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Windows Boot Manager and Boot Speeds

Well after some experience, none of which was intentional, I can answer my own question: it makes no difference. :beercheers:
- illram
- Post #2
- Mar 31, 2017
- Forum: Memory and Storage
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Windows Boot Manager and Boot Speeds

What's more important to boot speeds: the drive windows is on, or the drive the windows boot manager is on? (EFI installs.) E.g., if the boot manager is on a slower m.2 drive, but windows is on the faster pci-e drive, would moving the boot partition to the pci-e drive increase boot speeds, or...
- illram
- Thread
- Mar 29, 2017
- Replies: 3
- Forum: Memory and Storage
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Another Monitor Suggestion Thread. Hot Girls Inside!

I was told there would be hot girls...?
- illram
- Post #8
- Jan 9, 2017
- Forum: Displays
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Help Me Choose (or Build?) Mini Gaming PC

I did not notice the "put it in a laptop bag" desire. If you want something that small you are going to probably need to go the route of using an external power brick. The Brix you found earlier with the alleged "760" in it would work for this, or the alienware alpha, which is apparently an...
- illram
- Post #15
- Apr 20, 2015
- Forum: Computer Building
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Help Me Choose (or Build?) Mini Gaming PC

Mini-ITX cases come in a variety of styles. Off the top of my head, there are shoebox style cases (SG05, CM130, Fractal Node 304... there are lots of these), stereo-looking or "steam box" type console cases (ML07, Raven RVZ01) and mini-towers of varying sizes (Lian Li PCQ08, Q11, BitFenix...
- illram
- Post #13
- Apr 20, 2015
- Forum: Computer Building
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Clunky PC

That i7 should be perfectly fine for a few more years. I doubt your RAM is the problem either. I think building a brand new rig would be a waste, honestly, although I understand the temptation. Instead, do two things: buy an SSD, and buy a new GPU. A 970/290x or above. You will see a big...
- illram
- Post #11
- Apr 18, 2015
- Forum: Computer Building
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Has the law of diminishing returns taken place the last 10 years

I have an old C2D E6600, I think that was from 2007 or 2006 (?). It was still in daily use as late as 2014 and I had zero problems with it. In fact a little bit after Win 7 came out I threw a new SSD in it and the thing felt faster than my brand new (at the time) i5-2400 with a spindle drive...
- illram
- Post #27
- Apr 18, 2015
- Forum: Computer Building
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HOARDERS: How long do "enthusiast-DIY'ers" keep old junk?!

Basically I get rid of stuff once it is really legitimately obsolete. Which takes a while, sadly. I have an old C2D system in my closet (the first computer I built, actually, about 10 years ago) and two ancient laptops. They all still work perfectly fine for web surfing--heck the C2D system...
- illram
- Post #48
- Apr 18, 2015
- Forum: Computer Building
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Learning curve when moving from controller to keyboard and mouse

Use both! I use Joy2Key and map WASD to the left analog stick of the Xbox 360 controller (which you can use on the PC) and aim with the mouse. I map jump to the left trigger, change stance/crouch/prone to the left bumper button, run to click the analog stick, and other random stuff to the d-pad...
- illram
- Post #101
- Apr 17, 2015
- Forum: PC Games
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Two prong wall outlet options (electrical question)

I have had to deal with this problem several times and I am by no means an electrical expert. I have a sneaking suspicion that this problem was what led to the PSU on my computer, stereo, AND flat screen TV all dying at various times throughout the three years I lived in one apartment. All were...
- illram
- Post #4
- Aug 22, 2012
- Forum: Power Supplies
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Wow, cheap build for great gaming performance.

Yeah I hear ya. It is nice to have it all right when you want it. :)
- illram
- Post #5
- Feb 2, 2012
- Forum: Computer Building
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Wow, cheap build for great gaming performance.

