So, I've seen this new trend it computers start to become more and more popular and it finally dawned on me that this particular trend was going to make my computer's present hardware obsolete.  I created my computer right around the time the first dual-core processors started to hit the market, so despite my complete awe at their supreme dominance I simply couldn't afford it.  Besides, everyone was saying to wait, because at the time GPU's > CPU's as far as game performance went; so I was content with my AMD 64 4000+.  Well now it would seem that if you don't have a dual-core processor your gaming leetness may soon go the way of the do-do, so I saved up and purcahsed an AMD 64 4600 x2 proc. 

 Packages always make me happy, who doesn't like mail, but when the newegg labeled box appeared at my doorstep I nearly broke the delivery man's pen I was so excited.  Eager to return to the state-of-art tier my rig had once been I quickly (but carefully of course) removed the waterblock and old 4000+ and let the anticipation set in as I finished installing my new CPU and booted up the computer. 

That initial "PLEASE JUST START" fear soon dwindled as my computer booted normally and recognized the new processor without a problem.

 So I was ready to see the fruits of my labor and booted up some Battlefield 2142, my windows media player, xfire, and began burning a CD.   Feeling thirsty I decided to go get a drink from the kitchen while the loading screen was up.  Upon my return I sat back down, and checked my computer's status.  The loading screen hadn't moved, confused I went to open the task manager.

 No response.

 I tried to manually close. Alt+F4

 No Response.

 No mouse movement, no keyboard control, nothing happening on the screen!

 DAMN.  Frozen.

 Obviously, the problem had to stem from my new hardware.  It was always stable before and had never crashed on me.  But it booted and the CPU was recognized, so hope was left that nothing was wrong with my brand new processor.  Then while plugging the power cord from the wall a sudden electric shock created that eureka moment in my head.

 The 500 watt power supply may be to weak to run 2GB of RAM, 2 HDD, 2 DVD+RW, an water cooled 8800, a pump, AND a dual-core processor.   After a quick google search for power-supply calculator's I found a program that made it clear to me that I was shy by nearly 75 watts.  Soon enough I had a 700W supply of electricty to power up my system and a stable running dual-core was so worth it.

 Morale of the story: Thirsty Computers Need Juice.

My Rig:

 Athlon 64 X2 4600+

BFG NVIDIA 8800GTX Water Cooled

Asus A8n Sli-Premium

2 GB Corsair XMS DDR-RAM

2 SATA HDD ~160GB

                 ~400GB

   Around the late 20's mafia members and gangsters began modifying their Fords and Studebakers in hopes that they could shake any of the fuzz who pursued them.  Slowly but surely these same gangsters and there suuped-up cars lead to the eventually existence of both hot rodding and stock car racing.  During the later half of the 20th century countless teenagers took up this hot rodding hobby and passionately poured both time and money into powering up their Bel-Airs, Challengers, Thunderbirds, and the multitude of other cars. 

   It's almost funny to think about the uncanny parellel between this lifestyle and PC building.  In a sense, a customized PC is nothing more than a customized car...basically a hot rod.  Perhaps the wrenches and rags have been replaced with tiny screwdrivers and anti-static wrist guards but the basic premise is undoubtely still there: Creating something that is completely yours, something that is a testament to your devotion to your machine, and an expressive piece of art describing your inner-most passions. 

   Todays teens have evolved from the former lifestyles of their rebellious leather jacket wearing parents covered in engine oil and created a new but obviously related clique of upgrading, case modding gamers content to use a can of Dust-Off instead of a pressure gauge.   LAN UP FELLA'S!

My Rig:

AMD 4000+

Asus A8N Sli-Premium

Asus EN7800GTX

2GB Corsair RAM

2 SATA HD: -160 GB

                     -400GB