..::THE COMMUNITY TECH THREAD No. 91::..

Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 1:20 am

$500 is a bit low for a notebook with a fast CPU and somewhat capable video option. These two might interest you though:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152157....although only 32-bit Windows 7 and $600 upfront before rebate. Radeon 4570 is nice for this price range.

Otherwise, you'll be taken down to much lesser performing Mobility Radeon 4250 options:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115787

However, your games are old so the Radeon 4250 may be more than enough for you.

Thanks for the recommendations!
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Javier Borjas
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 7:04 am

I want a laptop for college, but I also want to play games on it. I've been looking at newegg and whatnot. Are these good laptops (for Oblivion, Starcraft 2, STALKER, Fallout 3)?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152196
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152206

If not please suggest some for me.

To follow the OP:
1. I'd like to keep it lower than 1250 USD
2. US
3. don't think you can build laptops.
4. nothing, everything should be included but mouse and maybe OS.
5. don't care, just want a reliable laptop.
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Mark Churchman
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:42 am

I want a laptop for college, but I also want to play games on it. I've been looking at newegg and whatnot. Are these good laptops (for Oblivion, Starcraft 2, STALKER, Fallout 3)?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152196
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152206

If not please suggest some for me.

To follow the OP:
1. I'd like to keep it lower than 1250 USD
2. US
3. don't think you can build laptops.
4. nothing, everything should be included but mouse and maybe OS.
5. don't care, just want a reliable laptop.

Yep, those will easily max the games you want to play.
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Conor Byrne
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 2:34 am

Yep, those will easily max the games you want to play.

Thanks. :)
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Alan Whiston
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 3:50 am

I know this is mainly a computer thread, but I'd like your opinions about both of these TVs.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26%23153%3B+-+22%22+Class+/+720p+/+60Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/9602904.p?id=1218130741730&skuId=9602904

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26%23153%3B+-+26%22+Class+/+720p+/+60Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/9559881.p?id=1218124204321&skuId=9559881

I don't plan on playing in HD(on xbox 360) because I don't have the HD composite cables, but I'd get them off eBay or gamestop if I need them to even use the TV on 360.
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dav
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:47 am

I forgot to ask, does MSI make reliable laptops?

Also would .14 ghz make a difference that I should spend a $100 on?
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Sami Blackburn
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 12:56 pm

I forgot to ask, does MSI make reliable laptops?

Also would .14 ghz make a difference that I should spend a $100 on?

MSI makes pretty good laptops. They can feel a bit cheap, though, in my experience. I personally am also in the laptop market right now for a relatively cheap one for school and am trying to get either an Asus, Toshiba, or MSI. Just waiting for a good deal to come along for one of those and for fafsa to give me mai monies.

If:

they are the same brand (as in both core 2s instead of one being a pentium and one an i5), both have the same number of cores, and both have the same cache size, I wouldn't pay $100 more just for .14 more GHz

Now if one is a crappy single core Pentium and the other is an i5 with double the cache and .14 GHz more, I'd definitely throw down the extra money, mainly because I WILL NEVER BUY A PENTIUM EVER *has a horrible Pentium in his computer at work*
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Jake Easom
 
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Post » Sun Jun 27, 2010 10:53 pm

If you don't mind refurbs, this is pretty powerful:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220715&cm_re=asus_recertified_notebook-_-34-220-715-_-Product

Otherwise, the Asus you chose will have to do.

Alright, what are the pros and cons of refurbished products? The obvious pro is cheaper. But is there a higher probability that my refurbished product isn't going to work?
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C.L.U.T.C.H
 
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Post » Sun Jun 27, 2010 11:31 pm

Alright, what are the pros and cons of refurbished products? The obvious pro is cheaper. But is there a higher probability that my refurbished product isn't going to work?

refurbished products generally only have a 30-90 day limited warranty, instead of the standard 1 year limited warranty. Which means if anything goes wrong with it, there is a very good chance you will have to pay out of pocket to get it fixed, even if it is something normally covered by the limited warranty as the warranty pretty much instantly expires the second you get it :P.

