Troubleshooting An Evga Fx5500 Video Card

The EVGA FX 5500 is a midrange video card designed for midrange computers.

The GeForce FX 5500 from nVidia was designed to be a midrange video card that PC users could use as a way to watch movies or stream video over their computers, as well as play PC games. Many versions of this card were made, including one from high-end card manufacturer EVGA. The EVGA FX 5500 functioned like many other video cards of the day and, therefore, can be troubleshooted in the same ways.

Instructions

1. Update the drivers on your computer. Sometimes, as technology advances, older drivers become incompatible with new software, which leads to a wide array of issues. Before taking any further steps, take a moment to update the drivers for your FX 5500.

2. Connect your computer tower to a second monitor, either another computer monitor or a flat-screen TV with a VGA output. This helps to determine whether the problem is with the video card or the monitor.

3. Swap VGA cables. If there is a short in your VGA cable, your screen image will flicker or show static. Swapping the cable will determine whether the cable is the cause of your issues.

4. Clean your tower. If your video card is frequently shorting out or otherwise not working after use, this can be due to overheating brought on by dust, dirt and other undesirables that can find their way inside a computer tower. By opening the computer tower using a screwdriver and cleaning out the dust, you allow air to flow more freely, which allows computer components, including your video card, to cool off more easily.

5. Examine the hardware. If your FX5500 card is damaged, there is little you can do. However, if it is something simple like an unplugged fan cable or the card is not set inside the expansion slot properly, you can easily remedy these problems.

Tags: computer tower, video card, your video card, designed midrange, determine whether

Symptoms Of A Bad Logic Board

The logic board, or motherboard, is the central electronic circuit board that all data passes through in a computer. The motherboard houses the CPU and RAM. All peripheral components connect to the motherboard. As the central connection point for a computer, when the logic board begins to fail, the computer behaves erratically.

Random Reboots

Under normal computer operations, the computer stays active and does not reboot itself unless you or another piece of software tells it to. A symptom of a bad logic board is a random reboot. As time progresses, the random reboots become worse due to weakening components and electrical signals passing through the motherboard.

Corrupt Data

A bad logic board does not calculate and pass data correctly through the bus. This leads to data corruption both in RAM and on physical storage such as hard drives. Like random rebooting, this may be erratic and inconsistent.

No Power.

A bad logic board may not power up at all. In this situation, it is important to test the computer's power supply to ensure it is working correctly. If the power supply works, but the computer does not power on, the logic board has gone bad.

Electrical Failure

A failed logic board can be accompanied by smoke or even a fire if one or more of the electrical components, such as a capacitor, have gone bad on the board.

Warning Beeps

A failing logic board may warn you with a series of beeps. Refer to the motherboard owner's documentation to determine what the different beep codes stand for.

Error Codes Displayed on Screen.

Some logic boards display error codes on the monitor before they completely fail. Refer to your owner's documentation to determine what the different displayed codes stand for.

Tags: logic board, codes stand, determine what, determine what different, documentation determine, documentation determine what

What Type Of Processor Is In An Emachine

EMachines, a subsidiary of Taiwan-based computer technology company Acer Inc., specializes in making budget-oriented personal computers. Thus, the processors -- or central processing units -- installed on these products are usually from low-end to mid-range brands. The computer chips that each eMachines PC possesses usually come Intel Corp. or Advanced Micro Devices. Like other processors, the ones installed on eMachines computers have a processing speed; a front-side bus, or data transmission, speed; and an Level 2 cache, or secondary memory bank, for its high-speed access to computer data.

Desktop Tower Processors

The traditional desktop tower PCs are roughly split into the EL1352, EL1333, ER1401, ER1402, ET1810, EL1850, ET1831 and EL1850 series. Most of them have a CPU from AMD's most popular brand, the Athlon, which has a processing speed range of around 1.6 to 3.1GHz and an L2 cache range of 512KB to 2MB. However, the EL1352G, a model under the EL1352 series, has a processor from AMD's budget-oriented Sempron with a processing speed of 2.8GHz and a 1-MB memory bank. Also, the ET1810-01 and EL1850-01e have Intel Celeron 4xx series CPUs instead of AMD ones.

All-in-One Desktop Processors

The eMachines' two all-in-one desktops, the EL1352-10u and ET1331-40e, share the same price tag with the performance-oriented EL1352-10e tower as the most expensive desktop PCs. The EL1352-10u has the 2-GHz AMD Athlon II 170u while the ET1331-40e has the dual-core 2.8-GHz AMD Athlon II 220. Each processor has two caches that add up to 1MB of storage space.

Notebook Processors

As of May 2011, eMachines has three notebook PC series: the eME527, eME528 and eME442. The first two have an Intel Celeron 900 -- a member of Intel's low-end CPU brand -- which offer a 2.2-GHz processing speed, 800-MHz FSB rate and 1-MB cache. The last mentioned notebook has a more advanced processor, which hails from AMD Phenom's V-Series division. Its processing speed is 2.3GHz, its FSB speed is 1,066MHz and its L2 cache offers 512KB, which promotes faster memory access due to its smaller size.

Netbook Processors

EMachines has only one netbook in its PC lineup. As the smallest computing machine -- indeed, a smaller, stripped-down version of the notebook PC -- the eM350 has the least powerful processor: the Intel Atom N450. Designed specifically for electronic products its size, the N450 has a 1.66-GHz processing speed, 667-MHz FSB speed and a 512-KB L2 cache. The CPU, however, consumed up to only 5.5W of power, thus making it more energy efficient than the other eMachines processors.

Tags: processing speed, have Intel, have Intel Celeron, Intel Celeron, memory bank

My P5q Pro Won'T Recognize 4 Sticks Of Memory

Memory issues require specific steps to diagnose.

Modern motherboards like the Asus P5Q Pro normally have four slots to place random-access memory (RAM) modules on the motherboard for use by the operating system. It is, however, very important that the RAM modules meet the specifications of the motherboard for type, size and module configuration. Any deviation can cause the RAM to be unrecognized by the motherboard or the operating system and may cause errors while using the computer. You may also encounter bad memory modules and will have to troubleshoot the memory to determine which modules are bad.

Instructions

1. Ensure that you are using the proper memory modules for your Asus P5Q. This motherboard requires DDR2 Dual-Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs), with a maximum memory capacity of 16 gigabytes (GB). It must be non-ECC (also known as nonparity) and unbuffered memory. The speed of the memory is not critical, and the motherboard will handle DDR2 memory at speeds of 1300, 1200, 1066, 800 or 667 megahertz. The P5Q Pro will not work with DIMMs that are made up of 256 megabyte chips or smaller. If your memory modules do not meet this requirement, you must replace them.

2. Check the motherboard BIOS (basic input/output system) information to determine if the full memory capacity is available to the motherboard. This information usually appears on the screen during the Power On Self Test (POST) before the operating system loads, or can be accessed by opening the BIOS by pressing the "Delete" key while the POST information is on the screen. On the main BIOS screen, used the arrow keys to move down to "System Information" and hit "Enter." The usable size of the system memory will be displayed.

3. Run a 64-bit operating system such as Windows 7 64-bit if your memory size is 4 GB or greater and your motherboard recognizes all installed memory, but the operating system does not recognize it. Operating systems like Windows 7 32-bit will not recognize more than approximately 3 GB of memory, regardless of how much memory you have installed. To take full advantage of larger memory size, upgrade your operating system to 64-bit.

4. Check to ensure that all of your memory modules are properly seated in the slots. Power down the computer and unplug it to remove power to the motherboard. Open the case to access the motherboard. Press down gently but firmly on each of the four memory modules. The retaining clips on either end of the slots should be snugly hooked to the notches at the ends of each DIMM. If you are unsure, remove the memory modules and reinsert each module, pressing down until you hear the retaining clips snap into place.

5. Test the memory modules and memory slots two at a time. Remove the four memory modules, insert two of them in the first and third memory slots, plug in the computer and turn it on. If the BIOS and operating system recognize both at full capacity, shut down the computer, unplug it and remove the two DIMMs. Take the other two modules and insert them in the second and fourth memory slots, plug in the computer and turn it on. If during the process of testing the memory modules you see half of the expected memory capacity, that indicates that you have a bad memory module or a bad memory slot.

6. Check each of the memory modules individually, following the same process. You are specifically interested in the memory modules, because if a memory slot is bad, it is not user-replaceable and you will have to replace the motherboard. Using the same process, test each DIMM individually in the first memory slot. If one of the modules is bad, the computer will not boot or you will get an error when you turn on the computer. If you have a bad memory module, you must replace it.

Tags: memory modules, operating system, memory capacity, memory slot, memory slots, your memory, computer turn

What Is An Ethernet Adapter Driver

Network adapter software helps make your Internet connection work.

Every time you sit down to Web surf on your computer, it takes a careful orchestration of software and hardware to make it all work. Layers of programs, known as the OSI Seven-Layer Model, communicate with the Ethernet adapter circuit, which send data bits back and forth through your Internet connection. Your browser program passes information to the operating system, which in turn signals Ethernet adapter driver software.

Ethernet

For computers to communicate, they must share a common set of hardware and software standards. For example, they must have the same connecting plugs and data-passing methods. Invented in the 1970s, Ethernet allows computers from different manufacturers to "talk" with one another. A key part of Ethernet is the adapter card, a circuit board that plugs into the computer and translates its data into communications signals. Along with the adapter card, the computer needs a driver program to make the adapter work.

