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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: AndyGarton on November 12, 2014, 10:22:45 AM

Title: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: AndyGarton on November 12, 2014, 10:22:45 AM
Hello everyone,

I thought I'd share some pictures of my new X1000 system as well as give a brief introduction to, er, me.

I'm another of the nostalgic old crowd primarily - ZX81, Acorn Electron, then Amigas (A500 and A1200), back in the day. After a long break I bought a "new old stock" A1200 a few years ago and have mildly upgraded it (the usual CF hard drive/030 card/flicker fixer mainly). I still very much enjoy that machine but find I tend to use it only really for games - using Workbench for "serious" applications and development is just too slow and low res for me now.

So I began to think about "next generation" Amigas. I enjoy building my own machines so it had to be a motherboard only solution, and I've actually ended up buying both an X1000 and a Sam460Ex. The Sam hasn't arrived yet but will end up in a similar case to the X1000, but half the size. That will be my low-to-mid-range test system primarily.

The X1000 is now basically done, as you can see below. I'll use it for everyday productivity and tinkering (everything apart from the few remaining things I can only do with a PC basically), as well as software development - I'm a programmer by trade, although my day job is now mostly management, and I have the itch for some coding projects. I'll probably start with a few easy ports to get back into AmigaOS development (more nostalgia - I remember blowing one whole term's student grant, around 500 quid I think in around 1990, on a C compiler for my Amiga!).

The spec is as follows: Nemo motherboard, 4GB RAM (I know AOS can currently only use 2GB but I also plan to use the machine for a bit of Ubuntu Linux), 120GB SSD (plus two 500GB hard drives which I can't get AOS to see yet), Radeon HD4650 fanless graphics card (I like quiet systems, I've also upgraded the CPU fan to a "super quiet" XR2 model), and RTL8139 network card. It's all connected to an Acer monitor running at a lovely 2560x1440. The case is a Corsair 540, fitted with a couple of LED'd case fans (connected to a fan controller and running fairly low speed) and an LED colour controller system so it can run various cool colour changing effects when I'm in the mood :)

I've had tons of fun researching and building, and am absolutely loving how the system performs and runs. AmigaOS 4.1 is brilliant as far as I'm concerned, fast and stable, yet still with the old Amiga feeling and straightforwardness. I know Hyperion get some stick, but I think the community is very lucky to have them as they're doing an amazing job with limited resources imo.

I bought a lot of my bits from AmigaKit, and I have to give these guys a loud shout out for some truely outstanding service (in contrast to one or two other Amiga related companies it has to be said!) - nothing was/is too much trouble for them and shipping was fast and efficient. I've also seen AmigaKit get plenty of negative press in the forums and I have to say I'm staggered by this, and it's really my one negative about the current Amiga scene - the amount of negativity and pointless arguing is quite disappointing. It's a small community so surely it's only common sense that everybody pulls in the same direction rather than fighting each other?!?

From what I've seen so far the Amiga does still have a very valid place and I don't see it dying just yet, but do think we should offer as much support as we can to those companies (and individual developers) still in our market. A-EON is a similar case in point - I have nothing but admiration for what Trevor has done: spent (blown!) a lot of his own money purely through his love for the Amiga. Yet he still gets a lot of criticism! I realy hope he sticks with it (and can I be first on the list for an X5000 please!).

Anyway, enough ranting - I'm happy and proud to be part of the Amiga scene again and hope to do my bit in future by contributing some software too.