In order to be refurbished, it must be opened and returned (and fixed if broken), so you are possibly buying a product that has already broken once. Other things that qualify as refurbished can be being returned in the returned policy after being used, or it suffered some cosmetic damage (a dent or scratch). In order to be refurbished it must pass a test to prove it works.

Basically the biggest loss on refurbished items is the virtual lack of a warranty. Beyond that they are generally pretty safe.
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Bryanna Vacchiano
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:04 am

refurbished products generally only have a 30-90 day limited warranty, instead of the standard 1 year limited warranty. Which means if anything goes wrong with it, there is a very good chance you will have to pay out of pocket to get it fixed, even if it is something normally covered by the limited warranty as the warranty pretty much instantly expires the second you get it :P.

In order to be refurbished, it must be opened and returned (and fixed if broken), so you are possibly buying a product that has already broken once. Other things that qualify as refurbished can be being returned in the returned policy after being used, or it suffered some cosmetic damage (a dent or scratch). In order to be refurbished it must pass a test to prove it works.

Basically the biggest loss on refurbished items is the virtual lack of a warranty. Beyond that they are generally pretty safe.

Excellent, thank you.

I'm going refurbished this time around then.
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Bigze Stacks
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:24 am

I know this is mainly a computer thread, but I'd like your opinions about both of these TVs.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26%23153%3B+-+22%22+Class+/+720p+/+60Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/9602904.p?id=1218130741730&skuId=9602904

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26%23153%3B+-+26%22+Class+/+720p+/+60Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/9559881.p?id=1218124204321&skuId=9559881

I don't plan on playing in HD(on xbox 360) because I don't have the HD composite cables, but I'd get them off eBay or gamestop if I need them to even use the TV on 360.

They both svck in my opinion. Anything by Dynex is pretty much low quality. These are better options:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Philips+-+22%22+Class+/+720p+/+60Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/9281993.p?id=1218212254706&skuId=9281993
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+22%22+Class+/+720p+/+60Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/9769194.p?id=1218170029911&skuId=9769194
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Reven Lord
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 1:26 pm

It's a hex key you use to remove a bracket on a GPU,right?

Also, the 'connector' from my monitor doesn't match up with the GPU's monitor port.
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N Only WhiTe girl
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 5:04 am

Does this laptop have a good enough CPU for modernish gaming? (Oblivion, STALKER, Fallout)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6241357&CatId=3998
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Lauren Denman
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 10:52 am

Does this laptop have a good enough CPU for modernish gaming? (Oblivion, STALKER, Fallout)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6241357&CatId=3998


I'd say that laptop would handle Oblivion, STALKER and Fallout very well.
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Horror- Puppe
 
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Post » Sun Jun 27, 2010 11:02 pm

I just recently got a new headset. And it's really...really loud.

Windows volume has to be at 2-4% for a normal listening level. Is there any way to fix this?

The volume controls on my headset directly change windows volume, so that's no use.
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D IV
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 12:51 pm

For starters, sorry if the information I provide turns out to be a hassle; if dollar prices and links would be more efficient, I'll fix this when I get home later.

So yeah, after being a lazy bum about it over the entire summer, I've finally decided to get down and dirty and get a new PC. Here's what I was thinking so far:
http://img576.imageshack.us/i/components.jpg/

Yes, it's in swedish. The prices are fairly easy to convert to € though, 1€ = 10 kr, and I hope you dollar users can convert euros (otherwise, see the first line =) ). The "component" at the bottom is the price for that site to build the product themselves, stress test it, install drivers etc. Being more or less completely newbie at this, it's a service I want =)

So, first of course, any comment on the components? Am I making a bad choice with any of them? I'm thinking of buying a second graphics card later and running SLI, so concerning that I wonder if you think the PSU is good enough for that. With the OS I'll be around 1100€, and I can afford to add 100€ more to that, at most and if there's a significant boost.

