I have a standard CPU fan which runs all the time, as does the one in the PSU. I don't find the noise level oppressive and don't really think about it. Others clearly do - I know that a lot of computers are advertised as being 'silent' or at least 'quiet'. I'm also aware that there are water cooled CPU cooling systems, eg: http://quietpc.co.uk/watercooling
I had this PC built by a small local firm to my requirements - not to keep down the price, but because so many PCs - indeed most, have specs that go far beyond my requirements. Fan noise wasn’t a consideration – I’ve never found computer fans noise oppressive. I'm not interested in gaming, don't download films, don't store thousands of photos - I can't imagine what I'd do with a 1TB hard drive or SSD when I've got a 297 GB hard drive, which - after three years of use - still has 209 GB of free space. I have an Intel core duo E700 3.06 GHz CPU, 4GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GT220 graphics card and a 19" monitor. I use Win7 32-Bit as I use several older programs which I was told could be problematical on 64-bit. It boots up in less than a minute.
Obviously my needs and wants differ greatly from those of others.
More important to me is the service I receive from my ISP. As often as not, in excess of 10 MBPS download and 0.5 MBPS upload. Just as well, as I only have the choice of one landline ISP in this area - KC karoo - never skips a beat - call centre and help desk, 3 miles away.
Looking at the specs of current PCs, I can only assume that many users are very much into gaming and watching action films. Even so-called ‘entry level’ PCs have specs that not so long ago wouldn't have been used for simulated moon landings, but exceed that of actual ones. Because the technology is available, PC suppliers seem to feel that to remain competitive and to be ahead of the game they need to offer PCs that go far beyond the needs of most users.
I’d draw an analogy with ‘petrol head’ car enthusiasts – objectivity and fitness for purpose go out of the window for those who have the money to indulge their desires.
My elder son has had a Porsche 911 for four years. 0-60 in 4.8 sec, top speed 179 MPH. What’s that all about? As he lives in London, his average speed since the car was new has been 13.8 MPH – about the same as a horse-drawn cab 100 years ago, and about a third the average speed of his mum’s Fiat Panda. He’s hanging his nose over an Aston Martin now. 0-60 in 4.6 secs, top speed 186 MPH, so technically, it margially outperforms the Porsche, but practically, a Fiat Panda would have a much higher utility value – five doors, roof rack, more space, and one year’s depreciation on an Aston Martin would buy at least three Pandas. And with a wife and three kids, they also need a ‘proper’ car to be able to get about – not something that only two people can be shoe-horned into. Nothing to do with meeting 'needs' - everything to do with 'wants'.
Ho hum - I blame the parents.
I had this PC built by a small local firm to my requirements - not to keep down the price, but because so many PCs - indeed most, have specs that go far beyond my requirements. Fan noise wasn’t a consideration – I’ve never found computer fans noise oppressive. I'm not interested in gaming, don't download films, don't store thousands of photos - I can't imagine what I'd do with a 1TB hard drive or SSD when I've got a 297 GB hard drive, which - after three years of use - still has 209 GB of free space. I have an Intel core duo E700 3.06 GHz CPU, 4GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GT220 graphics card and a 19" monitor. I use Win7 32-Bit as I use several older programs which I was told could be problematical on 64-bit. It boots up in less than a minute.
Obviously my needs and wants differ greatly from those of others.
More important to me is the service I receive from my ISP. As often as not, in excess of 10 MBPS download and 0.5 MBPS upload. Just as well, as I only have the choice of one landline ISP in this area - KC karoo - never skips a beat - call centre and help desk, 3 miles away.
Looking at the specs of current PCs, I can only assume that many users are very much into gaming and watching action films. Even so-called ‘entry level’ PCs have specs that not so long ago wouldn't have been used for simulated moon landings, but exceed that of actual ones. Because the technology is available, PC suppliers seem to feel that to remain competitive and to be ahead of the game they need to offer PCs that go far beyond the needs of most users.
I’d draw an analogy with ‘petrol head’ car enthusiasts – objectivity and fitness for purpose go out of the window for those who have the money to indulge their desires.
My elder son has had a Porsche 911 for four years. 0-60 in 4.8 sec, top speed 179 MPH. What’s that all about? As he lives in London, his average speed since the car was new has been 13.8 MPH – about the same as a horse-drawn cab 100 years ago, and about a third the average speed of his mum’s Fiat Panda. He’s hanging his nose over an Aston Martin now. 0-60 in 4.6 secs, top speed 186 MPH, so technically, it margially outperforms the Porsche, but practically, a Fiat Panda would have a much higher utility value – five doors, roof rack, more space, and one year’s depreciation on an Aston Martin would buy at least three Pandas. And with a wife and three kids, they also need a ‘proper’ car to be able to get about – not something that only two people can be shoe-horned into. Nothing to do with meeting 'needs' - everything to do with 'wants'.
Ho hum - I blame the parents.
Regards, David.
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
