The Ultimate Guide to Our New AI-Ready Gaming PC

Introduction

One day I noticed windows update had a message, saying my PC was not compatible to upgrade to windows 11 (I was running windows 10 at the time). I had that PC for over 10 years and it had served me well. Nothing was wrong with my computer, but according to Microsoft it was outdated.

On one hand, I was bummed out. Realizing I had to make a purchase to run windows 11.

On the other hand, I am a total computer nerd. So I was kind of excited to do some research and build a new PC. I had built other PC’s for relatives, but a new PC for me, I’ll admit it kind of got me excited!

In college, one of my first assignments as a computer science student was to research and piece together a PC and make sure every component was compatible with all the other components. Ever since then, I have always preferred to build my PC over purchasing a pre-built machine.

Don’t get me wrong, I know DELL can make one hell of a machine, I’ve used them plenty when I worked for big corporate companies that had corporate deals with Dell. But, I’ve noticed that pre-built PC’s seem to be a lot more expensive for the average user when you order them with the kind of specs I’m looking for in a new PC.

I mean we are literally living in the dawn of AI. Windows 11 has an AI chatbot and image generator built right into the operating system. Also since I work in IT, I decided to shoot for the absolute most powerful PC I could piece together with a $3000 budget.

If your like me and have limited funds in this situation but still need to get top of the line, then in my opinion, you get WAY MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK building a PC then purchasing a pre-built one.

But I understand, some don’t have the knowledge, time, patience or will to put together a PC. If you want a custom PC build tailored to your needs. Check out this link and fill out the form. Get your custom PC built for you and sent to your door!

Check out this link here if you want to know more about building your own PC or if you would like some help on what to look for and how to know if a pc part/components are compatible or not.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of the AI-Ready Gaming PC
2. Key Components
   1. MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI Motherboard
   2. Intel Core i7-13700KF CPU
   3. ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 OG OC Edition Graphics Card
   4. Cooler Master Hyper 620S Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler
   5. 32 GB 288-Pin PC RAM DDR5 6400
   6. CORSAIR RMe Series RM1200e ATX Power Supply (Fully Modular)
   7. LIAN LI O11 Dynamic EVO RGB Black Aluminum PC Case
3. Performance Benchmarks
4. Why AI-Ready Matters
5. Optimizing Your New Gaming PC
6. Conclusion
7. Additional Resources

Overview of the AI-Ready Gaming PC

Our AI-ready gaming PC is a testament to cutting-edge technology tailored for gamers and AI enthusiasts alike. Equipped with state-of-the-art components, this PC offers unmatched performance, reliability, and style. Whether you’re engaging in intensive gaming sessions, working on high-resolution video editing, or running complex AI algorithms, this machine is designed to handle it all.

Key Components

MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI Motherboard

The foundation of our gaming PC begins with the MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI motherboard. It is designed for stability and performance, featuring support for DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0. This motherboard ensures that every other component operates at its full potential, providing seamless connectivity and robust build quality.

At the time new-egg had this mother board on sale for $139. I thought it was a steal! I could have spent another $100 and got the absolute most updated IROG ASUS motherboard but I thought the sale price of this was just too good to pass up. Also this motherboard has all the features I was looking for.

Intel Core i7-13700KF CPU

At the heart of our AI-ready gaming PC is the Intel Core i7-13700KF CPU.

With 16 cores and 24 threads, this processor handles any task with ease, from high-fidelity gaming to complex AI computations. Its remarkable speed and efficiency make it the perfect choice for a high-performance gaming rig.

Notice the ‘Discrete Graphics Required’ here. This was very purposeful. Most newer CPU’s seem to have a portion of the CPU that is dedicated to processing graphics. This is because a-lot of the newer motherboards come with an on-board graphical output interface. However in order to use this interface and hook your monitor up to it your processor or CPU needs to be able to support graphical processing.

Since I was getting the NVIDA GeForce RTX 4090 I wanted to make sure that the CPU I chose did NOT devote any of its cores to graphics processing. I specifically sought this out so that I know that every core of the CPU is devoted to only compute and NOT graphical processing.

So that is what the ‘Discrete Graphics Required’ message is saying here at the bottom of the box of my processor. It says that this CPU does NOT support graphics processing. You will need another, a (discrete) device, to process graphics. Which is what I wanted.

ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 OG OC Edition Graphics Card

Visually transforming your gaming experience is the ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 OG OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card. Known for its advanced AI features, ray tracing capabilities, and DLSS technology, it ensures that every game you play looks stunning with smooth, lifelike visuals.