Operating System

Whether you use Microsoft Windows, Linux or have Apple's Mac OS X, your computer's operating system needs a piece of software to use an Ethernet adapter. This software, called the driver, serves as a bridge between the operating system and the adapter. When you use any program to send data over the Internet, the operating system intercepts the data and passes it along to the driver.

Driver

When you purchase an Ethernet adapter card, the box will have a compact disc containing driver software. Installing the adapter card involves both inserting the circuit card into the computer and copying the driver software onto your hard drive. The driver takes data from the operating system, packages it into bundles of bits according to Ethernet standards, and instructs the adapter card to transmit the data over the Ethernet cable. If it detects a problem while sending or receiving data, the driver sends an error message to the operating system.

Compatibility

In order for the driver to work correctly, the driver's programmers must understand subtle details of the operating system. With many different versions of Linux, Windows and Mac OS X available, the adapter will work with only a limited number of the most recent. When you purchase an Ethernet adapter, check the hardware and software compatibility requirements.

Tags: Ethernet adapter, adapter card, operating system, driver software, your Internet connection, data over

What Is The Meaning Of A Cpu Socket Number

CPU socket pins

Computer processors and motherboards are differentiated primarily by their CPU socket number. The CPU socket number is used to define the compatibility between different types of processing architectures, even within the same family of processor motherboard, for computer building purposes. Moreover, in many cases, the CPU socket number denotes cooling considerations that must be taken into account, and sometimes the physical characteristics of the CPU and socket itself.

Physical Characteristics

Though not an absolute rule, the CPU socket number is often a reference to the number of pins or contacts on the CPU itself that interface the processor and the motherboard. For example, Intel's LGA and socket 775 and socket 1366 have 775 and 1366 pins respectively that connect the CPU to the motherboard. The prefix to the CPU socket, such as LGA, refers to whether or not the pins are on the CPU or the motherboard itself. In the case of LGA, land grid array, the pins are actually on the motherboard, and small contacts are on the CPU that rests upon these pins.

Size Specifications

As the size of the CPU socket is directly proportional to the number of pins it possesses, the CPU socket number serves as a rough guide to the area where the CPU socket will reside. Though CPU processors are getting smaller, such as Intel's 32 nm technology, the connective sockets that connect the CPUs to the rest of the computer remain in standardized sizes and thus grow as the number of transistors and connections utilized by the CPU grows.

Cooling Considerations

CPU sockets not only define the specifications that facilitate communication between the CPU and the motherboard, but also the physical imprint on where the CPU socket resides. The pre-machined mounting terminals for cooling solutions such as air or water cooling apparatus is different for every CPU socket as each socket has different physical dimensions and requirements. Furthermore, high-performance sockets such as Intel's 1366, which have considerable thermal output, often take up larger portions of the motherboard to allow for larger and more complex cooling apparatus to be attached to the CPU. Cooling solutions are often sold according to what CPU socket they are compatible with, and are rarely compatible with non-listed sockets.

CPU Compatibility

CPU sockets only support a specific number of CPUs. Though more CPUs may be designed for them, such as Intel socket LGA 775, which supported several families of processors from the Celeron to the Core 2 Quad, once the maximum efficiency of a particular socket is reached it will be deprecated for a newer design. As such, when building computers the first piece of hardware chosen should be the motherboard based upon which CPU socket it possesses. This specification alone dictates which processors are supported for the new computing system.

LGA vs PGA

The three-letter prefix for every CPU socket number, either LGA or PGA, describes physical connective characteristics between the CPU and the motherboard. CPU socket numbers with the prefix LGA, or land grid array, are sockets containing contact pins that the CPU rests on. There is a small metal contact on the bottom of the CPU for every pin in the socket. PGA, also known as pin grid array, is the predecessor to LGA CPU socket configurations. That is to say, the connective pins are connected to the underside of the processor. Each of these pins fits into a small pre-machined hole within the CPU socket on the motherboard that holds the CPU pins in place.

Tags: every socket, grid array, socket number, socket number, such Intel, between motherboard, compatible with

The Normal Operating Temperature Of An Intel Duo Core Processor

The Intel Core Duo processor is a high-end CPU marketed by Intel. It is more powerful than the Celeron and Pentium processors. Like all CPUs, the Intel Core line of processors has a certain temperature range that must be maintained to ensure safe operation. The operational temperature is the temperature at which the CPU will perform at peak performance, and it should not be exceeded.

Issues That Affect Processor Temperature

The primary factor affecting the temperature of the Core Duo processor at any one time is the amount of calculations that the device is making per second. This is often referred to as the "load." High-load operations such as games, video, and image editing cause the CPU to reach a high temperature faster than low-load operations such as web browsing and word processing. This is because the former operations require more calculations per second. As more electrons move through the processor per second, more heat is generated due to friction.

Normal Operational Temperature

The Intel Core Duo processor has a normal operational temperature of around 40 degrees Celsius--104 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures reach dangerous levels at around 65 degrees Celsius, or 144 degrees Fahrenheit. Sustained operation at or above the maximum recommended CPU temperature will cause damage and eventual failure. Fortunately, every computer has a built in heat-management system that is designed to mitigate heat from the CPU and keep it within tolerances.

The Fan and Heat Sink

The fan sits atop the Intel Core Duo processor and draws hot air away from it. Most fans have multiple speed settings that change according to the temperature of the CPU. If the fan were to stop operating, the ambient temperature of the computer chassis would, in turn, heat the CPU, and the CPU would be damaged. Also, be aware that over time the fan can accumulate a layer of dust--you should remove this dust at regular intervals because it can act as a layer of insulation.

The heat sink is a computer component that draws heat away from the CPU. It is in direct contact with the Intel Core Duo, and is composed of a material with low thermal resistance. When the CPU becomes hot, this material draws the heat away.

Useful Programs

There is software available for most operating systems that displays the current temperature of the CPU. This is important, as it gives early warning that the computer's heat management system is not working properly. Over time, the user can gain a feel for the CPU's normal operating temperature under different levels of load and can thus react appropriately when an anomalous temperature is reached.

Tags: Intel Core, Core processor, around degrees, away from, degrees Fahrenheit, draws heat, draws heat away

Towel Fix For An Xbox 360

A typical towel should be sufficient to conduct the procedure.

The Xbox 360, while known for its advanced features and capabilities, is also recognized as a troubled console. Many early models contained a flawed internal design in its hardware assembly. In most cases, the graphics processing unit's (GPU's) connection joints were not properly soldered onto the motherboard. Over time, the GPU had a tendency to get loose, causing the system to stop responding and display three red rings. The "Towel Trick" essentially re-solders all loose ends onto the motherboard when the console's internals are exposed to extreme heat. This method provides a temporary fix to the console's problem, although only anecdotal evidence suggests it works.

Instructions

1. Remove the main display connection from the Xbox as well as the network cable. Do not disconnect the Xbox 360's power cord. This connection is on the back of the console directly opposite to the power button.

2. Turn on the Xbox 360 console and wrap the towels around it. Ensure the console is completely covered, preventing any air from infiltrating into it.

3. Allow approximately 15 minutes for the console to overheat, effectively lowering the GPU solder joints and re-joining them with the motherboard's surface.

4. Remove the towels from the console and turn it on. As a result, the console should show its regular green lights instead of the red lights previously displayed.

Tags: onto motherboard

Update Memory Timings In The Bios

When you purchase new RAM modules, installing them into your computer's motherboard is the first but not necessarily the last step. The addition of new memory components sometimes requires a little more involvement. Although most motherboards detect your memory timings automatically, tweaking the settings yourself will ensure that your system is taking full advantage of your modules.

Instructions

1. Access your computer's BIOS menu during the boot sequence when your computer powers on. The exact access key will vary with your motherboard, but some of the more common keys are DEL, F1 or F2. If none of those keys work, watch the boot-up screen for any information. Hitting "PAUSE" during the boot process will allow you to read any instructions about accessing the BIOS before the operating system begins to load. Consult your instruction manual if you have further difficulties.

2. Look for the DRAM configuration menu once you have accessed the BIOS. Again, the location of memory settings is highly dependent on your computer. Use the arrow keys to navigate the various menu items. Pressing "ESC" will return you to the main menu. Submenus you should check include "Advanced Chipset Features" or "MB Intelligent Tweaker" to name a few.

3. Switch the DRAM configuration option from "Auto" to "Manual." This option may be found under different names, such as "DRAM Timing Selectable." Toggling to "Manual" mode will allow you to access more in-depth options.

4. Update your memory settings. After the configuration mode is set to "Manual," you will be able to adjust a variety of latency and timing settings. If you are not sure of your settings, pressing ESC will return you to the main menu without saving any changes.

5. Press F10 to save and exit. Reboot your computer for the new memory timings to take effect.

Tags: your computer, DRAM configuration, during boot, main menu, memory settings, memory timings, return main

What Parts Of Electronics Are Recyclable

Electronic items can be passed on to family or recycled for the materials they contain.

When you consider the complexity of electronic items, the various materials used in their production cover a wide range of useful substances and even some precious substances. For example, a computer motherboard contains 310 parts per million (ppm) of gold, and even the plastic structure of the motherboard can be recycled. All components of an electronic item contain materials that can possibly be recycled, from the structural plastics and metals, to the circuit boards and screens. Instructions for recycling of electronic items can be obtained from your local waste management provider.

Circuit Boards

Most of the valuable elements in electronic waste are found in the items' circuit boards. Gold is used in electronic items for conductivity and connection purposes. There is even gold in your cellphone. Palladium is also found in circuit boards as a conductor, as is silver and platinum. Copper makes up about 7 percent of a computer and is used in circuit boards and cathode ray tubes.

