Introduction
Ever since 1st year, I was dying for a new computer (my good friends from res would undestand my anguish). I was using a P2 400 MHz, 384MB RAM, two 9GB hard drives and an 8MB video card. To understand my frustration, it takes my computer 3 mins to boot up to Win XP (just meeting the minimum requirements), the hard drive is loud and slow, internet is barely browsable, and it is not uncommon for it to freeze. Basically, it was on life-support and the plug could be pulled anytime.

However, all that changed on Oct 8, 2005 when I finally bought a new computer and assembled it myself. I tried very hard to pinch every penny even if it means saving $$$ on the labor cost. I felt compelled to write a review/diary report after reading so many from the net. Here are the specs to my new baby; (I think of it as my own):

I was lucky enough that my friend's dad works at a place that sells the case I wanted. Instead of paying the retail price of 80.00$, i was able to get it for only 62.00$.

First Impression
As soon as I unpacked the case, the very first thing I wanted to see was the 3 gauges on the front of the case. The top gauge displays the sound volume from the audio output, the middle displays the case fan's RPM as a percentage, and the bottom displays the temperature where the temperature sensing unit is placed inside the case. When power is started, the 3 dials light up in a magnificent blue LED. Such an awesome sight! There is a side fan mounted on the side that blows air into the computer directly into the CPU fan for extra cooling. I had hope for a side window, because on the box, it indicated that this model had a side window, but I guess those chinese workers can't read and mindlessly check the "Yes" box beside "Side Window". I didn't notice the reflective car show finish as reported by a review on MODTHEBOX.COM, instead mine was a bit more matte, ah well.

The 3 gauges (click for a larger view)	The 3 gauges in darkness (click for a larger view)
View of the side (click for a larger view)	Nice blue light emanating from the side, so mesmerizing O.o (click for a larger view)
Acrylic side window: Yes, then WHERE?!?! (click for a larger view)

The front of the case is covered in a grill similar to those of a stereo speaker, this allows you can see the lights from any running optical devices. The front cover is cleverly held in place by 2 magnets. I find this is a nice feature considering it is a budget case.

View of the front (click for a larger view)

The magnets are located at the right edge, the 2 silvery rectangles (click for a larger view)

Inside Look
A cool feature with this case is the "Tool-free assembly", meaning you theoretically don't need any screw drivers or tools to attach the components because everything snaps into place. However, this was not the case for installation of the video card and the wireless LAN card. The "tool-free" thing-a-ma-bobby was obstructing the insertion of the video card. I had to use a screw driver to remove that thing-a-ma-bobby. The DVD-RW and hard drive were installed without screws because they are held in place by the white locking system.

The insider's look into my case (click for a larger view)
The big white cone is connected to the fan and directs the air into the CPU (click for a larger view)	When it gets dark, the Blue LED will light out the inside (click for a larger view)

You will notice that the wires are all bundled up nicely, that's because I'm a NEAT FREAK, I go that far to make my case look nice inside. The dual RAM sticks are covered by a copper heat spreader, but is hidden behind the lump of power cable. The CPU fan takes up quite a bit of space inside, but is necessary for cooling. Once the lights go out, it's a non-stop disco party inside!

Disco fever all night long! (click for a larger view)	Light effect generated by the 2 case fans (click for a larger view)
View from the bottom, you can see the video card in the middle (click for a larger view)	Another view from the bottom, the video card is more visible (click for a larger view)

Computer in operationAfter setting up the BIOS, it's time to install WIN XP SP2. Booting into Windows now takes less than 20 seconds! The CPU is overclocked to 105% of stock settings, running at 2.3GHz instead of 2.2GHz. For once, I can use my computer in relative quietness. Now, I will be able to play some of the newer games, although I haven't found any yet. The Asus 6600GT comes with 128MB DDR3 of video RAM, which would last for about 2-3 yrs before it becomes obsolete; The fans above the video card's processor is by far the loudest component of my case. I wish it could adjust its speed relative to the load, rather than spinning at full speed.

The black case complements the black legs of my desk. When I have enough money, I might consider changing to a black keyboard and mouse set. (click for a larger view)

Final thoughts
This is an amazing case for the price I paid. I highly recommended it to anyone considering a new case. The only problem I had was a manufacturing defect. After the labour-intensive assembly, the computer wouldn't turn on. Nothing happened after repeatedly pressing the on/off switch. Panic rushed in with a shock wave, so many thoughts ran throught my mind in a fraction of a second. What could go on? Broken power cable? Electrostatic fried the boards? Improper insertion of pins? It turns out a wire behind the power switch was disconnected. So my friend's dad was nice enough to replace it for me!

