Think your computer is a pain in the ass...?

[freakazoid]

Think your computer is a pain in the ass? :eek: Check this sucker out out...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/technology_enl_1158153014/html/1.stm

[General Septem]

I need to get me one of those. :D

[beelzebub]

So If I think my computer is a pain........................ What do you think I should buy?

Please help... I am searching for a new computer.

[General Septem]

So If I think my computer is a pain........................ What do you think I should buy?

Please help... I am searching for a new computer.
I'd suggest building one. It's really not that hard once you know what you're doing. What do you normally do with your computer? I mean without going into detail of course. XD

[freakazoid]

I'd suggest building one. It's really not that hard once you know what you're doing. What do you normally do with your computer? I mean without going into detail of course. XD
LMAO! We don't want to know the details.

Just kiddin', beelzebub...

On a more serious side, I built my own at home...Intel P4 3.4GhZ. (going to upgrade to a Dual Core Chip and Motherboard very soon), 2 Gigs of RAM, total of 460 Gig of HDD, External Lacing HDD, Dual 17" Flat Panel Monitors, EluminX Keyboard, Microsoft Wireless Mouse, Altec Lansings Surround Sound (which the General almost blew the hell out of with his Bass solo posted on Google Video :D ), Cannon USB Scanner, Logitec Web Cam, Microsoft Wireless Network, Broadband, Etc., Etc.

In my office at work I use an off the shelf Dell with a single 19" flat panel monitor. Not too bad, kicks some ass. And my laptop is a FUCKING P4 Gateway!!! SHIT!!! ...OK, they're not too bad, but their tech support SUCKS!!!

The General is correct, it's not that hard to build an ass kicking computer these days!

Home system pictures...

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/864/dcp0192mo8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/4674/dcp0195no7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

And for entertainment in my home office while "working" ...

http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/2949/dcp01795zv5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[General Septem]

Awesome, I didn't know you build computers :D

I built my Arkhangelsk, which you can see in my sig. In addition to what I listed, there's a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, an "external" DVD burner (although without a case, pretty much everything's external :D), a big widescreen Gateway monitor (I forget the size, but it's 1680 X 1050 and the screen also pivots to either portrait or landscape), a random generic keyboard I had lying around, and a Microsoft Optical Trackball.

I need more drive space and a better video card though. I don't have enough space for all the warez and illegal music downloads, and I can barely get by for all the games I didn't buy. Internet connection's great though. :D

[freakazoid]

Awesome, I didn't know you build computers

I built my Arkhangelsk, which you can see in my sig. In addition to what I listed, there's a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, an "external" DVD burner (although without a case, pretty much everything's external :D), a big widescreen Gateway monitor (I forget the size, but it's 1680 X 1050 and the screen also pivots to either portrait or landscape), a random generic keyboard I had lying around, and a Microsoft Optical Trackball.

I need more drive space and a better video card though. I don't have enough space for all the warez and illegal music downloads, and I can barely get by for all the games I didn't buy. Internet connection's great though. :D
Way cool system, General. So you are a track ball user, very cool. Yeah mang, those wide screen Gateways are totally bitchin! If I ever sell my 17'' flat panels, a Gateway wide screen will be my next monitor(s). Those damn things totally rock! My laptop is wide screen and you really get used to the look and feel of one really fast. When I go from using my laptop to my home or office system the 17" "square" monitor seems outdated. Shit, now you got me lusting after a wide screen! :D

I've been building systems from my first PC in Jan 1992 (386DX, DOS 5 or 6, Windows 3.1, about a 120 meg hard drive (massive size in those days :eek: ), a whopping EIGHT megs of RAM - upgraded to an ass kicking 16 megs later and a 15 inch CRT monitor that cost me a small fortune!) Internet connection was at best about 48,000 to 50,000 baud rate through a dialup connection which sucked! And my printer was one of the first HP Bubble Jets I bought at Sears. I was as proud as freaking peacock!

