Congrats on the new computers. You might want to air blower to clean your and your brother's computers every so often, especially since you have a pet. Having dust and pet fur in a computers can slow it down. I would recommend this. Other computer enthusiasts might know of better computer cleaners.
Thanks for all the great art!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJZJI84/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I used on of those usb-sata adapters, splitted the power cables from the usb directly to the USB power supply (a 2amp Motorola phone usb charger)
Amazon sells an Ergotron arm that's branded as AmazonBasics Premium Single Monitor Stand. It's 100$, but is half the price of the Ergotron branded one.
And your sketch made me giggle, haha!
Edit: Added links to the Amazon & Ergotron models. If you look at the Amazon product in black, one of their images shows what's included in the box. If you view this image and look at the manual, at the top left is the Ergotron logo. I used to have two of these Erogtron branded arms from 2005-2017. They are AWESOME though spendy--the Amazon branded one is a great deal. Great articulation/adjustment options. I have junky monitor arms in my office and they work as far as holding your monitor, but you can't adjust on-the-fly, they require tools to tighten/loosen bolts and feel flimsy.
VOIP is so good now there is little-to-no reason to have a low quality microphone. Y'all should pitch in and get her one: https://www.amazon.com/Zalman-Zm-Mic1-Sensitivity-Headphone-Microphone/dp/B00029MTMQ
Looks like it's a kumara reddragon keyboard: https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-KUMARA-Backlit-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B016MAK38U
It's a cheap mechanical keyboard, but it works great for the cost. If you don't have a mechanical keyboard this is a great place to start. I have been using mine for about 6 months and it's awesome.
Edit: I was wrong. That is a hyperx keyboard. Probably the alloy fps pro.
These are great headphones for the money. You can have a great budget gaming headset if you pair it with the V-Moda BoomPro for $30: https://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-BoomPro-Microphone-Gaming-Communication/dp/B00BJ17WKK
It may be budget, but they will blow any "gaming" headset out of the water. I got this for my brother, and they are pretty comparable to my HD58x if not better for when it comes to gaming.
Amazon Link. Not trying to shill the product or anything, but it's import to keep our build's clean and this is a necessary tool.
The problem isn't thermal paste, it's that people don't regularly maintain their devices and/or don't place their consoles somewhere with proper ventilation. My PS4 is 4 years old and runs dead silent because after one year (once it was out of warranty), I routinely (every 4-6 months) open my PS4 and dust out the inside with my electric duster (https://www.amazon.com/Metro-ED500-DataVac-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW). I blast the fan, power supply, all the vents, and loosen any hardened dust with a soft paintbrush.
My PS4 runs quiet no matter what I'm playing. Same applies for my PS3, which is going to be 9 years old this year and still runs cool.
Arm— VIVO Single LCD Monitor Desk... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B21TLQU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Monitor— LG 34WN80C-B 34 inch 21:9 Curved UltraWide WQHD IPS Monitor with USB Type-C Connectivity sRGB 99 percentage Color Gamut and HDR10 Compatibility, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YGZ7C1K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_680.Fb090040D?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Hey, I use this stand for a similar setup.
Some tips from an experienced user:
You'll likely benefit from a monitor stand that allows you to position the monitor so that it's parallel to the floor. This will let you seamlessly transition between sleeping and gaming and your spine will thank you.
Wireless earbuds/headphones are essential. Alternatively, some monitors include 3.5mm jacks you can use for headphones.
If your couch has 3 seat cushions, you should look into replacing the middle one with a high-quality inflatable bedpan. I was lukewarm on this at first, but it's really the next logical step and will help you cut out time you're not lying on your couch looking up at your monitor.
Excellent for gaming. Combine with V-Moda Boom Pro into the removable, standard 3.5mm jack on the X2HRs and you have a gaming headset better than the "gaming" branded ones (just without RGB).
I like this, getting a 27" primary and a smaller secondary for side screen and multitasking is great, Can also mount both with something like this https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Adjustable-Screens-STAND-V002/dp/B009S750LA
The mount is something like this . My monitor is not VESA compatible so there are also some adapter arms and clips which you see at the top and bottom.
You would be better spending $6 on Amazon on a Zalman Clip on Mic.
