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Components for Building Computers From Scratch

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About Bobert
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I have a vast knowledge of building desktop computers and am willing to share this knowledge with other users if they need help, or just have a few quick questions.

Experience
Hardware Enthusiast and years of IT experience (with more room to learn something new every day).

   

You are here:  Experts > Shopping > Computer Peripherals > Components for Building Computers From Scratch

Questions Answered By Expert  Bobert 
In Category  Components for Building Computers From Scratch

SubjectDate Asked

PC Memory9/22/2008
  Q: I have a Gateway PC with DIMM 1 and DIMM 2 slots on the motherboard. There is a 256 mb 133 MHz DIMM ...
  A: If its the same type of memory, i.e: PC 133 SDRAM, you should have no issues with different ...
RAM9/20/2008
  Q: I'm going to buy a desktop in a sale! The only problem is that this desktop has just 512MB RAM. I ...
  A: It is DDR2 memory, so the upgrade you've considered would actually work in this system. Adding ...
Home Server9/14/2008
  Q: I have 4 IDE HHDs leftover after rebuilding my three computers (which included installing some new ...
  A: RAID doesn't require any specific type of hard disk, nor does it really require hard disks (I've ...
PC to LCD TV connection9/12/2008
  Q: I have a Sony Bravia LCD TV which has a connection meant for PC. The details on the instruction ...
  A: I'm guessing this is a VGA connector, although I'm not entirely sure (based on what you've said, RGB ...
Firewire9/5/2008
  Q: What is a Firewire? Does the computer tower need it in order to run or is it optional? DO you need a ...
  A: Firewire is an interface commonly found on higher end equipment, its a nice option, but it is not ...
Video card9/4/2008
  Q: I recently up graded from an old HP 500 mz celleron processor with Windows 2000NT OS to a Dell XPS ...
  A: Yes, it sounds like you have all of the right hardware, assuming you have a way to playback the Hi8 ...
Applying Thermal Compound to Core 2 Duo CPU8/24/2008
  Q: I have a brand new Core 2 Duo retail boxed CPU and I am wondering how to remove/apply thermal ...
  A: Sorry for not specifying, I'm talking about isopropyl alcohol, like you would use to clean a wound, ...
Applying Thermal Compound to Core 2 Duo CPU8/23/2008
  Q: I have a brand new Core 2 Duo retail boxed CPU and I am wondering how to remove/apply thermal ...
  A: I would remove the thermal pad from the heatsink with alcohol and a somewhat rough cloth (paper ...
A pc for graphic editing8/21/2008
  Q: My brother is a graphics designer..most of the time he uses Maya for 3d editing, Photoshop for photo ...
  A: I see nothing wrong with this configuration, people usually have a brand preference hard-drive wise ...
Building A Dream Media Center PC8/21/2008
  Q: I've never built my own PC before and have no idea which models or which places to buy it. There are ...
  A: All of the components should come with at least a one year manufacturer warranty, so I personally ...
Building A Dream Media Center PC8/20/2008
  Q: I've never built my own PC before and have no idea which models or which places to buy it. There are ...
  A: 1. Try the Xonar D2, or Xonar D2X, both of which have optical output, same is true for the Creative ...
CMOS battery replacement8/15/2008
  Q: I was wondering if, when you replace a CMOS battery, do you lose BIOS settings such as overclock ...
  A: If the system is plugged in, with the power supply switch engaged, you shouldn't lose data from the ...
build a desktop8/14/2008
  Q: Your the expert, I am the dummy. I want to build me a desktop. I have a keyboard, monitor and ...
  A: Honestly I wouldn't go with the E8500, the extra money from the E8400 doesn't really justify the ...
Not sure where to put this... spill on laptop8/13/2008
  Q: I'm not sure which forum to place my question in, so sorry if this is the wrong one. Earlier ...
  A: I'm going to say your system is gone, especially given that it turned off due to the spill, that ...
