[Amber Ably]

Windows 7, HP laptop..
Where might I locate the manual .pdf?

I'm selling this old laptop in three days and NOW, of ALL TIMES I spilled my coke on this thing. The damages were minimal but "A" and "ESC" are still sticky, and I need to consult the manual on how to remove the buttons without breaking them.
There is this Support Assistant thing but it has nothing but update services.

[Brian Newman]

I have a question regarding two of AMD's processors that needs answering. I currently have the FX4100 "quad" core CPU, and have read countless articles arguing both for and against this processor when compared to the Phenom 2. I currently have the FX4100 running at 4GHz with a very modest bump in core voltage. The question I have is which AMD Quad-core processor is the better one for gaming, the FX series or the Phoenom 2 X4? I am a bit skeptical about the Zambezi at the moment.


My gaming rig is built for gaming only, as I have a purpose built "work" computer for all of the other things like office, quickbooks and the like. As stated, I have read so many different reviews and comparisons that I am left a bit befuddled as to what will work better. I pose this question on this forum to get direct input from those of you who actually use one of these two processors.

[Natalie J Webster]

Windows 7, HP laptop..
Where might I locate the manual .pdf?

If you can post the exact model number of the laptop in question I might be able to locate what your looking for.

[Alisha Clarke]

I have a question regarding two of AMD's processors that needs answering. I currently have the FX4100 "quad" core CPU, and have read countless articles arguing both for and against this processor when compared to the Phenom 2. I currently have the FX4100 running at 4GHz with a very modest bump in core voltage. The question I have is which AMD Quad-core processor is the better one for gaming, the FX series or the Phoenom 2 X4? I am a bit skeptical about the Zambezi at the moment.


My gaming rig is built for gaming only, as I have a purpose built "work" computer for all of the other things like office, quickbooks and the like. As stated, I have read so many different reviews and comparisons that I am left a bit befuddled as to what will work better. I pose this question on this forum to get direct input from those of you who actually use one of these two processors.

Quad cores are still mostly worthless in terms of gaming. Most applications use either 1 or 2 processor cores/threads. The AMD FX Quad (Zambezi) is most definitely a better processor than the older Phenom II Quad (Deneb). The L2 cache is similar (512MB per core), but the Zambezi has more L3 cache (8MB vs 6MB) and the Zambezi has a faster bus speed: HyperTransport. (5200MHz vs 2000MHz).

Its really not a debate, however many people are angry about where the Zambezi and the Bulldozer platform compares with Intel's offering. This is most likely what it skewing results. Bulldozer is better than Phenom II, but Sandy Bridge (Intel) kills it, when Bulldozer was supposed to compete with Intel's offerings.

[Evaa]

Quad cores are still mostly worthless in terms of gaming. Most applications use either 1 or 2 processor cores/threads. The AMD FX Quad (Zambezi) is most definitely a better processor than the older Phenom II Quad (Deneb). The L2 cache is similar (512MB per core), but the Zambezi has more L3 cache (8MB vs 6MB) and the Zambezi has a faster bus speed: HyperTransport. (5200MHz vs 2000MHz).

Its really not a debate, however many people are angry about where the Zambezi and the Bulldozer platform compares with Intel's offering. This is most likely what it skewing results. Bulldozer is better than Phenom II, but Sandy Bridge (Intel) kills it, when Bulldozer was supposed to compete with Intel's offerings.

My "work" system is an older Core-2-Quad 9650 that I inherited, and it's still incredibly fast. I do know that the majority of games don't as of yet support multi-core processors, but that will eventually change I'm sure. To be more specific about my original question, I am considering the Phenom II x4 840 as a replacement to the FX4100, but I'm rather curious as to the overall performance between the two hopefully from some people who have actually used either one. I guess I still have some doubts about the Zambezi, although it currently runs fine. I bought the new Asus Sabertooth mainboard, which is solid as the day is long so far.

[Your Mum]

The Phenom II X4 840 would be a moderate downgrade to the FX4100. Zambezi is fine, and will bottleneck the rest of the system less so than an older Phenom II era processors. Unless the platform (Motherboard and/or drivers) are causing issues there is no reason to downgrade. I have a Phenom II X4 940 (more or less equivalent to the 840, the 840 is basically a Phenom II X4 945 without the L3 cache).

