Variant then? What do I know, some refer to Linux distributions as "flavors", so I assumed it's a fitting term.

I am upgrading my Main PC ( HP z440 ) with larger capacity hard drives so I need to build another one for temporary storage..
So I bought another one. This will be my Home Backup Server..

100tb of hard drive Storage ( 5 x 20tb )
16tb Nvme SSD Storage ( 4 x 4tb )
256gb ECC Memory
16-core, 32-thread - Xeon E5-2697A CPU

I just Love these HP z440 computers

Intel486dx33 wrote on 2024-12-31, 18:27:

I am upgrading my Main PC ( HP z440 ) with larger capacity hard drives so I need to build another one for temporary storage.. […]
Show full quote

I am upgrading my Main PC ( HP z440 ) with larger capacity hard drives so I need to build another one for temporary storage..
So I bought another one. This will be my Home Backup Server..

100tb of hard drive Storage ( 5 x 20tb )
16tb Nvme SSD Storage ( 4 x 4tb )
256gb ECC Memory
16-core, 32-thread - Xeon E5-2697A CPU

I just Love these HP z440 computers

So, you're putting ~$3000 worth of storage into a $100 10 year old workstation?

None of my business, but what do you need all of those threads, all of that NVMe storage and all of that RAM for that wouldn't also benefit from a modern platform, faster memory, etc.?

Ozzuneoj wrote on 2025-01-02, 00:17:

Intel486dx33 wrote on 2024-12-31, 18:27:

I am upgrading my Main PC ( HP z440 ) with larger capacity hard drives so I need to build another one for temporary storage.. […]
Show full quote

I am upgrading my Main PC ( HP z440 ) with larger capacity hard drives so I need to build another one for temporary storage..
So I bought another one. This will be my Home Backup Server..

100tb of hard drive Storage ( 5 x 20tb )
16tb Nvme SSD Storage ( 4 x 4tb )
256gb ECC Memory
16-core, 32-thread - Xeon E5-2697A CPU

I just Love these HP z440 computers

So, you're putting ~$3000 worth of storage into a $100 10 year old workstation?

None of my business, but what do you need all of those threads, all of that NVMe storage and all of that RAM for that wouldn't also benefit from a modern platform, faster memory, etc.?

Cloud and NAS Storage is expensive.
This is just an inexpensive temporary fix.
Eventually I want to use energy saving mini PC’s
All Nvme drives.

But I am waiting for the capacity size to increase in SSD’s and become more affordable.

I am actually just going to use 64gb of ECC RAM
Everything but the SSD’s is refurbished.
So I purchased these components for cheap.

The great thing about these HP z440 computers is how Stable and Reliable they are.
Don’t use the HP provided drivers.
Just use the Microsoft update provided drivers.
Fully supported in Win-10 and Win-11

HP Quality - Dependability
These computers never hang or crash.

These computer should be good for another 5 years but I only need for about two years.

I don’t want to build a NEW computer because the Intel 12th gen and 13th gen and 14th gen is a Dead platform with problems.

So I will just use these HP z440 computers for now.
They are inexpensive and reliable.

Intel486dx33 wrote on 2025-01-02, 16:43:

I don’t want to build a NEW computer because the Intel 12th gen and 13th gen and 14th gen is a Dead platform with problems.

So I will just use these HP z440 computers for now.
They are inexpensive and reliable.

IIRC, the 12th gen doesn't have the oxidation and overheating problems.

Yeah, i don’t have anything important on these computers.
I just use it for OS backups and temporary storage.

Intel486dx33 wrote on 2025-01-02, 18:49:

Yeah, i don’t have anything important on these computers.
I just use it for OS backups and temporary storage.

Man, 116TB of OS backups and temporary storage? 😁

Anyway, it should make for quite a file server. Enjoy. 😀

Ozzuneoj wrote on 2025-01-03, 09:02:

Intel486dx33 wrote on 2025-01-02, 18:49:

Yeah, i don’t have anything important on these computers.
I just use it for OS backups and temporary storage and Memory.

Man, 116TB of OS backups and temporary storage? 😁

Anyway, it should make for quite a file server. Enjoy. 😀

Storage is so inexpensive today, why not ?
Back in the 1990’s we used 80mb-to-2gb hard drives and 4mb-to-512mb of Memory.
We were always wanting more storage and Memory.

So this computer should last me 5 years at least.
I should not have to worry about hard drive space any time soon.