This, this this this. Especially if you're using two monitors. The VIVO desk stand (this guy right here) is $35 and the best selling one on Amazon for a reason. It's super easy to adjust, has a wide range of positions, allows monitors in the profile orientation, and it's ridiculously easy to set up.
At this point I can't imagine going back to using the built in stands with monitors. The VIVO takes up so much less space on my desk and looks so much better, it's amazing.
FYI, when you post Amazon links you can delete all the “ref” (reference) stuff. That’s just Amazon trying to track you/how you got to the link. Example URL:
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Premium-Single-Monitor-Stand/dp/B00MIBN16O
although all of the production houses are going to get the VESA adapter (still $200!) and drop it into their existing editing bays. The only people who would get the stand are people with too much money and a desire for the aesthetic. For anyone else, dropping $300 total on something like this is just a better choice.
I have this one from Amazon It's pretty sturdy but make sure your desk top is thin enough (less than 3 or so inches) for the clamp - my old desk was not so I had to clamp a board to the desk for the mount to attach.
Computers:
S4 mini nfc
Macbook pro 15" 2018
​
Monitors:
Dell s2716dg (left)
LG Ultrafine 5k 27"
​
Speaker:
Apple homepod space grey
​
Keyboard:
Logitech K280e
​
Mouse:
Logitech g305
​
Mousepad:
Hp omen 300
At least some Amazon Basics monitor arms are rebranded Ergotron arms.
I use this one on my 38" UW and it's Rock solid:
AmazonBasics Premium Single 32inch... (.ca link)
If your main concern is sound-whoring, all you need is a solid pair of stereo headphones. 7.1 is always simulated, you're paying more for nothing. Also, pretty much every 7.1 headphones for Xbox require an external plug-in like a sound card or mix amp.
Like the others suggested, Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic both provide "Enhanced Audio" and it's really good. I use plain old stereo headphones with a seperate microphone, I'll link my set up below (works for CAD versions as well).
https://m.newegg.com/products/N82E16826138190 AND https://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-BoomPro-Microphone-Gaming-Communication/dp/B00BJ17WKK
BONUS: Open Back headphones have a wider sound stage and are simply the best for sound-whoring. The only drawback is if you game in a noisy environment, because open back headphones do not isolate or muffle/reduce any sound. The combo I linked you are open back and incredibly comfortable. I searched for an entire week before deciding on this so please just take my word for it you won't regret it!
Firstly, SATA is the (almost) universal adapter for devices in computers (disk readers, storage drives, etc)
If you wanted to recover or view the files, you would need some sort of SATA to USB. Something that lets you connect the device to another computer.
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-SATA-Drive-Adapter-Cable/dp/B00HJZJI84
Something like this would probably work.
Vivo monitor mount from Amazon!
I definitely would recommend it if you want a cheap and sturdy mount; it hasn't failed me so far. :) I'm planning on getting a full swivel arm mount in the future though.
Best bang for your buck in headphones these days in my opinion.
Couple things to note:
These are open back, you will be able to hear what is going on around you and others near you will be able to hear what you are listening to (depending on listening volume and proximity).
These dip under $50 frequently, don't feel pressured to jump on this deal. $160 is a ridiculous starting price.
The bass will be lacking (in volume not quality) compared to a lot of popular headphones (looking at you beats).
When paired with a V-Moda BoomPro (microphone) these make an excellent gaming headset, much better than standard gaming headsets you can get for the price.
Honestly this is the best solution I've found:
https://www.amazon.com/Metro-ED500-DataVac-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW
Price is usually around $55 on Amazon. That adds up to a few cases of compressed air, but you'll never have to use those cans again. Also worth mentioning it's super powerful (it blows air, does not work like a vacuum.)
Just my 2 cents, it's worth it IMO.
EDIT I bought this because it doesn't trap moisture inside like a real air compressor does in the tank / hose (especially in the more humid states.) I learned that lesson the hard way while using my garage air compressor on a custom PC. Fried the board.
It's a gas spring arm I found in my local electronics store. I can't see any mention of it on the internet so I assume it's a rebranded arm from somewhere else.
I kinda wanna switch it out for the Amazon Basics monitor arm as mine is a bit on the weak side for this monitor. Having problems with it tilting down all the time.