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8_8qTBMsc_c/VGMrdFvo-SI/AAAAAAAAC9E/zpxpP61f7xw/w1024-h606-no/s1.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bikNcWEbYBo/VGMrc6qBUBI/AAAAAAAAC9c/q7fHCy9b3dg/w1024-h720-no/s2.jpg)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BnVLDBCC3N8/VGMrdPB-qSI/AAAAAAAAC9o/8Nx1OcM1I7o/w1024-h790-no/s3.jpg)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RG1EKYqs16E/VGMrdWMmgLI/AAAAAAAAC9I/ki0Qb_YvRIM/w1024-h683-no/s4.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hwrZhpPNZ3E/VGMrdob0mnI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/zYGoEjDqwsc/w1024-h647-no/s5.jpg)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--EeBaJPDpnQ/VGMrd8QMeII/AAAAAAAAC9g/gw4HhvxS7aY/w1024-h683-no/s6.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pTA8gKz3ZSc/VGMreNhjHgI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/AhPf1EJZofc/w1024-h651-no/s7.jpg)
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: ddniUK on November 12, 2014, 10:54:33 AM
Looks great! Welcome back.

[OCD] can you please rotate your case boing ball sticker by 90 degrees? It troubles me as it currently is! ;-) [/OCD]
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: AndyGarton on November 12, 2014, 11:12:02 AM
I have OCD too! Spent ages deciding which way it should go - pretty sure it's correct as it is now though, at least based on the way Hyperion use it in their materials.
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: gertsy on November 12, 2014, 12:00:09 PM
Congratulations. A very beautiful machine.
BTW if you look at the bong ball at the top of A the ORG pages you will see it has the exact same orientation.  
Do you use the machine for any Spreadsheet/word processor work.  If so what software do you use?
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: AndyGarton on November 12, 2014, 12:18:38 PM
Quote from: gertsy;777158
Congratulations. A very beautiful machine.
BTW if you look at the bong ball at the top of A the ORG pages you will see it has the exact same orientation.  
Do you use the machine for any Spreadsheet/word processor work.  If so what software do you use?

I haven't got to that yet but I will be doing word processing definitely. Initially probably using Abiword (via AmiCygnus), although I might look at some of the older 68k apps (via RunInUAE of course) as well. Longer term hopefully the port of Libre Office for AOS will do all I need. It's certainly the most obvious hole in the current software lineup ... perhaps I should port and/or write something, now there's an idea :)
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: ddniUK on November 12, 2014, 01:24:42 PM
lol. Nah yours is rotated by 90'. Look at the logo of this site and even the classic boing ball demo...
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=boing+ball+gif&client=firefox-a&hs=0Pu&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=nts&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=S19jVKinHoXdsASx1YGYDw&ved=0CCUQsAQ&biw=1525&bih=704&dpr=0.9#rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=nts&tbm=isch&q=boing+ball
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: Duce on November 12, 2014, 01:41:24 PM
Sharp looking little machine, and I'm always a sucker for a clean build :)

Should be lots of fun, let us know how you are enjoying it!  I bought myself a SAM 440ep a number of years ago when they came out, and while not the most beefy of machines these days, I still enjoy it immensely for the little bit of coding and tinkering I do.
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: F0LLETT on November 12, 2014, 01:47:34 PM
Quote from: ddniUK;777163
lol. Nah yours is rotated by 90'. Look at the logo of this site and even the classic boing ball demo...
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=boing+ball+gif&client=firefox-a&hs=0Pu&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=nts&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=S19jVKinHoXdsASx1YGYDw&ved=0CCUQsAQ&biw=1525&bih=704&dpr=0.9#rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=nts&tbm=isch&q=boing+ball

Mr Picky, ;). Its a Boing Ball, thats all that counts.
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: som99 on November 12, 2014, 02:15:59 PM
Welcome and the carbide air case is pretty nice :) A little 3.5" rack inside the back chamber and I would buy the version without led fans and side window :) to little storage options now but still a nice case :D
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: amigakit on November 12, 2014, 03:09:59 PM
A great introduction post.

Thanks Andy for the order and welcome back to the Amiga! :)
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: eliyahu on November 12, 2014, 03:36:38 PM
@AndyGarton

my envy knows no bounds looking at those photos. :lol:

congrats on acquiring a great machine, and welcome to amiga.org! please keep us in the loop as you find new things with your setup.

