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Monday, December 29, 2003
post://107272154934347185/
I went to the computer show yesterday. First time I've been able to catch one when it's at the ubiquitous Basketball Hall of Fame. It was the first time I'd been in there... ever, pre-construction or otherwise. I can't believe how big a sphere can be. It's amazing, wonderful, and so much to do... for basketball people. =]
I was only interested in the architecture and the computer show held within.
I bought a new case, as I was creating almost another new computer - black with blue bubbles up the side which cast a nice blue glow. It has a window (of course) with multicolored fan which casts more black-light-ish light about the innards. It looks quite nice. I already had a few Pentium 4s -- went with the hyperthreading 2.4ghz I had on hand. I made sure to get dual channel DDR (the only thing similar enough to get me off my 2+ year stint of RDRAM) on the motherboard as well as an 800mhz bus, RAID and SATA. I don't actually have an SATA drive yet, but it's there to improve performance in the future. I went with ASUS for the motherboard, and 1GB of Kingston RAM w/ "heatspreader" (a blue heat-sink type thing). I had to get a new video card too -- couldn't let that hold me back.
I settled with a mid-grade GeForce FX 5900 128mb RAM, 400mhz clock, Asylum brand.
New system:
P4 2.4ghz 800mhz bus w/ hyperthreading
1GB Dual Channel DDR RAM
RAID (60gig, 100gig, 120gig HDs)
Asylum GeForce FX 5900 w/ 128mb RAM, 400mhz clock
Sony DVD-R (500a)
Creative Soundblaster Audigy Platinum
I did my old performance tests, 3DMark 2001, 3DMark2003, and RedFaction comes with a neat little performance test in the setup program.
3DMark2001:
4100 -> 6200 -> 11701 -> 14600
3DMark2003:
430 -> 800 -> 4300 -> 4620
RedFaction:
3200 -> 14200 ->15700 MB/Sec
(RAM transfer rate)
The first test was the old system, second test was new system w/ old video card (GeForce 3 64mb), the third test was new system w/ new video card, and the fourth test is single channel vs dual channel DDR. 3DMark2001 with the new card blew the power supply. I haven't run another test yet.
My previous RAM broke all the records with the RedFaction test, RDRAM running at 300-400mhz was more then the 1200 MB/Sec that DDR RAM would get running at 133-200mhz.
My jaw dropped when I saw what Dual Channel DDR could do -- I knew I made the right choice.
That number may also depend on the amount of RAM I have -- I had 512 MB previously, and now have 1 GB - since it's how much can be transferred each second, it most likely calculates that depending on how much RAM is present.
Other then some issues with Windows, things worked great -- I attempted to run it right off the bat and AGP440.drv was causing it not to start. I was able to run setup and repair the installation (re-install it) but had to re-activate and everything. I ran it successfully a few times, then after adding all the fans to the new case I was running some really intensive graphics tests when I heard a loud *POP* and everything suddenly quit.
I was really worried, I just spent a pretty pocketful of change here, and I just blew it all up?!! Nope -- just blew the power supply with my uber-computer. I put my power supply in from my real case (the giant one I had before) into the new one and worked like a charm. Windows now worked enough for me to get a few games in there but I detected underlying problems.
** update 12/30 **
Memory errors in Windows... pulled out one of the Memory Modules, no resets, no bluescreens. I called Kingston to get a new set of chips sent to me (they're paired to work as a dual channel - like RDRAM has been for about 2 years now) so they're on their way as I write this. In the meantime I'm running 1 512mb.
posted @ 12:52
post://107272024753384478/
OK, so is there an aversion to hype? I thought a hidden thermal message on Vanilla Coke cans would be cool... apparently that's why this survey thing is targeting teen agers. Are there no teen agers at www.blogshares.com where I've advertised? Apparently not =]
Maybe you're all skeptical about the email addresses and signing up for another discussion board. Whatever... do what you will. I'll just say here that I'd never use them for evil, just don't want any old joe accessing the members-only section. I'll make a new forum in the public area just in case. I'm getting rid of the hype, going back to square 1 as it obviously turned people off.
This whole advertising thing is interesting. I know what should work, then I see what works with the blog community. You people are tough to please. ;)~
Stay tuned for "Computer Upgrade Madness!!!"
posted @ 12:48
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Saturday, December 27, 2003
post://107255403781790846/
Looking for more info on the "HYPE!!!" ?
Check it out in our new discussion board:
http://discuss.synthetic-x.com
(you'll need to sign up to be granted access to the members-only PHENYLALANINE forum)
I've also updated the links with a few new sites, added music recommendations, and quotes are coming soon in the mobile section.
posted @ 14:40
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Friday, December 26, 2003
post://107249545297018522/
Wow -- just set out to check the music page, to get the HipHop section finally up and running. Unbeknownst to me, but knownst to me at a previous time... I already had it done. I never made a link to it because I hadn't "matched the color scheme" yet. The background isn't exactly representin' HipHop, I believe it to be refreshing, and a needed perk from some of the dreary song titles.
Yeah... that's it.
