General Computer Chat - Page 4

TheAppleFreak · #76 November 27th, 2010, 05:05 PM

So... yesterday was Black Friday and it's Cyber Monday in two days. Did anyone purchase/is anyone going to purchase anything new yesterday or Monday?

Team Fail · #77 November 27th, 2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archer

Don't feel too bad. It's only for the senior students, so Year 11 and 12. This might be... >140 students? Laptops can be great for some things, but it's bad to rely on them. Especially when it comes to keeping study notes and getting into the practise of writing a lot for essays.

Nope. This school is Grades 10-12 (Year 10-12 if you prefer) and that alone is about 800-1200 students. The district would never have enough money.

Has anyone tried Windows Readyboost? I am trying it with a 1 gig usb stick, and I don't really see any change, unless I am doing something wrong.

Purple Materia · #78 November 28th, 2010, 12:37 AM

Hmmm, I never really thought it was necessary. I guess I should at least try it whenever I use Windows 7 again.

Archer · #79 November 28th, 2010, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team Fail

Nope. This school is Grades 10-12 (Year 10-12 if you prefer) and that alone is about 800-1200 students. The district would never have enough money.

We're only borrowing them, so the school is keeping them in comission for about 4 years. They're really crappy, anyway. Celerons with 2GB Ram WOOO... Locked down really heavy, too.

Quote:

Has anyone tried Windows Readyboost? I am trying it with a 1 gig usb stick, and I don't really see any change, unless I am doing something wrong.

Total waste of time. Unless you only have 1GB ram in the first place...

Purple Materia · #80 November 28th, 2010, 04:22 AM

My motherboard doesn't support PCIe 2.0. Which means the best video card I can get would be a 8600GS. So I'm going to replace my motherboard with a better model. Any suggestions?

GA-EP43-UD3L?

Team Fail · #81 November 28th, 2010, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archer

We're only borrowing them, so the school is keeping them in comission for about 4 years. They're really crappy, anyway. Celerons with 2GB Ram WOOO... Locked down really heavy, too.

Can't do much, like needing Administrative permissions? Same here, less portable though.

Quote:

Total waste of time. Unless you only have 1GB ram in the first place...

I'm figuring out my ram now. I'm not 100% sure what it is. It's decent, that is all I know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Materia

Hmmm, I never really thought it was necessary. I guess I should at least try it whenever I use Windows 7 again.

You can also use it on Vista, if you're running that.

Archer · #82 November 28th, 2010, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Materia

My motherboard doesn't support PCIe 2.0. Which means the best video card I can get would be a 8600GS. So I'm going to replace my motherboard with a better model. Any suggestions?

GA-EP43-UD3L?

Are you sure about that? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure a PCI-E 2.0 card will work in a PCI-E 1.0 slot. Unless it's AGP, you should be okay.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team Fail

Can't do much, like needing Administrative permissions? Same here, less portable though.

No, can't do much as in - can't run any programs they don't explicitly allow, can't change any settings whatsoever. That includes wallpapers.

And if you need readyboost, your computer shouldn't be running Vista. What are the specs?

Purple Materia · #83 November 29th, 2010, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archer

Are you sure about that? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure a PCI-E 2.0 card will work in a PCI-E 1.0 slot. Unless it's AGP, you should be okay.

Most people tell me that a 2.0 card will need a 2.0 slot. But I do need a new motherboard anyway.

TheAppleFreak · #84 November 30th, 2010, 03:16 PM

Well, on a completely unrelated subject to the current chat, I talked to my parents regarding my most recent build, and being the incredibly computer savvy people that they are [/sarcasm], they had some questions regarding building your own computer.

1) Would it be worth it building your own computer or just paying a premium for a prebuilt one from, say, Dell?

2) How long would it take to construct the actual machine, given that you have all of the parts (not counting installing the OS(es) and applications)?

Even though to any tech geek such as ourselves these questions are trivial at best, they'd still appreciate an answer that isn't mine.

donavannj · #85 November 30th, 2010, 04:10 PM

My answers to those questions:

1. Yes. You control what goes into your machine with a custom built machine and therefore can build it better suited to your needs, whereas with a pre-built machine, you can only choose from a limited selection of options. The motherboards in pre-built machines also tend to be quite locked-down, which can cause problems when you're trying to add an expansion card or more RAM in, because they'll only work with certain kinds of each (which is largely a ploy to try to get you to order parts through them at a pretty big markup). The parts also tend to be lower quality

2. An hour tops.

AdvancedK47 · #86 November 30th, 2010, 05:34 PM

I'm tech savy... I just don't know why I don't post here often >__>

Anyways, here's a new face for you all.

I need some opinions of a computer I bought online: This one

I think it's pretty good, but I have a few questions:

1. Are there any disadvantages to using shared memory versus dedicated? (The video is Intel HD and all shared up to 1.5GB or so)
2. How good exactly is the processor (I've never used Intel before XD)
3. What the hell is Lightscribe?

