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Question What to do with Antec ISK300-65 case, what MB/CPU to use?

I found an old Antec ISK300-65 case. With the 65W power supply, what kinds of CPU/Motherboard solutions are out there these days that might work? It used to have an Intel Atom CPU/Motherboard combo in it, but from a quick search, I'm not finding similar options. Either used items or options...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Oct 10, 2022
- Replies: 1
- Forum: Computer Building
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New PC Build: No display Solved!

Ahhh...after triple checking the cables, the 12V ATX connector from the power supply was not fully seated. One of the downfalls of mini-itx, sometimes just checking if cables are connected is more difficult than usual. Problem solved, though!
- mfeller2
- Post #4
- Jul 6, 2018
- Forum: Computer Building
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New PC build : Windows 7 or Windows 10?

...just to note it, as mentioned in a previous post...there is just an issue with the Windows 7 installation even recognizing hardware. It won't recognize a USB mouse or keyboard. The motherboard for some reason has a PS/2 connector, but I haven't had a PS/2 peripheral in probably a decade...
- mfeller2
- Post #6
- Jul 6, 2018
- Forum: Operating Systems
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New PC Build: No display Solved!

I just put together a new PC. I am getting no display. I have tried swapping a known-good HDMI cable/monitor with a Displayport connection to the same monitor. Any suggestions on things to try before I go buy a cheap graphics card to swap that out? CPU: Ryzen 2700 with stock cooler...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Jul 6, 2018
- Replies: 3
- Forum: Computer Building
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New PC build : Windows 7 or Windows 10?

I am building a new PC. I happen to have a (legal!) unused Windows7 license. Should I use this or buy a Windows 10 license? The PC will be used for light gaming, but will also be used for development and running virtual machines. It is a Ryzen 2700, and the main reason I ask is to make sure...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Jul 5, 2018
- Replies: 5
- Forum: Operating Systems
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Ryzen 2xxx single rank vs dual rank, ECC vs non-ECC

Part of my concern is that with the previous Ryzen, even if you bought a faster speed RAM, it would want to run slower if it was dual-rank, for example. Of course, you could then overclock to bump it back up. I am already giving up a bit on latency, and being limited to 2666 just from what's...
- mfeller2
- Post #3
- Jul 5, 2018
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
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Ryzen 2xxx single rank vs dual rank, ECC vs non-ECC

When the first Ryzens came out, there were several articles detailing how the default max memory speed changed depending on rank and ECC support. Best support was for single-rank, no ECC. For example...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Jul 5, 2018
- ecc memory rank ryzen
- Replies: 12
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
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How to manage if newer BIOS is needed for CPU

Gigabyte AB350N-Gaming. Chosen specifically because it is mini-ITX and it explicitly shows support for ECC. So options to consider other motherboards are limited. The CPU support page shows Ryzen 2xxx support starting from BIOS version F22.
- mfeller2
- Post #3
- Jun 26, 2018
- Forum: Motherboards
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How to manage if newer BIOS is needed for CPU

I am building a new system without existing components. I am looking at the Ryzen 2700 for CPU. The motherboard that I am looking at says that Ryzen 2xxx is supported from BIOS version "F22" and later. Do motherboard vendors put the BIOS version on the outside of the box? If I end up with a...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Jun 26, 2018
- Replies: 14
- Forum: Motherboards
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Windows 10: What is it doing when idle?

When my laptop screen goes into power saving mode starting with the screen going blank, the fan kicks on and stays on. I am guessing that Windows is doing some housekeeping and driving up the CPU usage. But the fan stays on. How crappy is the OS that it needs that much CPU for THAT LONG...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Jan 10, 2018
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Windows
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System building : will i3&hdds work w/ 60W supply

I have an old mini-ITX case with 60W external supply. The Atom-based MB that I originally had in it is gone. I also now have a need for a NAS (plus maybe some other functions). Rather than go the Atom route, I also wonder if I could do something like this: Intel i3-6300T @ 35W TDP 2x...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Jul 10, 2016
- Replies: 3
- Forum: Computer Building
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Article suggestion

I am doing some research on what seems like a good Anandtech article: Given a budget of $5K or $10K what are best "bang for buck" options for building an HPC / high-performance computer? One big dual Xeon setup vs a small beowulf cluster of i7's? What if GPU compute is needed? In...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Nov 5, 2015
- Replies: 0
- Forum: Forum Issues and Feedback
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Durability: Mac Pro vs air vs thinkpad vs xps

I have a camera backpack, that fits a laptop in a padded pouch that sits between my back and the rest of the backpack. I have recently been using this pack more, and I think durability needs to be a major consideration for an upcoming laptop purchase. The laptop compartment is nicely padded...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Nov 2, 2015
- Replies: 5
- Forum: Laptops
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Powerline Networking and Aluminum Wiring

