Getting towards new laptop time - which brand these days?

[FenceFurniture]

G'day

My current Toshiba laptop is now 4½ years old, and may be starting to show some signs of age - one of the USB ports is much slower than the other two for copying, and seems to have trouble accepting a USB-A sometimes. I guess that might be repairable. The speed of USB-C is also very appealing.

Anyhoo, I'm thinking it may be time to upgrade in the next 6 months, and given that Toshiba are out of the Laptop business now I'm wondering what the goss is? Changing laptops is usually very painful for me because of the high level of customisation I do - and then forget how to do it, particularly in Excel (currently Office 2016).

This is a pretty high spec unit (refer attachment for full spec), and the main parts are:
17" 4k screen, used in conjunction with a 28" 4k Monitor (4k is fabulous for sharpness)
16GB RAM
Intel i7-6500 2.50Ghz, quad core processor
512GB SSD
Windows 10 Home, 64bit

476734

Is there any advantage to Windows Pro? Or do the updates just come a bit earlier and users are the guinea pigs?

I do some pretty heavy processing quite regularly which is why I like an i7 quad core. I may be able to get by with 8GB RAM, but it's pretty cheap these days so I'd probably stay at 16GB.

I have heard that AMD processors are now superior to Intel - any thoughts on that?

Internal DAC - quality doesn't really matter too much because I put music out through a separate DAC/Amp (Schiit Jotunheim)

Note that I do ZERO gaming so a Graphics card only has to handle iView etc and some low level Photoshop work.


ALTERNATIVE THOUGHT BUBBLE:
I suppose I could have a Desktop built and keep this laptop for other things, given that there is nothing particular wrong with it apart from being a little long in the tooth. (I had my previous Dell laptop for 10 years trouble free). That would mean I'd have to put a UPS in place because we get a higher than usual amount of blackouts up here. That would make it much easier to take the laptop to the shed (bit of a hassle unplugging everything now).

A desktop could be fairly easily upgraded too......Hmmmm :think:

[poundy]

you are wrong about Pro getting updates earlier than Home. Regular monthly security updates come at exactly the same time. Feature Updates are released at the same time, but the biggest factor that influences when you get the update or not is your hardware (drivers) and software (any incompatibilities like AV that doesn't like newer versions) nothing to do whether it's deemed home or pro. There are several features that Home does not have that could be important to you or not - bitlocker is the big one in my view, where your drive is encrypted and your account is the only one that can get to it; possibly not a concern for a "home based" laptop unless theft is of concern, bigger issue if you travel with it a lot.

Personally I use a Microsoft Surface Book, but that's not a device for everyone, and as an ex-employee I had brand loyalty in mind when i purchased it. Other than that, my go-to would be a Dell machine and I have a mate who just bought one and he's happy (although it still came with crapware installed in the form of a 3rd party antivirus).

I also have a 3rd party dock unit that allows me to take my laptop where I need, when I need, which means i can take it to the lounge or the back yard (for connecting to my coffee roasting instrumentation), and it's basically two cable connection when i get back - the USB for the dock, and the power pack.

I don't mind having a desktop as the "in office" device but in all honesty I find it gets left by the wayside and rarely turned on. There's very few apps that I have dedicated to that machine that I haven't moved over to the laptop. You may find that more appealing than I do, but I am already running a reasonable processor

how's the battery in your current laptop? That often is the deciding factor whether a device can truly be a "portable" device or not

[Chris Parks]

Perhaps an NUC would suit or if you want have a talk to Master P.

[FenceFurniture]

how's the battery in your current laptop? That often is the deciding factor whether a device can truly be a "portable" device or notI actually don't know because it almost never goes out - that could change though.
you are wrong about Pro getting updates earlier than Home. Regular monthly security updates come at exactly the same time. Feature Updates are released at the same time, but the biggest factor that influences when you get the update or not is your hardware (drivers) and software (any incompatibilities like AV that doesn't like newer versions) nothing to do whether it's deemed home or pro. There are several features that Home does not have that could be important to you or not - bitlocker is the big one in my view, where your drive is encrypted and your account is the only one that can get to it; possibly not a concern for a "home based" laptop unless theft is of concern, bigger issue if you travel with it a lot.

