Monday, September 21, 2009

Nell V.2

So as I have mentioned, Nell V.2 my new computer has been built. My friend Drew who is technically minded was the main architect behind it all, I did have a say in the spec and build of the machine but I consulted with him on many of the parts and eventually a compromise was reached. So what are the specs?

The processor is an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 2.66GHz Socket 775 1066MHz 8MB, which is mounted on a ASUS P5QL PRO iP43 Socket 775 8 channel audio ATX Motherboard.

The memory is Kingston 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 1066MHz/PC2-8500 HyperX T1 Memory.

The hard drive I am using for the system is Western Digital WD5001AALS 500GB Hard Drive SATAII 7200rpm 32MB Cache - OEM Caviar Black.

And for storage I am using Western Digital WD1001FALS 1TB Hard Drive SATAII 7200rpm 32MB Cache - OEM Caviar Black, plus I have a Lacie external 500gb HD, so total space is 2gb though I am planning on getting a new external 1TB HD and retiring the Lacie as a back up drive for important files in case my system ever dies suddenly!

For graphics I am using a Inno3D 9800GT Esave Edition 1GB GDDR3 DVI VGA HDMI Out PCI-E Graphics Card.

Extras, well I have a Arctic Cooling AC-FRZ-7P Freezer 7 Pro Socket 775 Processor Cooler mounted over the processor. In one of the front bay 5.25" bay I have a Hiyatek Black Flip LCD Screen 52-in-1 Card Reader with extra e-sata and usb ports. The screen on the card reader flips out and gives internal temperature readings from 3 heat sensors and you can also control fan speed. at the front of the case is an Antec Tricool 120mm Blue LED Fan, for extra air intake, and as the case is all black with 2 air intake ports it adds an extra cool cylonesque glow when the lights are out, but with the fancy card reader thats the only pimping I've done.

And it's all house in a very sleek but practical Antec Sonata III piano black quiet mid tower case - With 500W EarthWatts PSU.

The monitor is an Acer 22" X223w. (widescreen).

The operating system is Windows 7 which is really growing on me.

The total cost, with sundry items such as a new keyboard and wireless interent adapter/dongle was about (give or take a pound) £760. Which is a bit more than I budgeted for but once I got into the project I wanted the best bits of kit really, within my budget of course! I think the original budget was a £100 cheaper but no matter, most projects go over budget anyway.

So all in all I am happy with the finished result. Most of the kit was bought off ebuyer.com who were very prompt with delivery and the parts were packaged nice and protectively, I'd recommend them to anyone, especially as they are damn cheap. There were a few teething problems at first but gradually these were ironed out and Nell seems to be working fine, I didn't realise how much I missed my desktop/tower case until I was without one. My laptop the Acer Aspire one was ok for surfing and odd chatting but for multi-tasking, well they just aren't built or designed for that kind of use.

Why did I decide to have one built instead of buy one from somewhere like PC World? The answer is simple, a machine comparitive to mine would have probably cost me £1200+.

And on a last happy 'green' note, Nell 1 lives on in some respects as some of her, including the case, graphics card and other items went into building my dad a new dual core machine.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

It's been a while ...

Yep. the old blog has been neglected of late, the main reason being I have been on the laptop of late as my old tower pc died on me after a good few years service. The laptop is ideally for spur of the moment typing but not so good for blogging as you find yourself being hunched up over it resulting in eye strain and a bad back.

So anyway, 'Nell V.2' (my new pc) has been built and she really rocks, I'm very happy with her, there's been some teething problems but generally it's all been good.

I do miss blogging, I feel I have lots to say on a myriad of different things but recent bouts of ill health have really brought me down of late, a kind of deflated feeling really, so I've not really been the happy go lucky person I usually am. Good things are on the horizon however, Mr Sunshine (Gary) is coming back and that always means fun, though exhausting fun as he generally makes the most of his time when he comes over from Hong Kong.

People close to me still continue to amaze me with their zest for life, character and goodwill.

I've really settled into my new place, the neighbours seem nice, and I feel settled at last. The new flat has more space, and a more lighter airey feel to it. So generally, despite my dour and taciturn nature of late, things perhaps aren't really too bad.

So now the new pc is built I can hopefully get bag to blogging, and for those of you that still read my waffling, thanks !

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

That difficult day.

And so it comes around again, four years since my mum died. I woke feeling like I'd not slept well but resolute; I needed to put things behind me in some respects, ever the pragmatist. Part of me wanted to not mention anything but I felt I ought to have some reference to the day, even on my Facebook status. So I typed away and from nowhere the tears fell suddenly, not a deluge, just a few.

The rest of the day was positive, I walked past the church and felt like going inside, just for the peace and quiet to collect my thoughts but I can't be hypocritical as I loathe mainstream religion, especially in a pushy dictatorial sense.

Then later in the day, things took an ironic turn, whilst watering my dad's plants (he's on holiday) I was happy, seeking solace in the colours and fauna, I collected my thoughts, felt content with how positive the day had gone, then who should appear but two Jehovah's witnesses. Bad timing.

Hobbit's like me are quite capable of mixing fire and brimstone with sardonic wit and dynamic rationality on occasions and those boys stepped into a world of wake up call.

I digress, I will blog about that some other time. Needless to say I feel I have moved on from mourning, time is indeed a great healer, memorie remain but not so raw. I resolved today to look back and remember the good times, and in future that will be prevalent. Usually on mum's birthday or the day she died I scan an old photo and do something melancholy, but not anymore, besides I've not even rigged my new pc up to the printer as yet, but perahaps on her birthday in December I can do something more fitting.

Sorry if this blog seems pragmatic, devoid of emotion or lacking somewhat, it's just how I feel.