[General Septem]

Way cool system, General. So you are a track ball user, very cool. Yeah mang, those wide screen Gateways are totally bitchin! If I ever sell my 17'' flat panels, a Gateway wide screen will be my next monitor(s). Those damn things totally rock! My laptop is wide screen and you really get used to the look and feel of one really fast. When I go from using my laptop to my home or office system the 17" "square" monitor seems outdated. Shit, now you got me lusting after a wide screen! :D

I've been building systems from my first PC in Jan 1992 (386DX, DOS 5 or 6, Windows 3.1, about a 120 meg hard drive (massive size in those days :eek: ), a whopping EIGHT megs of RAM - upgraded to an ass kicking 16 megs later and a 15 inch CRT monitor that cost me a small fortune!) Internet connection was at best about 48,000 to 50,000 baud rate through a dialup connection which sucked! And my printer was one of the first HP Bubble Jets I bought at Sears. I was as proud as freaking peacock!

Yes, I love the widescreen, especially for movies. :D

I think it would be pretty awesome if I was building computers back in the 80s and 90s, and seeing how far they've come. This was actually my first build, but I'd been inside my old computer a lot.

My current project is to build a case for it. I wanted to go with a fully acrylic case initially, but after seeing these (http://www.dangerdenstore.com/product.php?productid=201&cat=1&page=1) I decided to make one that's half wood and half acrylic. So the front, back, top and bottom will be wood, and the side panels and mounting brackets will all be acrylic. I'm excited :D

[freakazoid]

Yes, I love the widescreen, especially for movies. :D

I think it would be pretty awesome if I was building computers back in the 80s and 90s, and seeing how far they've come. This was actually my first build, but I'd been inside my old computer a lot.

My current project is to build a case for it. I wanted to go with a fully acrylic case initially, but after seeing these (http://www.dangerdenstore.com/product.php?productid=201&cat=1&page=1) I decided to make one that's half wood and half acrylic. So the front, back, top and bottom will be wood, and the side panels and mounting brackets will all be acrylic. I'm excited :D
Hey General, those are way cool looking cases, mang. I really dig the idea of acrylic and wood cases. The combination works nicely! The ones in the link you posted are great! I see they have clocked up the CPU and and added water cooling. Awesome!! Freaking nuts, but awesome!! :D

Check these out...

http://www.vittoni.it/catalog/images/71100.jpg

http://www.xoxide.com/acrylic-computer-cases.html

http://www.atxpowersupplies.com/images/Micro-atx-computer-case-black-acrylic-master-350x350.gif

I really dig this one...

http://www.cubedpc.com/images/empty_case/IMG_0106_edited.jpg

http://www.cubedpc.com/images/steves_computer/newestpics/IMG_2494.jpg

[General Septem]

Those cube shaped PCs are pretty awesome looking. I think they even make full ATX cubes too but I'm not sure. I initially got the idea from a guy on the DFI forums, who was making an acrylic case. And then I saw the Danger Den cases and decided to incorporate wood. See, all that procrastinating pays off. :D

Once I build my case, I might decide to go with watercooling as well, but for the sound benefits. The stock Athlon 64 coolers are pretty decent though, I've got mine overclocked to its limit and I'm still using stock cooling, which doesn't seem to be a problem.

[beelzebub]

I'd suggest building one. It's really not that hard once you know what you're doing.

Building... Well I have installed memory and different cards into my expansion slots. I have rebuilt my hard drives software bank. I don't know if that’s sophisticated enough. Is there a book that teaches you how to do what you are asking? I think I could handle putting together a computer with instructions.


What do you normally do with your computer? I mean without going into detail of course. XD

I use my computer to do ordinary WP/SS/DB and PPT. I modify images with Adobe PhotoShop. I use a wireless internet hub (net gear). I have a lot of files that I have created (it takes 2 DVDs to burn it all). I burn movie DVDs as well. In short I am not looking for a system that is designed to:
1) Operate CAD programs
2) Games
3) Operate huge integrated databases
4) Function as the entertainment center (we have that all ready)

However I would like to make our computers in the house (5) operate on a LAN so that I can access any computer for any other computer in the house.

You thoughts and suggestions are VERY welcome.

[General Septem]

Building... Well I have installed memory and different cards into my expansion slots. I have rebuilt my hard drives software bank. I don't know if that’s sophisticated enough. Is there a book that teaches you how to do what you are asking? I think I could handle putting together a computer with instructions.

