30 seconds.
>>
>> Holy Shit, Maynard! What'd you pay for that beast?
>>
>> It's a Macbook?
>
>Also running at 3.3GHz plus it has a turbo boost but I never use it.
>
>What did I pay,,, $1325. PC
Not too awfully bad. His site didn't list any PCs in stock.
--
Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace.
-- Robert J. Sawyer
On Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:43:08 -0700, "DGDevin"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>"k-nuttle" wrote in message news:[email protected]...
>
>> Have you considered the online sites of the major computer dealers like
>> HP, or your favorite brand?
>
>Which often means you pay too much and get proprietary software you don't
>need or want and proprietary hardware that is expensive to fix.
>
>When my top-of-the-line Dell died recently I discovered it would cost twice
>as much to replace the motherboard as it should have, so I had a local shop
>build a new computer that ran circles around the Dell for half what the Dell
>had cost me.
" Dell from Hell"
On 7/14/2011 3:45 AM, Steve wrote:
> "Lew Hodgett"<[email protected]> wrote in news:4e1e6b23$0$19596
> [email protected]:
>
>> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>>
>> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>>
>> Need to find a new source.
>>
>> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>>
>> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>>
>> Lew
>>
>>
>
> Lew,
>
> Check out these guys. In San Diego but they ship everywhere. I have had
> very good luck with them over the years.
>
> http://www.thechipmerchant.com/store/
>
> Good Luck,
> Steve
Have you considered the online sites of the major computer dealers like
HP, or your favorite brand?
What about the nationwide office supply stores like
http://www.staples.com/
The online sellers
http://www.buy.com/
Finally I believe Frys is in Southern California, but I know it is online.
http://www.frys.com/
I have bought things from each of the above and been quite satisfied.
Lew Hodgett wrote:
> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>
> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>
> Need to find a new source.
>
> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>
> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>
> Lew
Are you or friend willing to spend an hour or so putting a mobo in the box
and plugging stuff into the mobo? Probably no monetary saving but it is an
easy task and one winds up with exactly what one wants. The hardest part is
just *deciding* what is wanted.
If you should ever go that route, get a case that is large enough to work in
and with good ventilation. Lian Li and Altec are two that make nice cases.
For electronic parts, Newegg and Tiger Direct have a wide assortment but
check online for other better (?) prices. For RAM, hard to beat Crucial. A
couple of years ago, Western Digital Caviar Black drives were about the best
you could get, things may have changed but even if so they are excellent
drives with a 5 year guarantee.
What is needed is...
case
power supply if not bundled w/case
mobo
cpu (I like Athlon Phenom 2, maybe something better now)
hard drive (get SATA)
RAM
CD/DVD drive
monitor
OS (use the one he/she now has)
It is doubtful that either a sound or video card would be needed as those on
the mobo are quite good now,
--
dadiOH
____________________________
dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
...a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico
dadiOH wrote:
> Lew Hodgett wrote:
>> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>>
>> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>>
>> Need to find a new source.
>>
>> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>>
>> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>>
>> Lew
>
> Are you or friend willing to spend an hour or so putting a mobo in the box
> and plugging stuff into the mobo? Probably no monetary saving but it is an
> easy task and one winds up with exactly what one wants. The hardest part is
> just *deciding* what is wanted.
Yes, and then deciding what sort of memory the motherboard likes too.
One needs to read a motherboard manual or two, or three. Not only that,
one has to do his or her homework on CPU/motherboard compatibility (it's
not one-size fits all). Then one needs to made sure he or she has an
adequate power supply, especially considering the video card they have
chosen. And you can't assume that you'll be done after you put
everything together--that seems to never happen. Something in the BIOS
will need to be tinkered with--but what? This is not a task for
someone who just wants a computer--they are surely better buying a
pre-assembled system from Dell, or similar. They even come with a
warranty. At the low-end, I think they will even save money.
