The New Normal

To save me writing, I've just stolen someone else's answer :) [quote] Your computer may not be booting up. Have you carefully checked the cable from your graphic card to the monitor? Make sure it is firmly attached to the back of your computer and also the back of your …

Ouch, that doesn't sound very good. You have to press 'any key' (spacebar) for it to boot from the disk. That said, I've never seen the 'failure' message before. I would guess that your CD is not actually a 'bootable' CD. Do you have any other boot CDs you could …

I don't know a lot about laptops, but from the specs posted they both look pretty similar (hence the price I suppose) The first one's CPU is better, in that it has more cache and can run 4 threads instead of 2. If I were buying, I'd look more closely …

deliric: 2 cheap things to try: Take out one stick of ram and see what happens. Get an adapter for your mobo power connection like this [url]http://www.xpcgear.com/20to24pinatx.html[/url] although apparently your 20pin [I]should[/I] work [url]http://store.compute-aid.com/spec/atxps24.html[/url]

I see your post on the Fujitsu forums [URL="http://forum.ts.fujitsu.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=95&t=42084&start=0"]HERE[/URL] But I also see one [URL="http://forum.ts.fujitsu.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=95&t=39361"]HERE [/URL]dated June 2009, and it has had no answer. Seems you won't get a response there :( I think you need PC2700 333 RAM, not 400. You should be able to get your 400 RAM …

I'd try the install with only 1 stick of RAM. May not help, but that'd be the next thing to try

There's plenty of things that could cause this. Do you have enough free HDD space? I'd try uninstalling your Nvidia graphics driver, running driver sweeper ([URL="http://www.guru3d.com/category/driversweeper/"]get it here[/URL]) to remove any left over bits and pieces then install a new driver. Are you using 64bit Vista?

The BIOS won't tell you anything too useful as the CPU isn't really doing anything. I only check that directly after installing a new CPU, just to make sure I actually plugged in the fan etc. ;) Temp depends on your cooler, your climate, your overclock, and each CPU is …

I'm not really up on socket 939 boards, my last AMD board was a SocketA which was a loooong time ago. So take my advice with a grain of salt :) I'd be inclined to stick with MSI's K8N range, though finding them these days may be difficult. The K8N …

No I'm afraid not. Cards need to have the same GPU type and same amount of vRAM. [url]http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?showtopic=161155[/url] However, they can still work together. You can use the 285 as your primary card, and the 250 for physx processing. But that's really overkill, and unless you're playing Batman Arkan Asylum …

Did you plug in the 4 pin CPU power to the motherboard? Top right hand corner of [URL="http://drivers.download.ba/proimg/Asus%20M4A785TD-V%20EVO%20Motherboard-20100125-223927.jpg"]THIS PICTURE[/URL] Didn't leave anything under the motherboard that could be shorting out on the case? What type of graphics card and CPU are you using?

You won't lose any information in making the swap. RAM only works when the computer is turned on, and gets wiped whenever you turn it off. Nothing permanently stored there, only on your hard drive. Just make sure you get the correct type of RAM and you'll be fine.

I can't believe HP said that, that is pretty rude "your 90 warranty has expired after 7 days". It might be technically true, I don't know, but if it is it's very sneaky. There's a chance they didn't install the stock one properly. I agree that an aftermarket one is …

I know nothing about this board, but some reviews I've found don't look all that flash. Newegg reviews are a bit unreliable, but there's a definite pattern: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=13-131-382&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=100&SelectedRating=-1&PurchaseMark=&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&Page=1&Keywords=%28keywords%29[/url] [url]http://reviews.cnet.com/motherboards/asus-m4n78-pro-motherboard/4864-3049_7-33563731-1.html[/url] [url]http://reviews.cnet.com/motherboards/asus-m4n78-pro-motherboard/4864-3049_7-33563731-3.html[/url] Perhaps look into a Gigabyte board like this: [url]http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Home/Product/44840/Gigabyte-motherboard-MA78LMT-US2H-AMD-AM3-DDR3[/url] Or if you're willing to put up a little more money, …

