What to do with new system?

[python023]

Here is my situation: I just went out and built a custom high powered rig for myself. However, with all this power, I feel like im not getting the most out of it. I browse anandtech and slashdot, play C&C Generals, listen to music, IM, download stuff, but really its nothing i couldnt do on my old system. What are some cool or interesting things i can do with a high powered system with a minimal budget but a lot of time?

 

[imported_Tick]

CS:S/CS 1.6
Flash/Photoshop (Relatively small budget compared to time spent)
Folding@home
Benching
WoW
ETC.

 

[suicidalpigeon]

so basically you bought a new system that will perform beyond your basic necessities? pfft.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Tick
CS:S/CS 1.6
Flash/Photoshop (Relatively small budget compared to time spent)
Folding@home
Benching
WoW
ETC.

Yeah, multiplayer games with great graphics is a good idea.

I like the distributed computing idea. Head over to that forum and see if anything catches you eye.

 

[mechBgon]

Get into 3D modelling and animation. If you enjoy it, then it should keep both you and your computer busy for long periods of time. :evil: Example, rendered model of Park Tool TS-2, a model of a Park Tool TS-2 with some customizations. Real TS-2 (custom) and TS-3 (stock) for comparison. The modelling will keep you busy, the radiosity computations and rendering will keep your computer busy. Be careful, though, this hobby can do strange stuff to ya :Q

You mentioned "budget," and for under $100 you can get Caligari trueSpace 5.2 if you watch their site for a sale. I haven't tried Maya Personal Learning Edition, but I believe that's free.

Other than that... games and more games and maybe some video editing and image editing like the guys said. Photoshop Elements / Premiere Elements come in a bundle for $130-ish, that's not bad IMHO.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Try some FPS games like Doom 3, Half Life 2, Battlefield 2, CS:Source, etc.

 

[xtknight]

Code C++ and let the compilers run in all their glory.

 

[python023]

Well its not really way beyond my basic necessities. My last system could not run C&C generals nor Call of Duty, so i needed something that would perform exceptionally well on those games. I just want to feel like i am getting the most out of my system and doing interesting things. Video Editing or Modeling seems very interesting, but wheni think about it, i cant see how that would appeal to anyone besides me. I do a little bit of coding but I felt that without a teacher or someone to teach me in person, i didnt truly understand everything.

 

[eXx08]

Give It To Me
hey it's free, except shipping wich u can pay

 

[Anubis]

SETI
http://forums.anandtech.com/categories.aspx?catid=39&flcache=9934412&entercat=y