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Author Topic: Quick [tech] Questions Thread  (Read 1186413 times)
Trippy
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Reply #560 on: March 17, 2009, 12:22:14 PM

So I managed to put my new PC together today.

It boots, and Vista starts to install off the DVD, but it's sat doing nothing now (after I told it I was in the UK and to Install Now please) for a really long time. Like 10 minutes now saying "Please wait..." with an hourglass symbol.

How long should it take? Will I know right away if I've fucked up the CPU/heatsink bit or will it wait until it gets hot before exploding?

Hold me, I'm scared!  swamp poop
No idea on the Vista install stalling (don't use it). For the CPU/heatsink you can just touch it yourself to check. It will shut itself down if it gets too hot so you can't really "fry" a CPU from too much heat like you could in the past.
apocrypha
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Reply #561 on: March 17, 2009, 12:23:12 PM

Awesome thanks Trippy.

While you were replying Vista came to life and carried on installing, I was just being a girly wuss  DRILLING AND WOMANLINESS

"Bourgeois society stands at the crossroads, either transition to socialism or regression into barbarism" - Rosa Luxemburg, 1915.
Engels
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Reply #562 on: March 17, 2009, 12:28:11 PM

Most BIOSes these days have their own hardware temp monitors. You can check there before the OS if you're worried. Also, they may be a bit more accurate about temp reporting than 3rd party apps you download.

Grats on the new build, btw.

I should get back to nature, too.  You know, like going to a shop for groceries instead of the computer.  Maybe a condo in the woods that doesn't even have a health club or restaurant attached.  Buy a car with only two cup holders or something. -Signe

I LIKE being bounced around by Tonkors. - Lantyssa

Babies shooting themselves in the head is the state bird of West Virginia. - schild
Trippy
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Reply #563 on: March 17, 2009, 12:29:08 PM

Did you hook up a network cable to it? It might have been trying to make a network connection with a really long timeout timer.
schild
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Reply #564 on: March 17, 2009, 07:11:07 PM

So. I rearranged my monitors. Ventrilo is launching off of the primary monitor space. Right-clicking on the icon bar brings up things I can't use (like move and resize, there is no maximize option). How can I get that window back onto a monitor?
Rendakor
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Reply #565 on: March 17, 2009, 09:26:38 PM

Have you tried hitting move and dragging it in random directions with the hope that it appears on your monitor(s)?

Failing that, set your PC back to displaying onto your primary monitor only; then open Vent (it should open visibly since it has nowhere else to do so; doing this lets Vent know where to open. Might want to drag it around a little just to make sure it saves its changed position). Then close it, and re-setup your multiple monitors.

"i can't be a star citizen. they won't even give me a star green card"
schild
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Reply #566 on: March 17, 2009, 09:33:20 PM

Nah, I got it. Alt+Space+M then use arrow keys.
apocrypha
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Reply #567 on: March 18, 2009, 12:12:31 AM

Most BIOSes these days have their own hardware temp monitors. You can check there before the OS if you're worried. Also, they may be a bit more accurate about temp reporting than 3rd party apps you download.

Grats on the new build, btw.

Discovered it, cheers :)  It also has a thingy that give me a browser, IM, email and all sorts of other stuff before even loading the OS if I want. Nifty! These newfangled doohickeys, what will they come up with next!

Did you hook up a network cable to it? It might have been trying to make a network connection with a really long timeout timer.
Yeah could have been something like that, when Vista did finish installing it wasn't happy with the network for ages until I decided to actually put the CD with the motherboard drivers in  awesome, for real

"Bourgeois society stands at the crossroads, either transition to socialism or regression into barbarism" - Rosa Luxemburg, 1915.
apocrypha
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Reply #568 on: March 18, 2009, 12:59:49 AM

Hrmmm can anyone recommend a good, free firewall for Vista 64? I've used Sunbelt for ages but it's 32-bit only  sad

"Bourgeois society stands at the crossroads, either transition to socialism or regression into barbarism" - Rosa Luxemburg, 1915.
Lantyssa
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Reply #569 on: March 18, 2009, 08:38:48 AM

I'm happy with Window's Firewall on my home machines as long as I have a good virus scanner and am behind a router.  (My work machines don't even have the router and they're on a university network and do fine.)

Hahahaha!  I'm really good at this!
Mrbloodworth
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Reply #570 on: March 19, 2009, 11:33:08 AM

So, i upgraded my laptop, i went from 2 sticks of 1gb, to two sticks of 2gb. However in the properties panel, it says there are only 3gb installed. The video card on the laptop is a x1400 (ATI i think) and says it can use up to 512 ram. (shared of course).

