At 4/12/09 08:51 PM, TheWolfe wrote: How the hell did you do that? I use TPB and a movie (700mb) takes at least 3-4 days. A full game(2-4gb) can take up to a week.

One of my ISP's main servers is located just right by my house. And fiber optic cables are used for the connections. I actually have a pretty weak bandwidth though, 590kb/s is the max that I can download anything at. At my last house it was 279kb/s. My school's connection is anywhere from 22,000~59,000kb/s and a 10,400~19,000kb/a upload, A game typically takes about 3 days to download for me, but it may be just a few hours at school. Good to have a computer class in school.

Any suggestions? I can't tell the difference between a system that's 50bucks and 500.

Very true but you will probably be able to tell a difference between a system for 20$ and 70$.
Logitech Z-4 40 watts 2.1 Speaker.

At 4/12/09 08:51 PM, TheWolfe wrote: Any suggestions? I can't tell the difference between a system that's 50bucks and 500.

Forget speakers, you can get better sound from headphones at a much better price. I have Sennheiser HD205s, and Taco has a 201. Anything from them is amazing. Even so, I understand you have a rather old motherboard with onboard sound. An expensive sound system is useless without a sound card that can take advantage of it, and vice versa. You probably wouldn't be able to hear the difference between 50 and 500 bucks either.

______

I'm thinking about what I shall do for a project, which I haven't yet settled upon yet. Do any of you have experience with sleeving wires, or ever done any hardcore soldering? Tips, pointers, advice?

At 4/13/09 03:08 PM, ThoseSneakyFrench wrote: Forget speakers, you can get better sound from headphones at a much better price. I have Sennheiser HD205s, and Taco has a 201. Anything from them is amazing. Even so, I understand you have a rather old motherboard with onboard sound. An expensive sound system is useless without a sound card that can take advantage of it, and vice versa. You probably wouldn't be able to hear the difference between 50 and 500 bucks either.

Good point. Right now I have some Skull Candy headphones, but now that I am gaming, I was thinking about getting a headset with a mic...Are there very many gaming headsets with amazing sound quality too? Or maybe just get some great headphones and a mic? Also, don't you still need a sound card if you have headphones?
Also, any headphones in particular to suggest?
A 201?

I'm thinking about what I shall do for a project, which I haven't yet settled upon yet. Do any of you have experience with sleeving wires, or ever done any hardcore soldering? Tips, pointers, advice?

Are you talking about modding your case? I've always wanted to do that, but I have no idea what materials to use...spray paint? I use to be on the robotics team, and my tip is to let the seniors do all the things that can burn you...

At 4/13/09 03:08 PM, ThoseSneakyFrench wrote: An expensive sound system is useless without a sound card that can take advantage of it, and vice versa.

Right you are sir, but we speaking on the behalf of getting speakers that are a step or two above the standard speakers one would expect to get with a computer, not studio monitors for 400$ that have a frequency range of 1~60,000Hz. The stock integrated sound card in his system will take full advantage of the speakers, but that's pretty much where it will end. Anything better that he might want to get in the future will require him to upgrade his card first.

Forget speakers, you can get better sound from headphones at a much better price.

Headphones are great and all but what if one is tired of wearing headphones all day, or needs to know what is happening around him/her. For example: In the case of waiting for a phone call or having something cooking in the kitchen (We wouldn't want to burn the house down, would we), or in the scenario of having someone over and wanting to show them a video. How is one' suppose to allow sound to be audible to his guest and him/herself?

I'm thinking about what I shall do for a project, which I haven't yet settled upon yet. Do any of you have experience with sleeving wires, or ever done any hardcore soldering? Tips, pointers, advice?

I have been doing soldering work for many years now, and have a bit of a reputation for my steady hands. Soldering if easy, the best the tips I can provide are the following:
- Make a strict habit of cleaning the soldering tip on a wet spunge right after every use.
- Concentrate on what you're trying to achieve.
- Rest of your elbows on the table for greater stability
- Be patient when holding the tip against the wire(s) and waiting for the wires to achieve optimal temp.
- Have fun.

My news.

Downloaded OSX Leopard, but I need to get a dual-layer burner if I ever plan on doing anything with it, as it's 6.71GB and conventional DVDs have a capacity of 4.7GB as we all hopefully know. Maybe a 8GB USB stick would do it.. but my motherboard is pretty ghetto and would most likely never detect it.

Got Linux Ubuntu 9.04 64x and Windows 7 B7077 64x set up on my laptop. Fantastic combo. And I just upgraded my Vista to 7 on my desktop. I have a busy night ahead of me, reconfiguring all the settings and whatnot.

