[sw1ss]

So, there is a fantastic deal on the 2600K at Micro Center right now ($199) and I'm thinking this might be the push I need blow some cash on an upgrade from my i3-530. I will, of course, need a new motherboard too, so I was wondering what the best bet for my budget would be. I really don't want to spend much more than $125 on the motherboard. Would something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271 be a good choice (looking for reliability for overclocking and nearly 24/7 folding and a full ATX form factor), or would I be better off waiting it out until I can afford a higher end motherboard? Or are there any better suggestions in my price range?

Another idea. This one bundles for $50 off: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0364085

Current System:


i3-530 @ 4.4 GHz w/ CM Hyper 212+ Cooler
ASRock H55DE3
Sapphire Radeon 6850 1GB
8GB Ripjaw X DDR3 1600
500GB WD Caviar Blue
Seasonic X750 PSU
CM Elite 430 Mid Tower

Also, what's the best way to go about getting rid of my old motherboard-specific drivers before installing the new one?

[Reanan-Marie Olsen]

ASRock Z68 Pro3 would be enough, since you don't seem to need Front USB 3.0

Otherwise you might want to wait for the IvyBridge CPUs since a 2600K doesn't offer more gaming performance than a 2500K.

[Charity Hughes]

ASRock Z68 Pro3 would be enough, since you don't seem to need Front USB 3.0

Otherwise you might want to wait for the IvyBridge CPUs since a 2600K doesn't offer more gaming performance than a 2500K.

Thanks. So are you saying the ASRock is better even if there at the same price point? Because they come out the same with corresponding discounts applied.

Any additional output on the ASRock Pro3 Gen3 versus the Gigabyte UD3H-B3? Still having a really hard time picking.

As for my choice of CPU, it's only $20 more than a 2500K, and hyper threading makes a world of difference in folding. And Ivy Bridge wouldn't make sense. A 3770K would cost an extra $100 for minimal improvement, a 3570K would cost a little more than the 2600K while offering less performance. And early signs do not suggest good things about IVB thermals while overclocking.

[Laura-Jayne Lee]

Does anybody know if there is a substantial difference between the GTX 260M and the GT 555M?

[Rach B]

There was a networking thread a few weeks ago, but I couldn't find it, so I'm posting the question here.

I'm currently running 4 desktops in my bedroom, which puts a heavy load on the A/C. I'd like to move at least 3 of them to the basemant, where it is much cooler. They are connected through a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817399001to a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001392and 2.0 speakers. Internet is Clear WiMax to a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124419router. The desktops are wired to the router, assorted laptops and my new http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855117073use the wireless.

Using very small words, and typing very slowly, could someone provide links or tell me how to move the computers but still maintain full control from the bedroom? I figure I can do it using many extension cables, but that's not the way to do it "right". Assume I know nothing about networking...and you'd be pretty much dead on.

[Nick Pryce]

There was a networking thread a few weeks ago, but I couldn't find it, so I'm posting the question here.

I'm currently running 4 desktops in my bedroom, which puts a heavy load on the A/C. I'd like to move at least 3 of them to the basemant, where it is much cooler. They are connected through a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817399001to a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001392and 2.0 speakers. Internet is Clear WiMax to a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124419router. The desktops are wired to the router, assorted laptops and my new http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855117073use the wireless.

Using very small words, and typing very slowly, could someone provide links or tell me how to move the computers but still maintain full control from the bedroom? I figure I can do it using many extension cables, but that's not the way to do it "right". Assume I know nothing about networking...and you'd be pretty much dead on.

Just put them on the network and enable remote logins/desktop. What are these computers? Windows? Some form of Linux? Something else?

[Kim Bradley]

Just put them on the network and enable remote logins/desktop. What are these computers? Windows? Some form of Linux? Something else?

You forgot to assume I know nothing. I have no idea what you said.

3 are running W7 64 and the other is XP SP3.

[Allison Sizemore]

You forgot to assume I know nothing. I have no idea what you said.

3 are running W7 64 and the other is XP SP3.

I am not much of a Windows person, I am sure someone will come in and explain it better. But to give you a quick high-level:
I don't have Windows 7 either , but, in XP, if you click on Start > Accessories, you should see Remote Desktop Connection. It allows you to connect to other computers on the network. When you do so, it is almost as if you sat in front of that computer and logged in using the keyboard. You get a window showing the desktop of the computer you logged to. You only need to have a network connection among the computers, being a cable or wireless. If your computers are all on a windows workgroup and have remote desktop active, you can just start Remote Desktop Connection, type in the name of the computer you want to connect, and the desktop from that computer pops up on a window.