However in the bios, i can't change the list amount of memory, and there is a listing for the Video cards allotment, its set to 128 mb. I can't change any of this, cant even use the arrow keys to get to them. The laptop is running Windows XP.

Any suggestions? More info needed, is so, what?

Thanks.

Today's How-To: Scrambling a Thread to the Point of Incoherence in Only One Post with MrBloodworth . - schild
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SnakeCharmer
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Reply #571 on: March 19, 2009, 11:40:01 AM

The laptop is running Windows XP.

That's your problem.  You need a 64 bit OS - either XP Pro 64, or Vista Premium.

I'm 99.9 percent sure on that.

If you're wanting to stick with XP Pro 64, I've got an unused copy at home you can have for way cheap.  Let me know if interested.
Mrbloodworth
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Reply #572 on: March 19, 2009, 12:30:21 PM

I was hopeing this wasn't the issue. Its only a dual core laptop, not sure if i care enough to upgrade its OS right now. The video card allotment is still in question, and a problem.

So XP only does up to 3 gigs? That's an odd number.

Today's How-To: Scrambling a Thread to the Point of Incoherence in Only One Post with MrBloodworth . - schild
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Ookii
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Reply #573 on: March 19, 2009, 12:39:44 PM

Trippy will come to the rescue and explain everything.

Your 32 bit OS wants you to upgrade.

Trippy
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Reply #574 on: March 19, 2009, 01:55:33 PM

So, i upgraded my laptop, i went from 2 sticks of 1gb, to two sticks of 2gb. However in the properties panel, it says there are only 3gb installed. The video card on the laptop is a x1400 (ATI i think) and says it can use up to 512 ram. (shared of course).

However in the bios, i can't change the list amount of memory, and there is a listing for the Video cards allotment, its set to 128 mb. I can't change any of this, cant even use the arrow keys to get to them. The laptop is running Windows XP.

Any suggestions? More info needed, is so, what?

Thanks.
What's the laptop model?
schild
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Reply #575 on: March 19, 2009, 01:56:42 PM

The laptop is running Windows XP.

That's your problem.  You need a 64 bit OS - either XP Pro 64, or Vista Premium.

I'm 99.9 percent sure on that.

If you're wanting to stick with XP Pro 64, I've got an unused copy at home you can have for way cheap.  Let me know if interested.
XP Pro 64 actually has no value, so I find your offer intriguing. awesome, for real
Mrbloodworth
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Reply #576 on: March 20, 2009, 05:42:43 AM

So, i upgraded my laptop, i went from 2 sticks of 1gb, to two sticks of 2gb. However in the properties panel, it says there are only 3gb installed. The video card on the laptop is a x1400 (ATI i think) and says it can use up to 512 ram. (shared of course).

However in the bios, i can't change the list amount of memory, and there is a listing for the Video cards allotment, its set to 128 mb. I can't change any of this, cant even use the arrow keys to get to them. The laptop is running Windows XP.

Any suggestions? More info needed, is so, what?

Thanks.
What's the laptop model?


Acer Aspire 5670. Intel Core Duo 1.66 (i think), 2gb ram (was)  ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 512 MB (this is what it says right on the sticker i never took off, bios says 128) 120gb HD. Its about 2-3 years old, and has been a great laptop, even now. I beta tested Vanguard on it (on rather high settings too), and my girl uses it for LOTRO. That's the main reason i was trying to squeeze a bit more out of it.

Today's How-To: Scrambling a Thread to the Point of Incoherence in Only One Post with MrBloodworth . - schild
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Trippy
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Reply #577 on: March 20, 2009, 10:45:13 AM

Not sure how well this works on mobile GPUs but run this (or something similiar) to ID your GPU:

http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/

You might actually have the Mobile X1400 that has 128 MB of dedicated VRAM instead of shared RAM. Check the memory type. If it's GDDR3 then it looks like you have the dedicated VRAM model.
Mrbloodworth
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Reply #578 on: March 20, 2009, 11:16:53 AM

Not sure how well this works on mobile GPUs but run this (or something similiar) to ID your GPU:

http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/

You might actually have the Mobile X1400 that has 128 MB of dedicated VRAM instead of shared RAM. Check the memory type. If it's GDDR3 then it looks like you have the dedicated VRAM model.