Go to the music page to check it out.
posted @ 22:21
post://107249622023893549/
I got Foos!
Asylum for New Years?
My Fotopages - cell phone pics
posted @ 19:32
post://107249581699328688/
Oh Christmas time! Camera phone!
I need to figure what's going on with my fotopages account, upload some of these tasty 288x180px pics!
So I went up to VT XMass morning, got off to a late start so I got there about 2:30 pm after a 4 hour drive up to Jericho (past Montpiliar a bit). It was a nice sight, lots of snow... a tad foggy heading up, turned to ice, then snow throughout the evening -- probably about 6-12 inches while I was up there. It made for a nice white XMass with the fam.
My nieces and nephews were in full force, demonstrating their violin and fluting abilities... amazing children. They're the result of no TV and home schooling. They were getting a little flaky for a while, but my niece Sarah is proving that they're able to figure out what's going on as long as they have contact with other kids.
We spent a lot of time catching up, playing card and board games, and enjoying our various XMass tidbits while the snow fell outside.
I headed home this morning, a few presents lighter -- and a hell of a lot more relaxed and peaceful.
posted @ 19:24
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Sunday, December 21, 2003
post://107199191444481641/
Things are getting more and more hectic. The holidays always turn it up a notch.
I've managed to get myself Friday off, so looks like I'll be able to join the fam in VT for Xmass. I was hoping I wouldn't have to head up in the morning, and come back later in the day. It doesn't make for a very relaxing/enjoyable holiday. So there's that at least.
I went to Jeff's in Sunderland for a keg party last night. I saw a lot of people I haven't seen in a while, had a blast, and made a new friend.
I got a new phone! - Sony Ericsson T610. It's got a camera, doesn't work very well in low-light conditions, but it's good enough. I'm going to set it up with fotopages as I've already taken a few that are worth posting. It's rather small pictures, usually blurry because it requires a very steady hand... but it works for capturing the otherwise lost (in my case) mental moment. A handy thing to have.
I'm considering Asylum for new years, no feedback from anyone else yet but tickets would be required... at least a small bit of planning. We'll see if anything else pops up.
posted @ 02:21
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Saturday, December 20, 2003
post://107194002889464409/
I found this while looking up systic fibrosis, a genetic disease which causes deterioration of the lungs. Pneumothorax was one of the complications. I had a total of 3 pneumothorax operations, all spontaneous.
posted @ 12:03
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Monday, December 15, 2003
post://107149671937612699/
Ahhh yes, copy controlled.
The new Beatles album - Let It Be... Naked is encoded in such a way as to prevent copying. Scott had attempted to circumvent the protection on a Mac and PC at work -- didn't work. He said it truncated the first two tracks seemingly at random - cutting off the beginning the first time they tried it, and the end the seccond... getting only about 30 secconds of audio at a time.
I remembered the "shift trick" for which the college student was given a cease and desist order (or something) for publishing it when they first copy controlled albums came out. Just hold the shift key down when you insert the CD and NEVER install the software. iTunes was having a hard time reading the first two tracks, 100% CPU for a minute or two with no sound. I clicked onto track 3 and it finally started playing. I clicked import, thinking it would start from the track I was on... but au contrair... it started ripping track 1, 2... and the rest of the CD without incident. Other then the initial CPU weirdness (probably throwing all kinds of algorithms at it) there were no issues.
Josh - 1, CD Protection - 0
Ooooooh, yeah.
That aside... it's a really good album, crisp, clean, and the songs really are naked compared to the original album versions.
posted @ 08:58
post://107147474772712646/
I'm still heartily enjoying BlogShares, currently experimenting to see how long it takes to detect a link to katerocks.com
posted @ 02:52
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Friday, December 12, 2003
post://107126460997878647/
Well I have to do a plug for carpoint.msn.com as it was a wonderful resource in helping Rachel find a car.
[geek]
Update on my upgrade project. It turns out my Abit TH7-RAID motherboard is capable of a lot less then I previously thought. The system bus is 100/133mhz max. It allows you to overclock, going as high as 150mhz but that results in my other cards going *HLGZZZZ* and not working. So at a safe clock of 100mhz I upped the multiplier to 23. It runs at 23XXmhz, registers as a 2.4ghz and as far as benchmarking is concerned it's just about (2.4/1.5)% better at 3D graphics, DivX encoding, and overall processing.
I hate to say it, but the 800mhz bus chip that I ordered from NewEgg.com didn't cut it. Well -- I actually didn't get bold until the original chip that I ordered finally came. I cancelled the order via email, cancelled the payment with my credit company... and yet they send it to me anyhow. On top of it all it's got a UPS tracking # on the invoice, and it was sent via FedEx with no similarities between the two tracking #s. They also left it on my steps, so as far as I'm concerned I didn't get it. ;)
I popped in the 400mhz bus 2.4ghz and fired it up, pumped the multiplier -- it gave me the same ubiquitous error msg as before, but I hit F1 to bypass. It worked great, starting up faster, and registered properly in the system properties as a 2.4ghz so that was that.
