PC Tech Thread

This was my earlier thought but I didn't really want to have an extra computer using electricity all day long (save the planet/startup etc - the mini probably uses less power than my phone but in my head etc...)

It's not ideal. It does force you to keep that first computer on all the time.

But then... if you were to get a Mac Mini you'd have to leave that on all the time too.

The advantage of the TB+Ethernet route is that 1 of the Macs get really stunning performance and the other is pretty damn good.

The advantage of the Mac Mini Ethernet route is that both Macs get pretty damn good performance, and you can power either off at any time and the Mac Mini uses less power 24/7.

I generally like to segregate my storage away from a primary computer, so that I have freedom to change anything later, and so that anything can fail without it impacting others (or at least being cheaply and quickly replaceable). So that lends itself to the Mac Mini route too.

But you can basically prove the idea with the TB+Ether route and then buy the Mac Mini at a later date.

A combination PC tech/home DIY question.

In an attempt to actually get wi-fi throughout my house I want to change the location of my router which involves running a cable through the wall.

As I've discovered, an RJ45 jack is slightly bigger than 12mm (my largest drill bit) and won't pull through the wall. Neatest option seems to be to snip the end of the wire off and reattach at the other side. Google suggests I need a crimping tool. Is this easy to do?

Yep, straightforward. Bit dull but easy.

Might be more fun to buy a slightly larger drill bit

Luffguss mind... Any clever places to get a used full tower case. Doesn't need to have insides. I just want the box.

Does anyone know what type of double sided tape I'd need to stick a digitizer and screen together?

(Lenovo flex 2-15 20405)

Cheers

It is dead easy if you find a decent enough set of instructions and get the order of the wires correct. It will be a neater job if you drill just for the cable also. The rj45 plugs will be pennies so do a couple of practice crimps first to take away the anxiety if you've not done it before.

Ease depends on how much dexterity you have. In my limited experience girls often find it easier, as they tend to have smaller nimbler fingers.

But there is nothing complicated.

Yes, it's a fiddly job which will probably take more than a few attempts to get right. Especially if you want decent performance.

Looks like there are some nice little kits available on amazon with testers included though, which will help:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Professional-Network-Computer-Maintenance-Storage/dp/B013QT1SDE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1458633428&sr=8-6&keywords=rj45+cable+crimping+tool

Cheers all. I have fat fingers but sounds like I'll manage after a bit of cursing. Are the boots necessary, couldn't quite work out if they added anything other than making it look tidier.

Any suggestions on where to get crimping tool/plugs around Tottenham court road/Oxford St?

Got one in my loft if you want to pick it up from High Wycombe?

Maplin?

My loft has an Antec P180, which is perfectly functional despite having a broken front panel. That's free to collect from N8.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/store/tottenham-court-road
http://www.maplin.co.uk/store/great-portland-street

Cheers, I forgot to say that I looked at the Maplins website but it appears that they don't have any in stock in either of those stores (or it could just be that they have a shit website).

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/rj11-and-rj45-crimping-tool-and-cable-stripper-set-a43qw

1 in stock at TCR. Seems to be other options for buying the tool and connectors separately.

This, this and this are all in stock for those stores.

The trickiest thing to get right first time is stripping off just the right amount of the outer sheath. You don't need to strip the inner wires as the contacts pierce the insulation during the crimp. You just need to line them up in the right order and cut a straight flush line across them all. That way, when you push them into the new connector, they all reach the end and are more likely to get a good connection when the pins are pushed down by the crimper.

Boots are useful if you are going to be unplugging a lot or they are likely to be abused. If it is a fit and forget then regular unbooted connectors will be fine.

There are at least two enterprise level companies whose phone systems are sending a lot of traffic through T1/E1 Crossover leads crimped at my old desk using boggo standard connectors.

I don't think they've fallen over yet.

Cheers @hamrack Turns out the Maplin website doesn't work properly with my adblockers.

I'm happy enough stripping wires and the like so hopefully should be OK.

Well that was frustrating. I spent a good hour cursing until I got the hang of it.

I assume (and it's a bit late now) nothing special needs to be done for power over ethernet.

Nope, it's fine. If you're laying a (semi-)permanent run then you may find solid core cabling helps. It's not as flexible but it will give you a longer range.

Fibre ftw.

*I don't personally have any working fibre.
**I have some salvaged unused PFCs for routers/switches I don't own. I should probably eBay them.

Ran Cat 6a from lounge, office, loft to cupboard under stairs. So much nicer than wifi.
Probably no better than Cat5, but meh

Fuck wiring the place.

Gigabit homeplug: https://www.scan.co.uk/products/tp-link-tl-pa7020p-kit-av1000-2-port-gigabit-passthrough-powerline-starter-kit-1000mbps-2x-uk-powerl