THE COMPUTER THREAD

[iv3rdawG]

Thanks. I'll check that out. Other recommendations are welcome

Edit: Sorry, I meant sites that will actually make the computer for you after you pick what you want in it. Not really that well versed on how to make computers

[RVR II]

Edit: Sorry, I meant sites that will actually make the computer for you after you pick what you want in it. Not really that well versed on how to make computers

Oh.. well, www.TigerDirect.com or www.NewEgg.com I think offer complete builds, but I never bought a complete unit like that; I always build my own..

[iv3rdawG]

Thanks. Well, how hard/easy is it to build a computer from scratch? I know my way around a computer for the most part but not so much on the internal stuff. How much cheaper would it usually be when making your own compared to getting your own built?

[jewishcarpenter]

www.cyberpowerpc.com

http://www.ibuypower.com/

but DO NOT BUY FROM ALIENWARE, way overpriced and plenty of friends had plenty of problems with their computers. If you lived near me I'd offer to build you a computer I've built dozens for friends. Feel free to ask for advice on here about if the prices are right or what's the best bang for your buck.

[iv3rdawG]

Alright I'll check that out, thanks.

[RVR II]

Thanks. Well, how hard/easy is it to build a computer from scratch? I know my way around a computer for the most part but not so much on the internal stuff. How much cheaper would it usually be when making your own compared to getting your own built?

Well, here's what I learned..

You can buy one of their 'pre-built- systems as described and see what it does, BUT..
Depending on your particular applications, it's quite possible that it won't be powerful enough (I know) and will require some sort of upgrading, Plus, installing a new Hard Drive will require the motherboard drivers and Operating System to be installed before it's fully operational.

I would do a little homework and ask a tech rep over the phone (or by chat) for recommended upgrades for your particular preferences..

[Dankbuds]

I find the best deals on http://www.pricewatch.com/public/

[iv3rdawG]

OK looking at keyboards. When it comes to them for gaming, which would be better, Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard or Razer Lycosa? Any other ones would be cool to check out too. Also, any recommendations on gaming mice?

[Dankbuds]

OK looking at keyboards. When it comes to them for gaming, which would be better, Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard or Razer Lycosa? Any other ones would be cool to check out too. Also, any recommendations on gaming mice?

well I have no preference but if you do decide to go with the logitech I'd suggest getting it from Logitech G15 USB Gaming Keyboard w/LCD Screen/Backlit keys/Programmable G keys - NEW RETAIL BOX @ $49.98 + shipping $10-$15 it comes to a savings of $15-$20

[Thrifty]

What I just realized is that this mother board has 4 SATA connectors, so I COULD connect 4 SATA drives in there (for 6 Tb is storage o_O), but there's only one SATA power connector.  If I later somehow decide that 1.5 Tb isn't enough, would there be a way to add more drives without buying a new power supply?

Honestly.. I would consider upgrading your Power Supply cause it sounds like you don't have enough power cable legs available, and they're pretty cheap cost wise.. http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=58&name=Power-Supplies

If you power too many items off of 1 power leg, you'll burn it up (and run the risk of damaging 1 or more of your hard drives)..
Most newer power supplys have 2 - 3 SATA connectors, and many 4-pin Molex connectors which can be turned into SATA power connections with those adapter cables http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&Description=4%20pin%20to%20sata%20adapters&bop=And&Order=PRICE

Hmmm.....  Way I see it, at the moment is this: if the power supply has X number of wires to connect peripherals to, I assume it's safe to use all of them.

Still..... (searches for some possible replacements for future upscaling).....  what do you think about this one?

[RVR II]

Oh yeah.. Good One..

[Piobman]

Alienware are famous for their gaming systems. They are not cheap... but they are definitely geared towards gaming audiences.

[Tony]

I originally bought the G11, which is basically an older model G15 w/o the display. It's an excellent KB, great for gaming. But then I'm left-handed, so I don't use the typical right-hand keys.

These two G15 keyboards are different animals.

