What Have You Done Today - (Computer Version)

[sesselpupser]

Last night I installed my new cooler and SSD. I now have 29 games/about 300GB queued for download now and my PC is quieter than the TV I've been using as a monitor, so that's that mission accomplished. Having all that extra space instead of constantly butting against the overprovisioned free space is nice, I've had to be so disciplined with my free space that sometimes I sat down to play something only to find that the variety of my installed games was as narrow as car games and MGS V...

 

[Lain]

Last night I installed my new cooler and SSD. I now have 29 games/about 300GB queued for download now and my PC is quieter than the TV I've been using as a monitor, so that's that mission accomplished. Having all that extra space instead of constantly butting against the overprovisioned free space is nice, I've had to be so disciplined with my free space that sometimes I sat down to play something only to find that the variety of my installed games was as narrow as car games and MGS V...

I vote we start measuring data in CC.

You, sir, have 1CC worth of games queued for download.

 

[Ibonibo]

Been swaping data from HDD to HDD, cleaning files, reconverting tifs into dngs.

What a joy Sata3, Usb 3 is compared to sata2, usb2.

Cablemanaged the Skylake PC, installed some LEDs....

I will try geekbench and then post the results, but the biggest bump probably is transfer speeds all around

 

[sesselpupser]

I vote we start measuring data in CC.

You, sir, have 1CC worth of games queued for download.

My PC is now laden with games, you can hear them sloshing around if you give it a shake.

I really need a new TV and wifi card if I'm to continue living this way. My wifi card is genuinely so bad that it makes offline games lag - whenever I'm downloading in the background I get frequent pauses and stuttering but only if I use wifi. That, combined with the reponse time of my TV (which is measured in minutes), makes sofa gaming nearly impossible.

 

[BobK]

The extra RAM for my new build finally showed up yesterday. I'm dual booting Ubuntu 14.04 LTE with the Trinity desktop and Linux Mint/KDE. VirtualBox is installed and four virtual machines ready to go. I still have some configuring and setup to do on both OSes but it's getting there.

 

[JohnBM01]

I have recently learned about modeling using XML to place certain items. While playing PC games like TORCS and Speed Dreams, I found out certain values will allow you to place certain items in certain places without having to model everything as is. The different car models have XML files to them that define many of the different physical aspects of cars through inputting various numeric values to define aspects of vehicles used in the game. Another [free] game I have where I've seen this demonstrated is with SuperTuxKart. In that game, there are parameters for the character model, the vehicle itself, and the wheels. I also looked up "Carmegeddon: Reincarnation" for more usage of XML to define the placement of certain items. A game I am unfamiliar with, "Spin Tires" was also researched by me on the mention of XML programming to set up the internals of a vehicle and the placement of certain items. Because of these things, I am thinking a bit more on how I should model my material in providing my work to others. I could offer everything with the wheels properly aligned with the chassis of a vehicle. However, those who may want to use vehicles for a game may delete the wheels or maybe add in the wheels through XML coding for a game. Because inspiration drives me so much, I am thinking of trying to set up XML files of vehicles using some of the combined elements of other games to make my own material.

These recent discoveries have led me to two things: wanting to try to create my own 3D vehicle models with realistic physics, or even make my own driving simulator either for videos or a possible game project. The former is just to envision bringing my car models to life. The bare basics for me is in simply making a physics model to where I can envision realistic car models. At the moment, I am not thinking too far ahead. Like with TORCS and Speed Dreams, I see variables for things like center of gravity, axle placement, inertia, RPMs of the engine, and the like. If I do create a driving simulator, I want it to be very basic before thinking about going insane with other variables. What I want to think of at the very least is making a basic driving model based on various drivetrains. One of the more popular options for driving physics is Unity3D's Randomation Vehicle Physics engine. This is almost eventually what I want to try to have in trying to model and program machines.

