2011 Computer Case Details

For my next case I want to purchase something plain and create something really unique. Something from Lian-Li would fit the bill nicely. Since they are built strong, are ultra light and well are pretty plain. Not saying this is what I will go with, but its a thought. I would love to have a case modded for me and just do the other stuff myself. I love to mod but my tight schedule makes it hard to complete whole projects in under a day.

2011 Computer Ideas

Well I have decided not to upgrade my computer until Intel release Sandy Bridge. However, if AMD releases a superior design before that time I might consider going with that platform. I love the new CPUs from AMD but there options on motherboards are not in there favor. From what I read it will be hard to OC new Intel chips. Not sure if this will change they said similar about the Core i7 line up when it first arrived iirc. I want to get a quad core CPU not sure which one looking at the 2400 from Intel. Featuring the new P67 chipset and 1155 socket. For memory I am going with at least 4GB of DDR3-1600+ with tight timings. GPU with be Fermi since I spend most time folding. I am going to keep my PSU since it is fine for what I am upgrading to. Need a new case, cooling fans, primary hard drive, and fan controller. For CPU cooling I have that covered with a Thermalright HR-02 and Silver Arrow.

2010 Computer

Well here is what I started the year out with:

Intel E8400 @ 4.0GHz

BIOSTAR T-Power i45

2x2GB G. Skill DDR2-1100

eVGA GTX280 1GB

Corsair TX750

CM Stacker STC-T01

Windows Vista Ultimate x64

Current Rig:

Intel E4500 @ 3.0GHz

BIOSTAR T-Power i45

2x1GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2-900

BFG 8800GTS 320MB

Corsair TX750

CM 690 II Advanced/RAE Tech Station

Windows Vista Ultimate x64/Windows 7 Ultimate x64

Strange I have a lower end rig, but I do live on my own now and bills are more important then nice computer parts.

Living Room Media Center

The media center computer is located in the living room of the house. For the time being it does mostly media oriented stuff. Future plans call for a discrete PCI-E GPU for folding at least few hours a day. The case should suffice but if not then it can be swapped for another I have sitting around. For what it does and even the future plans most hardware is fine. At least the CPU/motherboard side of things. In current state it runns everything perfect on the monitor we have, but later a larger monitor will suffice a better video card. It already has issues playing HD content while other tasks are running in background.

Main Purposes

Download and Stream online media

Play music and videos daily

Specifications

Intel E2180 1.8GHz 65nm

ZOTAC N73 Value 7050 Nvidia 610i mATX

1GB DDR2-667 module

WD Caviar Black 250GB 16MB SATA

Generic CD/DVD Burner IDE

Generic 300W PSU(120mm exhaust fan)

DELL mATX Micro Tower

Aerocool 120mm 3-pin(intake)/Delta 80mm 3-pin(exhaust)

Windows 7 Professional x64

HP 15-inch LCD screen 1280x1024
Logitech 2.1 speakers
Logitch USB optical mouse
HP Black USB keayboard

Future Plans and Upgrades

Overclock CPU

Install better CPU Heatsink

Install 2GB+ DDR2 RAM

Video Card

Better PSU

Improve case cooling or swap case

Updates coming soon in future posts!