What Are Bios Updates

Computers boot up with the help of the BIOS.

A number of different operations work together to allow a computer to function, including the BIOS. When people talk about the BIOS, they are referring to an integral part of Windows-based personal computers. If errors occur on a system, this can often happen because of an outdated BIOS. Understanding what the BIOS is and its functions helps to know how it affects computer operation.

About the BIOS

BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System, and Windows-based computers operate by running the BIOS upon start-up. When a computer is turned on, the BIOS starts up first. It checks the hardware of the computer with a test known as the power-on self test, or POST. If everything in the system checks out properly, the BIOS then loads the operating system into the computer's random access memory. The BIOS may also be known as system firmware. It is responsible for storing system information such as the time, date and system configuration within a chip known as the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor, or CMOS. Additionally, the BIOS controls data going between the operating system and other aspects of the computer, such as the keyboard, video card and hard disk.

Settings

The BIOS has a number of different settings that can be changed on the BIOS access page. This page can usually be accessed by pressing a specific key, which varies depending upon the computer manufacturer. Common BIOS access keys include F12, F2 and Escape, with some computers requiring a key combination such as pressing and holding Control before pressing F2. Once the BIOS access page comes up, several options are listed, including options to change basic system information, power options and hardware device settings. The BIOS access page also offers the option to password-protect the BIOS as a means for further computer security.

Checking the BIOS

Knowing the BIOS version of a computer helps to identify potential problems. If a computer's BIOS is out of date, that can lead to several different problems. To find out the computer's BIOS version, Microsoft recommends checking the System Information program on the computer. Search "System Information" from the Start menu, then open the program. Click on the System Summary section on left-hand side of the window, which will bring up system information on the right-hand side of the window. Check the line reading "Bios Version/Date" to see the current BIOS version.

BIOS Updates

In most cases, computer BIOS files don't need to be updated unless the system is experiencing trouble. If the system does need a BIOS update, the update procedure varies depending upon the computer manufacturer. Usually, the manufacturer supplies a BIOS update file on their website in a section devoted to driver downloads. Once the BIOS update is downloaded, users can usually upload the file and begin an automatic update procedure. In some cases, the BIOS needs to be flashed from a disc. Improper BIOS updating can lead to the system being locked and unable to boot, so updating should only be done when necessary.

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Upgrade A 370 Cpu

The range of Socket 370 compatible central processing units (CPU) uses the Intel Pentium 3 and Celeron processors. The socket is sometimes called the PGA370 socket. You can install any speed Pentium 3 or Celeron into the socket, so upgrading a lower-end Pentium 3 to a speedy top end one is possible without changing out the motherboard. Installing a processor can be tricky if you have not worked inside your computer before.

Instructions

1. Power down your computer. Take the power cable out of the back, along with any other peripheral cables. Open your computer case with the method recommended by your computer manufacturer or computer case manufacturer. Common methods include removing screws or thumbscrews from the back of the case, opening the front panel, sliding a side panel or opening a side window.

2. Locate the CPU heatsink and fan assembly. Unplug the fan from the motherboard. Use a flat head screwdriver to unlatch the heatsink from the motherboard retention assembly. Repeat on the other side of the heatsink. Pull the heatsink off of the CPU socket.

3. Push the CPU socket handle up to a 90-degree position. Remove the current processor. Line your upgraded Celeron or Pentium 3 processor up with the socket. Insert it into the socket and lower the socket lever.

4. Spread thermal paste over the top of the processor if you are not installing a new heatsink to go along with your new processor. Put your heatsink into place over the processor, lining it up with the clips. Look for the PGA370 mark on the CPU socket. Start installing the heatsink by latching the heatsink onto the clip opposite of this mark. Use the flat head screwdriver to move the second clip into position until it latches onto the CPU retaining assembly. Plug the fan into the motherboard. Close your case and plug everything in.

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Upgrade A 2 53ghz Intel Pentium 4 Processor

Upgrade your CPU with another Intel processor.

The Pentium 4 2.53 GHz CPU is a computer processor manufactured by Intel for Socket 478 motherboards. It is an older CPU, with a single core and a single thread. It has a Level 2 cache of 512 KB and a Front Side Bus speed of 533 MHz. There are several Socket 478 processors available that offer higher performance than the Pentium 4 2.53 GHz. These include CPUs in the Pentium 4 Extreme Edition line, as well as others in the Pentium 4 line.

Instructions

Find Replacement CPU

1. Search for another Socket 478 Intel CPU. As this socket is several generations old, retailers don't sell new Socket 478 CPUs, and may not sell used ones depending on their business model. Search on local classified websites or at computer hardware stores that sell used components.