CPU not working8/7/2008
  Q: I am attempting to upgrade my CPU by switching from a Pentium D to a Core 2 Extreme 6800, which ...
  A: I'm not sure what you mean by "the business side of the chip", although if you follow the keying on ...
A pc for graphic editing8/3/2008
  Q: My brother is a graphics designer..most of the time he uses Maya for 3d editing, Photoshop for photo ...
  A: For $2560 US, that will be tight, if you're ok custom building, things are a lot better. I'd suggest ...
computer components8/2/2008
  Q: This may sound stupid but here goes i have a dell inspiron 1520 and i was wondering if the memory ...
  A: You can replace or upgrade the memory the system came with, with anything compatable, that doesn't ...
Cleaning old components7/9/2008
  Q: First of all, I couldn't find anywhere else here that I could ask about old computing parts. It ...
  A: I use a tank vacuum (like a shop-vac) on reverse suction with a tapered bit on the end, which gets a ...
MSI or EVGA Motherboard7/3/2008
  Q: Kindly tell which motherboard is better for buying? MSI P7N2 Diaond or EVGA 132-CK-NF79 nforce 790i ...
  A: Honestly I'd flip a coin, both are excellent performers with lots of features, I'm guessing the eVGA ...
Need to streamline :)6/30/2008
  Q: Bobert, thanks for offering to help me out. Here's my scenario. We have wireless and high speed ...
  A: You'd need cable internet (or some other broadband connection) to use VoIP, Comcast will likely ...
Need to streamline :)6/29/2008
  Q: Bobert, thanks for offering to help me out. Here's my scenario. We have wireless and high speed ...
  A: If you use DSL or other equipment that requires a data line over telephone lines, you'll need a ...
laptop memory upgrade FSB speed???6/27/2008
  Q: I am completly lost here, I am trying to up grade a laptop RAM, I have a fujisu a6110 but it has the ...
  A: The 1:1 thing is matching the FSB to the memory's speed, in you case, you'd be looking for DDR2-800, ...
Component uncertainty6/21/2008
  Q: I have been searching for the ideal PC for my needs and I've compiled a list of what I think could ...
  A: Well, if its $41 new for the SSD, the reliability and speed will be terrible, so I'd keep that in ...
Component uncertainty6/21/2008
  Q: I have been searching for the ideal PC for my needs and I've compiled a list of what I think could ...
  A: I don't see a power supply, its one of the most important components of a system, if its included ...
Building a computer from scratch!6/14/2008
  Q: I want to build a computer from scratch. I am 100% hardware illiterate, but 99% software literate. ...
  A: Well, there are a number of options beyond purchasing a computer at a local reseller. Dell Computer ...
MSI P7N2 Diamond motherboard6/12/2008
  Q: I am planning to buy MSI P7N2 Diamond motherboard. Do you know about its availability and also I ...
  A: Availability varies by region, so I can't really comment on that. As far as "graphics corruption" I ...
Vidio card6/11/2008
  Q: I do auto cad 3d, would like to know what agp video card you would recommend. I am running an amd ...
  A: Well, an AutoCAD card will be more powerful and more expensive than a gaming video card, my first ...
Multiprocessor Motherboard6/8/2008
  Q: do you have a list or do you know any motherboard that can support 2 processors? ANSWER: Care to be ...
  A: Yes, there is still a very broad range of multiprocessor solutions available, Intel and AMD ...
Multiprocessor Motherboard6/6/2008
  Q: do you have a list or do you know any motherboard that can support 2 processors?
  A: Care to be a little more descript? There are thousands, if not tens of thousands, of motherboard ...
Motherboard and SLI6/6/2008
  Q: I have Gigabyte GA-X48T-DQ6 motherboard. I want to know can I use Nvidia Geforce 9 Series Graphics ...
  A: No you cannot use a pair of graphics cards in SLI on that board, it is ATI CrossFire, ONLY, as per ...