I built a system a year ago for about $1250 (not including keyboard,
monitor or a separate drive for backup). I don't think I saved any money
but I got what I wanted: a *quiet* (Intel) I7 system. It has a specially
designed (noise insulated) case, no loud fans (none on the Gigabyte
9800GT graphics card), a SSD (solid-state drive) instead of a hard disk
drive (this was months before these were available on prebuilt systems),
on which I installed Windows7 Professional (OEM). One won't find this
configuration in a retail store. Also, it has a fairly high-end Corsair
power supply. You'll never see that on a unit in a retail store--simply
because there's not enough glitz to it. Its quality the typical shopper
won't value enough. I use my systems for a few years before my wife
uses them for a few years. So I think this sort of quality is a
reasonable investment. She doesn't "push" a computer, and is not even
willing to learn how to blow the dust out of it--let alone do a
backup..lol. She's was very pleased with her last upgrade.
I just outlined at least a $300 computer design for you Lew. I can
print out a detailed order form of materials from NewEgg for you if you
like. I forget your estimated value of the first lighting design you
did for me. Maybe I'm underestimating the value of my experience..lol
: ) I can tell you just what you need to change in the BIOS so that
the mouse doesn't make annoying noises when you move it. It's the
automatic CPU fan speed monitor/adjustor (set it to "always on"). it
took me at least a week to figure that one out... Choose your battles...
Bill
>
> If you should ever go that route, get a case that is large enough to work in
> and with good ventilation. Lian Li and Altec are two that make nice cases.
>
> For electronic parts, Newegg and Tiger Direct have a wide assortment but
> check online for other better (?) prices. For RAM, hard to beat Crucial. A
> couple of years ago, Western Digital Caviar Black drives were about the best
> you could get, things may have changed but even if so they are excellent
> drives with a 5 year guarantee.
>
> What is needed is...
> case
> power supply if not bundled w/case
> mobo
> cpu (I like Athlon Phenom 2, maybe something better now)
> hard drive (get SATA)
> RAM
> CD/DVD drive
> monitor
> OS (use the one he/she now has)
>
> It is doubtful that either a sound or video card would be needed as those on
> the mobo are quite good now,
>
dadiOH wrote:
> For electronic parts, Newegg and Tiger Direct have a wide assortment
> but check online for other better (?) prices. For RAM, hard to beat
> Crucial. A couple of years ago, Western Digital Caviar Black drives
> were about the best you could get, things may have changed but even
> if so they are excellent drives with a 5 year guarantee.
Pricewatch is essential for locating the best prices on components.
http://www.pricewatch.com/
On Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:05:54 -0700, Lew Hodgett wrote:
> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>
> Need to find a new source.
JDR Microdevices?
http://www.jdr.com/
I've seen better web sites, but call up and get a catalog. They're not
in SoCal, but at least in CA (San Jose).
--
Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw
Bill wrote:
> dadiOH wrote:
>> Lew Hodgett wrote:
>>> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>>>
>>> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>>>
>>> Need to find a new source.
>>>
>>> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>>>
>>> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>>>
>>> Lew
>>
>> Are you or friend willing to spend an hour or so putting a mobo in
>> the box and plugging stuff into the mobo? Probably no monetary
>> saving but it is an easy task and one winds up with exactly what one
>> wants. The hardest part is just *deciding* what is wanted.
>
> Yes, and then deciding what sort of memory the motherboard likes too.
> One needs to read a motherboard manual or two, or three. Not only
> that, one has to do his or her homework on CPU/motherboard
> compatibility (it's not one-size fits all). Then one needs to made
> sure he or she has an adequate power supply, especially considering
> the video card they have chosen. And you can't assume that you'll be
> done after you put everything together--that seems to never happen.
> Something in the BIOS will need to be tinkered with--but what? This
> is not a task for someone who just wants a computer--they are surely
> better buying a pre-assembled system from Dell, or similar. They
> even come with a warranty. At the low-end, I think they will even
> save money.
Oh, it's not *that* hard :)
1. Choose CPU, it determines mobo socket. Yes, there are a pile of CPUs
available but for the casual, non-power user it doesn't really make that
much difference among those in a given price range.
2. Tell Crucial what mobo you have and it will tell you what RAM
3. PSU is important but for run of the mill computers 450W is going to be
more than adequate.
