My main hobby is my computer. I use it to game, to listen to music and to post my ravings on message boards (like this one!)
I’ve been using this computer since 2000. Sure, I’ve upgraded and replaced every single component except the sound card at least once. But it’s still my computer. See: Theseus’ Paradox
But now I’m stuck.
The mobo won’t support a new processor. Nor a new video card (AGP for the lose).
The case is damaged. Too many LAN parties have left it bent and it doesn’t close anymore.
A recent thunderstorm caused a surge that damaged the power supply. I have to physically reseat the main power connection to the motherboard every few days and I crash often.
Sigh.
I have no good upgrade possibilities.
I simply need to start over and build a new machine. I really don’t have the money at the moment. I suppose I’ll have to put it on credit.
It’s kind of sad. This computer has years of me put into it. But it’s time - I need to retire it.
See, this is why I like this place. So what should I be doing? I have my comps on a surge protector now. And there’ve been a lot of storms around here recently. I can’t always unplug the things.
What you’re doing now. You should still use a surge protector - just don’t bother crying to the manufacturer if your computer still gets fried. It’s just one of those things.
*You can get a “whole house” surge protector installed by a qualified electrician which I gather is much more effective against lightning strikes.
From the “Told to me by someone with extensive electrical knowledge, but I can’t say 100% that it’s true” file:
Quick-n-dirty trick: tie your surge protector’s cord in a knot. Electricity prefers to travel in a straight line, and a large enough surge would prefer to just blow out the side of the cord rather than try and negotiate a knot.
Whether or not the surge winds up someplace more dangerous than your computer would depend on cord placement, I assume.
From the “Told to me by someone with extensive electrical knowledge, but I can’t say 100% that it’s true” file:
Quick-n-dirty trick: tie your surge protector’s cord in a knot. Electricity prefers to travel in a straight line, and a large enough surge would prefer to just blow out the side of the cord rather than try and negotiate a knot.
Whether or not the surge winds up someplace more dangerous than your computer would depend on cord placement, I assume.
This. It looks like a plastic box hooked up to the main at your electrical panel. Lightning’ll blow it out but save your electronics.
Smells like an urban legend to me but I’ll admit I’m not an expert. Coincidentally, I’m meeting with a qualified electrician tomorrow evening, so I’ll try to remember to ask him about this.
If you plug some of the old components into the new machine, the spirit of the old computer can be transferred. Fact.
Anything you had in the old machine is likely to be integrated into the new mobo, but if you have a PCI card or two you can plug them in for old time’s sake. How about that sound card?
