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Computer Woes and Other Stuff
Jun. 5th, 2011 04:07 pmI bought an EVGA Geforce GTX 460 on the fly. I've been having issues with my 8800GT. It even forced me to attempt to isolate the problem by reinstalling my O/S. After doing so, I still had the problem - I've managed to temporarily fix it, but I imagine it won't last long. I still can't figure out -what- exactly was causing it. Obviously it can't be a software or driver issue because of a fresh install of Windows Vista. I can't imagine it being the power supply or RAM because either one would result in BSODs. I would simply get graphical freezes - sometimes the video input would cease and the only way to get it back would be to shut down and start up again.
Realistically the card is now almost three years old. It's caked with dust and I can't even get it off with an industrial air compressor. Sad. It's likely overheating. Changed some rivatuner settings so hopefully the fan comes on fast enough after boot that it will keep it somewhat cooler. The fresh install of vista has helped the boot speed considerably, too. Now I need to get around to reinstalling all of my studio stuff.
I was going to lay down the big bucks and just rebuild what I need right now into a new case (In total it was going to run me about $800) but I'm going to try and extend the life of this one as long as possible. I spent about $180 on the card and two books from Amazon.com. Being and Time and something on music theory.
If I want to rebuild, I'll need to spend about $160 on a good full tower case with lots of slots for 200mm and 140mm fans. I don't need a new power supply, HD or CD Drive. And now I don't need the graphics card.
All that is left to get if I want to rebuild then is the case, a new motherboard and a new cpu...and 8 gigs of whatever RAM is compatible. It's unfortunate none of the new boards will work with the stuff I'm using right now - DDR2 1600mhz. I wish I could just find a no-nonsense case with all the options I need and no flashy looks...it would probably be cheaper...but that's proving difficult.
In any case, I'd rather not have to do this until my college loans are paid off. The $1,000 I slapped into them last week dropped the 10-day interest to $7.80 from almost $10. It won't belong before they are gone and I can start to focus on getting all the things I want...and then saving for whatever future plans I may concoct. Such as going back to college, or moving the fuck out of here. Both preferably. Permanently.
However, I've been considering an alternative - living at home, or maybe getting a place in Warren next year...and getting a bachelors online. Possible even a Masters in Education if that's possible, but I doubt it. I'd like to attend grad school for that. But the way I'm seeing it is I want to educate myself as much as possible while making money at a real job that has some real security and a real future - that way, when I know I can handle say, teaching...or going for a PhD...I can make a decision on whether or not to stay. I like working there, I like the paychecks...and I don't want to lose out on a good paying job because I go back to a physical college, pay ludicrous amounts of money for the education, and can't get anything but a part time deal that'll basically cover living expenses...if that.
I'm getting into a habit of going out to bars just for some social and relaxation time. I probably only drank a grand total of eight or so drinks over the course of friday night and saturday night (which is a lot better than when I stay home...keep that in mind.) Friday night I had some married girl who was totally cute buy me a beer and talk to me for awhile. Her husband said I was "safe" (that's an insult, douche...) but I had the strong feeling she kinda liked me =\ Which is depressing, mostly because you can't exactly get intimate even on a conversational level with someone is taken...at least, I won't.
Realistically the card is now almost three years old. It's caked with dust and I can't even get it off with an industrial air compressor. Sad. It's likely overheating. Changed some rivatuner settings so hopefully the fan comes on fast enough after boot that it will keep it somewhat cooler. The fresh install of vista has helped the boot speed considerably, too. Now I need to get around to reinstalling all of my studio stuff.
I was going to lay down the big bucks and just rebuild what I need right now into a new case (In total it was going to run me about $800) but I'm going to try and extend the life of this one as long as possible. I spent about $180 on the card and two books from Amazon.com. Being and Time and something on music theory.
If I want to rebuild, I'll need to spend about $160 on a good full tower case with lots of slots for 200mm and 140mm fans. I don't need a new power supply, HD or CD Drive. And now I don't need the graphics card.
All that is left to get if I want to rebuild then is the case, a new motherboard and a new cpu...and 8 gigs of whatever RAM is compatible. It's unfortunate none of the new boards will work with the stuff I'm using right now - DDR2 1600mhz. I wish I could just find a no-nonsense case with all the options I need and no flashy looks...it would probably be cheaper...but that's proving difficult.
In any case, I'd rather not have to do this until my college loans are paid off. The $1,000 I slapped into them last week dropped the 10-day interest to $7.80 from almost $10. It won't belong before they are gone and I can start to focus on getting all the things I want...and then saving for whatever future plans I may concoct. Such as going back to college, or moving the fuck out of here. Both preferably. Permanently.
However, I've been considering an alternative - living at home, or maybe getting a place in Warren next year...and getting a bachelors online. Possible even a Masters in Education if that's possible, but I doubt it. I'd like to attend grad school for that. But the way I'm seeing it is I want to educate myself as much as possible while making money at a real job that has some real security and a real future - that way, when I know I can handle say, teaching...or going for a PhD...I can make a decision on whether or not to stay. I like working there, I like the paychecks...and I don't want to lose out on a good paying job because I go back to a physical college, pay ludicrous amounts of money for the education, and can't get anything but a part time deal that'll basically cover living expenses...if that.
I'm getting into a habit of going out to bars just for some social and relaxation time. I probably only drank a grand total of eight or so drinks over the course of friday night and saturday night (which is a lot better than when I stay home...keep that in mind.) Friday night I had some married girl who was totally cute buy me a beer and talk to me for awhile. Her husband said I was "safe" (that's an insult, douche...) but I had the strong feeling she kinda liked me =\ Which is depressing, mostly because you can't exactly get intimate even on a conversational level with someone is taken...at least, I won't.