Peel all of the Intel, EStar, 1080P, SAudio manufacturer stickers of my laptop. Nice and clean now. K, that's all for now.

guise i need a torrent of a windows 7 that wont expire that will work with my pentium 4 build

Im a little confused.
So I should buy a new sound card, new speakers, and new headphones?
Sounds expensive and kind of turns me off to doing anything at all...

See! 8gb flash sticks aren't too big. They can be useful...
:P

Help.

I need to reformat XP on my stepdad's computer. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong and I've been through 6 disks trying. I had to go into the OS and run setup.exe to get the installation to start. Then when that didnt work I burnt the zipped .iso thingy and tried again but both times it said the disk was damaged.

Also, I had to use a keygen because the key that Dell provided won't work. Will I run into any trouble for doing this?

I put Linux on a Pentium 3 and it runs faster then it did on XP before.

At 4/13/09 08:35 PM, TheWolfe wrote: Im a little confused.

It's your money, we are only giving suggestions because you asked. And buying all those is expensive if you go for even mid-range gear. Pace yourself, I have shitty headphones and good-enough-for-me speakers that are several years old and only now planning to get headphones that are slightly better. There is no race.

See! 8gb flash sticks aren't too big. They can be useful...

LOL, for one purpose? I can't think of any others, but does it even matter, they're all in the price range of $20. Just wait until USB 3.0 finally comes out! Hooray for blowing more money on mobos and usb drives.

At 4/13/09 09:28 PM, ThoseSneakyFrench wrote: Help.

How about we start clean.
1. Download XP.
2. Download PowerISO.
3. Burn XP with PowerISO at the slowest speed.
4. Restart and follow the typical procedure of installation.
5. Go for a drink?

At 4/13/09 11:52 PM, JuggaloRB wrote: I put Linux on a Pentium 3 and it runs faster then it did on XP before.

Hard to find anything to runs smoother than Linux.

At 4/14/09 01:34 AM, PolishMatt wrote:

At 4/13/09 09:28 PM, ThoseSneakyFrench wrote: Help.

How about we start clean.
1. Download XP.

Already have XP.

2. Download PowerISO.

Done.

3. Burn XP with PowerISO at the slowest speed.

Done.

4. Restart and follow the typical procedure of installation.

I used a CD this time instead of a DVD as I was told, still can't get it to boot off the disk.

5. Go for a drink?

FFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

At 4/14/09 08:24 AM, ThoseSneakyFrench wrote:.

Already have XP.

Then throw it into the fire and download mine.

still can't get it to boot off the disk.

Ever considered the thought that you didn't change your boot priorities in your BIOS?

FFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

Fail.

At 4/14/09 08:42 AM, PolishMatt wrote: Then throw it into the fire and download mine.

Downloaded yours, got it to work, still looking for a fire.

Ever considered the thought that you didn't change your boot priorities in your BIOS?

I wouldn't overlook something like that.

Fail.

I can build a computer out of legos, yet I can't get XP to format without someone holding my hand.

I found a cable that I could try practicing removing connector pins from, unfortunately I didn't realize that you NEED the specialized tools in order to remove molex pins. So I'll need to order some of those before I can even practice.

At 4/14/09 09:35 AM, ThoseSneakyFrench wrote: yet I can't get XP to format without someone holding my hand.

Didn't you just say "got it to work", meaning that it's fixed?

I found a cable that I could try practicing removing connector pins from, unfortunately I didn't realize that you NEED the specialized tools in order to remove molex pins. So I'll need to order some of those before I can even practice.

I never had to fool around with pins because the concept of "slave or master" is irrelevant S-ATA drives. I did once have to change the pin location when trying to fix someone elses computer, and I removed the pin with an ordinary pair of pliers.

Hey guys...
It turns out I have $700 bucks in da bank after saving up from my job.
Soooo...I feel like spending some!
Although I need around 200 for my driving school fees...
That leaves 500 bucks.

So here's what I'm thinking:

I really want a second monitor. I currently have an HP 19in which is just fine, but I'm trying to get into computers...and learning how to use 2 monitors sounds fun and challenging. Not to mention it's only $130

Also, I'm gonna get a Flash Drive, just because I don't have one and it's about time I get one, so I'm going to spend 5bucks more to get a 8gb (and not the 4).

