So I guess I mentioned that my newly pieced-together computer seemed to be behaving itself as long as I continued to run it with the cover off and keep it in a place where it made it impossible to sit normally in my chair. What I neglected to mention is that on a couple of instances, I told Windows to go head and look for a solution(s) to the problems. I didn’t have much hope, but figured it couldn’t hurt. Last night, I happened to notice that several days ago (coinciding with the time that I thought the old “run it with the covers off” solution was working), Windows found new 64-bit motherboard drivers for the Asus “Cool n Quiet” power management system and the USB 3.0 controller and installed them. I dunno about the USB 3 (no devices plugged in yet), but apparently the MB power management had some sort of issue (from what I’ve read – now – there was also a problem with the Linux drivers, I feel obliged to point out). And Windows actually fixed it for me. So, Asus bad (at least, up until they wrote new drivers). Windows (hate to say this) good. Go figure.

Of course, before I found this out, I’d already ordered a new power supply and video card that I apparently didn’t need. Oh well. Last night, I installed them both, and so far so good. My graphics “experience” went from a 4.5 to a 7.8 (which I can only assume is a big improvement, because 7.8 is like 67% bigger than 4.5).

It ought to be better. The card is literally a foot long and double width, taking up two slots and requiring two external power connectors (hence the justification for the new power supply).

Hopefully everything will keep working. So far, so good.