The one thing I knew I wanted to go all out on was the video card. I wanted the top of the line video card. I wanted an NVIDIA RTX 4090.

The reason for me wanting a powerful video card, aside from the gaming capabilities, is I had played around with stable diffusion before on my old machine. On that machine, I could generate a single image in about 10 minutes. I knew that If I got a 4090 it would only take a few seconds. The first thing I started researching was the video card, specifically the RTX 4090. I read great reviews of the TUF Gaming version, so in the end that is the one I went with.

Cooler Master Hyper 620S Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler

Cooling is paramount, and the Cooler Master Hyper 620S Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler excels at maintaining optimal temperatures. Its dual tower heatsink design keeps the CPU cool even during the most demanding tasks, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.

32 GB 288-Pin PC RAM DDR5 6400

For memory, we have included 32 GB of 288-Pin PC RAM DDR5 6400. Running at an impressive 6400 MHz, this RAM ensures that your system performs smoothly, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or running complex AI algorithms.

CORSAIR RMe Series RM1200e ATX Power Supply (Fully Modular)

Powering the entire system is the CORSAIR RMe Series RM1200e ATX Power Supply, a fully modular unit that provides 1200W of reliable power. This ensures that every component receives the energy it needs without any risk of power shortages or instability.

LIAN LI O11 Dynamic EVO RGB Black Aluminum PC Case

Last but certainly not least is the LIAN LI O11 Dynamic EVO RGB Black Aluminum PC Case. With its spacious interior and eye-catching design, it provides excellent airflow and a stylish look, making it the perfect home for all of your high-performance components.

Performance Benchmarks

Stay tuned for our performance benchmarks, where we will put our AI-ready gaming PC through its paces. Expect detailed analyses on gaming performance, AI computation efficiency, thermal management, and more.

Why AI-Ready Matters

The rise of AI in gaming and other applications necessitates hardware that can handle complex algorithms and computations efficiently. Our AI-ready gaming PC is designed with components that not only excel at gaming but also provide the computational power needed for machine learning, deep learning, and other AI tasks.

Optimizing Your New Gaming PC

To get the most out of your new AI-ready gaming PC, follow these optimization tips:

1. Regular Updates: Keep your operating system, drivers, and software up-to-date.
2. Proper Ventilation: Ensure that the PC is placed in a well-ventilated area to maintain optimal temperatures.
3. Usage Monitoring: Utilize software to monitor system performance and make adjustments as necessary.
4. Regular Maintenance: Clean the interior of your PC periodically to prevent dust build-up that can impede cooling.

Conclusion

Our new AI-ready gaming PC represents the pinnacle of gaming and AI technology. With top-tier components like the MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI motherboard, Intel Core i7-13700KF CPU, and the ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card, this machine is ready to tackle any challenge you throw at it.

Additional Resources

• Optimizing Your Gaming PC for Peak Performance
• The Future of AI in Gaming: Trends and Predictions
• Custom Builds vs. Pre-built Systems: What’s Right for You?

By incorporating these tips and understanding the capabilities of each component, you can ensure your new gaming PC will provide an exceptional computing experience for years to come. Stay tuned for more insights, reviews, and updates in the world of high-performance computing.

Welcome to the future of gaming and AI.

A while back, I did some business with Carvana selling them a used car and I wanted to write about it as I thought it was a very interesting experience.

First some history about the car…

So about 4 years before selling the car to Carvana…

I was in need of a used vehicle.

I had $5000 for a down payment.

Very soon into my search for a ‘new to me’ vehicle, an extended family member reached out and informed me that they had a 2013 dark blue Ford Fusion with just under 50,000 original miles for sale.

When I got there, I thought the car looked great.  But then I got closer and noticed it had some dents…

It had dents all around the vehicle and a few small rock chips in the windshield.  The family member told me all of the damage was cosmetic. 

So I took it for a test drive and got it up to about 80 miles per hour on the interstate. The air conditioner blew COLD AIR, The car drove straight and didn’t make noises when it got up to speed. I peeked my head under the hood and under the entire car and didn’t see anything leaking.

When I got back to the family members house he asked me what I thought. I told him that I thought it was a great running car and the damage doesn’t seem to impede the ride at all.  I said it had to be worth at least $12000 – $13000 and all I had at that time was $5000.

Then he told me he’d let me have it for $7000. 