Very much newbie questions here:
I have an external DVD burner, but I'm confused with the readers: the page I'm building on, inet, only have one DVD reader available to buy. That seems awfully little. Several builds I see around on swedish sites where people are using inet also don't even include a reader. But I assume they don't come with the chassis, and I will have to buy one, right?

I'd prefer not to buy the OS here: through student discount I can get Windows 7 Professional for about 100€, instead of the 280€ they want from inet (and better than the 180€ they want for the Home Premium). I presume installing an OS isn't very complicated, but since I've never done it, I still need to ask: If I need to ask, can I still manage it? ;)
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!beef
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 3:49 am

I got my GTX 460 today and have it all installed. I must say, I'm extremely impressed with how cool it runs. It's currently sitting at 32C idle. It's also a very short card which is nice. It fits in my case with tons of space left over.
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Misty lt
 
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Post » Sun Jun 27, 2010 10:33 pm

Hey all

Lately Ive been slightly paranoid about behind the scenes viruses. Not too long ago, Comodo Internet Security (my anti virus) detected a Trojan after I clicked a bad link. It seemed to be able to quarantine without issue but as of recently Comodo detects a suspicious file that's named something like "A0103001.exe" in C:/System Volume Information..... There have been variations such as A0103002.exe, A0103003.exe, etc. Interestingly, these detections only occur while my PC is idling at a screen saver. Also, running a full system scan through Comodo along with a scan from Malawarebytes didn't detect anything unusual. My computer seems to run very well like normal, but I can't help but wonder if there's a way I can check to make sure my PC is clean. Also, on a side note, my PC is making strange noises but from the way it sounds I believe I just haven't dusted in a while.

Finally, I want to add that Google-ing "A0103001.exe" didn't turn much up. Most of the few results weren't in English and the one that was involved an owner of a heavily infected computer (this makes me worry more). I also ran Autorun Eater for good measure but that didn't seem to do anything. Hopefully someone can either put my worries to rest or lead me in the right direction.

Thanks. :)
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Quick Draw III
 
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Post » Sun Jun 27, 2010 10:34 pm

Hey all

Lately Ive been slightly paranoid about behind the scenes viruses. Not too long ago, Comodo Internet Security (my anti virus) detected a Trojan after I clicked a bad link. It seemed to be able to quarantine without issue but as of recently Comodo detects a suspicious file that's named something like "A0103001.exe" in C:/System Volume Information..... There have been variations such as A0103002.exe, A0103003.exe, etc. Interestingly, these detections only occur while my PC is idling at a screen saver. Also, running a full system scan through Comodo along with a scan from Malawarebytes didn't detect anything unusual. My computer seems to run very well like normal, but I can't help but wonder if there's a way I can check to make sure my PC is clean. Also, on a side note, my PC is making strange noises but from the way it sounds I believe I just haven't dusted in a while.

Finally, I want to add that Google-ing "A0103001.exe" didn't turn much up. Most of the few results weren't in English and the one that was involved an owner of a heavily infected computer (this makes me worry more). I also ran Autorun Eater for good measure but that didn't seem to do anything. Hopefully someone can either put my worries to rest or lead me in the right direction.

Thanks. :)

System Volume Information is the System Restore/Shadowcopy folder. Comodo could be reporting a false-positive, or your system restores are infected. You can delete all system restores just to be sure by disabling and enabling system restore

On XP:
Control Panel->System->System Restore->Check Turn off System Restore->Apply (you should get a message telling you it will delete all system restores, which is what you want). Then enable it by uncecking Turn off System Restore

On Vista: Control Panel->System->Advanced System Properties->System Protection->Uncheck all disks and select Apply (once again you will get a message like above). Then enable it by checking off the drives that were checked off before.