TheAppleFreak · #87 November 30th, 2010, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdvancedK47

I'm tech savy... I just don't know why I don't post here often >__>

Anyways, here's a new face for you all.

I need some opinions of a computer I bought online: This one

I think it's pretty good, but I have a few questions:

1. Are there any disadvantages to using shared memory versus dedicated? (The video is Intel HD and all shared up to 1.5GB or so)
Dedicated video means that there is a different set of RAM used specifically for video processing, rather than sharing the main system RAM. Dedicated usually means better video performance, to put it simply.
2. How good exactly is the processor (I've never used Intel before XD)
The i3 is okay. It's really meant for semi-light tasks, like low-end gaming, web browsing, word processing, and stuff like that. It's basically the successor to the Core 2 Duo.
3. What the hell is Lightscribe?
lol
Lightscribe is some sort of thing that allows you to record images onto the top side of a Lightscribe compatible DVD.

My responses are bolded. I never found much purpose in Lightscribe, since a DVD and a felt pen are typically good enough for me, but your mileage may vary.

Archer · #88 December 1st, 2010, 12:56 AM

1) Would it be worth it building your own computer or just paying a premium for a prebuilt one from, say, Dell?

If you can build your own machine, you know all of the contents of the machine and can get exactly what you need for the job. This allows you to use good bang-for-buck parts and warranty the parts individually, rather than send the whole machine to Dell (who are known for horrible consumer warranty). It also means that you don't have extra "features" that you don't need, the ability to upgrade and replace parts more easily in the future (OEMs use proprietary parts which do not play nice with components they weren't made for) and you have a clean install of Windows, without Dell/HP/Acer's bloated software and Norton/McAfee trials leaving traces.

Especially with Windows 7, drivers are found automatically, which was one of the major benefits of OEM machines during the XP era, as they were kept in the one place (although rarely updated - double sword), but anyone who wants to use XP now is just wrong. It's not their choice, they're wrong if they want XP on a new machine. :D

2) How long would it take to construct the actual machine, given that you have all of the parts (not counting installing the OS(es) and applications)?

It depends on exactly how much practise one has. I put a computer together from boxes to on a desk installing Windows in 15-25mins. Installing Windows, drivers (if the need be. You should install the chipset drivers of the motherboard CD and graphics drivers off the website of it's dedicated.) and programs takes the longest, although there's a program called Ninite that can do an automated install on a large range of common programs. You're going to have to sort out Office on your own, though.

In other words, built in under 30 mins, good to go in under 1h30.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdvancedK47

I'm tech savy... I just don't know why I don't post here often >__>

Anyways, here's a new face for you all.

I need some opinions of a computer I bought online: This one

I think it's pretty good, but I have a few questions:

1. Are there any disadvantages to using shared memory versus dedicated? (The video is Intel HD and all shared up to 1.5GB or so)
2. How good exactly is the processor (I've never used Intel before XD)
3. What the hell is Lightscribe?

1. Yes, dedicated offers MUCH better performance. Intel Graphics are the most basic there is, sorry. They're good for playing movies and 2D Games.
2. The i3 is actually quite snappy. They're mid-range simply because the i5s and i7s are better. At 2.26 GHz, it will perform about the same as a 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo, but it has Hyperthreading, which can speed up some sort of multitasking/multithreaded apps.
3. Lightscribe essentially lasers a specified image onto the top of a compatible CD or DVD. It's monochrome and a pretty cool gimmick.

If you're intending to do any graphical work or gaming in the future, I'd be returning that and getting something with a better GPU. The higher models of that HP series have an ATI 5650m, which is awesome, but even the 5450m is faaar better than the Intel graphics.

Sorry to be the bringer of bad news.

AdvancedK47 · #89 December 1st, 2010, 03:21 AM

Well I don't plan to play 3D games. But as long as it can run something from Autodesk without setting it on fire I'd probably not mind.

I don't even think I'll be using the Autodesk software too much anyways, but I'll still have it installed, taking advantage that the disk space is a lot for me anyways. The bus rides home get boring so I think it'll be useful anyways.

Also, I'm no good with weight. I'm used to carrying about 2 textbooks and 4 binders worth of weight in my backback, so would I be able to take the 5.5 pounds it weights?

Team Fail · #90 December 1st, 2010, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archer

And if you need readyboost, your computer shouldn't be running Vista. What are the specs?

I got this from a specs checker. Very accurate. Very long, too. I'd recommend closing the spoiler after reading it.

Spoiler:

It is a HP Pavilion Media Center Edition PC with XP as the original OS installed.

Archer · #91 December 1st, 2010, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team Fail

I got this from a specs checker. Very accurate. Very long, too. I'd recommend closing the spoiler after reading it.