4. Assuming a non-junk mobo, the onboard sound and video are perfectly fine
for most users (audiophiles and gamers excepted).
_____________________
>> ) I can tell you just what you need to change in the BIOS so that
> the mouse doesn't make annoying noises when you move it.
I've only had about 5 computers but I've never had one that made noise when
the mouse moved.
______________________
> It's the automatic CPU fan speed monitor/adjustor (set it to "always
> on"). it
> took me at least a week to figure that one out... Choose your
> battles...
It didn't mention it in the manual? :)
--
dadiOH
____________________________
dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
...a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico
dadiOH wrote:
_____________________
>
>>> ) I can tell you just what you need to change in the BIOS so that
>> the mouse doesn't make annoying noises when you move it.
>
> I've only had about 5 computers but I've never had one that made noise when
> the mouse moved.
Going from a relatively passive state, the movement of the mouse
throttled the CPU Speed and/or CPU fan speed and the on board audio
amplified the electronic waves involved in the dynamics of the process.
A just looked in up in my Gigabyte motherboard manual: It's called
the "CPU Smart Fan Control".
When that happens every couple minutes it gets really annoying
(especially after going out of your way to build a *quiet* system).
Disabling the CPU Smart Fan Control solved the problem. It took me over
a week to isolate the problem/solution. It wasn't so hard to fix, but
it was frustrating. I don't think Lew wants to put himself in that
situation--obligated to learn computer repair. Maybe I'm wrong?
Bill
"Lew Hodgett" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
Need to order a new puter for a friend.
Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
Need to find a new source.
A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
Anybody have a source they would care to share?
Lew
======================
Newegg.com
The prices are good,you can choose your parts individually and they will be
there the next day.
--
Eric
Lew Hodgett wrote:
> "Scott Lurndal" wrote:
>
>> I picked up one of these the other day:
>>
>> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856173023&cm_re=zotac_zbox-_-56-173-023-_-Product
>
> -----------------------------------
> NewEgg would be a winner, they are litterly out my back door.
>
> Now if I can just figure out how to configure a system for them to
> quote.
>
> Lew
The website tomshardware.com has lots of information for someone
building a computer. Newegg has helpful customer reviews of components.
Start counting the hours now... Have fun!
Bill
[email protected] wrote:
> On Jul 14, 11:09 pm, "Lew Hodgett"<[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> NewEgg would be a winner, they are litterly out my back door.
>>
>> Now if I can just figure out how to configure a system for them to
>> quote.
>
> Lew - go to their website, and they literally have bundled kits ready
> to go that provide just about anything and everything. With their
> already aggressive pricing, this just makes it a bit sweeter if you
> don't mind spending the time to put it together. Look at the bottom
> right of this page:
>
> http://www.newegg.com
>
> I have bought the components for my last two computers there, and it
> *seems* that they have better than the normal stuff at the discount
> computer places around here. Plus, my experience is that they really
> stand behind their products.
>
> They have good prices on their finished boxes, too.
>
> As for me, I split the difference. Although I don't mind working on
> one, I didn't want to build it myself either as I would be spending an
> entire day doing it.
An "entire day" huh? I trust the people making comments like this are
the same ones that walk into a woodworking store and buy a TS on the
first visit. I almost hate to say it, and it may be difficult to
believe, but I think a computer is at least as complicated as a TS and
you can easily, even accidentally, devote as much time to choosing the
components for one. For instance, try to answer the question, "Which
SSD drive" should I choose? A year ago, there was a clear answer, but
"marketing" will (try to) obscure your ability to find it.
After choosing an SSD (or HDD) you can play the same game with "Which
graphics card?". You should probably choose your platform and MB before
you choose your SSD or HDD. It's sort of a circular process, with your
applications leading the way, and some choices dependent on others
(consider various HDD interfaces available).
Not all graphics cards fit in all cases, but I also expect that no one
here is afraid to cut sheet metal. Anyone can build a computer and it's
getting easier every year, it seems. I'm just sayin'.
I blew the $10 on an anti-static mat, and in the wintertime I left a pot
of water on the stove to create humidity while I installed the
components, but that's just me. In California the steam is probably
unnecessary.