Take this is a grain of salt, but here is a raw benchmark calculation of current processors.
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

AMD FX-4100 is 4082 points
AMD Phenom II 840 is 2953 points
My CPU (Phenom II 940) is 3609 points

Also the Core2 Quad Q9650 (3.0GHz) is 4553 points, actually beats the FX-4100...

Obviously, this isn't benchmarking game performance, but using a synthetic benchmark which may or may not factor multitasking.

[Flutterby]

The Phenom II X4 840 would be a moderate downgrade to the FX4100. Zambezi is fine, and will bottleneck the rest of the system less so than an older Phenom II era processors. Unless the platform (Motherboard and/or drivers) are causing issues there is no reason to downgrade. I have a Phenom II X4 940 (more or less equivalent to the 840, the 840 is basically a Phenom II X4 945 without the L3 cache).

Take this is a grain of salt, but here is a raw benchmark calculation of current processors.
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

AMD FX-4100 is 4082 points
AMD Phenom II 840 is 2953 points
My CPU (Phenom II 940) is 3609 points

Obviously, this isn't benchmarking game performance, but using a synthetic benchmark which may or may not factor multitasking.

Many thanks, as I will stick with what I already have (FX4100) and try to put aside the doubts. (or build an i9 rig, hehe)

Thanks again...

[Rachael Williams]

No, you need to boot off of it. I already posted instructions on how to create a bootable USB since you lack a CD/DVD drive.



Nothing bad in your SMART results (power on hours just means your PC has been on for a longer than usual time).

Still need to: do a chkdsk scan, do memtest, and upgrade/roll back your graphics drivers

When I try a chkdsk scan it says the drive is in use for C, how can I make it not be in use?

I will make a Bootable usb, after that does memtest go on to the usb drive? I will make sure to update all of my drivers.

[Chantelle Walker]

Windows 7, HP laptop..
Where might I locate the manual .pdf?

I'm selling this old laptop in three days and NOW, of ALL TIMES I spilled my coke on this thing. The damages were minimal but "A" and "ESC" are still sticky, and I need to consult the manual on how to remove the buttons without breaking them.
There is this Support Assistant thing but it has nothing but update services.

I'd try going to HP's official web page for the laptop, they should have the manual around somewhere.

[flora]

When I try a chkdsk scan it says the drive is in use for C, how can I make it not be in use?

I will make a Bootable usb, after that does memtest go on to the usb drive? I will make sure to update all of my drivers.

You can schedule chkdsk to run before Windows boots. When you attempt to run chkdsk in full scan/repair mode it should ask you if you want to do this. The next reboot should automatically run chkdsk.

Yes, you then copy the memtest files to the flash drive and then reboot your computer.

[Hannah Whitlock]

Repasting your processor/gpu? IC Diamond brought my max temperature down by about 10C and my idle down by 5C when I put it on the GPU and CPU in my Asus G73, so that's what I'd recommend. And I had decent temperatures to begin with. On a laptop with a tendency to overheat you'd probably see an even bigger improvement.

Thanks . Seems none of my local stores stock it, but there's an Aussie seller on Ebay, so it's all good.

[Olga Xx]

Does anyone know an easy way to securely wipe a 6 disk array consisting of SCSI disks? I just tried to run DBAN but it told me it couldn't find any disks in the system. This is an old server system I was given and I need to clear the disks. I know I can just format with my OS of choice but it contained sensitive data which is encrypted but I would like to wipe them furthur.

[Sheila Esmailka]

Does anyone know an easy way to securely wipe a 6 disk array consisting of SCSI disks? I just tried to run DBAN but it told me it couldn't find any disks in the system. This is an old server system I was given and I need to clear the disks. I know I can just format with my OS of choice but it contained sensitive data which is encrypted but I would like to wipe them furthur.

Boot off of the linux distro of your choice and do:

# dd if=/dev/urandom of=/dev/whateveryourscsiarrayis

Repeat as you feel necessary.

[Hannah Whitlock]

You can schedule chkdsk to run before Windows boots. When you attempt to run chkdsk in full scan/repair mode it should ask you if you want to do this. The next reboot should automatically run chkdsk.

Yes, you then copy the memtest files to the flash drive and then reboot your computer.

The chkdsk didn't run upon boot.

[Solène We]

Does anyone know an easy way to securely wipe a 6 disk array consisting of SCSI disks? I just tried to run DBAN but it told me it couldn't find any disks in the system. This is an old server system I was given and I need to clear the disks. I know I can just format with my OS of choice but it contained sensitive data which is encrypted but I would like to wipe them furthur.