2. Compare the specifications of your Pentium 4 CPU with those you can find. Critical specifications you need to compare include the core clock speed, Front Side Bus speed and cache sizes.

3. Make sure your replacement Socket 478 CPU exceeds your current Pentium 4's specifications.

Install Replacement CPU

4. Turn off your computer and unplug all cables from it. Press the power button to get rid of any residual charge. Place the computer on a flat, clean work surface and remove the side panel.

5. Unplug the heat sink from the motherboard and remove it from the CPU.

6. Raise the arm latch beside the CPU. Remove the Pentium 4 CPU.

7. Insert your upgraded Socket 478 CPU into the socket. It will only fit in one way. Press the arm latch back down to lock the CPU into place.

8. Apply a small amount of thermal grease or thermal paste roughly the size of a grain of rice to the center of the new CPU.

9. Clip the heat sink back into place over the CPU. Plug the heat sink's fan into the motherboard.

10. Close your computer case. Return your computer to its original location. Plug all cables into their ports. Turn your computer on.

Tags: your computer, heat sink, Front Side, Front Side speed, into place

What Controls Ram Limits In A Computer

RAM is limited by various hardware and software.

RAM is a crucial component in making your computer function properly. In simple terms, the more random access memory, or RAM, you have, the more reliable and speedy your computer will be. Unfortunately, there are certain limits imposed by certain hardware and software aspects of your computer. While these limits may differ, they serve as a cutoff point for computer RAM upgrades.

Motherboard Limitations

As memory is typically installed onto your computer's motherboard, this piece of computer hardware serves as the first limitation to RAM type and capacity. Where operating systems only limit the amount of RAM, motherboards are responsible for limiting both amount and type. For example, if your motherboard was built to utilize a maximum of 4 gigabytes of DDR2 RAM, you must install the proper type of DDR2 memory without going over 4 GB. While going over won't hurt your computer, it's a waste of money since your computer won't be able to use the extra RAM. Installing the wrong type can lead to a myriad of problems, including the inability to boot your computer.

32-bit Operating Systems

Windows operating systems fall under two categories, 32- and 64-bit systems, the bit number representing how many bits of information the OS can process at once. The type your computer has depends on whether you have a 32- or 64-bit processor in your computer. The lesser of the two, 32-bit systems can't hold or utilize as much RAM as their larger counterparts. For the most part, all 32-bit systems of Windows 7, Vista and XP can read and utilize up to 4 GB of RAM. Vista Starter Edition can only use 1 GB, while Windows 7 Starter Edition can handle 2 GB. Much as with the motherboard, going over this limit won't hinder performance but will be ignored by the OS.

64-bit Processors and Operating Systems

The difference in memory capacity is one of the most notable differences between 32- and 64-bit processors and operating systems, Microsoft affirms. Unlike 32-bit systems, 64-bit computers face a slightly different problem. Theoretically, 64-bit processors can utilize an amazing 16 exabytes (more than 16 million GBs) of RAM, dwarfing the 32-bit 4 GB limit, claims Windows Networking. Unfortunately, operating systems don't share the same capabilities. As of 2010, the 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate Edition, the most advanced version of the software, has a 192-GB limit. While this number is still astronomically high, it's important to note that it'd be incredibly expensive and total overkill to use even a quarter of that RAM limit. Furthermore, motherboard limitations still apply and a motherboard with that many RAM slots wouldn't fit in a standard home computer.

Tags: your computer, 32-bit systems, going over, hardware software, operating systems, Starter Edition

Msi Won'T Install

MSI is a self-executing Windows Installer file. Its primary function is to install new software on your Windows computer. Windows Installer is an installation and configuration service offered by Microsoft for use by software developers and publishers. When running an MSI file you downloaded from the Internet, you may sometimes encounter problems where it won't work. The software may not install as intended. It can be avoided by running the MSI files as an administrator or resolved with a few troubleshooting steps.

Instructions

1. Run the MSI installation file as a Windows system administrator. In Windows Vista and 7, right-click the file, then select the "Run as administrator" option from the drop-down menu. Some software installations require administrator privileges to execute properly and fully install.

2. Check if the Windows Installer engine is properly functioning. Click the "Start" icon, then type in "cmd" in the search box. From the command prompt, type "MSIExec" and hit the "Enter" key. If the Windows Installer engine is working, then no error messages will display.

