Computer project

While my computer project is in limbo, I given thought to other things. Like, why are there so many external drive bays in my Thermaltake case (6)? I mean, how many external drives do you want or need? Maybe two.

Then I began reading articles about peripherals that fit in these bays. I saw fan controllers. They come in single bay and double bay height. Cute, but do they work? Is this a worthwhile investment?

Then there are card readers. Again, a nice idea, but how many times would I use it. I generally transfer files from my camera and camcorders by cable.

What else is there to fit in these bays? if you have any suggestions, pass them on.

Computer Project Update

Amazon said the power supply wouldn't ship until July. I was checking it out and noticed that the price had dropped by $20. I cancelled and reordered.

Previously I was due a $20 rebate in two months. No rebate now,but with the price drop, it's like an instant rebate.

They said it would be another month before it shipped. Suddenly it shipped! I guess they didn't want to take a chance that I'd cancel again.

The supply is a Corsair HX 850 W. The project moves forward.

Power Supply

My original intent was to buy a case and power supply and begin assembly of my self assembled system. I received the case, but the power supply is backordered.

The supply that I ordered was a Corsair 850w HX. This supply is highly rated, which is why it's in short supply, I guess.

So now I in a holding pattern. The plus side is that my budget doesn't take as quick a hit and I'll be able to move on to phase two as soon as I get the power supply and install it.

My daughter and son-in-law generously donated a copy of Windows 7 Professional for the system.

RIP DELL

My computer died. No suddenly, like a heart attack, but slowly, in incremental pieces, like cancer.

It was a Dell. Now it is a Dead Dell.

First the hard drive gave out. It was a Maxtor. Dell replaced it free of charge, but I lost a lot of data. After that I was diligent at backing up. For about two months.

A year later the replacement drive failed. It was no longer under warranty, so I replace it with a Western Digital. I rescued some of the data with Handy Recovery.

Next the LCD monitor became unstable and the picture rolled and shook. I replaced it with the old CRT monitor from my Gateway 2000.

The sound card died and then I had memory problems. Then it stopped completely.

RIP DELL.

I've decided to assemble my own PC. I want it to be able to edit video and audio material that I generate, so it has to be fast.

I may reuse the DVD burner from the Dell, until it dies. I have a Blu-Ray burner that I got as part of a package deal from Videoguys.

I also have two WD hard drives that I have been using as external drives with a WD docking station.

I need to do this piecemeal, due to budget restraints. I'll keep you posted on this blog.