It's pretty much self-explanitory really. Everything basically snaps together as long as everything is compatible with your motherboard. You'll need a screwdriver but that should be it for tools. But here's some basic instructions:

Start with empty case, install the power supply to the back of the case. You can tell where it mounts by looking for a big rectangular hole. Most power supplies can be mounted either upside down or right side up, and it just screws onto the back panel.

The motherboard simply screws onto the motherboard tray, with standoffs. The top left corner is the one you want to line up with the uppermost and leftmost standoff. Depending on your motherboard you may need to move and remove a few standoffs before you mount the board.

The CPU drops easily into the ZIF socket. Simply lift the lever on the socket, drop the CPU in, and close the lever. If the CPU requires force to go in, try jiggling the lever or making sure the CPU is oriented correctly.

The heatsink, which comes with the CPU, has a clip on it which varies depending on the socket. For the most part, mounting is self-explanitory. Don't be surprised if the locking lever requires a good bit of force to latch. Usually these coolers come with a thermal pad on the bottom of them; this aids in heat transfer.

The RAM installation you've already done, just make sure it goes in the right slots depending on how many sticks you're installing. The motherboard manual should say.

The different power connectors are all distinctly shaped, and it would be difficult to plug them in the wrong way or in the wrong places.


I use my computer to do ordinary WP/SS/DB and PPT. I modify images with Adobe PhotoShop. I use a wireless internet hub (net gear). I have a lot of files that I have created (it takes 2 DVDs to burn it all). I burn movie DVDs as well. In short I am not looking for a system that is designed to:
1) Operate CAD programs
2) Games
3) Operate huge integrated databases
4) Function as the entertainment center (we have that all ready)

However I would like to make our computers in the house (5) operate on a LAN so that I can access any computer for any other computer in the house.

You thoughts and suggestions are VERY welcome.

Let's see then. You aren't looking for something too powerful (read: expensive), but you do watch the occasional movie on it. Here's my reccomendation then:

The CPU

First off, I'd go with AMD over Intel, because AMD will give you more bang for the buck, especially in the range we're talking.

The CPU socket is what determines what processors the motherboard is compatible with. With AMD you get basically two socket choices because the others are obsolete. The two CPU sockets for AMD right now are 939 and AM2. I'd go with AM2 because it's newer than 939, the CPUs are the same price, and 939 is sadly going to be obsolete itself in not very long.

I'd recommend an Athlon 64. There are three selections on Newegg: 3200+, 3500+, and 3800+, and these range in price from about $83.99 to $109. If you are comfortable with overclocking, get the 3200+ for $83.99, or the 3500+ for $89.99. I would go with the latter. Overclocked to 2.4 GHz, either of these will be basically the same processor as the 3800+. However, if you do not plan to overclock, the extra money for the 3800+ will be well spent.

Recommendation: AMD Athlon 64 3800+ (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631) (socket AM2) - $109

If you wanted to go one extra step, you can get a dual core processor for $150. This is where they start to shoot up, because the next one after that is $185.

Secondary recommendation: AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103735) (Socket AM2) - $150.99


The Motherboard

So let's talk AM2 motherboards. This is where we start to get a lot of choices, so I'm going to ask a few questions.

What size is your case? How many expansion slots does your case support? If it's small, would you be willing to buy a new one?

Are you looking for a lot of hard drive storage? How many optical drives do you have?

Would you have use for a lot of PCI slots? PCI cards are the ones that you screw down onto the case after plugging them in.

Do you want onboard video, or would you be willing to invest $100+ in a video card? As a general rule, onboard video is pretty basic, but it gets the job done especially if you don't play newer games.

If you can answer these questions, I'd be better equipped to make a suggestion. I'll continue with the reccomendations once we decide on a motherboard.

[beelzebub]

WOW - this is fantastic! You really have helped me out with a lot of info. You really know this stuff!



Start with empty case, install the power supply to the back of the case.

Great that sound easy enough.


First off, I'd go with AMD over Intel, because AMD will give you more bang for the buck, especially in the range we're talking.

No problem. Question - Where do you order this stuff?


I'd recommend an Athlon 64. There are three selections on Newegg: 3200+, 3500+, and 3800+, and these range in price from about $83.99 to $109. If you are comfortable with overclocking, get the 3200+ for $83.99, or the 3500+ for $89.99.

