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Good heatsink or not?

For another 10 bucks you can get a real heatsink, not just a noisemaker billed as "ultraquiet." :) Copper isn't what it is cracked up to be. I'm no physicist, but I guess copper radiates more heat than aluminum conducts - or whatever. ;) Maybe try the GlobalWIN FOP32-1.
- Ulysses
- Post #4
- Feb 19, 2001
- Forum: Cases & Cooling
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What is a good 17 inch monitor for under $250

This PC World mag article is a little dated, but is comparative. P.S. Forget 17" - jump to 19" - the cost is not that much greater. Maybe consider dual 17" though.
- Ulysses
- Post #5
- Feb 19, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
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What's the best online retailer to buy parts for a new system?

Check this. :)
- Ulysses
- Post #4
- Feb 19, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
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Where do you buy your hardware?

I actually spend most of my time on deciding what to buy. The purchase, for me is pretty simple. I look for the best prices on the item on pricewatch or ibuyer and then check any vendor with a good price that I don't recognize with resellerratings, and if they have a 5 or better rating from a...
- Ulysses
- Post #13
- Feb 18, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
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PIII 850/BX6r2 or AMD Thunderbird 1Ghz/KT133A board

I'm running a P3 850 @ 1000 on a BX board with 256 MB of CL 2 RAM and I'm perfectly happy. On paper the Athtlon is a bit faster, but it is probably not noticeable. Personally, I'd recommend you just upgrade the CPU (with a slocket) and later (say, at next X-mas) upgrade the whole system. Be sure...
- Ulysses
- Post #6
- Feb 18, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
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IDE RAID0 QUESTION! How is the performance of it?

Definitely get more RAM before you get RAID - chech this, which I think is reliable. My own order of preference is: adequate RAM, dual monitors, fast CPU, and then RAID 0 (or RAID whatever, depending) if it is in the budget. RAID is best when you are using professional apps and large files that...
- Ulysses
- Post #7
- Feb 1, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
Pc100 memory at CL2, what does that mean?

1. That means, if SiSoft Sandra is correct, that if you run your RAM at up to 124 MHz it can be stable at CAS latency 2-2-2, but if you exceed that it will be unstable unless you set the CAS/RAS BIOS settings to 3-3-3. The difference in performance is on the order of around 5% better with CL =...
- Ulysses
- Post #2
- Feb 1, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
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Fat 16 or 32

As you probably know: FAT 32 partitions use disk space more efficiently than FAT 16, & can be greater than 2 GB. Use FAT 16 with DOS, Windows 3.1X or early Windows 95.
- Ulysses
- Post #5
- Feb 1, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
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OEM vs Retail...whats the difference?

Well, here's the real inside baseball, Chico. ;) There are drives, and then again there are drives. I mean, like, dude, there are Retail Drives (with the HDD and all the fixin's plus a 3-year warranty from IBM), and there are Bare Drives (with no fixin's, but with a 3-year warranty from Big...
- Ulysses
- Post #6
- Feb 1, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
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Pencil Trick Wore Off

Here ya go.
- Ulysses
- Post #6
- Feb 1, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
Plll MOBO for Audio recording??

That's good advice, but I'd recommend the Promise FastTrak 100 add-in RAID controller card over a mobo with that function built in.
- Ulysses
- Post #3
- Feb 1, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
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Advice Overclocking 650 Mhz - locks up on some programs

Well I hate to say this, but if increasing the voltage (or maybe the cooling) doesn't help, that may be all you can do. Maybe back it off to 125 MHz and be stable and happy. That's 812 MHz, and that ain't bad. Also, you need more RAM for use with Win 2K. Probably 256 MB. See this.
- Ulysses
- Post #5
- Jan 16, 2001
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
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Can anyone explain to me what DMA is? (NT)

From Winn L. Rosch's book: Direct Memory Access is a capability provided by some computer bus architectures that allows data to be sent directly from an attached device (such as a disk drive) to the memory on the computer's motherboard. The microprocessor is freed from involvement with the data...
- Ulysses
- Post #3
- Jan 15, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
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Will Matrox upgrade (Millenium to G450) be noticable?

Seethis.
- Ulysses
- Post #4
- Jan 14, 2001
- Forum: Graphics Cards
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Can I recycle my old Enlight AT case to a modern motherboard/cpu?

