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Need advice about adjusting my LCD monitor

Hmm...I found part of my problem. In the ATI control panel I have a Desktop setting, and a 3D setting. I put the settings identical between the two. On the desktop it looks ok (though still a bit too bright with whites), but when I go into a 3D game it is far too bright. When I exit the 3D...
- ptw
- Post #3
- May 4, 2005
- Forum: Computer Building
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Need advice about adjusting my LCD monitor

I recently bought a BenQ 19" T903 LCD. Picture is nice and sharp. I use a AIW Radeon 9700 PRO. I am using a DVI cable, but I don't see much if any difference between that and the analog cable with a DVI connector. Unfortunately I do have one problem. The brights (white in particular) on...
- ptw
- Thread
- May 3, 2005
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Computer Building
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In hindsight, what was the worst hardware purchase you have ever made?

Definitely my worst purchase was one of those old, TRAVAN external tape drives made by Iomega. I bought it to back-up my MASSIVE 420 MB (hey--it was big at the time!) hard drive. Unfortunately, the drive was slow (can you say "all night"?) and could not complete a backup without generating...
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- Post #82
- Sep 10, 2004
- Forum: Computer Building
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How come LCD's are still so expensive?

People are the debating space saving benefit of LCDs. The benefit isn't usually the extra space you get on your desk by replacing your CRT with an LCD. The benefit is usually having more options on furniture types and placement because you now have a monitor that takes up significantly less...
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- Post #73
- Sep 10, 2004
- Forum: Computer Building
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ATI Radeon 9800 pro Glitches

For City of Heroes, there's a known issue with the latest ATI drivers causing things like "flashing" on certain surfaces. I see the same thing with my Radeon 9700 Pro on certain walls, roofs, and doors. It's annoying, but definitely a software problem (whether it's ATI's fault or Cryptic's...
- ptw
- Post #8
- Jul 28, 2004
- Forum: Graphics Cards
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Most UNsatisfying HW purchase ??

My worst was definitely an old, Iomega tape drive I bought to do backups (this was in the days when people ooh'ed and ahh'ed over Maxtor breaking the 528 MB limit LOL). TRAVAN tape drive or something like that. This thing was noisy, slow, could never backup anything without reporting errors...
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- Post #131
- Jul 22, 2004
- Forum: Computer Building
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Will hell freeze over before we can buy an x800xt without selling our kids?

Would you mind sharing where you can get a 9800 Pro for less than $200 CDN? The 9800 Pro's (128MB, but 256-bit) I've seen are all still close to $300 CDN. Thanks!
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- Post #12
- Jul 13, 2004
- Forum: Graphics Cards
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ATI vs Sapphire

I remember a few months ago there was some news that ATI would allow streaming/sharing of video from one Radeon to another--but only if it was a Radeon made by ATI. The idea was to have a AIW on one machine share the video over a home network to another computer with an ATI-made Radeon. Has...
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- Post #9
- Jul 13, 2004
- Forum: Graphics Cards
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AIW 9700 Pro OEM--good idea or not?

Hi everyone. I was planning on buying a Radeon 9800 Pro--I've seen them around for $299 CDN. I was also hoping to get some TV features, but that is definitely a distant secondary consideration to gaming ability. However--I just saw the Radeon AIW 9700 PRO on sale for the same $299 CDN price...
- ptw
- Thread
- Jul 13, 2004
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Graphics Cards
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Video Card / CPU

Right now I'd say your video card is the limiting factor. I recently upgraded from an XP 2200+ to an XP 3200+ with faster RAM, dual channel, and a faster bus speed. Both with a TI 4200 (not overclocked). I did a couple of benchmarks, and the improvement was pretty negligible. So it looks...
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- Post #2
- Jun 10, 2004
- Forum: Graphics Cards
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Which card to get?

I'm pondering a similar question as the original poster. Get a 9800 Pro now and upgrade to an x800 Pro/XT later when the prices are more reasonable? (say $300 Cdn in 1.5 years) Or just go straight to the x800 Pro now? Buying a 9800 Pro now ($300 Cdn) and then an x800 Pro later (when it's...
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- Post #22
- Jun 10, 2004
- Forum: Graphics Cards
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AIW or TV capture card?

Megatomic, Can you tell me which model of Leadtek TV-Tuner you have? Thanks!
- ptw
- Post #14
- Nov 17, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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AIW or TV capture card?