I will check, but that would be contrary to what i bought if true. Unless it has 128, but can pull down another 128 if it wants to from system. If that last bit is the case, then i guess all is well, other than the missing 1 gig system memory.

Thanks, ill post back when i get the datas!

Today's How-To: Scrambling a Thread to the Point of Incoherence in Only One Post with MrBloodworth . - schild
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SnakeCharmer
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Reply #579 on: March 20, 2009, 05:04:28 PM

Thinking of upgrading for no other reason than to do it.  Currently running 8800GTS G92's in SLI.  Considering going with a GTX 260 OC, possibly even SLI'ing that.  Resolution is 1920x1200.

Thoughts?
« Last Edit: March 20, 2009, 05:56:09 PM by SnakeCharmer »
rattran
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Reply #580 on: March 20, 2009, 07:55:53 PM

Do you have more money than sense? If so, it's a good plan.
At 1920x1200, 8800gt sli should just about max out in everything.
SnakeCharmer
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Reply #581 on: March 20, 2009, 08:41:31 PM

Do you have more money than sense?

If I only had a nickle to my name, I'd have more money than sense...

Quote
If so, it's a good plan.
At 1920x1200, 8800gt sli should just about max out in everything.

It comes close.  I suppose that if I wouldn't see an anecdotal 50 percent improvement in quality and framerate, I wouldn't do it.  FWIW, the proc is Q6600 (oc'd to 3.2Ghz) and 8GB of RAM.

Just kinda curious. 
Engels
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Reply #582 on: March 20, 2009, 09:24:58 PM

isn't there a significant difference between a GT and  GTS in the 8800 series?

I should get back to nature, too.  You know, like going to a shop for groceries instead of the computer.  Maybe a condo in the woods that doesn't even have a health club or restaurant attached.  Buy a car with only two cup holders or something. -Signe

I LIKE being bounced around by Tonkors. - Lantyssa

Babies shooting themselves in the head is the state bird of West Virginia. - schild
apocrypha
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Reply #583 on: March 20, 2009, 11:29:27 PM

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It really seems to vary with the test:

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/charts/gaming-graphics-charts-q3-2008/benchmarks,30.html

If you're buying a new card you haven't got to spend much more to get you up to a 9800GTX+ or a GT250. The Radeon 4830 or 4850 would be good choices around that price point too.

The Best Graphics Cards For The Money: March '09 article on TH is pretty informative and brief.

"Bourgeois society stands at the crossroads, either transition to socialism or regression into barbarism" - Rosa Luxemburg, 1915.
Engels
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Reply #584 on: March 21, 2009, 10:06:47 PM

This is just a public service announcement.

I noticed over the last few weeks that my machine's fans were going into over drive when I was playing high processing games. I checked my temps, and sure enough, my CPU was idling at ~48C and approaching 67C under load! This was vexing because when I first installed my heatsink and fan assembly for my CPU, the temps were ~34C idle and low 50s under load.

This morning I undertook the hidious process of removing the heatsink and discovering a lot of dust and even dust bunnies accumulated between the fins. I also reapplied thermal paste. I put it all back together and lo and behold, the temps are back to the original ones.

So, in essence, it may be a good idea to reapply paste and check the grime on your CPU heatsink fins every 6 months or so.

I should get back to nature, too.  You know, like going to a shop for groceries instead of the computer.  Maybe a condo in the woods that doesn't even have a health club or restaurant attached.  Buy a car with only two cup holders or something. -Signe

I LIKE being bounced around by Tonkors. - Lantyssa

Babies shooting themselves in the head is the state bird of West Virginia. - schild
apocrypha
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Planes? Shit, I'm terrified to get in my car now!


Reply #585 on: March 22, 2009, 12:37:02 AM

I always have massive dust problems with my PCs. Two cats in the house, our cavalier attitude towards doing housework and PC cases with plenty of huge fans means that they hoover up metric fucktons of fur and dust.

Reminds me, I need to find a cheap source for compressed air cans in the UK....

"Bourgeois society stands at the crossroads, either transition to socialism or regression into barbarism" - Rosa Luxemburg, 1915.
Sky
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Reply #586 on: March 23, 2009, 08:36:06 AM

I've got filters on my intakes. Still get a bit of dust in there, but nowhere near the evil den of bunnies I've had in the past, and now I've added a cat to the equation.