It's not that hard to set up. I am sure (well, not so sure, I relaly don't know ) that you can find an easy stop-by-step on the Microsoft Knowledge database.

[Assumptah George]

There was a networking thread a few weeks ago, but I couldn't find it, so I'm posting the question here.

I'm currently running 4 desktops in my bedroom, which puts a heavy load on the A/C. I'd like to move at least 3 of them to the basemant, where it is much cooler. They are connected through a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817399001to a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001392and 2.0 speakers. Internet is Clear WiMax to a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124419router. The desktops are wired to the router, assorted laptops and my new http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855117073use the wireless.

Using very small words, and typing very slowly, could someone provide links or tell me how to move the computers but still maintain full control from the bedroom? I figure I can do it using many extension cables, but that's not the way to do it "right". Assume I know nothing about networking...and you'd be pretty much dead on.

There are a couple of different ways to do this.

1. Use synergy (a program for sending keyboard and mouse over the network) and then run cables to bring video back. Really only practical if you can use an existing coax cable to transfer the video as standard cables degrade in signal too fast (except maybe hdmi which I'm uncertain what the operational distance is). And yes, it is possible to send computer video over coax using a converter box. The advantage is it is highly responsive but you have to solve the problem of getting the video back (coax or maybe hdmi)

2. Using remote desktop. Only an option for professional editions of windows. Rdp is a highly efficient protocol so it runs almost as good as the above with the advantage of only needing to run ethernet or even just use wifi.

3. Use teamviewer over the LAN. Runs almost as good as rdp, but the free version has a nag popup after you use it. Same advantage as rdp, only need to run ethernet or even just use wifi.

4. Use tightVNC. Vnc is a very slow and inefficient protocol that can also be resource-intensive due to frame buffering so only works well on wired computers with decent power.

You forgot to assume I know nothing. I have no idea what you said.

3 are running W7 64 and the other is XP SP3.

What version of windows 7 and xp?

I am not much of a Windows person, I am sure someone will come in and explain it better. But to give you a quick high-level:
I don't have Windows 7 either , but, in XP, if you click on Start > Accessories, you should see Remote Desktop Connection. It allows you to connect to other computers on the network. When you do so, it is almost as if you sat in front of that computer and logged in using the keyboard. You get a window showing the desktop of the computer you logged to. You only need to have a network connection among the computers, being a cable or wireless. If your computers are all on a windows workgroup and have remote desktop active, you can just start Remote Desktop Connection, type in the name of the computer you want to connect, and the desktop from that computer pops up on a window.

It's not that hard to set up. I am sure (well, not so sure, I relaly don't know ) that you can find an easy stop-by-step on the Microsoft Knowledge database.

rdp is only available for:

XP pro
XP mce
7 pro
7 ultimate

Otherwise rdp isn't an option

[Trent Theriot]

Anyone know of a decent, inexpensive HDMI splitter? I've only been able to find 2. One looked uber-cheap and the other was really expensive.

[Kevin Jay]

There are a couple of different ways to do this.

1. Use synergy (a program for sending keyboard and mouse over the network) and then run cables to bring video back. Really only practical if you can use an existing coax cable to transfer the video as standard cables degrade in signal too fast (except maybe hdmi which I'm uncertain what the operational distance is). And yes, it is possible to send computer video over coax using a converter box. The advantage is it is highly responsive but you have to solve the problem of getting the video back (coax or maybe hdmi)

2. Using remote desktop. Only an option for professional editions of windows. Rdp is a highly efficient protocol so it runs almost as good as the above with the advantage of only needing to run ethernet or even just use wifi.

3. Use teamviewer over the LAN. Runs almost as good as rdp, but the free version has a nag popup after you use it. Same advantage as rdp, only need to run ethernet or even just use wifi.

4. Use tightVNC. Vnc is a very slow and inefficient protocol that can also be resource-intensive due to frame buffering so only works well on wired computers with decent power.


What version of windows 7 and xp?


rdp is only available for:

XP pro
XP mce
7 pro
7 ultimate

Otherwise rdp isn't an option

I was just off playing with rdp and discovered on my own that I don't have it on 3 of the 4 computers.
1 has W7 64 Ultimate
2 have W7 64 Home Premium
1 has XP Home

I have spare OS somewhere (I buy several when on sale). I can see if I have enough Pros to reinstall on the Home systems. I know I have at least one unused XP Pro.

