Computers

Need a 2" long IDE hard drive cable ...

chuckm441 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:57:44 GMT

Hello ... I have broken the hard drive cable in my 3.5" external hard drive enclosure. It's a standard 40 pin 80 conductor IDE flat ribbon cable, but it's only 2" long -- and that's the problem. I have spent hours now trying to find a replacement, and the best I could come up with was buying the tools and connectors to make one myself. This should not be so hard to find. Many, many external hard drive enclosures have used these short cables -- they break easy when you pull them off the drive -- so they should be readily available. I checked with Cooler Master, who made mine, and they referred me to three online vendors who they said "should" have them ... and they don't.

So if anyone knows where I can find one of these, please let me know (I'm going to buy several). Any length between 1.75" and 3" ought to be good enough.

Thanks! Chuck

Is my new computer SLI ready?

John316 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:41:50 GMT

Hello everyone,

I am the new guy here. I am an older gamer that has been around before the time of the Fairchild video game for tv.

Yes I am getting old LOL.

But my question about my new Computer.

iBUYPOWER Gamer Supreme 559SLC Phenom II X4 965(3.4GHz) 8GB DDR3 1TB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

I cannot seem to find out what kind of mother board it has to see if it will work with SLI.

Is it SLI ready or not?

Also does the computer have to be SLI to work with 2 gtx 295 cards?

Netbooks dead?

whitelotus — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:43:23 GMT

Can the best-selling category of the PC market really be just a fad? A junky joke? A stunt to prop up the PC market created by Intel?

Windows 7 emachines ET1831-03 crashing problem

danieln — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:11:28 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, I bought an emachines pc (ET1831-03) from newegg.com. The PC basically functions well - except that 2-3 times per day, it freezes. Everything freezes, including music playback and the cursor - no task manager, no ctrl+alt+delete, just the power button. I've updated drivers, tried a power drain and a system recovery, and moved the unit to a more open situation in case it was overheating - no dice. It seems to me this is some essential hardware problem or some kind of software conflict, but I can't figure it out.

Help??

<-Graphics Cards Recommendations->

KNBsk8 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:28:10 GMT

I need help choosing a temporary graphics card for my new gaming rig.

Later on I will be purchasing an ATI HD Radeon 5870.

Requirements:

-Let me play some very basic games and accomplish basic tasks.

-Something that WILL NOT affect the drivers on my HD Radeon 5870, that I will be getting in about two months.

-Compatible with the parts listed below

~NOTE~

This is only a temporary card

(I'm looking for something under $30.00)

My setup:

Case: Xclio Windtunnel

MOBO: EVGA X58 3x SLI

CPU: Intel i7-920 (2.66GHz)

RAM: G. Skill 6GB 1600MHz

OS: Windows 7 Pro

Hard Drive: Western Digital 750GB Caviar Black 7,200RPM

Power Supply: CORSAIR CMPSU-1000HX 1000W

Thermal Paste: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM

Optical Drive: Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B

Thanks,

KNBsk8

Top or bottom mount PSU?

whitelotus — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:30:55 GMT

Some people seem to think that a difference in PSU placement can make a difference in overall system temperature. Is this ture? If it is, then why a lot more cases are still going with the bottom mount? Superior cooling..... to the case, or the PSU? What's ur take on this?

why wont it?

Grind — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:34:21 GMT

So i was looking into buying this computer, thinking it had good enough specs to run any game that is out right now.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229061

But the first review says it wont run many games that that persons LAPTOP could run easily.

Is this a problem with the performance of the pc, meaning its a poor performer, or are they saying something different.

Also is their any reason i should not get this pc? I plan on overclocking the cpu just a little bit.

Computer failure - No Data to Screen after reboot?

Watever — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:11:37 GMT

My computer have been running perfectly for 10 days.

While reading news this morning everything suddenly froze on the screen. I taught windows 7 had a bug so I restarted the computer.

Nothing was showing on the screen. I have 2 screen, both power led stay yellow/orange instead of green/blue when the computer is powered on.

I taught the problem was coming from the video card (HIS Radeon Hd 4670 1gb). I installed it on my girlfriend computer and it's working.

I also tried to remove and reinsert the memory ram, but no change.

When the power is on, all the fans in the computer are working, network port led is flashing etc...

I suspect the motherboard (Gigabyte MA770T-UD3P) but I have no idea what's going and what to look for to repair it

Any help ?

Thank you !