Deep six both. But before you do, be sure it is really an AT case and PS. Look at the largest connector(s) comming from the PS. That is what is supposed to connect to the mobo. If it is one big 20-pin connector then it is ATX, but if it is two connectors, then it is an AT. See this.
- Ulysses
- Post #2
- Jan 14, 2001
- Forum: Cases & Cooling
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newbie needs advice about overclocking Durons.

If you're going to overclock, then I'd recommend the GlobalWIN FOP32-1 HSF, which is versatile, cheap ($20 US), and not too noisy (36 Dba) IMO. As for "interface material" I'd use Arctic Silver, which is expensive, but can be easily reapplied. Remove the stock thermal pad with alcohol...
- Ulysses
- Post #4
- Jan 14, 2001
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
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What are the quietest 80mm fans I could buy?

He meant go here. :) And check this.
- Ulysses
- Post #7
- Jan 14, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
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Can anyone make something of this.... (picture included)

You probably have to go into config.sys and manually add those old commands that put "stuff" in upper memory, etc. ----------- This is what I added - thankfully I've long since forgotten what it all means: device=c:\windows\himem.sys device=c:\windows\emm386.exe noems dos=high...
- Ulysses
- Post #11
- Jan 14, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
Help New mobo/processor

Check AnandTech's High-End Buyer's Guide and Value Oriented Buyer's Guide. RAID probably isn't necessary - it will cost more and is most beneficial if using high-end "professional" apps with large files. SCSI also isn't necessary. Both the items are contra-indicated by your question...
- Ulysses
- Post #2
- Jan 14, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
Possibly acquiring a second hand laptop,what should i know???Need advice please:)

Also check the price of a refurbished one bought from Dell, as a comparison. Personally I'd rather buy from them.
- Ulysses
- Post #4
- Jan 14, 2001
- Forum: Laptops
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help please

Maybe contact your ISP while you have your PC on. They should be able to run through the various Windows settings for the modem and your internet connection to get you up and running. There are so many arcane settings that you can't expect someone in the forums to be able to diagnose your...
- Ulysses
- Post #2
- Jan 14, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
first time comp builder -- lots of questions

1. Get an AMD-approved power supply, like the Antec PP403X (which is widely available), and an AMD-approved CPU cooler, like the GlobalWIN FOP32-1. 2. As far as building an AMD-based PC goes, check AMD's Guide. There are many other guides available on the web. 3. As for picking components see...
- Ulysses
- Post #4
- Jan 14, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
Which one's faster, 100x7 or 133x5?

While it really isn't very important today, with all the new RAM technologies on the horizon, TheOverlord makes a good point. The Intel 440BX chipset has a much more efficient memory controller function than the competing VIA chipsets, Viperoni's data notwithstanding. A BX board @ 133 MHz is a...
- Ulysses
- Post #7
- Jan 12, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
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Would a compatability problem with mobo and slotket produce No boot up?

Maybe check this.
- Ulysses
- Post #4
- Jan 11, 2001
- Forum: Motherboards
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Were are print screen shots stored?

Once you're in Windows, the "printscreen" image goes to the clipboard, of course. If you want a great screen capture program, try TechSmith's SnagIt - a simple to use and effective program - ffor Windows only. ------------- As far as printing the BIOS, I think that is mostly a...
- Ulysses
- Post #4
- Jan 11, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
Addtronic 6896 info needed....

Maybe check with Jim Hanson, who sells and modifies high-end cases to order, including most of the Addtronics. He'll email you a catalog. Here's what he says about the 6896: 6896-80, 6896-120-60, 6896-120-90 (ET6896A) Addtronics calls this case size a "fulltower", but it might be...
- Ulysses
- Post #2
- Jan 11, 2001
- Forum: Cases & Cooling
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$10 coupon for you, but good only at Matrox' Web Store - first come, first served.

I just got a transferable $10 coupon from Matrox. I don't need it, and it expires 1/31/2001. It is only good at the Matrox web store, and you redeem it when you are placing an order with them and are checking out. It is not good anywhere else. If you can use it, here is the coupon code...
- Ulysses
- Thread
- Jan 11, 2001
- Replies: 0
- Forum: Computer Building
U
is 42 bit scanner Always better than a 32 bit scanner?

