Some extra bits I'd ordered showed up for my new computer today.
- Seagate Ironwolf 4 TB server edition HDD
- 2x 16 GB DDR4 Kingston RAM sticks (same part number as existing)
- PCIe5 network card
- 2x PS2 to USB adapters for my "professional grade" old keyboards and mice.
I've now installed everything. Currently doing a full format of the new HDD. A lot can happen to a HDD between manufacture and installation ...
Once the format is complete, I will set about reorganising my HDDs with the two 4 TB Seagate enterprise level drives in a mirror, or similar. Will keep the existing 3 TB HDD as a housekeeping HDD. Remove and reformat the 2 TB HDD that has a faulty copy of the $MFT file on it. Probably rehome it in either SWMBO's workstation, or my old workstation.
Of course, after receiving the two PS2 to USB keyboard/mouse adapters, I immediately discovered where I had put the two I already had ...
The new PCIe5 NIC was immediately recognised and used by the previously installed drivers. ALWAYS install NIC drivers prior to physically installing the card. Saves a world of pain. I now have gigabit Ethernet again on my main workstation.
The RAM was also immediately recognised. I did not expect otherwise, as the same part number as my existing RAM. Now 64 GB DDR4 Kingston RAM, all slots occupied. If I want/need to go to 128 GB RAM, I will need to sell these 4 chips and buy a matching set of 4x 32 GB DDR4 sticks. I cannot see that ever being necessary in my remaining lifetime.
There is still a vacant PCIe5 slot, for unforeseen future needs.
The Telstra technician replaced my Smartmodem2 with a Smartmodem3 yesterday, for free. This has fixed the flakey WiFi in parts of the house.
No charge ... According to the tech, the Smartmodem2 was not fit for purpose. The replacement only occurred after I contacted the TIO (Telecommunications industry ombudsman). I've been with Telstra since 1969 ... The later model uses WiFi-6, which uses different communication protocols that are considerably more robust.
Depending on further talks with Telstra on Monday, we might upgrade from a 100/18 Mbps plan to a 250/22 Mbps plan. We shall see ...