I use to use those Cheap WD MyCloud home NAS drives and they used Cheap drives.
About 10 years ago they all started to Die at once.
Many people lost all their Data.
Lucky I Had some of my important files on other computers so I was able to recover my stuff.
But I will Never trust another single NAS device again. Make sure you Have several NAS devices with redundancy and make several complies of your files.
I also have backups on USB devices.

I can use this 100tb server as a temporary storage device while I better organize my stuff.

BetaC wrote on 2025-01-02, 16:52:

IIRC, the 12th gen doesn't have the oxidation and overheating problems.

I've seen some weird performance problems with 12th-gen, like massive latency spikes that result in 1-2 second screen freezes or audio looping (the farting noise you get on a blue screen, but the rest of the computer is still responding).

If you can deal with the less efficient old hardware, it's fine to load up an old off-lease workstation with a ton of storage. I'd rather use a lower-end business computer (something like an i5 instead of a Xeon) if the case will hold multiple drives for a home NAS (or just buy an old NAS and replace the OS with something more secure).

I bought some parts for some audio stuff I'm doing (which will be part of my computer sound system if it works) and some replacement USB connectors for the old Toshiba laptop I mentioned in that Netflix thread. It has had flaky USB for years (the main reason why it was retired - USB barely works well enough to use a mouse, so it has just been a secondary web browsing machine), the ports are all loose, and the two on the right side have ugly brown contacts (the one port directly on the motherboard still has shiny gold contacts). The problem is that it has weird upside-down USB connectors (so they face the right way up because the boards face down) that sit in a cutout, and there appear to be different vertical heights for that style of connector. I took a wild guess on a Molex part, so I'll see if they work when they show up. The tracking says that they're out for delivery today, but the estimated delivery date is Tuesday. If that fixes USB, then maybe it will get faster storage. I would like something that can handle video capture (long-term sustained writes for hours), but the few remaining SATA SSDs with DRAM cache cost way too much to waste on a computer like this. It might get a 7200RPM HDD instead.

I've also been looking at some almost-reasonably-priced wireless headphones ($100 seems like a low price for Bluetooth stuff, but it's still a lot of money by my standards). The problem is that I don't want to spend that much money and not like how they sound, so I haven't bought anything yet.

Guys, I am NOT Kidding. This HP z440 is the best computer I have ever owned for the MONEY it cost to put together.
Its runs Win-10 and Win-11 Dual boot and it is Very Stable and Reliable. It Never crashed or hangs.
At first I was having problems because I was using HP provided Drivers but since performing a Fresh OEM Installs and only using Microsoft provided drivers
This computer is Rock solid Dependable.
Gone are the days of the blue screen crashes.

I was previously using an HP z220 with Intel i5 and 16gb of RAM but for some reason it only supported (2) 3tb hard drives.
I needed more Storage and a PCI slot for my creative sound blaster Audigy Zs2 card and 40 PCIe lanes.
larger power supply, up to 256gb of ECC RAM , LSI HBA controller, Nvme ssd, Bifurcation, 16-core Xeon CPU, etc.

This HP z440 checked all the boxes and for about $250 for all the components you can't beat this Deal. ( hard drives at extra costs )
I have been using TWO of these HP z440 computers for over TWO Years now and they have proven to be Rock Solid Dependable Performance computers.
They sleep most of the time and wake on lan.
So they don't use to much electricity.
I would say about $40 to $50 a year in electricity if used 24/7/365, Maybe less. but these computers sleep most of the time.
I never have any problem waking them up. Everything works perfectly.
I am very happy with these HP z440's because they are so Reliable.
What price would you put on a computer with all this configuration that is Rock Solid Dependable and Reliable ?

lti wrote on 2025-01-04, 19:20:

BetaC wrote on 2025-01-02, 16:52:

IIRC, the 12th gen doesn't have the oxidation and overheating problems.

I've seen some weird performance problems with 12th-gen, like massive latency spikes that result in 1-2 second screen freezes or audio looping (the farting noise you get on a blue screen, but the rest of the computer is still responding).

The only major issues I have had with my 12700k based machine in the past few years of use are not related to the CPU. the only reason i've had to hard-reset my machine recently is ICUE not playing nice with specifically Crusader Kings 3.

