Search found 165 matches

by dwc13
Sat Sep 11, 2021 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me choose a gaming laptop
Replies: 20
Views: 1938

Re: Help me choose a gaming laptop

Have you considered building a gaming desktop with your son? It is loads of fun, and would be a fantastic shared experience between parent and child, and not as difficult as you would imagine. There are a lot of instructional videos on youtube. Choosing the components is fun and educational https://pcpartpicker.com/ . And you end up with something that is customized to your needs and that you will be proud to use and show off. My experience with the premade PCs is they start to feel obsolete after 3-4 years. I wanted to go this route with my son. I built my desktop a few years ago and he was eager to learn how to build one of his own. But the GPU shortages make things very difficult to build your own right now unless you can win the NewEgg...
by dwc13
Wed May 05, 2021 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a new laptop
Replies: 94
Views: 9726

Re: Buying a new laptop

For 2+ years I have been using a 14" Huawei MateBook D powered by a Ryzen 2500U with Vega 8 mobile graphics & Full HD IPS panel. So the technology is several Ryzen mobile CPU releases ago. It's still working like a champ despite being handicapped with only 8GB RAM soldered to the motherboard (no available slot). I have it connected to a 27" QHD monitor (2560 x 1440) running at 60Hz and run only that screen. In the past it's been up to the task while I occasionally worked on a few crazy complicated Excel spreadsheets. Huawei's build quality on this (older) model is really good. If I was currently in the market for a new notebook computer, Ryzen mobile 4xxx (and 5xxx) CPUs would be on the short list. Be aware the Ryzen 3 5300U, ...
by dwc13
Wed May 05, 2021 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!

The other night I stopped by the local Micro Center to pick up a cable modem but that's a story for another time. While I was there, I checked to see if graphics card availability had improved since December 2020. Nope, lol, other than GeForce GT 710 cards. Well, let me clarify -- there were three (3) AMD RX 6900XT cards inside the locked display case. Problem: The price tag was $2,499.99 per unit. Apparently Micro Center doesn't want to sell the AMD RX 6900XT graphics cards as a standalone offering at a lower price, even though the ask (and current bid) price on ebay is considerably lower. Maybe the store prefers selling it as part of an upgrade to one of their in-house PCs. Who knows, but a $2,500 asking price is way too rich for me. Some...
by dwc13
Fri Nov 13, 2020 2:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gaming PC Build: Newbie questions and feedback!
Replies: 120
Views: 9184

Re: Gaming PC Build: Newbie questions and feedback!

Quick note on RAM for AMD Ryzen CPUs: 1. AMD *officially* supports up to DDR4 3200 MHz UDIMMs (modules). So even if the motherboard supports DDR 4 3600 MHz modules, there is no guarantee your Ryzen 3700X CPU will support DDR4 RAM running at 3600 MHz. If the PC won't boot or run properly at 3600 MHz, you can always downclock the RAM to 3200 MHz in the UEFI/BIOS. In general, PC builders are able to get DDR4 3600 MHz modules to operate at full speed with a Ryzen 7 3700X CPU and AM4 motherboard, but once in a while someone runs into an issue (perhaps when using an oddball memory module, fickle motherboard and/or unstable firmware/drivers). Information on RAM https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/pc-memory-ram-frequency-timings,6328.html#:~:text=...
by dwc13
Thu Nov 12, 2020 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gaming PC Build: Newbie questions and feedback!
Replies: 120
Views: 9184

Re: Gaming PC Build: Newbie questions and feedback!

@Wannaretireearly Welcome to the club, lol. Several of us who have posted on the other thread have recently completed or started a new PC build. As you can see from the responses thus far, expect quite a bit of feedback on your project. I'll take a look at the BOM you linked and respond in a subsequent post. 1. What is the approximate budget for the PC Build ( excluding Windows 10 license, an additional cost if you don't already have a new/transferrable license)? 2. What type(s) of games does your son play? First identify the core components: CPU, motherboard, graphics card, case and power supply. After you have made those selections, pick out compatible RAM, SSD/HD and other items such as case fans and coolers (for CPU and, if desired, gra...
by dwc13
Wed Nov 11, 2020 12:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

