"Build a computer" episode?

[kjsatz]

Like many/most Systm viewers, I've built computers (like the one I'm typing on). However, for those that haven't experienced this, and also to give pointers to the more "seasoned" among us, I think they should make a "build a computer" episode. I don't know if they should go into much detail about part selection or not though....

[masherscf]

I think Patrick could do it. Perhaps a "How to order a Mac over the phone" episode for Dave.

[drandolph]

Wait, didn't I say that I'm not a mac fan boy?

Thats why I get great pleasure in smashing an iPhone or ripping apart an iTV.

Microsoft w00t!!! j/k

Actually there are so many resources out there for building a PC that a show of the nature might be redundant. People have covered cheap gaming rigs, servers and so forth.

Maybe a better way would be to do a show on building the perfect Ubuntu system, maybe a media server or MythTV Rig.

BTW right now I am sitting in the office with everyone else and I have the only non-mac computer in sight.

And yes I do own mac's. I just know what they are good for. Going to the coffee shop and ordering a double latte mocha cappa frappa expresso and hitting on the ladies. Much like designer jeans it isn't better than the generic brand but it will make you look cooler than you really are.

[masherscf]

Wait, didn't I say that I'm not a mac fan boy?


Oh, I was just kidding. I just think that building a PC is about as exciting as assembling a pack of legos. Maybe I've done it too much. Case modding is also a little passe'.

I do like the idea of building small form factor PCs to do specialized tasks. A set-top media box is one idea. A few years ago, a guy put together a pint-sized linux box to aim his telescope over TCP/IP wirelessly using his web browser. I can't recall the link though.

[drandolph]

I just wanted to use the window (get it) to bash on Mac's for a minute there.

[masherscf]

I just wanted to use the window (get it) to bash on Mac's for a minute there.


It's nice to see you coming out of your "shell."

[harshbarj]

How about really building your own computer? Something simple like an 8-bit system (perhaps based off a zilog processor). I’ve been working on building a homebrew z80A system for a while and while I have yet to have something that works (outside of POC circuits), I'm having fun and getting closer to a working system.

[kjsatz]

Yeah, homebrew would be an interesting angle.

I know it's been done, indeed done by Patrick himself if I remember correctly back in the Screensavers days, but I think a well-done, entertaining episode (from whatever angle you'd choose) would be worthwhile.

[sarian-rogue]

Actually there are so many resources out there for building a PC that a show of the nature might be redundant. People have covered cheap gaming rigs, servers and so forth.


Yeah I agree. Building a computer isn't a hard thing to do at all, if you know what components a computer is made up of. The hard thing is finding parts that are all compatible with each other, meet your standards, and are within price range. I would like to see an ep. where you go through a bunch of the high and low end stuff, and show whats the best motherboard to go with a certain processor and what kind of memory you need and what is a good graphics card for the setup, etc, and actually get into detail on stuff that's compatible and not say "just look around and figure out what you want and what's compatible" like most PC building tutorials say.

[tempesta]

I just think that building a PC is about as exciting as assembling a pack of legos.

damn right. both exciting prospects to me :D :D

[masherscf]

damn right. both exciting prospects to me :D :D

Touche' . . . . .