Well reusing your PSU, video card, HDD and ODD will tend to make an upgrade cheap. If I were you I would have used MC for the CPU+Mobo but gone online for the RAM and the case, since MC rarely beats online prices in those areas.
- illram
- Post #2
- Feb 2, 2012
- Forum: Computer Building
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Possible HTPC

You could do something like a G530, cheap mini H61 mobo, plus an SSD (for silence) in something like an Antec ISK 300-65, which includes the option for a low profile card if the G530 doesn't cut it. Plus, reviews of this case indicate that the PSU is actually capable of 135w, so you can buy a...
- illram
- Post #12
- Feb 2, 2012
- Forum: Computer Building
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$600 Budget Build

Do you live near a Microcenter? They offer CPUs for substantially less than Newegg, in store only. They often also have cheap mobo+CPU combo deals, also instore only. Check out their online catalogs, they change monthly. This month it's an Asus P8Z68 LGA 1155 mobo, $59.99 when paired with an...
- illram
- Post #16
- Jan 31, 2012
- Forum: Computer Building
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Discrete sound cards and onboard sound.

Well onboard is not the only competitor. If you use HDMI your video card is handling the sound, and most video cards these days output 5.1 to 7.1 surround, which for 99% of folks is more than enough. This makes soundcards even more irrelevant IMHO, as using them increases cable clutter for...
- illram
- Post #8
- Jan 11, 2012
- Forum: Computer Building
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Small small small.....want to build the smallest PC possible...

You can fit a pretty good single card based gaming rig in one of the Sugo series, or a Lian Li Q11 or Q8.
- illram
- Post #18
- Jan 6, 2012
- Forum: Laptops
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Small small small.....want to build the smallest PC possible...

If moneys is no object, SPCR reviewed this case, which looks pretty cool and has what you're looking for (it does have a slim loading optical drive and space for a 2.5" HDD): http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1201-page1.html
- illram
- Post #11
- Jan 5, 2012
- Forum: Laptops
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CHEAP gaming build

On a $400 budget gaming build, you're pretty limited. HIS 6870 -- $149.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161389 Biostar H61MGC LGA 1155--$49.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138332 GSkill 8GB DDR3 1333 RAM--$34.99...
- illram
- Post #9
- Jan 4, 2012
- Forum: Computer Building
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PC for Parents

That would work. Just make sure it fits in whatever case you choose.
- illram
- Post #19
- Jan 4, 2012
- Forum: Computer Building
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PC for Parents

This coolermaster case is smaller than some micro ATX mini-towers, it takes ATX, and it is super cheap, but I can't speak to its quality though. Mostly positive reviews on the 'egg. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119195 For video cards, just get a cheap 5450 if all your...
- illram
- Post #13
- Jan 4, 2012
- Forum: Computer Building
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Need advice for new mid-range system with an emphasis on small, cool, quiet

Unplug the CPU fan to make sure. In my experience, stock Intel fans these days are not that noisy. Leave the case open and inspect it while it is on with all fans off and see if you still hear it. If you're hearing a high pitched whine, it could also be your PSU.
- illram
- Post #53
- Jan 3, 2012
- Forum: Computer Building
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I'm trying to sell my computer. {New at this}

Go on Craigslist and search for comparable sales.
- illram
- Post #7
- Jan 3, 2012
- Forum: Computer Building
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Need advice for new mid-range system with an emphasis on small, cool, quiet

Have you tried lowering fan speeds?
- illram
- Post #49
- Jan 3, 2012
- Forum: Computer Building
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Anyone build an mITX gaming build before?

These days you can build a powerful and compact gaming rig. As others said you need to be aware of the limitations and work around them, e.g., purchase a low profile cooler if you have a small case (or no after market cooler), research PSU sizes, research GPU sizes, make sure your RAM fits under...
- illram
- Post #13
- Jan 2, 2012
- Forum: Computer Building
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Newegg Vs Cyberpower & Pc Parts Compatibility

They do, but not many of them are appealing to me. I like the more minimalist look, e.g. a Lian Li or TJ08-E or a Fractal Design Mini. They didn't have much like that last time I looked into a new purchase; they focus a ton on the flashy "gamer" cases. There is also not much in the realm of...
- illram
- Post #9
- Nov 9, 2011
- Forum: Pre-Built Desktops
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Newegg Vs Cyberpower & Pc Parts Compatibility

My main issue with Cyberpower is their godawful cases. Building your own means you can choose any case you want.
- illram
- Post #7
- Nov 9, 2011
- Forum: Pre-Built Desktops
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Why do you play multiplayer?