Personally I use a Microsoft Surface Book, but that's not a device for everyone, and as an ex-employee I had brand loyalty in mind when i purchased it. Other than that, my go-to would be a Dell machine and I have a mate who just bought one and he's happy (although it still came with crapware installed in the form of a 3rd party antivirus).

I also have a 3rd party dock unit that allows me to take my laptop where I need, when I need, which means i can take it to the lounge or the back yard (for connecting to my coffee roasting instrumentation), and it's basically two cable connection when i get back - the USB for the dock, and the power pack.

I don't mind having a desktop as the "in office" device but in all honesty I find it gets left by the wayside and rarely turned on. There's very few apps that I have dedicated to that machine that I haven't moved over to the laptop. You may find that more appealing than I do, but I am already running a reasonable processor I had a dock for my Dell - it was good, but in those days it was in and out at least 4 times a week.

I have a suspicion that the USB ports are wearing out - having a lot of trouble with the keyboard ceasing to type lately, and as soon as I wiggle to USB Hub cable into the Laptop it works again. Driving me nuts actually.

Just a BTW because I have just gone through this - don't get a Huion Pen/Tablet H430P. Just had one delivered this morning and the bloody thing won't double click (pen nib) and even to single click one has to be INSANELY accurate or it just drags the item to be clicked. Can't pgm Back/F/Up/Down into the four buttons either - looks like there's no way it can be one. Absolute POS compared to a Wacom Intuous ('cept the cover sheet on mine has worn out and there are no replacements available). The Huion was only $44 but it's a bad buy at even $1. Not fit for purpose.

[poundy]

the dock I have is not the manufacturer specific one. It's the older model of one of these (https://au.targus.com/products/usb-3-0-2k-dual-displayport-docking-station-with-60w-power). If I was doing it now, since I don't need to support older devices that use USB3, I'd buy one of their USB-C-PD ones like this (https://au.targus.com/products/usb-c-universal-dv4k-docking-station-with-100w-power-dock190auz) and that'd eliminate my need for a separate charger.
While I haven't unplugged this device many times since March, before that it was moved in and out of one of these docks multiple times a day as I have an identical one in the office, and a few years ago I was a mobile worker doing the same in one of my customer sites (same docks)... so USB3 ports and plugs are very robust.

[russ57]

I got my girls s/h lenovo carbon x1 for school, just replaced at about 5-6 years, minor problems (1 screen connector worked loose, the other needed a new fan as most of the blades broke off). They are getting a bit odd now, things like the touch pad not behaving.
But I reckon 3 years of school use after a (probable) few years commercial use isn't bad.
I replaced with hp, mainly because I could get a corporate discount. My employer used to use lenovo and now hp, both always have been reliable for me.
Amd do seem to have an edge price wise at the moment, but I couldn't find the features I wanted with the rizen processor.
I doubt there is much between Dell lenovo and hp for most purposes.

[malb]

Running a 2019 Dell XPS 15, 6 core I7, 32 GB Ram, 512 GB SSD. Can use a Dell (or other) Lightning dock for external monitor drives etc, but can HDMI into monitor or TV in 4k straight from the notebook as well. Comes with a 12m standard warranty, but offer a 3yr extended warranty with onsite service as an option if you want it. Believe that there is a 17in version available as well, wife has a XPS 13 similar spec except a 4 core I7. Happy with both of them after a year.

[woodPixel]

For disk encryption, you'd be nuts to use BitLocker. Use VeraCrypt*.

Why not keep the lappie and buy a strong PC - 1/3rd the price, 4 times the power.

Use Remote Desktop or RealVNC/TightVNC** to access the PC from your laptop. Get the PC to do all the heavy lifting and keep the lappie essentially as a remote screen.

* VeraCrypt - Free Open source disk encryption with strong security for the Paranoid (https://www.veracrypt.fr/en/Home.html)
** examples: The Best VNC Screen-Sharing Software (https://www.lifewire.com/vnc-free-software-downloads-818116)


I repair a LOT of laptops for friends and family. 4 this year alone. I buy replacement components and upgrades off AliExpress... screens, bezels, keyboards, back plates... even faster RAM, SSD's, re-goozing the CPU and video, cleaning fans out.... I've also soldered on new USB ports (my one USEFUL skill!)