Through Blender, I made a basic prototype to envision the possibility of designing driving models with realistic physics. I took the default cube and did a variety of scaling, extruding, and even added a few loop cuts to make a basic car body. I then went ahead and made a cylinder with eight faces to serve as my tires for the prototype. For now, the tires are not connected/parented with the chassis. Should I successfully try to make my own driving simulator, I will look to try to find ways to easily incorporate 3D vehicle models I work on. I am not exactly trying to create my own Gran Turismo or rFactor- I mostly want to envision making something that I can bring life to my vehicles.

It's like I want to try to 3D model, but I also want to imagine my work being used in other ways. It is one of the challenges of being an inspired one-person studio. But that's what I've been up to lately and what I've done today.

 

[Sureboss]

Well, I changed my RAM speed as after 2.5 yrs of having this fairly well equipped gaming rig I saw the RAM was running at 1333, but it should be 1866.

Yet to actually test this anywhere mind...

 

[Ibonibo]

Well, I changed my RAM speed as after 2.5 yrs of having this fairly well equipped gaming rig I saw the RAM was running at 1333, but it should be 1866.

Yet to actually test this anywhere mind...

Might be worth a watch.
Conclusion Ram frequencies don't have such ramnification (see what I did there lol ).

 

[Sureboss]

@Ibonibo

It'll be interesting to see if I notice anything, it does seem to be that it affects some games more than others.

http://www.techspot.com/review/1089-fallout-4-benchmarks/page6.html

https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/3w7kly/discussion_ram_speed_doesnt_matter_for_gaming_or/

I might try and get some Black Flag in to night, been playing that a lot of late, so should be able to tell quite a bit.

 

[dice1998]

Had to get a replacement DOCSIS 3 Telephony Modem/Router today as the one I previously had randomly dropped calls and disconnected us from the internet. Because it's a rental from our ISP, we recieved the same brand and make though, it's a brand new one and the issues experienced before have gone away..


..except this one wasn't configured to bridge to my personal router. Luckily, I was able to remedy that.

 

[Nexus]

Did some cable management today. The inside of the case is still a mess, but it's an improvement. It was the best that I could do with a non-modular PSU, a case with barely any room for cable management and two zip ties.

Spoiler: Pics

Before:

After:

Turned on:

 

[Harry6784]

Noticed my fans would kick in while doing browsing or watching videos, probably means it's time to clean the case

Top radiator was full of dust

Cleaned out the case then I thought might as well re-seat the cooler since I still have some Arctic 5 leftover...

Existing paste didn't cover the entire processor, which could also explain why I was always running a little hot. Cleaned off the existing compound and decided to try out a new technique to apply paste...

My buddy actually recommended this technique. Instead of doing the traditional 'pea sized dot' and spreading it by installing the cooler, I applied some paste then stuck my finger in a plastic grocery bag to prevent contamination and then spread the compound all over until the entire CPU was covered.

It made a huge difference! Under load my temps dropped 15-20C across the board. Now while stress testing temps would top out at 60-63C and gaming at around 40-45C. Before I was converting some videos and temps would be around 75C with fans at full speed. Now converting those same videos temps are a nice and cool 50C with fans dead quiet

 

[Grayfox]

My buddy actually recommended this technique. Instead of doing the traditional 'pea sized dot' and spreading it by installing the cooler, I applied some paste then stuck my finger in a plastic grocery bag to prevent contamination and then spread the compound all over until the entire CPU was covered.

It made a huge difference! Under load my temps dropped 15-20C across the board. Now while stress testing temps would top out at 60-63C and gaming at around 40-45C. Before I was converting some videos and temps would be around 75C with fans at full speed. Now converting those same videos temps are a nice and cool 50C with fans dead quiet

It could also be because the paste is new and fresh.
I use a credit card sized thing to spread the paste.

 

[Lain]

Began work on a videogame tentatively titled Project K.

Here's some screenshots of it so far:

I also uploaded videos of both of these screens to youtube, but the PPI video does not play nice with Windows 10's Game DVR video compression, even with it set to high quality.

The A-scope video is pretty cool though:

 

[Rallywagon]

Today, I ordered the rest of the RAM to max out my nForce 780i, a whopping 8 gigs! Waiting on that and the PCI ribbon risers so I can properly mount my video card. Still need to make the Disk drive mount as well, which will be a 2x4 with some stain and pretty routing work done to it, and will "dock" 4 3.5" drives and 4 2.5" drives.
The system as a whole is being used as a media/storage server and is hidden quite nicely in our new entertainment unit.