Monitor Problem5/15/2008
  Q: I own a Sony Trinitron (21 inch) which I purchased through Dell back in the year 2000. It has the ...
  A: Please don't open the monitor casing (the computer casing isn't a problem, but the actual CRT ...
amd k6-2 decreased its speed4/30/2008
  Q: i have a amd k6-2 processor in my compaq presario 5451, its old i know, its speed was 500 mhz before ...
  A: Yeah I'm guessing there was an issue with it reporting 500mhz, and its 250mhz in actuality. Given ...
Getting New Computers4/11/2008
  Q: I'll keep this short and sweet by putting my questions up top. I'll put optional extra info at the ...
  A: Well, this should be a fun weekend project to assemble together. If you want OS X, you have to buy ...
ram memory4/7/2008
  Q: I want to speed up my older computers, how can I find out which ram is compatible with my computer ...
  A: http://www.crucial.com/ Go for the memory advisor, or system scanner, should tell you what memory ...
Building my PC4/6/2008
  Q: I've had various problems with PC manufacturers in the past. The first 2 PCs I bought were from Time ...
  A: Well, I'd like to tackle the RAM not being recognized first, and answer the more theoretical ...
Tashiba Satellite 14103/1/2008
  Q: I read that your area of expertise is with desktop computers but you may still be able to help. Do ...
  A: Then I would contact Toshiba, as it sounds like something that may or may not be user upgradable, ...
Tashiba Satellite 14102/28/2008
  Q: I read that your area of expertise is with desktop computers but you may still be able to help. Do ...
  A: I'd suggest starting with Toshiba's website, unless you still have the original manual for the ...
Upgrading CPU/Motherboard2/28/2008
  Q: I was thinking of upgrading my CPU and maybe my motherboard too. However, I have heard that ...
  A: No, no new processors are made for that socket, so upgrading wouldn't realistically be worth it. ...
Upgrading CPU/Motherboard2/27/2008
  Q: I was thinking of upgrading my CPU and maybe my motherboard too. However, I have heard that ...
  A: Windows never acts as an anti-theft measure, so I'm going to call rumor on what you've heard, and ...
Up-grade to a new faster computer2/21/2008
  Q: "I have change my Master H/D driver from one Duron 700Hz 1.4Gz. computer to another Intel Pentium 4 ...
  A: You can't switch hard-drives system to system and expect any software installed on them to work, ...
scratch pc / no operating environment2/13/2008
  Q: I purchased an INTEL DG33FB mother board w/Core Duo Processor 3.0 GHZ 1333 MHz FSB (E6850)/ Corsair ...
  A: I'd suggest putting the hardware together first, to get the system built, the mainboard should ...
New mother board2/11/2008
  Q: I am looking for a low cost way to upgrade my ancient system, based on an AK6 chip running at 233 ...
  A: Honestly you need an entirely new computer, nothing in your current system is re-usable, simply ...
hard drive boot up problems2/9/2008
  Q: i swaped hard drives from a non functional to a functional one. now when i boot up, it gives me the ...
  A: I'm going to assume you mean you moved one hard drive from a non functional computer, to a ...
building a pc for graphic design2/7/2008
  Q: I will like to know if a can build a powerful computer that will be used for graphic design with ...
  A: Depending on what you mean by "graphic design", yes, you can build a quite powerful system for 881 ...
Matching a motherboard to a CPU2/5/2008
  Q: Your question was I am currently building my first PC from entirely new parts, for gaming and some ...
  A: Yes, that is a good match of CPU and mainboard, although you may wish to consider LGA 775 and ...
Internal Hard Drives1/30/2008
  Q: Can you tell me your opinion about two famous brands of hard drives: Western Digital and Seagate. ...
  A: Honestly, they're basically the same thing, check to make sure they're from the same generation/have ...
putting together a desktop1/23/2008
  Q: I'm just about to buy the components(from a warehouse dealer)for my first desktop.I have almost no ...