One was a MSI Gaming laptop, 12 months old, glitched like crazy.... owner threw it out. Did all the above, cost me a total of $76 and they begged for it back... all new, shiny, fixed and fast :)

[RossM]

Brett,

Put aside the emotional aspect for a few minutes & think - do you REALLY need a laptop?? (quoting you above - "... it almost never goes out... ") - so your "Though Bubble" should probably be seriously considered. You pay a premium for a laptop. Even with a UPS, you will get a much better performing desktop for less money.

A desktop will be a way better bet for demanding tasks such as video editing etc - IF you get a high performance build.

With regard to Pro vs Home -
Main Pro features:
Being able to join a domain (including Azure Active Directory for single sign-on to various MS business cloud services)
Use of group policy
Hyper-V for virtualisation
BitLocker - whole disk encryption
Window Information Protection - protect against potential data leakage.
Mobile Device Management
Enterprise State Roaming
Dynamic Provisioning
Enterprise mode Internet Explorer
Remote Desktop
Kiosk Mode (which locks a PC to running only one modern application, to use like a kiosk)
Assigned access - run different applications depending on the user and keep individual identities separate and secured
Pro users can get updates from Windows Update for Business, which includes options for scheduling updates so they don't reboot PCs at important times.


As you can see, most of this is business focused & unlikely to be important for a home user.


There is a RAM limit of 128GB for Home & 2TB for Pro


There is also a "Workstation Edition" that has a 6TB RAM capability & support for some esoteric performance hardware, plus support for 4 CPU sockets (physical CPU) - all editions can support 256 CPU cores.

It is easy to upgrade from Home to Pro if that is a consideration. However most "performance" systems will come bundled with Pro.

Concerning brands - I favour Dell laptops these days. You can get some really good deals from their refurbished on-line shop:
Access Denied (https://www.dell.com/en-au/outlet)

However, do check any refurbished price against their retail online shop, as sometimes the brand new systems are on special at a lesser price. Once you see a good deal on-line, ring & talk to sales - they will often add further discounts to secure a sale - be pushy!! (They usually don't discount refurbished systems, but worth asking).

If you do want a performance laptop - here are a couple - 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, i7 CPU
Access Denied (https://www.dell.com/en-au/outlet/refurbished-precision-m55401665) (EDIT - says access denied but links work!! Forum s/ware strikes again)
Access Denied (https://www.dell.com/en-au/outlet/shop/laptops-tablets?memory_size=5494)

For a desktop I would consider a custom build using quality parts from a reputable PC builder. I have bought parts (but not whole systems) from PC CaseGear LINK (https://www.pccasegear.com/)- call them & explain what you want. There are other builders of couse - check reviews on places like Whirlpool.

Speaking for Whirlpool, here are some build specs - gaming oriented but suitable for high workloads
W (https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/rmp_sg_whirlpoolpcs_gaming_configs_1)hirlpool link (https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/rmp_sg_whirlpoolpcs_gaming_configs_1)



If you are doing any video work, a good GPU will be important & is another reason for a desktop.

Finally, RAM is now cheap - 32GB !!!!!

[crowie]

Brett, I have one of these for video editing

Specification for GT72 6QD Dominator G | Laptops - The best gaming laptop provider | MSI Global (https://www.msi.com/Laptop/GT72-6QD-DOMINATOR-G/Specification)

worked very well for the past 5 years....

[Handyjack]

RossM -"Concerning brands - I favour Dell laptops these days. You can get some really good deals from their refurbished on-line shop:"

My experience with a Dell refurbished laptop. Bought in January 2019. As a laptop it worked pretty good except - every second time I turned it on the WiFi did not work, almost like it did not exist. Mid January the screen froze, and I was unable to shut down. Screen went grey and I waited till the battery went flat. After recharging it worked but I had enough and returned it for a refund - and that took around four weeks I think.

This had been my only experience with a lap top.

[FenceFurniture]

A desktop could be fairly easily upgraded too......Hmmmm :think:
Put aside the emotional aspect for a few minutes & think - do you REALLY need a laptop?? (quoting you above - "... it almost never goes out... ") - so your "Though Bubble" should probably be seriously considered. You pay a premium for a laptop. Even with a UPS, you will get a much better performing desktop for less money.And I can keep the current Laptop until it's Kangarooted - I hear yer Ross! I dare say I could get at LEAST $100 for the current one if I wanted to sell it.

