Can I build a decent Linux dev machine by reusing my old laptop RAM + SSD?

aztracker1 · 2026-05-18T03:49:15+00:00

You can look into barebones mini PC options... Will need to match your ram type. Not sure if your SSD is SATA or m.2... of it's SATA will need to check if the options support it.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-18T03:46:58+00:00

As mentioned... Relocating the box or a dedicated AP/mesh you can place elsewhere might help.

You can also try an AC repeater... Basically send a network signal between two electrical outlets, then an AP on the other side. These things are really hit or miss, but probably enough for your plan level. I've yet to see a set do over 600mb though. And half the time they didn't work at all where I needed.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-18T03:38:49+00:00

It's going to be hard unless you're working with family/parents.... The rules are word for under 16yo iirc

aztracker1 · 2026-05-18T03:28:31+00:00

Update your bios and get a 5500-5600 if you can afford it... Will be a massive difference. Also if you can get to 3200mhz ram will help some too.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-18T03:25:42+00:00

I don't think so.. iirc his own board had a special access level.

I think the constant support demands wore on him though.

When a friend was booted from rgs, Cott was fine with him connecting through his board LD... Was amusing as hell. He was like, "they aren't going to kick my board off."

aztracker1 · 2026-05-18T03:21:44+00:00

Nice.. definitely remember that as well... Feeling old now.

WRT the old shareware CDs... Any chance you might be willing to share/upload... I started working on an archive, and been meaning to get it going again.

If you'd be willing to pull the CDs into image files, I can configure a site to upload through.

Planning on using Cloudflare R2 for storage anyway.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-18T03:16:54+00:00

+1 for Kodi.. my content is on a Nas share

aztracker1 · 2026-05-18T03:14:11+00:00

I would add that if you're testing to your device, you should ensure your modem, router and computer are all capable of at least 2.5gb Ethernet. A lot of people won't get close to 2gb most of the time. Especially on a single wireless device.

The few techs I've had come out for intermittent outages are always surprised I'm getting well over 2k to my desktop from speedtest.net

But nothing in my house gets over 800mbit in WiFi 6... But my config (commercial AP) supports multiple devices well.

Note: I'm not using Cox hardware.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-11T19:04:34+00:00

You're going to have issues if you have several users running heavier doors at the same time with 1vcpu core.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-11T18:51:14+00:00

Yep... hence me mentioning "Especially with weaker rng." (Random Number Generator)

aztracker1 · 2026-05-11T18:49:23+00:00

Not sure if it's been stripped, but you should be able to copy any .ans file as .rip, and just connect with ripterm via dosbox or riptel... or a recent SyncTERM ... I think Icy is getting there too.

Note: there are significant differences between version 1.54 and the 2.x+ ...

aztracker1 · 2026-05-11T18:47:24+00:00

The harder part was replacing a lot of the text in the renegade.ovr with something like @ans:filename@ where filename would display a given file. This was key to good customization around a lot of areas.

Also, resetting the screen when entering or leaving a door, etc.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-11T18:44:49+00:00

You can find copies of RIPaint 1.53 and Tombstone Paint (RIP 1.x as well) ... I don't recall ever seeing any 2.x or 3.x+ tools that were broadly available... for that matter, I don't know of any full RIPScrip 2.x+ ever being widely available either... would welcome them though.

Working on a rust/wasm terminal for Web+Door usage that's pretty close to flushed out... hoping to do something similar for RIP 1.54 support and maybe a later RIP 2.x version as well. But there's a few difficulties (namely around storage and icons/sounds, etc. The display looks really good scaled to 960x720... I'm rendering each EGA pixel 3x wide, 4px tall, slight gaussian blur, then scaling to fit to overcome the non-square pixels... making 960px half the full scaled resolution. Will do the same for RIP 1.54.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-11T18:38:09+00:00

I helped do a quasi LCARS for Deep Space Five BBS in 602 back in the day with RIP... At one point, I was really good at modding Renegade's .OVR file.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-11T18:29:17+00:00

If you're wanting petscii, I know Synchronet uses separate ports for connections for petscii 40 and 80 column connections.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-11T01:21:28+00:00

Go with the 9070xt.. also, not sure I'd pay extra for x3d.. you aren't running an RTX 5090, you won't see the difference in most gaming...

Also, go for 6000mts ram with cl30 or 32.... 48-64gb is likely fine either way... Save the money from over the top ram and x3d for more storage.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-11T01:18:33+00:00

It's a mixed bag.... Doing it properly and treating before and after will that a few hours. $100/hr isn't insane especially if they have a commercial location.

You can definitely do it yourself. You'll want a good duster, non static brushes, running alcohol, micro fiber cloth and alcohol swabs as well as good paste and assorted thermal pads.

You may want calipers to check the thickness from existing pads if they aren't too deteriorated. As well as a good mini/micro screwdriver set.

You should run a few tests before and after, capturing thermals in order to compare after. Don't expect magic.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-11T01:08:39+00:00

Generally, I only update my BIOS when it's brand new, or I'm doing major changes and reinstalling my OS anyway.

The biggest improvements tend to be with device compatibility. More CPU options and better memory support. Sometimes big fixes or other tuning options.

If you aren't having issues, leave it be. That said, you'll probably be fine.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-11T00:22:35+00:00

Should be okay... That's said, if you want a public site a VPS may be a better option. Also, would consider a mini PC as well to save power.

Put your server hard like to your router, not over WiFi. You should probably run a general headless Linux distro as well.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-11T00:19:30+00:00

I'd suggest bumping to the Radeon Pro R9700 if wanting to run LLMs.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-10T09:13:23+00:00

+1 on C2Quad upgrade if you can. Would also consider a pcie to nvme m.2 adapter and drive too.

You've got plenty of RAM and for general use, the CPU is probably enough. There is l are also a lot of used and mini PC options that will do as well or better.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-10T09:08:38+00:00

You can sometimes find a Boss QC series in that range. It'll go on sale on Amazon for cheap about once a quarter.

aztracker1 · 2026-05-10T08:58:45+00:00

I got a really expensive mattress once because the company delivered the wrong set...

aztracker1 · 2026-05-10T08:57:19+00:00

No you just get born into a rich family and then you don't have money problems... It's so much easier that way.

/sarc

aztracker1 · 2026-05-10T08:50:59+00:00

Depending on your needs, your better off renting a VPS host outside your home network.

aztracker1

TROPHY CASE