I'm running it now, works great... and now the hunt is on for a Socket 478 800mhz motherboard with RDRAM, and maybe 8X AGP... it's a unicorn as it is (just the RDRAM part)... might as well shoot for the sky. Then I'll have a 1.5ghz chip w/ 512mb of RDRAM & motherboard to sell off and a system bus truly worth drooling over.
[/geek]
posted @ 16:30
post://107124951485069095/
I was listening to "System of a Down - Boom!" and they've got a point...
A million dollars spent on each missle, billions on bombs and various other weapons that we've used in Iraq. What if that money (that we don't really have anyhow) was spent on let's say... feeding starving/homeless children? (no one can argue with feeding starving children) All that money (that we don't actually have) would have done so much more, and so much more positively.
Food for naught.
posted @ 12:14
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Tuesday, December 09, 2003
post://107102980153213748/
I wouldn't go so far as to buy this as a gift for
XMass, but that shouldn't stop you.
Interested in earthquakes?
posted @ 23:16
post://107101975952828228/
I'm sick, teetering on bronchitis, SOL because I've got no insurance due to my lack of job. I've been holed up on the couch, Dayquil, movies, and TV are my current vices.
Television Tidbits:
"A straight hairstylist with all wicker furniture? I don't think he's telling you the whole truth."
1oz of wheat grass = 2 & 1/2 lbs of green veggies
"Holy Shi-ite muslim!"
posted @ 20:29
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Sunday, December 07, 2003
post://107085892465838358/
So still haven't elaborated on the Thanksgiving tidbits -- I'll do that after this.
I've been duped, someone has yet again weaseled their way into my life and decided to take advantage of my good nature. Posing as a friend, built upon an acquaintance... they waited, saw my guard down and slid their slimy fingers around a few valuables then slunk away.
I've cut off any association, but there's no solid proof... even though there's only 1 possibility. If it's not them, it's an associate of theirs who was given more information then average. I'm gone for 4 hours, not even a scheduled thing... and *poof*.
I can't trust anyone, and it makes me more sad then angry. Trust is so overrated, friendship is few and far-between. I'm angry at them for thinking I'm stupid - "Man - you should move that shit out of the way, I'm not a skinny guy. I was barely able to squeeze through... I'm going to steal your cat... I just thought of something - I don't think anyone could have gone through there, with all that shit in the way I could barely get through..." Trying to plant thoughts in my brain like I'm some kind of simpleton.
Drugs are bad, they turn good people bad, and give them a motive to do something a normal person wouldn't have a good reason to do. A good person can be coerced by an open door, if only by curiosity -- someone looking to gain just a little, enough for even a small payoff is capable of so much more.
"An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind."
~ Mahatma Gandhi
posted @ 23:28
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Tuesday, December 02, 2003
post://107041688813965266/
newegg.com - for all your computer, electronics, and software needs.
It was one of the first in the mail-order world, now their amazon-like interface, and always low prices make them the only online retailer you need.
I recently placed an order for a Socket 423 to 478 adapter from lynncomp.com and a P4 2.4ghz socket 478 (400mhz bus) from starmicro.net -- I received the adapter 3 days later. I had only received an invoice from starmicro.net at that point, no description - just the ammount. After being unable to find a customer service number, I sent a request to sp@starmicro.net to email me back as, after checking the website, the "order information" only contained the description, and the "tracking information" was null.
I waited a good week or two:: nada - so I sent another email to cancel the order as well as disputing the charge with my credit card company (just in case). I ordered from newegg.com -- $15 more, but I knew friends who were always getting their orders in about two days or so. I knew it was reliable, and they proved themselves. It's on it's way and I'm damn happy, I'll have a tracking # by tomorrow -- this is how it's supposed to be.
CDUniverse.com (*cough*XMASS*. .*cough*...present*cough*) was also really quick.
They've also been around a while. Online commerce doesn't have to be painful or risky.
I've been doing it 5+ years and counting -- never had a problem, just be cautious.
Unless they've got a good word-of-mouth rep, they're all the same.
[ upgrade:
[ - P4 1.5ghz Socket-423 (slot) 400mhz, RDRAM
[ -> P4 2.4ghz Socket-478 (adapter) 800mhz, RDRAM
[ The max bus is 400mhz for the motherboard
[ ...before overclocking that is, so it's an experiment.
[ I should be able to get a little boost in the bus,
[ at no expense to the chip, as it's rated for a faster bus to begin with.
** update ** I received my NewEgg order 2 days later. I had issues with the upgrade, but that's for another entry.
** update 12/07 ** starmicro sent me an email on Friday saying the part shipped... so I'm playing with the idea of keeping it since they're so bent on sending me the merchandise after I cancelled the order and took the money back. I haven't gotten it yet, but I'll probably get it tmw. I should refuse it at the door - but they might still contest it even if I send it back. I don't need the chip, got a better one from NewEgg (800mhz bus vs 400mhz), but I still kinda want to try it and see how it works with my motherboard.
posted @ 20:38
post://107040917386820258/
Everyone needs tequila recipies.
posted @ 18:52
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