Bill
So I paid a friend of mine to build it for me at
> the going rate of $100, including having him do all diagnostics on the
> machine and print out reports. I got it from him, took it home,
> hooked up the monitor, modem, mouse and speakers and off I went.
>
> Remember, due to licensing agreements, these things aren't always what
> they seem. If you buy a prebuilt machine, you will get some form of
> Windows if it is a working box, even with no keyboard, monitor or
> mouse.
>
> But if you buy a kit or box of parts, you need to remember that you
> will be buying your operating platform, so don't forget to figure that
> into the price. For an apples to apples comparison.
>
> DAMHIKT. Lessons learned.
>
> Robert
>
On 7/15/11 12:57 PM, Bill wrote:
>
> An "entire day" huh? I trust the people making comments like this are
> the same ones that walk into a woodworking store and buy a TS on the
> first visit. I almost hate to say it, and it may be difficult to
> believe, but I think a computer is at least as complicated as a TS and
> you can easily, even accidentally, devote as much time to choosing the
> components for one. For instance, try to answer the question, "Which SSD
> drive" should I choose? A year ago, there was a clear answer, but
> "marketing" will (try to) obscure your ability to find it.
>
> After choosing an SSD (or HDD) you can play the same game with "Which
> graphics card?". You should probably choose your platform and MB before
> you choose your SSD or HDD. It's sort of a circular process, with your
> applications leading the way, and some choices dependent on others
> (consider various HDD interfaces available).
>
> Not all graphics cards fit in all cases, but I also expect that no one
> here is afraid to cut sheet metal. Anyone can build a computer and it's
> getting easier every year, it seems. I'm just sayin'.
>
> I blew the $10 on an anti-static mat, and in the wintertime I left a pot
> of water on the stove to create humidity while I installed the
> components, but that's just me. In California the steam is probably
> unnecessary.
>
> Bill
>
I worked for a "grey" market computer dealer back in the mid to late
eighties
and have built literally hundreds if not thousands of machines. Back
then between the proprietary parts in Compaqs, microchannel stuff in the
IBM boxes, and just the odd assortment of stuff built into the clones
you had to know what you were doing, just to get it to work.
IRQs, I/O addresses, DMA channels etc., now days, if it will fit, it
pretty much is guaranteed to work, not to say there is no research
involved, but the actual technical knowledge required is a lot less.
--
Froz...
The system will be down for 10 days for preventive maintenance.
FrozenNorth wrote:
> I worked for a "grey" market computer dealer back in the mid to late
> eighties
> and have built literally hundreds if not thousands of machines. Back
> then between the proprietary parts in Compaqs, microchannel stuff in the
> IBM boxes, and just the odd assortment of stuff built into the clones
> you had to know what you were doing, just to get it to work.
>
> IRQs, I/O addresses, DMA channels etc., now days, if it will fit, it
> pretty much is guaranteed to work, not to say there is no research
> involved, but the actual technical knowledge required is a lot less.
Yes, I was around computers during those time too. Sun and DEC were
kings of a sort. I've only built 4 systems, but "Guaranteed to work" is
not a suitable standard for a computer for me. I would want to know:
- The manufacturer and rating of the power supply (PSU)
- How well does it run OpenGL (I like SketchUp)
- I need all the processing power I can justify with respect to cost
(to run programs most people don't have or need).
- Is is 64 bit compatible, which OS am I getting (pro?)
- How much noise (db) does each component make, how well does the case
insulate noise (best do your own homework).
"Guaranteed to work" doesn't consider any of the above. Let's not even
get into "monitors" or "mouses" and keyboards--I am sort of particular
about them. I'm currently quite pleased with Dell's "Ultrasharp". I'm
not adequately familiar with the current model/version to comment. I
really, really like MS Natural (shaped) keyboard.
Yes Froze, I agree. Almost anyone can build a computer without knowing
about a single thing I wrote about above, and feel justly proud of the
accomplishment. And I'm sure it will work fine.
