I set up the replacement computer this arvo. Nervous as all get out but full of expectation for a good start. My original specs request was modest - P4, 1 Gig ram, QUIET - able to accommodate my specialist PCI soundcard & video card.
Here's what I have:
It took an hour to get it to boot. Eventually (after 3 power points, 4 power cords & 2 power boards) multiple flicks of the rocker switch at the back kicked it off;
The front power button doesn’t work;
It won’t shut down – initiate normal shut down process but ½ an hour later it’s still at blue shut down screen;
I have to reach around the back to switch it off at the rocker switch;
The processor is an AMD Duron 1.20 Ghz chip (Circa 2001 low end) – somewhat less than a P3 - & not up to a big project despite the P4 sticker on the front;
1 Gig Ram;
The machine runs at 52 decibels sitting in normal position or 60 turned sideways – both measured about 75 cm away at seated position;
It accommodates the 2 PCI cards;
I can’t isolate to keep the noise down it as I have to get on the floor to reach around it to switch ON or OFF
&
The USB slots are 1s – it takes 7+ mins to load or back up a 300 meg project with a 1 & 2 compliant back up drive.
Ah,
As the obviously larconic Ned Kelly said as he took the hemp drop in Pentridge, "Such is life."