My most recent project.

I have been debating taking on the project of building a computer for quite some time. After dealing with a couple of failed hard drives in computers at work and considering the age of my current computers (IBM Thinkpad R50e, Dell Dimension 4550) and several general complaints of lack of computer reliability from Emily, I decided it was time to get the project underway.

After EXTENSIVE reading and self-education on the topic, I felt confident enough to buy parts (with Jon’s help of course). I owe Jon a debt of gratitude because throughout this process, he has offered his insight, help and “tech support”. Without him, I would probably have thrown the whole rig out the window!

My goal was not to build some Godly super computer capable of playing games with accelerated video graphics while simultaneously running the equivalent of a missile silo from our office (though it would be COOL!). I was looking for a mid level system using the Core i series of processors that has capability for upgrade and expansion in the future. I was hoping to keep the cost at about $600-650, $700 at the most. You’ll see what I did in the process to cut costs.

Here’s where I started, with my OLD desk top computer that I used in college about 8 years ago!

Specs:

· Celeron 1.7GHz processor

· Samsung CD-ROM (IDE)

· LiteOn CD-RW (IDE)

· ~750MB RAM (DDR)

· 1 – 10GB HD, 1 – 20GB HD (both IDE)

· Zip Drive (yeah, I know! who uses those anymore?)

· 350W power supply

· Windows XP SP3 (32-bit)

Note the off-board video card, IDE cables, and network interface card. About the only thing I was really interested in from this old computer was the case (for saving some money). So I completely gutted, removed, cleaned and inspected each individual hardware component. There was 10 years worth of dust from dorm rooms, etc. built up. Once that was cleaned out, I had a nice sturdy case to build my new system in.

Although it is old, I was interested in using the still functional LiteOn CD-RW drive (to save more money). That coupled with the DVD-ROM drive in the other Dell Dimension desktop would serve my needs for optical drives for the time being.

So here are the specs of my new system

Specs:

· Intel Core i3 530 processor

· MSI H55-GD65 Motherboard

· Samsung CD-ROM (IDE)

· LiteOn CD-RW (IDE)

· 2x2GB RAM (OCZ - Dual channel DDR3 2000)

· 150GB HD – Western Digital VelociRaptor (that’s a 2.5 inch, 10,000RPM drive!)

· 750W Corsair power supply

· Windows 7 64-bit

The case used for the computer was so old that it had no USB ports mounted on the front panel. As a matter of fact, the original computer I dismantled had a main-board with a whopping 2 USB ports accessible from the rear panel! To get around this, I purchased a 3 USB port combination hub/card reader that can be mounted in a 3.5” bay. This was a big selling point for Emily who is a “shutterfly” when it comes to taking pictures. Now she can easily take her memory cards from cameras and transfer photos. Additionally, I purchased a case fan and new D-Link wireless (G/N band) networking card that came with a nice free external antenna (because I can’t run CAT-5 cables through the walls of an apartment complex!)

The nice thing about this computer was the HDMI output built right into the motherboard. With that I was able to set up and install software while using my 32” HDTV as a monitor and not disturb the current Dell Dimension computer in the office. This is very important when you have a busy graduate student (Emily) in the house constantly writing papers.

Here’s the final product in place ready for use. It’s FAST… quiet… and runs very cool in temperature relative to the other computers. Emily is already loading it up with pictures of our new nephew Tyler. And I am having fun playing with it as well. Hopefully it will encourage me to write more blog posts. There were some snags and difficulties along the way, but I learned a lot from them and would certainly consider building a computer again.