I think you would do well with a 3400G on a B550 motherboard, which would leave you with plenty of room for later upgrades if you feel the need. Good idea except AMD and the motherboard makers say it's not supported. https://www.amd.com/en/chipsets/b550 *Note: AMD B550 chipset is not compatible with AMD Ryzen™ 5 3400G & AMD Ryzen™ 3 3200G processors. Ryzen 5 3400G & Ryzen 3 3200G are Zen+ processors, not Zen 2. Thanks again, AMD, for a lousy naming convention; all other desktop Ryzen 3xxx CPUs are Zen 2 offerings. Just for that, I'm calling them APUs. While not officially supported by AMD, some users have apparently managed to get a Ryzen 5 3400G to work with a B550 motherboard. If successful, that allows the user to build a PC at ...
by dwc13
Tue Nov 03, 2020 12:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why do reviewers love the Dell XPS 13 but users don't?
Replies: 97
Views: 18481

Re: Why do reviewers love the Dell XPS 13 but users don't?

If a reviewer is compensated for his/her review of a specific product/service, the *boulder* of salt rule should apply. Move on, lol. Note that many review sites display ads from various companies. The ads might not be for the product being reviewed, but they could be from the same company (or a competitor). In general, negative reviews don't generate meaningful ad revenue. Some reviewers are sent review units directly from the vendor. One would think these review units have been double-checked (beyond regular quality control) to make sure they're the best they can be before being shipped to the reviewer. Occasionally, a review mentions something was broken, missing, and/or out of spec. Oops. Even worse, however, there have been instances w...
by dwc13
Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

I am stumped on a computer problem I hope someone might be able to help me with. My wife tells me that this whole thing sounds like the story about rock soup and how my "fixing" is just building a new computer. I just want it to work at this point! Any help SO GREATLY APPRECIATED. Is your wife right, lol? It's apparent you're pretty knowledgeable about computers. Sounds like you have already done many of the steps outlined by Asus Support for trouble shooting motherboard issues: https://icr-am.asus.com/webchat/icr.html?rootTreeId=AM.US.EN-US&treeId=AM.US.EN-US.MotherBoard&tenantId=EN-US Perhaps the issue is OS/drive related. 1. Are you able to see "Press F2 to enter BIOS", or something along those lines once the...
by dwc13
Tue Oct 20, 2020 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

I built 3 systems but it has been years, and from reading this thread it is clear I am really behind in terms of technology. I am considering building another system and have some questions: You'll be fine when (if) you decide to build a PC. In many instances, naming conventions, industry standards, and product capabilities/requirements have changed over time; however, the core components & processes associated with building a PC are still largely the same. If you're stumped during a PC build, it is likely someone else already encountered the same (or similar) issue. Thanks to YouTube, Google, and vendor/tech websites, a viable solution is often readily available online. From my perspective, the hardest part of a PC build today (compar...
by dwc13
Wed Oct 14, 2020 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

I just Googled 3800xt vs 5600x and found this site: https://nanoreview.net/en/cpu-compare/amd-ryzen-7-3800xt-vs-amd-ryzen-5-5600x The 5600X is 5% better for single threading and better on power consumption, but it looks like the 3800xt is slightly better in most other categories. Obviously, all this is theoretical until the benchmarks for the 5600x are available... I have no idea what to do about coolers. I've never built a system at that level before. I've always bought pre-built mobo/CPU/cooler combos and then added the RAM and everything else myself. How do you know which coolers are powerful enough to work on which CPUs? I don't plan on overclocking it. Does any old cooler work in that case? All the half-way decent coolers that can fit...
by dwc13
Sat Oct 10, 2020 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

Probably best to dump the IDE drives. They are probably smaller capacity and may not be compatible with current HW or NAS SW. But you can certainly build an UnRAID array with drives of various sizes. That's one of the pluses of this software. For those unfamiliar, UnRAID is developed and maintained by Lime Technology, Inc. https://unraid.net/ It is not free, but the one-time license fees are modest and scaled according to the number of drives in the server. There is a 30-day free trial so you can download the software and try it out before buying. Best of all, UnRAID scales up easily so your initial configuration doesn't lock you in to something that can't be upgraded. For a good source of info on all things UnRAID, check out this blogger ...
by dwc13
Sat Oct 10, 2020 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

I have to say, the more I think about it, the less sure I am about going down this road. I'm tempted to buy a Synology for the turnkey aspect and call it a day, especially given a good point someone over on Reddit brought up; the resale value of Synology devices compared to homebrew. Decisions, decisions... The biggest advantage to a DIY NAS is you have much more control over the hardware components. There might be a cost advantage, too, depending upon what components you already have and can repurpose for the build. Is it worth the effort? That's entirely your call. If you are in the market for a new computer to replace an existing one, building a DIY NAS might be worth undertaking if you have the time. But since it's now college football...
by dwc13
Sat Oct 10, 2020 1:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