I gladly gave him the $5000 and told him i would be back in two weeks with the other $2000.

I ended up owning that 2013 ford fusion for four and a half years. I parked it in my garage every night and I changed the oil every 4000 to 5000 miles. It was a great running vehicle. 

With my family getting bigger I was forming a need for a bigger vehicle.

After 4+ years of driving the ford fusion and it still having under 80,000 miles, I knew that I had to sell the car soon if I wanted to get any value out of it being sold.

I decided my end goal was to get a full sized extended cab 4×4 pickup truck.  I like either a RAM 1500 or a Ford F-150.  I figured that if I could sell my Fusion then I could use that money as a down payment on a used full size pickup.

Kelley blue book said my fusion was worth about $10,000 – $12,000 at this time but that was for great condition.  My car still had all the body damage it had when I first bought it as I never fixed any of it.

I decided to see what the ford dealership on the outskirts of town had to say about it. I learned that dealerships want to do things their way which is:

1. First, pick a vehicle from our inventory
2. Then we’ll talk trade in.

So I picked out a real nice black RAM 1500 4×4 pickup. It was a 2012 with about 53000 miles on it. The young man who was my sales guy took one look at my fusion and said “I can try to get $2000 for it but I doubt it.” I laughed and told him not to bother!.” Thanked him for his time and walked out. He sent me a text as I drove out of the lot saying the best he could do was $2500.  I didn’t even reply.

Now I was thinking this might be more of a challenge than I thought to get the kind of money I was looking for when selling my 2013 ford fusion.

Later on in the evening, while eating dinner a Carvana commercial came on TV and that is when I got the idea to hop online and see if Carvana would give me an offer?

To my surprise not only did they give me an offer but it was way over anything I was expecting.  So much so that I thought at first it was a hoax.  I was even truthful in all my answers about my vehicle.  I stated that it did have body damage on all four corners of the vehicle but none that impeded its ride or function. 

The next day I decided to pull the trigger and see if it would actually work. I decided that the worst that could happen would be they don’t show up or they do and they don’t want my car.  So worse case, I’ll still have my car.

First I had to scheduled a meeting with a Carvana representative. They were are able to meet me at my home to do a visual inspection and administer the final paperwork.  The meeting was scheduled exactly one week from the day I confirmed and accepted their offer which by the way was $9100.00

Yep that is correct they offered me $9100.00 online for a 2013 Ford Fusion that had under 80,000 miles with body damage all the way around the vehicle without even looking at it. I also noted in description of the vehicle that it did have body damage and a few chips in the windshield.

That week was hell for me!

I kept saying to my-self “They are not going to give me $9100 for that car! NO WAY!!!, It’s got body damage. No way!!”

But then I’d think, if they give me $9100 for that car then I will be able to easily afford a $10,000 down payment on a full size truck!

When the day came I was a nervous wreck. I just wanted it to be over and I knew that I was going to be absolutely devastated if they didn’t take the car and give me a check for $9100.  I decided to just assume the worst and tell my self that I was going to be disappointed.

When the Carvana car pulled up I was super excited!

She did notice the body damage and asked if I noted that on my original application for an offer. I said I filled out all the sections regarding damage very thoroughly and was very explicit. I also uploaded pictures as well.

The rep said OK and told me to go back in side and when she was done evaluating the car she would come knock on my door and let me know what they were going to do. She said she had to call her boss and send photos from her phone and that he would be the ultimate decision maker on whether or not they buy the car from me.

So I walked back to my front porch, sat down and patiently waited.  All I could think was “If they hand me a check for $9100 this will be a fantastic day!”

After about 10 minutes the Carvana rep came over and told me that Carvana has decided that they do want to purchase my 2013 Ford Fusion from me!  I had to sign a few pieces of paper.  I handed her the title to the fusion and she gave me a check for $9100.00. She never drove the vehicle but she did start the engine to make sure it ran.

I asked “Are you going to drive it to your head quarters?” And the representative replied that she would have it towed to their nearest Carvana body shop where it would under go inspection and repairs. The rep took the keys from me and put them in a lock box inside of the vehicle for the tow truck driver.

A few hours later the tow truck driver showed up and rigged it to the back end of her truck and drove off with it.

The next day I had a 2017 RAM 1500 Extended Cab 4×4 which I still own to this day!

Conclusions

My experience selling a car to Carvana was phenomenal!!!.

