The Computer Corner
By Charles Miller

Powerhouse PC has six terabytes, radiators, coffee maker 

Not long ago while surfing around the internet, I came across a web page on a computer-hardware-related site titled “You paid how much for that? Please point your browser to http://tinyurl.com/aty8l5  if you want to follow along.” This website details the construction of what many will consider to be the ultimate “mod,” computer-enthusiast slang for “modification.”

The goal of the builders was to put together the most powerful desktop computer that could be assembled. Putting aside discussions involving mainframe computer networks that might cost millions, the subject is how much could be done and how much could be spent on a regular, albeit not-so-typical desktop PC for individual use.


The customer’s reasons for wanting such a powerhouse are not entirely clear, but here is what was bought: The specs for this super PC included four quad-core AMD Opteron processors, 32 gigabytes of memory and eight hard drives totalling more than six terabytes of storage space. This compares to your typical off-the-shelf PC that might have one dual-core or quad-core processor, two or four gigabytes of RAM, and one hard disk of 500 gigabytes (one half of a terabyte).

Impressive though that is, it is not really such a radical “mod” until we get into the customer’s requirement for a quiet-running machine. That amount of heavy-duty computer hardware produces a lot of heat and practically all of the mods detailed on the web page deal with creating the quiet-running cooling system.

The pictures on the website indicate the obvious difference between this PC and others is the massive radiator mounted to the side of the case. The builders opted for an oversized radiator with enough surface area to permit running nine big fans at such a slow speed they are almost silent.

Clicking to the next picture, we follow the route of the hoses from the radiator inside the PC cabinet to the Koolance combined water pump and reservoir unit. Coolant hoses circulate water to cooling blocks attached to the CPUs and video cards. Personally, I am not sure I want to face the possibility that some day I might be cruising down the information superhighway, then suddenly notice steam spewing from under the hood as a result of a busted radiator hose.

Oh yes, la cuenta? Including parts, labor, software and warranty, the total came to US$16,338.89. Lest you think that is over the top, please read on.

Observing that the liquid cooling system of one of these mod computers heated the coolant to 205° Fahrenheit (96° Celsius), German inventor René G. had an inspiration. The optimal temperature for brewing coffee is between 176°F and 183°F (80°C to 84°C).

A mere US$3,000 in parts and some 80 hours of labor was all he needed to incorporate a coffee grinder and brewing unit into a PC so all that hot water would not go to waste. Roasted coffee beans are loaded into the top of the computer and moments later a delicious cup of coffee starts to flow from a tap above the cup holder (aka DVD drive). Software may be configured to create eight different products by adjusting the amount of coffee, water pressure and even whether or not the coffee grounds should be moistened prior to brewing.

If you find all this hard to believe, point your browser to http://tinyurl.com/dlaut3  to see for yourself. Will you have cream and sugar with that?

Charles Miller is a freelance computer consultant, a frequent visitor to San Miguel since 1981 and now practically a full-time resident. He may be contacted at 044 (415) 101-8528 or email FAQ8 (at) SMAguru.com.