General considerations: 1. Verify (as best you can) that your selected CPU includes a cooler (heatsink/fan). If it doesn't come bundled with one, you'll need to buy a CPU cooler. The pcpartpicker links you posted were interesting. For newegg, the linked listing indicated a CPU only item. I didn't attempt to decipher the linked information overload, uh, listing for Amazon.com; however, I suggest you don't solely rely upon user comments, especially for that site. I agree to not base important decisions from product review comments. What I do recommend is getting the information directly from the manufacturer's website. (deskjockey -It confirms what dwc13 says in the second paragraph, but I want to show where the information comes from so you...
by dwc13
Sat Oct 10, 2020 12:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

I have been building my own PCs since 2008. A couple years ago I rebuilt one into a 9-drive NAS using the UnRAID OS. Although this system is in regular use holding backups of my other computers, I built it mostly for hobby interest/curiosity. I have been using Synology NAS units since 2011 and I'm generally quite pleased with them. I currently run a DS416j as my primary NAS device, and I plan to upgrade that to a DS1520+ in about a month with some Cyber Monday help. Those are my bona fides for the following comments on your plan. Appreciate your thoughts on UnRAID OS. Are you running any VMs on your UnRAID server? I have several 320GB to 1TB IDE & SATA hard drives salvaged from previous computers. I might just scrap the IDE drives so I...
by dwc13
Fri Oct 09, 2020 11:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

Thanks, dwc13! I hadn't thought to look at whether the Pentium came with a CPU cooler, so I'll do that. I did look at AMD processors and mobos, but the one thing that took them out of contention for me was that none of the mother boards had more than 4 SATA ports, and I want to have at least six, since I'll be using it with five drives initially (for RAID 6) and want to be able to expand beyond that at some point, if needed. As for the media, yes, most can be direct streamed, except the handful of titles that have subtitles (a dozen, at most)--I'm trying to figure out a way of eliminating that small problem. I want my NAS to host the Plex Media Server and serve as a file storage location both for backups and large media collections (like o...
by dwc13
Fri Oct 09, 2020 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

I'm leaning toward building a budget NAS instead of buying one off the shelf, primarily to get a more capable rig with more future-proofing than Synology or QNAP offer at my pricepoint (around the $380 or so cost of a Synology DS418). What do you all think of the below configuration? I know the Pentium is anemic, but the NAS will only need to transcode at most one or two streams, as I can mostly direct-stream most of my Plex media. I plan to shuck easystore drives for the HDDs, but I'm not sure if these will work with the mobo I've chosen without modification or not. Any advice on whether this configuration is sound, or what I can change to make it cheaper without impairing performance? This would be my first build, as to date I've only bo...
by dwc13
Fri Oct 09, 2020 4:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Possible Relocation to Columbus, OH Area
Replies: 49
Views: 4536

Re: Possible Relocation to Columbus, OH Area

I've never actually been to Ohio other than a brief stop at the Cleveland Airport, but as a California native who you couldn't pay (well, maybe 8-figures...for a year) to move back there, I found this quite amusing. There are a grand total of two remaining members of my and my wife's families (both sets of parents, 9 siblings and their families) who haven't left in the last decade, and they are both now making exit plans. You hit on a few of the reasons we don't even like to visit anymore. I'm not totally down on California, not by a long shot, but there are definitely major problems in the Golden State. Even so, I still love visiting San Francisco and riding Muni to explore the different neighborhoods. Taking the N Judah line to Ocean Bea...
by dwc13
Fri Oct 09, 2020 4:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Possible Relocation to Columbus, OH Area
Replies: 49
Views: 4536

Re: Possible Relocation to Columbus, OH Area

Okay, I get that Columbus isn't San Francisco, San Diego or (thankfully) Los Angeles. Nevertheless, I enjoyed living in Columbus while I attended Ohio State. Very friendly people. Fresh air. Change of seasons. Drivers that don't cause multi-car accidents when a few raindrops start falling. Now there's even a Las Vegas-style casino -- not the glorified card rooms in California that can't even host a real craps game. Donatos Pizza -- my all-time favorite -- is headquartered in the area. Before the pandemic, you could easily drive to and spend a day or three at Cedar Point in Sandusky. Cleveland is 2+ hours away -- you could spend that on the 405 just trying to get to LAX. Cincinnati is...well, never mind. Head over to Wright Patterson AFB in...
by dwc13
Fri Oct 09, 2020 3:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