Westinghouse Monitor Issues (Would like to Repair)

codemastermm — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:39:38 GMT

Recently, my Westinghouse Monitor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824255011) has developed multiple vertical blue streaks. I'd preferably not spend another $300~$400 on a monitor, so I am attempting to have it repaired.

I contacted Westinghouse, in an attempt to obtain the pricing and time estimate; however, they told me that they wouldn't repair it, since it was out of warranty and to call Best Buy (yes, they specifically said "Best Buy", even after telling them I purchased it from NewEgg).

I contacted BestBuy, who redirected me to Geek Squad (ick). Geek Squad then recommended that I just find a local TV repair company, as Geek Squad would simply ship my monitor off to be checked and then repaired, which could get expensive.

Continuing the adventure, I contacted a few local repair companies who simply told me that parts from Westinghouse were too difficult to obtain.

If anyone has any advice or assistance they can give me, it'd be truly helpful. Next time, however, I think I will stay clear from Westinghouse products, as it seems they are completely unwilling to assist in any way, unless they are under warranty.

Gateway SX2802-03 - on Newegg - Opinions?

castertvs — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:48:09 GMT

Link to product:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113112

Now, I've been out of the scene for a few years, so I have very little understanding anymore of which products, options, builds, etc. are considered "good." Compared to my five-year-old Compaq desktop, everything out there seems amazing. After considering my intended uses (see below), I settled on this machine.

-Light gaming (old school Counter-Strike)

-Moderate video editing

-Moderate to heavy video encoding (TMPGEnc, Virtualdub, etc.)

-Heavy multitasking (i like to have lots of programs running at once)

I figured a 1 TB hard drive, an Intel quad-core processor, and six GB of RAM would be enough, but then highly-reputable members of this forum expressed a negative opinion of the machine ("I wouldn't waste my money on that machine. Its a cheap machine that has no expandability and will perform very poorly.") For my needs, is this a fair and accurate statement?

I yield the floor. All opinions are encouraged. Thank you in advance for giving me a few minutes of your time.

EDIT: I don't have the budget, knowledge or skill to build my own computer (as much as I'd love to try).

A couple of questions about N-force 7 and Win 7

Vertigo101 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:05:32 GMT

Hello I am going to purchase a N-force 7 motherboard today to replace my msi 650I piece of junk otherboard. I want to know what is the best gameing motherboard I can get that will give me the most boost in performance with my current hardware.

HD:Two 500GB Western digital 7200 rpm
GPU:XFX Geforce 285

CPU:Intel 2.4Ghz Quad

Ram:OCZ Platinum 6gb 1066 ddr2

sound: X-fi fatal1ty pro gamer edition

My current 650I motherboard from MSI makes my computer run bad for most games with frame drops and steady frame rates at ultra high detail around 18-25 and I read that msi 650I motherboard was not designed for gamers because of the slow south bridge.

I have one more question and this one is related to windows 7.

If I buy windows 7 Ultimate next month will I be able to install or do a full copy of windows 7 to my new computer later in the year?
The new computer will have a new I7 or I5 processor and a new motherboard,case and some other parts and that one will be my main computer when its built.

Is The Desktop PC Doomed?

whitelotus — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:12:35 GMT

hey, i found this interesting topic ---- Is The Desktop PC Doomed? what? how could it be possible?

But after reading the article, I agree that "it may be the end of the desktop as we know it, but also the birth of many more desktops". just think about the changes desktop pcs have gone through these years, its quite possible that desk pc will die as it evolves and then reincarnates in new and unexpected forms, so I say desktop pc is surely doomed

netbook users come hither

Joe88 — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:31:32 GMT

So I got a $100 AMEX giftcard on the way (won) and was thinking to maybe get a netbook (together with some of my money)

anyway first I know the intel GMA 950 cant game if its life depended on it but could it run older games, like for ex. roller coaster tycoon, sims 1, return incredible machine ?

I would assume they can because I used to play those on a P2 @ 299mhz, and 8MB gfx fine

but what about other games like GTA VC?

also could it mount ISO's with no problems and run them? (no cd drive, not for now anyway planning on getting this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135194 was planning on dumping games on my desktop then transferring the ISO over through USB then mounting them)

other needs would include some programming apps, MS VS 2008 pro, MS VS 6.0 enterprise, MASM 6.15

and a music player; winamp should work fine I assume?

and this is the netbook I wanted to get an ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-P

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220551

and netbook case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834995777

and one final thing

how is N64 emulation?

need help choosing a CPU on a modest budget!!

arrages23 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:32:39 GMT

i plan on getting this MOBO http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131404

but im having trouble looking for a CPU can you recommend one? please cross reference the MOBO specs to make sure the CPU

is compatible. Thanks

can you also recommend a STABLE Windows OS!