Back to the speaker problem...
So, if I want to get speakers, I should get a sound card? What about this combo...
Card

Speakers Option 1
Speakers Option 2

And for headphones, I don't think I want to go into that. I currently have some SC headphones that aren't AMAZING, but are well worth the 50 bucks I spent on them. But I have really cheap earphones, and so I'm thinking about replacing them.

Also, I think "modding" my case would be a fun hobby. It would look badass with diagonal stripes...

I can see it all now...Orange stripes!

At 4/14/09 08:06 PM, TheWolfe wrote: But I have really cheap earphones, and so I'm thinking about replacing them.

Rather lose both of my legs than use ear buds. Satanic creations.

At 4/14/09 08:06 PM, TheWolfe wrote: I really want a second monitor. I currently have an HP 19in which is just fine, but I'm trying to get into computers...and learning how to use 2 monitors sounds fun and challenging. Not to mention it's only $130

If you must, get these and sell your old monitor. Much better for the price.

Back to the speaker problem...
So, if I want to get speakers, I should get a sound card? What about this combo...

Try looking at the Asus Xonars. Heard good stuff about them.

Speakers Option 1
Speakers Option 2

Option 2 n00b

At 4/15/09 05:44 PM, ThoseSneakyFrench wrote: If you must, get these and sell your old monitor. Much better for the price.

Hmmm. Selling my monitor would take a little bit more work...
I think what I'll do is buy one of those, see if I like it enough to buy a second one and go to the trouble of selling my current one.
NEW QUESTION:
That is a HDMI monitor. I've been reading about how HDMI sometimes interferes with audio, and that it is the same thing as DVI, but with audio...So should I just use the DVI cables and not even use HDMI cables? Or will using DVI with a HDMI monitor be of less quality than using a HDMI cable?
I don't know anything about HDMI monitors, so this is a little confusing.

Try looking at the Asus Xonars. Heard good stuff about them.

Looks good, only 90 bucks too.
Question: Will I have to plug in my headphones directly into the card from the back to get the card's great sound, or will connecting to the audio port in the front that is connected to the mobo do the same thing?

At 4/15/09 11:29 PM, TheWolfe wrote: That is a HDMI monitor.

There is also a DVI port, use that. Acer had implemented a HDMI port on the back mainly for folks that can't afford large HDTVs (Hence the monitor also being manufacture red in a 16:9 ratio, to save troubleshooting for the marketing group) but still want to view HD content, or people who just want to watch HD content in the kitchen or bathroom (Yes, some people do that).

I've been reading about how HDMI sometimes interferes with audio, and that it is the same thing as DVI, but with audio...

Yes, just save yourself the hassle and stick with using DVI. And both cables support high bandwidth video content, that's how they're similar. What differs between them is that DVI is strictly just for video and HDMI is for video AND audio. Hence it's used as the main connector for Home theaters; as it provides the convenience of having to use only one cable.

So should I just use the DVI cables and not even use HDMI cables?

Yes.

Or will using DVI with a HDMI monitor be of less quality than using a HDMI cable?

It's not a "HDMI monitor" as it has multiple connections. As stated before, they offer the same video bandwidth.

Question: Will I have to plug in my headphones directly into the card from the back to get the card's great sound, or will connecting to the audio port in the front that is connected to the mobo do the same thing?

It will the same sound quality (lol) and typically people (As myself) just plug it into the commonly found small headphone jack on a set of computer speakers (The jack is located typically on the 'Right side intended' speaker).

At 4/16/09 06:16 PM, Bryan wrote: I might try to build one with friends this summer. We don't know SHIT about making one though. Can you guys give me some ideas of what to do?

www.overclock.net

At 4/16/09 06:16 PM, Bryan wrote: I might try to build one with friends this summer. We don't know SHIT about making one though. Can you guys give me some ideas of what to do?

Then don't bother doing one, you will only end up putting hundreds if not thousands of dollars up in flames. It's not exactly something you can take lightly, as a lot large problems can start from the slightest mistakes. Consult someone, read about it, study it, talk about it, to the point where you can define what every piece of hardware is responsible for performing. Here's a list of hardware that you will encounter.
-CPU
-GPU
-PSU
-RAM
-HDD/SSD
-APU
-Motherboard
-Case
-ROM-Drive

OK guys, guess what I found!
=D
It's the same HDMI monitor, only its 23inches, more contrast ratio, and the same price!
Only downside is the speakers are not built in, but that'll just make me go out and buy speakers sooner, which I consider a good thing because I need them and have the money too (hooray, motivation)
Also, I'm going to get the4GB Flash Drive instead of the 8, because the 4 has FREE SHIPPING, while the 8 does not.
15bucks vs 28
I feel pretty happy about this.