You're basing expectations on CPU reliability. The Zen 3 process uses the same 7 nm process as Zen 2, but with a new architecture. I would expect its lifetime to be similar to Zen 2. If this wasn't the case, I would expect AMD to set those target prices higher - higher reliability is always a higher price point. You really don't want to be the first kid on the block with the latest CPU. Why? It needs time in the field to flush out the initial bugs. Yes, there are bugs. Manufacturers tweak their designs all the time. I'd wait a few months to be sure. So, be the 2nd or 3rd kid on the block. Or, use an existing mature design. The 5800X is closest to the 3700X in terms of cores / threads, but draws 105 W vs. 65 W for the 3700X. I think you sho...
by dwc13
Mon Sep 28, 2020 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Microsoft Office 2010 Support Ending October 13, 2020
Replies: 0
Views: 496

Microsoft Office 2010 Support Ending October 13, 2020

Microsoft will be ending support of MS Office 2010 (perpetual license) on October 13, 2020. I get a reminder in the form of a salmon color nag bar every time I start up venerable Excel 2010. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/end-of-support-for-office-2010-3a3e45de-51ac-4944-b2ba-c2e415432789 If you are still using any of the programs in this suite (Word 2010, Excel 2010, PowerPoint 2010, etc.), consider downloading program files and/or product updates for MS Office 2010 before the end of support date. Microsoft is intent on getting its customer base to migrate over to a subscription-based model (e.g., Office 365 / Microsoft 365). Thus, I would not be surprised if MS Office 2010 program files/product updates are removed in the near ...
by dwc13
Sun Sep 27, 2020 12:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums (which is a must buy?)
Replies: 48
Views: 5171

Re: New Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums (which is a must buy?)

Nicolas wrote: Sat Sep 26, 2020 6:00 pm I wish I still had access to the old list, anybody got it?

2003 edition
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/musi ... me-156826/
by dwc13
Fri Sep 25, 2020 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3G 4G 5G
Replies: 35
Views: 3059

Re: 3G 4G 5G

The sunsetting of 3G networks has been delayed because of Covid-19. However, the three largest Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the US -- Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile/Sprint -- have publicly stated their intention to shut down 3G on or before the end of 2022. The actual 3G shutdown date varies by MNO, but since it's a cost (operating multiple networks) & spectrum (to be repurposed once 3G is turned off) issue, it will happen. Note that if your wireless carrier is a MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) and relies upon one of the above MNOs for spectrum, you should make plans to change/upgrade your service/3G device as necessary. Check with your current wireless provider and get their thoughts. 4G is not going away anytime soon. Pe...
by dwc13
Fri Sep 25, 2020 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Possible Relocation to Columbus, OH Area
Replies: 49
Views: 4536

Re: Possible Relocation to Columbus, OH Area

Thank you dwc13! I appreciate your informative and entertaining reply. You're welcome. Written from experience, having lived in the Bay Area years ago when it was still marginally affordable. Besides, there are times when an injection of levity is needed in these threads. On a more serious note, others have mentioned Dublin, which is very nice. I have several friends who live in Lewis Center, Upper Arlington & Worthington and they're happy with their choice. For additional information about Ohio schools, check out the following sites: US News -- All Ohio high schools https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/ohio/rankings US News -- Columbus, Ohio high schools (includes suburbs) https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schoo...
by dwc13
Fri Sep 25, 2020 9:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Possible Relocation to Columbus, OH Area
Replies: 49
Views: 4536

Re: Possible Relocation to Columbus, OH Area

KarenC wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2020 7:23 am
"There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes."
+1

Reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw in Jackson Hole, Wyoming: "There is no bad skiing, only bad skiers".
by dwc13
Thu Sep 24, 2020 3:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Possible Relocation to Columbus, OH Area
Replies: 49
Views: 4536

Re: Possible Relocation to Columbus, OH Area

I hesitated a couple of times before posting such overwhelmingly negative comments, but counterpoints so far have been few... so I'm offering mine. We relocated from Southern California to Columbus in 2014. This was a "temporary" move as well (career stepping stone for my spouse while he got his Green Card and US citizenship). But as I'm now prone to say... we're in year seven of three. :shock: This is a mid-sized city with few amenities. Even with kids, how many times do you want to visit COSI or go to a zoo? People here are into college sports unlike any place I've encountered, probably because there's little else to do or talk about. [Go Buckeyes?] There are two seasons: Hot & Awful and Cold & Awful. Unless you are oka...
by dwc13
Thu Sep 24, 2020 12:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