Plastic Components

The structural components of electronic items tend to be plastic, as it is cheap, easily moldable and light. Plastic makes up 23 percent of a typical computer, and is found in cables as well as housing. Electronic items that are mostly made of plastic are portable audio devices, fax machines and music players, but recyclers can reject these as plastic recycling due to the small amount of contaminants from the circuit board.

Structural Components

Aluminum is found in structural components of electronics, such as the housing, but it can also be found in cathode ray tubes and circuit boards. Aluminum makes up 14 percent of a typical desktop computer. Iron is a basic material of housing cathode ray tubes and circuit boards, and can make up 20 percent of a computer.

Glass Parts

The mineral silica, which makes up glass, can be extracted and recycled from parts of electronics such as cathode ray tubes and screens. Lead is present in certain items (6 percent in a desktop computer) as a means of joining metal together and may be regarded as an unacceptable contaminant.

Batteries

The batteries in electronics can be recycled as they contain useful substances such as zinc and mercury.

Recycling

Depending on the recycling conditions in your area, recycling collection agents may accept electronic items in their entirety to break them down later, depending on new processes and government or state regulations. Some recycling companies extract only the precious metals from items such as cellphones to make a profit, but accept the entire electronic item from the consumer and break it down later.

Tags: circuit boards, cathode tubes, also found, cathode tubes circuit, components electronic, desktop computer, down later

Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant

The earlier you know your dog is pregnant, the better.

Pregnancy in dogs can be difficult to detect. A responsible pet owner will want to know the signs and symptoms of pregnancy to ensure proper health care. The most accurate way to know if your dog is going to have puppies is to take a trip to the veterinarian. A simple blood test and X-ray will give you your answer. But if your female dog is not spayed and you suspect that she may be pregnant, there are some signs and symptoms that you can look for on your own.

Instructions

1. Pay close attention to your dog's eating habits. If she has a decreased appetite or isn't showing much interest in her favorite chow, this could be a sign of morning sickness.

2. Check for vaginal discharge, a common sign of pregnancy.

3. Notice if your dog has enlarged teats. A female dog's nipples will become engorged in preparation for nursing her pups.

4. Look for behavioral changes in your dog. If she is usually active and appears unusually tired, she may be pregnant. Appearing uncomfortable or signs of general unrest can be tell-tale signs as well.

5. Check your dog's stomach to see if it appears enlarged or swollen. This symptom occurs midway through the pregnancy. You may even be able to gently feel for the puppies as well.

6. Look for signs of "nesting," your dog's way of getting ready for the birth and aftercare of the puppies. She may scratch at the floor or the blankets as if to fluff them.

Tags: know your, signs symptoms

What Is A Mainboard

The motherboard is the mainboard of a computer.

Computers rely on numerous components to run efficiently. These hardware devices must interface or communicate with each other in some way in order to operate. A mainboard is a crucial interface device.

Definition

A mainboard is a printed circuit board used to support and connect components using electrically charged paths called conductive channels or pathways. A motherboard, also known as the mainboard, is the computer's primary printed circuit board.

History

Computer components, memory and most peripherals originally connected to separate computer circuit boards. Motherboards were designed in the late 1980s to accommodate several hardware devices and peripherals for added functionality and upgrades. By the 1990s this motherboard style had become standard in most PC systems.

Function

Motherboards serve as a mount, and hold many integral components for a computer, including the computer's central processing unit (CPU) and memory storage chips. The motherboard, or mainboard, contains numerous slots, or sockets, that are used as a connection point for peripheral devices, like sound cards, video display adapters and printers.

Tags: circuit board, hardware devices, mainboard computer, motherboard mainboard, printed circuit

Specs For Asus P5nd

Asus' P5N-D is an ATX motherboard for Intel processors. The motherboard's twin video expansion slots and on-board Scalable Link Interface chip set allow the motherboard to run two interconnected video cards for high-quality graphics. The motherboard also includes a number of special Asus features for energy efficiency and operating stability.

Processor

The P5N-D has an Intel 775 CPU slot. This slot supports select Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Duo, Pentium Extreme, Pentium D, and Pentium 4 processors that have been designed to fit in a 775 slot. The P5N-D supports processors that have been manufactured with Intel's 45 nanometer manufacturing technique for better efficiency and speed. The motherboard can toggle between front side bus speeds of 1,333 megahertz, 1,066 MHz, or 800 MHz.

RAM

The P5N-D has four DIMM RAM slots for memory upgrades. Each slot supports up to 2GB of RAM for a maximum of 8GB. The motherboard supports dual-channel DDR2 un-buffered RAM. It supports RAM that operates at 800, 667, or 533 MHz.

Expansion Slots

The motherboard can support up to two graphics cards via its two PCIe 2.0 x16 graphics card slots. These slots will work with Nvidia or AMD graphics cards but they will only support two graphics cards if both are compatible SLI-ready Nvidia cards. The motherboard also has two PCIe x1 slots and two PCI 2.2 slots for non-graphics upgrades, such as networking cards.

External Connections

An internal Realtek eight-channel high-definition audio controller powers the P5N-D's six external audio jacks. The motherboard also has external coaxial/optical S/PDIF ports. The P5N-D has two external PS/2 ports -- one for connecting a mouse and the other for a keyboard. The motherboard includes one LAN port and one IEEE 1394a port for networking. There are four USB 2.0 ports on the back panel along with one parallel port for connecting to other devices.

Internal Connections

Two internal USB connectors allow for up to four front USB ports, while an internal audio connector allows for front panel audio and a CD/AUX-in connector allows for audio routing directly from a disc player into the motherboard. The motherboard includes a single floppy disk drive connector and a single IDE connector for connecting legacy drives. Four SATA connectors allow you to connect up to four SATA hard drives or disc drives to the motherboard. The motherboard can power three fans. The P5N-D can also monitor a chassis intrusion detector.

Features

The P5N-D implements several Asus technologies including Asus EPU, Asus AI Nap, and Asus AI Gear 3 for energy efficiency. The P5N-D also uses Asus Q-Fan 2 for optimal fan usage with minimal noise. The motherboard uses Asus EZ Flash 2 to keep the motherboard BIOS up to date. It also supports CPU overclocking via AI Overclocking software. This makes it easier to monitor the effects of overclocking while Asus C.P.R. can restore the previous overclocking settings if the new settings cause the computer to malfunction.

Tags: graphics cards, motherboard also, Asus Asus, Connections internal, connector allows, connectors allow

The Difference In Hp 365893 & 365894 Motherboards

The HP 365893 and 365894 -- with part numbers PF163UA#ABA and PF164UA#ABA, respectively -- are motherboards that computer technology company Hewlett-Packard manufactured for its HP Pavilion zd7000 series of laptop PCs. Apart from a few notable differences, the HP 365893 and 365894 have the same features.

Processor and Memory

The HP 365893 and 365894 house an Intel Pentium 4 processor, with a 3.2-GHz processing speed, Hyper-Threading technology for enhanced multitasking, 800 MHz in front-side bus or data transfer speed, and a 512KB Level 2 cache for high-speed access to the computer's most frequently used data. Using 333-MHz Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM architecture, each motherboard can take up to 2GB of system memory.

Audio and Video/Graphics

The HP 365893 and 365894 provide a 16-bit Sound Blaster Pro-compatible sound driver, which support the pair of built-in Harman/Kardon stereo speakers on the HP Pavilion zd7000-series laptop. They also have an Nvidia GeForce FX5700 graphics processing unit for PC gaming-oriented owners. However, while the the GPU of the 365893 uses 64MB for video memory, that of the HP 365894 uses 128MB.

Networking and Expansion Ports

Each HP 365893 and 365894 motherboard has an integrated modem, which comes with an RJ-11 connector, generates a peak data transfer speed of 56Kbps, and adheres to the V.90 and V.92 standards of the International Telecommunications Union. Wired networking comes from the integrated 10/100BASE-T Ethernet adapter with a peak data transmission speed of 100Mbps and RJ-45 jack. Each motherboard has a Type I/II/III 32-bit PC Card slot, which is backward compatible with 16-bit cards.

External Connectors

Apart from the modem and Ethernet jacks, the HP 365893 and 365894 offer four USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire jack, serial and parallel connectors, Video Graphics Array for an external computer display, S-video output, Fast Infrared port, and headphone and microphone jacks. HP gave the 365894 additional external connectors such as a television antenna input and RCA-style connectors for video and stereo audio.

Tags: 365893 365894, Apart from, data transfer, data transfer speed, peak data, transfer speed, Video Graphics

The Motherboard Specifications For A Dell Dimension E310

A PC motherboard ties together key components.

Dell released the Dimension E310 desktop computer in 2005, touting it as a budget multimedia PC. Reviewers generally rated it a capable computer, but some lamented the limited upgrade options provided by the Dell-branded motherboard. Users had little choice but to settle for the integrated graphics engine since the motherboard lacks a slot for a more powerful add-on video card.

Chipset

The E310's motherboard uses Intel's 915GV Express chipset, which links the computer's Intel 2.8 GHz Pentium 4 processor to devices including the Intel 950 GMA graphics engine and a pair of memory, or RAM, slots. The motherboard had a front-side bus speed of 800 MHz for communication between the processor and components. The processor is mounted in an LGA 775 socket. CNET rated the chipset as good for a budget system, but noted it was not Intel's most recent offering.

Memory

The E310 accommodates a maximum of 2 gigabytes of RAM in its two memory slots, sufficient for many purposes.

