makingmatter

Members
  • Content count

    43
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by makingmatter

  1. Yes, I can hear you thinking: Idle Thumbs Book Club hasn't even launched yet! But I thought this might be a good place for fan recommendations of novels for forthcoming episodes, specifically in the interest of texts that would inspire meaningful conversation. I'd like to put forth my recommendation for the recent Orphan Master's Son, by Adam Johnson. Haven't read all of it yet, but it's captivating and memorable. And, David Mitchell loved it, so that's saying something for me . The Thumbsters might like it. Blaine Harden's biography of Shin Dong-hyuk also appears to be a good non-fiction companion to it; it's called Escape from Camp 14. What about you guys? Is there anything you'd like to see on the upcoming Idle Thumbs Book Club?
  2. Her first novel is quite good as well. I'm still reading the rest of it, so I need some more time to gestate actual coherent thoughts on it, but I'd still recommend it.
  3. The Flamethrowers, by Rachel Kushner. Because if speed, motorcycles, art, and radicalism in 1970's Rome and New York isn't interesting to you, then you might need to be checked yo. Seriously though, this writer is the real deal.
  4. I personally haven't read any of the sort, so I'm looking forward to it, even though it's technically a Russian book written by an outsider. Do you have any endorsements for a reader interested in Russian literature, asides from the usual Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky? I'm looking for works that are a bit more obscure.
  5. I'd like to propose a debut novel: it's called A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, and is by Stegner Fellow Anthony Marra. It centers on the Second Chechen War, and based on the amount of buzz surrounding it in the literary world, has to be one of the most talked about first novels in quite some time. It also has the "... dubious fortune of appearing just after [the] terrorist killings in Boston", which may or may not weigh on it commercially - even though its similarities are simply coincidence - but nonetheless, it looked interesting enough to me that I think it warranted a recommendation. Read an excerpt here.
  6. Obligatory Comical YouTube Thread II: The Fall of YouTube

    Fucking terrifying. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1va8FxBl7Cg
  7. It isn't available in public domain, though this is a link that will allow you to get it legally let you get it as an ebook through more questionable means. You just need Calibre to convert it from HTML.
  8. VG Mutha Fuckin As (Holy crapping cow)

    I can't unsee this.
  9. Convert me, PC gamers!

    Hello Thumbs: In lieu of moving out to university next year, I've decided to get back into PC gaming. For a long time, I've seen the merits of being a PC gamer, and I've figured now is the best time to jump into to.The problem is, it's been so long that I've actively used a PC for video games that I don't know where to start. I know for sure that I want to order parts individually and then build it myself; it's just so much more a rewarding experience that way, from what I hear. I have some ideas of what I want to achieve in the end. Can you guys help me out by listing some mock builds or giving me some recommendations? Are there any useful web resources/links you would recommend for someone diving into today's current state of PC gaming without any thorough understanding? So far, these are my buyer's goals: Build budget (with taxes): $900(at minimum) - $1300 A build that's easily upgradeable and lasting. Cooling fans need to be effective. Want it running quiet. Go nuts.
  10. Convert me, PC gamers!

    This looks like a possible option. It can be reformatted for PC, even if you get the Mac version. Is there anything better on the market that would meet the same needs?
  11. Convert me, PC gamers!

    So I've decided to wait until summer to build a new computer, primarily because I don't want to become distracted while I'm in the process of applying to universities. It'll just be too, you know, tempting. With that in mind: 1) I'm looking at my build to have a new Intel Haswell CPU, providing that the consensus is that they're worth it; word on the street is that they'll be out in the first half of 2013. 2) Does anyone know of some good options for external 1TB hard drives that I can sync to my Mac's Time Machine application and eventually use to carry over my Steam files to the PC? I need something that's affordable, long-lasting, and compatible with both operating systems. Again, I appreciate everyone's advice. You all have been extremely helpful.
  12. Convert me, PC gamers!

    Modified build list to include the Corsair TX750M and the Hyper + 12 Cooling Fan... thanks. Is there a big jump between the 660 Ti and the 660, performance wise?
  13. Convert me, PC gamers!

    Sounds good to me. At this point, it's just a waiting game to see how far the prices drop in comparison. Any specific alternatives you can suggest?
  14. Convert me, PC gamers!

