My New Desktop

It's Like Christmas... in April
I got the Dell Studio XPS 435 MT today, and I couldn't be happier. It's an amazing machine, with the new Intel Core-i7 processor (mine is clocking in at 2.67 GHz), and came with 6GB of the new DDR3 memory sticks. All-in-all, I'm stoked with this level of power.

The Ugly Past
Firstly, let me dive in deeper on what I had before. I had custom built an AMD-based machine, with the Phenom 9850 and a whopping 8GB of DDR2 memory (running at stock 800 MHz speed; I don't overclock). That rig was running fine on a Gigabyte motherboard, but up until a few weeks ago the motherboard decided to call it quits and burn out on me. Deeply saddened, and lacking the energy to just buy a new motherboard and go through the dreaded motherboard replacement process, I decided I've had it with custom building PC's altogether.

It was a fun trip the past 6 or so years of going the complete custom route, but in the end I realized I spent more time upgrading rather than doing more meaningful work such as software development, rendering stuff, and most importantly, gaming. It also became an expensive proposition, requiring me to act as the technician when things go awry. So, here I am now back to using a pre-built machine.

Going An Easier Route...
I decided to get something that had potential for longevity. My aim here is to get hardware that will last me a long, long time. So, I am now rocking with the Intel Core-i7 and it's quad-core (psuedo-octo-core with the hyperthreading thing). That should last me a super long time.

I do plan on migrating the graphics card that I had in my previous build, the all-good Radeon 4850 and a Seagate 250GB HD. Those should add a little more power and reduce the need for me to even think about cracking open the case afterwards (unless something terrible happens inside).

The Old(er) Rig
I currently have an older motherboard (a DFI Infinity NF4 SLI that keeps on ticking) on hand that I decided to use temporarily to hold me over until the XPS arrived. But, I ran into an annoying problem with the sound card, where even though Vista detected the drivers and installed them, sound would not play out. I know it's not the speakers since they work on my new rig. Oh well. It's up for adoption anyway after I transfer the good components to the new machine (I know, it's like I'm customizing my new rig already drastically, but I planned for this).

Parting Thoughts
Now I'm busy installing all my software to the new machine, which is a painfully long experience. Oh well... it's the cost of getting a new toy to play with.

I plan on giving a formal review of the Studio XPS 435 down the road, once I've kicked the tires with it and all.