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Question Overheating with low temperatures?!?

I have a strange situation with my build. Worklog is here: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?288598-Red-Dragon-SFF-build My computer runs fine for about 10 minutes and shows low temperatures. Like 120 degrees F for the CPU. Then, without warning, the entire system powers...
- Bolas
- Thread
- Dec 12, 2019
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Computer Building
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The AnandTech Introduction Thread: Get To Know Your Peers

Nice screwdriver. I have built my own custom water-cooled gaming rigs twice now. Once I get some more money in a couple years, I'll probably even build another one.
- Bolas
- Post #154
- Aug 24, 2015
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

Thanks! I contacted the seller, they contacted the manufacturer, the manufacturer is shipping me a new clip. :) I have a 16GB USB drive that I could use, but I was guessing there were more than that many files. I just figured I'd borrow the optical drive from the other desktop computer...
- Bolas
- Post #17
- Mar 3, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

Now to install the CPU into the motherboard, install the motherboard into the case, and install the gpu into the motherboard, and connect all the cables and tubes.... Except.... DISASTER! One of the pins on the motherboard CPU socket is bent. I dare not install the CPU before getting this...
- Bolas
- Post #15
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

Adding in one more 8-pin power connector, now ready to plug the 24-pin back in. One 6-pin for SATA power, one 6-pin for fan, pump, and lighting power, one 8-pin for PCIe power, one 8-pin for CPU motherboard power, and one 24-pin for motherboard power. Seems like this does stick into the...
- Bolas
- Post #14
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

Opening up the motherboard box. Note the "do not disturb" doorknob hanger. Too funny! I love it. So here's the motherboard layout. Looks like I need not just a 24-pin connector, but also an 8-pin power connector for the CPU. So I'll need to run another cable from the power supply before...
- Bolas
- Post #13
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

Now that the spot under the drive cage is free, maybe I can put something else there, like fan wires and a fan power board? Maybe I need to buy or build shorter cables? Hmm... I like routing the cable through the oval cut-out, that helps with strain relief. Tight fit for...
- Bolas
- Post #12
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

Now to figure out the routing of the cables. How big is the big motherboard cable? Will it fit? Looks like it sticks out into the drive cage area. That's a big cable! With the cables and all the water cooling gear, space is looking VERY tight! Can't power up the SSD with it's...
- Bolas
- Post #11
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

Fittings mounted to reservoir. And to the other blocks. Can't really see the fittings too well through the mesh on the rear panel. Maybe I should replace that with a window?
- Bolas
- Post #10
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

I end up going out in the snow and ice and buying eight M4-.7 x 30 mm screws to tide me over until I can order some black screws. It's going to be tight! Let's make sure that I have the fans all pointing in the same direction, and the wires all leading out the same way. And that...
- Bolas
- Post #9
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

I end up going out in the snow and ice and buying eight M4-.7 x 30 mm screws to tide me over until I can order some black screws. It's going to be tight! Let's make sure that I have the fans all pointing in the same direction, and the wires all leading out the same way. And that takes up...
- Bolas
- Post #8
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

Now for the radiator and push/pull fans. Unboxing the radiator gives a radiator and some screws. Checking radiator fit, rear of case. Checking radiator fit, front of case. Let's be honest with ourselves... this case isn't really designed to hold a 280 mm radiator with 25...
- Bolas
- Post #7
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

Now for the HDD's. Unboxing an OEM HDD gives you... well... just the HDD. They're cheap like that. I like the tool free mounting system for the drive bay trays in this BitFenix case. Here's where the wires will be connected.
- Bolas
- Post #6
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

Next the SSD. Inside the box: Detail: Now to find a location for the SSD. Remove drive cage. Maybe in the rear panel? I'm concerned that this would be blocked by the radiator. Or beside the power supply? I'm concerned that this would block the cords exiting the power supply...
- Bolas
- Post #5
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

Check fit. Install bracket. Replace bracket thumb screws. Check to make sure it is not upside down, and fan matches up with filter.
- Bolas
- Post #4
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

