Building a New Computer

[John]

Project Completed

* I try not to write too much in detail.  I worry this blog can be too boring (technical) to normal folks.

It’s been some time since I made major purchases.  I think my last major purchases were Gibson Les Paul for Christmas 2009 ($1.4k) and an air purifier on April 2010 ($430).  I’ve been doing good with money since then.  After my 20% pay cut last year, I had no choice but being extra thrifty.  It’s a tough time for a lot of people.

Anyway, a man can go without shopping for only so long.  It’s about time I buy something good.  Again, I try to justify my spending by buying something useful.

For example, guitar is good for my soul.  I play my new guitar all the time.  Air purifier helps me with my breathing condition.

This time, I have decided to replace this computer (pictured below).

This is my secondary computer.  It’s running on 6 years old technology.  My primary computer runs on 3 years old technology.  My new system will be about 30% faster than what I have now.  This will improve my life style.  It’s definitely a justifiable purchase.  I can also write it off as a business expense.

It’s almost stupid not to get a new computer. 🙂

 

I built this computer 10 years ago, then I made an upgrade 6 years ago.  Building computer is not fun anymore.  But, good computers are expensive.  So, I have decided to build it on my own.

From this old computer, I can salvage power supply, DVD drive, DVD writer, 3 hard drives, and some cables.  I am not sure if I have to buy a new video card.  I’ll have to try and see.

###

 

September 12, 2010

These are computer parts I ordered from Newegg.com.
I am happy that I only spent $557.43 (So far)
I hope I don’t have to buy a video card ($100 – $150). 

September 14, 2010

I received 2 packages so far.  I am waiting for 1 more package (motherboard).  I just realized that my new motherboard takes 2 memory sticks at a time.  So I ordered one more memory ($97.41).

So far I spent $654.84
I hope I don’t have to buy a video card….

September 15, 2010

My main computer is dead today.  How ironic is that?
Computer will not start – I am going to look at the power supply.  If power supply is not the culprit, I will have hard time troubleshooting this.

September 15-18, 2010

I ordered a power supply ($66.93), Video Card cooler ($35.21) & some wires ($12.70).  I spent $769.68 so far.

Good news.  I can use my old video card on this computer.  So, I saved 100 – $150 on video card.  But this video card had been loud all this years.  So, I am going to replace the cooling fan on this video card with a fan-less cooling system.  I think $35.21 is a small price.  Now I can have a quiet working environment.

USB 3.0 ready

September 17 2010

New computer is built – The whole thing took only a few hours.  I was amazed at myself.  I was expecting some technical difficulties, bios issues, and compatibility issues.  But I had absolutely no drama.

September 18 – 19 2010

Installed programs, re-established network & backup system.

September 21, 2010

Ordered a gigabit switch & a matching network card for $36.45
This will increase data transfer rate between my 2 computes from 100MB/s to 1000MB/s.  That’s a 10x speed increase.  I have waited so long for this technology to become affordable.

Total money spent so far: $806.13

September 22, 2010

My video card was too noisy (fan) – So, I replaced the video card fan with a fan-less heat-sink ($35.21)

Total money spent so far: $841.34

November 9, 2010

I have more things to buy, but they can wait.  So, I am officially done with this project.

###

Total money spent: $841.34 (estimated savings: $500.00+ ? maybe a lot more)

* I have a co-worker who recently spent $2,600.00 on his computer. He had to over-clock his machine to match my processing power. If I overclock my machine it will me even more powerful.  But, I don’t feel the need for it.  I am very happy with my computer.  Actually, it’s amazing.

[Author]

Posts