Shiny new computer
A week ago I was talking about debugging my new motherboard, which was to be used in the building of a new computer to replace my dead computer. Turned out the motherboard was DOA. So I mailed it back to New Egg (they were really great about the return, btw, and gave me free shipping and no re-stocking fee) and bought a new motherboard at ENU. I would have just had the motherboard replaced, but it would have been two weeks before I would get the replacement, so I opted for a faster turnaround at a local business, even though it cost a few bucks more. As recommended by Goldie, ENU is off Cornelius Pass, out near Hillsboro.
Anyway, building the computer was MUCH easier with a working motherboard. Got everything put together and installed software today. I must say that it is absolutely wonderful to not only be using my giant widescreen monitor again, but have a dual monitor setup. I was feeling very claustrophobic on the laptop. The only disappointing thing about my replacement motherboard was that it didn't have any firewire ports. Not that I have any firewire devices, but a man can dream. Also, my microphone doesn't work very well in the new computer, so I haven't been able to use skype. It worked flawlessly in the old computer.
I have a dual core processor and 4GB of RAM, but I haven't really noticed any speed improvements yet. Granted, I'm primarily just using a browser and office right now, but think I expected things to be more zippy.
yeah
Good idea about the onboard audio. That could be it. I think I have an old audio card sitting in a drawer somewhere that I can test out.
My new CPU is a dual core AMD something. 2.7GHz maybe? Can't remember. My startup speed is definitely faster, but it's hard to tell if that is due to a new CPU, or just because I have a fresh OS install. I primarily just do web and office stuff on my desktop, so dual-core is a little overboard for me, but it was so cheap I figured what the heck.
Could be software too...
My understanding is software is still lagging behind in utilzing multi core technology, so higher-end apps utilize the multicores but it not yet standard.
Multi-core is not overboard, it's forward-proofing :-)
How could you buy AMD with all your Intel friends... do you want them to lose their jobs?!?!?! :-)
Money
If either of the following two things happen, I will start buying Intel chips:
(a) Intel chip prices become as inexpensive as AMD
(b) My income/savings sees a sharp increase
I'm happy to support Intel as it helps contribute to Hillsboro's success, but at this point in time I can't afford it.
Good to know
I wasn't aware of the cpu discount employees get. Next time I will inquire with one of you guys regarding CPUs.
1/2 price CPUs?
{drool}
*Edit* Forgot brackets = HTML
Firewire
Firewire is abandoned. Even Apple, who championed Firewire, has stopped putting it on their laptops. USB is theoretically as fast now, and one day may actually be as fast. I'd give up that dream and accept the reality.
Onboard Sound=Bad
I had the same problem with my onboard audio - I ended up buying a soundcard and it worked fine.
What was the change in the CPU? With my build I've only noticed small improvements to speed (Actually went backward with processor speed, but increased the number of processors) for *most* things, but a couple that really stand out are:
1) Startup - Almost from the point I see the desktop I can start running programs
2) Installation - installing GBs of software seems to take about 30% the time as my other computer.
3) I can actually play games produced past 2005 without them being choppy
Congrats on the new build, sorry you seem to have that kinda bum luck with something small happening each time.