3. Verify if the Windows Installer is enabled. Click the "Start" menu, then type "services.msc" in the search box. Press the "Enter" button to open the Windows Services. Right-click the "Windows Installer" service, then select "Properties." The Startup Type box should be marked as "Manual" and not "Disabled." Make the change, if necessary, then click the "OK" button.

4. Start or restart the Windows Installer. Select the "Windows Installer" service from the same dialog box. Then click the "Start" option. The services should load without errors.

5. Register the Windows Installer service again. Click the "Start" icon, then open the "Accessories" folder, and click "Command Prompt." Type "MSIExec /unregister" at the prompt. Then type "MSIExec /regserver." This will re-register the Windows Installer service.

Tags: Windows Installer, Installer service, Windows Installer service, Click Start, Click Start icon

Q6600 Vs E6600 Perfomance

Semiconductor manufacturer Intel Corporation has microprocessors, or central processing units (CPUs), designated as the Q6600 and the E6600 under its Intel Core 2 line-up. Although they belong to the same family of desktop PC processors, the Core 2 Q6600 and the E6600 have their differences.

Core Number

Each CPU has a certain number of cores, or processing units. Intel manufactures the Q6600 as a quad-core processor, which means that it has four processing units. On the other hand, the E6600 has half that number and thus has the designation of a dual-core processor.

Speeds

The Core 2 Q6600 and the E6600 have a clock speed of 2.4 gigahertz, which means that they perform their fundamental operations as processors in the same pace. They also share the same 1,066-megahertz front-side bus speed, meaning that they connect at the same rate to the computer's motherboard.

Power Consumption

The Q6600 processor consumes more power than its counterpart, the E6600. While the former has a maximum thermal design power (max TDP) rate of 105 watts, that of the latter is 65 watts.

Tags: Q6600 E6600, processing units, Core Q6600, Core Q6600 E6600, E6600 have

Xfx 4850 Vs Xfx 9800gtx

The HD 4850 and 9800 GTX are high-end graphics cards released in 2008 by ATI and Nvidia. These older cards only provide basic performance for modern video games, but are capable of handling everyday tasks like streaming movies, Web browsing and most older games. The versions of these cards produced by XFX include several different models such as stock cards and cards with an overclocked graphics processing unit (GPU) and memory that offer improved performance over stock configurations.

Graphics Processors

The HD 4850 uses the RV770 GPU and the 9800 GTX uses the G92 GPU. The RV770 has a stock speed of 625 MHz, while the G92 is rated at 675 MHz. The XFX versions of these cards overclock the RV770 up to 650 MHz and the G92 up to 760 MHz.

Memory

The RAM used in these two cards uses the GDR3 memory standard. The XFX HD 4850s are available in 512 MB and 1 GB configurations, while the XFX 9800 GTXs are only available in a 512 MB configuration. The stock version of the 4850 has a memory clock speed of 993 MHz and the 9800 GTX is rated at 1,100 MHz. The XFX versions of these cards put the 4850's memory clock up to 1,050 MHz and the 9800 GTX at 1,140 MHz. The HD 4850 and 9800 GTX both use a 256-bit memory bus; however, the 9800 uses four 64-bit data channels, while the 4850 uses eight 32-bit channels.

Design

One of the key differences between the HD 4850 and 9800 GTX is how their GPU architecture processes information. The number of stream processors that a GPU supports directly impacts its performance in 3D graphics applications. The HD 4850 supports 800 stream processors, while the 9800 GTX only supports 128, giving the HD 4850 a significant advantage over the 9800 GTX. The HD 4850 is also more efficient than the 9800 GTX. The 4850 has a maximum power draw of 110 watts, while the 9800 pulls up to 168 watts of power under peak loads.

Features

The HD 4850 and 9800 GTX both support software using Application Programming Interfaces compatible with DirectX 10. Since the HD 4850 was released later in the year, it supports later revisions of the DirectX 10 APIs. The 4850 supports DirectX 10.1 and Shader Model 4.1, while the 9800 only supports Direct X10 and Shader Model 4.0. Both the 4850 and 9800 support the OpenGL 2.1 API.

Tags: 4850 9800, these cards, while 9800, 9800 4850, versions these, versions these cards

Troubleshoot An Inno3d 8600gt Graphics Card

Released in 2006, the GeForce 8600GT is a video card manufactured by NVIDIA. A number of third-parties such Inno3D, ASUS, GIGABYTE and Eagle also manufacture the NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT video card under their brand name. If you are facing a problem with your Inno3D GeForce 8600GT video card, you might want to try out some troubleshooting tips in order to identify the problem.