Cool & noted. I will buy. Given the rate of time in which equipment becomes obsolete I would go with the best that money has to offer. Is that realistic or over compensating?


newegg.com

Cool: I have bought several items through newegg.


What size is your case? How many expansion slots does your case support? If it's small, would you be willing to buy a new one?

I will buy a case. I am looking to build a new system. What would you recommend?


Are you looking for a lot of hard drive storage? How many optical drives do you have?

Optical drives? I am not sure if I have any. I use USB and Firewires. Are they Optical? I am interested in this because I assume that it is more efficient.


Would you have use for a lot of PCI slots? PCI cards are the ones that you screw down onto the case after plugging them in.

I assume this depends on the case you recommend and the other devices that you think that I might need. I am game for anything.


Do you want onboard video, or would you be willing to invest $100+ in a video card? As a general rule, onboard video is pretty basic, but it gets the job done especially if you don't play newer games.

I would invest 100+ in a video card. I don't play games but I do deal with a lot of graphics in my job. What is good?


If you can answer these questions, I'd be better equipped to make a suggestion. I'll continue with the reccomendations once we decide on a motherboard.

I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out on this! Your advice is very much respected.

What do you recommend about linking all our computers in the house?

[freakazoid]

Those cube shaped PCs are pretty awesome looking. I think they even make full ATX cubes too but I'm not sure. I initially got the idea from a guy on the DFI forums, who was making an acrylic case. And then I saw the Danger Den cases and decided to incorporate wood. See, all that procrastinating pays off. :D

Once I build my case, I might decide to go with watercooling as well, but for the sound benefits. The stock Athlon 64 coolers are pretty decent though, I've got mine overclocked to its limit and I'm still using stock cooling, which doesn't seem to be a problem.
Totally cool, water cooling is something I have thought about doing, but would have to build a computer just for that purpose I think. Building a Cube would be awesome and then water cool that one. I have a second computer in my pad I use as a backup and "Internet Radio / Video" computer in my bedroom. I have the sound card running into a classic Kenwood KR-4010 Receiver running a pair of Yamaha Studio Monitors that sound great! You can see the Kenwood in the picture below with my second computer (the one I am using now). Works bitchin' for any online audio / video. It's an AMD. Still using a 17' CRT monitor for that one. Guess I need to get nuts and replace the CRT with a widescreen Gateway! :D Never satisfied, mang!

Second system...

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/8638/060917hppicture0397cz6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Laptop...

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/1006/060917hppicture0399rf7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[General Septem]

WOW - this is fantastic! You really have helped me out with a lot of info. You really know this stuff!

I'm glad I can help. :D


No problem. Question - Where do you order this stuff?

I usually order from Newegg, although for more specialty items there are other stores.


Cool & noted. I will buy. Given the rate of time in which equipment becomes obsolete I would go with the best that money has to offer. Is that realistic or over compensating?

It's all up to you, really. The best AMD processor out there is currently the FX-62, but it's $811, and may or may not be more than necessary. Then again, with programs becoming more processor intensive, I don't see the harm in being set for a while either.


I will buy a case. I am looking to build a new system. What would you recommend?

To be honest, I don't know a lot about cases. When I built my system I just took everything out of my old case and put the new hardware in. I also re-used my old drives, so it was basically half upgrade and half new build. I do know they can range in price from 10 bucks to hundreds. You can take a look on Newegg though.


Optical drives? I am not sure if I have any. I use USB and Firewires. Are they Optical? I am interested in this because I assume that it is more efficient.

Actually optical drives are your CD and DVD drives/burners. I usually just refer to them as optical because that kind of encompasses everything like CD/DVD RW/R/+R/etc.


I assume this depends on the case you recommend and the other devices that you think that I might need. I am game for anything.

I'm not sure what you'd need in terms of PCI cards, but they allow for things like sound cards, wireless LAN cards, extra ports for hard drives, extra USB ports and so on. I'm only using two of them, myself. How many are you using right now?


I would invest 100+ in a video card. I don't play games but I do deal with a lot of graphics in my job. What is good?

There are basically two companies that make video cards, ATI and nVidia. Unless you're using two cards at once, the two companies are basically neck-and-neck. I prefer nVidia but it's basically a Chevy/Ford thing. How much would you be willing to spend? Right now the top of the line NVIDIA card is just over $500.