At 4/16/09 08:50 PM, TheWolfe wrote: It's the same HDMI monitor, only its 23inches, more contrast ratio, and the same price!

IMO, the guy that came up with the idea of placing speakers into monitors, should be shot in the head, it's a stupid idea. But nice find, and stop referring it to as a hdmi monitor. Shipping is only a few bucks.

At 4/16/09 08:28 PM, PolishMatt wrote: Then don't bother doing one, you will only end up putting hundreds if not thousands of dollars up in flames. It's not exactly something you can take lightly, as a lot large problems can start from the slightest mistakes. Consult someone, read about it, study it, talk about it, to the point where you can define what every piece of hardware is responsible for performing.

True. Very true.

And here's a list with technicalities you should seriously know about.

-CPU

Socket type
FSB clock

-GPU

Connection (AGP, PCI, PCIe)

-PSU

Type of connections, amount of connections, max output, yield.

-RAM

CL#, DDR#,

-HDD/SSD

Meh, really only SATA or IDE connection

-Motherboard

EVERYTHING named above. Seriously

-Case

ATX or mATX
Space for PSU
Etc.

And you should also know about the default quality of each product you need. This list is not complete at all, but if there are one or two names you have never heard about, don't build a computer yourself.

At 4/18/09 01:13 PM, SuperFlonic wrote:

At 4/16/09 08:28 PM, PolishMatt wrote:

-CPU

Technically, one could say that there about 10 important specs for a processor, but most notably along side the already mentioned FSB/QPI/HT and Socket type, consumers should also be aware of the Operating Frequency, L2/L3 Cache, Manufacturing Tech, Brand and reputation.

-GPU

Specs on the Core Clock, Stream processors, Memory Clock, Memory Size, Memory Interface, Memory Type, DirectX, OpenGL capability, DVI ports, RAMDAC, Power connectors type and max resolution.

-PSU

Knowing the efficiency is also important.

-RAM

Latency is a big kicker here.

-HDD/SSD

How about how fast the disk spins? the amount of memory it has for its buffer? Or even the total size of it?

Matt: He's talking in compatibility of parts, not in terms of performance. It's easy enough to understand which parts perform better than others, all that's needed is to google some benchmarks.

I will be aquiring a broken laptop soon to which I will have to supply my own hard drive. Objections?

At 4/18/09 02:07 PM, ThoseSneakyFrench wrote: Matt

Got yeah.

Objections?

Absolutely none, as long as it's WD and spinning at 7200RPM, it's a perfect purchase. I didn't think they made a 2.5" disk that spins at 7.2K in a 320GB variation, I thought only a 250GB variation was available. I would love to install that into my laptop but I just got it.. I should wait a little longer till another upgrade.

SuperFIonic's list really gives you s good idea of what you need to look for in terms of compatibility for each part.

At 4/18/09 01:13 PM, SuperFlonic wrote: And here's a list with technicalities you should seriously know about.

-CPU

Socket type
FSB clock

-GPU

Connection (AGP, PCI, PCIe)

-PSU

Type of connections, amount of connections, max output, yield.

-RAM

Operating Freq., DDR#,

-HDD/SSD

Meh, really only SATA or IDE connection

-Motherboard

EVERYTHING named above. Seriously

-Case

ATX or mATX
Space for PSU
Etc.

These days 200 or 300 bucks can actually get you a decent overhaul of a computer. Being you have a junky store bought computer, here are the parts I imagine you'll need:
-Motherboard
-Memory
-CPU
-Graphics Card
-Case (If yours happens to be BTX.)

Use newegg.com for research, and like I said before, just google benchmarks if you want to get an idea of performance. However, try to look for gameplay tests when doing this. There are specially designed benchmarks that mean nothing in real world performance. For example, 2000 more points in 3dmark06 could equate to 3 extra frames or so in tf2.

At 4/19/09 08:34 AM, ThoseSneakyFrench wrote: SuperFIonic's list really gives you s good idea of what you need to look for in terms of compatibility for each part.

Woot ^^

Yeah, anyway. If you could give me a website that ships to your country/residence, I would have no problems 'assembling' (basically choosing compatible and quality parts) your computer, TECh2o

At 4/19/09 04:37 AM, TECh2o wrote: Stuff.

Gives us a detailed run down of your current computer, what you plan on doing it (And what games you want to play, I assume you play games because you mentioned you think you need more graphics horse power) and how much money you want to invest and we will come up with the best solutions for you.