Instructions

1. Download and install the latest GeForce 8600GT video driver from the NVIDIA website (see Resource section). An outdated or corrupted video driver can cause severe problems when running high-end applications such as video games. Before installing the new video driver, go to the Windows Control Panel and use the "Programs and Features" option to uninstall the current video driver, after which you can proceed with the installation of the new video driver.

2. Re-install Microsoft DirectX (see Resource section). Installing a new copy of DirectX will overwrite any damaged or corrupted DirectX DLL files. You must keep DirectX updated at all times because Windows operating systems require DirectX to work properly with the GeForce 8600GT video card.

3. Check the system requirements of the application for which you are facing problems when running it on the GeForce 8600GT video card. Older games and video editing applications will not work well with the GeForce 8600GT video card. If this is the case, use the Windows Compatibility Mode to run the application in an older Windows Environment. Go to the installation directory of the application, right-click the EXE file and select "Properties." Under "Compatibility," select an older Windows operating system such as Windows XP or Windows 2000 and click "Apply." The program will run in an older Windows environment that may solve the problems you were experiencing with the GeForce 8600GT video card.

Tags: 8600GT video, GeForce 8600GT, GeForce 8600GT video, 8600GT video card, video card

Psp Screen Problems

The Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) is a video gaming device capable of playing not only universal media discs (UMD) but also downloaded games, user-created content, video, music and pictures. While the PSP is one of the more technologically solid handheld platforms with good reviews across the board, it is prone to damage on its widescreen video display.

Screen Does Not Come On

With older PSPs, it is becoming more common that the screen will not turn on when the system is activated. This is often a sign that your PSP is wearing out or has suffered numerous physical jolts to the hardware (from dropping). If the screen itself is damaged or cracked, your only option is sending it in for service or replacement. However, if there is no visible damage, search for the backlight button, which is located next to the PSP® logo. Hold the button down for several seconds to reset the video display. Turn the PSP off and then back on to finish resetting it.

Black Screen

A fairly rare occurrence that is indicative of a hardware failure is turning on the PSP and receiving a black screen. The black screen is obviously on and lit, but with nothing showing. Like other errors that cause the screen to blank out or not come on, it can often be fixed by resetting the video display as described above. For a black screen, you will not need to turn the PSP off to reactivate the screen. On rare occasions, this will not work because of a defective battery that can no longer hold a charge. To test for this, plug the PSP into its AC adapter and then turn it on. If the PSP works using the AC adapter, you need to replace the battery.

Screen Says Please Wait

Like all pieces of advanced electronics, glitches happen. Luckily this is often a software glitch, but it can sometimes be the result of a damaged UMD disc or bad save data. Perform a normal reset first. If the problem persists, identify when the "Please Wait" message appears on the screen. If it is before the game save data is accessed, turn the PSP off and remove the UMD to inspect for physical damage or debris on the drive and UMD. Once the debris is cleared, you can play the UMD as normal. If the problem occurs while loading saved data, you must unfortunately delete the saved data you were trying to access and then reload the game.

Tags: black screen, video display, Please Wait, save data, saved data

What Is The Adh Connector On An Asus Motherboard

The ADH connector is an interface that allows high-definition audio devices to connect to motherboards manufactured by Asus and other companies. The acronym stands for Azalia Digital Header.

Origin

The ADH connector uses Intel Corp.'s high definition audio specification. This specification defines the physical characteristics of the interface as well as the way codecs -- devices that code and decode data streams -- work with the interface.

Identification

The ADH connector is a socket containing 16 pins. It is usually black and located along one of the motherboard's outer edges. In cases where it does not run a cable to a port on the computer's back panel, it can be accessed only by opening the computer chassis.

Compatibility

The connector is an alternative to the widely used AC'97 interface. Though the two are both HD audio connectors, Intel designed "Azalia" as a completely separate interface. As such, it is not compatible with AC'97 devices.

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Msi 790xg45 Sound Card Issues

The MSI 790X-G45 motherboard uses the AMD 790X North Bridge and AMD SB710 South Bridge chipsets. It supports the Phenom II, Athlon II, and Sempron 100 Series Socket AM3 processors. It has four DDR3 RAM slots and has onboard audio and Ethernet. There are a couple of things that may cause problems with the integrated audio which may be remedied in the BIOS or with software. Of course, there is always the possibility that the audio portion of the motherboard is bad.

Integrated Audio

The G45 motherboard uses the VIA VT1826S integrated audio chip, which provides 8-channel audio. All modern motherboards are equipped with integrated audio. This saves the user the expense of having to install an add-on sound card.