Here's my preliminary build configuration. I made my CPU and GPU choices before I saw what was posted in the thread. CPU - AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Cooling - Noctua NH-U12S AM4 GPU - Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060S Motherboard - ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) RAM - G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 3200 3600 Case - Fractal Design Meshify C Black ATX Mid Tower PSU - Seasonic FOCUS GX-750, 750W 80+ Gold. Storage (boot drive) - Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 PCIe Gen 3.0 Storage (not boot) - Reusing SSD, HD. External optical drive Display - Reusing monitor Input devices - Reusing keyboard, mouse Your list looks familiar. I had considered several components that you will be using in your build. My first choice PS, the Seasonic FOCUS GX-750, was...
by dwc13
Wed Sep 23, 2020 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

Hopefully this is message isn't considered "hijacking" a thread. I am building TWO gaming machines. One for each of my boys. The case I selected only have two fans and I am concerned about heat management. Generally speaking, what is an acceptable temperature inside a computer case? Any advice on heat management? Lucky boys! For air cooling, placement of case fans (and flow direction) is at least as important as the total number. Cases are designed with exhausting hot air in mind; obviously, some will do it much better than others. Earlier in this thread I posted a link to a really good article on case fans that is worth a read. The Big Air Cooling Investigation https://bit-tech.net/reviews/tech/the-big-cooling-investigation/1/ M...
by dwc13
Wed Sep 23, 2020 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

This evening I received an email from Dell -- curiously sent Saturday evening -- informing me of a delay in delivery of a monitor I had ordered in late August. The website listing had indicated a delivery date by September 22 (2020). I decided I could wait a few weeks for delivery and therefore didn't buy a different monitor another vendor. After I placed the order, I received an email from Dell confirming the monitor would be delivered by September 22, 2020. The revised delivery date is now December 29, 2020. LMAO, Dell wouldn't even commit to making the cut-off for Christmas. Now you've got me worried--I seriously entertained the idea of building my own PC a few weeks ago, but decided to go with a Dell G5 5000 instead (i7-10700F, RTX 206...
by dwc13
Wed Sep 23, 2020 3:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

Good timing, as I just decided to start my new build. There's no point to force my Win 10 Lenovo to failure by overheating simply because it's an "extra" PC. The SSD and HD drives (1 each) will be transferred to the new build. My first choice is CPU. Here's a really good article: AMD vs Intel 2020: Who Makes the Best CPUs? | Tom's Hardware I've always owned Intel (except once a very long time ago) and was very surprised to see Intel has fallen behind AMD. I was disappointed to read about Intel's insufficient stock coolers, for example. The article explains why I'm seeing a lot of new builds choose AMD and I may go this route as well. To complement mxs' article, here's the CPU rankings: CPU Benchmark Hierarchy 2020: Intel and AMD ...
by dwc13
Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

This evening I received an email from Dell -- curiously sent Saturday evening -- informing me of a delay in delivery of a monitor I had ordered in late August. The website listing had indicated a delivery date by September 22 (2020). I decided I could wait a few weeks for delivery and therefore didn't buy a different monitor another vendor. After I placed the order, I received an email from Dell confirming the monitor would be delivered by September 22, 2020. The revised delivery date is now December 29, 2020. LMAO, Dell wouldn't even commit to making the cut-off for Christmas. It's not just a supply chain issue. It's also a horrible time of year to try to buy from a vendor who has extensive government contracts. July 1st is the new fiscal...
by dwc13
Sun Sep 20, 2020 12:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

This evening I received an email from Dell -- curiously sent Saturday evening -- informing me of a delay in delivery of a monitor I had ordered in late August. The website listing had indicated a delivery date by September 22 (2020). I decided I could wait a few weeks for delivery and therefore didn't buy a different monitor another vendor. After I placed the order, I received an email from Dell confirming the monitor would be delivered by September 22, 2020. The revised delivery date is now December 29, 2020. LMAO, Dell wouldn't even commit to making the cut-off for Christmas. I understand Covid-19 is (and has been) adversely affecting supply chain. IMO, Dell should have been upfront with customers and provided a realistic projected delive...
by dwc13
Thu Sep 17, 2020 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

