I just put in a second PSU, slaved to my Antec NeoPower 550. My case (a CoolerMaster Stacker 810) has provisioning for a second PSU, and even provided the adapter to trigger the second PSU when the first is turned on.
I'm using one PCI-E plug from each PSU to power my GTX 260. I've been having PC lockups that are similar to what I experienced when I got my first high powered video card but didn't have the power to drive it. I will test this tonight and tomorrow to see if the issue recurs.
2009-03-24
2009-03-21
Backup
Everyone that reads this (like, 3 of you) have data on your hard drive (pictures, music, etc) that would be difficult if not impossible to replace if that hard drive died. I work for a company that makes the most reliable backup devices in the world, so I've decided that I'd impart some of that knowledge.
Backups for a home user can be broken down into two solutions, remote storage and local storage.
Remote storage is when you backup to a device somewhere other than your home. Usually you will pay a company to store your data for you on their servers and you will backup by uploading your files to them over the internet. This is what I would recommend for most people for a few reasons. First, they are going to have hardware that you will never be able to afford, which means they will NEVER lose your data. Second, since they are off-site, your backups are safe from any tragedy that may happen at your house (theft, fire, etc). And most of these services maintain multiple mirrored sites, so not even a hurricane or earthquake could jeopardize your data. Third, you can usually access your backups from anywhere in the world. Fourth, they will sometimes do independent virus scans, adding one more level of protection.
But a remote solution means you can only backup as fast as your connection to that service allows. Even with broadband your upload speed is often a fraction of your download speed. So if you have 10 GB of pictures to upload, that may take several days to properly backup. And a remote solution will usually have a monthly fee. This means you will lose access to your data if you stop paying, and in that sense, you never "own" your backups.
I've only done a bit of research regarding online backups, but I have been very impressed with Mozy (http://mozy.com/). They give you 2 GB of backup for free, and if you need more than that, it's $5 a month for unlimited storage.
Local storage is when you have a storage device at home that you backup to. The greatest advantage of this method is that the backups are very fast. You also get the advantage of ownership, so you don't lose access to your data if you miss a payment.
But the disadvantages of this are many. First, a virus that gets past your antivirus software will probably get your backup too. Second, a local tragedy like theft, fire, or power issues may leave you with no recourse for data recovery. Third, these are not as robust as professional systems.
Examples of local storage range from an extra hard drive in your PC to externally connected backup devices. The external devices may connect via USB, eSATA, or network. Some of these solutions can also act like centralized storage for all of your computers.
Backups for a home user can be broken down into two solutions, remote storage and local storage.
Remote storage is when you backup to a device somewhere other than your home. Usually you will pay a company to store your data for you on their servers and you will backup by uploading your files to them over the internet. This is what I would recommend for most people for a few reasons. First, they are going to have hardware that you will never be able to afford, which means they will NEVER lose your data. Second, since they are off-site, your backups are safe from any tragedy that may happen at your house (theft, fire, etc). And most of these services maintain multiple mirrored sites, so not even a hurricane or earthquake could jeopardize your data. Third, you can usually access your backups from anywhere in the world. Fourth, they will sometimes do independent virus scans, adding one more level of protection.
But a remote solution means you can only backup as fast as your connection to that service allows. Even with broadband your upload speed is often a fraction of your download speed. So if you have 10 GB of pictures to upload, that may take several days to properly backup. And a remote solution will usually have a monthly fee. This means you will lose access to your data if you stop paying, and in that sense, you never "own" your backups.
I've only done a bit of research regarding online backups, but I have been very impressed with Mozy (http://mozy.com/). They give you 2 GB of backup for free, and if you need more than that, it's $5 a month for unlimited storage.
Local storage is when you have a storage device at home that you backup to. The greatest advantage of this method is that the backups are very fast. You also get the advantage of ownership, so you don't lose access to your data if you miss a payment.
But the disadvantages of this are many. First, a virus that gets past your antivirus software will probably get your backup too. Second, a local tragedy like theft, fire, or power issues may leave you with no recourse for data recovery. Third, these are not as robust as professional systems.
Examples of local storage range from an extra hard drive in your PC to externally connected backup devices. The external devices may connect via USB, eSATA, or network. Some of these solutions can also act like centralized storage for all of your computers.
2009-03-05
2009-03-01
Chain-link love signs
I cross an overpass to and from work several times a week, and many times there will be words spelled out using disposable plastic or styrofoam cups pressed into the chain-link fence. It's usually "so-and-so (heart) someone-else". One of these days I'm going to start changing the heart symbols to greater-than symbols.
Before you think I'm a heartless bastard (actually, I am), know this. These dorks rarely come back and clean up the mess. After a few days, 1/3 of the cups have fallen out and litter the sidewalk. I'm not a tree-hugger, but I really don't like my city getting all trashed-up by lazy lovesick saps. What a great way to show your devotion to someone, put up a large public sign that eventually litters our nice town.
Before you think I'm a heartless bastard (actually, I am), know this. These dorks rarely come back and clean up the mess. After a few days, 1/3 of the cups have fallen out and litter the sidewalk. I'm not a tree-hugger, but I really don't like my city getting all trashed-up by lazy lovesick saps. What a great way to show your devotion to someone, put up a large public sign that eventually litters our nice town.
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