Spoiler: pics

Once the RAM, ribbion and mount are in, I'll do a touch of cable management and install some back lighting for the lower portions of the entertainment unit.

 

[JohnBM01]

Today, I tried to make an effort to learn using Wings3D. SketchUp has been a fine program to try to make some simple models, but I have been slightly disappointed in how much extra geometry was added to my models when I tried to export them to DAE. So I tried to use Wings3D and learn how to use it. Wings3D seems more methodical in trying to make models. SketchUp is MUCH easier than Blender, Wings3D is easier than Blender, and SketchUp is easier than both Blender and Wings3D. Using Wings3D, it has a lot of the functionality and usefulness of Blender but is a bit more functional. I could simply choose to (for example) extrude a face on a certain axis without having to press whichever axis I want it to rest on. I could even comfortably move certain points even in 3D mode without having to do things in an orthogonal view in Blender. I feel it is only a matter of time I can probably make quality models with Wings3D. It may not be as easy as with SketchUp, but I actually feel a bit more comfortable using this program than I have been with Blender. Someone on GTPlanet said that using SketchUp is like flying a Cessna, and programs like Blender is like trying to fly a jumbo jet.

So I'll be trying to learn Wings3D and see if I can come up with more models. I still will work almost exclusively with low polygon, mostly low-detail models unless I somehow get experienced enough to take on more advanced models (not likely, though).

 

[Lain]

Continuing work on Project K Pk: Probability of Kill.

 

[Rallywagon]

Finally got the last of my ram. Up to a whooping 8GB! As such, I have a Revolution modded Minecraft server going, with an added ex nihilo mod to make Iguana Tweaks less painful. Once the PCI riser ribbon gets here I can finish off the back panel of my media server and work on the front panel and drive bay. Outside of issues getting a 3TB hhd to read and format properly, I am delighted this old, abused board still functions really well.

 

[Lain]

Was a bit worried that my mobo wouldn't arrive today due to the horrid stormy weather, but UPS delivered.

So I put together my rig and I'm now just doing all the fun software-y installation stuffs. Had to use my JFJ Easy Pro to repair up my rather ragged Win 8 install disc...

 

[AOS-]

Didn't do a before & after shot, but over the weekend I scrapped the multitude of random small desks I combined to make an L-shaped desk, and put together 3 IKEA tables making a U-shaped standing desk.

This was a temp workaround before I got new tables:

I went the standing route for I wanted easier access to managing cables.... and can I say I am addicted to cable management right now?



After the desk was complete, I very much wanted to try at securing my networking devices onto a vertical board. The original intent was to do a large pegboard, but I became a cheapass after purchasing all the table tops and legs, so I repurposed the boards deconstructed from the old desk to meet this goal. On the left, I have the router, switch and a power bar fixed to the board, and run all my cables there.

Just now, I installed two wiring ducts at the back of the table which let me tuck in excess cables from the table top (i.e. charging cables, the speaker wire going from one side to the other, etc.), as well as running cables from the basement or right side to the left. The cables wrapped around the right leg are the phone and network lines that run through the floor, and the leg being in the perfect spot to conceal that hole could not have been any more convenient. I still have the current cables to tidy up even further.



This is one example of those back boards. This one sits on the right side. The idea here is that I have all the power cables and power bar off the ground, the shelves being available to hold any clunky power adapters, and being on a free standing board makes it easy to move when vacuuming the floor. This was a huge compromise to the pegboard idea, but when I committed to consumer table legs instead of custom-built boards, I decided to scrap it. What I have now is an improvisation, but I'm starting to like it more.

Once I finalize all the storage containers, arrangement, and cables, I'll show off the desk itself.

 

[BobK]

I'm about halfway through upgrading my Synology DS411+ from 2TB drives to 4TB. Power down the box, swap one drive, power up then wait seven hours plus while he rebuilds the drive. Two done, two to go. Oh well, at least I'll have 10TB+ when it's done.