Just an update on my observations (or not....as it turns out) of the USB ports performances. The one on the left side that I thought was slooooowing down. Err, it's, err, it's a USB t...t....t....two port, so I'd be deeply suspicious that it's always been as slow as it is now. :B BUT...in my defence....what dickhead thought it was a good idea to put 2x USB-3 ports and make the other one USB-2, to save, fwhooooh, at least a coupla dollars.

The other port that I had a suspicion that might have been getting loose appears, for the moment anyway, to have been fixed by changing the cable. If that is the case, then it's very good that the cable is the sacrificial lamb, and not the port.


A desktop will be a way better bet for demanding tasks such as video editing etc - IF you get a high performance build.Yes. I'm drawn towards this solution as an upgrade - not in the least because it is future upgradeable to an extent anyway. With a Laptop - that's it pretty much - no real hardware upgrades. So the Laptop becomes a backup tool, and occasional outings (I really should get out more anyway :D). I can upgrade my JRiver Media Center licence to "Master" or whatever it is, and then Lola's Mac (! :puke:) can go on it too.


For a desktop I would consider a custom build using quality parts from a reputable PC builder. If I did go desktop then that is what I would do. It would also give me the option of being able to put a top-flight DAC in it - something like an ESS Sabre (although I think I read recently that they've been knocked off their perch by another mob). That would mean that for my desktop sound I don't have to have amps with DACs in them. (earlier this year I put a $170 Cambridge Audio DacMagic, which is smaller than a box of matches, between the computer and the Harman Kardon Studio 2 speaker and the difference in quality of sound was huge - that's a speaker that punches way above it's price, btw - excellent for shed work).

It's all about high quality sound these days for me. I reckon I have 10 years or less or reasonable hearing left, and I aim to enjoy them, but without degrading what I have. From the Laptop via JRiver MC 26, I'm running a Schiit Jotunheim DAC/Pre-Amp into a pair of Focal Stellia headphones, and just about add a pair of Hedd 7" Studio Monitors with a Focal Cub3 Sub woofer. At some point I may upgrade the Jotunheim to a Focal Arche headphone amp. Actually playing the music is not taxing at all on a computer, but all the background work can certainly be.

With a Desktop I could also put in large SSDs and have room for others when and if. I just received a 4TB Samsung SSD which I have put into an enclosure, so it acts like an external SSD but at twice the capacity for half the price, but twice the (small) dimensions.

[RossM]

RossM -"Concerning brands - I favour Dell laptops these days. You can get some really good deals from their refurbished on-line shop:"

My experience with a Dell refurbished laptop. Bought in January 2019. As a laptop it worked pretty good except - every second time I turned it on the WiFi did not work, almost like it did not exist. Mid January the screen froze, and I was unable to shut down. Screen went grey and I waited till the battery went flat. After recharging it worked but I had enough and returned it for a refund - and that took around four weeks I think.

This had been my only experience with a lap top.

A sample of one.

The Dell refurbished come with a full 1 year warranty in Australia, so you should have had it fixed by them. Depending on the model, it may even be an on-site warranty.

I have bought many items from refurbished store for business purposes, and have had no issues. Sample of about 100.

[woodPixel]

Agreed. I've bought four refurbished laptops for family (ASUS).... only one had a problem. The front speakers were disconnected at the header as the IT dude pulling the excess RAM (sold with 8) didn't plug it back on.

A trivial fix.

They are outstanding value. Not sure where they get them from, but they never have a scratch, mark, speck of dust or any sign of any use.... must have been federal public servant machines ??? :q:;

[apple8]

Agreed. I've bought four refurbished laptops.....

They are outstanding value. Not sure where they get them from, but they never have a scratch, mark, speck of dust or any sign of any use.... must have been federal public servant machines ??? :q:;

When I was working, mostly the laptops were plugged into a dock in a closed position with a keyboard, mouse and monitor attached and replaced every three years so there was a good chance they stayed in pristine condition.

[Chris Parks]

I have to replace my 10 year old desktop as the BIOS battery keeps going flat for some reason so I am over it. I need a desktop as doing real productive work on a laptop is a proper pain and doing file management is a bigger pain, my desktop has 2 x 27" monitors for a reason. Anyway I consulted Master P. the resident IT technician in the house and he suggested using a Dell laptop with what I would call a remote dock via one lead and it looks like a good idea as it gives the versatility of removing the laptop for work elesewhere. I have considered an NUC as I suggested to Brett earlier but mu mind is now changing having seen this. Have a look here...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoxoIC-YLdE

[FenceFurniture]

Hmmmm. Actually not that impressive for ports Chris. No USB-C (only into the computer which means you don't get the speed - needs both ends to be USB-C), only one USB3.0, 2x USB 2.0. Who needs a VGA port these days???