Expansion Slots and Connectors

The motherboard includes two 120-pin PCI slots for expansion cards, plus a 1x PCI- Express slot. It does not offer a 16x PCI-Express slot to allow upgrading to a faster, dedicated video card. The motherboard offers two SATA connectors for hard drives and an IDE connector, typically used for a DVD/CD drive.

Audio and Ports

The motherboard supports 2.1-channel audio. Six USB 2.0 ports are available, two at the front of the PC, and the remainder at the rear. Also included are three audio connectors and an RJ45 jack for the integrated network adapter.

Video Output

The motherboard provides a lone VGA port, which yields an analog connection to a monitor. Many add-on graphics cards have dual DVI ports that allow a digital connection to multiple monitors.

Tags: Dimension E310, graphics engine, memory slots, video card

Turn On The Hdmi Port On An Hp Computer

An HP computer is capable of accessing sound from a home audio system via the HDMI port.

The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port on an HP (Hewlett-Packard) computer lets users connect to the sound ports on a high-definition television or to a set of speakers that are part of a high-definition surround sound device. The port is not always active and must be turned on via the computer's sound configuration setting. Once the HDMI port is active, you can adjust the sound to your liking using the computer's volume control or the television/surround sound device's volume control.

Instructions

1. Click "Start," then click "Control Panel" and "Hardware and Sound." Select "Sound." The Sound dialog box will open. Click the "Playback" tab.

2. Right-click the "HDMI" device option under the heading "Select a playback device below to modify its settings:" and click "Enable."

3. Right-click the "HDMI" device option again and select "Set as Default Device." A green check mark will appear next to the HDMI option.

4. Click "Properties." Click the "Supported Formats" tab.

5. Select the formats the HDMI television or surround system can decode; a list will appear under the heading "Which of the following formats is your Digital Receiver able to decode."

6. Select the "48.0 Khz" sample rate under the heading "Which of the following sample rates are supported by your Digital Receiver."

7. Click "Apply" and "OK."

Tags: under heading, device option, Digital Receiver, HDMI device, HDMI device option

Test The Transfer Speed For A Sata Hdd

With the increased availability of external hard drives, many computer users have become aware of the technical functions of SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) hard drives. While internal hard drives are designed to perform well with pre-installed system components, external drives are an addition that may noticeably strain your system. If you notice a delay when moving files or accessing data stored externally, you may wish to test your drive's transfer speed. Once you know how slow your drive is, you are better prepared to search for solutions or describe your situation to a technician.

Instructions

Folder

1. Create a folder with approximately 10GB of data. Navigate to "My Documents" and create a "New Folder." Rename the folder "Test" and drag it from "My Documents" to "Desktop." Copy audio/video files into "Test" to reach the 10GB size. (Be sure you are not moving files.)

2. Open "My Computer" and find your external drive. Drag and drop "Test" from the "Desktop" into your external drive. This will initiate the transfer process, a dialogue window will pop up on your screen.

3. Click "More Information" in the transfer dialogue window. This will display the speed of the transfer in bytes per second. You can also view an approximate transfer time. Record this information.

4. Repeat two to three times, deleting the "Test" folder from the external drive after each move so as not to deplete disc space and affect performance. When complete, average the transfer rates to estimate your transfer speed. Delete the "Test" folder from your "Desktop" and external hard drive.

Tags: external drive, hard drives, dialogue window, external hard, folder from, moving files

The Specifications Of A Gateway Ma7 Computer

The Specifications of a Gateway MA7 Computer

The Gateway MA7 laptop is the ideal choice for at home use or for a student. The speed of this machine is adequate for general use such as word processor programs and general Internet usage.

Performance

The processor in the MA7 is a 1.60 gigahertz Celeron and comes with 1 gigabyte of synchronous dynamic random access memory. The maximum upgradeable memory for this model is 2GB. The operating system is Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit.

Display

The MA7 laptop computer has a 15.4-inch WXGA display panel, which equates to a 1,280 by 800 viewable display. The video controller is the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with up to 64 megabytes of shared memory available.

Storage and Connectivity

The MA7 laptop comes with an 80GB SATA hard drive with a speed of 5,400 revolutions per minute. This machine also has a 4-in-1 memory card reader that is compatible with Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, multimedia card and secure data. The optical drive on this model is a 24x/10x/24x CD-RW and DVD combo. The MA7 also has an integrated 56K modem, a 10/100 Ethernet card and wireless 802.11g adapter.

Tags: comes with, Gateway Computer, Memory Stick, Specifications Gateway, Specifications Gateway Computer

Uninstall Motherboard Drivers

A typical motherboard

A motherboard is the core of any computer system and is the large circuit board that takes up most of the space in your PC. All devices that make up a computer interact with the motherboard in some fashion. Your computer's central processor for computations, graphics processor, sound processor and memory directly plug into the motherboard. Drivers allow a motherboard to function properly as well as communicate with the other pieces of your computer correctly and effectively. If troubleshooting, you can access the device manager to uninstall or roll back motherboard drivers to a previous version.

Instructions

1. Right click on the "My Computer" icon on the computer's desktop and select "Properties."

2. Select the "Hardware" tab and then click on the "Device Manager" button.

3. Find in the list that appears the "System Devices" tab and expand it with a double click, and then select the "Motherboard Resources" link. Select the "Driver" tab in the new window that opens.

4. Click on the "Uninstall Driver" or "Roll Back Driver" button to perform either of these actions. You can also click "Driver Details" for the name of the current motherboard driver in use on your machine.

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Test Your Motherboard

Test your motherboard and keep your computer running smoothly.

Your motherboard is the heart of your computer. It relays all the signals among other computer components. Without a motherboard, your computer is essentially useless. Testing your motherboard early can help you diagnose any problems it's having before they're too severe to fix. It can also help you figure out why your computer is being buggy, if you're having system problems. User-friendly programs are available to help you test your motherboard and determine which repairs are necessary.

Instructions

1. Select a program to help you test your motherboard. Free programs are available, but other options that cost money offer more choices and more control over your test. Decide which one is right for you by considering your budget and reading about what each program offers. Even a free program can help you get a basic idea of how your motherboard is functioning.

2. Log on to the website of the program you've decided to use, then download the program. You may have to pay a fee if you've selected a commercial program.

3. Install the program once the file has downloaded, then open the program.

4. Select the correct options to test the motherboard. The way you run the diagnostic scan will vary depending on the program you've selected, but there should be a "Help" function if you're having trouble running the motherboard test. Most programs are very user-friendly, and you'll be able to run the motherboard scan with no problem.

Tags: your computer, help test, help test your, program help, programs available

Sata Hard Drive Installation

Installing a new SATA hard drive in your desktop PC is an easy way to increase your computer's storage.

Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, or SATA, is the latest interface standard for connecting hard disk drives and CD/DVD drives to a computer. It replaces the previous IDE standard and has many advantages over the old interface. Most desktop computer motherboards manufactured in recent years allow you to connect at least two SATA devices; some motherboards support more. This makes it relatively easy to install an additional hard drive or optical drive in your computer.

Instructions

1. Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices such as your keyboard and mouse. Disconnect the power supply from the outlet and the rear of the computer. Wait 10 minutes for any stored electrical current to discharge.

2. Put on an anti-static wrist strap and connect the clip to an unpainted metal surface on the computer case. This prevents electrostatic discharge, which can damage your computer's internal components.

3. Open the computer case to access the internal hardware. The procedure varies from computer to the next but usually requires you to remove at least one of the side panels. Look for a locking screw or latch on the rear of the computer and release it. The side panel usually slides off, either up or to the rear. To install the hard drive, you might also have to remove the front cover. It is typically held in place with clips and can be popped off with a flat-blade screwdriver.

4. Install the new hard drive into an open bay. The hard drive is usually secured in place by two or more Phillips screws. If you only have a 5.25-inch bay available and need to install a 3.5-inch drive, you can purchase an adapter. As a last resort, you can simply attach the drive to the bay using a piece of double-sided tape, but this is not the recommended method.

5. Attach the SATA data cable to the data port on the rear of the hard drive. The connector simply slides onto the matching tab on the hard drive. Attach the other end of the cable to a SATA port on the motherboard. The connector is flat, usually red and is surrounded on three sides by a protective border. You will see several metal strands on one side of the connector. Consult your motherboard's manual for help locating the connectors if necessary.

6. Attach a 15-pin SATA power connector to the power jack on the rear of the hard drive. If your power supply doesn't have an available SATA connector, you can purchase an adapter that attaches to one of the 4-pin Molex connectors.

7. Close the case and reconnect the peripherals cables and the power supply.

8. Power up the computer and open Windows Explorer. Windows should recognize the new drive and assign it a drive letter. If you don't see the drive, you may need to enter the BIOS utility and make changes that will allow the computer to recognize the hard drive. Consult your computer's manual for BIOS setup instructions.

Tags: hard drive, your computer, drive your, power supply, computer case

Test The Cpu Fan Speed

Preventing a CPU from overheating can increase its lifespan.

A computer's CPU is sensitive to high temperatures. The CPU's fan is designed to keep it from overheating enough to cause a meltdown. Computer users can track their computer's fan speed and the CPU's temperature with a one-of-a-kind free program called SpeedFan.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Download SpeedFan from www.almico.com/sfdownload.php (see Resources). Open "installspeedfan441.exe" to begin the installation.