I have heard from multiple electricians that aluminum is okay (but not current code). Switches, receptacles, etc., need to be of the type that support it. Otherwise, there are fire hazards. My house has all of the aluminum-compatible stuff.
- mfeller2
- Post #3
- Mar 22, 2014
- Forum: Networking
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Powerline Networking and Aluminum Wiring

I have "Googled" this, but so far have not found guidance: Will powerline networking work with aluminum wiring, perhaps degraded, or is it something to avoid altogether? My home was built at a time when aluminum wiring was common practice.
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Mar 22, 2014
- Replies: 28
- Forum: Networking
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Better for compiling: AMD or Intel

...and to answer the earlier question...I am looking at SFF options, where Gigabyte has the A8-5545M vs. i3-3217. If I have an extra box somewhere near my desk for off-loading this compile task, I want it to be a small one. The compile tasks are a mix of GNU make-based and proprietary tools...
- mfeller2
- Post #4
- Mar 19, 2014
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
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Better for compiling: AMD or Intel

Which would be better for compiling code: something like the AMD A8 with 2 modules / 4 cores, or the i3 with 2 cores, but HT? I expect only integer matters, so the shared FPU of the AMD modules is a don't care. My understanding is that each Intel core is more efficient, but I am not sure...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Mar 19, 2014
- Replies: 19
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
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amd A8-5545M vs intel i3-4010U

I am looking at NUC-style SFF PC's. At roughly the same price point, there are options with the above subject CPU choices. I understand that on the CPU side the i3 will be better for most things. What about graphics? This is HD4400 at 200Mhz/1GHz (base/turbo) vs. 384 Radeon cores at...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Mar 16, 2014
- Replies: 1
- Forum: Laptops
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SFF/Netbook recommendation for OpenGL + Linux

I am looking for a cheap netbook or maybe SFF (Intel NUC, Gigabyte BRIX) where there is good OpenGL Linux (Ubuntu?) support "out of the box". In other words, I don't want to spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to get OpenGL working. I can look on Amazon, for example, and see a lot...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Feb 16, 2014
- Replies: 0
- Forum: Computer Building
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Small cases with fanless PS? SG05 or Bitfenix Prodigy

Looking at the Silverstone SG05, the graphics card length has to be less than nine inches. Not sure if my current card is that small. So... I will have to upgrade everything if I go this route. Question...It seems the AMD R9 270 seems to be at the right point offering the same or...
- mfeller2
- Post #6
- Jan 3, 2014
- Forum: Cases & Cooling
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Small cases with fanless PS? SG05 or Bitfenix Prodigy

I am considering down-sizing my "gaming PC" from a full-size tower to something physically smaller. Looking at the Silverstone SG05 or Bitfenix Prodigy, based on the reviews. Question: I have a Seasonic 460W Fanless power supply (Seasonic SS-460FL2) and a Sapphire AMD 6850 graphics card. I...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Dec 31, 2013
- Replies: 7
- Forum: Cases & Cooling
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Chromebook vs. NUC

I am thinking about a dedicated PC for things like paying bills online, etc., where security is the main goal. Linux would be the OS, but maybe Chromebook, with the idea that I would be more immune to various security issues. Because of the limited use, this can be a relatively low-end...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- May 9, 2013
- Replies: 4
- Forum: Computer Building
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10" Tablet recommendation

I have not paid so much attention to the tablet space. I am reading up a bit, but it's difficult to make judgement without spending a lot more time. I think it is just easier to ask: My main purpose is basically a magazine reader, to replace the small stacks of magazines, with lighter duty...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Apr 7, 2013
- Replies: 10
- Forum: Mobile Devices
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DIY Dual-Socket Server Advice

I am considering a dual-socket server, hoping to get 6+ cores per socket, with total system memory at 32GB or 64GB, for a computing project. I haven't followed recent trends in the server space. A few years ago, I spec'd out an AMD based system, where at least CPU's + MB would be ~$1000...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Dec 16, 2012
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Computer Building
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What laptop for older games on external monitor?

I am looking to buy a laptop. Primary usage will not be gaming...I have a desktop for that. But I may look to spend a little extra for a laptop that can support some older favorites (Civ 4), where graphics requirements will be a little lower. A few questions: 1) I assume that integrated...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Jun 13, 2012
- Replies: 1
- Forum: Laptops
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Lenovo x120e vs x220 durability

I know the x120e is a step back from the x220 on a couple of other fronts, but how about durability? I am looking at Thinkpad because of 1) past good experience with Thinkpads, 2) I want the laptop to last, and 3) this will end up in a backpack for a lot of hiking and travel, where it will be...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Aug 26, 2011
- Replies: 13
- Forum: Laptops
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IPS: Bad for battery life?

