A post-graduation gift to myself: a compact, quiet desktop built to stay capable for at least five years, hopefully ten. It handles my photo and video processing easily. It runs Docker containers to
automate ripping CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays for my NAS media library. It is the fastest and most capable computer I have owned.
Time Spy: new desktop vs. previous desktopDetailed comparison, including temperaturesTime Spy standing among systems with matching specs
REPAIR2012 Audi A4 Timing Chain ReplacementOctober 2026
The Volkswagen/Audi Group EA888 Gen 2 2.0T engine is generally reliable, but a failing timing-chain tensioner and chain stretch can allow the chain to skip, potentially causing severe engine damage. The issue
commonly becomes a concern around 80,000 to 100,000 miles. I bought this A4 at 112,000 miles. One way to determine if the timing chain is near failure is to run an OBDeleven diagnostics scan to read
camshaft phase adaptation. This indicates how much the Audi computer is compensating for timing chain stretch. Upon scanning my car, I found a value of -7 degrees. A value near 0 is typical of a new
chain, while readings around -5 are commonly cause for concern.
I replaced the timing chain, balance-shaft chain, all guides and tensioners, crankshaft sprocket, upper timing cover, and oil control valve. While the engine was apart, I also replaced the serpentine
belt and spark plugs as preventative maintenance. The before-and-after scans document the change in timing adaptation.
OBDeleven scan before replacementOBDeleven scan after replacementNew replacement partsRemoved original partsInstalled chain, photographed from under radiatorCamshafts and new timing chain2.0T engine bayWorn spark plugs
I bought a launch-model 2017 Switch on Facebook Marketplace with the previous owner's name carved into the rear shell, a badly scratched and dented digitizer, and a broken microSD card jammed in the reader. The display itself was undamaged.
I replaced the console shell and Joy-Con shells, installed a new digitizer and microSD card reader, and replaced the Joy-Con analog sticks to fix drift and restore the L3/R3 clicks. I also deep-cleaned the console, replaced the thermal paste, and swapped the badly scratched heat shield so it would look right through the clear rear shell.
Shoutout to my iFixit tool set as well as the iFixit Nintendo Switch guides, which I could not have done this project without.
MicroSD card reader board replacementComponents fully disassembledFitting the new digitizerReassembled, before the heat shield and backplateFinished frontFinished rear with clear backplate