Madthumbs beat me to it, but I was going to say that you shouldn't buy a scanner on just the specs you're looking at. The subjective quality of the output, speed and features are very important too. Both PC World and PG Magazine like the Epsons, and have over the course of several models. You...
- Ulysses
- Post #8
- Jan 11, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
All-in-one office machine needed! Help me pick the right one!

Lucky you. ;) Check this.
- Ulysses
- Post #4
- Jan 11, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
FYI: P3 S-spects (Updated Jan. 8, 2001, for new OEM P3 900 MHz/100 FSB cC0 FC-PGA SL4SD)

Note: Updated Jan. 8, 2001for new 900 MHz cC0 100 MHz system bus SL4SD FC-PGA P3. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FYI: Identifying Intel Pentium III microprocessors: The simplified ?chart? below has been updated as of January 8, 2001, to...
- Ulysses
- Thread
- Jan 11, 2001
- Replies: 0
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
U
pent III coppermine. how do I know??????

There are only two types of P3's, the earlier Katmai's and the later Coppermines. See this. The 500 MHz Katmai's, which I guess is the kind you want, can be id'd as follows: MHz..... FSB Stepping.... Form...... Volts CPUid Retail..... OEM..... 500........ 100 kB0........... SECC..... 2.00...
- Ulysses
- Post #2
- Jan 10, 2001
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
U
Need Expert Help! Power to the fans?

Well, you can fool your PS by trying something like this.
- Ulysses
- Post #6
- Jan 10, 2001
- Forum: Cases & Cooling
U
Impact of CAS-3 vs CAS-2 RAM vis-a-vis overclocking?

If you are running your CPU at 103, then your RAM is running at either 103 or 136, depending on how you set it, I believe. If it's at 103, then just about any PC133 RAM will run at that speed at CAS 2-2-2. If you're at 136 you'll need a CAS 2-2-2 PC133 RAM, but probably not a premium grade like...
- Ulysses
- Post #5
- Jan 9, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
Impact of CAS-3 vs CAS-2 RAM vis-a-vis overclocking?

The difference in overall system performance when running your RAM at CAS 2-2-2 vs. 3-3-3 is on the order of 5%, although it depends on what you are doing with the PC, of course. So a 900 system @ 3-3-3 performs similarly to an 850 @ 2-2-2, generally speaking. I'm not familiar with the Abit...
- Ulysses
- Post #3
- Jan 9, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
New Printer Needed

I've been looking for a printer too. You'll find a good review of HP and other printers here. It is the 952 that is usually $250, I believe. The 970 is usually $300 and the 990 is $400. Currently at buy.com the 990 is $375 (a price that is hard to beat), the 970 is $265 (maybe $235...
- Ulysses
- Post #11
- Jan 9, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
Anyone know the links to the CPU identification charts?

jhites' link is for P3's. For all P3's, be sure to note the link at the bottom of the Intel S-spec page that takes you to the updated listing. Or check this. The Intel Celeron S-spec chart is here. Note also the update link at the bottom of the page. Personally, I've never seen a page at AMD's...
- Ulysses
- Post #3
- Jan 9, 2001
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
U
Can't get OCR software working correctly! Help!

Maybe check ScanTips.com
- Ulysses
- Post #2
- Jan 9, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
Don't forget to clean that heatsink!

Cleanliness is next to...something or other....:confused:
- Ulysses
- Post #5
- Jan 9, 2001
- Forum: Cases & Cooling
U
What's the best RAID controller Solution?

Here's what AnandTech said in their Dec., 2000 Buyer's Guide: SCSI RAID Adapter ? DPT SmartRAID IV Century PM2865U3 - $900: The first name that pops to mind for SCSI adapters is, of course, Adaptec. While Adaptec didn't have an Ultra160 RAID solution at the time of publication, one of the...
- Ulysses
- Post #9
- Jan 9, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building
U
New Printer Needed

The 970 is very good, but the 990 is even better (and more expensive). Check pcworld.com for reviews. Generally, HP and Epson are considered the best. It can be hard to get a deal on them - but I recently noticed discounts at hp.com itself!
- Ulysses
- Post #9
- Jan 9, 2001
- Forum: Computer Building

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