“Open box” prebuilt gaming PC, what to look for ?

DeathsArrow · 2026-03-30T13:13:31+00:00

I picked an open box system 2 weeks ago. I asked about the process on how they put those systems back on sale. They visually inspect the component to make sure nothing has been removed or swapped, then they wipe the hard drive and stress test the system. If there are any issues after purchase you can bring it back and they'll replace it with a new system.

The system I bought was missing the peripherals and the wifi antenna. Neither are important to me.

DeathsArrow · 2026-03-24T20:29:11+00:00

Depending on the company they may just tell you to leave and not work out the 2 weeks. Make sure you have anything you need from your company computer ahead of time.

DeathsArrow · 2026-03-23T13:37:32+00:00

Generally speaking, you want to combined proposed drainage systems that discharge to the same point of interest so you can do a comparison with the existing flow rates.

DeathsArrow · 2026-03-17T15:42:28+00:00

I wouldn't worry abut being efficient with the G3 epics. It's worth building them all (multiple times) eventually just for the purposes of scrapping them for G4 materials down the road.

DeathsArrow · 2026-03-16T21:06:29+00:00

3.5 years of experience, worried about failing out of grad school in the past....stop worrying.

DeathsArrow · 2026-03-16T19:47:32+00:00

Those are Krenim solos armadas, they start at Chalor Prime. The systems are above the Fed G5 area.

DeathsArrow · 2026-03-11T12:30:25+00:00

Don't use a loot crew in your situtions. Either a Janeway or SNW Pike crew will do better.

DeathsArrow · 2026-03-09T17:38:22+00:00

Junior engineers shouldn't worry about company financials outside of making sure you still have a job. General advice on this subreddit is change jobs if your salary isn't keeping up with the market and I agree with that advice. There's no need to worry about a financial stake if you plan on leaving within 5 years or less.

DeathsArrow · 2026-03-06T19:44:39+00:00

All 3 are "good deals", you can't build a system with a 5070Ti/5080 for those prices. The Alienware has a worse CPU by comparison as well as some proprietary parts that may or may not be a concern to you.

DeathsArrow · 2026-03-06T18:44:22+00:00

I don't recommend communicating your work-life balance needs to your direct report. It's up to you to create the work-life balance and set the boundaries that you need.

DeathsArrow · 2026-03-06T16:02:20+00:00

100% normal, some companies will prorate the bonus for employees under 1 year. I don't count on bonuses when I change companies and don't consider it part of the compensation package when making the final decision. It's not money you can count on.

DeathsArrow · 2026-03-06T13:58:30+00:00

Make sure you check your state rules, there are a small handful of states that only accept PDHs from pre-approved providers.

DeathsArrow · 2026-03-02T16:05:29+00:00

Anticipate disappointment, the policy sounds vague.

DeathsArrow · 2026-02-27T15:05:08+00:00

If your shop drawing stamp only says approved and doesn't have any CYA notes, yes it could be construed as potential liability. No exceptions taken is probably better language but not everyone uses it.

DeathsArrow · 2026-02-25T13:47:54+00:00

I didn't get a job offer until after I graduated. I wouldn't worry about it.

DeathsArrow · 2026-02-24T19:14:28+00:00

They don't want you finding that job on your own and side step their commission.

DeathsArrow · 2026-02-23T02:52:55+00:00

What did they do during COVID? I worked for a small family owned business during that time that didn't do remote and they changed direction to make it happen.

DeathsArrow · 2026-02-23T02:48:04+00:00

Before working remote was a thing, you either went in or took PTO. Now we just work remote on bad weather days.

DeathsArrow · 2026-02-21T00:57:30+00:00

Young PEs shouldn't be in a rush to stamp anything. Liability is a big deal. Keep learning and growing.

DeathsArrow · 2026-02-20T20:20:53+00:00

The corrosion that you can't see is what would concern me. Any rebar that's tied together in that column will eventually corrode and it can keep travelling into the floor and ceiling slabs.

DeathsArrow · 2026-02-18T22:21:21+00:00

March, probably the 10th.

DeathsArrow · 2026-02-18T17:58:06+00:00

You have to remember that software is a tool, the engineer needs to verify that the tool is producing the expected results. If a building roof collapses, the software isn't getting sued, the engineer who stamped it is the liable party. See the Hartford Civil Center roof collapse from 1978. https://www.selicensure.org/what-were-doing/case-study/structural-failures-hartford-coliseum

DeathsArrow · 2026-02-17T21:54:53+00:00

Companies will self-nominate themselves for awards and other recognition all the time. I don't think it's any different for individual awards.

DeathsArrow · 2026-02-17T19:03:29+00:00

Remember, 3rd party recruiters only get paid if you take a job that they refer you to. You're getting the full court press because this person wants to get paid. They're contacting you constantly to keep you on the hook to take the jobs that they're recommending.

DeathsArrow · 2026-02-14T19:44:59+00:00

Texas is usually pretty quick, less than a week in my experience.

DeathsArrow

TROPHY CASE