Looking at new hardware

[tekfox]

I guess its that time again, where I start to look at new hardware. With SandyBridge out I can severely cut down the expenses of owning a desktop since I don't technically need a graphics card (at least not right away) to do my daily functions. I'm currently running a P4 setup, so I am seriously behind the times in terms of hardware. My laptop

Comments

[nevermint]

Come now, choose a nicer case. It does not need to be fansy but something nicer.

[tekfox]

Suggestions?

I like Lian Li...

[sabercat]

But... the Smilodon by Cooler Master I'm partial to, it usually 79 bucks or so on the egg.
Very easy to work on, not too flashy, great cooling.
It's a little large though, but most things with big teeth are...

[discopanda]

I've been setting up a computer in an old 4U rackmount case that I got surplus. Has bays for 2 CD drives and a floppy, although I've seen similar models with 3 CD bays and the floppy bay beside the CDs instead of above them.

Once I get it set up, I'm planning on trying out FreeBSD and the XFCE desktop on it.

Whatever case you get, remember to set it up with more CFM of intake fan than exhaust fan. (Preferably with filters on the intake fans.) Having positive case pressure keeps dust from getting in any gaps (good), while having negative case pressure sucks dust in through any gaps (bad), and can also interfere with cooling fans on video cards that vent out the back of the case (also bad).

[confusedoo]

I dig that case. Been looking for something similar, understated but not boring. Been using G.Skill in my box for the past 3 year and haven't had any issues with it.

[kwik]

something to munch on... several new SSDs were shown at CES that nearly double the transfer rates of current SSDs, might be worth waiting to see how this shakes out. (assuming you have some sort of drive to use in there for the time being)

[tekfox]

Thats a good idea, I may just do that, cause even still it will drive the price of current SSD's down.