  A: Oh, yes I'm familiar with such devices, also called UPS backups (in the US), they're wonderful to ...
Computer Cases1/23/2008
  Q: I’d like to choose a normal and a good computer case for 2 computers I’m going to buy. My main ...
  A: I wouldn't suggest keeping the included power supply, you can purchase a 3rd party one from a ...
putting together a desktop1/22/2008
  Q: I'm just about to buy the components(from a warehouse dealer)for my first desktop.I have almost no ...
  A: I don't see a power supply on your list, and I'm not sure what a "No-break" is (I'm guessing the ...
AMD Turion TL-581/9/2008
  Q: ..Do You know if the AMD Turion TL-58 Processor is 1.9Ghz or 1.73Ghz because i recently went and ...
  A: http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,30_118_13909_13911,00.html AMD Turion 64 ...
First computer build1/2/2008
  Q: Greetings! I am working on completing my list of components for a new computer, my first build. I ...
  A: First I'd check out buying Vista at Newegg: ...
Booting up in new build12/16/2007
  Q: Monitor shows:- Verifying DMI Pool Data... Disk boot failure. Then :- Insert system disk and press ...
  A: Sounds like the system isn't recognizing the SATA HD as bootable, check in the manual for the ...
PSU broke12/2/2007
  Q: my friend's computer stopped working. I figured it was from the PSU breaking from the symptoms. I ...
  A: That is possible, but what I'm worried about is the actual quality of the device, not the wattage ...
O/S installation issues11/30/2007
  Q: I just finished building a computer from the ground up.(This is my first time doing so.) When I went ...
  A: Refer to the mainboard manual for more information, either check online or refer to the paper ...
small form factor case11/28/2007
  Q: I have an HP small form factor PC with what I think is a non-standard size motherboard. It doesnt ...
  A: Unless its BTX or a derivative thereof, I'd say no, there aren't cases for it, you might consider ...
computer freezing11/14/2007
  Q: my computer keep freezing all the time, got a few graghic hardware errors, so i decided to turn off ...
  A: Honestly, I'd suggest just getting a new system, the performance issues are either the result of the ...
unpluged cables on motherboard10/30/2007
  Q: this is my issue,my wife boss gave her a VPR-Matrix computer with windows XP home edition, somebody ...
  A: Well, if the system is beeping its trying to state an error code, if the system powers up those ...
HDD access speed10/24/2007
  Q: Because a HDD spins at a constant speed (I assume), does this mean that data can be read and written ...
  A: Yes, roughly, however the speed increase from a hard-drive at the outer edge vs the inner edge is ...
pc noise10/10/2007
  Q: my PC when in use make a lot of noise. is this the fan or the hard drive or a combination of both. ...
  A: Well, you haven't provided much about what hardware is in your PC, and what you mean by "makes a lot ...
Gateway GT 505610/9/2007
  Q: i purchased this gateway in 6/06 from BestBuy. In 5/07 Comp USA replaced the motherboard on behalf ...
  A: Well, $175 sounds quite steep for a mainboard, especially based on the system's hardware ...
Problems with Gateway9/27/2007
  Q: I have a question as I’m trying to fix my girlfriends Gateway GT4016 desktop computer. For a quick ...
  A: I'm going to venture that its likely the mainboard, as mainboards are usually more likely to go in ...
fan LED switch9/24/2007
  Q: This is a computer mod question but wondering if you may help. I want to be able to put in a simple ...
  A: Well, there isn't really going to be a difference between an AC and DC switch, its all how you ...
two windows system9/16/2007
  Q: I am building desktop for RV and planing to have two system windows just in case hard drive fail or ...
  A: Well, it seems there are a number of errors in your information, aside from that, you can't do ...
Monitors9/12/2007
  Q: I am buying a new computer and want to know what size and what kind of monitor should I buy. Also ...