Define your next generation desktop here!

whitelotus — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:42:07 GMT

hey guys, have you ever predicted the next gen desktop? Will it be fully virtualized in a data center and accessible from any device or only a set of applications delivered to a user when required or a more manageable, supportable, and lower cost environment than today?

How on earth do you define your next generation desktop?

Let me have your thoughts here

newbie needs new desktop and laptop - help??

circulardreamer — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:14:42 GMT

I have a 10 year old desktop and 8 year old laptop, both Dells. The laptop died a couple of months ago and the desktop is almost dead. Time for new! I have been reading as much as I can online, but am not otherwise tech savvy. Just a smart mom with time on her hands.

My main wish is for speed, reliability, and lots of memory. I will be using home design software (Chief Architect's Home Designer Pro version 8 or 9). I also run QuickBooks Pro (accounting software), do lots of surfing, email, photo storage, financial recordkeeping and number crunching and will be going back to college via an online program for broadcast captioning and court reporting. The laptop will be mine for school and all the rest. The kids and rest of family are starting to use the desktop for games, photos, email and schoolwork.

Can anyone recommend reputable companies or important specs for fast machines. Or can you point me to any blogs or past threads? I have a budget of $700 for the desktop and $1500 for the laptop. I need a minimum of 2.5 Ghz to run the home design software. I prefer to do this on the laptop but could do this on the desktop instead. What are the most important specs and/or things to consider? Is blue-ray really important if we don't own any? Should I wait until the upcoming holidays to purchase even if I'm buying higher end computers? I'm also not opposed to refurbished computers.

Here is what I have been looking at in laptops as a wish list:

Intel Core 2 Duo or Quad or i7, 2.5 GHz min. (higher preferred), 15-17" screen (16" preferred), high resolution screen, matte prererred, 4GB min (higher perferred), DDR3, 320GB min., 7200rpm, NVIDIA GeForce ?? Dedicated card, Energy Star rated, probably Windows 7

I know that I can get more bang for the buck in desktops, so would want at least the same specs or better in a desktop. Thanks so much. I'm glad to have found this forum and appreciate any expert help!

Any hope for my new pc? please help

didntknowthis — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:55:13 GMT

Well..first of all i was building a new pc:
CPU: AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition 3.10 GHz skt AM3 box
Mobo:Asus M4A78T-E
RAM: Corsair 2GB 1333MHz DDR3 CL9 DHX Dual Channel Kit
HDD: Hard disk Samsung 320GB SATA-II 7200RPM 16MB NCQ SpinPoint F1 Series
PSU: Corsair CMPSU-550VX
Case: Aplus Monolize II
Case fan: AKASA AK-274CB-4BLS
Sony DVD WR

To cut it off quickly i'll say exactly how i managed shortcircuit my mobo. After installing the cpu on the mother board..then hdd,psu, case fans and dvd on the case, i wanted to install my motherboard into the case. Sice it was my first time building a pc, i didn't knew i needed metal screw standoffs. My case didn't have a manual :| .

So, I thought this mobo doesn't need any standoffs -omg i'm so i***t (my old pc had some other kind of metal standoffs that looked like a hump and that were inserted into little holes in the case) ... i just used only 4 screws to get the mobo intact on the case...(how i***t i am !!!!). After powering it on the case fan led powered up one second and than the system turned off..no boot screen no beeps no nothing! then i smelled something weird ..i thought it was the case fan so i removed all peripherials and turnd it again with no effect...only the cpu cooler moving very slowly ...so the psu fan ..so i turned it off again ... and then checked it again and did another last try...to sum up: 3 desperate tries to resuscitate my dearest mobo..