Intel486dx33 wrote on 2025-01-05, 11:00:

Guys, I am NOT Kidding. This HP z440 is the best computer I have ever owned for the MONEY it cost to put together. Its runs Win- […]
Show full quote

Guys, I am NOT Kidding. This HP z440 is the best computer I have ever owned for the MONEY it cost to put together.
Its runs Win-10 and Win-11 Dual boot and it is Very Stable and Reliable. It Never crashed or hangs.
At first I was having problems because I was using HP provided Drivers but since performing a Fresh Install and only using Microsoft provided drivers
This computer is Rock solid Dependable.
Gone are the days of the blue screen crashes.

I was previously using an HP z220 with Intel i5 and 16gb of RAM but for some reason it only supported (2) 3tb hard drives.
I needed more Storage and a PCI slot for my creative sound blaster Audigy Zs2 card and 40 PCIe lanes.
larger power supply, up to 256gb of ECC RAM , LSI HBA controller, Nvme ssd, Bifurcation, 16-core Xeon CPU, etc.

This HP z440 checked all the boxes and for about $250 for all the components you can't beat this Deal. ( hard drives at extra costs )
I have been using TWO of these HP z440 computers for over TWO Years now and they have proven to be Rock Solid Dependable Performance computers.
They sleep most of the time and wake on lan.
So they don't use to much electricity.
I would say about $40 to $50 a year in electricity if used 24/7/365, Maybe less. but these computers sleep most of the time.
I never have any problem waking them up. Everything works perfectly.
I am very happy with these HP z440's because they are so Reliable.
What price would you put on a computer with all this configuration that is Rock Solid Dependable and Reliable ?

Odd.

I have both Z220 and Z420. HP business line and workstation lines are very reliable, I use Elitedesk 800 G1 using i7 at work going to be 6 and half years at this point, no interruptions. Much appreciated since I'm very busy with cellphones, computers and consoles repairs. Have to upgrade to newer generation of HP computer to support windows 11 when I'm ready, needs money first.

I have no issues using pair of 4TB WD Gold in Z220 along with SSD as main boot. Was my main PC for several years. Now using a Elitedesk 800 G3 Mini i7-7700 running 10 and another PC G5 Mini for learning to use windows 11.

Last late year, I rebuilt a Dell Precision 7530 chassis rescued from recycling bin, to use windows 11. based on i5-9400H motherboard for Precision 7540 shares same chassis so fits in no modifications, I did not upgrade to GPU, bought new IPS panel for all angles viewing, since original was shattered, I kept the iGPU that is on the i5-9400H, used four 4GB modules that only have 4 chips each, for total of 16GB and large battery, 512GB NVME, lasted me about 8 to 10 hours on full charge, previous notebooks I had could only manage to last 3 hours. Similar specs to previous generations of mobile i7 which is nice feature. I discovered I can use 90W charger with it so travel weight is less and not have to deal with very bulky 180W charger.

Z420 is same generation as Z220 and I have also no issues using 6TB hard drive WD purple.

Z440 is broadwell generation processor and one of processors can be used is 16 core for total of 32 threads. 😀

Cheers,

The USB connectors I got didn't fit that Toshiba laptop. The outer shell solder tabs are in the wrong place (they need to be 10mm from the front edge, and the Molex parts are 12mm), and the sit at a different height in the board cutout. I don't see any connectors from a major manufacturer with the same dimensions, so I'm just going to leave it half-broken unless I want to take a chance on some Aliexpress connector assortment or something.

pentiumspeed wrote on 2025-01-06, 00:08:

Odd. […]
Show full quote

Intel486dx33 wrote on 2025-01-05, 11:00:

Guys, I am NOT Kidding. This HP z440 is the best computer I have ever owned for the MONEY it cost to put together. Its runs Win- […]
Show full quote

Guys, I am NOT Kidding. This HP z440 is the best computer I have ever owned for the MONEY it cost to put together.
Its runs Win-10 and Win-11 Dual boot and it is Very Stable and Reliable. It Never crashed or hangs.
At first I was having problems because I was using HP provided Drivers but since performing a Fresh Install and only using Microsoft provided drivers
This computer is Rock solid Dependable.
Gone are the days of the blue screen crashes.

I was previously using an HP z220 with Intel i5 and 16gb of RAM but for some reason it only supported (2) 3tb hard drives.
I needed more Storage and a PCI slot for my creative sound blaster Audigy Zs2 card and 40 PCIe lanes.
larger power supply, up to 256gb of ECC RAM , LSI HBA controller, Nvme ssd, Bifurcation, 16-core Xeon CPU, etc.