-- eliyahu
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: amoskodare on November 12, 2014, 05:46:01 PM
Nice, looks like fun! :)

Welcome back to Amiga :hat:
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: amigasociety on November 12, 2014, 06:30:00 PM
Love the case Andy.  Very NeXTcubish!  Enjoy the X1000.  TJ
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: Oldsmobile_Mike on November 12, 2014, 07:37:15 PM
Beautiful system, great post!  #envy #jealous  :lol:
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: Nagasakee on November 12, 2014, 07:40:48 PM
Congrats on the X1000 Andy, you'll love it more as time goes by.  I like the case too,  but was wondering why you didn't select the default X1000 case though? Was it more storage room in yours?   No matter the reason, yours looks spectacular!
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: crawff on November 12, 2014, 08:31:24 PM
Great positive post - makes me want to join the X1000 owners club.

@Amigakit - did I read somewhere that you offer interest free finance payments… :-)
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: AndyGarton on November 12, 2014, 08:35:12 PM
Quote from: Nagasakee;777180
Congrats on the X1000 Andy, you'll love it more as time goes by.  I like the case too,  but was wondering why you didn't select the default X1000 case though? Was it more storage room in yours?   No matter the reason, yours looks spectacular!

Just not that keen on the large tower style really, plus I wanted to spec everything to my taste (and I enjoy the physical building process!).
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: danbeaver on November 12, 2014, 08:46:19 PM
A Great build!

I agree 110% with your comments on OS4.1, it is brilliant.

Be Aware, you will have fun...
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: slaapliedje on November 12, 2014, 09:17:25 PM
I vote that he makes a video of it, and some cool demos/music running on it, then upload it to porntube.com or whatever other porn site, and create a new category of "Computer Hardware" 'cause I'd wank to that.  :laughing:

Simply awesome!

slaapliedje
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: carvedeye on November 12, 2014, 09:28:36 PM
Quote from: crawff;777184
@Amigakit - did I read somewhere that you offer interest free finance payments… :-)


Now that would be awesome :)
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: amigakit on November 12, 2014, 09:39:23 PM
Hi

Yes, I can confirm we offer a lay-away scheme for customers.  We have a few who want to "save" up for their X1000 system and put a deposit to it every month or two.  Happy to help them out in any way we can.
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: slaapliedje on November 12, 2014, 10:25:33 PM
How much are those beasts running for these days?  (Guess I could look it up, but am caught between my Linux machine and Macbook, trying to get work done with too much equipment swapping in front of me.)

Weren't there announcements for an X500?  

Also, I've always thought that if I were to buy an OS4 system, I'd want one of those netbooks that were being talked about a while back.

I have to say again that is one awesome build.  

slaapliedje

P.S.  Has anyone tried running Debian on the X1000, and if so any pros/cons.  Granted I probably wouldn't bother, since I already have several Debian systems, and I would rather play with OS4, just would be nice to use all of the hardware in it.
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: klx300r on November 12, 2014, 11:00:09 PM
from my AW.net post:

Quote
AndyGarton wrote:

...I bought a lot of my bits from AmigaKit, and I have to give these guys a loud shout out for some truely outstanding service (in contrast to one or two other Amiga related companies it has to be said!) - nothing was/is too much trouble for them and shipping was fast and efficient. I've also seen AmigaKit get plenty of negative press in the forums and I have to say I'm staggered by this, and it's really my one negative about the current Amiga scene - the amount of negativity and pointless arguing is quite disappointing. It's a small community so surely it's only common sense that everybody pulls in the same direction rather than fighting each other?!?


gorgeous X1000 system & welcome back to Amiga Land :welcome  :clap

btw, do yourself a favour and copy the portion of your quote above for future use (especially the latter half) ;-)
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: bbond007 on November 13, 2014, 01:11:39 AM
Quote from: som99;777167
Welcome and the carbide air case is pretty nice :) A little 3.5" rack inside the back chamber and I would buy the version without led fans and side window :) to little storage options now but still a nice case :D



you definitely would not like my carbide air then :)

I added even more LED fans and changed out the LEDs for ones that cycle through several colors.
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: agami on November 13, 2014, 01:55:23 AM
Quote from: bbond007;777208
you definitely would not like my carbide air then :)

I added even more LED fans and changed out the LEDs for ones that cycle through several colors.