    So here's my current build that I'm looking at: COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN3-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with USB 3.0 and Black Interior ( $ 89.99) Originally, I was considering this case, but I changed my mind after realizing the lack of compartments I could hide wires in, which the previous one has plenty of. ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 ASCR 20000:1 (1000:1) W/Speakers ($179.99) All considering, this a ridiculously good deal. Hopefully the price will dip down even more when I buy this stuff on Boxing Day or during the Christmas season. Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K ($234.99) I'm not going to wait for Intel's Haswell lineup. This will do just fine; I've taken everyone's recommendations into consideration about Ivy Bridge, so I've tried to achieve a nice balance between price, performance, and overall longevity. Western Digital WD Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive ($109.99) From what I understand, Western Digital is one of the best places to invest in for hard drives. I'm going to do what Tycho says, run my OS and temporary files that I'm currently using on an SSD, and store everything else on this. Longevity is key for me. Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) ($99.99) CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 ($41.99) MSI R7870 Twin Frozr 2GD5/OC Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card ($228.99) At first, I was going to get this - from what I understand, NVIDIA but I think that might be overkill for a first build, and besides, it would send me over my budget goal (this is 200 dollars cheaper, and performs remarkably well, according to benchmarks I looked at on Eurogamer's Digital Foundry and AnandTech. If you guys have any thoughts on the matter, please let me know. GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H-WB LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard ($214.99) Need the Wi-Fi, because I don't use wired connections at the moment. From what I understand, this card has had mixed reactions, but I trust those from people whose opinions I trust (which were unanimously positive); let me know if you have any alternative solutions in the same relative price range. CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply ($114.99) Pretty standard: a well made product from a respected company, and 80 plus Bronze certified. At 750w, this will run this rig smooth as butter. I also might buy this, to maximise airflow. The final cost is $1, 335.90. Slightly past 1300, but not too bad. So, that is my build. As I said before, I'll be buying these parts on Boxing Day (or at least during the holiday season), but I'm currently unsure whether to buy from an online retailer like Newegg or a local store like Canada Computers or Wintronics. What do you guys think? Ultimately, I'll go with whatever will save me more money, and get my parts safer and faster to my trembling hands. Thanks for all your input Thumbs.
  15. Convert me, PC gamers!

    Also, Sandy Bridge versus Ivy Bridge: what makes them different from each other, in terms of Intel's CPU's?
  16. Convert me, PC gamers!

    Thanks, guys, I'm taking all these recommendations into account. The intent is that this computer will act solely as a gaming/media platform- with the occasional Windows-only app or program being used- my Mac will act as my workbook (for Scrivener, Final Cut, coding, etc), and both will be linked together by a fileserver using an external hard drive. In that case, what is a cheap but accessible external HD? This would be in addition to my build and external monitor; luckily, I already quite a nice keyboard and rainbow mouse. Yes, rainbows. I need some hippie stuff in that shit. Again, your suggestions are appreciated! I'll post a build here before I buy so I can get some feedback.
  17. Convert me, PC gamers!

    Well, that's reassuring. You guys are trying to convert me, not terrify me! No, but seriously, what brand for SDD's do you recommend, in terms of longevity and performance? What I'm reading here seems to contradict some of the other material I've looked at. I was going to go with a HDD + a smaller SSD for practicality, as per Tycho's suggestions and reasoning. One monitor is enough; two might become a ADD nightmare for a newbie. Also, I'm thinking of setting up a file network between this PC and my Macintosh with an external drive, in the aim that I will set up a permanent media hub in the future. Thanks for the link! What do you mean about usage? Pardon my ignorance, but I'm trying to invest in the best build configuration possible.
  18. Convert me, PC gamers!

    Thank you for the links; they're useful, but some of it is just technobabble to me. I'll catch onto it eventually. I have a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate that can be very easily loaded on once it's assembled. Four cores is more than enough for what I will be running; I've come of the opinion that anything more would be just a waste of space and money. The way you're describing the HD and small SSD combo seems the best of both worlds. What would you suggest specifically? I was looking at this single Crucial SSD before. Thanks! That being said, I don't want to splurge all my money away. I want to invest in the parts that will matter the most a few years down the road.
  19. Dishonored - or - GIFs By Breckon

    The crew from PC Gamer UK talk about their experiences with the game in detail here. Hilarious, awesome spoilers.
  20. Convert me, PC gamers!

    I'll keep that in mind. If I have money to spend, though, is it worth it? I want this to last at peak performance for as much time as possible. When you mean an "HD + plus a small SSD", do you mean it has all the positives of a running SSD, but takes up less space? Apologies for my ignorant questions. I'm still acclimating myself to the terms and jargon of a PC user. Also, found this feature on The Verge, which is really helpful. Appreciate the recommendations, guys! Keep 'em coming!
  21. Convert me, PC gamers!

  22. Convert me, PC gamers!

    Was that "two" intentional? I'm beginning to think you like to cause mischief, toblix...
  23. Convert me, PC gamers!

    Yeah. It's gonna be great.
  24. Convert me, PC gamers!

    Thank you! Do you know of any good transportable cases i.e. (durable, good for travel, but compact and sexy?) Already have a keyboard and monitor. In terms of video cards, I'm looking at NVIDIA; perhaps the 670 or 660 Ti. Are there any specific manufacturers you would choose over the others?