It is a HP Pavilion Media Center Edition PC with XP as the original OS installed.

Bloooooooooody hell. Okay, so it's an Athlon 64 X2 @ 2.5GHz, with 2GB ram. Hang on, XP? Why where we talking about ReadyBoost?

AK47, the thing with a laptop is that it's much closer to your back, so the weight is much better supported. Get a slip case and chuck it in a backpack.

Autodesk doesn't have high specs from memory, but big 3D objects in Inventor and the like could put on some strain.

EDIT: lol, my reply put this post over the limit.

Team Fail · #92 December 1st, 2010, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archer

Bloooooooooody hell. Okay, so it's an Athlon 64 X2 @ 2.5GHz, with 2GB ram. Hang on, XP? Why where we talking about ReadyBoost?

AK47, the thing with a laptop is that it's much closer to your back, so the weight is much better supported. Get a slip case and chuck it in a backpack.

Autodesk doesn't have high specs from memory, but big 3D objects in Inventor and the like could put on some strain.

EDIT: lol, my reply put this post over the limit.

That was the original OS before my Upgrade to Vista Home Premium. So, it's running Vista.

Archer · #93 December 1st, 2010, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team Fail

That was the original OS before my Upgrade to Vista Home Premium. So, it's running Vista.

Right. I don't really see the point, then 2GB is more than enough memory. From what I understand, it makes a swap/page file on the flash drive so the main HDD is not being thrashed by paging when it wants to access other stuff. If you notice the HDD light flashing like hell when you're idling, then I'd consider it. Otherwise... eh.

AdvancedK47 · #94 December 2nd, 2010, 02:45 PM

Ok, so how about I get a few responses on overclocking?

My main computer has an AMD Phenom II X3. It runs at 2.8GHz. Using the AMD Overdrive software I sorta pushed it to 3.0GHz, but I dunno if I can push it even more. Would it be possible to go to 3.2 or even 3.5 without setting the computer on fire... as in, I don't want to have to use those fancy internal buckets of hellfire dry ice or something I hear hardcore people use. Just with fans at maximum settings.

Also, what is a normal temperature for the cores to be at?

Buoysel · #95 December 3rd, 2010, 06:19 AM

I just fond this page and I would like to respond to things I see on the last page.

Starting with the PCIe card. All PCIe 2.0 cards are supposed to be backwards compatible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archer

From what I understand, it makes a swap/page file on the flash drive so the main HDD is not being thrashed by paging when it wants to access other stuff. If you notice the HDD light flashing like hell when you're idling, then I'd consider it. Otherwise... eh.

ReadyBoost takes the SuperFetch cache out of ram and puts it on a flash drive to free up RAM. SuperFetch caches your most used applications into memory to save load times. It does not use the flash drive as RAM, as USB transfer speed is WAY too slow.

@Teamfail. Give the SuperFetch time to decide what its going to cache and you will notice a decent difference on a computer with less than 2GB. everything else will be a slight but not very noticeable difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdvancedK47

Also, what is a normal temperature for the cores to be at?

I've never over clocked a processors but I can tell you that in an ideal world you computer temp would be right around 100F or 38C, however I wouldn't freak out unless its constantly over 50C and the absolute maximum temperature for most Intel chips is 100C (When my laptop reaches that temperature it just powers off. (Faulty BIOS would cut fan power and laptop would just overhead, but its fixed now.)

Team Fail · #96 December 6th, 2010, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archer

Right. I don't really see the point, then 2GB is more than enough memory. From what I understand, it makes a swap/page file on the flash drive so the main HDD is not being thrashed by paging when it wants to access other stuff. If you notice the HDD light flashing like hell when you're idling, then I'd consider it. Otherwise... eh.

Ok. That isn't good. At times, wheather I am using it or not, the fan revs up and gets awful loud, which (I think) is a sign that something isn't ticking. If I can get an audio recording, I'll show you.

TheAppleFreak · #97 December 8th, 2010, 10:01 PM

Well, I just realized that if I'm going to build this new gaming PC, I need a good gaming headset to use with it. Any suggestions?

Purple Materia · #98 December 8th, 2010, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheAppleFreak

Well, I just realized that if I'm going to build this new gaming PC, I need a good gaming headset to use with it. Any suggestions?

I have a Razer Carcharias. It's amazing, I highly recommend it.

Buoysel · #99 December 9th, 2010, 12:26 AM

Turtle Beaches x11: They are meant for the Xbox however they have regular plugins (2.5mm mic and speakers) and will work with you computer. The sound quality is amazing however they don't push a lot of bass in music but explosions still sound pretty good.

Purple Materia · #**100** December 9th, 2010, 12:30 AM

So my mum ordered my 5770.

:D

I got an e-mail from Newegg cause she used my account.

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