Wednesday, December 28, 2016

New computer


I suspect if you aren't a gamer, this post may not interest you.  I may have one of the slowest internet speeds on the planet, but I've got a smoking fast computer.


This is my bios.  It shows the CPU speed and other settings.


Here it is out of the package.  The bios is the "firmware" that starts the computer and tests all the hardware.  My bios works in conjunction with my motherboard.

This is my solid state hard drive.  Yes, the days of movable parts and a clunky hard drives have been replaced with that tiny piece with no movable parts.  Scott held it in his hand to show the size.

Here it is before it came out of its package.

This will keep my computer cool and is attached near RAM.

Scott's friend Jason is preparing to install the fan.

This is the CPU.  Note that each part was picked for speed and function, not for brand name.

Because it's so fast, there are three fans in the system.  Each fan kicks in at a certain speed.  Since I have such a slow internet, I somehow doubt I'll ever reach the top speed.

Here Jason is installing the CPU.

This is my motherboard, and oh what a cool one it is, red stripes and all.

This is my power supply with its colorful wires.  Yes, I look for color in everything!

This shows my processor and sockets.

Another fan sits in front of my cooling system.  It keeps my RAM cool.

I have a few "end of the year" posts created, because Scott worked until just a few minutes ago loading my files and bookmarks onto my hard drive.  Since he must be at work in the morning, he didn't have time to install my WordPerfect or Photoshop.  He keeps trying to get me to move away from PS, but I'm a die hard when it comes to that program.

Like I said, if you aren't a gamer, or know a gamer, you probably won't be interested in this post.  Let me say, though, I am thrilled to have a fast computer that won't bog down when I want to do more than one thing at a time, like scan and search the internet at the same time.

BTW, I now have a new 32 inch monitor, a new keyboard and mouse, both still wireless, and a new wireless scanner that Scott didn't have time to install.  My new laser printer (with blank toner, only) will be here in a few days.

Again, thanks for visiting.  I'm so grateful for each of you, and it'll be so much easier to visit each of you now that I don't have to worry about buffering.

BTW, did you know you can save your bookmarks and not lose them when you change computers?  I didn't.

EDIT: Valerie brought up a good point.  I have also always installed my software in the past, but my software is old and was created for a 32 bit computer, and this is a 64 bit.  I suspect there will be a few hiccups along the way.

25 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Have BIG fun with your fast computer, enjoy! All you need now is fast internet, but I think you can't get it over there. I have always installed everything on the computer alone, as I don't have anyone to help, but I've never made one from scratch, that's exciting. Have a GREAT day! Hugs, Valerie

Helen said...

I wouldn't know where to start with building a computer from scratch, but between you and Scott you seem to have done a great job. The techno stuff means nothing to me, you are right. It looks good, though!
Glad you enjoyed the latest Kew trip - it wasn't as cold as it looked, and the sun was warm (for December sun, ha ha!)

froebelsternchen said...

Great to have somebody who cares for our computer! Good job!
Would wish now for a high-speed internet for you!
The best possible start to 2017 for you Elizabeth!
oxo Susi

chrissie said...

Looks like it is all going very well.

Love Chrissie xx

Valerie-Jael said...

I hope the hiccups keep to a minimum, my poor laptop keeps collapsing from old age, and needs to be regularly resuscitated - a bit like me!! Have fun! Hugs, Valerie

~*~Patty S said...

I am not a gamer but appreciate a good running computer.
It makes all the difference.
Congrats E on what sounds like a super new set up for you.
Hope the rest of your transition goes smoothly.
oxo
p.s. thank you very much for your kind words welcoming me back to blogland...I have missed you!

Darla said...

It is - as they say - all Greek to me. I'm happy for you though.

Eileen The Artful Crafter said...

Wow - that's an awesome machine! I'm sure you'll get the kinks out quickly. I'm not a gamer, but I would appreciate the speed for the way I work/play on the computer. I have three browsers open at once plus, tabs of articles I'm reading, 3 or 4 open worksheets, etc.

Photoshop is a real memory hog but I wouldn't give it up either. I'm think of upgrading to the CC version since I also use Lightroom a lot and I'd love ti try/learn some of the other Adobe goodies. I just hate the idea of a monthly fee.

What a great Christmas present you got (or gave yourself). Enjoy!

Jeanie said...

Wow -- that's a lot of power. You should be able to do just about everything except make brownies on that computer! I keep lots of windows open and sometimes it slows me down -- that extra power would be really nice!

Somehow I got out of my work life without learning Photoshop. I know I should have but now sort of relieved because I know I'd have it on my computer and to what end?!

So glad you have this for a fun new year of creating and sharing!

My name is Erika. said...

Congrats on the new computer arriving. :) I've been waiting to see when it did. I love seeing all the geekiness here-I am the one who does all the computer things in this house as my husband is a total loss with those things (and he's the engineer). I really like how you had it custom built! It may have been a couple days after Christmas but that is surely one smoking Christmas gift to yourself! Enjoy playing and play a lot. Its a great way to spend the cold winter days! Hugs-Erika

CJ Kennedy said...