^^^ Good info, thanks. My previous home-brew was a Lian-Li case and Silverstone power supply. Every time I upgraded, I'd put the CPU and GPU product brand sticker on the front. The front panel was full of stickers. ...According to the specs, you have some tight tolerances for a video card. From https://psref.lenovo.com/syspool/Sys/PDF/ThinkCentre/ThinkCentre_M910_SFF/ThinkCentre_M910_SFF_Spec.pdf : Slot 1: low-profile (length < 150mm, height < 68mm), PCIe 3.0 x16* With those sorts of clearances, you'd be looking at much older GPU chipsets. Newegg shows several NVIDIA GeForce GT 710, GT 730, and GT 1030 low profile cards at or below 150mm in length. There's also a smattering of Radeon R7 240 cards. Of those, the GT 1030 cards would give the...
by dwc13
Thu Sep 17, 2020 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

Is anyone else having trouble finding isopropyl alcohol? I haven't experienced any thermal issues with my cpu, but given that it's twelve years old, I'm betting it's bone dry by now. I should probably put down some fresh paste while I'm building the new system, but I haven't seen any alcohol in stores for a while. If you don't have isopropyl alcohol you could use a small amount of Everclear to help clean/remove thermal paste from your cooler and/or CPU. For those of legal drinking age in their jurisdiction, Everclear 190 is @$18 a for a 750ml bottle at Walmart. Note that some states have banned Everclear 190, so it also comes in a diluted form (151 proof). Shame to waste liquor, but it would be for a good cause. FYI, the cooler bundled (Wr...
by dwc13
Wed Sep 16, 2020 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

I'm holding off my next build for another month or so, in anticipation of Ryzen 4000 series processors becoming available for desktops. You can already buy laptops with R5 4600H and 4600U, so the desktop versions should be here soon. I'm expecting significantly better performance and lower power consumption, but that's just rumor, at this point. As @Independent George noted, Ryzen Mobile 4000 parts are Zen 2. Don't expect Zen 3 mobile parts until 2021. AMD's (very unfortunate) current naming convention for Ryzen Mobile parts has caused needless confusion. This is especially problematic because older generation Zen+ mobile parts are sold as Ryzen Mobile 3xxx. They are fabbed at 12nm (Global Foundries), an enhanced version of the 14nm proces...
by dwc13
Wed Sep 16, 2020 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Replies: 70
Views: 9365

Re: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

If you're interested in a very well done & informative review of Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020), check out this one:

LGR - Flight Simulator 2020 Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsGyqezRaWM
by dwc13
Wed Sep 16, 2020 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Replies: 70
Views: 9365

Re: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

bob60014 wrote: Sun Sep 13, 2020 5:19 am
dwc13 wrote: Sun Sep 13, 2020 12:26 am ............Bigfoot roaming the forests,........
His name is Daryl! :)

Re the topic, it's a nice upgrade from FS and FSX. I'm running 2020 on a laptop, no issues so far, though it runs warmer than usual which I expected.
You sure it's not Flo? Glad you're able to enjoy the latest iteration of Flight Simulator.
by dwc13
Wed Sep 16, 2020 2:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

Honestly, my dream build would be a Micro ITX using the NZXT H1 and these custom side panels . I think the Tesselation pattern in cherry would look fantastic ; I just can't stomach the $450 price tag. Solar System looks pretty good, too. If I had the woodworking skills, I'd make my own custom case to resemble one of those old wood-paneled radios. I'm tired of everything either looking like an iPod, or red/black color schemes. Great-looking combination. I'm probably not in either companies targeted customer demographic, though. I think the most I have ever spent on a case was an aluminum one from Lian Li that I bought years ago. Probably $150 or so at the time. I wouldn't spend more on a computer case than on a CPU it housed. However, other...
by dwc13
Tue Sep 15, 2020 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

Did you upgrade the stock fans and/or add any additional fans? I just installed 2 Corsair ML120 Pro fans for front intake in an Antec Three Hundred case. At some point I'll probably replace the stock exhaust fans (TriCool 120mm & 140mm), but they're quiet enough and working so it's not a priority at the moment. Even though the testing (in the link below) was done more than a few years ago, the basic principles of air flow inside a computer case still apply. Fans. Openings (however slight). Negative pressure. Positive pressure. Noise. Dust. And hopefully acceptable temperatures for key computer components. Quality fans and power supplies are generally more efficient and quieter at a given load today, which is good. Being able to set fan...
by dwc13
Tue Sep 15, 2020 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