My understanding is that: The CPU and RAM are integrally linked, constantly talking, the CPU giving the RAM something to remember for a tick, then asking for it back. If the CPU has to wait for the RAM to take the info, or wait for the RAM to give it …

lol @ conflicting MSI advice: [quote]2 DIMMs w/ DDR2 800+ up to 4GB[/quote] [quote]using four 240-pin DDR2 DIMMs.[/quote] This bit might be relevant: [quote] Due to the High Performance Memory design, motherboards or system configurations may or may not operate smoothly at the JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council) standard …

Could be a couple of things, but the easiest one to look at first is the actual configuration. Your motherboard manual should have a picture of which sticks go where, but they're all like this: [B][url]http://www.acousticpc.com/images/a_thermalright_ram_cooler_diagram.jpg[/url][/B] If you have 2 pairs of RAM, don't put a pair side by side. …

I agree, looks like a good budget build. I've been reading some reviews of the Phenom X2 550 BE and most seem to like it. The unlocked multiplier gives you good overclocking options down the road. The difficulty with a build in this price range is that for most parts, …

There are 2 basic types of graphics card sockets. The old AGP socket and the new PCI-E socket. It looks like you have a PCI-E socket, so as far as physically plugging it in, you'll be fine. However you also need to consider how much power a new graphics card …

[url]http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2009/01/samsung_opens_door_to_32gb_ram_stick.html[/url] [url]http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/12/21/64gb.and.32gb.ram.upgrades/[/url] [url]http://www.tyan.com/product_board_detail.aspx?pid=271[/url]

Considering the price range, I'd be looking at AMD. Ever since Intel release core2, they have had the better processors (started a while back now). Even though Intel are still better, AMD have really made some good ground, and on a pure $:performance ratio, AMD are better. I'm afraid I'm …

That motherboard looks good. It's a little expensive, but I suppose that's because it's good ;) I was going to suggest a P45 board also. Just be aware that board: Only has 1 PATA connector (wide HDD/DVD connector), the rest are SATA (slimmer HDD/DVD connector). Wants DDR2 667, 800 or …

Either of those should work fine, but MSI have not done any official tests with them. [URL="http://www.msi.com/uploads/test_report/TR10_1885.pdf"]This is their list of tested RAM modules.[/URL] which I found by following the link from [URL="http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=prodtestreport&maincat_no=1&cat2_no=&cat3_no=&prod_no=1885"]the motherboard page.[/URL] After installing them it would be a good idea to go into the BIOS and …

Sorry, but helping you crack a password is not really allowed here. I'd try contacting HP, see if they can help you. [url]http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread242613.html[/url]

So you have the Dell, which works fine, and a Q9650 to integrate somehow. I'm not particularly familiar, but I think the Dells have a fairly unique configuration, making a direct motherboard swap difficult. Do people know, do Dells use BTX rather than ATX? I'm pretty confident you cant just …

It should be fine. If you've got more than 2 sockets, check you're using the correct 2 for dual channel. Personally I would go into the BIOS after installing them and check the timings, speed and volts are correct, but that shouldn't be necessary. Maybe [URL="http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php"]check them in CPU-Z[/URL] once …

In the BIOS make sure they're both running at 667 (333 x 2) and not at 800 (400 x 2)

I'd hunt around in the BIOS for SATA/PATA settings. Not saying this is your problem, but that's what I'd try.

I'm on the core2, had a Q9550 for a while now and it hasn't let me down. If I were buying now I'd look at the i7 920 but since that needs an X58 board it's not exactly a budget option. I do hear good things about AMD's new processors, …

Can you try a friend's power supply? Yours may be feeding your components dodgy power and causing problems. There's always the possibility of a virus, but that's unlikely. Maybe look at some ATI help pages for people with similar problems. Sorry I can't be more help.

From what I've gathered, no one around here will help you get around a laptop password, it's not allowed sorry. Perhaps contact the manufacturer or place of purchase.

