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So my blog posts have been a bit scarce lately, but that will be changing soon. Part of the reason is I've been spending an enormous amount of time researching the latest and greatest computer parts for a new build I'm working on. The good news is that I'm finally finishing up the top-end computer build (it'll be able to handle loads of GNS3/Dynamips processing). Build details:

- Intel Core i7 930 - 2.8Ghz -- I plan on over-clocking it to ~3.8Ghz (air cooled)
- Crucial C300 SSD (boot drive) 256GB, SATA 3.0 -- Currently the fastest SSD drive on the market
- 2x Hitachi 2TB hard drives in RAID 1 configuration -- Data mirroring for long-term storage
- G.Skill Ripjaw 12GB DDR3 memory - Reliable memory, also good for over-clocking
- Asus P6X58D motherboard - First mobo with USB 3.0 and SATA 3.0; also has dual NICs
- Antec TP-750 750watt PSU
- Pioneer 12x BluRay burner
- Sapphire ATI 5850 video card - Good for the occasional gaming
- Silverstone FT-01 case - This case is amazing, highly recommend it for many reasons
- Windows 7 Ultimate - Will be doing some VMWare virtualization for my *NIX needs

Still awaiting delivery:
- Dell U2711 monitor - 27" LCD, 2560x1440 resolution (!); brand new hot item causing delivery times to 2-3 weeks out. Will be worth the wait though (same LG panel is used here that's in the iMac 27")



Besides spending much of my spare time on that project, I'm still studying for the Cisco QoS exam (going for the CCIP now), albeit slowly. My current employer recently sent me off to some Global Knowledge courses, QoS and MPLS to be exact. Both classes were pretty good, although I was expecting more in-depth detail. Supposedly the exams are based off of this 'official' class material, we shall see though.