Did you upgrade the stock fans and/or add any additional fans? I just installed 2 Corsair ML120 Pro fans for front intake in an Antec Three Hundred case. At some point I'll probably replace the stock exhaust fans (TriCool 120mm & 140mm), but they're quiet enough and working so it's not a priority at the moment. Even though the testing (in the link below) was done more than a few years ago, the basic principles of air flow inside a computer case still apply. Fans. Openings (however slight). Negative pressure. Positive pressure. Noise. Dust. And hopefully acceptable temperatures for key computer components. Quality fans and power supplies are generally more efficient and quieter at a given load today, which is good. Being able to set fan...
by dwc13
Tue Sep 15, 2020 1:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

The motherboard also has that same color scheme, and I bought white memory modules to round the whole thing out. Why I spent so much time color-coordinating when almost no one is going to see it, I don't know. But it was cheaper to buy the regular heat sink and swap out for Chromax fans than to buy the Chromax heat sink. Funny how pricing works out sometimes. In the end, you got what you wanted and for less -- something most of us would like to be able to do more frequently. For my current build, I was all set to buy Crucial Ballistix 2 x 16 GB DDR4 3200 MHz RAM with white heatsinks from Newegg. My MB and case are black, so wanted to add just a bit of color to help break things up...for nobody to see. Last Friday I stopped by Micro Center ...
by dwc13
Mon Sep 14, 2020 9:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

Independent George wrote: Mon Sep 14, 2020 12:14 pm NAND prices plummet!

Inland Platinum 2TB SSD for $200 at MicroCenter.

It's QLC with only a 3-year warranty, but at $200 the price to performance ratio is amazing. It's only $10 more than their lower level drive, with faster max speeds and longer durability.
The $200 price point (for 2 TB M.2 NVMe SSD) has been hit. Thanks for the heads up.
by dwc13
Mon Sep 14, 2020 9:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

If you're looking for a good airflow case, Gamers Nexus has some of the best and most informative reviews (including thermal testing) out there. In their testing, they found that better airflow generally resulted in less noise compared to sound dampening cases - as long as you have PWM fans, good airflow means you can dial down the RPM to maintain a given temperature. A sound-dampening case, meanwhile, is offset by the higher fan speeds needed to cool the internals. I bought my Coolermaster NR600 on their recommendation, but I believe the Silverstone RL06 is remains their overall top thermal performer despite reviewing it back in 2017. Did you upgrade the stock fans and/or add any additional fans? I just installed 2 Corsair ML120 Pro fans ...
by dwc13
Mon Sep 14, 2020 5:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

Just wanted to chime in about coolers. Noctua of course are regarded as the best, especially the NH-D15. However they are a bit spendy at $89.99 for the unsightly standard version and $99.99 for the much more visually appealing Chromax Black. For a more economical solution, look into the Scythe Fuma 2. In the reviews I found it performs nearly as well as the top-end Noctua but costs only $59.99 and isn't unsightly. I recently replaced the stock cooler (Wraith Stealth) on my Ryzen 3600 with the Fuma 2 and my max temperatures have fallen over 20 degrees celsius. Plus it's whisper quiet. Noctua makes great CPU coolers and some decent case fans. Yes, their traditional color scheme leaves something to be desired. For now, I have decided to hold...
by dwc13
Mon Sep 14, 2020 5:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Computer Setup for Photoshop
Replies: 47
Views: 3663

Re: New Computer Setup for Photoshop

Are there any desktop computers today sold with M.2 SATA ports? I haven't seen one for a while. There are still desktop computers available with a hard drive installed (no SSDs), so I wouldn't be too surprised. https://store.acer.com/en-us/desktops/tower/veriton-x-desktop-vx4660g-i3810h1 Slightly older model Small Form Factor (SFF) computers might be the best chance for having an M.2 SATA III (6 Gbps) port. Acer lists "Total Solid State Drive Capacity" for some of its offerings (linked below); that *could* mean a 2.5" SATA III SSD or M.2 SATA III SSD, or some combination of older SSDs. If there was an M.2 NVMe SSD in the configuration, I think that would have been clearly noted as a selling point. https://store.acer.com/en-u...
by dwc13
Mon Sep 14, 2020 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Computer Setup for Photoshop
Replies: 47
Views: 3663

Re: New Computer Setup for Photoshop

DaftInvestor wrote: Mon Sep 14, 2020 8:41 am
Ged wrote: Mon Sep 14, 2020 8:32 am Instead of a machine with an SSD I would recommend an M.2 drive.
Aren't M.2 drives SSDs? just a smaller form-factor (and generally faster but that should be confirmed).
So if you get an M.2 drive you are getting an SSD.
Yes, an M.2 drive (form factor) is an SSD. Perhaps OP meant an SSD with an NVMe interface (and M.2 form factor), rather than the traditional 2.5" SSD with the older and slower SATA 6 Gbps interface.