  A: It depends on the computer you're buying, what you want to do with it, what you'd like out of the ...
Power up problem9/7/2007
  Q: I have a HP pavillion series tower, that was working fine, now, after turning it off, when I power ...
  A: Sounds like a PSU or mainboard problem, do you have any hardware you can test it with? If not, ...
Drivers8/24/2007
  Q: Am after a driver for a Maxtor 3200 to run on Win 98 there home website doesnt support it.where may ...
  A: If Maxtor doesn't have a driver for the product/operating system combination you wish to run, I'm ...
new media pc8/21/2007
  Q: 2.66 duo 2 core (1333fsb) Asus P5k-VM utx (microATX) mobo 2gb memory to start 3d card will be bought ...
  A: First thing to consider is the system's use, its a home theatre, theres no point to spend on ...
Hard Drive Question8/18/2007
  Q: I have a couple questions about hard drives. What is the Cache on a Hard drive mean? What is the ...
  A: Cache is the memory on the hard-drive used for, well, caching things that are being read from the ...
motherboard tomato8/14/2007
  Q: my motherboard [ Tomato Board BXe98-AT ] and motherboard identity version atx 1.17 ý can't find any ...
  A: From what I've seen from a quick google, the board you have is rather old, I don't see anything ...
psu8/7/2007
  Q: im building a computer for the first time . i was wondering if certain psu's only fit into certain ...
  A: PSUs are all standardized based on the ATX specification, the vast majority of PSUs are all ATX, ...
CAS Latency?8/6/2007
  Q: Can you explain to me what CAS latency is in regards to RAM, and its effect on gaming? Also, what ...
  A: CAS latency is one of the latency measurements of DRAM, lower latency is generally considered ...
Which wireless router/card to choose for my laptop...8/5/2007
  Q: I am looking to buy a wireless router and wirelss card for my laptop. I was wondering if there are ...
  A: Well, a laptop cannot support a PCI card. Your options are USB and PCMCIA, and the differences ...
Building a computer8/4/2007
  Q: when my current computer breaks I have to ask my brother for help. So back to my question how hard ...
  A: It isn't terribly complex, most retail packaged mainboards will include a step by step pictoral ...
power suply8/3/2007
  Q: • 500W • Latest ATX12V v2.0 with backwards compatibility • Compatible with the latest Intel and ...
  A: Well, those specs are nice and provide some overview of the features the device has, but don't ...
RAID8/3/2007
  Q: Is it possible to have both RAID0 arrays and non-RAID drives together on one Vista system. I have ...
  A: Not sure if that will work, as XP uses NTFS5.x, while Vista uses NTFS6, which will cause some ...
RAID8/3/2007
  Q: Is it possible to have both RAID0 arrays and non-RAID drives together on one Vista system. I have ...
  A: You need a drive utilities program to allow you to format and use the drive, I would suggest ...
power suply8/2/2007
  Q: hi i have built my own dual core pc now right now its doing ok with a 400w psu but im going to fit a ...
  A: Well, having a good power supply is one of the most important components to having a stable system, ...
Esata Connections7/25/2007
  Q: I want to add another hard drive to my computer, but want to do so via Esata. My computer has no ...
  A: FireWire 400 operates at 400 Mbit/s, USB 2.0 operates at 480 Mbit/s, there shouldn't be a connection ...
Building my first PC - continued7/23/2007
  Q: You said a floppy drive isn't totally necessary. What might I need one for? I can't remember the ...
  A: Installing Windows and a few other operating systems is relatively easy, however some other OS' ...
adding a USB board7/23/2007
  Q: Just got this USB board and all I did till now was upgrade the RAM... so I am not that sure as to ...
  A: It should have installation instructions with it, however installation is fairly straightforward, ...
Front Panel Audio7/22/2007
  Q: I have a TF7025-M2 Motherboard, and an Eagletech "Viper 2" case. I would like to know which ...
