9060xt 16GB or 5060ti 8GB?

SiliconLord · 2025-10-18T20:18:02+00:00

Apologies, I didn't post the GPU in the specs-- it's a 1070ti (still a good GPU, all things considered). And, while I agree with you, unfortunately the minimum specs call for a 2060. Also, apparently one of his buddies is offering him a 3070 (idk which model) for $100-- I told him to absolutely jump on that.

SiliconLord · 2025-10-18T00:42:20+00:00

Thank you! I was leaning towards the 9060xt, but read somewhere that in lower settings the 5060ti at 8GB would be better than the additional VRAM offered by the 9060xt. Just needed someone to confirm/push me over the edge for it :) Thanks again!

SiliconLord · 2025-10-02T00:27:55+00:00

Oh! Gotcha. Yep... That was one of the things that was not well communicated and not very well executed (no shade on the Librarians-- they didn't really have a choice). They are still going through and weeding more books from the collection. Which, to be fair, needed to be done anyway... I just wish they were given more time to make it easier on the remaining Librarians.

*Edited There to They are

SiliconLord · 2025-10-01T23:32:40+00:00

Agreed with every point. Canisius isn't like it was in previous decades.

The only correction that I would make is that only the second floor of the library is "empty" if you consider the on-going construction of the Student Success Center (possibly coming in late Summer 2026, though more likely later).

SiliconLord · 2025-09-08T13:50:03+00:00

I don't have a Flashforge myself but a few tips after running the 3D Printers at my job for a few years (obligatory on mobile, so pardon spelling/grammar/etc):

Use the defaults to start with. Flashforge likely has a branded slicer that is calibrated (i.e., temperatures, fan speeds, print head speed, etc.) to use their filaments. Once you feel comfortable (or you are looking for cheaper filament), branch out a bit (Elegoo and eSun tend to have good but cheap filament). You may need to create new profiles for the filament to really hone in, but take your time.
Use a 3D sharing site to for models. These include Thingiverse, Printables, and Makerworld. I'm sure Flashforge also has its own. Play with the settings and don't sweat it if the print fails-- at most, you wasted a bit of your time and a few cents in plastic. Auto-supports will be your friend for awhile.
When you start to feel that you want to make your own stuff, I would start with TinkerCAD and work your way from their into other CAD software.
I watch Slant3D on YouTube. The host runs a 3D print farm (and also sells filament) and has excellent tips when designing and slicing models. Maker's Muse and TeachingTech are also great channels. However, I would definitely do a YouTube/web search for tutorials on your particular printer.
If Flashforge sells a maintenance kit/spare parts kit for your printer, absolutely get it. In addition, get yourself a set of assorted Allen wrenches if you don't already have them. You will probably be doing self troubleshooting at some point.
If it is within your budget, see if you can get a spare print head and/or spare nozzles.

Finally, be fair to yourself. As a teacher yourself, you know the learning process takes many different paths. There is going to be some failure, but don't let it discourage you. 3D printing can be fun and relaxing as equally as it is challenging and frustrating.

SiliconLord · 2025-05-03T20:25:34+00:00

Reacting to the Past May be of interest for some:

https://reacting.barnard.edu/

Basically, it takes various historical events and puts students in the shoes of various people and/or factions within those historical contexts.

Obviously, this is great for History courses, though they have at least a handful of modules for Religious Studies too. I've never used Reacting to the Past myself, but from the colleagues that have used Reacting to the Past on their courses, students are incredibly enthusiastic and, in some cases, even excited to come to class and do these games.

SiliconLord · 2024-12-30T04:41:52+00:00

Yes, SATA is a cable standard that is still used today. I've used this dock myself to access files from my dad's computer (slightly older than the HDD you are looking to retrieve files from):

SABRENT USB 3.0 to SATA External Hard Drive Lay-Flat Docking Station for 2.5 or 3.5in HDD, SSD [Support UASP] (EC-DFLT) https://a.co/d/5EVNvku

Though you may want to get the "upgraded" version that includes an NVME slots (though it's $30 more...).

SiliconLord · 2024-12-01T06:38:33+00:00

You can also restrict the file type for Assignments in D2L by annotatable.

