Latest computer - update

I've just braved several years of dust and fluff and performed a detailed autopsy on this latest computer, and I include it here mainly because there's a chance that I'll lose the bit of paper with these findings on... but some might find it interesting, I suppose.

The PC is a Dell Dimension 4100. Windows ME product key present on the side dates it to 2000/2001 which sounds right for Ian's history. Legal copy of XP Home on the hard drive will be binned as soon as possible for Debian to take its place.

Graphics card is a Creative Labs branded nVidia GeForce4 Ti 4400. As mentioned before, the fan on it was responsible for most of the noise, so I've taken it out and popped the fan and heatsink off (very easy). It will take a fancy, silent heatpipe cooler perfectly.

Hard drive is a Maxtor Diamond Max Plus 9, 120Gb. Noisier than gravel in stilettos on hollow metal floor, as far as I'm concerned. Fortunately it can be quietened down by an acoustic enclosure, which is cheaper than replacing it with a Seagate drive of equivalent size (just).

Sound card is a Creative SB Live! Value. I hate that exclamation mark in the middle... anyway, it comes with the Live Drive, which fills at present one of the two 5.25" bays. Lame case design means it'll have to go for an acoustic enclosure to take its place unless I get a new case... which I'd like to do, to be honest.

Processor fan is quiet, but audible. Could be quieter... and it will be, by jove.

PSU is very quiet indeed; with the graphics card, hard drive and processor fan all unplugged it can't be heard over ambient room levels. Given it's a Dell component I imagine it'll last well - my first PSU in Kryten was made by Gypsies from stolen car parts and tin (it's true, that's what it said on the box) and didn't take to being on 24/7 at all, eventually rattling apart and sounding like a bee in a megaphone.

Deeply normal network card and Firewire card. The card providing the extra USB 2.0 ports has issues at the moment, under Windows at least, so might have to be removed. Of course, it could all be Windows' fault. Stoopid Windoze.

So, plan of action... heatsink for the video card, muffler for the drive, silent processor fan. Maybe a new case =) Total cost of all that - about the same as a Mac Mini... hey ho.