The recent Anandtech article on IPS monitors shows active power consumption to be substantially higher vs. normal LCD monitors. Translating this to a laptop purchase that I am considering: there is a trade-off of IPS vs battery life. Is this right? (Thinkpad X220 has an IPS option)
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Aug 15, 2011
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Laptops
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Lenovo Thinkpad: T420 vs X220

I have an X201 at work, and REALLY like the build, size, etc., so that for a personal laptop, I am thinking about going a similar route with the newer X220, even with the premium versus a more consumer-oriented option. But...there is also the T420. X220 Pro's Smaller IPS display (the...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- May 20, 2011
- Replies: 21
- Forum: Laptops
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FYI...Atom D510 vs. AMD E-350 Power Usage

There are E-350 boards that are passively cooled with large heat sinks. I would definitely pick one of those. The fan on the board is by default INTRUSIVELY high-pitched and loud. Walk into a room, and you notice it. As I said, I tweaked the BIOS settings so that the fan is running at...
- mfeller2
- Post #8
- Apr 4, 2011
- Forum: Laptops
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FYI...Atom D510 vs. AMD E-350 Power Usage

Last year, I built a small "server" with an Atom D510/Intel MB, 1GB DDR2, 320GB WD 5400 RPM disk, in an Antec ISK300-65 case. It runs Linux "headless"...command-line only, no monitor, keyboard, etc. Typical power measured at the outlet: 22W. I needed to build a second, similar "server"...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Apr 4, 2011
- Replies: 16
- Forum: Laptops
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RAM/DDR3 power consumption questions

I am putting together a small AMD E-350/Fusion-based "server", and have a few questions related to memory. 1. Would one 4GB DDR3 DIMM consume less power than 2x 2GB DIMMs? 2. Would a CL9 RAM consume less power than CL8/CL7? 3. Would there be a substantial difference in power consumption...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Mar 24, 2011
- Replies: 1
- Forum: Memory and Storage
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3D capability with new Intel laptop processors

Most benchmarks that I have seen for the Sandy Bridge laptop processors have focused on newer games at reduced settings. I am curious about older games. I have the desktop at home for new games, but for a bit of say, Civ 4 when on the road, can the integrated graphics handle most/all graphics...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Mar 21, 2011
- Replies: 0
- Forum: Graphics Cards
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Zacate E-350 and 65W power supply?

Can a Zacate-E350-based system run with a 65W power supply? I am thinking about the Antec ISK300-65 case. I would add 8GB RAM and one notebook drive (maybe SSD). (I have a similar Atom D510 config, with 1GB RAM, 320GB Disk, and it pulls less than 30W from the wall) Thanks,
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Mar 15, 2011
- Replies: 8
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
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Does AMD E-350 support virtualization?

Thanks, I know every recent AMD CPU has support, but didn't know if this might be a good candidate to take out / disable for power savings on a platform where it probably isn't widely needed (except for rare cases such as mine).
- mfeller2
- Post #3
- Jan 27, 2011
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
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Does AMD E-350 support virtualization?

Does AMD E-350 include virtualization? I found scarce mention on a couple of review sites, and nothing on AMD's website. I run a couple of low-demand / low-power servers based on Atom right now. VT support on the E-350 might be worth an upgrade.
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Jan 27, 2011
- Replies: 2
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
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FYI...power numbers with new 6850

Sorry...I am using a kill-a-watt meter at the plug.
- mfeller2
- Post #3
- Jan 5, 2011
- Forum: Graphics Cards
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FYI...power numbers with new 6850

Thought I would share power numbers of a new 6850 gfx card installed in my PC. I haven't played games for a while, and had been just running with integrated graphics. I recently found a couple of games that have held my interest, and so the upgrade to get better quality graphics for game play...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Jan 5, 2011
- Replies: 9
- Forum: Graphics Cards
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Which netbook screen is better: Asus or Acer?

I am considering one of the new pinetrail/N450 notebooks from Acer or Asus. For Asus, I am looking at the matte screen option. For Acer, whatever screen is on the $299 netbook. I have not been able to find a retailer that has both in stock so that I can compare side by side. Does anyone have...
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Feb 27, 2010
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Laptops
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Only one Pinetrail MB out so far, where/when are the others?

I think Intel had a couple of Atom 330 variants. I could be mistaken. Anyway, Zotac, Asus, Jetway, and maybe a couple of others had 330 offerings.
- mfeller2
- Post #3
- Jan 31, 2010
- Forum: Laptops
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Only one Pinetrail MB out so far, where/when are the others?

For a while now, only the first Intel Pinetrail platform is available. Any news on when others might show up? I am planning on building a new system, and can wait a month or two vs. now if I have better choices.
- mfeller2
- Thread
- Jan 31, 2010
- Replies: 14
- Forum: Laptops

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