I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out on this! Your advice is very much respected.

Anytime. I'm glad I can put myself to good use. :D


What do you recommend about linking all our computers in the house?

Our computers are connected to a wireless LAN by means of a Linksys Wireless-G router and Wireless-G PCI cards. We only use it for internet though, and although I know it's possible, I'm not sure how to set it up so that other computers on the network can access each other.

[beelzebub]

Anytime. I'm glad I can put myself to good use. :D

I have copied every thing you said & reccomended. I will use it as I buy the things I need. I will let you know how it progresses.

Thanks again. I must say that I am impressed with your wealth of knowledge on this topic. Are you doing this professionally? If not have you considered it? I would venture to say that you are an expert on it.

[General Septem]

I have copied every thing you said & reccomended. I will use it as I buy the things I need. I will let you know how it progresses.

Thanks again. I must say that I am impressed with your wealth of knowledge on this topic. Are you doing this professionally? If not have you considered it? I would venture to say that you are an expert on it.
Anytime, and thank you. I'm not doing this professionally but I have definitely considered it. I'd have to get used to answering people's questions without using big words that might go over their head. :D But anyway, I'm glad I could help, and if you need any other advice, feel free to ask. :D

[General Septem]

:D Never satisfied, mang!
I definitely know how that is. :D

[General Septem]

By the way, this is my desk:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/akai-suisei/deskwall.jpg

The wiring is a nightmare D:

[freakazoid]

By the way, this is my desk:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/akai-suisei/deskwall.jpg

The wiring is a nightmare D:

Hey General, now that is a way righteous setup, dude. Gotta love that widescreen! :D Are you doing video production on your PC along with music? Your setup reminds me of my laptop, wires every-freaking-where! :eek: I can't even buy a simple notebook computer without adding all kinds of shit on it! ...

Back view; I mounted an 80 Gig USB external drive (the internal is 60 Gigs and I try not to get to close to maxing it out), I also mounted a 4 input external USB hub near the edge of the back of the screen...

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1220/060917hppicture0401pl3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Close up view...

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8484/060917hppicture0402uu7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[General Septem]

Hey General, now that is a way righteous setup, dude. Gotta love that widescreen! :D Are you doing video production on your PC along with music? Your setup reminds me of my laptop, wires every-freaking-where! :eek: I can't even buy a simple notebook computer without adding all kinds of shit on it! ...

Back view; I mounted an 80 Gig USB external drive (the internal is 60 Gigs and I try not to get to close to maxing it out), I also mounted a 4 input external USB hub near the edge of the back of the screen...
Awesome :D I don't do a lot of video work, but when I do videos it's all on this PC. So Youtube videos and whatnot are done on here with my webcam. A lot of the wires aren't even for the computer, they're for my DVD player, VCR, TV, sound system, N64 and PSX. Haha there's gotta be an easier way >_<

One really nice thing about these Gateway monitors is they also double as a USB hub. Two outputs on the side and two in the back.

Have you ever done any case modding?

[freakazoid]

Awesome :D I don't do a lot of video work, but when I do videos it's all on this PC. So Youtube videos and whatnot are done on here with my webcam. A lot of the wires aren't even for the computer, they're for my DVD player, VCR, TV, sound system, N64 and PSX. Haha there's gotta be an easier way >_<

One really nice thing about these Gateway monitors is they also double as a USB hub. Two outputs on the side and two in the back.

Have you ever done any case modding?

Hey General, no, have never done any case molding. Are you going to do so for your next case? Sounds cool. Yeah, I love that USB feature on the Gateway monitors, that is one reason (one of many) I have GOT to get one!! :D

[General Septem]

Hey General, no, have never done any case molding. Are you going to do so for your next case? Sounds cool. Yeah, I love that USB feature on the Gateway monitors, that is one reason (one of many) I have GOT to get one!! :D
Well since I'm building my next case the whole thing will be a mod. :p

But I do intend to light it up like a Christmas tree. I 'm thinking of going with a silvery violet theme. I also want to mod one of my hard drives with a plexiglass window so you can see inside the drive. I've seen mods like that and they're pretty awesome. :D

[freakazoid]

Well since I'm building my next case the whole thing will be a mod.

