This is the WEIRDEST PC I've ever seen.

Hardware Haven18 minutes read

The text discusses an unusual PC that can be used for work, gaming, or as a home server, highlighting both its potential and quirks, along with a sponsored mention for Southern New Hampshire University's cybersecurity program. The narrator unboxes a budget gaming PC with decent specs but various issues like high power draw, limited PCI lanes, and performance inconsistencies, ultimately facing challenges in setting up a network attached storage system and experiencing limitations in system functionality despite potential improvements.

Insights

  • The PC in question is a unique budget system with a mix of potential for various uses but also notable drawbacks, presenting a polarizing view as either a hidden gem or a questionable creation.
  • Despite the intriguing components like the AMD 4700s processor and 16GB of RAM, the system faces challenges such as high idle power draw, limited PCI lanes, and issues with thermal paste, showcasing a blend of promise and limitations that impact its overall performance and utility.

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Recent questions

  • What are the unique features of the discussed PC?

    The PC in question boasts a mini ITX motherboard, a GPU, and a distinctive AMD 4700s 8-core processor with 16GB of RAM. It also contains an embedded AMD C processor and gddr6 memory soldered onto the motherboard, setting it apart from traditional systems.

  • How does the PC's performance compare to a Ryzen 7700 system?

    Benchmark tests conducted on the PC showcase its performance in Cinebench, gaming, emulation, and video editing, with comparisons made to a Ryzen 7700 system. These tests reveal the PC's strengths and weaknesses in various tasks, providing insights into its overall capabilities.

  • What challenges were faced when setting up a network attached storage system?

    The individual encountered difficulties when attempting to set up a network attached storage system using Unraid on the PC due to limited SATA ports. Despite troubleshooting efforts, booting into Unraid proved to be a challenge, prompting the exploration of alternative solutions for storage management.

  • How did the removal of the graphics card impact the PC's performance?

    Removing the graphics card from the system resulted in successful booting, reduced power draw, and the utilization of a 10-gigabit network card for enhanced functionality. This adjustment shed light on the PC's limitations and potential improvements, showcasing the impact of hardware modifications on its overall performance.

  • What were the key takeaways from the experimentation with TrueNAS Scale installer?

    The experimentation with TrueNAS Scale installer involved using a USB adapter to connect a SATA SSD for booting, leading to successful file transfers but high power draw during operation. This experience highlighted the challenges of optimizing storage solutions on the PC and the importance of balancing performance with energy efficiency.

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Summary

00:00

Unusual Budget PC: Hidden Gem or Abomination?

  • The PC being discussed is considered unusual, with potential for work, gaming, or as a home server, but also has notable quirks.
  • The system is described as potentially a hidden gem of a budget PC or a wacky abomination that should not have existed.
  • The text transitions to a sponsorship mention for Southern New Hampshire University, highlighting its cybersecurity program and career opportunities.
  • The narrator receives a computer box from a RAID 10 member, expressing curiosity about its contents.
  • Upon unboxing, the PC is revealed to have a mini ITX motherboard, a GPU, and no RAM slot, with a unique AMD 4700s 8-core processor and 16GB of RAM.
  • The system's components are examined, revealing the embedded AMD C processor and gddr6 memory soldered onto the motherboard.
  • The PC was originally purchased as a budget gaming PC from Amazon, resembling a listing with a GTX 1650 for $500.
  • Despite the system's decent specs, it has issues like high idle power draw, limited PCI lanes, and odd thermal paste behavior.
  • Benchmark tests are conducted, showing performance in Cinebench, gaming, emulation, and video editing, with comparisons to a Ryzen 7700 system.
  • The PC's limitations, including GPU bandwidth constraints and performance inconsistencies in emulation and video editing, are highlighted.

13:42

"Challenges and Solutions in NAS Setup"

  • Attempted to set up a network attached storage system using Unraid on a system with limited SATA ports, facing difficulties in booting into Unraid despite various troubleshooting attempts.
  • Opted for a TrueNAS Scale installer instead, using a USB adapter to connect a SATA SSD for booting, achieving successful file transfers but experiencing high power draw during operation.
  • Experimented with removing the graphics card to test system performance, leading to successful booting, reduced power draw, and the utilization of a 10-gigabit network card for improved functionality, highlighting the system's limitations and lack of clear utility despite potential improvements.
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