I did see that once I logged in remote, then closed it, I had to switch the KVM to the "remote" machine and log back to the desktop before I could connect to it from one of the others. I assume the way to avoid that is to log on from the local computer to each of the remote computers, then just minimize the connection windows.

I'll take a look at your other suggestions. These are my folding machines. The only other common use is browsing and watching a little TV online. I can do that from the local machine and let the remotes just fold, so responsiveness shouldn't be an issue. More involved work is usually done on the laptops.

[maddison]

I was just off playing with rdp and discovered on my own that I don't have it on 3 of the 4 computers.
1 has W7 64 Ultimate
2 have W7 64 Home Premium
1 has XP Home

I have spare OS somewhere (I buy several when on sale). I can see if I have enough Pros to reinstall on the Home systems. I know I have at least one unused XP Pro.

I did see that once I logged in remote, then closed it, I had to switch the KVM to the "remote" machine and log back to the desktop before I could connect to it from one of the others. I assume the way to avoid that is to log on from the local computer to each of the remote computers, then just minimize the connection windows.

I'll take a look at your other suggestions. These are my folding machines. The only other common use is browsing and watching a little TV online. I can do that from the local machine and let the remotes just fold, so responsiveness shouldn't be an issue. More involved work is usually done on the laptops.

I'm not certain I understand the issue you're having. Could you explain it more clearly?

Are you logging in with the same user on ask the computers? Is a different user logged in physically? Are you properly logging out/disconnecting when done remoteing? The only time I've had issues with rdp is when a user is logged in physically and a different user tries remoting in, because windows desktop editions don't allow for multiple users having active sessions. This is why you inherit the active session when you rdp using the account of someone currently logged in. I use rdp pretty extensively too.

[john palmer]

I'm not certain I understand the issue you're having. Could you explain it more clearly?

Are you logging in with the same user on ask the computers? Is a different user logged in physically? Are you properly logging out/disconnecting when done remoteing? The only time I've had issues with rdp is when a user is logged in physically and a different user tries remoting in, because windows desktop editions don't allow for multiple users having active sessions. This is why you inherit the active session when you rdp using the account of someone currently logged in. I use rdp pretty extensively too.

I'm logged into all the computers on an Admin account (old folding requirement). When I logged in remotely to the only one I could, I had to use my password. After I ended the remote session and KVM'd to that machine, I had to enter the password again to unlock the desktop. Not a big deal with all of them within reach, but it would svck if I had to run down to the basemant to unlock desktops on a regular basis. I assume if I had just left the rdp connected I would have been fine.

I'm testing teamviewer right now. I'm writing this on a W7 machine remotely from the XP machine. All 3 of the W7 machines are running from XP. Teamviewer Help files svck- a short FAQ list. Can I leave these connections in place forever? I got the impression that the password for each machine changes each time you start the program. I also don't want to run to the basemant to get the new passwords, especially since I'd need to leave a keyboard, mouse, and monitor down there to access all of them.

5 minute pause

I just answered my own question. If you end the session but leave the program running, you can reconnect with the same password. If you close the program on the remote computer, you get a new password when you start the program. I should be able to move the computers, get the new passwords, then connect and disconnect at will from the local machine using the same saved passwords. I also noticed I only get the pop up when I disconnect for the first time. Reconnecting and disconnecting a second time didn't give me the pop up.

[Laura Ellaby]

For Teamviewer, you need to set up unattended access on each of the computer. This is set a static username and password, instead of the random one. Also I recommend that you create a Teamviwer login, using the "Computers & Contacts" button on the bottom right of the Teamviewer window. Make a username/password for your account and then add each remote computer to your contacts. With this set up then you can access any remote computer with the press of a button.

Just make sure that teamviewer automatically loads with Windows and make sure you set Windows logon to allow adminstrators (or all users) to log in to the remote computer if locked.
This is option is found in Extras >> Options >> Security

The only issue would be if you uninstall Teamviewer on any computer it WILL change the teamviewer id so your contact info will need to be updated.

[Kevin Jay]

Does anybody know if there is a substantial difference between the GTX 260M and the GT 555M?

Not substantial...but the GTX 260M does still edge out the GT 555M in games. The GT 555M is more power efficient though.

A few games are reflected on both of these links to compare (scroll down):
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-555M.41933.0.html
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX-260M.14559.0.html

Anyone know of a decent, inexpensive HDMI splitter? I've only been able to find 2. One looked uber-cheap and the other was really expensive.

A buddy of mine has this:
http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-High-Performance-Switcher-Switch/dp/B0015YWKYY/?tag=vig-20

Works rather well. Doesn't require external power and it can actually switch automatically as well.