An M.2 with a SATA 6 Gbps interface will basically be the same speed as a 2.5" SATA 6 Gbps SSD. Thanks to the computer industry for another often confusing naming convention. Can't wait for the next one...
by dwc13
Sun Sep 13, 2020 12:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Replies: 70
Views: 9365

Re: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

batpot wrote: Tue Sep 08, 2020 12:03 pm
Have you seen any UFOs over Vegas/Area 51?
I'll be on the lookout once I have finished with my computer build and installed MS Flight Simulator (2020). Hopefully a third party developer will have some fun and offer UFOs as part of an add-in of unusual objects. In addition, perhaps Loch Ness Monster swimming around in Loch Ness, Bigfoot roaming the forests, a few wayward icebergs in the middle of the south Pacific Ocean, Waldo (or Carmen San Diego) making cameos while roaming the world, the Red Baron's Fokker Triplane in the skies chasing a doghouse piloted by Snoopy, an occasional erupting volcano or 3. The possibilities are endless.
by dwc13
Sat Sep 12, 2020 7:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 141755

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

In addition to gaming, I've had a long-standing interest in fractal generation. That's at an entirely different level and needs a high performance GPU. Does anyone do fractal generation (beside me)? That's one thing I've missed with my store-bought desktop. It's just not possible with the built-in mobo video. I've checked out a few fractal programs in the past. Thankfully, I never had to learn the math behind fractals, lol. There are some amazing fractals that can be generated...but thus far nothing as mesmerizing (IMHO) to some of the drawings MC Escher conjured up. Perhaps these sites will still work with your MB integrated graphics: https://www.math.uni-sb.de/ag/eschmeier/personen/didas/chaotifyme.php https://math.hws.edu/eck/js/mandelb...
by dwc13
Sat Sep 12, 2020 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Computer Setup for Photoshop
Replies: 47
Views: 3663

Re: New Computer Setup for Photoshop

Photoshop runs better with more available RAM. Period. It will utilize what it needs up to the set resource limit (70% of available by default). There might be times when multiple images are simultaneously open, increasing the need for RAM. And it's not just Photoshop that will be using system memory, especially if OP is multitasking. Perhaps a chat program, streaming music, or a web browser will be open while working in Photoshop. Photoshop runs better with more RAM up until the point it's using all it needs . A raw file from a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is 22MB: with 16GB of RAM the OP can open 350 of these in Photoshop simultaneously and STILL not find the program is swapping out to the disk EVEN with email, YouTube, and Bogleheads.org ope...
by dwc13
Sat Sep 12, 2020 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Computer Setup for Photoshop
Replies: 47
Views: 3663

Re: New Computer Setup for Photoshop

I am a photographer and use Photoshop constantly. The suggestions you've gotten are good. You'll love running the operating system on the SSD (you could also use part of it for the Photoshop scratch disk). It's nice to store your working image files on an SSD also, but if money is tight you could get a big spinning hard drive for that. I don't think anyone had mentioned getting something to calibrate your monitor. (Well, now I see someone did above) If you want predictable results in Photoshop, getting a good monitor and calibration tool is very important. I use the iDisplay Pro from X-Rite (basically a sensor you put on the monitor while the software puts up colors on the monitor for it to measure, to profile the monitor); there are lots ...
by dwc13
Sat Sep 12, 2020 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Computer Setup for Photoshop
Replies: 47
Views: 3663

Re: New Computer Setup for Photoshop

I will respectfully disagree with those stating 16 GB RAM is sufficient. Photoshop will not bottleneck on 16GB of RAM unless the user is applying more than 100 layers to a 50 megapixel image. Few professional photographers will do that, much less even a hardcore amateur. Photoshop runs better with more available RAM. Period. It will utilize what it needs up to the set resource limit (70% of available by default). There might be times when multiple images are simultaneously open, increasing the need for RAM. And it's not just Photoshop that will be using system memory, especially if OP is multitasking. Perhaps a chat program, streaming music, or a web browser will be open while working in Photoshop. OP mentioned the possibility of buying ca...