rigel - Linux (Fedora Core 3)

This machine, bought from a local company, has gone through some minor modifications. For over three years, it has been my primary home development machine, running Fedora Core 3, the 2.6.11 kernel. Its original components were:

This machine has been very solid, and a Western Digital 250 GB (WD2500JB) hard drive was added. The only issue, which was especially noticable after building two machines, was noise. Another machine (an aging K6-500) was migrated from a cheapo case to an Antec NSK-1650, and the improvement was significant, but highlighted just how loud this machine was.

All components were moved to a new case, the Antec Sonata II. Additionally, the CPU heatsink and fan were replaced with the Arctic Cooling Super Silent 4 UltraTC 87mm CPU cooler. These changes made a phenomenal difference, especially after the fan on the video adapter was cleaned and relubricated, rendering it nearly silent, after previously being the loudest component.

The only issue is that the lights on the front of the Sonata case are very bright. I've considered darkening them with a Sharpee, but this system is destined to be moved to a different location, where the lights will not be an issue.