Archive for the ‘Hardware’ Category
I baked my video card in the oven, It fixed it
Posted by kglee | Filed under Hardware
Last week I was working on a laptop that has a discreet video card. I ran a diagnostic test that made me think the computer was working with the exception of the video part.
I read an article I found on Reddit about putting the card in an oven to reflow all the microscopic solder joints to give back the connectivity.
There was nothing to lose as the card was bad.
After the cooling I put the card back in the laptop and it fired right up to my amazement.
Great BIOS Guide
Posted by kglee | Filed under Hardware
I found this guide on Maximum PC. All I did was take the article and make it a downloadable PDF file.
Ultimate BIOS Guide
Power users routinely punch into the BIOS in order to fine tune their system, but it can be an intimidating place never before burrowed beneath the surface. And just like in real life, poking around in unknown places can be don’t know what you’re doing or where you’re going. On the other hand, once you understand the inner workings center, a whole world of overclocking and troubleshooting suddenly opens up. But what exactly is the BIOS?
Video: How to Build a PC – Every Step Explained
Posted by admin | Filed under Hardware
I’m Will Smith, the editor of Maximum PC and the guy in the video below. We shot this video demonstration to show people how to build a killer PC, one step at a time. It’s a great reference for beginners and experts alike. This video was created for viewing by attendees of Comic-Con 2009.
How to Build a PC – Every Step Explained from Maximum PC on Vimeo.
How often should I turn off my PC?
Posted by admin | Filed under Hardware
Computers are electronic devices, like a TV or microwave and should, in essence, be treated as such.
If I could distill the most-asked customer question from my 13 years of computer support, it would be one that has troubled techs for ages.
It requires us to reinforce our recommendation with various arguments because we know that the person asking this question will immediately retort, “then how come my friend reckons (insert scenario here)”.
I’m talking about the question of whether to turn our computers off at night.
I imagine as soon as my recommendations are published, my inbox will be inundated with everyone’s special theory as to why we should/shouldn’t shut down our machines.
Being a fair and unbiased individual and in true democratic style as befits an election year, I will present my take on the subject and you can do whatever you want.
First, we have to dispel a few myths, namely that:
* Your data “wears out”.
* Computers remember everything forever.
* Data can be easily recovered if your hard drive fails.
* Viruses “burn” sector 0 of your hard drive.
* Computers “don’t like” being restarted.
* Smoking banana skins gets you smashed. (more…)
Using Dual Monitors to Increase your productivity
Posted by admin | Filed under Hardware
How’d you like to increase your office productivity by as much as 50%? Add a second monitor to your computer setup. Once you do, you’ll never go back to using only one monitor again.
For example, you can open a document or presentation on one monitor and use the other to conduct research on the Web. Or, see your e-mail arrive as you work. Photo editors really benefit from having an image open on one monitor and the tool bars in full view on the second monitor. Video editing suddenly becomes almost as easy as the TV commercials promise.
Adding a second monitor to your system is easy. First, you have to check to be sure your computer has a dual-output video card. If it has a single-output card, you’ll need to add a second video card.
A dual-output video card runs about $100, depending on the specifications. A single-output card costs slightly less. Your computer may already support dual monitors, though, because many newer computers do.
Installing a video card isn’t difficult, but you may not want to mess with it. An electronics store can install a card for a fee.
You could also buy an external monitor adapter, but internal cards perform better. If you use two video cards, the cards should have the same specifications. That way, there will be no lag between the monitors.
Choosing a monitor
You can use an old monitor if you have one. The experience is better if the monitors are the same size. Even better are identical monitors.
These days, you can find bargains on flat-panel monitors. Go for a 19-inch monitor if possible. Otherwise, a 17-inch screen is good. Anything larger than 19 inches may strain your eyes if you sit close.
The monitors and computer should have matching ports. Many monitors have both VGA (analog) and DVI (digital) connections. This makes things easier. (more…)
How to change MOTHERBOARDS
Posted by kglee | Filed under Hardware
This is a real MOTHER! Yea! I finally got Vista to work, but needed a new motherboard for certain Vista enhancements to work fully.
Changing your own motherboard is fairly easy.