  A: Not entirely, I would guess Ret-R would pair with Mic Right, Ret-L would pair with Mic Left, however ...
Building my first PC7/22/2007
  Q: I've enjoyed playing video games at internet cafes and friend's houses for a while, and now I will ...
  A: Well, the mainboard (if its in a retail box, most mainboards are sold in a retail box (it will have ...
hub + USB7/11/2007
  Q: I have only 2 USB at the back of the computer. One of them has a 4 ports hub, the other , I HAVE to ...
  A: Well, you can chain USB hubs together, the wireless mouse likely needs the connection to get more ...
Possible build7/11/2007
  Q: Here is what I am thinking : Case : Antec Nine hundred MoBo : Intel BOXDG965WHMKR ATX Intel ...
  A: The Nine Hundred should handle all of that just fine, looks like a well thought out build that ...
planing7/10/2007
  Q: 9ghz preprogrammed overclock enabled has made it run at 2.020ghz 1024mb ddr2 ram 800mhz and ...
  A: First I would ensure your power supply can handle the 8800, second I would suggest getting the hard ...
ram appears slow?7/7/2007
  Q: . ANSWER: Well, the effective frequency and the real frequency won't line up, correctly however it ...
  A: Well, if it isn't running spec I can only guess that its probably suffering some sort of defect. ...
Building PC Reply7/7/2007
  Q: Im pretty worried about my video card lagging on games on full graphics like the ones you listed. ...
  A: Well, I'll tackle the questions one at a time. The 8600GT and 8600GTS are both quick chips, the ...
ram appears slow?7/6/2007
  Q: . ANSWER: Well, the effective frequency and the real frequency won't line up, correctly however it ...
  A: Based on the SPD information given up by the RAM and displayed in CPU-Z, CAS 4.0 is the setting for ...
Building a new PC7/6/2007
  Q: I will be building a completely new pci express system. I will be getting: amd 5200+dualcore, 2gig ...
  A: Not a bad system, you might want to take a look at hard-drives in the 250 to 500GB range (500GB ...
just to make sure6/30/2007
  Q: 9 ghz 65 nm the heat sink had a heat pad but im i sure the cpu is actully toughing it coz im worred ...
  A: If the CPU heatsink was installed following its directions, it should be ok, I wouldn't suggest ...
computers6/14/2007
  Q: A friend asked me to build them a computer or upgrade from what he has now. Hes running a pentium ...
  A: Well, you'd want a better power supply, larger hard drive, and more capable processor. The Dell ...
computers6/14/2007
  Q: A friend asked me to build them a computer or upgrade from what he has now. Hes running a pentium ...
  A: There aren't really any pros for the system you built, relative to the Dell, you can say its ...
computers6/12/2007
  Q: A friend asked me to build them a computer or upgrade from what he has now. Hes running a pentium ...
  A: Not sure what you changed on the Dell to get the price to $399, but the $499 base configuration is ...
cpu fitting6/12/2007
  Q: hi im going to build a pc for the first time i know every else bout the pc but i dnt no excatly how ...
  A: The mainboard manual should include a pictoral guide for CPU fitting. However, the process is rather ...
PC Power supply unit dismantling6/6/2007
  Q: Im trying to figure out if there is any scrap value inside the PSU's of old (discarded) pc's. Most ...
  A: I think I can answer this based on the scrap value of PC's. Mainboards and power supplies contain a ...
Nvidia 680i Vs Intel M36/3/2007
  Q: Is Nvidia 680i SLI based motherbords is better than Intel M3 series chip as gamming point of view? ...
  A: Either would work fine, there isn't going to be a massive gaming advantage through having one ...
Help with cd roms and hard drives.5/27/2007
  Q: Problem. I have a dell 4600... It has a sata hard drive for main one. Then I have a maxtor 60gb ...
  A: I'm having trouble understand what you're talking about, as the IEEE isn't a type of cable, but an ...