Try http://sourceforge.net/projects/eraser/

It's what I use for legal documents. You can even ask it to overwrite data 35x in one pass, if you want to go overboard. I do. However, for some reason it can't or doesn't delete the "tips" of the hard drive, whatever that means.

[Marcus Jordan]

The chkdsk didn't run upon boot.

You did a

chkdsk /f

When the volume to be checked/fixed is in use you should get this message

Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts (Y/N)

If you pick Y, then it will run chkdsk after POST but before the Windows login screen.

[SaVino GοΜ]

I'm looking to upgrade the video card in my desktop PC. I currently have an 8800 GTX driving it, and it's been a good & faithful card for the last few years. I have a budget at $200; if I have to go over, I only want it to be $10 or 20 over at the most. The card I have my eye on is the GTX 560, specifically http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127592 by MSI. I'm thinking about this one b/c I've had good experiences w/ MSI before, and I'm drawn to the twin fan setup on this card to keep temps down. However, I want to make sure that I'm getting the best bang for the buck here. Since I have about $200 to spend, what would be the best card for the money, if not the one I linked to?

I shouldn't have to worry about upgrading anything else in my system. I have a Core 2 Duo 3.0GHz, an EVGA 680i SLI motherboard, 4GB DDR2 RAM, and a 550W power supply. The power supply is the only thing that I'm not 100% sure about. For a GTX 560, is 550W enough? I don't plan on running any cards in SLI atm; I'll leave that possibility open in the future.

[lucy chadwick]

OK, I'm way overdue for a new build (last one was about 8 years ago so obviously my knowledge is out of date, too.) I'm hoping to get advice on whether or not I the following with have any bottlenecks or if I'm going stupid overboard on anything. Most of these brands are familiar & trusted to me, but I don't know if anything is on the "buyer beware list." My goal is to run Skyrim on Ultra, with a few mods on a 65" HDTV @ 1920 x 1080. I also plan on overclocking the CPU .


CASE: Cooler Master HAF 922 Mid Tower

PSU: Cooler Master Silent Pro RSA00-AMBAJ3-US 1000W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.92 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC

MOTHERBOARD: ASUS P8Z68-V LE LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX with UEFI BIOS

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 BX80623I52500K

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Model F3-17000CL11D-8GBXL

GPU: XFX HD-697A-CNFC Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support with Eyefinity

SSD: OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-120G 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC
HDD: Seagate Barracuda SATA 1TB, 7200 RPM, 32 MB Cache

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 120mm

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit

[Lalla Vu]

You did a

chkdsk /f

When the volume to be checked/fixed is in use you should get this message

If you pick Y, then it will run chkdsk after POST but before the Windows login screen.

I did not see it perform a check before or after the windows login screen period.

[Kim Bradley]

Was wondering what the recommended means of handling the motherboard while assembling a PC would be. Put together a build with a friend of mine not too long ago and we were just kind of winging it (nothing went wrong), but now I'm assembling my own PC I'm feeling much more cautious. For example, should I be worried about touching the bottom of the MOBO (kind of hard to avoid while unpacking it)?

Also, could anyone recommend a temperature monitoring program and benchmark to use with Linux?

[Nauty]

I'm looking to upgrade the video card in my desktop PC. I currently have an 8800 GTX driving it, and it's been a good & faithful card for the last few years. I have a budget at $200; if I have to go over, I only want it to be $10 or 20 over at the most. The card I have my eye on is the GTX 560, specifically http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127592 by MSI. I'm thinking about this one b/c I've had good experiences w/ MSI before, and I'm drawn to the twin fan setup on this card to keep temps down. However, I want to make sure that I'm getting the best bang for the buck here. Since I have about $200 to spend, what would be the best card for the money, if not the one I linked to?

I shouldn't have to worry about upgrading anything else in my system. I have a Core 2 Duo 3.0GHz, an EVGA 680i SLI motherboard, 4GB DDR2 RAM, and a 550W power supply. The power supply is the only thing that I'm not 100% sure about. For a GTX 560, is 550W enough? I don't plan on running any cards in SLI atm; I'll leave that possibility open in the future.

If that's a quality branded 550W unit, it will be more than enough. Gotta say what brand and model that PSU is. It's not just about wattage.

For $200, the option is still the Radeon 6870 or GTX 560 (plain). There is also the GTX 560 Ti for a bit more in price and performance.

