Category Archives: Computer Builds

RetroPie Raspberry Pi 4

Posted on September 15, 2020 by tim

Item Product Cost Pi 4 CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 Basic Kit 1.5GHz 64-bit quad core ARMv8, USB-C 3.5A Power, USB-C Power switch $55 MicroSD SanDisk 64GB Ultra microSDXC USH-I $12 Case RETROFLAG NESPi 4 Case with SSD Case, USB-C Power … Continue reading →

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AMD Ryzen Build

Posted on December 21, 2019 by tim

Some facts on the CPU: it is currently #135 on PassMark [16,9499] cpubenchmark.net. The video card was the least expensive PCI available at Micro Center. This build is intended for two distinct purposes. The first is a general-purpose, install linux, … Continue reading →

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Core i7-9700K Build

Posted on December 30, 2018 by tim

Some facts on the CPU: it is currently #67 on PassMark [17,329] cpubenchmark.net. It was launched 2018 October. It used 14mm architecture and does not have hyperthreading. Since the “i7-9700”, i.e. non-K, does not exist (and may never exist) this … Continue reading →

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Peripherals

Posted on December 1, 2018 by tim

Current and historical record of Mice and Keyboards. Item Product Year Cost Mouse Logitech G403 Wired Optical Gaming Mouse with RGB Lighting 2018 Nov $35 Mouse Logitech G Pro Gaming FPS Mouse with Advanced Gaming Sensor 2016 Dec $52 Mouse … Continue reading →

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Virtual Machine Server

Posted on April 5, 2018 by tim

The goal of this machine was to replace the oldest machine build recorded on this blog – the 2009 Core i7 920 build. This is the current workhorse virtual machine server. The approach taken (refurbished) was a direct result of … Continue reading →

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ZFS Case Upgrade

Posted on March 15, 2018 by tim

The original ZFS machine has grown a bit over the years. It started with two 2TB hard drives, then got two more, then finally two more. The “little” NZXT case has more than enough drive slots, but this setup violated … Continue reading →

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Kids Game Build

Posted on May 28, 2016 by tim

The goal of this machine was to replace the highly unreliable kids computer (Portable Power Build). First the GPU went, then the HDD started showing errors. Finally the MB voltage started to act up. The net result was that the … Continue reading →

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Ubuntu Compute and Storage Build

Posted on October 18, 2015 by tim

The goal of this machine was to replace the oldest active computer in the house. This old computer predates – by over three years – the first recorded entry on this blog for computer builds. (First build: core i7). This … Continue reading →

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Freenas Backup Machine

Posted on March 1, 2015 by tim

The goal of this machine was to be a “small, inexpensive, bring your own HDs, standalone backup solution”. For these purposes, that meant using a small case that still had at least 2 internal 3.5″ bays. For Freenas, 9.2.1.9 was … Continue reading →

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Core 4770K Build

Posted on September 29, 2013 by tim

Some facts on the CPU: it is currently #24 on PassMark [10,121] cpubenchmark.net. Ahead of it are the Xeon E5-2xxx, the AMD FX-9590, and a few Core i7s (48xxK, 49xxK and 39xxK). A short while ago the 4770K was #17 … Continue reading →

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