Hey folks, I too am looking for a separate TV-Tuner card. Unfortunately, I am quite gun-shy about Leadtek because I currently own a Winfast 2000 XP card that has had lousy video quality from Day 1 (compared to my brother's ancient All-In-Wonder with the same TV-source) and after not using it...
- ptw
- Post #12
- Nov 17, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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AMD Thoroughbred/Barton questions

Hi folks. I have an Asus KT-333 board, an Athlon XP 1800+ (T-bred B, I believe), and some PC21000 DDR (that's 266 mhz right?). I wanted to keep the mobo and RAM, but upgrade the processor. Questions: the KT-333 can take the XP 2600+, right? I was wondering, can it also take the Barton? I...
- ptw
- Thread
- Nov 13, 2003
- Replies: 11
- Forum: Computer Building
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ATI AIW -- Is it Worth it?

The All-In-Wonder is basically a video card with a TV-Tuner built-in. So you can use your computer to watch TV, or use it like you would a VCR--to record shows at different times/channels so that you can watch them later. The advantage of a computer is that it's easier to set-up more complex...
- ptw
- Post #3
- Nov 7, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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Chaintech nVidia Ti4200 128MB fan is dying =(

The fan on my Chaintech nVidia Ti4200 128MB is rattling like crazy--I think a bearing is dying =( This Chaintech card has a very fancy-looking fan--gold colored with a large, flat surface and an angled air intake at the side. Does Chaintech provide replacement fans? Are there any reasonably...
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- Thread
- Oct 14, 2003
- Replies: 3
- Forum: Computer Building
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ATI Video card model numbers

OMG...no wonder I'm confused!!!!!
- ptw
- Post #3
- Oct 9, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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ATI Video card model numbers

Hi All! Ok..I'm a bit confused with ATI's 9000 series model numbers. They have SO MANY out now, and I'm confused because of the Pro and standard versions. Tell me this: in general, the higher the number, the faster the video card? So 9800 > 9700 > 9600 > 9500 > 9200 > 9100 > 9000 >...
- ptw
- Thread
- Oct 9, 2003
- Replies: 10
- Forum: Computer Building
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best portable MP3 player?

I bought the MPIO 256mb FL100 about 2 months ago and I am extremely happy with it. Pros: Lightweight, small, very expandable (bought a 256mb SD card for it for $100 Cdn), sound quality is good, FM Radio with good reception, just 1 AAA battery with long life (my rechargeable AAA gives about 7-8...
- ptw
- Post #8
- Aug 7, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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just started video editing...

If the ecoding itself is slow, get a faster processor. If the editing process is slow, it may be the files you are using are too big and you're getting hard drive swapping. Get more RAM.
- ptw
- Post #6
- Jul 31, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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PC to Shelf Stereo

I run the same kind of setup--computer to a cheapo Panasonic mini-system. It sounds much better than PC speakers, but the magnetic interference is a bit of a bother so I have to keep the speakers a couple of feet away from the monitor.
- ptw
- Post #8
- Jul 30, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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802.11b good for how far?

If you're trying this in a residential neighborhood, I wouldn't be too optimistic about getting reception "1 block away". Aside from physical obstructions to block the signal, you may also get all sorts of interference from other 2.4 Ghz devices like cordless phones.
- ptw
- Post #9
- Jul 28, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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ECS Desknotes--yea or nay?

I'm looking at getting a ECS Desknote G732. My goal is to get a good multimedia notebook for less than $2000 Cdn (as close to $1600 as possible) that can surf, play DVD movies, play MP3's, play AVI/MPEG files not on DVD, and some older games. I know I can do this on a lesser notebook, but this...
- ptw
- Thread
- Jul 25, 2003
- Replies: 0
- Forum: Computer Building
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Are any of your guys' rooms burning up because of your computer?

Yeah--may Athlon XP 1700+ heats up my bedroom something frightful. Even the central air conditioning doen't help that much. The problem is the restricted airflow to the rest of the house through the narrow doorway. Even a fan going at full blast doesn't circulate the air enough. My solution...
- ptw
- Post #8
- Jul 24, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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Video Editing gurus, what components are most important (hardware wise) ? to optimize performance.

If your IDE drives are fast, I don't see why you would need to switch to SCSI. Just a warning---I don't capture/edit raw, uncompressed video files (AVI's)--I capture in real-time to an MPEG2. If you were working with raw AVI files, you may want to go to SCSI. However, for converting video...
- ptw
- Post #12
- Jul 22, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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Video Editing gurus, what components are most important (hardware wise) ? to optimize performance.

I've done some video capture and editing (mostly converting old video tapes to DVD). I'd recommend the following: 1. Get an All-in-Wonder. Be careful though--sometimes the software is a pain to get working, but once it works it's pretty good. The native ATI TV software captures quite well...
- ptw
- Post #10
- Jul 22, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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What's the next big thing?

Personally, I can't wait for the following: 1. LARGE capacity DVD's. Youy know, the 40 giggers. 2. OLED monitors--hopefully larger and more affordable than the current LCD monitors 3. Notebooks to become even more mainstream, lowering prices. I'd really like to see good laptops drop below...
- ptw
- Post #5
- Jul 21, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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Minimum req's for a multimedia notebook?