OK, I'm way overdue for a new build (last one was about 8 years ago so obviously my knowledge is out of date, too.) I'm hoping to get advice on whether or not I the following with have any bottlenecks or if I'm going stupid overboard on anything. Most of these brands are familiar & trusted to me, but I don't know if anything is on the "buyer beware list." My goal is to run Skyrim on Ultra, with a few mods on a 65" HDTV @ 1920 x 1080. I also plan on overclocking the CPU .


CASE: Cooler Master HAF 922 Mid Tower

PSU: Cooler Master Silent Pro RSA00-AMBAJ3-US 1000W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.92 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC

MOTHERBOARD: ASUS P8Z68-V LE LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX with UEFI BIOS

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 BX80623I52500K

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Model F3-17000CL11D-8GBXL

GPU: XFX HD-697A-CNFC Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support with Eyefinity

SSD: OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-120G 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC
HDD: Seagate Barracuda SATA 1TB, 7200 RPM, 32 MB Cache

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 120mm

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit

Massive overkill on the PSU. You don't need a 1KW PSU for that setup. 650W Quality branded unit is already overkill for that. Corsair, Seasonic, Silverstone, Antec (non-Basiq units), and XFX are better vendors than Coolermaster for PSUs. Any one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=+600029977&QksAutoSuggestion=&ShowDeactivatedMark=False&Configurator=&IsNodeId=1&Subcategory=-1&description=corsair+650w&hisInDesc=&Ntk=&CFG=&SpeTabStoreType=&AdvancedSearch=1&srchInDesc=

If you plan to do a large OC, you're going cheap on the board. Lose the LE and get the standard ASUS P8Z68-V....the LE has a lower VRM power phase design compared to the standard one...the phases likely don't even have heatsinks on them. It's nice to have the higher phases with heatsinks for stability if you're OCing past 4.5GHz.

Memory speed has very little bearing on SandyBridge. Those days of needing high speed memory to achieve high OCs is gone with Sandybridge. Most of the OC potential lies on the CPU chip and the motherboard for SNB. Get a cheaper DDR3 1600 Ripjaws instead. I've OCed a 2500K with DDR3 1333 ValueRam and still got stable at 4.8GHz. Just gotta get lucky with the chip and have a good board.

Crucial M4 SSD is going to be more reliable than that OCZ

A Samsung F3 1TB drive is a better drive than that Seagate.

The standard Hyper 212+ cooler is just as good as the EVO. Would save a few bucks.

Was wondering what the recommended means of handling the motherboard while assembling a PC would be. Put together a build with a friend of mine not too long ago and we were just kind of winging it (nothing went wrong), but now I'm assembling my own PC I'm feeling much more cautious. For example, should I be worried about touching the bottom of the MOBO (kind of hard to avoid while unpacking it)?

Also, could anyone recommend a temperature monitoring program and benchmark to use with Linux?

I generally hold the board by the edges. Always have that anti-static bag around to place it on. Admittedly, I have touched components on the board with no ill effects, but you never know.

Sorry, not Linux-savvy.

[Ashley Clifft]

I did not see it perform a check before or after the windows login screen period.

When you ran the command did you see it ask you if you wanted to run it on the next reboot? Did you say yes to that?

Also, could anyone recommend a temperature monitoring program and benchmark to use with Linux?

Temperature: http://wpitchoune.net/blog/psensor/

Stress testing: http://packages.debian.org/search?keywords=cpuburn, stress (should be in pretty much every distro's repo), http://mersenne.org/freesoft/, Furmark (works well in wine)

[Elisha KIng]

Anyone know of a utility/tool for Windows that does essentially the same thing as the time command for Linux?

[Jimmie Allen]

Will this run morrowind using MGE far view and some HD texture mods?

ProcessorAMD Quad-Core A8-3520M (1.6 GHz, 4 MB L2 cache)

RAM6 GB (1 x 2 GB, 1 x 4 GB)

Graphics cardAMD Radeon HD 6620G + 7450M Dual GPU
1 GB DDR3 dedicated

how well would it run vanilla oblivion?

[Conor Byrne]

When you ran the command did you see it ask you if you wanted to run it on the next reboot? Did you say yes to that?


Temperature: http://wpitchoune.net/blog/psensor/

Stress testing: http://packages.debian.org/search?keywords=cpuburn, stress (should be in pretty much every distro's repo), http://mersenne.org/freesoft/, Furmark (works well in wine)

Yes I did, I will try again.