I had to do some surgery on the Bobulator last week to replace my CPU heatsink/fan (they don't make dual ball bearing fans like they used to!), and I started thinking about my next upgrade.  My current system is still holding steady, but it's almost three years old and its starting to get a little long in the tooth.  I'm thinking about treating myself to a birthday upgrade this winter, so I thought I'd ask you guys what you're running now, and what upgrade plans (if any) you might have?

I'm looking awfully hard at the Intel i7 platform, but AMD is really starting to turn up the heat on Intel again.  nVidia and ATI are also running neck-and-neck, but both of their leading products look extremely hot and power hungry.

What do you guys think?


-b0b
(...wants pictures, too!)

What?!  How dare you have fun with your wife!  What are all these stereotypes in my head for if I'm not going to use them?!

Interestingly enough, I have just started making plans for my new machine.  However, mine is 5 years old and ol' Cezar is showing his age.  I have a few films lined up for this summer (anyone interested in going back out to Purgatory for a documentary?!).

I'm really interested in these solid state drives and mo-bo's with dual video card slots.  I'm thinking about switching to Intel with the i7 as well and I'm still split on ATI Vs. NVidia.

X

If it was up to Susie, she'd throw us women back in the kitchen while the men folk changed our oil, built our computers, and beat us with switches!...and she'd make women everywhere hate horrible HORRIBLE movies like Ratatoile and Superman Returns (aka Superman Rapes Lois...and the Franchise!)!

X
(uhh I mean "they women"!......!!!)

As I mentioned earlier, I had to replace my CPU heatsink/fan combo last Thursday because the fan in the existing unit died.  It's the first time I've ever had a dual-ball bearing fan die.  The two 120mm Panaflo Hi fans on the side of my case are stilling running strong after ten years!

Anyway, I had to pull the motherboard to install a new base plate for the massive honkin' heatsink I installed as a replacement.  Of course, to remove the motherboard, I had to remove practically everything else in the case.  I though I'd throw up this quick picture of how incredibly dusty the Bobulator was... after only seven months!

I installed new hard drives last October when I installed Windows 7, and I had the entire PC looking squeaky clean by the time I was done.  It's amazing how much dust can build up in only half a year!




-b0b
(...cleaned it out again, of course.)

Alright gents, I don't know if you'd be willing to help but I'm looking to purchase a video camcorder along with a new computer build.  If you'd like, I would appreciate any advice you have.

I'm looking at two main cameras:

1)Sony HDR-XR500V
2)Canon VIXIA HF S100

I am currently leaning to the Canon more.  I've also looked at the following:

- Canon VIXIA HF20 - has internal memory
- Canon VIXIA HF200 - like HF20 but no internal memory
- Canon VIXIA HG21

I definately want one that's in HD.  I'm also looking for one that performs well in low-light since I want to do some outdoor shots, but I also want a professional look to my video.

Are there cameras you guys use that fit this or blow you out of the water?

I'm looking at shooting some urban exploring/hacking vids and I really would love to get back out to Purgatory for a documentary film (anyone up for the trip?).

Another thing that makes me think Canon is their support with other add-ons (lenses, mics, lights, etc.).

I appreciate your help and let me know what you think!

X