Winning is fun, and every game is different. (Mostly.) In regards to COD, although you can "level up" they do a decent job making sure that the basic things everyone has access to are still good enough to make you competitive.
- illram
- Post #35
- Oct 31, 2011
- Forum: PC Games
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cant decide i3 2100 or i5 2300

Turbo boost works on an H61 or H67 board as well. Save your money for a powerful GPU.
- illram
- Post #29
- Oct 27, 2011
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
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cant decide i3 2100 or i5 2300

I was faced with the same dilemma and went with the i5-2400, only because I never overclock and therefore decided to save the money on the cheaper chipset (h61 or h67) and CPU. Looking at Anandtech's benches, you're looking at most at maybe a 9% difference on synthetic benchmarks and an even...
- illram
- Post #24
- Oct 26, 2011
- Forum: CPUs and Overclocking
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pics: A8-3850 + PC-Q11 build

40 under load on the CPU? That's pretty good. I am interesting in building a silent PC in this case, with no fans whatsoever and am wondering if I can get away with it with a low power processor, such as a 35W sandy bridge or a 65W AMD APU, and a fanless PSU such as a Pico unit or something from...
- illram
- Post #12
- Oct 26, 2011
- Forum: Cases & Cooling
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pics: A8-3850 + PC-Q11 build

Ah, pics are working now. Thanks! What kind of temps are you getting in there?
- illram
- Post #5
- Oct 24, 2011
- Forum: Cases & Cooling
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Good heatsink for fm1 + PC-Q11 ?

Thermalright AXP 140 is a popular HS for this case. Some use it fanless also.
- illram
- Post #14
- Oct 24, 2011
- Forum: Cases & Cooling
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pics: A8-3850 + PC-Q11 build

None of the pics load for me. I have a Q11 and am thinking about building another one as I love this little case. Curious how the Seasonic fanless PSU fit.
- illram
- Post #2
- Oct 24, 2011
- Forum: Cases & Cooling
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Generally, which laptop brand do you have the most confidence in?

My brother and I both have had Toshiba Satellites chugging along since 2005. Most of my friends have laptops for work, Thinkpads have an excellent reputation and HPs have a bad one. Can't speak for Dells.
- illram
- Post #19
- Oct 22, 2011
- Forum: Laptops
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Do you play your PC games on your TV? Get in here

HDMI should output sound on any modern video card. I believe in Win7 there is an option to use HDMI sound that you can turn on or off, not exactly sure where but it's there. That's probably the issue. You can also try connecting the HDMI directly into the TV, and if the TV has an optical out...
- illram
- Post #6
- Oct 21, 2011
- Forum: PC Games
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PC games that require an Xbox 360 controller = annoying

I prefer Bioshock with a controller as well. I find it easier to quickly switch between plasmids and weapons that way. Also in my experience if you have a not-so sensitive mouse, a controller makes the camera move smoother than the mouse.
- illram
- Post #50
- Oct 20, 2011
- Forum: PC Games
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"$900" pc

Well just real quick, I pieced this Inspiron together and stopped once I got over $900: Basically, that is an i5-2320, GeForce 530, 8GB of RAM, 1TB HD, Bluray drive, monitor, windows home, MS office, keyboard and mouse. Dell listed this at $998 with my options. You could probably put something...
- illram
- Post #17
- Oct 19, 2011
- Forum: Computer Building
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best pc rpg ever?

Ultima VII
- illram
- Post #47
- Oct 19, 2011
- Forum: PC Games
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Anyone use an Xbox 360 controller on PC?

On that same page there is a link for the wireless receiver. That is what comes bundled with the wireless Xbox 360 "for Windows" controller you can buy at places like Best Buy. My old wireless Xbox 360 controllers work on it also.
- illram
- Post #78
- Oct 18, 2011
- Forum: PC Games
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Anyone use an Xbox 360 controller on PC?

I have heard that, I think it is BS. 1) When I would have trouble with the wireless signal, even on a full battery charge, if I plugged it in it would work without interruption; 2) the plug and charge cord sends and receives some sort of data, as it obviously communicates with the PC when it is...
- illram
- Post #72
- Oct 18, 2011
- Forum: PC Games

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