• The less pricey G15 is an older model with more programmable keys, a movable display panel, blue backlight, and - IMO - better media controls.
• The newer G15 doesn't seem to get you much for the extra $, and the orange backlight is nasty. My opinion.

OK looking at keyboards. When it comes to them for gaming, which would be better, Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard or Razer Lycosa? Any other ones would be cool to check out too. Also, any recommendations on gaming mice?

well I have no preference but if you do decide to go with the logitech I'd suggest getting it from Logitech G15 USB Gaming Keyboard w/LCD Screen/Backlit keys/Programmable G keys - NEW RETAIL BOX @ $49.98 + shipping $10-$15 it comes to a savings of $15-$20

[kodiakthejuggler]

Hey all you computer gurus out there, I've got a dilemma that's sure to grind your gears! I need your help! RIFFTRAX COMPUTER CREW ASSEMBLE!!!

I built my current computer a little while ago, though I can't really remember when I bought my motherboard. My previous motherboard died, and my current one was the best I could get with the money available to me at the time. It's a PC Chips P13G+ Micro ATX motherboard with an Intel Celeron chip running @ 3.33 ghz bundled with it. I have a Seagate 300 gig Ultra ATA Internal HD connected via the main IDE connection as my Master drive. Today, I decided to purchase a new Seagate 500 gig SATA Internal HD because I wanted more space, and my external 500 GB Seagate is nearing fullness, as is my internal 300 gig drive.

Here's the problem: The computer won't recognize the new SATA drive.

The motherboard doesn't support SATAs that run over 1.5 mbps, so I had to install the jumper onto the SATA HD that limits it to that speed. It's connected directly to the MB via a SATA cable, and my 500 watt Thermaltake power supply has a power connector for the SATA, so I'm covered there. I went in to the BIOS to make sure that my main HD was the primary boot disk, and that the on board SATA controller was enabled. I leaped over every single possible hurdle I could think of, but the finish line is eluding me! What happens is, the times the BIOS actually recognizes the SATA hard drive, the system freezes, and I can't do a damn thing but restart. And I can't even use Ctr+Alt+Del, I have to press the restart button on the case. Other times, the BIOS won't recognize the drive, and it will just boot as normal, but without the new drive. Once even Microsoft's Splash screen froze, before Windows could even start...

I scoured the online manuals and FAQs for my particular motherboard on PC Chips' website, and there's nothing on there that suggests my motherboard does not support both IDE and SATA hard drives at the same time. It should work, but it just doesn't. I've already sent in my problem to the PC Chips technical support, so we'll see what they have to say when they reply. I know there's something, but WHAT IS IT??

Here's my PC's specs:

PC Chips P13G+ Motherboard
   3.33 GHz Intel Celeron Processor included
   Micro ATX form factor
   LGA775 Socket
   Intel 865G / ICH5 chipset
   800 MHz front side bus
   2 SATA ports
   
Zalman CNPS9500A LED CPU Cooler

1 gig DDR2 RAM

Thermaltake 500 Watt Power Supply

Seagate 300 Gigabyte Hard Drive
   Ultra ATA
   7200 RPM
   
Seagate 500 Gigabyte Hard Drive
   SATA
   7200 RPM

Seagate 500 Gigabyte External USB Hard Drive

Sony DVD Burner and Sony CD Burner

ATi Radeon 9800 Pro Video Card
   AGP 8x
   128 MB DDR
   Zalman After-market Cooler

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi 5.1 Sound Card

Antec P180B Tower Case
   Exceptional style
   Sound dampening technology
   Modular design

[RVR II]

1st off.. I'd take that Jumper out. Even if the mobo isn't set up for more than 1.5mbs, the Hard Drive should still function normally..

Then, restart your computer, go into your Control Panel to Administrative Tools, select Computer Management, and in the new window, select Storage, and then select Disk Management where you should see all disc and ROM drives detected (Disk 0, Disk 1, Disk 2, etc).
Look for your SATA drive as 'Unallocated' and right click it to enable it and select a drive letter and do a Quick format, and that should do it. (hopefully)