Also, you don't get the benefit of the Laptop screen with that setup - I use it specifically for email and secondary browser window that don't need much real estate, and occasional other things like folders for file copying. Everything else goes on the bigger monitor.

USB-C is absolutely the go, and any peripheral I buy from now on that needs speed (e.g. SSD) will be USB-C ported, or adaptable later. Just recently purchased a 4TB SSD SATA which I am using in an enclosure. ATM, the enclosure is USB 3.0 because that's all my Laptop is, but any puta upgrade will USB-C and then I just have to change the enclosure - perhaps $30-80 depending.

If you want a bunch of other ports you can get get excellent USB hubs with a plethora of different options (search Amazon Anker USB hub). When I bought this Laptop I got a HooToo 7 port Powered USB-3.0 hub into which I have a Logitech Unifying receiver, a Wacom Pen/Tablet receiver, rarely used BluRay/CD player, Harman Kardon Speaker, and currently 2x free ports. As I understand things, USB-C has enough voltage capacity to obviate the need for mains power through a wall wart.

A point of interest: if you are copying files from one external drive to another it is not possible to have them both in the same USB hub (with this one anyway - USB-C may vary). All sorts of errors come up.

[Chris Parks]

Port speed is not the main issue for me as any work I do is rarely speed dependent and I would never use the laptop screen because I have two monitors on my desk. Using a dock does give the flexibility of the laptop being used as a laptop which in my case would not be that often anyway. In days past the laptop would have been in and out of the stand a lot as we used one for data acquisition when racing. All my data transfer is done via ethernet cable from my desktop so that is another reason not to worry about USB speeds as I never use USB for that reason, horses for courses I guess.

[FenceFurniture]

I just wouldn't buy old tech - even currently new tech will be old within 3-5 years. One never knows what can come along requiring more oomph.

[RossM]

...I would never use the laptop screen because I have two monitors on my desk. Using a dock does give the flexibility of the laptop being used as a laptop which in my case would not be that often anyway...

So why even contemplate a laptop - no matter how coo the dock looks??

You are compromising expandability, upgradability, performance & price for the portability you seem to say you won't use. Add to that the VERY expensive dock in that video.

If you are space constrained, then a NUC MIGHT be worth considering; but, again, its a compromise that solves a problem for a few special use cases.

Just get a well built PC desktop using quality components. There are some fantastic cases available, you can build an almost silent PC with judicious choice of components, and have a powerhouse PC with cash left over for important stuff like new woodwork tools!!!

[tony_A]

I find myself in the same space as FF, wanting to replace an old and struggling laptop. Want a computer capable of 3D CAD drawing package and 3D printing. Looked initially at laptops and a constant complaint in reviews was excessive fan noise. My layman's interpretation is that the ever more powerful cpu's are producing more heat and are at the point where traditional fan cooling is no longer adequate. The DELL reviews in particular spoke of noisy fan unable to adequately cool the cpu, running hot and then self throttling slowing the computer down. It seems that with laptops and to an extent desktops the manufacture's are obsessed with light weight, a slim case and sleek looks over performance. I have decided to go with a desktop with Bluetooth mouse/keyboard and cordless screen. That makes the user interface portable within much of the house.
Living in regional OZ there is little choice in computer retailers so went to the local Hardly Normal store and their shelves were bare. Couldn't even say when they would be receiving stock. Seems that a number of the online PC suppliers have the same problem. Would seem that there aren't many of us who haven't just brought a new PC so I sit and wait. hoping that when supplies get back to normal there will be a few special deals.

[FenceFurniture]

What about getting a custom build and having it shipped to you from (say) Melbourne. Just give it a damn good wipe down when it arrives :D

[Chris Parks]

So why even contemplate a laptop - no matter how coo the dock looks??

You are compromising expandability, upgradability, performance & price for the portability you seem to say you won't use. Add to that the VERY expensive dock in that video.

If you are space constrained, then a NUC MIGHT be worth considering; but, again, its a compromise that solves a problem for a few special use cases.