But I do intend to light it up like a Christmas tree. I 'm thinking of going with a silvery violet theme. I also want to mod one of my hard drives with a plexiglass window so you can see inside the drive. I've seen mods like that and they're pretty awesome. :D
That sounds cool, same here, but if I go with a clear-case, my color will be blue. :D You are going to open a hard drive? How can you do that? I thought they seal hard drives hermetically to keep out dust and other contaminants? Have to admit though, seeing the inside workings as you use your computer would be bitching! Are you going to encase it in acrylic? Let me know how that goes, in the mean time, check this out...

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3672/image01mf1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Also, check this out...

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/3083/acrylhddeinbauzr4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[General Septem]

That sounds cool, same here, but if I go with a clear-case, my color will be blue. :D You are going to open a hard drive? How can you do that? I thought they seal hard drives hermetically to keep out dust and other contaminants? Have to admit though, seeing the inside workings as you use your computer would be bitching! Are you going to encase it in acrylic? Let me know how that goes, in the mean time, check this out...

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3672/image01mf1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Also, check this out...

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/3083/acrylhddeinbauzr4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The one on top is pretty cool. I got the idea for the mod from these two articles:

http://case-mod-nexus.com/linear/hard-drive-window-2/

http://www.overclockers.com/tips821/

Also, check out this thread:

http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38296

:D

[freakazoid]

The one on top is pretty cool. I got the idea for the mod from these two articles:

http://case-mod-nexus.com/linear/hard-drive-window-2/

http://www.overclockers.com/tips821/

Also, check out this thread:

http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38296

:D
Overcloackers!! Ha ha!! I love it, mang! That is totally cool! :D Where are you going to make your case, General?

[General Septem]

Overcloackers!! Ha ha!! I love it, mang! That is totally cool! Where are you going to make your case, General?
Downstairs of course:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/akai-suisei/IMG_1493.jpg

:D

Of course, it wouldn't do much good without a little bit of wood:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/akai-suisei/IMG_1293.jpg

Haha, we bought it for our countertops. Turns out it didn't do so well, so now we just have it stacked up in our stock pile :D

We've also got similar amounts of cherry, oak, and tigerwood.

[freakazoid]

Yup, that'll do it! Way cool setup...:D

[freakazoid]

Sorry for the double post...

Hey General, have you started your system cube yet? Keep me posted with pictures if you want. Would be cool to see it take shape. :D

[General Septem]

Sorry for the double post...

Hey General, have you started your system cube yet? Keep me posted with pictures if you want. Would be cool to see it take shape. :D
Not a cube, it's actually going to be a full tower. I haven't started actually building it yet (we're just finishing up a really huge project down there now) but I plan to pretty soon. Sure, I'll post pics :D

[freakazoid]

Not a cube, it's actually going to be a full tower. I haven't started actually building it yet (we're just finishing up a really huge project down there now) but I plan to pretty soon. Sure, I'll post pics :D

A tower, way cool. :D Yeah, man, seeing it take shape would be really interesting. Still going with acrylic and wood?

[General Septem]

A tower, way cool. Yeah, man, seeing it take shape would be really interesting. Still going with acrylic and wood?

Yep, wood frame and acrylic panels. I'm going to make the wooden panels by edge gluing a few contrasting woods together. Danger Den put their frames together with simple butt joints, but I'm going to be using a double dovetail:

http://draigsffau.org/Interests/Wood/PeterBox4.jpg

http://images.lhj.com/wood/neighborhoods/images/9261_2.gif

http://www.incra.biz/Library/HiResImages/thumbnails/IncraJointDoubleDovetail.jpg

Except I'm going to half-blind dovetail the other side, so that detail will be on both sides of the corner. :D

[freakazoid]

Yep, wood frame and acrylic panels. I'm going to make the wooden panels by edge gluing a few contrasting woods together. Danger Den put their frames together with simple butt joints, but I'm going to be using a double dovetail:

http://draigsffau.org/Interests/Wood/PeterBox4.jpg

http://images.lhj.com/wood/neighborhoods/images/9261_2.gif

Except I'm going to half-blind dovetail the other side, so that detail will be on both sides of the corner. :D
Bitching! :D I might buy an acrylic cube and rebuild my main PC. A project for a weekend fairly soon.

