[D-Dan]

keith with the teef wrote:

With the primeminiser on the ropes! Will Boris’s resegnation speech be the knock out blow for the PM this safto?

I’ve just listened to it. I’m no fan of the Tories (card carrying Labour party member and auditor for the CLP), and I have even less respect for Bojo, who has played the chump so well over the years it’s impossible to know where the chump ends and Boris begins.

However, his speech is perhaps the first time I’ve felt any respect for him. I can’t support all his views (though I could support some), but it’s clear that this was heartfelt, and although it will unnerve TM further, since there was so much that was covertly personal, it will touch a nerve to many. It’s possibly the first time I’ve believed that Bojo was being honest.

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]

It gets worse, having called the dental emergency line twice ysterday, the first to be offered treatment 3/4 hour later at a location I could not possibly reach in that time, and the second to book an emergency appointment locally for 1pm today, I find they had booked it at a different clinic an hour by rail away.

Third time lucky at 8am tomorrow. Aldi are probably happy with the Whisky sales (swilling a single malt around my mouth feels like a waste, but it works)

 

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]

So as an update, in the past 36 hours, I find myself in need of emergency dental treatment, and the pain is such that I’m taking it.

So, for the moment, bye bye GTX1060 6Gb. On the plus side, I can get Ryzen 2700 in the build, and liquid cooling still within budget.

EDIT: My logic now is that the Ryzen and 16Gb RAM could get close to my current GTX680 (maybe a little slower, but I’m thinking the difference will not be critical) AND give me more than enough system RAM for those scenes that my current system struggles with.

 

Anyone want a Phenom X4 965, MB and 8GB RAM. Now looking for ways to fund the GFX card.

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]

Wheels-Of-Fire wrote:

I really like the poles. The first wave we got were the useless drunks but now we have the young couples with toddlers. Couldnt be more polite.

 

Personally (and as a leaver), I live in a privately rented flat, and there are probably more Eastern European migrants here than indigenous Brits. The only ones that have ever been a problem are, the indigenous Brits (to the point that at least two that I’m aware of have either been kicked out, or are under house arrest – drugs dealing).

My vote was never about immigration, but was always about the dictatorial EU government imposing stupid (and in many cases, unworkable) laws on member states. The latest is GDPR, which if you examine the law compared with many domestic laws, not just here, but across Europe, and the practicalities, is quite simply unworkable.

Meanwhile, heavy fines are mandated for breaching them.

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]

This is the ONLY problem with the Irish border argument. The fact that the EU see two states, rather than a single landmass (which is ironic, since they can handle the single landmass elsewhere).

I see no problem at all with the Irish (whether they be RoI or NI) being able to come and go as they please, and a simple passport system would achieve that (even electronic, these days). Since the Good Friday Agreement was reached, the people of Ireland have not just found a way to live harmoniously between north and south, but have built friendships and relationships between both.

Where borders existed, there are none. Instead, there are people living as one.

I don’t accept that people on either side of the border will suddenly revert to 1970’s hostility given the choice.

I also don’t see the issue with a customs border in the Irish sea. It will be an inconvenience, but that’s all.

And, really, the DUP £1Bn bought votes matter not a drop at the moment. The Tory rebels will see that off in a single hand show.

EDIT: At the moment, the DUP are the most hostile of the Irish parties, being the ones looking to block any deal from within.

 

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]

Ed P wrote:

Interesting Dan, but how would you fix the Irish/Ulster conundrum without plunging the two into a blood-bath?

I wouldn’t be staunchly blocking re-unification of Ireland.

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 VFM Addict wrote:

We only became a member at that time when John Major committed us to that political union (without asking us) by bullying his own party. In reality that is the cause of all that’s happening now.

And this is a part of (though fairly low on the list) of the reasons I voted out. The people were never given the opportunity to vote in.

Having said that, the current Government are constantly trying to second guess why people voted out, without bothering to ask our motives. I think TM and her (ever changing) cabinet may go down in history as one of the most inept Governments this country has ever had. 2 years since the referendum, and only now (with just a few months to go) do they see fit to actually start negotiating in earnest, and then come up with a plan that literally no-one wants.

Add to that, the resignations, £1Bn (from a suddenly found “magic money tree” paid to a minority, unrepresentative party) to prop up her government, whilst her own people will probably outvote the propup.

If the referendum were held again tomorrow, I’d still vote “out” (The EU’s behaviour during the travesty of the past couple of years has cemented that view), but I’d want the option to choose the negotiators at the same time. Perhaps put people who have a clue in place, instead of an unelected (by anyone) PM and her team of imbeciles.

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]

To refine my last question, anyone have any experience of https://www.freshtechsolutions.co.uk/

Reviews are mixed, but honestly, the bad reviews to me look like errors between the chair and the keyboard.

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]

Your perseverance is admirable. Personally, I would downgrade any review of any merchant who can’t make their review mechanism painless (or, more likely, I just wouldn’t bother).

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]

You can set up a vpn on a raspberry Pi (I use one  from one of mine). It effectively encrypts your traffic when you are using a public WiFi away from home. Don’t ask me how it works (dunno) but that little key on my tablet telling me I’m secure gives me a sense of security, even if it’s a false sense.

Oh, and with a Pi you can route the VPN through PiHole so you get all the adblocking goodness even away from your local network.

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]

OK, the refund has landed today, so the search is on for the most economical builder. Overclockers.uk are coming in at more than £1,400, Scan at £1,200. Found one today (whilst at work, and forgot to send myself a link) that can do it at £953.