Windows 7 should be similar to Vista, but I don't have a Windows 7 computer in front of me right now to double check.
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Jon O
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 1:49 pm

System Volume Information is the System Restore/Shadowcopy folder. Comodo could be reporting a false-positive, or your system restores are infected. You can delete all system restores just to be sure by disabling and enabling system restore

On XP:
Control Panel->System->System Restore->Check Turn off System Restore->Apply (you should get a message telling you it will delete all system restores, which is what you want). Then enable it by uncecking Turn off System Restore

On Vista: Control Panel->System->Advanced System Properties->System Protection->Uncheck all disks and select Apply (once again you will get a message like above). Then enable it by checking off the drives that were checked off before.

Windows 7 should be similar to Vista, but I don't have a Windows 7 computer in front of me right now to double check.


Thanks for the advice. I'll see how it goes. :)
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Cat
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 12:28 pm

For starters, sorry if the information I provide turns out to be a hassle; if dollar prices and links would be more efficient, I'll fix this when I get home later.

So yeah, after being a lazy bum about it over the entire summer, I've finally decided to get down and dirty and get a new PC. Here's what I was thinking so far:
http://img576.imageshack.us/i/components.jpg/

Yes, it's in swedish. The prices are fairly easy to convert to € though, 1€ = 10 kr, and I hope you dollar users can convert euros (otherwise, see the first line =) ). The "component" at the bottom is the price for that site to build the product themselves, stress test it, install drivers etc. Being more or less completely newbie at this, it's a service I want =)

So, first of course, any comment on the components? Am I making a bad choice with any of them? I'm thinking of buying a second graphics card later and running SLI, so concerning that I wonder if you think the PSU is good enough for that. With the OS I'll be around 1100€, and I can afford to add 100€ more to that, at most and if there's a significant boost.

Very much newbie questions here:
I have an external DVD burner, but I'm confused with the readers: the page I'm building on, inet, only have one DVD reader available to buy. That seems awfully little. Several builds I see around on swedish sites where people are using inet also don't even include a reader. But I assume they don't come with the chassis, and I will have to buy one, right?

I'd prefer not to buy the OS here: through student discount I can get Windows 7 Professional for about 100€, instead of the 280€ they want from inet (and better than the 180€ they want for the Home Premium). I presume installing an OS isn't very complicated, but since I've never done it, I still need to ask: If I need to ask, can I still manage it? ;)

Good choices on the components. However, you only need a dual-channel RAM kit for LGA 1156 motherboards What you have is a tri-channel kit and only LGA 1366 motherboards will recognize those. Swap in a 2x2GB kit and save some bucks. Everything else is good.

DVD burners/readers do not come with any chassis unless it's an already-built machine. This will have to be bought separately.

Installing an OS is for the most part rather simple. When you initially get your PC to post, you just have to enter the motherboard's BIOS and set your motherboard to boot off the DVD first. After the save of the BIOS setting and restart of the system, it's just following directions and setting options (partitions, languages, etc) from then on.
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A Boy called Marilyn
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 4:28 am

Hmm, what's the best way to clean a laptop screen? I have a microfiber cloth that came with my laptop, but the smudges still remain.

Thanks.
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Melissa De Thomasis
 
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Post » Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:02 am

Vinegar and water solution with that cloth should suffice. The vinegar will cut through the greasy smudges.
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Christina Trayler
 
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Post » Sun Jun 27, 2010 11:42 pm

Vinegar and water solution with that cloth should suffice. The vinegar will cut through the greasy smudges.

Alright, how much should I mix together, and like a 50/50 solution? Or more water than vinegar?
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Rude Gurl
 
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Post » Sun Jun 27, 2010 9:43 pm

More monitors I'm thinking about getting.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052&Tpk=N82E16824236052(If I get a monitor this is my first choice because it's on sale.)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889611002
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236053

Just so you guys know I'll just be using a monitor for playing in HD on 360.
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James Shaw
 
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