 

[Darla Starch]

Messing around with Vivaldi. From the very brief sojourn into it I've done, I love it and fully intend to use it full-time once I finally get my gaming laptop.

 

[Grayfox]

I disassembled my GTX680SC GPU heatsink, washed out the dust from the fins, removed the old thermal paste, added some Arctic MX-4 paste.
GPU temps are down 5°C on idle, and 4°C on load.
GPU clocks have gone up by 30Mhz as well.

 

[Lain]

Rendered this gem:

 

[Mr Latte]

Part of my current on-going build arrived...
Corsair Spec Alpha case

Who needs over-clocking when you add Italian heritage go faster stripes...

 

[Davidies]

Those stripes add another 500MHz to your CPU! You don't need to overclock, the stripes do it for you.

 

[JohnBM01]

I have still been trying to perfect my 3D modeling skills. Recently, I have found a better method of designing 3D model cars. I initially have tried to model using hard edges. Now, I am learning to utilize beveled edges to better preserve certain edges. You bevel off the general outline of your model in points where you want to be mostly flat. The effect is the same when you try to smoothen models. Having fairly decent beveled edges makes the smoothing process just as fluid and better than trying to define hard edges. So beveling edges is something you don't want to do too much of on organic models. Through my practice modeling, I mostly used beveled edges for the bottom of peoples' feet to try to preserve the edges at the feet.

Back to my car modeling for a moment. I am learning you can create something beautiful by simply making some sort of basic model. Just create basic shapes that can be further refined. I basically start a car model with a cube. With that cube, I scale the model a number of different ways. After that, it all comes down to extrusions, and maybe a few loop cuts as well. When I beveled certain edges along the outline of my car models, it gives me a chance to move around some of the edges of my cars' geometry to make them appear better. This means I could shift around some of the edges for the front and the back to add curvature to my cars. I even could take some of the loop cut down the center of my car(s) to make a little more curvature. The end result of all of this is something kind of like how the cars are styled in the first "Daytona USA." While not serious about it, this new method has even gotten me to attempt UV Mapping next. The only problem I am having with this new method is trying to accurately make decent wheel wells for the cars I've made. Some of the wheel wells on car models I made don't go too well with the car even after I do the extrusions after smoothing the car models. Some of the past car models I've worked on have had some unnecessary geometry added to the models at the wheel wells. I'm still working everything out, but I like the progress I'm making.

Of course, anything interesting I come up with will be shared online- including here on GTPlanet, my blogs, my site, and elsewhere.

 

[JohnBM01]

Not only have I learned how to UV Map in Wings3D, I have also found a suitable workflow for UV Mappin models. For the uninitiated, UV Mapping is the process that allows you to texture 3D models. A lot of my previous UV mapping attempts were wonky and weird. I found segmenting parts by Projection followed by UV mapping by UV Mapping by Projection Normal to be great especially for inorganic models. I haven't yet tried this on organic models.

This will give me a chance to make models as well as texture them. Nothing impressive of mine will be shown, but at least I now have some confidence in making models and then making textures for them.

 

[JohnBM01]

My education in making 3D models is still ongoing as I have recently learned to make 3D models and then texture them in Wings3D. I now feel a bit more confident making textured models now. I am putting this practice to the test by playing around with textures of some car models I've made. I have been successful at AutoUV (in Wings3D speak) mapping models, and I have gotten a general feel for knowing what part of the model is what with the different UV map layouts. With the models created, I have only done the car body- not the wheels. All of the car models I have worked with don't have tire and wheel models to them. Part of the reason why I haven't modeled them is because I simply don't know how to model them with the car. I obviously have no idea how to do it. I mean... do you model one wheel and UV map the wheel side and the tire wall? I'll figure that out continuing gaining experience.

 

[Darla Starch]

Gonna try to fix some dead pixels that showed up on my laptop the other day. This is on top of the screen frame physically beginning to seperate...and the spotty Wi-Fi when off the charger...and the busted headphone jack...and a screw or two on the corner by the CD drive missing.

I need to remember to get it checked out at the shop up the road.