[D-Dan]

Dave, do you have any USB devices plugged in, and I don’t mean low power devices like mouse and KB. How about USB HD (without a separate PSU, for example).

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

I’m not a fan of canonical, so stay away from anything Buntu. However, Debian, Gentoo, Arch etc. all offer much the same (especially when you build from the ground up), but they use different package managers and repositories.

As for desktop, I honestly prefer mine not to get in the way, so I’m a dyed in the wool xfce user.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

PM sent.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

In the interest of full disclosure, I packed in driving maybe 8 years ago, so I walk locally pretty much everywhere. I’d hate to see the high street die. I’m a tactile shopper, who likes to see and feel what he’s buying. I do shop for a lot of stuff on Amazon, but it’s usually electronics. For everything else (clothes, food, general crap etc.) I want to be there, see it, test it.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

If I have a spare, it’s yours for free. I’ll  check on Saturday. Even if I can find it, I need to make sure I can find the antennas, too. That’s probably less of a problem, though, I’m sure they are easily and cheaply replaced.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

Good call, Dave, I may have to test one of those. Do you know whether it delivers the required 2.5 amps? Pi will run on 2amps, but it’s not ideal.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

Well, for the moment, the NFS drives are connected to a 3B. The other three are 3B+, but this was in anticipation of populating the 3B+s with PoE hats. However, fortunately, I just bought one PoE hat as a test, and it’s since been found that, except with very low powered USB devices, there’s a serious problem with PoE in that it frequently over-volts the USB. Not to the point of any damage, but certainly to the point that USB becomes unstable. It seems to be interference on the board, but the devs are still diagnosing.

It’s serious enough that they’ve all been pulled from sale now (pretty much everywhere). I could return it for a refund, but TBH, apart from being able to observe the issue in the software diagnostics, it’s not a problem for me (the Pi the hat is on has nothing connected except the network).

Nevertheless, until the issue is fixed, I’m still on MicroUSB power, so I could swap the 3B with one of the 3B+ Pis to get back to the improved ethernet speed. Maybe this weekend. Just need to decide which to slow down. I’m thinking the retropie, but it likes the improved horsepower, so perhaps my owncloud machine, where net speed is less important.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

If you can wait until weekend, I’m not sure if I still have one or two. If one, you’re out of luck since it’s my emergency backup in case anything goes wrong with my switch. If I still have two, you can have one. But I need time to search.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

The reason I went for NFS boot is, of four Pis, only one boots from the directly connected drive. The other three boot from the NFS share. I have two NFS drives, both powered over USB (though I use a powered hub rather than connecting directly to the Pi to avoid undervolting the Pi), which means I have a simple backup solution, just rsync the NFS folders for the other three Pis to the second drive.

There’s barely any speed difference in normal operation between this, and SDCards, and as has been highlighted, using real drives is considerably more robust.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

I only use the MicroSD for the /boot partition. Everything else (rootfs) is on an NFS drive on a real HD, so no issues with a failing SD. Worst case scenario, I get another small one and set up the boot and handover on that.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

I’ve recently refused a smart meter for my electricity. Having gotten a £1,300 refund, I quite like the idea of this savings plan. Requires no effort whatsoever.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

If you have a table with one leg too short, you can use an iPad to help stabilise it. Genuine tip.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

Problem with Doombar, of course, is they sold out to the conglomerates. And so, that was my Sayōnara moment.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

I would have posted earlier, but I was in the 9 Gallon, drinking real ale (none of this mass produced carp, and definitely not lager. Oh, and not the fizzy pop that they call craft, either). Honest to goodness, real ale.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

With xsane (and this is Arch, not Mint, but no reason to suspect different), have you simply tried the drop down?

 

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

Awesome build, but honestly, I wouldn’t trust driving it on the open road. Now, it doesn’t look that fast, but I still see the steering wheel coming apart on a tight corner, followed by the rest of it.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

Yeah, I considered CeX, but it’s still mounted on a MB with 8Gb RAM and sitting in a chassis. Not entirely sure it would be worth my time lugging it there (either on foot, or the bus). I could always just grab a cheap and cheerful drive and PSU, and use it as a render box.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

Huh – There are only 2, both in Camarthen. However, I can take the Steam controller back and get a voucher for at least £19. With voucher they sell for £22, so net cost, £3.

I see a trip to CeX after SpecSavers on Saturday.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

Decided to go for the older Tomb Raider reboot from 2013, which is also native at £14.99. That’s like, 5 pints, over the course of a month, and I took Monday off (from beer), and had one less than normal tonight, so already paid for.

Although, I bought a bottle of single malt. Perhaps I should game more and drink less.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[D-Dan]

I can honestly say, sod all. Well, I had an alcohol-free day (not to be confused with a free alcohol day) on Monday. But other than that, I achieved precisely nothing.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[Author]

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