Well. big news.
after 23900 hours rounded down, the motherboard lost a vrm while foldiing.
Not one to get discouraged, it is the best run I have ever had. I removed all components, and await my next build. Right now the "silent antec cheaply" is hosting a 633 celeron (circa 2001).
I decided to paint the case. The first coat is from an 87 subaru color code (previous post), its a duality paint, pinkish metallic and plain ole brown. I decided to add some copper flake, which is not real, it is polyester and aluminum made to look like copper flake. I concluded silence (polyester) and radio deterrent (aluminum). This battle (for me it is a battle- I gained a psychosis about a decade ago, related to computing), is not much of a battle anymore. I enjoy computing after this long run..and it is not done.
here is a glimpse of the case. two part automotive urethane is two coats. one coat holds the flake. note it is not smooth, intentionally so...
overall stats:
73% uptime, over 3.7 years. impressive. I make mistakes that went for the ride.
the case is holding its 4th mobo as we speak, the orginal power (sl300 smart power)is back in it for the celeron, will be going back to the earthwatts 380 for the 875pbz.
stay tuned for next build...
here is a photo, out of the case it sat contently in for...well since just before the first post here. Not to be sentimental over a machine (but I am a former crew chief)...I couldn't help but pause for a moment and stare. Many hours for one person and a machine. many personal events, many serious chores, purchases, and some code, and over 300 videos. A first for me in this longevity, and with enthusiasm, certainly not my last.
EDIT: I found a large supply of this motherboard, and will be replacing for nearly the same cost as 4 years ago. To me this is the first batch of builds in history (there aren't many) , where you can fix it, and still be content with performance. so, I will be a few weeks with this antique celeron, and then back to normal if all goes well. I literally tried to fix the vrm that hissed (no poison, just simply done), the board is still as shiny as I put it in, also a first for me. That ius ashame not fixed yet apparently, about vrms..once it goes, there is a great odds to keeping it going with repair. A complete lack of recycling ability...to this day...
YET ANOTHER EDIT:
I found a rather serious error inside the earthwatts 380 psu. A large inductor, supposed to be wrapped with a pastic cover, had a free floating plastic cover inside the psu and no wrap. The inductor design is very soft copper, and was allowed to move wiggle and even vibrate without this covered.I risked warranty (as usual) and removed cover and zip tied it to the inductor in a way to keep it still and protected, better than their oe attempt with what looked like hot glue.. the power on (power ok) signal is 100% brighter...
This is a means for a babbling argument with antec support, but I won't bother...
and with enthusiasm, the case is on its 7th coat of paint, 4 are urethane. It looks deep.
I have concluded: it is covered.
I found some scraped down spots on the inside cover, and smothered that with one coat. The urethane is top grade and expensive. I play with half cup mixes and less at a given coat.
Awaiting for rebuild in coming weeks, with same board. With spots I found also needing covering on the board. Empty raid spot, and underneath empty vrms (yep, underneath?!). that should conquer a few more anomolies. This time of year is a pc killer where I live. Right now is 58 degrees for example, and tomorrow morning in the 20s. I have had cases pop shape to strange noises and movements, even in a stable room. The temps are dramatic.
This very scenario survived several years, with scratches and a crazy psu this past year, it should be better next go.