Projects
WBPC?
This week, after the X8DAi had to be put in the server chassis to be used as SVCS, I put the ASUS KCMA-D8 Opteron motherboard in the same case to make a dedicated PC for making maps for the game Portal 2. This was done due to the difficulties of trying to use Valve's Hammer editor and community-made tools on Linux; on the Steam Deck.
For RAM, I used the two Patriot memory modules that have the Qimonda DDR3 ICs with the FVV- die code (presumably made at the former Qimonda plant in Sandston, now QTS Richmond). Interestingly, the motherboard reports to the operating system, on both Windows and Linux, that they run at DDR3-667 though they are running at DDR3-1333.
At first, after resetting the BIOS in order to get to the setup menu in order to boot the system to the Windows 10 installer, the fans ran at full speed. I almost needed hearing protection to be in the same room with the desktop. Soon, I was able to get back into the BIOS to turn down the fan speeds and disable the supervisor password.
I have planned on using this specific system to make Portal 2 maps for several months now. The idea is that the computer I am using is part of the aesthetics of the maps I develop.
Windows 10 remains to be the issue. The trick of using Windows 7 Pro OEM licenses to activate Windows 10 does not seem to work anymore. I am not spending a single cent on Windows 10, especially now that there are less than ten months remaining for support. After an experience I had with Windows 10 on January 19, I have considered putting Fedora or Mint on this system and try to use Hammer on Linux.
Around February 1, 2025, I decided I would cease work on Portal 2 maps for the time being to focus on other projects and schoolwork.
WBPC1 Monitors
I decided to try finding monitors to use on the desktop. I found myself hard-pressed to find any monitors less than 23" that are 1080p or higher.
I chose two HP M22f. From my testing, they were painful to look at. It did not take long for me to pack them up in the original packaging and take them back. I received the US$212 that I paid in full.
I will remain to use the three Dell monitors I have been using since 2020. These monitors have been great, t hough I seem to prefer high-DPI displays due to how close I am to the monitors. All three of the monitors are approximately 96 DPI. By comparison, the Steam Deck OLED is ~204 DPI (1280x800 7.4"), the display used in MediaCow Touch 2 is ~190 DPI (1920x1080 11.6") and the Samsung Galaxy S7 is ~576 DPI (2560x1440 5.1").
I plan to use these monitors until I can access the equipment to fabricate case parts for the MonitorCow series where I may introduce MNC-M215HCA-L3B/-LCB. I may be able to use wood boards for this model as the Innolux M215HCA-LCB and M215HCA-L3B have mounting holes and is thicker than the N156KME-GNA. However, it may be a while before I can do this.
Personal
College
I have started college on January 14, with my first class being Logic.