2 PCs vs 1 / parting out my PC Options

[Big M]

Ever since the Athlon 64 replaced the Athlon XP, I've had two computers. When I built my Athlon 64 powerhouse machine years back, I still had my Athlon XP machine running. I couldnt justify tossing it or selling it since it was still relatively good at the time. So I just had two computers. For years I kept two computers, upgrading them both like a stupid idiot. I justified it by having one "internet/workstation" computer and a gaming rig. Since I dont do heavy gaming anymore, and quad core processors are so affordable, I started to wonder if it was worth it to even have two separate computers. Then recently I bought a Phenom II 965 for my gaming rig, and momentarily thought about putting my old Phenom I 9950 in my workstation PC. But I thought about it some more and figured having two quad core PCs is just a waste. No programs or games I use max out even the old quad core, so why not just combine the 2 PCs and not have to upgrade 2 computers like I did for years. With Windows 7, I dont feel stability is an issue anymore. I now have more than enough hard drive space for games and my apps to be on one machine, and multi core CPUs have killed the benefit of having a separate computer for gaming and a computer for internet.

Any input? Any advantage to keeping 2 PC's that I'm not thinking about? When I did it, it seemed like a good idea, but stuff has gotten so powerful it just doesnt seem worth it.


If I do combine and go with one PC, I'll be selling/parting out my entire workstation computer.

[Big M]

I should also mention that the only benefit I've seen over the years is that when something dies or when I'm upgrading one machine, I still have a perfectly good working computer to use for google troubleshooting/ordering new parts/whatever. When I first decided to go with 2 computers I did not have a laptop. Now I have a laptop which could be used in such an emergency situation.

[wump]

Put it this way:
I would never maintain more computers than I needed to.

I recall you using the "workstation" PC as a sandbox of sorts. Use a virtual machine on your gaming rig for that.

[Big M]

Perfect solution. When Windows 7 came out I started messing with the virtual pc "Windows XP Mode", and started learning virtual machines. Now I have a reason to continue to learn/use them.

[I3aron Wikstrum]

better to have one "great" machine than two "good" machines

[Big M]

My gaming computer is really loud and generates a fair amount of heat.


I miss my underpowered, cool, and ~silent workstation.


Looks like I'm going to look into watercooling.

[Color_Copies]

media computer? i have 3 computers, laptop, desktop(internet, games, work station), media (file storage, torrents, HD movies). I bought a referb HP dc7100sff like Rick and made it a media center.

[I3aron Wikstrum]

Mike, why is it so loud? Do you have a fan controller? My PC does get pretty loud after a long gaming session but when it first boots and under light/no load it's quite quiet. I bet you could accomplish a lot by buying some advertised-as-quiet fans and (possibly) a fan controller that spins them faster only if the case warms up.

Water cooling is pretty cool but it looks like a big expensive hassle to be able to wave your dick around. Is WC even quieter? I think water pumps would be noisey but I've never looked into it.

[Big M]

Upon further inspection, I'm pretty sure its the fault of one single fan. It fits almost perfectly into the seam between the air filter and the case and causes an almost whistling sound. I'll probably replace that one or move it or something.

In my research I've found water pumps to be about as loud as an average/mediocre quality 120mm fan, obviously varying due to varying pump sizes. Considering I have 6 120mm fans this nets to be a reduction in overall noise. I probably wont do it because I'm just a coward, but I'm looking into it.

[Stormis The Cats...]

technical machines are good.....sometimes