BIOS Audio Control

The integrated audio function on the G45 can be turned on and off in the BIOS. Sometimes, a user desires higher quality audio by way of an add-on sound card which would be installed in either a PCI or PCI-E slot. If an add-on card has been previously installed, the integrated audio is possibly disabled. To check this, turn on the computer and when prompted, press "Delete" to enter the BIOS. Use the arrow keys to navigate to "Integrated Peripherals," press "Enter." Navigate to "HD Audio Controller." It should say "Enabled." If not, press the "+" key to change it to "Enabled." Press "Esc" twice to move to the exit screen. Press "Enter" to save the changes and exit.

Audio Drivers

Even if your integrated audio is enabled in the BIOS, it will not work without the drivers. If you have the motherboard installation disc, insert the disc in your DVD drive. Locate the audio driver and follow the prompts to install it. If you do not have the disc, you can download and install the driver from the MSI website.

Input and Output

Make sure you are plugging your speakers into the right jack. The "Line-out" jack is the yellow one, in the middle row. The microphone jack is the one below it. The G45 has six jacks, so it's important to be sure your are using the right ones.

Using an Add-On Card

There is always the possibility that the integrated audio chip is bad. Your only alternative would be to purchase an add-on sound card. There are many cards available, ranging in price from about $20 to more than $100. An add-on card will come with easy-to-follow installation instructions and a driver disc. It may even come with some nice sound enhancement and recording utilities. If you do resort to an add-on card, be sure to disable the audio in the BIOS.

Tags: integrated audio, add-on sound, add-on sound card, integrated audio, sound card, add-on card

Intel Vs Amd Systems

Different CPUs can have different form factors and packaging specifications.

Although Intel and AMD central processing units (CPUs) are functionally similar, each company's processors require processor-specific support hardware. Hardware built and optimized for Intel CPUs won't support AMD CPUs. Processors designed for AMD will, likewise, not support Intel.

Sockets

Both Intel and AMD have unique socket configurations for their processors. These sockets can differ both in size and shape. In some cases, a CPU may be mounted with other supporting circuitry in a larger edge-card package.

BIOS

Because AMD and Intel processors have different architectures, the binary input/output system (BIOS) for each processor is different. A BIOS written for an AMD processor will not correctly send and receive data from an Intel, and a BIOS engineered for Intel processors won't properly control an AMD.

Motherboards

Different CPUs require different supporting circuitry, in addition to sockets and BIOS. A particular AMD CPU, for example, may work with a particular type of random access memory (RAM). Another example may be a particular Intel processor mounted on an edge card with proprietary memory access controllers. Boards designed for that CPU may not have on-board memory controllers.

Tags: Different CPUs, have different, Intel processors, supporting circuitry

What Is Core2 Quad Q6600

The Core2 Quad Q6600 is a type of computer processor that is associated with the Intel Core 2 Quad series of processors. A processor is the component in a computer that makes important decisions based on information received from other components.

History

Intel introduced the Q6600 to the public on January 8, 2007. Its initial price at launch was $851.

Specs

The Q6600 runs at a maximum processing frequency of 2400 MHz. The frequency is determined by multiplying the clock multiplier and the bus speed. The Q6600's bus speed utilizes a "Quad Data Rate" bus, allowing it to take its initial bus speed of 266 MHz and raise it to a maximum of 1066 MHz. Its clock multiplier is 9, a L2 cache size of 8 MB (two separate four MB caches, one per two cores), and it has a Socket 775 (LGA775) socket type. Additionally, the Q6600 is designed with quad-core technology, allowing for four separate cores to be used in one package.

Fun Fact

The Q6600 is one of 18 different types of Intel Core 2 Quad processors. It is the third slowest of the family in terms of processing speed, and it is the slowest (tied with two others) in bus speed.

Tags: clock multiplier, Core Quad, Core2 Quad, Core2 Quad Q6600, Intel Core, Intel Core Quad

Specs For Ecs Kt600a For Computers

Elite Computer Systems (ECS), headquartered in Taiwan, produces computers and computer accessories like the KT600-A computer motherboard. A motherboard is a type of printed circuit board that connects different systems and is a repository of important system components. The KT600-A motherboard is for Windows-based systems. Purchase ECS products from local distributors or online retailers.

Operation

The KT600-A motherboard comes with Realtek ALC655 6-channel audio CODECS, which support both CD and DVD sound. It offers built-in 10/100 Mbps connectivity, eliminating the need to use an extra LAN card. It comes with a DDR 400 system, which can handle bandwidths up to 3.2 GB per second (GB/s). It has a 462 socket, which supports one of the following processors: Sempron, Duron, AMD Athlon XP or Athlon.

