Andy Wood

As I have posted here a couple of times. I have gone all out and got me a new system to be able to take on the up and coming new games that will be hitting 2007.

I really like a fast and quiet computer and to do this I used AcoustiFan brand of cooling fan.

I used this same brand when on this computer and that is why I stuck with them.

It is clear that the new Microsoft OS is worth the asking price, Vista is best for:

a) those who don’t mind forking out hundreds while only getting Home Premium
b) those who buy with new systems.

Whether you choose 64-bit or 32-bit Vista will ultimately come down to how far ahead you want to push. Yes, 64-bit is more secure and is a ‘cleaner’ operating system, with less backwards compatibility and more headroom for the future - especially if you’re using more modern hardware. However, 32-bit is the smoother upgrade for most people, and is probably the one we would recommend to almost everyone.

When DirectX 10 games start arriving, the avid PC gamer isn’t going to have a choice about upgrading. But, until then, get a disc and start the installation - you’ll never go back to bland old XP again.

Here are images of the motherboard that I went with on this upgrade:

In addition to supporting the first Intel® Quad-Core processor, the Intel Workstation Board S975XBX2 is based on Intel® 975X Express chipset. This combination enables key performance-optimized capabilities such as support for one PCI Express* x16 or multiple PCI Express* x8 graphics cards, as well as 8 GB ECC memory addressability to enable 64-bit computing. For those using storage-intensive applications, the S975XBX2 provides up to eight hard disks configuration with integrated SATA (3.0 Gb/s) RAID.

For many people this past holiday season, a next-generation video game console was the must have gift. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 enjoyed a breakout sophomore year, outselling both the Wii and the PS3 combined during the holidays. The latter, of course, faced major supply shortages leaving one to only wonder how many additional units Nintendo and Sony might have sold if sufficient quantities were available to meet demand.

The following chart presents Compete’s estimate of weekly in-market video console demand based on the number of U.S. consumers observed shopping online for each console.

Key findings from our analysis of video game console shoppers in December:

• The Wii, the clear underdog with its relatively modest specs, surprised many skeptics by sustaining its post-launch interest and outselling the PS3. This won’t come as a surprise to anyone who tried in vain to find a Wii at anywhere close to its suggested retail price.
• The PS3 was a quick flash in the pan that fizzled on the backs of negative publicity, its lofty price and supply shortages. After only a few weeks on the market, the PS3 was attracting barely as many shoppers as the year-old Xbox 360.
• Xbox 360 demand spiked at the start of the holiday shopping season thanks in part to a highly publicized sale on Amazon, spill-over interest in the Wii and PS3, and the introduction of the smash hit Gears of War.
• With Xbox 360 and PS3 demand now running in lock-step, it will be difficult for Sony to gain ground on Microsoft due to a perceived price disparity between the two consoles and Microsoft’s broader game catalog.

Compete also analyzed the degree to which each console’s shoppers considered the rival systems in November and December.

Of particular note:

• There was a clear shift away from the PS3 in December as Wii and Xbox 360 shoppers considered it less and PS3 shoppers considered rivals more.
• Wii shoppers are less likely than Xbox 360 and PS3 shoppers to consider the rival systems. This can be attributed to the Wii’s lower price and broader target market. Regardless of the reason, this loyalty is great news for Nintendo.

via Compete Blog

Here are images of the video card that went into QuadGamer:

Above is before breaking the seal.

The above image is of it out of the box. Now a days, a video card takes up two slot in your computer, but if you get a good mobo with audio and network integrated, then no issues.

No, this has nothing to do with Star Trek, the new computer that I scoped out is all built.

I had ordered all of the parts over the weekend and by Friday I had all of the parts and was ready to give it a go. I took my time too, when I got to the CPU and the Fan, it would seem that the Zalman that I ordered needed an adapter for the 775 chipset. (damn it!)

Found it and was able to get it mid-week, but I had a crazy work week and I couldn’t get to it until tonight. Putting the above adapter meant I had to pull the mobo out and do some pre-mounting under the mobo.

This didn’t bug me as it gave me time to tidy up the cables and make it neater..

So, basically .. he (QuadGamer) is all up and running and now starts the slow migration of my apps and games.

Oh.. and I installed Vista.. so far.. no issues. I took some pictures, but I will post them later.

Over the weekend, I mapped out a new system and just got through ordering all of the parts needed:

This is going to be my 2007 & 2008 machine as there are a lot of new games coming out that are going to need more power and since I like the pretty stuff to be pretty and blow me away it was an all or nothing leap.

One can never had to much information on the subject:

Yes, I have been very light on the blog of late, my reason for this was a couple of things:

a.) The Holidays
b.) The business has been moving from site ‘a’ to site ‘b’
c.) Working on option ‘b’ above
d.) Gaming and more gaming.

I am pacing my self and attempting to not burn myself out on everything that is going on.

I don’t know when the last time I made carmel covered apples,

but it was hella fun and well.. they are all gone which tells me they were yummy!