DISK BOOT FAILURE. INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER5/26/2007
  Q: Hey Bob, I've built my own computer. It is based on: AMD Athlon64 X2 5000 Asus CROSSHAIR Kingston ...
  A: Is this a legal XP CD thats bootable? Is this a Microsoft XP CD? (Some corporate distro CDs, such as ...
motherboards etc5/15/2007
  Q: i am currently re-fitting my computer. i am just about to upgrade the motherboard and so i also need ...
  A: Which new motherboard? Have you checked to ensure your CPU/etc is compatable? And "seperate ...
operating system5/8/2007
  Q: My son received his uncle's HP pavillion 990c, but before he did so the uncle installed a program to ...
  A: You need to acquire an operating system, and I would also suggest 0'ing out the hard drive before ...
graphics card5/5/2007
  Q: what is the technology of graphics card please explain
  A: A video card, (also referred to as a graphics accelerator card, display adapter, graphics card, and ...
Dream PC5/5/2007
  Q: I am writing a report on a Dream PC for my assignment. What are the best components that you would ...
  A: It really depends on what your application area is, if your application area happens to be complex ...
Fixing dead pixels on LCD monitor4/27/2007
  Q: I've bought 3 different LCD monitors over the last few years. They always seem to break down after ...
  A: The software to "heal" the pixels works by flashing colors over the pixels to try and "un-kill" ...
Less RAM than insalled4/15/2007
  Q: Here's my problem, I got 4 sticks of 1 GB RAM, a pair from Corsair, a pair from Patriot; but when I ...
  A: SLI-Ready is more of a marketing term, all that defines "SLI readyness" is the mainboard support 2 ...
sound4/15/2007
  Q: I just bought a new flat screen monitor yesterday. There are no wires or a place to put the wires ...
  A: http://www.samsung.com/ca/products/monitor/lcd_digital/ls19hawkbqxaa.asp?page=Specifications Thats ...
Less RAM than insalled4/14/2007
  Q: Here's my problem, I got 4 sticks of 1 GB RAM, a pair from Corsair, a pair from Patriot; but when I ...
  A: XP Media Center isn't 64-bit, and because it isn't 64-bit (along with because its WindowsXP derived) ...
Laptops Raw Materials3/20/2007
  Q: I'm doing a research paper for my school bout gateway or any brand laptops, and i need to know who ...
  A: What exactly do you mean raw materials? If you mean the actual components, they fly many corporate ...
Upgrading my PC etc.3/9/2007
  Q: I seriously need to upgrade my old computer. I need a gaming machine that can handle the more ...
  A: Yes such guides exist, a good one is found at www.tomshardware.com, click into the DIY section and ...
username problem3/5/2007
  Q: With all due respect I think that you are wrong. I did some investigating. Go to control panel, ...
  A: Yes, you can delete your own personal user acount, however you're reducing the overall safety and ...
VGA Box3/5/2007
  Q: hm..thanks, very pricy. see, like i found those, but those are tv tuners, and all im looking for is ...
  A: I don't believe any of the products you linked, or the one I linked, require you to disconnect the ...
VGA Box3/4/2007
  Q: Bobert, im planning to buy a VGA Box, but do not know which one is better. I have found 3, but ...
  A: The product from CompUSA looks to be the highest quality, I found a similar device at newegg.com ...
Transferring files from old PC to new one2/28/2007
  Q: I am trying to transfer flies from a Windows XP 2000 with Service Pack 4 computer (my old PC)to a ...
  A: I would suggest just putting them on a network together and sending the files over shared folders or ...
External DVD-burner1/31/2007
  Q: I need a recommendation for a good external DVD drive. There are so many to choose from...I don't ...
  A: First I'd just like to point out that internal drives are usually cheaper, and secondly that you ...
power supplies1/27/2007
  Q: I am trying to replace a power supply for a friend and am wonder what is a good replacement? It has ...