[Jonathan Windmon]

Hey all, I have a Dell Studio 1558 running Windows 7 64-bit that I got in the summer of 2010 when I was leaving for college. I've formatted it once since then (over the most recent winter break) and it's been performing fine.

When I started it this morning, however, it presented me almost instantly with a solid white screen. After about a second the screen changed to red, and then just cycled to a different solid color every second or so until I turned it off. When I tried starting it again, everything went fine and I'm currently using it normally. I'm just wondering if this was a one-time glitch (I've never had it happen before), or if there's something that I need to worry about. Again, that was the first time that anything like it has happened and it seems to be running fine now.

Sorry if that isn't much information, but it's all I have to work with.

[Lily Evans]

A buddy of mine has this:
http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-High-Performance-Switcher-Switch/dp/B0015YWKYY/?tag=vig-20

Works rather well. Doesn't require external power and it can actually switch automatically as well.

I'm looking for a splitter. 1 in - 2 out. I'm thinking about getting a capture card (the Hauppauge Colossus since I use HDMI) and it needs to be set up:

Xbox -> HDMI Splitter -> TV
_________________-> Capture Card

I asked around and there would be a delay if I played through the capture card, so I need to split the signal.

[Andrea Pratt]

Any recommendations for a pair of headphones for around $50 USD or under?

I would prefer over/around ear headphones. I find that the ones that sit on your ear cause discomfort after a while, so ones that go completely around my ear would be prefered.

[Roisan Sweeney]

Thanks. So are you saying the ASRock is better even if there at the same price point? Because they come out the same with corresponding discounts applied.

Any additional output on the ASRock Pro3 Gen3 versus the Gigabyte UD3H-B3? Still having a really hard time picking.

I have the GA-Z68X-UD4-B3 from Gigabyte and I've had no problems with it.

When I first built my system it was shorting out or something, but later I found out that it was something to do with a faulty SATA cable and my SSD drive.

[Pawel Platek]

I'm logged into all the computers on an Admin account (old folding requirement). When I logged in remotely to the only one I could, I had to use my password. After I ended the remote session and KVM'd to that machine, I had to enter the password again to unlock the desktop. Not a big deal with all of them within reach, but it would svck if I had to run down to the basemant to unlock desktops on a regular basis. I assume if I had just left the rdp connected I would have been fine.

I'm testing teamviewer right now. I'm writing this on a W7 machine remotely from the XP machine. All 3 of the W7 machines are running from XP. Teamviewer Help files svck- a short FAQ list. Can I leave these connections in place forever? I got the impression that the password for each machine changes each time you start the program. I also don't want to run to the basemant to get the new passwords, especially since I'd need to leave a keyboard, mouse, and monitor down there to access all of them.

5 minute pause

I just answered my own question. If you end the session but leave the program running, you can reconnect with the same password. If you close the program on the remote computer, you get a new password when you start the program. I should be able to move the computers, get the new passwords, then connect and disconnect at will from the local machine using the same saved passwords. I also noticed I only get the pop up when I disconnect for the first time. Reconnecting and disconnecting a second time didn't give me the pop up.

Níeh?ggr already explained the Teamviewer setup so I'll try to address this RDP issue:

So, to see if I understand (as I'm not certain I do still)

1. All computers are physically logged in

2. All computers enabled and use the default hidden Administrator user account (Administrator)

3. All computers have the same password for the default Administrator account.

4. You open up RDP and type in the hostname or IP for the computer and you connect, instantly logging in.

5. You then end the session using start menu -> disconnect or start menu -> log off

6. You can reconnect from the same computer, but trying to connect from a different computer fails.

7. In order to connect from a different computer, you must first physically unlock the computer before being able to connect. After you do this you can connect fine.

Have you:

1. If you are using disconnect, tried logging out over RDP instead? If you normally log out, have you tried disconnecting instead?

2. Tried using non-admin accounts?

3. tried using the command prompt and running mstsc /v:hostname /admin

4. If you are trying to connect to the XP box, you may want to use mstsc /v:hostname /console

Are you trying to connect to the XP box or the Windows 7 ultimate box? Are you connecting from an XP or 7 box? I can try fooling around with your issue on my work computers on thursday if I know all the details.

I've never experienced this in my use of RDP, so I figure it has something to do with your use of the default Administrator account (you're not supposed to use that for normal windows running), a problem with console session inheriting, or a problem with the KVM setup.

[jessica robson]

Any recommendations for a pair of headphones for around $50 USD or under?