2. Read the License Agreement. Click "I Agree" to proceed.

3. Click "Next" at the component option window.

4. Choose an installation folder. Click "Install." Wait for the setup to complete. Click "Close."

5. Open SpeedFan from your Desktop. Wait for SpeedFan to scan your computer.

6. Read the speed of your CPU's fan measured in RPM (rotations per minute) in SpeedFan. You can also check your CPU's temperature.

Tags: from overheating, SpeedFan from

Update A Vga Video Card Driver On Windows Xp

A video card with both DVI (white) and VGA (blue) outputs.

Keeping your computer's video card drivers up to date is very important to the healthy operation of any computer, as video card drivers help video games, movies and other visual-intensive programs run properly. Keeping these drivers updated is simple, requiring you to do next to nothing apart from clicking a couple of buttons.

Instructions

1. Determine the video card in your machine. If you do not know what kind of video card is in your computer, open your Start menu, go to "Control Panel" and select "Hardware Devices" or your OS equivalent. Scroll down the list of active and recognized hardware until you find your video card.

2. Download the updated drivers for your video card. Drivers for your video card can be found at the card manufacturer's website as well as the chip provider's website. For reference, the only two chip providers are nVidia and ATi.

3. Double-click on the Driver Installer that you download and follow the basic instructions. All the instructions will ask of you is to agree to the terms of service and to confirm that you want to install the new drivers over the old ones. Click "Yes" on both accounts and the installation process is automatically completed from there.

Tags: video card, your video card, your video, card drivers, card your

Tell What Cpu My Motherboard Supports

CPUs each have different architectures supported by only certain motherboards.

Your motherboard only supports one type of socket, generally providing you with only one range of processors to choose from when you want to upgrade. If your motherboard doesn't support a particular CPU, don't try upgrading it with that component, as you might damage the entire system. Your motherboard usually has the CPU socket number written on the bottom of the socket to ensure you do not mistakenly assume it has another one and upgrade with the wrong type of CPU.

Instructions

1. Disconnect all cables from your computer and turn the computer with the rear facing you.

2. Remove the screws holding the right-side cover to the computer and lift off the cover to expose the interior. If you don't have screws, look for a small plastic tab on the computer that you push to release the cover.

3. Look around your motherboard's CPU for a socket number. This number represents the types of CPUs you can use. Some common socket numbers include "LGA 1156," "775," "LGA 1136," "Socket A," "AM2" and "AM3."

Tags: socket number, your motherboard, Your motherboard

What Is A Bios Flash Utility

BIOS utilities allow you to change computer settings.

A BIOS (basic input/output system) utility is a software program that helps you to update your system BIOS. The relevant BIOS flash utility is usually available from your PC or motherboard manufacturer.

Background

Your system BIOS looks after the hardware settings of your computer, which are stored on a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) chip. These settings are supported by a small battery, which ensures the settings are saved when the power is off.

BIOS upgrades are made available periodically. These updates can contain extra functionality, to help computers support more recent hardware, bug fixes and other enhancements.

Sometimes when you have a problem with your computer, a BIOS update may be suggested as a suitable fix.

Operation

Most BIOS Flash utilities work by copying the software and update to a CD or USB memory stick and booting up your computer with this inserted. Some utilities are also available that flash the BIOS from within your operating system.

Warning

Be extremely careful when updating the BIOS and ensure you follow all provided instructions. An unsuccessful BIOS update can render your computer unusable.

Tags: your computer, BIOS update, system BIOS

What Is The Speed Of An Intel Pentium Dualcore Processor T4300

The T4300 Pentium Dual-Core is a mobile processor that is compatible with socket P motherboards. Several factors affect the speed of the T4300 processor including the size of its data caches, its instruction sets, its core clock frequency, bus speed and clock multiplier.

Core Clock

The T4300 has a maximum core clock frequency of 2100 megahertz. However, this processor also uses the Enhanced SpeedStep instruction set. This feature allows the processor to operate at slower speeds to conserve power when it is not operating at full capacity.

Cache

The T4300 has two data caches that store processor instructions and program data. It has an L1 cache that supports a pair of 32 kilobyte instruction caches and a pair of 32KB data caches. The L2 cache on the chip is a shared one megabyte cache.

Features

The T4300 has a bus speed of 800 megahertz. It comes with the EM64T instruction set which supports 64-bit processing. The T4300 has a clock multiplier of 10.5 which is used to determine the internal frequency of the processor.

Tags: data caches, clock frequency, clock multiplier, core clock frequency

Troubleshooting A Mars Coin Changer

Mars coin changers use sensors to accept legitimate coins and reject others.

When customers place coins into the Mars coin changer, sensors measure the diameter, thickness and material of each coin, rejecting coins that do not match the coin acceptance parameters. If accepted, the acceptance gate opens and transmissions of information take place, ending with change given back to the customer when necessary. The Mars coin changer assists you in troubleshooting, so you know generally where to start looking for the problem and help get the vending machine up and running more quickly.

Instructions

1. Check to make certain you have the Mars coin changer connected to an electrical outlet and powered on if you see the LED off. Locate the LED on the keypad, which informs you of the coin changer status with flash codes.

2. Clean the Mars coin changer if you see one LED flash by first turning off the power of the coin changer while it sits in the machine, then opening the acceptor lid. Clean the coin ramp, groove and areas around the lid using a damp cloth and mild detergent. Clear out any debris in the accept gate area located underneath the closed acceptor lid. Close the acceptor lid and turn on the power.

3. Clear out a strobe sensor blockage if you see two LED flashes, by squeezing the blue chips together to remove the coin cassette, then loosening the fixing screw located above the keyboard displaying the LED flashes. You should be able to tilt the acceptor assembly in a forward position. Lift up the acceptor and take it out, and then disconnect the gray-colored, 26-way ribbon connector. Locate, then disconnect the 7-way ribbon connector on the back side of the acceptance assembly, as well as the two multi-colored wire connectors next to it. Unthread the two multi-colored wires and ribbon to remove the separator from the acceptor. Locate the clips on the left side as you look at the front of the acceptor, and then carefully pry the clips until you can unhinge the separator from the acceptor. You can get to the coin accept slot once you have removed the separator. The strobe sensor blockage error you saw means a jam exists around the coin accept slot area. Clear out jammed coins and debris from this area, then reassemble the coin changer.

4. Remove the tube cassette and clear out all the jammed coins you can locate from the top or bottom of the tube at the exit slot if you see four LED flashes. Make certain you do not see a deformed coin at the bottom of each tube, which would cause jams. Clear the LED error by depressing any blue key, and then return the cassette into the Mars coin changer.

Tags: coin changer, Mars coin, Mars coin changer, accept slot, coin accept, coin accept slot, from acceptor

Pc Power Supply Requirements

PC power supply requirements are some of the most essential aspects of personal computer performance. The power supply is included among likely failure-prone components on the computer system because many builders will skimp in this area. A power supply that fails can be very costly in terms of the damage it can cause as a result of inappropriate or unpredictable voltage being transmitted to the components of the computer. Many of us have had the unpleasant experience of smelling the burning of a motherboard or some other costly component.

Function

When you plug your computer into a conventional wall outlet, the computer's power supply takes over and transduces the power at the socket or alternating current (AC) power, from 120 volts or 240 volts, down to one of three direct current (DC) power levels currently being used by personal computers: +3.3V, +5v and +12v. All personal computers have connectors that are installed on the motherboard. These connections are what provide power to the motherboard, CPU, RAM, USB and other essential components. If these connectors are bad, they can lead to damage to one or more of the many parts that are powered by them.

Good_Power

To ensure that the computer system does not attempt to operate without meeting adequate power supply requirements, there are mechanisms within the power supply that conduct a series of internal diagnostic tests prior to the system booting up. This means that the voltage requirements of the power supply must meet the specifications as established within a predetermine power range.

The tests must be passed before the system will start. If everything is operating properly, a signal called Good_Power is relayed to the motherboard. The transmission of this signal must be uninterrupted in order for the computer to continue to operate. If the signal is broken, and the power supply is no longer continuous, the Good_Power signal stops. It must be reset, and a proper signal emitted, for the computer to start again.

Specifications

You can determine whether the PC power supply requirements are being met in products by specifications that usually identify the input and output capabilities, as well as their properties. The power supply for personal computers is based on what is known as a switching model. This is a high-speed oscillating circuit that is designed to reduce the high voltage of 120 volts and 240 volts AC power down to the lower DC voltage requirements of PCs.

To protect your computer parts, you must have a high-quality power supply. Most top-of-the-line equipment would guarantee that your system will not become damaged from incidents such as brownouts, power outage of any length and voltage spikes up to 2,500 volts at the wall outlet.

Wattage

There is not much difference between a 250-watt or 400-watt switching power supply in terms of the actually power that is consumed. The power supply wattage that is necessary to run your computer is contingent on the number of devices you have connected to your system. If you utilize every available slot on your motherboard to run your hardware, and the system's total wattage capacity is 250-watts, you are bordering on overloading your system.

You can calculate the wattage required by your PC by adding the wattage required for each piece of hardware connected to your system, which may include the following: graphics card, RAM, PCI, DVD-Rom, hard drive, motherboard and microprocessor.

Management

Most personal computers now have features that at one time were considered options. As a result, PC power supply requirements have increased over the years. Larger monitors, DVD-RAM drives, high-powered graphics cards and NICs require more power to operate. This has driven up the expense associated with running a PC. Getting into the habit of turning off certain devices when they are not being used may decrease power consumption and lower your electric costs. There are also applications on the market that will assist you in the efficient management of your power supply.

Tags: power supply, power supply, personal computers, power supply requirements, your system

Turn On The Dual Channel Memory On An Asus A8v

Turn on dual-channel memory.