Components

This motherboard comes with two serial ATA devices, which can transfer data at speeds up to 150 megabytes per second (MB/s). It comes with both SATA RAID 0 and RAID I technologies; this SATA RAID system helps you join multiple drives together. The RAID 1 technology also secures your data. The AGP 8X/4X card slot provides you with bandwidth speeds up to 2.2 GB/s (specifically for graphics), allowing you to play graphics-intensive games or videos without slowing down your system. This motherboard has a VIA KT600 chipset on the north bridge and a VIA VT8237 chipset on the south bridge.

Support

The KT600-A motherboard supports DMA 33, 66, 100 and 133 integrated development environment (IDE) devices, and the ATA 133 technology provides you with data transfer rates at speeds up to 133 MB/s. It supports USB2.0 technologies, which allow for transfer speeds up to 480 Megabits per second (Mb/s). The 184-pin double data rate dual in-line memory module (DDR DIMM) socket handles up to 3 GB of memory, and the DDR400 can support up to 2GB of memory. Actual memory, however, depends on your operating system. Generally, 32-bit systems do not provide you with the full listed memory.

Additional Information

The motherboard has one front-panel audio and one front-panel switch/LED headers, and it has one speaker and one CD header. It comes with two serial ATA and two IDE connectors and one 20-pin ATC power supply connector. It has four peripheral component interconnect (PCI) expansion slots and one communications and network riser (CNR) slot. Download a service pack and the latest BIOS information from the ECS website.

Tags: comes with, KT600-A motherboard, comes with serial, motherboard comes, motherboard comes with, provides with

What Video Card For An Asus M3a78 Am2+/Am2 770 Atx Amd Motherboard

The ASUS M3A78 AMD 770 is a full-size motherboard that supports PCI-Express and standard PCI video cards. As of October 2010, PCI-E is the standard for all newer cards.

Hardware

The ASUS M3A78 AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 includes one PCI-E 2.0 port, two PCI-E 1.0 ports and three standard PCI ports. Any video card based on the PCI-E 2.0 standard will benefit from the increased speed of the PCI-E 2.0 port.

Usage

If you only intend to do basic computing tasks such as Web browsing and word processing, a low-end PCI card will be more than adequate for your needs. If you intend on watching videos or DVDs, playing 3D gaming applications or using your computer for any other graphics-intensive activity, a more powerful PCI-E card is recommended for speed and better overall performance.

Pricing

Standard PCI video cards are the cheapest option. This technology is outdated, so the capabilities of these video cards are limited. PCI-E cards are more expensive but a variety of products is available at prices to fit most budgets. A decent mid-range card can be purchased for about $100 as of October 2010; high-end cards start at around $400. Fortunately, as new technologies evolve every year or two, the price of older cards rapidly drops.

Tags: video cards, ASUS M3A78, October 2010, PCI-E port, PCI-E standard

Update Ethernet Msi Drivers

A device driver controls a hardware device to work with the computer system. Oftentimes, it needs to be updated for the device to continue to function. Otherwise, it becomes inoperable. This is true for Ethernet MSI drivers, which need to be updated from time to time. An Ethernet adapter, also known as a network adapter, is needed by a computer to connect to a cable DSL Internet connection.

Instructions

1. Move you cursor to the "Start" menu on your desktop. Navigate to the "Control Panel."

2. On the left side of the screen, see if you are in the Category or Classical view. If you are in the Category view, click on the "Performance and Maintenance" icon, and then click on "System." If you are in the Classical view, navigate directly to "System."

3. Click on the "Hardware" tab and then select "Device Manager." Click the plus sign (+) beside "Network Adapters" to expand the menu.

4. Right-click on the Ethernet MSI driver, click "Properties" and under the "Driver" tab, click on "Update Driver." On the "Hardware Update Wizard" that will flash on your screen, choose "Install the Software Automatically (Recommended)." The computer will search online for any available updates.

5. If an update is not found online or if you have the software, you call manually install the driver. Insert the software to your optical drive and select "Install from a Specific Location." If you do not have the software, you can download it from driver download sites such as Soft32.com and Driverzone.com.

6. Browse and select the location of the software. Follow the on-screen instructions until the update is finished. Reboot your computer.

Tags: Classical view, have software

Upgrade An Old Laptop By Yourself

Laptop computers are easy to upgrade in some ways.