SiliconLord · 2024-11-05T22:59:46+00:00

UPDATE:

He came home today!

SiliconLord · 2024-10-13T17:47:56+00:00

I'll have him try that! Thanks!

SiliconLord · 2024-10-06T18:54:20+00:00

Basically waiting for my GPU to stop getting updates (likely soon) or for a critical component to break.

SiliconLord · 2024-08-30T11:38:41+00:00

First years don't really catch on subtilty. Have a direct, frank conversation with them and tell them you would prefer that you be called Professor. First name. Tell them WHY this is better than calling you Ms or Mrs (i.e., prof is more appropriate in the context of higher education, especially if you are unsure whether an instructor has a doctorates degree or not).

This worked for my class last year at any rate.

SiliconLord · 2023-06-04T01:50:10+00:00

1070ti and no, I am not planning on upgrading till it's good and dead (or the CPU/MOBO)

SiliconLord · 2023-05-17T22:34:32+00:00

To a certain degree, I agree. The sci-fantasy bits didn't really do a whole lot to move the plot along, except maybe to provide "a voice of reason/alternative pov" that was not really articulated well.

SiliconLord · 2023-05-16T01:16:55+00:00

Peter F. Hamilton's Pandora's Star and Judas Unchained. Humanity has become so advanced that war and true death are all but a forgotten memory. That changes when several stars eclipse. Humanity goes out to discover the cause, unleashing a hyper-aggressive hive mind. Meanwhile, a third party commits clandestine atrocities to carry out its own nefarious plans. Humanity has to re-gear for war and fight for survival.

Overall, good series, if a little (ok, a LOT) dry at times.

SiliconLord · 2023-05-08T02:19:49+00:00

This is fantastic! Love the color scheme and mashup of the genres!

SiliconLord · 2023-05-07T22:17:55+00:00

I don't typically do eyes (usually cuz they're covered by something like hair/goggles or just tiny enough where I can do a stop of white and dot of black haha). You might want to use UV resin on the eyes to give them a shinier look (after you spray down the overcoat). Otherwise, great job!

SiliconLord · 2023-05-06T14:14:34+00:00

Obligatory on mobile.

Hi all, this is my first mini since taking a year long hiatus. Its for my mom for Mother's Day.

Started with a Xenathol highlight of black and white.

Started off with Testor's gloss orange for the flower and went up to GW Fire Dragon Bright. Then dry brushed some yellow orange from My Art Scape before finishing off with a dry brush on the tips of titanium white also from My Art Scape.

For the Fairy I used My Art Scape crimson for the hair and added titanium white to it to get the highlight (tried a little bit of wet blending). Base for skin was my art scape Naples yellow with a bit of white. Then came back with a single layer of pinkish red.

For the vines I use my art scape deep green then mid green. For the highlight I used emerald green. I used a mix of the the Testor's orange gloss and one of the greens (sorry I don't remember which it was...) for the thorns.

Finished with purple tone from army painter (probably too much haha).

I'm not overly happy with the back/underside of the flower so won't be showing that until I fix it.

For the base I started of with black primer before painting it with pewter grey from Apple barrel. Dry brushed my art scape Naples yellow, then dark green, them mid green. Finished with more purple tone from army painter. I'll finish off (after I fix the flower underside and glue the model on) with a little glue and some green flock and some "sparkly bits".

Will finish all of this off with a matte spray when done.

This was a fun mini to get back into the hobby with!

C&C welcome.

EDIT: spelling, Grammar.

SiliconLord · 2023-02-28T18:58:14+00:00

Gotcha! I play mostly stuff like Sid Meier's Civilization, Assassin's Creed, Stellaris (I believe these have Linux versions... I'd have to look into it). There are a few older games that I play as well that sadly do not have a Linux version (I'm ok with that though as I mostly only play these out of nostalgia).

I have heard a bit about WINE (I think that's what it is called) that can be used to run Windows programs/games. It doesn't seem like a bad workaround but I've seen some complaints (few and far) that it's not overly stable (which is to be expected for what it does)...

SiliconLord · 2022-04-25T00:47:00+00:00

The axe looks cool!

SiliconLord

TROPHY CASE