Apple

Hardware: Optimizing Startup Disk Throughput on Linux -- SATA vs PCIe

Okay... BIG qualifier here: this post pertains to a 2008 Mac Pro running Ubuntu 18.04.5 LTS. If you're expecting some sort of cutting edge hardware review, this isn't it. However, I fetishize old computers and my 2008 Mac Pro holds well enough against contemporary computers that it can handle just about anything I throw at it as a web-developer in 2021. This computer has been an ongoing project, and I enjoy tweaking it here and there to see just how well it can keep up. I recently purchased some PCIe cards (adapters, really) to run hard-disks on, and in this post I'd like to casually review which card, which drive, and which connection gets me the best performance. I'll also discuss what kinds of tools on Ubuntu/Linux help me assess this.

Background

Now, technically speaking, most of the information in this review could easily be found in product descriptions. Product descriptions, however, aren't always what they're cut out to be. I really prefer not to take it for granted that the maximum throughput listed on a product is the same as what you'll get on your own computer. It seems like there are enough variables in data throughput (reading and writing hard disks) that use-case is inevitably a factor. If my testing turns out to be redundant, that's fine.

Tags

Installing a Linux Distro for the first time -- hiccups you can expect

I'm yet to have a Linux Distribution install without any error, whatsoever. In general terms, what should you be careful of when installing for the first time?

I just bought my Kids a new computer for Christmas. I don't fork out cash for kid computers, nor do I really believe in buying into the newest gaming platforms, whatever they may be; there's always something better just on the horizon, and the games are way too expensive. Beyond that, "pay to play" is real in 2019, and there are far too many gaming ecosystems engaged in predatory marketing.

Tags

MAGA: Make Apple Great Again

After some 25 years of brand loyalty, I want out. Apple used to be cool. In 2019, they're just another corporate leech.

My iPhone 7 is dead this morning. I wake up; hit the home button; nothing. This is my work number, so, yeah... it's a slight inconvenience. Put on a pot of coffee and climb the stairs to my office: "maybe if I connect to the old MacPro I can get some diagnostic info..."

Tags

Subscribe to Apple