Dual-channel memory is a special way that the motherboard communicates with the memory, allowing for greater efficiency and access speeds. Generally, the CPU, or brain, of the computer operates at faster speeds than the memory. Dual-channel configurations allow the memory speeds to double and reduce the bottleneck caused by slower memory. The good thing is that it requires little effort to turn on the dual-channel memory on any motherboard, including the Asus A8V.

Instructions

1. Disconnect every cord/cable from the computer, including the power cord. If the power supply has a power switch, switch it off and then depress the power button on front of the PC. It's important to press the power button only after the computer is completely disconnected from the outlet.

2. Open the computer case, usually by removing four screws from the rear. If there are no screws, you might see levers that will release the case.

3. Locate the memory slots. The slots that will activate dual-channel memory will match in color. On the Asus A8V, the memory slots will be blue and black. Place two matching memory sticks into the two blue sockets labeled "DIMM_A1" AND "DIMM_B1." Press evenly on the corners of the memory and the white levers will snap closed. If you have additional memory sticks, install them in the black sockets.

4. Close the case, plug in all cables and start the computer. It should boot and briefly show "Dual Channel" during the black screen that loads just before Windows does.

Tags: dual-channel memory, Dual Channel, memory Dual-channel, memory slots, memory sticks, power button, that will

What Memory To Buy For An Intel Core 2 Duo E6700

The steadily dropping price of random-access memory (RAM) has made it one of the most popular choices for people who are looking for ways to upgrade their computers. If your computer has an Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 processor, you can cut through all the confusing model numbers and easily find the RAM that is best for your computer.

RAM Requirement

The Core 2 Duo E6700 requires DDR2-SDRAM running at 266 MHz. You will find this type of memory marketed as either DDR2 1066 or PC2-8500. As of 2009, you can find 2 GB of DDR2 1066 RAM for well under $50.

Be warned that you cannot use DDR-SDRAM, DDR3-SDRAM, or DDR2-SDRAM with a speed under DDR2 1066 (PC2-8500) with your Core 2 Duo E6700. Different types of RAM simply will not fit in the motherboard, and lower speeds of DDR2-SDRAM may cause system instability or failure to boot. You may use higher speeds of DDR2-SDRAM if you wish. However, faster RAM is meant for people who intend to overclock their processors (run them at higher than their rated speeds). If you will not be overclocking, there is little benefit to purchasing RAM that is faster than what the E6700 requires.

CAS Latency

In RAM, CAS latency refers to the number of clock cycles it takes for the memory to react when a command is sent from the computer's processor. The lower the CAS latency of a RAM module, the faster the module is. Examine the instruction manual for your computer or motherboard to determine whether you can adjust the CAS latency of the installed RAM. If you can, you should buy RAM with the lowest latency for the best possible computer performance. DDR2 1066 is available with CAS latency ratings of 5 to 8. To operate at a given latency timing, all of the RAM modules in your computer must be capable of operating at that timing. Bear this in mind if you intend to keep the RAM modules that are already installed in your computer when you upgrade.

Tags: your computer, Core E6700, DDR2 1066, 1066 PC2-8500, DDR2 1066 PC2-8500, E6700 requires

Test The Pc Motherboard

Check all suspicious chips and capacitors with the multimeter to ensure they're working properly.

Motherboard problems can arise from different reasons, and if they're not handled correctly, they can damage other components, too. Since the motherboard actually holds all the components, the cause for a motherboard failure may be a different component, so it's essential to find the cause of your problem before you try to fix it.

Instructions

Physical Checkup

1. Unplug your PC and disconnect all the cables.

2. Open the case and carefully inspect the motherboard. Look for blown capacitors, fuses or burned out chips or any unusual looking components that may indicate a malfunction.

3. Use the multimeter to test the components you're suspicious about.

Hardware Checkup

4. Remove all the peripheral components from the motherboard, such as network cards, sound cards or other hardware, leaving only the basic components needed by the computer to boot.

5. Power on the PC to see if it starts. You should hear a short beep made by the BIOS to indicate that everything is fine. If you don't hear the beep or there are multiple beeps, something is wrong.

6. Replace every component with a spare one that works and repeat the previous step. If problems still occur after you tested ever other component, the motherboard may be faulty and need replacement.

Settings Checkup

7. Power on the PC and enter the BIOS utility. Reset every setting to the Default settings and reboot the PC.

8. Pay attention to the BIOS beep codes, as they can help you identify your problem. There should be a section in your motherboard's manual indicating what each beep pattern means.

9. Run diagnostics software. These programs usually test all the features of a motherboard and can accurately identify what's not working properly or at all.

Tags: working properly, your problem

Silicon Wafer Specifications

Silicon wafers must meet stringent specifications.

Silicon, an abundant element in nature, is gray and non-metallic, with a special characteristic: the ability to conduct electricity within strict controls. This feature makes it the perfect element to be used in making semiconductor wafers for computers, as there must be stringent specifications for silicon wafers to perform the required task of being the brains of a computer.

Mechanical

According to Siliconfareat, there are several mechanical specifications for wafers, such as the thickness, diameter and thickness variation. Wafers must be uniform, with little room for error or deviation. Other similar specifications relate to the flatness and the edge, bow and warp, again seeking uniformity. The wafer must also be free of markings from the manufacturing process.

Particles

Wafers must be, to the extent possible, particle-free, as outlined in ProcessSpecialties, utilizing systems to search for even the smallest particle on a highly polished wafer. Calibration is based upon a traceable particle standard, which is required when viewing the wafers.

Grades

According to Advantivtech, there are several grades of wafers, with those larger than 150 mm being divided into mechanical test and process test varieties. Mechanical test wafers are used in testing equipment, emphasizing dimensional and structural characteristics, while process test wafers, also known as monitor wafers, are used for process monitoring and some semiconductor fabrication, in addition to judging equipment cleanliness. Other grades of wafers include particle grade, designed for use in particle measurements.

Tags: grades wafers, process test, stringent specifications, test wafers, there several, wafers used

Specifications Of An Hp Motherboard

Hewlett Packard Motherboards use Pentium and Celeron processors

Hewlett Packard mothe boards use either a Pentium or a Celeron processor. Motherboards like the HP RC410-M (AsteropeA) can be adapted to fit a range of specifications. Connection ports on these motherboards can accommodate a keyboard, mouse, computer speaker system and Ethernet.

Processor Chip Set

The HP RC410-M (AsteropeA) will support Pentium D 900 series Dual Core, Pentium D 820 series Dual Core, Pentium 4 631, 641, 651, 661, Celeron D 352, 356 and Celeron D 325J/326, 330J/331, 335J/336, 340J/341, 345J/346, 351, 355 chip sets. The motherboard also contains a Front-side bus (FSB) of 800/533 MHz.

BIOS, Graphics and Sound

The HP RC410-M (AsteropeA) runs a AMI BIOS. In addition, it also has an integrated graphics card and soundboard. The motherboard also Supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards. The board also comes with three additional PCI slots for upgrades.

Internal Connections

The HP RC410-M (AsteropeA) comes complete with multiple connector types ranging from your standard monitor connections to USB connections. This motherboard is able to handle your Ethernet connection to a wireless network or modem.

Tags: RC410-M AsteropeA, Pentium Celeron, Core Pentium, Dual Core, Dual Core Pentium, Hewlett Packard, motherboard also

What Is A Processor On A Pc

A computer processor, also known as a Central Processing Unit is the "brain" of each computer, responsible for carrying out the processes and tasks of computer functions and programs. The CPU requires the use of all the other hardware in the computer, such as the RAM and graphics card, to carry out whatever directions it is given. While they all serve the same function, there are multiple types of CPUs with different speeds and purposes.

Operation

The processor is responsible for carrying out instructions given to it by the user and by different programs. The processor is essentially what commands the rest of the computer hardware to perform according to what action is being taken. The processor is arguably the most important part of a computer's operation, since without it, the rest would not be functional at all.

CPU Speed

CPUs are designed with different speeds measured in Gigahertz; 1 GHz is equivalent to 1,000,000,000 cycles (computer instructions) per second. Processors with faster speeds are more expensive, but are appropriate for computers that will be undertaking lots of heavy work, video games, etc. You can often choose what processor you want in your computer when buying a new one, and if you build one yourself, you'll have even more options.

Single and Multiple Cores

Processors can now be built with multiple cores, which greatly increases a computer's ability to handle a larger number of processes at once. With a single core, all activity is channeled through the same core and can get slowed down, but with multiple cores, different activities can be taken care of by each separate core. Multiple core processors are best used for computers that will be doing plenty of multi-tasking with processor-intensive work.

Considerations

Processor technology is improving every day, but in most cases you shouldn't need to worry about upgrading or getting top of the line technology unless you're really pushing your computer to the limit. A single-core processor should work for everyday operations, but if you're going to be doing more heavy work, consider a different type. If you're going to run a bunch of applications at once, look into a multi-core processor, but if you're going to focus on single, processor-intensive tasks (such as games) look into a higher-powered single-core processor. Multiple cores only really help when you're running different operations at the same time, while faster processors are better for running single operations.

Tags: computers that, computers that will, different speeds, heavy work, look into, multiple cores, responsible carrying

Tell What Version Of The Psp Slim You Have Before Buying

The PlayStation Portable (PSP) has undergone a handful of redesigns since its initial release in 2004. When searching for a PSP on store shelves, you may come across the PSP-1000, PSP-2000, PSP-3000 or the PSPgo (note that in European regions the PSP-2000 and PSP-3000 are referred to as the PSP Slim and Lite). Be sure to compare features so you know which system you're getting.