Consider Levels 0-5 of drywall finishing. Sometimes level 3 is good
enough. However, in general, I prefer the following quotation: "Good
enough is seldom good enough".
I wonder how much time manufacturers spend sharpening those drill bits
that they sell 160 for $40? I wonder how much time Fry's spends
threading wires through the case to ensure good air flow? I don't know
the answers to either question, but the kid would probably be on break
before I was finished.
Bill
[email protected] wrote:
> On Jul 15, 11:57 am, Bill<[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> An "entire day" huh? I trust the people making comments like this are
>> the same ones that walk into a woodworking store and buy a TS on the
>> first visit. I almost hate to say it, and it may be difficult to
>> believe, but I think a computer is at least as complicated as a TS and
>> you can easily, even accidentally, devote as much time to choosing the
>> components for one. For instance, try to answer the question, "Which
>> SSD drive" should I choose? A year ago, there was a clear answer, but
>> "marketing" will (try to) obscure your ability to find it.
>
> Hmmm.... reading your posts, it does seem that you might have a bit of
> a comprehension problem. I never said I picked out all components for
> construction in a day. I never said that I checked parts for maximum
> compatibility in a day. I never said I bought a case, fan, power
> supply, video card, memory, in a day, nor any other part.
>
> Having all carefully selected parts in front of me (last two computers
> I labored over parts for a month), I can indeed get one together in an
> eight hour period.
>
> Might I
>
> <I trust the people making comments like this are
>> the same ones
>
> that don't read and understand the written language? Ones that might
> jump to conclusions based on their own arrogance?
>
> With little doubt, I would say that anyone that did not select their
> parts beforehand is an idiot. Was that your assumption, even though
> it was never expressed, written, or alluded to in any way by me?
>
> With all selected parts in hand, my computer guy can put a machine
> together in a couple of hours, install the OS, and run all his
> diagnostic software in a couple of more. He can have a new machine
> out the door in 4 - 5 hours, but her prefers overnight self
> diagnostics. He has done it for me and my business associates many,
> many times as he does it all day long. The diagnostics run far longer
> than the assembly time from him.
>
> As I said, for me, it would take a full day (if all assembly went
> right and there were no DOA parts.)
This is what YOU WROTE:
As for me, I split the difference. Although I don't mind working on
one, I didn't want to build it myself either as I would be spending an
entire day doing it. So I paid a friend of mine to build it for me at
the going rate of $100, including having him do all diagnostics on the
machine and print out reports. I got it from him, took it home,
hooked up the monitor, modem, mouse and speakers and off I went.
You didn't want to spend an "entire day" building a computer???
My reply was NOT directed at you. I wrote: I trust the "people making
comments like this". That was not meant to include you. Just forget it
and go on with your life. F*** your arrogance.
>
> It appears, your mileage may vary.
>
> Robert
>
[email protected] wrote:
> Having all carefully selected parts in front of me (last two computers
> I labored over parts for a month), I can indeed get one together in an
> eight hour period.
Gosh, I hope so. Like you said when you were being a jerk, that's not
the time-consuming part.
Lew Hodgett wrote:
> "dadiOH" wrote:
>
>> Are you or friend willing to spend an hour or so putting a mobo in
>> the box and plugging stuff into the mobo?
> -------------------------------
> Have done that in the past; however, not this time around.
>
> Prefer to spec a build list and let someone else take the
> responsibility.
>
> Lew
That's EXACTLY why is doesn't normally seem to work that way.
Computer forums are littered with "large and small annoying problems".
Lots of folks give there systems specs in detail at NewEgg (in their
product reviews) and in other forums. You might wish to consider
duplicating a successful system that appears consistent with your needs.
You'll still get all the excitement that comes with starting the
system the first time.
BTW, my dad gave me a "pick-up" tool alot like this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/24-inch-2-in-1-pickup-tool-94162.html
The end of mind doesn't have as much girth, but you get the idea. In my
mind, it's a must! :) You put a screw in its patented grip, and the
long handle permits you to start threading the screws holding the
mainboard to the case while you are eating a sandwich with your other
hand. In the remote (very) chance you drop a screw, the tools may help
you recover it. You said you've already built before so please excuse me
if this is redundant information.