Aaaarrgh, my eyes!! My important eyes!
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: Vlabguy1 on November 13, 2014, 03:53:13 AM
Quote from: ddniUK;777155
Looks great! Welcome back.

[OCD] can you please rotate your case boing ball sticker by 90 degrees? It troubles me as it currently is! ;-) [/OCD]



Yes I agree please rotate the Boing Ball sticker...

Rich
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: danbeaver on November 13, 2014, 04:50:15 AM
slaapliedje wrote "P.S.  Has anyone tried running Debian on the X1000, and if so any  pros/cons.  Granted I probably wouldn't bother, since I already have  several Debian systems, and I would rather play with OS4, just would be  nice to use all of the hardware in it."

I believe they have; you will find in depth Linux + X1000 information in the Hyperion forum
Platform: AmigaOne X1000 - Linux Only (http://forum.hyperion-entertainment.biz/viewforum.php?f=35)


http://forum.hyperion-entertainment.biz/viewforum.php?f=35&sid=e641665b1e711faefaee96b60095c6c8
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: Oldsmobile_Mike on November 13, 2014, 04:54:59 AM
Quote from: bbond007;777208
I added even more LED fans and changed out the LEDs for ones that cycle through several colors.

OMG, looks like Christmas!  :laughing:
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: danbeaver on November 13, 2014, 09:50:39 AM
Off topic:

If the new Cyrus X5000 motherboard is released by itself, it might be nice to "go crazy" with its build; although the AmigaOne Fractal designed case with the engraved Boing Ball door is to die for. :-)
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: som99 on November 13, 2014, 10:46:53 AM
Quote from: bbond007;777208
you definitely would not like my carbide air then :)

I added even more LED fans and changed out the LEDs for ones that cycle through several colors.

Haha :) Wow didn't know any manufacturer still did those fans :O not really my taste no, I personally go for performance and noise balance and in most cases PWM (Pulse-width modulation) fans, on radiators im really happy with the performance of the Cougar Vortex fans and for case airflow I usually use Noctua fans and some Fractal Design ones but in the past also Gentle Typhoon, tho the typhoons have trouble with the bearings when used face out horizontal for extended periods of time so don't use them anymore.

But hey we all have our own taste in what we like :) I'll translate an old Swedish saying but don't know if it makes any sense in English haha :)
"Taste is like the butt, split" Split as in divided, sounds a bit funky in English haha :)
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: Fingers on November 13, 2014, 11:09:09 AM
Jealous!!!!

Very nice machine man :D

PZ.
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: Yasu on November 13, 2014, 12:07:53 PM
It's a very flashy setup. I like flashy setups! It seperates boring utility-centered computers from the ones you just love to use.

I wish I could turn my G5 into anything like that :)
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: bbond007 on November 13, 2014, 11:56:15 PM
Quote from: som99;777234
Haha :) Wow didn't know any manufacturer still did those fans :O not really my taste no, I personally go for performance and noise balance and in most cases PWM (Pulse-width modulation) fans, on radiators im really happy with the performance of the Cougar Vortex fans and for case airflow I usually use Noctua fans and some Fractal Design ones but in the past also Gentle Typhoon, tho the typhoons have trouble with the bearings when used face out horizontal for extended periods of time so don't use them anymore.

But hey we all have our own taste in what we like :) I'll translate an old Swedish saying but don't know if it makes any sense in English haha :)
"Taste is like the butt, split" Split as in divided, sounds a bit funky in English haha :)

LED fans must still be pretty popular. The 3 140mm ones came with the Carbide Air. Two already had LEDs I just changed the LEDs out for the crazy disco ones. The LEDs were glued in so I had to dremel them out and I'm really concerned about the fumes that it made...