This post had my heart racing. BC (before children, calligraphy) I was a computer programmer. This was in the stone age. I learned to program on punch cards and the computers I worked on were the size of a full-size Buick. So I loved all the RAM, the motherboaard, wires (though they must be corralled because dangling spaghetti is a pet peeve). I'm not into computer games, but my Young One is. She graduated with a degree in IMGD (interactive media and game design) though she has had a hard time breaking into the field. She would love your uber fast computer. And now I know why you were up until the crack of dawn. Hope the rest of your conversion runs smoothly

Halle said...

NICE! I do have to say though installing old programs that are no longer supported can make things difficult for you. Most times there are no updated drivers and the old ones are no longer compatible.
Good Luck!

Krisha said...

Congrats on the new PC!! Getting a "new" one is like getting a bag full of new school supplies as a child, if they even do that anymore...LOL! But I'm sure you know what I mean.
Having a tech savvy friend is a real blessing, I don't trust just anybody with my laptop anymore. I did find a great computer shop that is fantastic, and they keep all their same employees........we are on first name basis.
Have fun and enjoy!!

Sharon Madson said...

Impressed with your computer knowledge! I didn't know what I was looking at! LOL I especially enjoyed your Tuesday post. I hope to join you in 2017. But I can never remember; I barely remember to do the WOYWW posts! Happy New Year! #25

Linda Kunsman said...

I am impressed E! Shared this post w my son who happened to be nearby.He doesn't quite know how to put it all together but found it very interesting and looks like you did a great job with your selections! Best of luck with your new baby:)

Meggymay said...

Well I am not a gamer, but I am so in awe of you building your own PC. Scott close by to help with all the technicalities involved, must be a good help.
Enjoy using the new addition to your household.
Yvonne xx

Rita said...

No clue what most of this was, but congrats!!! That is so exciting! :)

Carol said...

So happy you have a new computer!!! I know you've been unhappy with the old one for a while. Hubby is the techie here and I"m clueless..

Claudia W | ImagesByCW said...

Now THIS is a post right along my alley. Yes, I am a gamer. Yes, I am a geek. And, yes, I built my own computer and my hubby's computer like Scott (and Jason) did yours. Isn't it fun when it all comes together and then you've got a fast working machine exactly to your liking? I would not want to miss it, even though I do cuss about it at times as well. Probably because I am the one who will need fiddle with it to fix it. And that takes time, which is limited, but oh well. But why does your friend want you to move away from PS? Where to? Or do you mean from standalone to CC? I have moved to CC long ago and never regretted it. Of course, I do use LR, too.
Happy New Year, Elizabeth and to having much fun with your new toy!

sheila 77 said...

I have to say this post was unexpected and I am sitting here with my mouth open. As a fully qualified geek I loved all the photos and details, and I was astonished to see your new hard drive. Do you remember all the huge disks we had to carry around in the olden days? And they held a tiny fraction of a fraction of a fraction of this teensie weensie drive. Scott is a treasure, no doubt about it. I wonder what he would like you to use instead of Photoshop? Is there a better program? Sorry Elizabeth, I could get carried away here. Great post!
Good luck with your new computer. I am especially taken with the idea of three fans. I'll stop now.

Divers and Sundry said...

Wow! Fancy! Congrats on getting such a great system :) I know you're going to enjoy looking for programs to install that fit your artistic and design needs. What fun you'll have :)

pearshapedcrafting said...

I don't understand all the gubbins that make up a computer at all - this looks very complicated. I am, however, extremely happy for you and I know how much easier this is going to make your life! Looking forward to seeing what you get up to with it! Hugs, Chrisx

sheila 77 said...

Hello Elizabeth, thanks very much for the reply to my comment above. You took me right back - ah, the joys of carrying around one's computer essentials on a small thin floppy disc. When we started computer life by helping to install the Bank's first computer system, the entire core memory was 64K, wasn't that fun. I don't know what language you programmed in - Assembler? Fortran? but when I discovered Cobol it stole my heart, happy days.

sheila 77 said...

Oh and another thing - we had a not terribly fast Internet speed up to a few months ago, when a very nice man came and replaced our ancient telephone wires with something else and the difference is now quite amazing. Don't know if this would help you, but thought I would mention it.

Gibby Frogett said...

Hello Elizabeth.. I have scrolled back looking for the last page I remember starting reading...and oh dear it was here.. the phone probably rang and I got side tracked.... I don't know where last week went either unless maybe I was abducted by Aliens...
Maybe I should have started by working back to here... anyhow... that looks a super duper computer and I hope you are up and running and enjoying a better pc experience and connectivity.
I didn't know either that the book marks could be transferred over - so thanks for that info.
Gill x