Category Archives: Computer Builds

Core i7-9700K Build

Posted on December 30, 2018 by tim

Some facts on the CPU: it is currently #67 on PassMark [17,329, single thread 2,909] 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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Builds, Core-i7 | Comments Off on Core i7-9700K Build

Peripherals

Posted on December 1, 2018 by tim

Current and historical record of Mice and Keyboards and Monitors. 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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Builds | Comments Off on Peripherals

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 →

Posted in Computer Builds | Comments Off on Virtual Machine Server

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 →

Posted in Computer Builds, ZFS | Comments Off on ZFS Case Upgrade

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 →

Posted in Computer Builds, Core-i5 | Comments Off on Kids Game Build

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 →

Posted in Computer Builds | Comments Off on Ubuntu Compute and Storage Build

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 →

Posted in Computer Builds | Comments Off on Freenas Backup Machine

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 →

Posted in Computer Builds, Core-i7 | Leave a comment

Custom build specifications for Amazon EC2 cr1.8xlarge

Posted on September 9, 2013 by tim

Ever wonder what the big Amazon instances would cost if you bought one (instead of rented)? Here is an attempt to answer that question. Note: Amazon EC2 provides more than just the hardware (e.g. network connectivity and bandwidth, for starters), … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Builds | Leave a comment

AMD Server

Posted on July 6, 2013 by tim

After a ten+ year hiatus, I built another (inexpensive) AMD Server machine. That first AMD machine cost less than $400. I didn’t quite match that cost, but I got pretty close. The CPU and the RAM were $20 off each. … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Builds | Leave a comment