I would prefer over/around ear headphones. I find that the ones that sit on your ear cause discomfort after a while, so ones that go completely around my ear would be prefered.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826158082

I bought them for $40, $30 is just awesome. They're good enough to cost $80. I use them and give them my recommendation

[jennie xhx]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826158082

I bought them for $40, $30 is just awesome. They're good enough to cost $80. I use them and give them my recommendation

I want to avoid the "gaming headsets". I already have a desktop microphone of fine quality, so I have no use of the mic that comes with a headset. In addition, the sound quality of "gaming headsets" is [usually] lower compared to headphones of equal price.

I just ask for assistance because I have never dabbled in the headphones market so I'm not sure what will get me the best quality for a fair price.

[loste juliana]

Any recommendations for a pair of headphones for around $50 USD or under?

I would prefer over/around ear headphones. I find that the ones that sit on your ear cause discomfort after a while, so ones that go completely around my ear would be prefered.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-XB500-Diaphragm-Driver-Headphones/dp/B001RB24S2

That's about the best you'll get for circumaural and under $50.

[Tanya Parra]

Níeh?ggr already explained the Teamviewer setup so I'll try to address this RDP issue:

So, to see if I understand (as I'm not certain I do still)

1. All computers are physically logged in

2. All computers enabled and use the default hidden Administrator user account (Administrator)

3. All computers have the same password for the default Administrator account.

4. You open up RDP and type in the hostname or IP for the computer and you connect, instantly logging in.

5. You then end the session using start menu -> disconnect or start menu -> log off

6. You can reconnect from the same computer, but trying to connect from a different computer fails.

7. In order to connect from a different computer, you must first physically unlock the computer before being able to connect. After you do this you can connect fine.

Have you:

1. If you are using disconnect, tried logging out over RDP instead? If you normally log out, have you tried disconnecting instead?

2. Tried using non-admin accounts?

3. tried using the command prompt and running mstsc /v:hostname /admin

4. If you are trying to connect to the XP box, you may want to use mstsc /v:hostname /console

Are you trying to connect to the XP box or the Windows 7 ultimate box? Are you connecting from an XP or 7 box? I can try fooling around with your issue on my work computers on thursday if I know all the details.

I've never experienced this in my use of RDP, so I figure it has something to do with your use of the default Administrator account (you're not supposed to use that for normal windows running), a problem with console session inheriting, or a problem with the KVM setup.

Thanks for thinking about the problem, but it seems moot, now. Teamviewer will let me do what I need without having to upgrade the OS on any of the boxes. Here's what I saw, just as an exercise in troubleshooting.

All the boxes could "dial out" to request an RDP session. Only the W7 Ult. had the settings to allow another box to "dial in".

From the XP desktop I made the connection to the W7 Ult and the desktop appeared. I think it just asked for the computer name. I don't remember if it wanted a password.

I could do anything I wanted to that machine, remotely. I disconnected by closing the RDP window (X).

When I tried to reconnect, it failed. Using the KVM, I switched to the W7 Ult machine and it had a log in screen waiting for a password. Entering the password got me back to the destop with all programs still running. With that desktop unlocked, I switched back to XP and was again able to connect with RDP. Disconnecting again locked the desktop on what had been the remote machine. I had all the same issues connecting from a W7 Home machine.

These do not use the default Admin account. They are my personal account, with Admin privileges, and are password protected. All are set to automatically apply the password on start up. I never have to manually log in. The old SMP folding client required that type of account to run. The current one does not, but I never saw a need to reconfigure my accounts. There's no one here to mess with my machines, so why change them?

Since Teamviewer works in all directions with a less-than-Pro OS, I think I found my remote access progarm. If you want me to experiment to answer your questions on RDP, just let me know. I still haven't quite figured out Níeh?ggr's instructions on setting up permanent connections with unchanging passwords, but I'm working on it.

[Chloe Botham]

Is there any website that sells a laptop for $450 or less that can run Skyrim on minimum settings? Really, I'm looking to spend as little as possible, and $450 is my absolute maximum that I can spend right now. I'm going to be building a new desktop gaming rig sometime later this year after the Sandy Bridge-E CPUs go down in price.

I'm really just looking for something that has the ability to boot up Skyrim, it doesn't even necessarily have to run it all that well.

Is there a such thing out there?

P.S. Before you guys respond, I know very well what I'm getting into, and I know it would be a better idea to save my money for the rig I plan to build this fall, but I'm really set on finding a cheap laptop for movie watching, web surfing, and that can run Skyrim on absolute minimum settings.