Instructions

1. Check the system's size and model number to distinguish between the original PSP and the 2000 and 3000 models. The original PSP is bulkier and will bear the model number PSP-1000.

2. Locate the model number to distinguish between the two versions. You should find it near the bottom of the box or on the rear of the system itself.

3. Identify the PSPgo by its smaller design and lack of external buttons. You need to slide the screen upwards to find the buttons; it also lacks a Universal Media Disc (UMD) drive. You can also identify it because the box will say "PSPgo" rather than "PSP Slim and Lite" or simply "PSP."

Tags: model number, distinguish between, model number distinguish, number distinguish, number distinguish between, PSP-2000 PSP-3000

Specifications Of The Geforce 8600 Gt

The GeForce 8600 GT is great for games that use intense graphics.

The GeForce 8600 GT is a video card that is created by Nvidia and is part of their GeForce 8 series. The GeForce 8 series, including the 8600 GT, are well known for their advanced graphic support and performance, especially for games that include intense graphics and high-scale 3-D modeling. The GeForce 8600 GT is a great fit for most games without the cost of high-end video cards.

Performance

The GeForce 8600 GT comes with 32 stream processors and a core clock speed of 540 MHz. The shader clock speed for the 8600 GT is set at 1,180 MHz and the memory clock speed is 700 MHz. There is 256 MB of GDDR3 RAM located on the card with a 128-bit sized bus with a bandwidth of 22.4 GB per second. The texture fill rate is set at 8.6 billion texture mapping units per second.

Features

TurboCache technology combines memory from the video card with system memory, that is reserved for use by the video card, in order to greatly increase rendering speeds. PureVideo HD Technology features a dedicated on-chip processor that increases HD decoding speeds along with reducing noise, correcting video color, and creating high-quality scaling. The 8600 GT also offers advanced display functions such as two dual-link DVI outputs you can use for a flat panel monitor with a resolution of up to 2560x1600. It also supports analog resolutions up to 2048x1536 at 1080i.

Support

The 8600 GT is built to work specifically with the Windows Vista operating system but will also work well on Windows XP 32 and 64 bit versions as well as Linux operating systems. The 8600 GT also has full DirectX support including DirectX 10. DirectX 10 support includes the use of geometry shaders and instancing, streamed output, and the use of DirectX's shader model 4.0. The 8600 GT also offers OpenGL support up to and including OpenGL 2.0.

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The Best Rated Online Game Sites

Gamers can find a wealth of gaming options online.

Fans of video games can choose from a wide variety of online gaming sites, many of which feature hundreds of free games. These sites offer games of all types---from action and sports to casino, role-playing, shoot-em-ups and classic board games---for players of all ages. A quick trip across the Internet will turn up an online game site that's perfect for every gamer.

Pogo.com

Run by gaming giant Electronic Arts, Pogo.com is one of the busiest online gaming sites on the web. Visitors can choose from more than 175 free online games. They come in a wide variety, too; gamers can tackle classic arcade games, board games, card games, role-playing adventures, puzzle games and shoot-em-ups. Some of the site's more popular games include its online versions of Scrabble, hearts and Monopoly World.

FingerTime.com

FingerTime.com is the opposite of Pogo. While Pogo is run by an established video-game developer, FingerTime is made up of independent game designers who are creating games largely for the fun of it. In addition to its wide variety of games---ranging from classics such as billiards and solitaire to more exotic fare such as in-depth role-playing games and complicated strategy games---FingerTime also boasts a community forum in which gamers can discuss and critique the site's games.

Miniclip.com

Miniclip.com is similar to FingerTime in that it, too, offers games from independent developers. According to the site, Miniclip.com attracts 57.1 million unique visits every month. These visitors can choose from more than 300 games. Again, the games come in a wide variety and appeal to an even wider range of ages. Notable titles include "Anagram Magic," a word-scoring puzzle game; "FreeRealms," a 3D adventure game; and, of course, "Obama Alien Defense," an action game in which you can portray President Barack Obama.

AddictingGames.com

With more than 10 million unique users every month, AddictingGames.com is growing quickly. This site features a wide range of games broken into a variety of categories: action, sports, arcade, strategy, adventure and more. Some standouts include "Citizen Ugly," a game in which you try to repel an invasion of mutants, and "Danger from the Deep," an adventure game in which you battle underwater beasts.

Tags: wide variety, choose from, game which, more than, action sports

Intel Xeon E5503 Processor Vs I7 930

Both released in 2010, the Intel Xeon E5503 and Intel Core i7-930 are two processors, or central processing units (CPU), from semiconductor company Intel Corp. While the E5503 belongs to the company's brand of server- and workstation-oriented CPUs, the i7-930 is a desktop personal computer entry in the top-level division of Intel's premier Core brand of CPUs. Energy efficiency is the main advantage of the E5503, although the i7-930 surpasses its Xeon cousin in most categories.

Manufacture

The Intel Xeon E5503 is a dual-core CPU, which means it has two cores, or processing units. By contrast, the Intel Core i7-930 has four cores, which makes it twice as powerful as the Xeon chip. Using the 45-nanometer manufacturing process, each chip has a package size of 42.5 by 45 millimeters and fitted on Socket 1366 -- a CPU socket with a flip-chip land grid array layout -- for connection with the computer's motherboard.

Speeds

Each Intel Xeon E5503 and Intel Core i7-930 uses a point-to-point interconnect technology called Intel QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) to achieve a data transfer speed of 4.8 gigatransfers -- or 4.8 billion transfers -- per second. However, in terms of clock speed -- which is the rate at which the chip conducts its basic functions -- the i7-930 at 2.8GHz surpasses the E5503 at 2.2GHz. Moreover, it has a technology called Intel Turbo Boost, which increases it to 3.06GHz in cases when the computer system demands the absolute optimal performance.

Cache, Power Consumption and Memory

Each Intel Xeon E5503 and Intel Core i7-930 have a tiny storage unit called Intel Smart Cache for high-speed access to the computer's most frequently used data. The E5503 contains 4MB of storage space, while the i7-930 doubles that amount with 8MB. The Xeon CPU wins out on power conservation, with a maximum power consumption rating of 80 watts compared to the Core i7 chip's 130 W.

System Memory

Regarding system memory specifications, the Intel Xeon E5503 and Intel Core i7-930 is only compatible with the third generation of double data rate synchronous random access memory architecture, or DDR3 SDRAM, and three memory channels. The E5503, however accommodates up to 144GB with a 800MHz access speed, maximum memory bandwidth of 19.2GB per second and 40-bit physical address extensions. By comparison, the Core i7 chip can only handle up to 36GB of system memory and 36-bit physical address extensions, but can accommodate up to 1066MHz of access speed and 25.6GB/s bandwidth.

Technologies

As 64-bit processors, each Intel Xeon E5503 and Intel Core i7-930 CPU has virtualization technology for integrating several operating systems into a single computer system, SpeedStep for increasing performance without sacrificing energy efficiency and execute disable bit for anti-virus and malicious-code protection. The E5503 has an additional technology, demand-based switching, which optimizes CPU performance by minimizing voltage and clock speed. In addition to the aforementioned Intel Turbo Boost, the i7-930 has hyperthreading technology for making it a better multitasker.

Tags: Intel Xeon, Intel Xeon E5503, Xeon E5503, Core i7-930, Intel Core

The Uses For The Hp Pavilion Dv6000 Expansion Port

Like other personal computers, the HP Pavilion dv6000 -- a series of mid-range 15.4-inch laptops that U.S. computer technology company Hewlett-Packard debuted in 2007 -- has expansion ports. They are best described as interfaces on a computer that accommodate a variety of components, thereby expanding the functionality of the overall device.

RAM

Each HP Pavilion dv6000 laptop has two dual inline memory module slots, which can be found on its motherboard and accommodate the computer's random-access memory modules. Depending on the specific model from the dv6000 family, the amount of memory installed on the computer ranges from 512 megabytes to 2 gigabytes. However, the DIMM slots of the dv6000 are capable of holding up to 4MB of RAM.

Video/Graphics

For its video and graphics capabilities, the HP Pavilion dv6000 uses a motherboard-integrated graphics processor called Intel Graphics Media Accelerator, which uses some of the computer's RAM. However, you have the choice of buying a more powerful component called a discrete graphics card, which has its own memory. An expansion port called Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, or PCI-E, is available on the same motherboard for the card's installation.

Expansion Port 3

At the back of each HP Pavilion dv6000 is a connector called Expansion Port 3. It serves as HP's proprietary docking station connector. This means that you can connect a docking station, or port replicator, to the back of the PC. This is a device that increases the number of certain types of external interfaces on the computer; they include USB ports for data transfer, Video Graphics Array ports for external monitors, RJ-45 jacks for wired networking, and headphone and microphone jacks.

ExpressCard Slot

At the side of the HP Pavilion dv6000 is a slot for ExpressCards, which are interfaces that allow you to expand the computer with a variety of components such as graphics cards, wireless network interface cards, TV tuner cards and sound cards. The ExpressCard slot on the dv6000 accommodates two form factors: the ExpressCard/34 and the larger ExpressCard/54, which are each named after their width, measured in millimeters.

Tags: Pavilion dv6000, docking station, Expansion Port, interfaces computer, variety components

Upgrade A 6831fx Cpu

Learn to upgrade the CPU chip on your Gateway P-6831FX laptop.

