My Chess PC

I bought a computer in August of 2024. More specifically, I bought components from NewEgg Business and assembled a computer in a mid tower case. I’ll use my new PC as a workbench for hobby programming projects, including chess, for many years.

Name

Prior to building this PC, I had built a few computers from components, always naming them HomePC. While building my prior chess PC, my wife, understanding every computer is assigned a name so it’s addressable on a local network, asked me, “What are you going to name it?” I replied and she expressed her disappointment, “That’s so boring.”

R2-D2


I learned my lesson: a fun name is required. I put on the original Star Wars film from 1977 for background entertainment while I assembled the PC. My wife’s favorite character from Star Wars is R2-D2, because he’s sassy and also because his scream is funny. So I named my new PC R2-D2.

Hardware

  • AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X CPU with 64 Cores (128 Logical Processors) @ 3.20 GHz
  • Noctua NH-D9 TR5-SP6 CPU Heatsink + Fan
  • CORSAIR RDIMM 128GB (4 x 32GB) DDR5 RAM @ 5600 MHz
  • SAMSUNG 2TB M.2 Solid State Drive @ 5 GB/s
  • ASRock Radeon RX 6600 8GB PCI Express 4.0 Video Card
  • ASRock TRX50 TR5 EATX Motherboard, Not Overclocked
  • EVGA SuperNOVA G7 1000W Power Supply with Exhaust Fan
  • Antec P20CE Mid-Tower E-ATX Case with 3 Intake + 4 Exhaust Fans
  • CORSAIR XENEON 32″ 3840 x 2160 (4K) Monitor @ 144 Hz, Connected via DisplayPort to Video Card
  • Logitech G815 LightSync RGB Mechanical Tactile Gaming Keyboard
  • Logitech G403 Hero Gaming Mouse
  • Microsoft Windows 11 Pro x64 Operating System

Software

  • Hiarcs Chess Explorer Pro
    • Play versus engines.
    • Analyze games.
    • Read through annotated PGN games downloaded from the Internet.
    • Analyze positions.
    • Organize databases of games.
  • Cute Chess
    • Run engine matches and tournaments.
    • Play chess variants against engines. I haven’t yet, but Cute Chess supports many.
  • Ordo
    • Estimate engine ratings.
    • Calculate likelihood of superiority.
  • Chess.com Website
    • Play online against engines and humans.
    • Solve tactics puzzles.
    • Take lessons from virtual coach.
    • Watch instructional videos.
    • Study openings and endgames.
    • Read chess news.

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