Not only was it super easy but the offer was astronomically larger than any other offer I had. I did not have to negotiate a deal like you would have to do with a traditional dealership. I just typed in my information and the they gave me a quote and it never changed!

When I sold my 2013 Ford Fusion it was paid off, it had under 80,000 original miles and it was under 10 years old.

If you find yourself in a similar situation I highly recommend you head over to Carvana.com and see what they offer you for your used vehicle!

 

The ‘Command Mesh’ Electronic Drum Kit by Alesis is a great option for a modern, affordable electronic drum kit that offers a wide array of features.

Suitable for drummers at all levels.

Great for practicing, recording, and performing.

But before diving into what sets this kit apart, let’s touch on a crucial aspect that distinguishes electronic kits from acoustic drum kits.

Dynamics

One of the most significant differences between acoustic and electronic drum sets is how they handle playing dynamics.

With an acoustic kit, the force of your stroke directly impacts the volume and tone. 

Hit harder for a louder, more vibrant sound.

This direct feedback allows for a wide range of dynamics, from soft whispers to thunderous roars.

Electronic kits like the Alesis Command Mesh interpret dynamics electronically. The volume and tone depend on how the module is programmed and its volume settings.

While the Alesis Command Mesh Kit captures the intensity of your playing, distinguishing between soft and hard hits, the dynamic range is more binary compared to an acoustic kit.

Acoustic vs Electronic Dynamics

 

As we explore the Alesis Command Mesh Kit further, keep this key difference in mind—it’s where the traditional feel of drumming meets modern electronic capabilities, offering new avenues for creativity.

The Heart of the Kit: Command Module

At the core of the Alesis Command Mesh Kit is its powerful command module. Here are some standout features:

• 70+ Pre-Programmed Drum Kits: Explore a wide variety of sounds or create and save your custom kits.
• Intuitive Interface: Easily navigate through options without interrupting your creative flow.
• Custom Sound Creation: Load your own WAV files and MP3 play-along tracks via USB thumb drive.

Responsive Mesh Heads and More

The Alesis Command Mesh Kit enhances the playing experience with responsive dual-zone mesh heads on the toms and snare. This setup mimics the feel of acoustic drums and adds expressiveness with rim shot functionality. The cymbals also feature choke functionality, allowing for nuanced playing techniques.

Key Features:

1. Tension-Adjustable Mesh Drum Heads:
   • Three 8″ dual-zone mesh toms
   • One 10″ dual-zone mesh snare drum
   • One 8″ mesh kick pad
2. Cymbal Setup:
   • Three 10″ cymbals (ride with choke, crash with choke, and hi-hat)
3. Hardware Included:
   • Kick drum pedal and hi-hat pedal for immediate playability
4. Command Advanced Drum Module:
   • 74 kits and 671 sounds, plus USB connectivity for WAV and MP3 files
5. Recording and Connectivity:
   • Record up to 5 tracks internally and up to 99 tracks with a USB thumb drive
   • USB/MIDI connection for recording software and sound libraries
6. Premium 4-Post Chrome Rack:
   • Ensures stability and durability with non-slip clamps

Practice Made Perfect

The built-in metronome and play-along tracks make the Alesis Command Mesh Kit an invaluable practice tool. These features help improve timing and versatility, making practice sessions more engaging.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The kit includes a 1/4″ headphone jack for private sessions and can be connected to an amplifier for louder play. Its bass drum module is compatible with third-party kick pedals, offering flexibility and customization.

Tips for Optimal Use

• Drumsticks: Use brand new, plastic, or nylon-tipped sticks to preserve the mesh heads.
• Customization: The kit comes with a hi-hat pedal and a kick pedal, but you can use third-party pedals for a personalized experience.

Conclusion

The Alesis Command Mesh Kit is a testament to the fusion of modern technology and traditional drumming. It offers the authentic feel of acoustic drums with the expansive versatility of an electronic kit. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, this kit promises to inspire and elevate your musical expressions.

Key Takeaways:

• Dynamic Response: Understand the difference between acoustic and electronic dynamics.
• Feature-Rich Module: Benefit from a versatile and powerful command module.
• Expressive Play: Enjoy the feel and responsiveness of dual-zone mesh heads and choke cymbals.
• Practice Tools: Utilize built-in metronome and play-along tracks.
• Connectivity: Connect via USB/MIDI and customize with third-party pedals.

The Alesis Command Mesh Kit is more than just an electronic drum set—it’s a gateway to expressing your musical creativity in ways you’ve never imagined.