Just get a well built PC desktop using quality components. There are some fantastic cases available, you can build an almost silent PC with judicious choice of components, and have a powerhouse PC with cash left over for important stuff like new woodwork tools!!!

It is a far more versatile set up acting as a laptop if needed or a desktop, a desk top can only do one thing.

[tony_A]

What about getting a custom build and having it shipped to you from (say) Melbourne. Just give it a damn good wipe down when it arrives :D

That's most likely what I'll do. There is a bit of security in buying from a local store like HN in that if there is a problem, take it back to the store and it will be fixed.
Get them to run Norton before leaving Vic.

[FenceFurniture]

Get them to run Norton before leaving Vic.Well sheeyit, if Norton kills THE virus you'd better tell the various Health Depts real quick...

[old1955]

What about getting a custom build and having it shipped to you from (say) Melbourne. Just give it a damn good wipe down when it arrives :D


Then you won’t be able to use it for 14 days (quarantined).

[FenceFurniture]

Yebbut still quicker than waiting for stock to come into Hardly Normal AND you get to dud Gerry out of a sale. Two less buckets of chaff for the 'orse.

[OnTheWrongPlane]

Metabox all the way. Build it how you want, mine has a HiPo desktop graphics card for example. My last one went 5 years heavy gaming use with very, very hot internals living in tropics its whole life and being carted for a lap around Australia several times. Graphics card burnt out finally so could technically just replace the card and keep going.
Current laptop now 3+ years without one issue. Once you have a Metabox you never go back.

[FenceFurniture]

Metabox all the way. Build it how you want, mine has a HiPo desktop graphics card for example. My last one went 5 years heavy gaming use with very, very hot internals living in tropics its whole life and being carted for a lap around Australia several times. Graphics card burnt out finally so could technically just replace the card and keep going.
Current laptop now 3+ years without one issue. Once you have a Metabox you never go back.Cheers mate, will investigate.

[RossM]

Metabox all the way. Build it how you want, mine has a HiPo desktop graphics card for example. My last one went 5 years heavy gaming use with very, very hot internals living in tropics its whole life and being carted for a lap around Australia several times. Graphics card burnt out finally so could technically just replace the card and keep going.
Current laptop now 3+ years without one issue. Once you have a Metabox you never go back.

Excellent if you really need a laptop form factor - but you are paying a premium for reduced functionality & flexibility if you don't need a built in screen & portability.

[OnTheWrongPlane]

"Excellent if you really need a laptop form factor - but you are paying a premium for reduced functionality & flexibility if you don't need a built in screen & portability"

OP asked about LAPTOP, not laptop vs desktop.
If a person prefers portability, work from home, security taking home, business trips, take on holidays, claims on tax then pass onto family member in a few years that is THEIR preference.
I dont know of any "reduced functionality" you speak of either but thats for another post you can start.

[FenceFurniture]

Well, to be fair I did have a thought bubble at the end of the first post about a desktop, but I appreciate your post about Metabox - wouldn't have known about them otherwise.

[P.W.H.]

One thing that surprises me not to have read much of in this thread is temperature.
I've been a MMO gamer for a couple of decades and I know that several
mates living in hot places like Texas,Arizona, Queensland and running laptops,
had problems with cooling, or the inadequate cooling of laptops, rather.
To the point of their computer shutting down due to overheating.
I guess this is partly to high demand put on processors by many games,
but then, Australia? Hot much? I'd expect a lappy to slow down at times
once things get up to 35C plus.

Anyway, I prefer my big, fat, desktop machine any day of the week, with
a nice 30" monitor and a good mechanical keyboard. That computer is
like Grandpa's axe, still the same one (ha, ha) that I built some time
in the '90s ... but I'm not entirely sure if there's even one part in there
that is still original. And I'm happy to still run Win7 Ultimate ... no bugging
me with unwanted updates at inconvenient times.
But I know if I need a new mobo/cpu that's going to be a nightmare.
(I have a Win10 box too, but don't use it much, but it's a good fallback
option, like when we had a surge the other day and my power supply
exploded. Literally: big bang, cloud of smoke, the works. Lucky the
rest of the machine survived! Was related to some Transpower stuff-up)

[FenceFurniture]

Note that I do ZERO gaming so a Graphics card only has to handle iView etc and some low level Photoshop work.I've not found that Solitaire has overheated the CPU much, but maybe that's due to the 1017m altitude? :;