When playing MP3's on my laptop over my 802.11b network, the CPU jumps to around 85% usage and doing something as simple as moving the mouse can cause stuttering. This was with a few different players, including Windows Media Player, RealOne Player (which I loathe), and MusicMatch Jukebox...
- ptw
- Post #3
- Jul 14, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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Minimum req's for a multimedia notebook?

Hi Everyone! I am thinking of getting a multimedia notebook for playing MP3's (stored on my server and accessed through Wi-Fi) and also DVD movies. The idea is that I have several rooms in my house where occasional--but not regular--multimedia access would be welcome. For example, I could...
- ptw
- Thread
- Jul 14, 2003
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Computer Building
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Toner: Generic Remanufactered, Refilled, or OEM

Just a word of warning--some of those refilled cartridges can damage your printer. The money you save on toner now can cost you later on repairs/replacement. We used ONE refilled toner cartridge on our HP 4 Plus. You should have seen the metal dust left behind because it caused the gears to...
- ptw
- Post #3
- Jun 17, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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Iomega's Super DVD

I have only owned 2 Iomega products: a tape back-up device from about 5 years ago and a Zip drive. Both were pieces of utter junk. When they actually worked, I had to always verify the backup and without fail there would be several files with errors. Needless to say, I won't be buying an...
- ptw
- Post #3
- Jun 17, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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Monsoon MH-350 speakers any decent?

Looking for budget speakers for a second computer, and I saw some Monsoon MH-350's pretty cheap ($50 Cdn). When listening I won't necessarily be right between the speakers themselves, so I need something that "fills" a room decently. I have some Altec Lansing AC-2100's but these only sound...
- ptw
- Thread
- Jun 17, 2003
- Replies: 0
- Forum: Peripherals & Components
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Max file size on a DVD?

I have the A05 as well. Have you tried burning very large files (like 1 GB) with Nero? Thanks!
- ptw
- Post #9
- May 5, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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Max file size on a DVD?

Hrm...the DVD-writer could recognize the disc fine, and it wrote the file...but on closing it gave me an error and trashed the disc. Maybe it's Easy CD Creator. I'm a but gun-shy about testing it though, since DVD-RW discs are a bit pricey for coasters.
- ptw
- Post #7
- May 5, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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Help me decide on a DVD writer!!!

I have the Pioneer A05. So far it's ok, but I found it to be a little fussy about DVD media. The RW disc Pioneer included in the box couldn't be read by the drive! Since then I have tried Verbatim -RW discs and that has worked ok. For -R I have been using a cheapo brand called Princo without...
- ptw
- Post #8
- May 5, 2003
- Forum: Computer Building
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Max file size on a DVD?

Hi Everyone, I've been trying my Pioneer DVD-R/RW. I tried putting a 1 GB mpeg file onto a RW disc using Easy CD-Creator 5.0, and it trashed the disc, making it unusable. However, I have been able to write, rewrite, and delete smaller files on discs without a problem. Is there a max file...
- ptw
- Thread
- May 5, 2003
- Replies: 11
- Forum: Computer Building
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MSI KT3 Ultra + which Athlon CPU?

Hey Gang! I'm buying an MSI KT3 Ultra (non-RAID) and an Athlon CPU. Now, which one I get depends on you guys! Basically, I see that there's very little performance difference between the 1700+, 1800+, and 2000+ (those are the ones within my budget). I've also heard that the MSI board is good...
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- Thread
- Dec 20, 2002
- Replies: 8
- Forum: Computer Building
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Why do people buy "Apple" computers?

Yes--as Sunner mentioned, it's appealing because since Apple controls it all, everything usually works together MUCH better than on PC's (and simpler to use as well). The downside, of course, is that you have a lot less choice on original configurations and upgrades. For a lot of consumers...
- ptw
- Post #7
- Dec 13, 2002
- Forum: Apple Laptops and Desktops
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surge protector or UPS

I would never switch back from a UPS. In my area (Toronto) we get a LOT of brownouts (maybe once a month) and brief power failures. We also have so many computers running that we sometimes trip the breaker (not sure if this is caused by the local hydro company actually cutting back the power...
- ptw
- Post #3
- Dec 5, 2002
- Forum: Computer Building
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Wireless questions.

I'm currently running the D-Link Wireless Airplus Access Point (not Router), PCMCIA Card, and PCI Card. They are ok, but the range seems to be less than my brothers Orinoco within the same house. Short distances are fine, but when I'm on the 2nd floor and my AP is in the basement, the signal...
- ptw
- Post #5
- Dec 5, 2002
- Forum: Computer Building

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