Re-Optiplex'd!

As a computer programmer I like to stay on top of new technology - like computers. That said, I think it's important that you buy a new computer at least once every ... 5 years, haha, wtf?

No, for real, I bought my last computer 5 years ago this month, which is pretty baffling.

Don't get me wrong, I upgraded it a bit over the years, but it's still ridiculous. Especially since I think my wife (who uses her computer for e-mail, aim, and myspace) is on her 3rd new computer since then, haha.

So, since I haven't really looked at computers in so long, I was sort of amazed by how much the specs haven't changed. The processor speed increase has slowed quite a lot... but we have faster buses, and dual cores. So here's what I just bought (per Keith's super stealth deal finding on Dell.com).

I'll compare it with the computer I bought 5 years ago.

VPR matrix (2002)
  • P4 - 2.27ghz
  • 533mhz bus
  • 512mb RAM
  • 80gb HD
  • 16x DVD ROM, 40x12x40 CD-RW
  • $1,259.52
Dell Optiplex 320 (2007)
  • Intel Core 2 Duo - 2ghz
  • 800mhz bus
  • 1gb RAM
  • 160gb SATA HD
  • 16X DVD+/-RW
  • $430

Some of that seems a little bare bones, and it's still really odd to me that the numbers between the 2 aren't that much different, but mainly I just wanted the dual core processor, faster bus, and faster HD. I already have a 320gb external drive for it. Plus, I plan on buying a dual DVI video card, and adding another 2gb RAM. Paired with my newish monitors, I should be rocking it at home again. Just in time for my next video project.

So now that I've fulfilled some of the goals listed here, I just need that that new desk and maybe a Herman Miller chair... after I get a new car of course.

Oh, and thanks for the advice, Jordan. I paid cash for this computer... along with my expensive shed, bookcase, bar, and guitar.
I got my dog for free though.

written by 26 year old Derek Brooks

haha, for real. stupid money.

derek posted

but, i added the prices to each of those computers for comparison sake, haha. it's a little ridiculous.



once i get my video card and bump it up to 3gigs of ram, i'll still be less than half the price.

derek posted

dells are scary...

luke posted

My computer is pretty much up to speed and totally rocking. I love it.



Just for fun, here's what I immediately installed once I got it out of the box (in order, ha)...

-XP Pro

-Dell Drivers

-.Net 1.1

-Windows Updates

-Firefox

-Launchy

-iTunes

-Textpad

-Windows Zune Theme

-uTorrent

-Google Talk

-laim

-Putty

-AdAware

-Windows Defender

-Photoshop cs3

-Filezilla

-x10 ActiveHome Pro

-WinRar

-Symantec

-Premiere cs3 pro



I also just dropped in my new BFG GeForce 6600 GT Video Card (thanks, Keith). Having dual DVI is so much better than the DVI/PCI b.s. I'm used to. Being able to drag video seamlessly between monitors is nice.



Also the little blue LEDs under the onboard fans make me not want to put my case back together....



Next more RAM... even though I really don't feel like I need more yet, but an extra gig or two couldn't hurt... right?

derek posted

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