Laptop computers are in some ways more complicated than desktop computers, but in a few ways they are easier to work with in terms of upgrading. Though you can't easily upgrade a laptop's motherboard or CPU you can do some basic upgrades that can make a big difference. Many laptops can be upgraded, but there are limits to how much some can be upgraded.

Instructions

1. Read your laptop manual to find out how much RAM your computer can hold, what kind of hard drive it uses and if the optical drive is replaceable. You may have to call the manufacturer to find out just what came with your laptop.

2. Remove the covers on the bottom of your laptop. There is a cover for the memory and the hard drive. Both can be unscrewed with small Phillips or torx screwdrivers. Unscrew the optical drive if it has a screw holding it in place and is upgradeable.

3. Disconnect the hard drive by carefully pulling out the cables. Push the sides of the RAM to release the memory module. Pull out the CD drive by sliding it out.

4. Replace the RAM, hard drive and optical drive with faster or higher capacity hardware. The RAM will slide into the slots at an angle. The hard drive will connect back to the cables. The new optical drive should slide into the place where the old drive was. Secure the covers by replacing their screws.

Tags: hard drive, optical drive, your laptop, Laptop computers, slide into

What To Do If An Ipod Touch Screen Is Not Working

An iPod can store a vast collection of songs.

iPods are a popular innovation of modern technology and make it possible to have an entire collection of music or DVDs on a portable device that fits in your pocket. However, there are a few kinks in the hardware and having an iPod touch screen that is broken or unresponsive can be frustrating.

Flickering screen

On some iPods, the screen may flicker when watching videos. Turning off the auto-brightness will reduce the flicker or may eliminate this annoying effect altogether.

Low Battery

Some iPods have a defective screen that is unable to display dark colors. This is known as the "negative black effect." Although this problem may occur even if the battery is fully charged, a low battery can contribute to the problem, so it is worth ensuring that the iPod is fully charged.

Temporary Solution

Putting a little pressure on the back and bottom right corners of the iPod Touch can often correct flickering or other screen display problems, if only for a short time. This is not a permanent solution but may be used until the problem can be addressed by the repair shop or the device is replaced by the manufacturer.

Hard Reset

Failing all other methods, the iPod Touch can be reset by holding the "Standby" and "Home" buttons for about 10 seconds. As this will erase all data on the device, you should connect the iPod to a computer and back up your data before doing this.

Problem Acknolwedged

Apple, the manufacturer of the iPod Touch, has admitted that a hardware problem exists in some models. Apple blamed a lapse in quality control and the misapplication of the reflective coating on the iPod's LCD display. As of October 2010, software updates released by Apple have not resolved the problem.

Tags: fully charged, iPod Touch, screen that

Upgrade A Dell Laptop Inspiron 3000 Motherboard

Laptop technology is always changing, which makes it necessary to either upgrade the computer or buy a new one. The only way to upgrade a Dell Inspiron 3000 laptop motherboard is to increase the amount of memory that the laptop holds. Laptops in general are not designed for many upgrades. When the memory is upgraded, the laptop runs faster and holds more data. Installing memory takes only a few minutes and is much cheaper than purchasing a whole new laptop.

Instructions

1. Find a flat surface suitable for working on, such as a kitchen table, desk or other clean surface. Have a place to set the screws while working. Nothing is more frustrating than losing the tiny laptop screws.

2. Make sure the Inspiron 3000 is completely off and unplugged for this process. Leaving it on can damage or destroy the whole laptop. Turn the laptop over and find the largest panel. This will open the laptop and expose the motherboard and memory banks. Since you are replacing the memory, all you are concerned with is the memory slot. Unscrew the panel with the Phillips screwdriver and set the screw and panel aside.

3. Locate the clamps holding the old memory into place. They are very small and delicate, so it is important to handle them gently. Unhook the clamps and gently pull the memory out of the computer. It is best to pull one half free at a 45-degree angle rather than pulling the whole memory out at once.

4. Install the new memory in the old slot by angling the memory at a 45-degree angle and pushing into the memory slot. Go slowly and carefully, and don't rush. Clamp the memory clamps back into place so that the memory fits snugly.

5. Repeat the process for as many new memory chips as you are going to replace. Put the casing cover back on the computer and clip into place. Replace the screw in the hole to hold the cover in place. Turn the computer over.

6. Turn the computer on and wait for everything to start up. Some memory modules come with drivers that automatically install. If this is the kind that you have, wait until they install before opening any other programs. Other memory modules must be manually installed. Place the CD that came with the memory into the CD drive. Follow the install instructions that pop up on the screen to install the memory onto your computer.