All the others were free after rebate which I did get without fail. The motherboard has more 3pin connectors than 4pin and the BIOS supports 4 different speeds so the sound is very nice on the lower settings.

PWM fans can sound louder at lower speeds then standard because of harmonics. Is not always the case but sometimes it happens.

As far as performance the two r9 290x GPUs can (and have) run full tilt 24/7 and the GPUs stay under 65c with no increase in noise level :) well slight increase, I have two stock Intel CPU fans on my GPU VRM heatsinks which are set to kick on 75% when GPUs hit 60c.

If you know anything about r9 290s their typical behavior is to hit 95c within 10 minutes and start throttling down to a lower speed. Not to mention the noise levels.

so you can see its not all show and no go:

http://www.3dmark.com/fs/3216378
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: Oldsmobile_Mike on November 13, 2014, 11:58:52 PM
Very impressive!  :pint:
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: amigadave on November 14, 2014, 04:15:12 AM
Quote from: danbeaver;777231
Off topic:

If the new Cyrus X5000 motherboard is released by itself, it might be nice to "go crazy" with its build; although the AmigaOne Fractal designed case with the engraved Boing Ball door is to die for. :-)

I liked the engraved Fractal Boing Ball case so much, I paid extra to get a 2nd one, after the first one was damaged in shipping (the damage did not effect the plastic front of the case, only the internal rails and back corners of the metal case were damaged), and I built my Windows PC inside of one of them.  

I think it is a great case and love the engraved Boing Ball on the front of it to show my love of all things related to the Amiga.
Title: Re: Hello/My New X1000 System
Post by: som99 on November 14, 2014, 07:12:03 AM
Quote from: bbond007;777296
LED fans must still be pretty popular. The 3 140mm ones came with the Carbide Air. Two already had LEDs I just changed the LEDs out for the crazy disco ones. The LEDs were glued in so I had to dremel them out and I'm really concerned about the fumes that it made...

All the others were free after rebate which I did get without fail. The motherboard has more 3pin connectors than 4pin and the BIOS supports 4 different speeds so the sound is very nice on the lower settings.

PWM fans can sound louder at lower speeds then standard because of harmonics. Is not always the case but sometimes it happens.

As far as performance the two r9 290x GPUs can (and have) run full tilt 24/7 and the GPUs stay under 65c with no increase in noise level :) well slight increase, I have two stock Intel CPU fans on my GPU VRM heatsinks which are set to kick on 75% when GPUs hit 60c.

If you know anything about r9 290s their typical behavior is to hit 95c within 10 minutes and start throttling down to a lower speed. Not to mention the noise levels.

so you can see its not all show and no go:

http://www.3dmark.com/fs/3216378


In Sweden I mostly see young people using LED fans, most enthusiast do not like em since most of them not are not performance fans and CFM vs Noise levels are not at the best ratio. But as I said people can use whatever they like and fits their need, as long as they move enough air for your needs and you don't mind their dB levels there is nothing wrong with them :)

PWM fans are no problem when using the right brands that's why I use Noctua and Cougar, Noctua is one of the best fans on the market and have been for quite some time, their air CPU coolers are also the best air coolers, now I use water cooling in my Workstation/gaming rigs and the Cougar fans I'm using actually are designed to push air trough Radiators, quite the difference in fans depending what they are made for and how they push the air and that also makes a impact on how they sound, some fans sound horrible when pushing air into the case but sounds as they should when paired up on radiators etc.

I see you are using pre-built water coolers with the pump built in the block, on them you will be fine with pretty much most fans, they are quite slim so not as important what fan you use there :) Looks like you are using PnP configuration on tha rads also?

I know very well how the 290x heat monsters work since I also have two of them and with the stock ref cooling they where obnoxious but when they are on water they are really nice cards :)

Also I am a heavy overclocker which probably is the reason I have spend quite the time over the years dwelling into the fan jungle :)

Now we gotta keep on topic again, went way overboard haha :)