Now to add the power supply to the case. Opening up the power supply box yields this. Opening up the bag of cables. Nice cables! This is what power supply cables should look like. Black wires, round sleeves. Open up the case. Remove bracket from case.
- Bolas
- Post #3
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

Here's the stack of parts. Opening the reservoir box. Carefully breaking the mounting bracket for the reservoir. Well, OK, it was an accident. I sure hope I can buy a set of replacement clips somehow. Monsoon Chain Gun compression fittings. Add in the angle adapters. Add the...
- Bolas
- Post #2
- Mar 2, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF Build Log

This is my second build ever. First build was here. I learned from this build, and I learned that no matter what components I picked, there was always something else I should have chosen instead. So this time, I asked for advice here and here prior to ordering parts. Not receiving any...
- Bolas
- Thread
- Mar 2, 2014
- Replies: 16
- Forum: Computer Building
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Falcon? Maingear? What's a good prebuilt + stupid questions

I like www.xoticpc.com and www.digitalstormonline.com
- Bolas
- Post #13
- Jan 11, 2014
- Forum: Laptops
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SFF build planning, advice sought.

Here's the build log for my first build, btw. http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?248797-Project-Blue-on-Black
- Bolas
- Post #2
- Jan 11, 2014
- Forum: Computer Building
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SFF build planning, advice sought.

I recently had the good fortune to win an Anandtech contest for a motherboard and video card: http://www.anandtech.com/show/7562/msi-mini-itx-giveaway-z87i-gaming-motherboard-gtx-760-gaming-itx-video-card As a result, I'm going to make a new small form factor build around this...
- Bolas
- Thread
- Jan 11, 2014
- Replies: 1
- Forum: Computer Building
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2011 Steam Autumn Sale: DEAD :(

Steam Autumn Sale Day 2 Steam has fired-up a fresh batch of 24-hour deals as part of their "Autumn Sale". So what hot buys do they have for us today? Here's the skinny: L.A. Noire - $24.99 USD (reg $49.99) Red Orchestra franchise - 50% Off Fallout: New Vegas - $4.99 USD (reg $19.99)...
- Bolas
- Post #147
- Nov 24, 2011
- Forum: PC Games
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recent drop in prices of laptops and PCs?

There's a coupon for 25% off any refurbished Alienware laptop at the outlet center. Considering the prices are already only 2/3 of the price of new, I was able to buy a couple Alienware laptops at effectively half price. Also, I see the price of SSD's plummeting on newegg.com. I bought...
- Bolas
- Post #3
- Oct 25, 2011
- Forum: Laptops
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Another llano laptop question - Dual hard drive bays?

Here are some 15.6" laptops with dual hard drive bays. http://www.xoticpc.com/asus-vx7sxdh71-lamborghini-preorder-p-3360.html http://www.xoticpc.com/msi-gt683dxr423us-p-3129.html http://www.xoticpc.com/asus-g53sxdh71-preorder-p-3359.html
- Bolas
- Post #4
- Oct 23, 2011
- Forum: Laptops
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Light, sleek 17" laptop with BACKLIT KEYBOARD?

Blade is the way to go for sleek. I bought a refurbished Alienware m17x r3 personally. It shows up next week. Can't beat the combination of price and power. Not exactly sleek, but very stylin'.
- Bolas
- Post #15
- Oct 22, 2011
- Forum: Laptops
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Best all-around gaming laptop for $2800+?

So here's what I actually did with my $2800-$3100 laptop budget. I found a refurbished Alienware m17x r3 to buy. http://www.dell.com/us/dfh/p/alienware-laptops?~ck=anav&c=us&l=en&s=dfh&cs=22&dgc=BA&cid=57893&lid=1525474&redirect=1 And got to use the current coupon code for 25% off of...
- Bolas
- Post #7
- Oct 21, 2011
- Forum: Laptops
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Gaming Desktop - What should I go for now?

I wouldn't return either of those, I'd keep the 2600K and the 2000MHz Corsair Dominator. If you're going for the "ultimate high end rig", then stick with the best. HOWEVER... if budget is an issue, then yes, spend your budget on gpu first, ssd second, cpu third, power supply fourth...
- Bolas
- Post #7
- Oct 15, 2011
- Forum: Computer Building
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Gaming Desktop - What should I go for now?