  A: Without much searching I'm going to guess thats a basic 250W ATX PSU, unless its an mATX install, ...
CD-ROM drives12/21/2006
  Q: Can you tell by looking at an installed CD drive whether it burns CD's or not? Thanks, Jeff
  A: It should say CD-RW on the front, or something along those lines, "Compact Disc Re-Writable" should ...
Cpu Fan12/4/2006
  Q: Sir, I own an intel PIV 2.40 Ghz D845GVSR Pc housed in a Techcom ATX cabinet. My problem is that the ...
  A: This is likely normal, the system is turning the fan up to maintain acceptable temperatures, ...
Duo Processor11/29/2006
  Q: G'day Bobert Just wondering if you could please tell me whether or not a duo core processor (eg the ...
  A: No, that comparison doesn't work, however it can give some insight for some applications. Firstly ...
Buying parts online11/18/2006
  Q: I'm planning to build a computer, I know what problems can occur, parts I need etc. but I don't know ...
  A: I'd personally suggest www.newegg.com, they're an excellent online retailer with very good marks ...
Computer Chassis/Casing Thermal solution help11/17/2006
  Q: I am buying Chassis/Casing (Gigabyte) Mercury (GZ-FW1CA (ATS/ATB)) for installing these ...
  A: I'd suggest a different case, personally, as liquid cooling is inable to outperform air cooling (it ...
memory10/26/2006
  Q: I dont want to build another computer, I could very well build a GOOD gaming computer for $500-$700 ...
  A: memory clock of 900 on what? the system? you're dreaming, as far as graphics card, the GPU, not the ...
memory10/24/2006
  Q: well not really building another comp, but anywho. My comp is a dell 8250 (533MHz FSB version). Now ...
  A: I wouldn't suggest buying RDRAM, period, because it IS expensive, I'd save the $100-$300 you'll ...
Memory Upgrade9/25/2006
  Q: i just have one question about upgrading computer memory. I want to put another 512mb mem stick on ...
  A: Brand can have an effect, however memory type is much much more important. It must be compatable ...
Memory Type9/23/2006
  Q: My main concern is my motherboard though, I know some are limited as to the maximum amount of ...
  A: Well, I'm not sure what mainboard you have, but based on the age of your system, and the existing ...
Power shuts off9/22/2006
  Q: I am trying to build a nice computer for my daughter. I am using an AMD 3400 processor on a 754 ...
  A: Ensure the heatsink is correctly on the processor, and if that isn't an issue, I'm guessing it's the ...
Memory Type9/22/2006
  Q: Ok, I was thinkin bout building my own computer, but after the banks shot me down for loans I ...
  A: Yes, that is RDRAM, those two cards are actually there to make the system work, they are called ...
Multiple Monitors?9/15/2006
  Q: Had a question concerning whether I could hook up more than one monitor to my desktop. Am hoping to ...
  A: Yes, it is most definately possible to run multiple monitors on a single desktop, and it isn't that ...
Windows Vista9/8/2006
  Q: Could you please tell me, when it is sold next year, whether Windows Vista will allow a user, when ...
  A: I'm not entirely sure as to the startup times of Windows Vista, although I'm guessing it's similar ...
Replace laptop modem Dell Latitude D6008/5/2006
  Q: Laptop left plugged in; lightning knocked out electric/phone service and once again has fried a ...
  A: Laptop modems are usually integrated into the motherboard, so if it's toasted, be glad the mainboard ...
computer unpluged onstand by7/7/2006
  Q: I have a cheap spare computer that was on stand by when it was on standby. the computer I know the ...
  A: Nothing drastic should happen if the system looses power at any stage of operation, the only problem ...
memory7/3/2006
  Q: My q is, in some computers I see an option for 1GB 1 Dimm socket versus 1GB 2 x 512 DIMM sockets, ...
  A: You usually gain performance from having 2 512MB modules, assuming you're using dual channel RAM. ...

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