Hardware Journey
I have previously written about my first PC (an Intel i486SX) and a deeper dive in to my first 3D accelerated graphics card (a Voodoo Banshee).
Over the years, I have built countless computers, many for myself, but also a lot for family and friends. At the time, I would chop and change components without a second thought, but in hindsight, I wish I had retained some of the old components or at minimum, documented the process.
As a result, this article will attempt to document the core hardware that I used over the years (not including anything I built for someone else).
There is no real value in this information, beyond plotting my journey through computing hardware.
I have split the table below into three parts, processors, graphics cards and miscellaneous, with miscellaneous covering any noteworthy, interesting or unique components.
NOTE: The list will not be 100% accurate, this is all being constructed from my memory.
Processors
Graphics Cards
Miscellaneous
The iiyama Vision Master Pro 454 was an exceptional 19-inch CRT monitor, capable of a 1920x1440 maximum resolution. It weighed 24Kg and took up a lot of space, but it was incredible for productivity and gaming. In many respects, when I “upgraded” to my first LCD, it was actually a downgrade regarding performance and image quality.
The Coolermaster ATC 201 as I still consider it to be one of the most elegant case designs ever created, years ahead of its time.
The Creative Sounds Blaster X-Fi is a dedicated PCI sound card, which is now rarely part of a PC build. I believe this was the last “premium” sound card I ever purchased.
The Hercules Prophetview 920 Pro DVI was (I believe) my first LCD display. As previously noted, it was in some respects a downgrade, but the I was sold on the thin and lightweight construction, alongside the striking design.
The Noctua NH-D15 is a legendary dual tower cooler, which I have used for years. When it comes to air cooling, I continue to believe this is the best all-round cooler, supporting Intel and AMD.
Finally, the Logitech MX Master mouse, covering the original, 2S, 3, and 3S. Although not the highest performing hardware specification, it is an incredible productivity mouse, with great ergonomics and versatile features for Windows, macOS and Linux.
My plan is to update this table over time, including new components, alongside anything additional I recall.