[url]http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/content/support/manuals/userguides/su112370/tecra8000_ug_20021022.pdf[/url] [url]http://www.computing.net/answers/windows-95/toshiba-tecra-8000-user-manual/79206.html[/url] [url]http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/24074/[/url]

I'd be surprised if you notice much difference overclocking your RAM. However if you want to do it, technically 1066 is possible, but in reality I doubt it. 900 is probably your limit, maybe 950 with a decent voltage increase. Your timings (6,6,6,18) seem a little loose. CPU-z should give …

Yes, there are different types of motherboards (called chipsets. AMD, Nvidia and Intel each have their own chipsets) and then different brands. Many brands (ASUS, MSI etc.) will make their own model, based on a certain chipset. You're right, the motherboard is the most important choice, but what motherboard you …

[quote]Some laptops can contain more than one internal battery to power clock, CMOS, resume and sub-battery functions. Type vary from Lithium coin cells to Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh) packs. These can be soldered directly to the system board (or sub-card) or attached using a wire harness …

lochii's link to the Crucial website (and yours also) look good for your RAM; but if I were you I'd have a physical look at your motherboard and see whether you've got 4 RAM slots or 2, as there's a Dimension 4600C which only has 2 slots [url]http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Dimension%204600C&pl=Dell&cat=RAM[/url] Your grahpics …

I agree with efmesch, but you have to relax somehow. Doing that with a few games rather than going out drinking etc. might be a good move. I can't suggest a laptop but I will say that getting the newest processor (CPU) you can is a good idea. New models …

Well obviously it's very hard to say, but my first thought was a network issue. Your computer may be getting lost trying to configure itself. Try changing your computer from auto to manual (setting the IP address manually, 192.168.0.1 is my favourite). Motherboard drivers all up to date I s'pose. …

EDIT: IN THE TIME IT TOOK TO WRITE THIS 5 POSTS APPEARED. YOU SEEM TO HAVE SOLVED IT ;) Ah, yes the compound that comes with the fan would be enough if it's brand new. You still need to clean the CPU surface first. It generally takes a day or …

I also thought of ram, but not the hertz. I have had issues with the BIOS not detecting the timing of my RAM correctly. I researched the proper timings (in my case 5-5-5-15) and the proper volts (2.1V in my case) and told the BIOS this was the settings and …

yes, the USB is the way to do it. I think ASUS have an online BIOS updater. Whatever you do DON'T USE THIS :)

My 2 cents: Try loading the failsafe defaults in your BIOS. Maybe the optimised defaults.

yes that does sound like a heat problem. I suppose you're using the stock heatsink? the clips on those are quite silly, that's where I'd look first. Are all 4 corners down into the mobo properly?

LGA775 is the socket type, and tells you the broad family of CPUs you can use. Each motherboard is set up to use a certain group of CPUs. When they want to add extra ones to the list, they release a new BIOS version. [URL="http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/d101ggc/sb/CS-025906.htm"]This list of supported CPUs[/URL] is …

[B]Disclaimer:[/B] t[I]he following was written while drunk after a long (8am - 8pm) day at work[/I] ;) Brands are a bit of a personal choice thing. I like MSI, Gigabyte, Abit and EVGA but that's just me; can be a tough choice. But the other specs are a bit easier. …

If I understand you correctly, these 2 links may help: [url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD#Processor_market_history[/url] [url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_microprocessors[/url]

Whatever someone's willing to pay! (sorry, my idea of a joke). It's difficult to say really, especially as the dollar is my country is worth a lot less than the pound. I'd say 200-300 pounds, but that's just a wild estimate, could be more. Add 40 pounds if you have …

Nice looking setup. I'd certainly go for the Q9300 out of those 2. It performs a little better, but it also supports SSE 4.1 which the Q6600 does not. Not much uses that instruction set now, but you'd be kicking yourself if a new prog. comes out that uses it …

I'm behind the curve on these new i7 motherboards, but I'm pretty sure the X58 chipset is the only one. Here a roundup of a few. While all under $300 they are still quite expensive [URL="http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3471&p=1"]LINK[/URL] I'd suggest an MSI board would be the quietest, but their 'budget' X54 Platinum …

Once it's dry (using whatever half-baked idea you decide on, lol) I'd give the electrical contacts a clean with some iso-propyl alcohol. Oh yeah, and cross your fingers, can't forget that step.