PC Tech Thread

How does HDMI over ethernet work? Google seems to throw up loads of different options with widely varying prices.

Does it just work with a straight run of cable or can you send it through a router? I assume it can't piggyback on an ethernet cable that's already being used for data, you need a separate cable?

Do it, definitely the best use of old PC stuff. There's no difference between a PC and a NAS - they have all the same parts in them. If it's got a spacious case and fans running then it will probably stay cooler than a low-end NAS.

Cool cheers. Do you think it's worth running Linux for this purpose? Keep in mind that I have little experience with that OS, and my previous forays have been less than completely successful.

If it's just going to be a NAS then I'd run FreeNAS.

Plex/DNLA server plus a few other things too eventually.

You can run those in jails/VMs (these aren't the same in FreeNAS11), they even have a few standard issue things available as 'plugins' that come ready set up (e.g. Plex).

Ah yeah, I was just looking at the plugins, should sort me for most things.

I use Windows on one of my servers, Linux on the other. Both are pretty straightforward. The Windows one is because I have a few bits and pieces of software that are Windows only.

I find the Windows server a lot easier to manage, it's all done through remote desktop and I'm more familiar with Windows. The Linux one is mainly via the terminal which is obviously a lot more exacting and less intuitive. They're both very stable.

Ultimately look at what you want to run, make sure nothing is OS specific and then install whatever you want. Whatever you install will probably do the job.

Check what power the PC uses on idle as your running costs may be significantly higher than a Synology or something with a low power CPU. More of a factor if you end up running it 24/7.

Consider unRAID for OS (which has built in support for Dockerised applications and VMs), or FreeNAS. I would definitely not use Linux command line unless you know you want to.

It's got an 800W PSU at the moment, defo overkill for this, but I wouldn't see much saving by downsizing would I? I could take the graphics card which save a bit of power consumption.

Yeh, sorry, I meant something Linux based, which Freenas is I assume.

@aggi good point, 3DSMax is windows only (bizarrely) and I guess running that would give me the option to use it as a render slave if I ever needed (not that I ever do work-work at home).

It's got an 800W PSU at the moment, defo overkill for this, but I wouldn't see much saving by downsizing would I? I could take the graphics card which save a bit of power consumption.

Probably not a great saving, I just meant check with a powermeter it's not using 100s of W at idle.

@aggi good point, 3DSMax is windows only (bizarrely) and I guess running that would give me the option to use it as a render slave if I ever needed (not that I ever do work-work at home).

This problem should be solvable by running 3DSMAX within a Windows VM, independent of your host's OS.

I use a few of these, both 1 to 1 and 1 to many to send sky signal around the house, they have been pretty flawless to be honest. I’m fairly sure you can’t send it via anything, mine goes hdmi from sky box to converter, patch cable to wall plate, Ethernet through the house to relevant port behind TV, path cable to receiver, hdmi to TV.

Certainly can’t use an Ethernet cable that is already used for data.

FreeNAS is built on FreeBSd. It's not linux, but it is unix-like.

Hi all, I do apologies immediately for my "zero level" of knowledge in that topic.
I would like to buy a gaming laptop (possibly 2nd hand) and plug it to my dell docking station wd15 as I have already multiple screens connected/ethernet/charger etc.

From the compatibility table (see link https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln304627/dell-dock-wd15-usb-type-c-information-compatibility-and-specifications) I should get one alienware r2 or r3 . Although in many forums people mention that plugging into the usb C the machine will avoid using the powerful graphic video but will switch to the integrated one (has the laptop two graphic cards: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M + integrated???) or literally doesn't work with all the bits&bots connected (charger, ethernet cable connection, screen).
I would like to keep tidy my desk switching from my work pc (dell 5490) to the gaming pc just plugging the USB in one machine or in the other one.

Is anyone aware of this matter/issue?
I can't use the work laptop for doing both things (admin rights) and I don't want to buy a non-powerful machine with limited resources in the graphic card.

Thank u in advance , cheers

Prtg can be free if you have fewer than 100 sensors (which you should have).

Bit overkill though!

Are you 100% certain that you need a laptop?

yes, indeed. (logistic reason)

Cheers, I never found anything that was any good but this looks like it should do the job and maybe provide some other useful stuff.

Cheers. I was hoping it could be sent via router/switches to get it where I already have ethernet but now I think about it those cables are obviously already carrying data.

Sadly not, needs dedicated lines, but does work very well if you can get the cables in place. I have three sky boxes in my network cupboard in the loft, and they send Sky signal to 6 different TVs round the house pretty flawlessly.

Kid has asked if we can upgrade his PC. Spec is:

AMD FX quad core 3800 MHz
8Gb RAM
Nvidia GeForce GTX 950
1Tb HD

It's basically used for playing Fortnite and a few other games. Anything obvious in the list above that I could do or is it really a new MB and chip for meaningful improvement?

Many thanks.

I would replace the HD with an SSD and double the RAM, then upgrade the graphics card, in that order.

Presuming the RAM is fast enough to be worth upgrading.

The GTX 950 is pretty slow by current standards and the 2Gb of RAM will really limit it.

If you do upgrade the gfx card make sure the PSU can handle it or you'll need to upgrade that too.

Many thanks - will explore those options.

With the SSD - get a smallish one for OS and leave the 1Tb HD in for other stuff? I'd need a min 500Gb SSD which I think is quite ££.

Edit: Looks like I can get a 1Tb SSD for about £100 - amazing! Things have really changed since I last messed about with a PC.

Yeah things have come on a lot. Crucial MX500 is the best bet at c. £100, nearly as fast as the Samsung EVO SSDs and about £20-30 cheaper.

buying a flat soon. Will have PC in box room/cupboard. Doing new flooring so have opportunity to run some cables.

At a minimum I want an ethernet cable in the box room. Maybe also an ethernet cable attached to the plug socket near the TV?

Anyone done anything like this before and have advice>?