Well this was it :(( my new pc is dead within a second

I packed the system and i m waiting for an expert to come tommorrow to measure the voltages...but meanwhile i want to know what should i expect...
After inspecting the mobo i saw a small circuit with another color than others...so i think that got fried...i know there is no hope for this mobo ..it's toasted
But i want to know at least if anything else did get fried in this process: did the cpu suffered (i believe so :( ) ? are RAM, case fans, hdd, dvd and psu alright ?
Is there anyhope so i can't get a new mobo from the guarantee certificate? ( i want to put the screw standoffs like they should be before going with the system to the dealer..i want to make it look alright and convince them the mobo had a fault :P )

Any suggests/recommends/advices are wellcome..and sice i'm an i***t everyone should know ...so u can even swear me if u think this will repair my mobo :-".. ok i'm being sarcastic ... I REALLY NEED HELP .. thanks guys

Help with this build

G13 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:26:40 GMT

Throwing together some old parts and I wanted to see what the feed back was.

Antec Nine Hundred ATX Mid Tower (4 fans)

Asus Crosshair AM2 Nvidia nForce 590 ATX AMD

AMD 6400+ X2 3.2ghz Black Edition

4gb G.Skill 240 DDR2 1066 Dual Channel

EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512mb 256bit GDDR3

2x WD 150gb 10000rpm

HEC 585w PSU

The only thing i bought was the PSU and yes i know its under powered and probably c**p, but i couldn't resist the price and the reviews weren't half bad. My main concern would be that it wont be able to power the system at all. Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.

External HDs

krylon80 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:30:29 GMT

is it possible to have a portable-style external HD that does not need to be plugged in and also does not need to utilize two USB ports?

thanks.

Noob Needs Help Building a New computer

sscho97 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:49:44 GMT

Okay so I just spent about maybe a hour or two looking at computer parts and now I'm afraid if they are compatable or not..
So can someone tell me if these are compatable? I'm mostly going to be playing games like Call of Duty 4, Borderlands, Counterstrike Source, Battlefield 2 or 2142, The Godfather game, and Fable: The Lost Chapters... Oh and would I need Thermal Compound for the CPU cooler or is does it come with it..?

P.S. Ok yes I'm a noob..

Need help choosing motherboard for an Athlon II X4

Pancholelo — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:56:14 GMT

Hello. I am looking for a motherboard that I can buy for an Athlon II X4. I am planning on also getting the Saphire Radeon HD 5770. Should I get one motherboard with Hybrid CFX? It has been a while since I built a PC on my own and not sure on what the best setup should be. I am looking to spend around 100 dollars on the board.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Laptop Suggestions

Sooper1337 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:18:17 GMT

I am looking for a laptop to buy sometime near christmas maybe a little bit after. but anyways i have had no luck recently. so i thought i would come ask you. i am looking for something to run mostly every game that is released to date. with the exception of shattered horizon. the problem is i am on a tight budget as i have no job and have had no luck getting one. i would like to get something with at least a 16" or higher screen size. and i need to try to keep the price as low as possible. hoping to keep it around 500$.

Dell Inspirion 2200 replacement hard-drive

brownblood — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:45:34 GMT

The hard drive crashed on my labtop. part number:
hts548040m9at00

Looking for ATA/IDE interface for the hard drive to connect to

The rpm for the current hard drive is 5400.

Will this one work:

SAMSUNG Spinpoint M5 HM160HC 160GB 5400 RPM 8MB Cache 2.5" ATA Internal Notebook Hard Drive -Bare Drive

I don't want to buy one that I have to return.

Is It Worth Upgrading Your Stock CPU Cooler?

whitelotus — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:52:18 GMT

Of course, it's worth it.

tomshardware:

Many folks prefer building their own PC systems rather than purchasing pre-configured solutions, and most typically go for a retail processor, as the fancy boxes from AMD and Intel typically include a cooler that each respective vendor considers "good enough." While low-end retail processors tend to be bundled with the lightest, least-effecitve coolers for the sake of keeping cost low, upper-mainstream and high-end CPUs do generally include decent cooling devices. Even so, we found that an aftermarket cooler, such as the new Zalman CNPS 10X, can do a much better job of cooling an overclocked Core i7-920.

For more info click here

looking for gaming/school work desktop

thedirector — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:22:17 GMT

I'm looking for a decent gaming computer for my kid, so needs to be able to run apps for school work also. Needs to be able to run World of Warcraft with good graphics settings (not minimum) AMD or Intel does not matter, no Vista (windows 7 preferred), 4gb ram, maybe a Geforce GTX-260, able to run multiple apps ( WoW and Ventrilo), usb ports, easy to upgrade later if needed. No Dell's!!! I don't have the time or knowledge to build my own so if there is a company that will build to suit would be great. Price range around $700.

thanx