Two nights ago, I had dinner with my aunt and uncle. My uncle is a funny man, always telling jokes and funny stories. He has three children, a daughter and two sons, and they each have a nickname. The daughter is nicknamed "Big", the older son, "Trou"; and the youngest son, "Ble". At first I didn't understand because he speaks english with a cantonese accent. But after he explained it made sense and I couldn't stop laughing.

Here is the reason:
Daughter + older Son = Big Trou (which is okay)
Daughter + younger Son = Big Ble (which is still okay)
Now.....
older Son + younger Son = Trouble
and all three together....
Daughter + older Son + younger Son = Big Trouble! 

I came up with this list during last year's BMQ. You'll find it funny if you've been in the military, so don't be surprised if you don't undertsand most of them. I'll be more than happy to explain any of them.

You know when you are in BMQ (Basic Military Qualification) for too long when...

• ...your first name is Pte.
• ...someone farts, you yell "Gas Gas Gas".
• ...you use "F*CK" in every other word.
• ...you wake up at 5AM panicking and thinking you slept-in.
• ...after a 9 days exercise without sleep, you thinking the trees are attacking you.
• ...you finish eating before anyone has started.
• ...you burn loose threads off your civilian clothes.
• ...you enter a bedroom and tear apart the bed because of a wrinkle.
• ...your phone calls don't last more than 7 secs.
• ...you sleep on the floor more often than your bed.
• ...you are marching in step with a bunch of army buddies in public.
• ...your co-worker sticks his head out of the cubicle, you yell "BANG! you are dead!".

Lately, many events have occurred that has allowed me to take a step back and think about my future. Be it talking with friends about where they see themselves 5 yrs and 10 yrs down the road, or self reflection about where I want to be in 5 yrs and 10yrs. However, there's a problem with that way of thinking. The emphasis was “I”. It shouldn't be where "I" want to be in the future, but instead, where GOD wants ME to be in the future. This shifts the focus from "ME" to God.

With that in mind, I should give myself to God and let Him guide me to where He wants me to be, because at the end of the road, I can look back and agree with God that it was the best route to take. Satan (or the devil) will whisper in your ears: "YOU are in control. YOU decide where YOU should go. Not God, not anyone else, but YOU." This leads to pride, self-reliance and eventual separation from God. I have two analogies to better explain this concept of allowing God to take control.

1. Child and parent analogy:
Everyone can agree with me when you were a kid, there was always this toy you wanted, something that everyone else had and that you must have too. Whenever I browse through the toy section of a store flyer or visiting the toy section of the mall, I always will beg my mom or dad to buy me a toy. The answer from them is always NO. At that time, I couldn't understand why. "Why not", I would ask. They will reply with something I though was nonsence. That's because my parents knew the truth, that in 1 yr time, or even half year time, that “toy” will be stored away in a box collecting dust somewhere in the basement, forgotten. And that was the reason, a truth I couldn't see at that time. My parents knew what was best for me, although I may not see it the same way as them, they knew what was best. God is like the parent, knowing what is best for their child.

2. Student driver with instructor analogy:
Satan will cloud your thoughts with images of you in total control of your life; you are in the driver seat and have total control of the steering wheel, you choose which road to take. However, that's a false image he’s giving us.Instead, think of yourself as a "student driver" and God as a "driving instructor". True, you may be in the driver seat, and you may have your hands gripped on the steering wheel. However, it is the driving instructor who decided where to go, which roads to take, where to make the parallel parking, the 3-point-turn. He's more experienced than you; he knows which route is the best and safest. The instructor guides you. You still have the choice to listen and make the turn, or you can choose to disobey and keeping going straight. Consequently, you'll probably get lost, especially if it's in a neighborhood you are not familiar with. There will be times when the driving is not smooth, for example, when you are driving too fast and not braking hard enough at a red light, or when a kid runs out into the streets to catch his ball, but you know in those times the instructor has his foot on the brake pedal, ready to step on it in case you were not able to and avoid any accident. He is there paying attention to whatever you do.

I hope these two analogies will help you and a particular friend of mine, understand why I am able to put my trust in God. It is because he knows what is best for me. At the time, I may not be on the same wavelength as God, but I should realize that He has total control and giving myself to Him will be much more rewarding in the end than if I was on my own.

" The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.' "
- Psalm 32:8 (NLT)

I was a bit bored, so I used my SONY DSC-W1 digi cam to take a few pics of my room and stiched them up into a panorama with PTGUI, a graphical user interface (GUI) for Panorama Tools.