Bill
"J. Clarke" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
>
> These days the CPUs are so fast and the drivers are actually written
> properly to enable sharing or IRQs and DMA channels without crashing.
Except when they don't.
> Most of the MoBos have more IRQs now anyway.
Which doesn't mean that the automatic assignment actually uses them.
>
> --------------
> "J. Clarke" wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> But when it doesn't work it's a bear. In theory there are ways to
> override the automatic assignment of IRQs, I/O addressed, DMA channels,
> etc, and in theory there are now enough to go around anyway, but in
> practice every once in a while you get two boards sharing an IRQ or the
> like that just plain don't like each other, and getting them moved to
> different IRQs etc can be a royal pain. Used to be with 8-slot machines
> you could play musical boards until the problem went away. Now there
> aren't all that many slots and they aren't all ther same.
=================
My Win 7 o/s shows up to 190 IRQs assigned on different devices and
processes.
I would image this is an 8 bit value resulting in 256 unique IRQ handler
vectors auto selected by independent hardware IRQ multiplexer.
I haven't had a problem with IRQs for the last 15 years or more. Things have
definitely changed since I wrote assembler code for 8 bit and 16 bit CPUs!
--
Eric
"Scott Lurndal" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
"J. Clarke" <[email protected]> writes:
>In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
>>
>> [email protected] wrote:
>>
>> > Having all carefully selected parts in front of me (last two computers
>> > I labored over parts for a month), I can indeed get one together in an
>> > eight hour period.
>>
>>
>> Gosh, I hope so. Like you said when you were being a jerk, that's not
>> the time-consuming part.
>
>Christ, my students used to be able to tear one down and reassemble it
>in 4 hours.
>
My lab guy routinely does it in 30 minutes. 15 minutes to swap out a
power supply, mobo or processor. 5 minutes to swap out dimms (most of
that
removing/attaching cables so the system will slide out of the rack). There
are currently about 300 1U and 2U boxes in the lab (all servers); including
one
that has 192 cores, 1 TB DRAM and 100TB disk.
But he's been building mainframes, large MPP machines, small unix boxes,
servers and PC's for 30 years.
scott
=======
I can take a baseball bat to an acting up old system in less than 5 seconds.
--
Eric
"k-nuttle" wrote in message news:[email protected]...
> Have you considered the online sites of the major computer dealers like
> HP, or your favorite brand?
Which often means you pay too much and get proprietary software you don't
need or want and proprietary hardware that is expensive to fix.
When my top-of-the-line Dell died recently I discovered it would cost twice
as much to replace the motherboard as it should have, so I had a local shop
build a new computer that ran circles around the Dell for half what the Dell
had cost me.
Speaking of comprehension problems!!
It was a typo. The OP wants a new "puter" to use on the golf green this
summer.
----------------
wrote in message
news:79f8b2e9-6724-4b73-9317-6162c590dfa4@gv8g2000vbb.googlegroups.com...
Hmmm.... reading your posts, it does seem that you might have a bit of
a comprehension problem. I never said I picked out all components for
construction in a day. I never said that I checked parts for maximum
compatibility in a day. I never said I bought a case, fan, power
supply, video card, memory, in a day, nor any other part.
Having all carefully selected parts in front of me (last two computers
I labored over parts for a month), I can indeed get one together in an
eight hour period.
Might I
that don't read and understand the written language? Ones that might
jump to conclusions based on their own arrogance?
With little doubt, I would say that anyone that did not select their
parts beforehand is an idiot. Was that your assumption, even though
it was never expressed, written, or alluded to in any way by me?
With all selected parts in hand, my computer guy can put a machine
together in a couple of hours, install the OS, and run all his
diagnostic software in a couple of more. He can have a new machine
out the door in 4 - 5 hours, but her prefers overnight self
diagnostics. He has done it for me and my business associates many,
many times as he does it all day long. The diagnostics run far longer
than the assembly time from him.
As I said, for me, it would take a full day (if all assembly went
right and there were no DOA parts.)
It appears, your mileage may vary.
