computer Archives - Heiko's Blog

New PC Build

Back in 2012 I built a PC around the Intel i7 3930K 6-core/12HT processor which I have been using ever since. While it’s still a strong PC, especially with the upgrades (GPU, SSD) I made, I’m starting to feel that editing photos isn’t as snappy as it used to be. I am also curious in how well the new generation of CPUs lend themselves to VGA passthrough. In short, I’m considering building a new PC.

Memory Failure

I did some overclocking (to 4.2 GHZ) and gave the CPU and memory a trial using Prime95 and other torture tests. Later, much later, I realized that part of my memory was gone!

Checking the BIOS showed memory failures of two of 8 modules, reducing my total to 24GB. I’m not sure it was the overclocking, the torture tests or simply old age (the PC and memory is 6 years old). The funny thing was that I could boot into Linux and run some applications, and whenever I used Firefox I would sooner or later get a freeze. I monitored the processes and saw that the kswapd demon was busy. It took me a little to grasp that I had “lost” memory.

Virtualization Hardware Accessories

In my Running Windows 10 on Linux using KVM with VGA Passthrough VFIO tutorial I introduced different options for using the keyboard and mouse with the Linux host and the Windows VM. Running a virtualized Windows VM means running two separate systems – the Linux host and the Windows VM – both of which require input and output devices.

Keyboards and Mice

I’m the type of person who is learning things the hard way. This is also true for me buying computer equipment and peripherals. I cannot even recall how many times I have replaced my computer mouse and keyboard in the last decade.

One should think that a mouse or a computer keyboard aren’t exactly rocket science – well they aren’t! Yet many popular mice or keyboards are either bad by design, or fall to pieces within a relatively short time.

Below is a list of things you should be checking when buying a computer mouse or keyboard. It is based on my personal experience – your experiences may be different, though.