[General Septem]

Bitching! :D I might buy an acrylic cube and rebuild my main PC. A project for a weekend fairly soon.
Just be careful because a lot of those cubes tend to be micro-ATX. Those cubes are pretty awesome though. :D

[beelzebub]

Just be careful because a lot of those cubes tend to be micro-ATX. Those cubes are pretty awesome though. :D

Why did you choose wood? Is there a difference between it and metal or acrylic that gives it an advantage? Wouldnt it be a better insulator for heat? Wouldn't it have more volume -vs-metal? How could that negatively impact the system?

[General Septem]

Why did you choose wood? Is there a difference between it and metal or acrylic that gives it an advantage? Wouldnt it be a better insulator for heat? Wouldn't it have more volume -vs-metal? How could that negatively impact the system?

I chose wood for a few reasons. Firstly, I am a woodworker, so I have a lot more experience, knowledge, and tools for working with wood than acrylic and especially metal. Secondly, I love the look of wood furniture. A wooden case will make the computer look less like a cold, computing robot and more like a work of art.

The material used in the construction of a computer case won't affect performance at all. The design of the case, however, affects airflow, which does affect performance. You don't want to insulate and trap all that heat in, you want to carry it all away. But since virtually none of this heat is dissipated by the case itself, the insulatory properties of the material of the case should never make a big difference. If it does, the case has airflow issues.

[freakazoid]

Just be careful because a lot of those cubes tend to be micro-ATX. Those cubes are pretty awesome though. :D
Good point. Have to order carefully. :eek: I can't find anything locally, so I will be ordering online. This is one source...

http://www.cubedpc.com/thecube2.htm

And...

http://mountainmods.com/product_info.php?products_id=276&osCsid=287e2ab4f0c82c7fa3eea7cedbd9742a

And...

http://xoxide.com/cubecase.html

Damn, have to get one!! :D

[freakazoid]

So If I think my computer is a pain........................ What do you think I should buy?

Please help... I am searching for a new computer.

So, beelzebub, have you decided to build your own?

[beelzebub]

So, beelzebub, have you decided to build your own?

Well,... I am still pouring over the rich info that GS provided.

I want to I just need to find out how much it is all going to cost then move funds.

I am debating on that or just buying another setup.

What do you think?

[freakazoid]

Well,... I am still pouring over the rich info that GS provided.

I want to I just need to find out how much it is all going to cost then move funds.

I am debating on that or just buying another setup.

What do you think?
Give it a shot, its really not that hard. And, you might save a few bucks in the process.

[Brittbrat1232]

My computer is a pane in the ass b/c it takes soo fucking long to get to the site that you WANTED TO GO TO

[beelzebub]

Give it a shot, its really not that hard. And, you might have a few bucks in the process.

I think you are right. I am going to buy the stuff before spring break and then spend a couple of days putting it together.

What do you think I could save? 10-20-30%??

[freakazoid]

I think you are right. I am going to buy the stuff before spring break and then spend a couple of days putting it together.

What do you think I could save? 10-20-30%??

Hard to say, beelzebub, but about 15 to 30 % depending on where and how you buy your parts. Look around first though, because off the self computers still offer great deals too.

[freakazoid]

My computer is a pane in the ass b/c it takes soo fucking long to get to the site that you WANTED TO GO TO

Sounds like you need a new computer, dude.

[MrBirdy]

my dad made part of my PC and it is great, as we speak i am running FEAR, and i still have RAM to spare, i need a better graphics card though, yeah great job getting me a 256 sound and a 16 video:confused:

[MrBirdy]

I think you are right. I am going to buy the stuff before spring break and then spend a couple of days putting it together.

What do you think I could save? 10-20-30%??

if your like me youll spend 20-30% more, i like RAM and Graphics, and built-in modem, and wireless on desktop and neat stuff that is for showing off only.;)

[General Septem]

if your like me youll spend 20-30% more, i like RAM and Graphics, and built-in modem, and wireless on desktop and neat stuff that is for showing off only.;)

Yeah you won't save any money that's for sure, but you'll get a 20-30% better PC for your money. :D