Robert
On Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:08:18 -0500, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
wrote:
>>> What did I pay,,, $1325. PC
>>
>> Not too awfully bad. His site didn't list any PCs in stock.
>
>I ordered mine from him on a Friday afternoon, he delivered on Monday
>afternoon. He builds to his customers needs so he really does not keep
>an inventory of assembled machines IIRC. He does not just buy parts and
>assemble, he apparently knows which parts work best together.
Excellent service! Having a local computer guru is the best insurance
you can buy.
>I was sold on an i7 processor and he talked me out of it. Apparently
>nothing that the average user would use would ever need an i7 processor
>in the foreseeable future or as he put it, the life expectancy of the
>machine.
>It would have been significantly less expensive had I gone for a 1TB
>primary hard drive instead of the 128GB Solid State drive.
Why did he talk you into the SSD?
>I have really enjoyed the simplicity of having the OS and program files
>on the SSD and my data files on the HD. No convoluted tree/directory to
>track down a data file.
Right, nice!
>I use Quicken home and business and when I installed the program it
>placed my data file on the SSD also. Launching the program was
>instantaneous. As soon as I clocked or let go of the enter key the
>program and file were on the screen. Now that I have moved the data
>file to the HD it takes 2 seconds. Seems like an eternity. :~)
I'm well aware that Instant Gratification Takes Too Long.
>Component Details Subscore Base score
>Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500K CPU @ 3.30GHz 7.5 7.0
> Determined by lowest subscore
>
>Windows Experience Index on score 1.0 to 7.9
>
>Memory (RAM) 8.00 GB 7.8
>Graphics ATI Radeon HD 5670 7.0
>Gaming graphics 4852 MB Total available graphics memory 7.0
>Primary hard disk 64GB Free (119GB Total) 7.9
>Windows 7 Professional
I like (and use) Win7Pro. My graphics card drops my system down to
3.8. Wah! Mine is only a 32-bit and 2.5GHz with slower RAM.
You officially SUCK, Leon!
--
Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace.
-- Robert J. Sawyer
On 7/14/2011 8:01 AM, Angela Sekeris wrote:
> On Jul 14, 8:28 am, "HeyBub"<[email protected]> wrote:
>> Lew Hodgett wrote:
>>> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>>
>>> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>>
>>> Need to find a new source.
>>
>>> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>>
>>> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>>
>> Check the Computer section of Craigslist.
>>
>> In my city, there are two or three guys who get TONS of computers back from
>> lease, spiffy them up, and ship them to Nigeria by the pallet load. They
>> will eagerly sell one to you.
>>
>> I've gotten three in the past six months, two Dell Inspirion desktops (for
>> $65 each) and one HP laptop ($140). Happy with all of them.
>>
>> Aside:
>> Ever wonder what happened to all the CRT monitors? One place I visited must
>> have had over a thousand being crated up for shipment to Patagonia,
>> Rhodesia, or some other third-world customer.
>
> Makes sense. Ship all the inefficient monitors to countries with
> underdeveloped power grids.
Most all used computer components go to over seas but they tend to
dismantle the items for the gold and reusable parts. Nasty business.
On 7/14/2011 7:37 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
> On Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:39:46 -0500, Leon<lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
> wrote:
>
>> On 7/13/2011 11:05 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
>>> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>>>
>>> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>>>
>>> Need to find a new source.
>>>
>>> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>>>
>>> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>>>
>>> Lew
>>>
>>>
>>
>> I have a neighbor that has a computer business. He just built me a new
>> one 8 weeks ago. I am very happy with it. i5 processor, 125 GB Solid
>> State primary drive, 1 TB data drive. 8 gig DDR5 memory, USB 3.0, 4
>> fans, etc. Win 7 pro. Boots up and ready to go with all my start up
>> programs, 11 of my own, in 30 seconds.
>
> Holy Shit, Maynard! What'd you pay for that beast?
>
> It's a Macbook?
>
> --
> Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace.
> -- Robert J. Sawyer
Also running at 3.3GHz plus it has a turbo boost but I never use it.
