Posted on December 28, 2022 by John Scalzi
My 2018 vintage desktop was starting to show its age in many ways. Having an OS that can no longer be updated poses a serious security risk and requires increasingly complex rituals to open and interact with various games and productivity apps. Also, the latest generation of CPUs and GPUs are out. So computationally, if not financially, it’s a really good time to upgrade.
There I met a new computer, the Origin Neutron, with an Intel Core i9-13900K, 64GB DDR5 (2x32GB) 5600MHz RAM, an NVIDIA 24GB GeForce RTX 4090, 2 4TB SSDs, and all sorts of other accoutrements. Yes, I use it to type into Microsoft Word, but it’s a bit overkill for that. I also use it for gaming (obviously) and for photo, audio and video processing where the aforementioned CPU and GPU are very useful. I’ve already noticed a significant difference in speed and ease of use between Photoshop and some games I’ve run. It’s a decent enough investment for me.
One thing I don’t like 100% is its size. My previous desktop, the Corsair One, was a small form factor PC that could easily slip under my desk almost imperceptibly. This is also not possible on my desk thanks to my monitor’s somewhat uncomfortable tripod base. When I put it on the floor, the desk chair bumps into it. Currently, I have it on my side table and the cord hangs attractively. This is probably better for this monster computer from an airflow standpoint, but not so much aesthetically.
Summary aside, I’m happy so far. This computer he wants to keep until 2027. If it can last that long, I should be happy.
— J.S.