Try www.xtremesystems.org for good build ideas. My buildlog is there too. http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?248797-Project-Blue-on-Black I would use this for the power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139014 I'd probably go with this for the gpu...
- Bolas
- Post #6
- Oct 15, 2011
- Forum: Computer Building
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MacBook Air vs Acer Aspire S3 vs Asus ZenBook

New Asus looks pretty slick. http://www.xoticpc.com/asus-ux31edh72-preorder-p-3391.html
- Bolas
- Post #5
- Oct 15, 2011
- Forum: Apple Laptops and Desktops
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$1200 17" Laptop Recommendations

Refurbished Alienware m17x R3. http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/Online/InventorySearch.aspx?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh&brandid=2201&fid=1760
- Bolas
- Post #2
- Oct 13, 2011
- Forum: Laptops
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Where are the laptops with eSATA and USB 3.0?

www.xoticpc.com
- Bolas
- Post #3
- Sep 12, 2011
- Forum: Laptops
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Do you buy extended warranties for your laptop?

If your laptop is under $1k, then no. If it's over $3k, then yes.
- Bolas
- Post #12
- Aug 31, 2011
- Forum: Laptops
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Bad time to buy a tablet?

Next iPad is due in March/April 2012 and is rumored to have an extremely high res screen.
- Bolas
- Post #10
- Aug 30, 2011
- Forum: Laptops
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Best all-around gaming laptop for $2800+?

I have a 150W car inverter that I fear won't power most of the laptops. Can get a 300W one easy enough though, but the 330W for the Alienware m18x might be an issue. I suppose it can run off of battery and just drain the laptop battery more slowly when it's plugged in? Or does it not work like...
- Bolas
- Post #4
- Aug 28, 2011
- Forum: Laptops
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Best all-around gaming laptop for $2800+?

Currently in the market for a new laptop to replace my aging refurbished HP dv9260nr. I currently have a $2800 budget and I can save up another $100-200 each month. I want to buy sometime in the next nine months, but I don't need one urgently because I can get by on my awesome desktop and sad...
- Bolas
- Thread
- Aug 27, 2011
- Replies: 7
- Forum: Laptops
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Am I seriously being forced to buy a Macbook air?!

Another option is to wait until April 2012 and buy an Intel Ivy Bridge powered Ultrabook. Those will be light, thin, and affordable.
- Bolas
- Post #96
- Aug 18, 2011
- Forum: Apple Laptops and Desktops
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2D vs 3D laptops

Here's the main choice right now. Sager vs Alienware. 3D vs 2D. Sager NP8170-S1 / Clevo P170HM - 17.3" FHD 16:9 120Hz 3D "MatteType" Super Clear Ultra Bright LED Screen (1920x1080) - With 1 Pair NVIDIA 3D Glasses (Can only be used NVIDIA 485M/560M & 580M) - Included nVIDIA Wireless 3D Glasses...
- Bolas
- Post #6
- Aug 18, 2011
- Forum: Laptops
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League of Legends, Jax guide

Just published my first in-depth hero guide for Jax. Check it out!! http://leaguecraft.com/strategies/guide/17625-jax-explained.xhtml The game is FREE TO PLAY. Please use this link to sign up, so that I get the referral credit...
- Bolas
- Thread
- Aug 9, 2011
- Replies: 1
- Forum: PC Games
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Opinions needed - Eurocom Lappy or what?

We've been happy with our www.xoticpc.com laptop. Eurocom generally has a good reputation as well, but prices are a bit higher than xoticpc.
- Bolas
- Post #2
- Jul 25, 2011
- Forum: Laptops
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I need some advice on choosing between two high-end HP laptops.

Umm... you say you are choosing between two "high-end" laptops? High end would be in the $2k plus range, not the under $1k range, in my humble opinion. http://www.xoticpc.com/ Even for business machines, the high end would still be over $2k. Fully tricked out ultra thin and light gets up in...
- Bolas
- Post #6
- Jul 10, 2011
- Forum: Laptops

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