What did I pay,,, $1325. PC
On Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:39:46 -0500, Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
wrote:
>On 7/13/2011 11:05 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
>> Need to order a new puter for a friend.
>>
>> Place I used locally last time has gone out of business.
>>
>> Need to find a new source.
>>
>> A company in SoCal would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
>>
>> Anybody have a source they would care to share?
>>
>> Lew
>>
>>
>
>I have a neighbor that has a computer business. He just built me a new
>one 8 weeks ago. I am very happy with it. i5 processor, 125 GB Solid
>State primary drive, 1 TB data drive. 8 gig DDR5 memory, USB 3.0, 4
>fans, etc. Win 7 pro. Boots up and ready to go with all my start up
>programs, 11 of my own, in 30 seconds.
Holy Shit, Maynard! What'd you pay for that beast?
It's a Macbook?
--
Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace.
-- Robert J. Sawyer
Yeah, what he said!
-------------
"Eric" wrote in message news:[email protected]...
My Win 7 o/s shows up to 190 IRQs assigned on different devices and
processes.
I would image this is an 8 bit value resulting in 256 unique IRQ handler
vectors auto selected by independent hardware IRQ multiplexer.
I haven't had a problem with IRQs for the last 15 years or more. Things have
definitely changed since I wrote assembler code for 8 bit and 16 bit CPUs!
------------------
"J. Clarke" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
Except when they don't.
> Most of the MoBos have more IRQs now anyway.
Which doesn't mean that the automatic assignment actually uses them.
On 7/14/2011 8:24 PM, Larry Jaques wrote:
> On Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:08:18 -0500, Leon<lcb11211@swbelldotnet>
> wrote:
>
>>>> What did I pay,,, $1325. PC
>>>
>>> Not too awfully bad. His site didn't list any PCs in stock.
>>
>> I ordered mine from him on a Friday afternoon, he delivered on Monday
>> afternoon. He builds to his customers needs so he really does not keep
>> an inventory of assembled machines IIRC. He does not just buy parts and
>> assemble, he apparently knows which parts work best together.
>
> Excellent service! Having a local computer guru is the best insurance
> you can buy.
That was a big point in my decision making process, him living 3 doors down.
>
>> I was sold on an i7 processor and he talked me out of it. Apparently
>> nothing that the average user would use would ever need an i7 processor
>> in the foreseeable future or as he put it, the life expectancy of the
>> machine.
>
> > >
>> It would have been significantly less expensive had I gone for a 1TB
>> primary hard drive instead of the 128GB Solid State drive.
>
> Why did he talk you into the SSD?
He didn't, he mentioned that they were offering that as a primary drive.
I jumped at the opportunity. A little more expensive for the machine
as a whole but extremely fast, no moving parts. IIRC the 128Gb SSD was
about $125 more than the 1Tb HD. With the OS and all of my program
files loaded I have only used about 1/2 the capacity.
>
>> I have really enjoyed the simplicity of having the OS and program files
>> on the SSD and my data files on the HD. No convoluted tree/directory to
>> track down a data file.
>
> Right, nice!
>
>
>> I use Quicken home and business and when I installed the program it
>> placed my data file on the SSD also. Launching the program was
>> instantaneous. As soon as I clocked or let go of the enter key the
>> program and file were on the screen. Now that I have moved the data
>> file to the HD it takes 2 seconds. Seems like an eternity. :~)
>
> I'm well aware that Instant Gratification Takes Too Long.
>
>
>> Component Details Subscore Base score
>> Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500K CPU @ 3.30GHz 7.5 7.0
>> Determined by lowest subscore
>>
>> Windows Experience Index on score 1.0 to 7.9
>>
>> Memory (RAM) 8.00 GB 7.8
>> Graphics ATI Radeon HD 5670 7.0
>> Gaming graphics 4852 MB Total available graphics memory 7.0
>> Primary hard disk 64GB Free (119GB Total) 7.9
>> Windows 7 Professional
>
> I like (and use) Win7Pro. My graphics card drops my system down to
> 3.8. Wah! Mine is only a 32-bit and 2.5GHz with slower RAM.
>
> You officially SUCK, Leon!
Why thank you Larry!