Your laptop's CPU (Central Processing Unit) is an electrical device on your motherboard. It processes all information sent from any software you run. The faster your CPU chip, the faster your computer will be able to run software. The Gateway P-6831 is a discontinued laptop used by many gamers. It comes installed with an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 GHz processor. Your P-6831 laptop's CPU socket can handle a CPU as fast as 2 GHz.

Instructions

1. Shut down your laptop through the Windows menu, close your LCD screen, disconnect the AC power adapter and then place your laptop face down with the front edge of the laptop facing forward.

2. Locate the battery along the top of the laptop's lower casing. Press on the locking tabs on the right and bottom sides of the battery, while simultaneously lifting the battery out of its compartment. Set it aside. Remove the two Phillips-head screws from inside the battery compartment.

3. Flip the laptop over, and then open the LCD panel. Remove the five Phillips-head screws from behind the top row of keys on the keyboard. Grasp the keyboard from behind the top row, and then tilt the keyboard upwards until the keyboard ribbon connector is visible on the bottom side of the keyboard. Follow the ribbon cable to where it connects to the motherboard, and then disconnect it. Then remove the keyboard from the laptop completely. This will reveal your laptop's motherboard.

4. Locate the heat sink assembly, which is a large piece of metal fastened to the motherboard by four Phillips-head screws. Remove the screws, and then lift the heat sink out of the laptop and set it aside.

5. Locate the cooling fan, remove the Phillips-head screws securing it to the motherboard, and then disconnect the fan cable from its connector on the motherboard. Grasp the fan assembly and lift it out of the laptop. This will reveal the CPU chip.

6. Turn the CPU's flat-head locking screw, or lift the locking lever securing the CPU to its socket on the motherboard. This depends largely on the type of socket used on the motherboard. Grasp each side of the CPU chip, but don't touch the surface. Carefully lift the CPU out of the laptop and store it in a static-free plastic bad, if possible.

7. Repeat this in reverse order to install the new CPU chip and reassemble the laptop.

Tags: Phillips-head screws, your laptop, battery compartment, faster your, from behind, heat sink

Update A Bios From A Cdrom

Use a CD to update your BIOS.

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a built-in program that comes with a computer's motherboard. You can use the BIOS to configure almost any hardware component installed on your computer. Update the BIOS by creating a BIOS update CD and using it with the CD/DVD drive on your computer.

Instructions

1. Download the BIOS update file from your motherboard manufacturer's website. Also, download the Caldera DR-DOS ISO image (see Resources). This is a program similar to MS-DOS that can be used to back up the BIOS.

2. Download and install UltraISO (see Resources). After installing, open UltraISO. Click the "Open File" icon, select the Caldera DR-DOS ISO image and click "OK." Use the pane at the bottom of the UltraISO window to go to the location where you saved the BIOS update file. Drag the update file into the center pane. Click "Save" to create a new image containing both the BIOS update file and the Caldera DR-DOS boot files.

3. Download and install Nero. Open Nero and select the "CD-ROM (Boot)" option when prompted. Click on the radio button next to "Image File" and select the image file that you created using UltraISO. Insert a blank CD, click "New" and then click "Burn" to create a BIOS update CD.

4. Restart your computer and press the "F10" key. Select your CD/DVD drive and press "Enter" to boot from it. Follow the onscreen instructions to update the BIOS on your computer.

Tags: BIOS update, update file, your computer, BIOS update file, Caldera DR-DOS, Caldera DR-DOS image, computer Update

Why Should I Update Bios On A Lenovo Y510

BIOS updates fix errors that may occur with the motherboard's software.

Lenovo's BIOS update for the IdeaPad Y510 is a critical update to improve system stability. Lenovo recommends that as an owner of the Y510 you install the BIOS update to help ensure the long term functionality of your laptop.

Function

BIOS updates are common updates for most computers, which update how the software on the computer's motherboard functions. Most BIOS updates fix compatibility issues or repair errors that may have slipped through testing.

Significance

The BIOS update for the Y510 IdeaPad fixes an error connected to the Mobile Intel 965 Express Chipset, which is the motherboard the computer uses. According to Lenovo's website, the update fixes potential unexpected system behavior or memory errors.

Warning

Lenovo provides an executable file that installs the BIOS update automatically, with no flashing, a process that involves booting DOS and typing commands, required. Lenovo recommends following the instructions carefully before running the update and also suggests rebooting your system before applying the BIOS update as well.

Tags: BIOS update, BIOS updates, errors that, Lenovo recommends

Turn On A Pci Slot In Bios

The BIOS on your computer lets you enable and disable all hardware components inside the machine. For example, if you have an empty PCI card slot on your motherboard, you might want to disable that slot in the BIOS. However, if you ever install a new piece of hardware you will need to go back into the BIOS program and turn the PCI card slot back on. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Turn on your computer. Press your BIOS entry keyboard key when the words "Setup" or "BIOS" (whichever is applicable) appear on screen. The key you are required to press will be listed on screen. For example, on a Sony Vaio computer, you press either F2 or F3. On a Toshiba Satellite laptop you press F1.

2. Highlight the "Hardware" category of your BIOS. Press "Enter" to open the category.

3. Scroll down to the listing for the PCI slot on your motherboard that you want to enable. Press "Enter." Two options will appear on screen: "Enable" or "Disable."

4. Highlight "Enable" and press "Enter." The PCI slot on your motherboard will be enabled.

5. Highlight the "Save Changes and Exit" option of your BIOS. Press "Enter." The PCI card slot will remain enabled and your computer will reboot.

Tags: card slot, slot your, slot your motherboard, your BIOS, your computer

Sony Vgnsz430n Ram Problems

Laptops use SODIMMs, a type of module half the size of a DIMM.

The Sony VGN-SZ430N comes installed with 2 GB of memory. Random access memory (RAM), along with the central processing unit (CPU), determines the performance of the computer. The more RAM installed on the computer, and the greater capacity of RAM the motherboard can process, the better the system performs. However, incompatibility and motherboard limitations can prevent you from upgrading your RAM. Similarly, just as with other components, memory modules can be defective or become damaged.

Incompatibility

The Sony VGN-SZ430N uses DDR2 SDRAM 200-pin small outline dual in-line memory modules (SODIMMs). Desktop computers use dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), but laptop computers, like the VGN-SZ430N, use SODIMMs, a smaller adaption of the DIMM. Since SODIMMs are approximately half the size of DIMMs, desktop modules won't fit into the memory slots in the Sony VGN-SZ430N. Also, SODIMMs come in different pin variations -- such as 100-pin and 144-pin -- but only 200-pin variations are compatible with the laptop.

Limitations

The Sony VGN-SZ430N can process up to 2 GB of RAM. You can install two 2 GB memory modules into the memory slots, but the motherboard can process only one stick. The SZ430N comes with 2 GB of RAM pre-installed, so you cannot make memory upgrades to the system.

Failure

System crashes, stop screens (also known as blue screens, or "Blue Screens of Death") and data corruption can all point to RAM failure. In some cases, the computer may even fail to boot to the operating system. Windows Vista includes the Memory Diagnostics Tool, a utility designed to scan your memory for failure. Depending on the results, you may have to install new RAM to the Sony VGN.

Tags: memory modules, Sony VGN-SZ430N, dual in-line, dual in-line memory, half size

Prescott Pentium D 2 86ghz Compatible Motherboards

The Prescott Pentium D 2.86 GHz CPU was the last of the Socket 478 CPUs produced by Intel under the Pentium brand name (Celeron D CPUs persisted a bit longer). Subsequent Pentium IV-family CPUs used the LGA 775 socket to mate to the motherboard. Compatible motherboards for the Pentium D family are those that use the socket 478 layout; a Pentium D will work on an older socket 478 motherboard, but will not work in later LGA 775 motherboards.

Intel D865GLC Motherboard

This motherboard has support for four DDR DIMM sockets, and supports motherboard bus speeds of 400, 533 and 800 MHz front side bus speeds. It has 8 USB 2.0 ports, a single serial port, a parallel port for connecting to legacy printers, and two SATA hard drive connection points, as well as two ATA-66/100 hard drive connectors. It has an onboard network connection (Ethernet) chipset. For expansion ports, it has six PCI slots and one AGP slot that can support an 8x AGP video card, in addition to basic on-board-graphics capabilities.

MSI 945GCM478-L Motherboard

This motherboard, produced by MSI, has support for front side bus speeds up to 800 MHz, and has both ATA and SATA hard drive ports. It can support up to two RAM chips of DDR2 SDRAM, to a maximum of 4 GB. It has an onboard networking adapter, Intel integrated graphics, and onboard sound, along with 4 USB 2.0 ports. It has the usual selection of serial, parallel and PS/2 ports appropriate to the mid-2000s, before USB 2.0 largely rendered them obsolete. The motherboard has two PCI slots and one PCI Express slot, with the latter largely replacing the ATX video card slot for most users.

ASUS P4S333-VM Motherboard

This motherboard from ASUS has two DIMM slots, and can handle up to two 2 GB chips of DDR SDRAM. It has one AGP 4x slot for video cards, and three PCI slots for future expansion, and has two USB 2.0 ports and a header for adding two additional USB 2.0 connectors. It also has legacy PS/2 ports for mouse and keyboard, and parallel and serial ports, as well as a built in networking card. It only has IDE ports for connecting hard drives, which makes it one of the last Pentium IV motherboards without onboard SATA ports (which are significantly faster data transfer paths).

Tags: hard drive, Motherboard This, Motherboard This motherboard, This motherboard, expansion ports