Ryzen 7, GTX1060 6Gb, 16Gb in a decent chassis.

All with no drives (I really don’t need anymore), and the cheapest includes a card reader (OK, the cost is negligible – £4, I think), and whilst I can mitigate the cost more if I sell my existing rig (to be decided), I’m looking for the most cost-efficient system builder, so recommendations?

 

EDIT: I’ll probably wait until the end of the month – GPU prices are predicted to drop.

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]

TT seem to do a lot of heavy marketing, though personally I can place no faith in them. I’m with BT directly, and whilst they get a lot of bad press, I can honestly say that (even across three different addresses) they have always got there.

I do hanker for Virgin to turn up with their 200Mb/s or whatever they’re offering now, but if I’m honest, until the underlying infrastructure of the net catches up,I still don’t see how the difference between 12MB/s and 200MB/s would be that noticeable for day to day usage.

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]

Usually, I would agree, and more so with a laptop. Having said that, I’ve built my own for maybe 20 years, and this is literally the first time I’m thinking of handing a build over to someone else.

Having said that, with my build experience, and the versatility of the desktop, I can keep the cost down to a minimum, and still get the system I want with a little re-cycling.

 

EDIT: Nope. Components as described are still coming in at close to £1,000 (Scan). May as well get one built.

As has been suggested, I could alternatively get a new MB, CPU, GFX card and RAM (and possibly a new chassis) and simply build up, but if I can do it in such a way that keeps this rig going (which despite its age, is still pretty powerful), so much the better.

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]

It was. Sadly, I’ve drank it all now 🙁

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 cheapest beer I’ve had delivered was 3 weeks ago, when a box marked “Heavy” and “Glass” arrived at work unannounced, addressed to me, and with no note of who sent it.

Turns out a client who has emigrated to the Caribbean was happy enough with my service that he arranged an online delivery from Germany, initiated in the Caribbean of a case of beer (12 bottles real ale) as a thank you. I was very grateful, and it didn’t cost me a bean (well, except the time in detective work to figure out who’d sent 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]

To answer some of the questions. My current rig has 2 x SSD (1x 120 Gb and 1 x 256 Gb) – a DVDRW and three spinners. I also have a 500Gb and a 1TB USB drive shared as NFS drives via Pi. I could lose one of the spinners with zero cost, since it’s currently empty. Alternatively, I could get a couple of powered SATA docking stations and simply extend the NAS that way, effectively reducing the SATA requirement (I could get by with four provided I distribute the drives properly).

I could probably also get away with 8GB of system RAM (That’s what I’ve been using for a while), but I also occasionally perform some very memory hungry source builds (so much so that I’ve had to hand over a chunk of swap space on occasion – rarely used but a godsend when it is).

Some (many) of my blender works are hitting the 4GB VRAM limit on my system (and if I’m honest, even 6GB may be too little for some), which means I want to maximise both GPU and CPU performance (CPU for when it simply cannot fit in the GPU RAM – also a reason for increasing system RAM).

If I’m honest, even the PSU is relatively unimportant, if it can feed my current rig sans drives and display, since I have a 850W Corsair hybrid in there, which I could simply swap for any PSU in the new machine. Having said that, the TDP on the Phenom is considerably higher than the Ryzen, and it would still need to feed the GTX680 for CUDA. The plan ATM is to relegate my current rig to a simple, bare bones render box.

 

I did manage to do a custom estimate at about £880, which with some modification and swapping with my current rig, could be do-able. Of course, it would be nice not to have to start modifying a new build before it’s even got an OS.

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]

It seems I don’t even know what I have. It’s not a GTX670 – it’s a GTX680.

Nevertheless, hunting down some comparisons shows that the 1060 still outperforms the 680.

Now, I just need to find a custom system builder at the right price. Looking for a Ryzen 7 1700 (minimum), gtx 1060 6Gb, 16 Gb RAM, and a decent MB (with 6 sata inputs at least and onboard HD 5:1 minimum audio). Preferably 1Gb ethernet, wireless not important, drives not important, decent case and good build.

 

EDIT: Oh, and whilst not a deal breaker, water cooled would be nice.

My aim is to get this below £900.

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]

Dave Rice wrote:

Why would you want to go back to 7? It’s dead as a dodo.

As someone that has to use an absolutely torturous Win 10 install at work, and who only uses Win 7 on a VM at home (and TBH, the only thing I ever do with it is Windows Update), I would happily go back to 7 at work. 10 has proven to be a never ending stream of problems.

But, of course, I’m a Linux man.

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 guess you are somewhat rural. I have BT Infinity, and would not taunt you with my speeds, but in a rural area, 12Mbs is not bad (given that the governments promised improvements have failed to materialise, and it seems you have to rely on the upper crust moving in to the area to get improvement, instead).

Having said that, despite the speed I get, I doubt in practice it’s all that noticeable other than perhaps wget or git downloads.

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 did consider just going for a further upgrade, but the extra 2Gb on the gfx card is tempting (and I do find myself running out of GPU RAM). Even if for speed the 1060 is only on a par with the 670, it would probably be worth the outlay. Of course, if the 1060 is a step down, then it’s a different matter, in which case I may have to re-examine my options or bite the bullet and go for a 1070.

Besides, sometimes shiny and new just feels nice, and I can put my current rig devoid of any desktop in a corner to use just 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.

[Author]

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