This HP z440 checked all the boxes and for about $250 for all the components you can't beat this Deal. ( hard drives at extra costs )
I have been using TWO of these HP z440 computers for over TWO Years now and they have proven to be Rock Solid Dependable Performance computers.
They sleep most of the time and wake on lan.
So they don't use to much electricity.
I would say about $40 to $50 a year in electricity if used 24/7/365, Maybe less. but these computers sleep most of the time.
I never have any problem waking them up. Everything works perfectly.
I am very happy with these HP z440's because they are so Reliable.
What price would you put on a computer with all this configuration that is Rock Solid Dependable and Reliable ?

Odd.

I have both Z220 and Z420. HP business line and workstation lines are very reliable, I use Elitedesk 800 G1 using i7 at work going to be 6 and half years at this point, no interruptions. Much appreciated since I'm very busy with cellphones, computers and consoles repairs. Have to upgrade to newer generation of HP computer to support windows 11 when I'm ready, needs money first.

I have no issues using pair of 4TB WD Gold in Z220 along with SSD as main boot. Was my main PC for several years. Now using a Elitedesk 800 G3 Mini i7-7700 running 10 and another PC G5 Mini for learning to use windows 11.

Last late year, I rebuilt a Dell Precision 7530 chassis rescued from recycling bin, to use windows 11. based on i5-9400H motherboard for Precision 7540 shares same chassis so fits in no modifications, I did not upgrade to GPU, bought new IPS panel for all angles viewing, since original was shattered, I kept the iGPU that is on the i5-9400H, used four 4GB modules that only have 4 chips each, for total of 16GB and large battery, 512GB NVME, lasted me about 8 to 10 hours on full charge, previous notebooks I had could only manage to last 3 hours. Similar specs to previous generations of mobile i7 which is nice feature. I discovered I can use 90W charger with it so travel weight is less and not have to deal with very bulky 180W charger.

Z420 is same generation as Z220 and I have also no issues using 6TB hard drive WD purple.

Z440 is broadwell generation processor and one of processors can be used is 16 core for total of 32 threads. 😀

Cheers,

That's what I am using a 16-core, 32-thread Xeon.
They sell for about $40 refurbished in USA.

"I won't buy a Ryzen PC so I'll stick with Z440" is just the kind of position I'd expect certain people to take 🤣

If I was going to build a Server out of an AMD EPYC CPU it would cost $1500 just for the motherboard / CPU / RAM combo
And a total of $4000 in components to build.
But I needed a PCI Slot for my Sound card.
3 years ago when I first started fooling around with this HP z440 it was a good choice.
Today it works better than ever with the latest drivers provided by Microsoft.
Like I said. I am just waiting for price drops on Storage devices ( Hard drives, SSD's )
but for now this HP z440 has Quad Nvme, 2.5 SSD's, and Hard drives, up to 256gb of RAM.
and a PCI slot.
It has everything you need to support all your old hardware on Win-10 and Win-11 at an affordable price.

The funny thing is you can do everything you need on a consumer motherboard with an affordable X870 chipset with 36 PCIe lanes. Heh..

Yeah, HP is ending Support on most of the Z-line computers with Win-10 in October of 2025 but Microsoft won’t let these computer Die Off. It’s going to be interesting what is going to happen when Win-10 ends support. I think computer companies are Hopimg for NEW PC sales to increase in 2025.

Intel486dx33 wrote on 2025-01-06, 17:43:

Yeah, HP is ending Support on most of the Z-line computers with Win-10 in October of 2025 but Microsoft won’t let these computer Die Off. It’s going to be interesting what is going to happen when Win-10 ends support. I think computer companies are Hopimg for NEW PC sales to increase in 2025.

Microsoft is allowing regular people to pay for extended windows 10 support. So if your inclined to pay you can keep using windows 10 past October.

chrismeyer6 wrote on 2025-01-06, 18:20:

Intel486dx33 wrote on 2025-01-06, 17:43:

Yeah, HP is ending Support on most of the Z-line computers with Win-10 in October of 2025 but Microsoft won’t let these computer Die Off. It’s going to be interesting what is going to happen when Win-10 ends support. I think computer companies are Hopimg for NEW PC sales to increase in 2025.

Microsoft is allowing regular people to pay for extended windows 10 support. So if your inclined to pay you can keep using windows 10 past October.

Only for one year though… at the moment. That might get extended but I wouldn’t bet on it.

Edit: I stand corrected, apparently it will be available for longer but with increasing cost each year. Doubling the cost each year is a bit rough IMHO, if true.