On video cards: check the pipe widths. Even when I built my pc two years ago, there were a lot of cards with wimpy pipes (128bit) out there. For reference, my 9800pro had 256bit pipes. It made a huuuge difference. I see some with 512bit, that's gotta be pretty sweet. My 8800gtx is 384 or something, runs pretty sweet. Though at this point, 1280x720 for the max settings win.
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Reply #587 on: March 23, 2009, 10:48:06 AM

I've got filters on my intakes. Still get a bit of dust in there, but nowhere near the evil den of bunnies I've had in the past, and now I've added a cat to the equation.

Using a cat as a filtration device runs counter to conventional wisdom.  Do you shave it first?

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Sky
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Reply #588 on: March 23, 2009, 11:46:54 AM

No, I added filters to the cat.
Lucas
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Reply #589 on: March 27, 2009, 08:09:12 AM

Guys, do you know of any article talking about the next wave of Nvidia graphic cards? Meaning, what's to come after the 2xx series? Just wondering 'cause next Xmas (yeah, I like to plan ahead) I'll probably make a total-global-ultra upgrade of my beast and since I still have a fantastic 8800 GTS 640MB (bought it at the end of 2006 and it is still rockin') I want to stick with Nvidia. Thanks :)

" He's so impatient, it's like watching a teenager fuck a glorious older woman." - Ironwood on J.J. Abrams
Miguel
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Reply #590 on: March 27, 2009, 11:53:57 AM

There's this (it basically likes up with your timeframe):

Leaked GeForce driver hints at GT212, GT215, GT216, and GT218 GPUs

Leaked ForceWare 185 drivers provided by German site Hardware Infos hint at several upcoming GeForce GT2xx GPUs. According to ATI-Forum.de, GT212, GT215, GT216, and GT218 GPUs are all mentioned in the driver device list. All of these GPUs are expected to be built around TSMC's 40-nm manufacturing process, with recent rumors suggesting GT212 will replace today's 55-nm GT200b GPUs, while GT216 is expected to displace G96 and GT218 will replace G98 for the entry-level segment.  The unknown here is GT215. This is the first time GT215 has surfaced anywhere. GT214 is expected to be NVIDIA's G94 replacement, but no one outside of NVIDIA knows how GT215 relates to GT214. While previous rumors have suggested NVIDIA's first 40-nm GPUs could arrive during late Q2 or Q3'09, their appearance in a leaked ForceWare driver could suggest an even earlier arrival.


Anything about newer GPU's would probably only be the result of a blatant NDA violation. ;)

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Engels
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Reply #591 on: March 27, 2009, 12:00:57 PM

You know what would rule? GPUs with smaller transistors like this 45 nm so that I wouldn't be able to slow-roast a suckling pig in my case.

I should get back to nature, too.  You know, like going to a shop for groceries instead of the computer.  Maybe a condo in the woods that doesn't even have a health club or restaurant attached.  Buy a car with only two cup holders or something. -Signe

I LIKE being bounced around by Tonkors. - Lantyssa

Babies shooting themselves in the head is the state bird of West Virginia. - schild
Trippy
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Reply #592 on: March 27, 2009, 12:48:31 PM

Guys, do you know of any article talking about the next wave of Nvidia graphic cards? Meaning, what's to come after the 2xx series? Just wondering 'cause next Xmas (yeah, I like to plan ahead) I'll probably make a total-global-ultra upgrade of my beast and since I still have a fantastic 8800 GTS 640MB (bought it at the end of 2006 and it is still rockin') I want to stick with Nvidia. Thanks :)
The GT300 is the one you want to check in on in about 6 months. It's their high end DX11 card core that's supposed to be out Q4 09.

Edit: that's a core not a card.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2009, 12:51:47 PM by Trippy »
Sky
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Reply #593 on: March 27, 2009, 01:37:49 PM

Is dx11 going to be anything? I got pretty pissed about the dx10 thing being 'vista only' and then patching my crysis demo to get all the "dx10" effects in xp. At this point I'm only interested in features, not raw speed, being res-locked to 720p. I see this as a good thing, better effects and fsaa/af and shadows and normal mapping and whatnot.
Trippy
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Reply #594 on: March 27, 2009, 01:55:15 PM

DirectX 11 is mostly a performance update. It'll better support multi-treading and have an API for using GPUs as general purpose CPUs (GPGPU). Some of the enhancements like some of the multi-threading stuff will work on non-DX11 specific cards so it's not clear yet what a DX11-specific card gets you over a DX10/9 card. Windows 7 will ship with DirectX 11 and it'll be available for Vista as well.
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