Got a Christmas gift - blow it on hardware? (Fix my car?)

[VirtualLarry]

Disclaimer: I do have an older vehicle, that could probably use some service, so this may not actually happen.

But, just wondering, if you had a couple hundred bucks to spend on hardware, what would you buy?

I've already got several R5 1600 rigs, some RX 460, 470, 570 GPUs. All of the rigs have 16GB RAM.

Some options:

1) Newegg had a 43" 4K UHD no-name TV, for $184.99 after promo, ShellShocker for Dec. 26th.
I already have monitors for all of my rigs, and I already bought a couple of 40" 4K UHD screens last year around Black Friday for roughly $210 ea. They are still working great.

2) Newegg has some Adata M.2 PCI-E SSDs, marked down, with a free Newegg gift card. They had a 512GB SX7000 3D TLC SSD for $149.99 with a free $10 GC (e-mailed).
I don't own any 512GB M.2 PCI-E SSDs, and I would love to get a few for my R5 1600 rigs, as well as my DeskMini G4600 rigs... so could use a few of these, in truth, but I don't have that much $$$. I do already own a number of 256GB and 128GB M.2 PCI-E SSDs of varying types.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIADF16NW7016

3) The Crucial MX500 1TB SATA 3D TLC (2nd-gen 64L Micron NAND) was just released, for $259.99. Seems decent from reviews. Don't own any 1TB SSDs yet.

4) More WD Red 8TB drives, inside the EasyStore 8TB externals from BestBuy. Got a few of these already, shucked and installed into a nice 4-bay NAS. Sweet deal on drives. Could always use a few more, but recent posts to that Hot Deals thread, indicate newer drives are not the same inside, and those drives have the spin-up lock, if you plug them into a standard SATA connection. (Unknown if they have the issue with my particular NAS units.)

 

[whm1974]

I would get your vehicle serviced if you need it to get to work. You have plenty of computer hardware.

 

[snoopy7548]

What's your audio situation like?

 

[XavierMace]

Repeat after me: You don't need more hardware you aren't going to use. Your storage shed is expensive and full.

This shouldn't even be a consideration. Start taking care of your neglected car.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Repeat after me: You don't need more hardware you aren't going to use. Your storage shed is expensive and full.

This shouldn't even be a consideration. Start taking care of your neglected car.

LOL... You're right, of course. What can I say, I'm a (tech) addict. That reminds me, I need to stock up on Ramen soon.

 

[Ken g6]

Hm, you have car trouble and you want computer hardware? How about something like this OBD2 scanner? https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-34t5-Bluetooth-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS

 

[ao_ika_red]

Hm, you have car trouble and you want computer hardware? How about something like this OBD2 scanner? https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-34t5-Bluetooth-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS

Thanks Ken, I think I will need this in near future.
Larry, with $200, you'll get this scanner, some spanners, and spare parts that your car might desperately need.

 

[XavierMace]

OBD2 ($20) reader like Ken said + Torque Lite on Android (free) will greatly assist in troubleshooting your car (assuming it's recent enough for OBD2). I recently picked up a portable lithium jump starter ($90) just in case. I picked up Craftsman's Mechanic's toolset ($170) when my roommate with all the tools moved out. It's been great and should cover most normal driveway work. Picked up a new SOG Multitool ($70) to keep in my laptop bag instead a variety of standard tools. If you REALLY need something electronic to tinker with, buy a RPi.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I recently picked up a portable lithium jump starter ($90) just in case.

I've been thinking about that too. My local AutoZone had a couple of different ones out on a table for sale. My problem is, I don't know which ones are the "good ones".

I had to call AAA last year in the winter to get my car jump-started after I left a light on, and they used a Li-Ion jump-start pack, it was fairly small, but it worked really amazingly. I would love to get one like that one.

I like the OBDCII code reader too, I could really use one of those. Will that one you linked, work with a PC too, or just Android?

 

[XavierMace]

I've been thinking about that too. My local AutoZone had a couple of different ones out on a table for sale. My problem is, I don't know which ones are the "good ones".

I had to call AAA last year in the winter to get my car jump-started after I left a light on, and they used a Li-Ion jump-start pack, it was fairly small, but it worked really amazingly. I would love to get one like that one.

I like the OBDCII code reader too, I could really use one of those. Will that one you linked, work with a PC too, or just Android?

You'd have to see if there's a decent Windows app for OBDII but it should. I'd just install Android x86 on one of those cheap Windows tablets you have and call it good. Or sell some and get one of the dual boot ones. I've got Torque installed on my phone and keep the reader in the car for the quick/emergency stuff. I keep the other larger apps on the tablet as well as Torque when the extra screen space is needed.

I'm by no means a wrench guy but I can generally get my basic maintenance done. Even when I need assistance, I still make sure I have the necessary tools. I don't like being "that" guy. Here's what I've got.

"Core" toolset ($140): http://www.sears.com/craftsman-270p...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CPeTuvXVqdgCFca5ZAod1u8Ksg

Bluetooth OBD2 reader ($12): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NAAR0FP

Worklight ($14): http://www.sears.com/craftsman-cord...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Torx Socket set ($30, because German car): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054KBNW0

Torque Wrench ($65): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028081GK

Breaker Bar ($32): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000U5RXVY

Jump starter ($90): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3SEJIJ

Full disclosure on the jump starter, I haven't used it yet but it's got good reviews online. I powered it on, it reports battery is charged and I verified it supplied power to my phone via it's USB port. Haven't tried a jump start yet though. The rest of the above have been used multiple times for a variety of common jobs (brake pads and rotors, water pump, battery, etc). I love the work light for area illumination but it's directional brightness leaves a lot to be desired. It includes a magnetic mount/holder which I leave on the side of my server rack. LOL. A decent small CREE LED flashlight is still a good idea. The OBD2 reader has been used on multiple vehicles (Toyota, Hyundai, BMW) with multiple apps. No issues, disconnects, etc. The torque wrench was validated with a beam type torque wrench.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Wow, thanks for the extensive post with links!

Edit: Always learning something from you, thanks!