Our Nerdiest Upgrade Yet - AMD $5000 Ultimate Tech Upgrade

Robert receives an AMD-sponsored $5,000 tech upgrade focused on a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system for project archiving, alongside various personal and content creation gear, despite some questionable spending choices on collectibles.

• A NAS powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800 XT was built for Robert's archival storage needs.

• Robert's home entertainment and content creation audio were upgraded with new speakers, a soundbar, and a camera.

• Significant budget was spent on collectibles, including rare Lego and a Ghost Rider statue, alongside practical tech.

This AMD-sponsored $5,000 tech upgrade centers on Robert, an editor, who receives a significant upgrade to his battlestation and personal tech. Key additions include a powerful NAS for archival storage, upgraded audio equipment, a VCR, and a cinema camera. While the project emphasizes practical improvements for freelance work and content creation, it also highlights Robert's substantial collection of Lego figures and other expensive collectibles, leading to some humorous financial debates.

Building the NAS System

• 00:06:10 Robert, a PC builder, embarks on constructing a NAS using an AM4 platform with a Ryzen 7 5800 XT processor, chosen for its eight cores and 16 threads which offer ample performance for high-speed data transfers and potential virtualized applications like a Plex server. The system is housed in a Jonsbo N5 case, capable of accommodating 12 hard drives and four SSDs, supported by a Cooler Master Peerless Assassin 120 SE Black cooler praised for its price-to-performance ratio.

Audio and Home Entertainment Upgrades

• 00:05:02 The upgrade includes a soundbar, Yamaha HS5 speakers, and a Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface to improve Robert's audio setup for both personal enjoyment and content creation. An older VCR, refurbished by Dan's dad, is also integrated to play Robert's collection of nostalgic VHS tapes, which mostly date back to his childhood, requiring an RCA to HDMI adapter for modern connectivity.

Content Creation Gear and Collectibles

• 00:17:04 Beyond the NAS, Robert acquires an FX30 cinema camera with a Sigma Contemporary lens, SD cards, and an Elgato Stream Deck pedal for controlling his teleprompter during standing content creation. However, a significant portion of the budget is allocated to Robert's extensive collection of expensive Lego minifigures, a $450 San Diego Comic-Con exclusive minifigure, and a $900 Ghost Rider statue, which are humorously criticized as 'egregious wastes of money' by the hosts.

NAS Software and Performance

• 00:19:28 The NAS is configured with HexOS, a user-friendly layer on top of TrueNAS, to simplify its management for users who find TrueNAS challenging. Initial performance tests show the system maxing out a gigabit connection at 94-98 megabytes per second, prompting a recommendation for Robert to upgrade to a 2.5 gigabit switch in the future to fully utilize the system's capabilities.