Tags: Inspiron 3000, into place, memory slot, 45-degree angle, memory into, memory modules, Turn computer

Upgrade A Dell Inspiron 1150

Laptops are not as easy to upgrade as desktop computers. The parts are smaller and are packed into a small space, making them more difficult to manipulate. That said, laptops like the Dell Inspiron 1150 are designed so that the most common upgrades--adding memory and installing a new hard drive--are not difficult to perform.

Instructions

Shut Down the Computer

1. Shut down the operating system. Always shut down the computer before doing any hardware upgrades.

When shutting down, do not just push the power button to turn the computer off, instead go to the Start menu and do a full shutdown. This will ensure that your hard drive is properly shut down and your files are safely stored. If your hard drive has crashed and Windows won't start you can (obviously) skip this step.

2. Unplug the power cord from the computer.

3. Remove the battery. If you have a second battery installed, remove that one as well.

Upgrading Memory (RAM)

4. Purchase your memory module. The standard Inspiron 1150 comes with one 256 MB memory module, but has slots for two modules. You can upgrade your memory to 512 MB by adding a second 256 MB module, to 768 MB by adding a 512 MB module, or 1024 MB (1 GB), by using two 512 MB modules or one 1 GB module. Even though you can put two 1 GB modules in the computer, only one will be recognized. Check with the memory module manufacturer to be sure you get the right type of memory for the Inspiron 1150.

5. Shut down the computer.

6. Remove the memory module cover. Turn the laptop over so you can see the bottom. The memory module cover is near the middle and has two slots for ventilation. Loosen the screw and remove the cover. Note that the screw does not come out of the cover.

7. Remove the existing memory module. This step is optional--if you are simply adding a 256 MB or 512 MB module, you can skip to the next step. The module is held in place by two small plastic tabs, one on either side. Being careful not to break them, gently pull each of the tabs away from the module. Now pull the memory module out of its slot. You may have to wiggle it a little bit from side to side to loosen it, but do not bend the memory module or you may damage the slot in the computer.

8. Install the new memory module. Slide the module into the slot at a 45-degree angle. Push it in gently so the metal connections are not damaged. When you have pushed the module in far enough, you will hear a click and the small plastic tabs will be snug against the side of the module. Repeat this step with the other slot if you are installing two memory modules.

9. Replace the cover. Slide the cover back on and tighten the screw.

10. Restart the computer. Replace the battery and power cord and turn the computer on. To verify that the module is properly installed, open the System Control panel and check the amount of memory. If the computer does not start or the amount of installed memory has not changed, remove the newly added memory module and reinstall it.

Upgrading the Hard Drive

11. Shut down the computer.

12. Remove the hard drive bay, which is next to the headphone jack. Remove the two screws holding the drive in place and slide it out.

13. Remove the old hard drive from the hard drive bay. The hard drive is held in place by four screws, two on either side.

14. Insert the new hard drive into the hard drive bay. Replace the four screws. When the hard drive is in the correct position, the screw holes in the drive bay will line up with the screw holes in the hard drive.

15. Replace the hard drive bay in the computer. The pins on the end of the hard drive are very delicate and can be easily bent, so push the drive bay gently back into place. Replace the two screws holding the hard drive bay in place.

16. Replace the battery and reattach the power cord.

17.Install the operating system. You can do this either by booting from the installation CD that came with your system, or copying the contents of your old hard drive onto your new one (a USB drive adapter and drive copying software are required).

Tags: hard drive, memory module, Inspiron 1150, computer Remove, hard drive, power cord

Upgrade A Dell Computer Processor

Upgrading a processor can improve overall system performance.

The processor on a Dell computer does exactly what its name implies: it processes information for the computer system. Upgrading a Dell Computer processor is an easy process, but in order to upgrade properly, you must make sure that the processor you are upgrading to is compatible with the motherboard in terms of socket type (where the processor connects to the motherboard) and front side bus (the data transfer rate between the processor and the motherboard).

Instructions

1. Unplug the computer and open it up. Depending on the model, you either have to remove the left side panel by unscrewing the two screws on the back of the computer, then sliding the panel towards the back, or you have to pull the release latch, then rotate the left side panel outwards.

2. Remove the heatsink/fan assembly. The heatsink/fan assembly is the square fan with what looks like a metal cube under it. Depending on the model, you can rotate the clamp securing the heatsink/fan assembly up then lift out the assembly, or you may need to push down on a tab on one side of the assembly, then lift out the assembly.

3. Push down, then lift up the lever located on one side of the processor. There is a small tab sticking out from the processor socket. Rotate the lever around that tab, then raise it up.

4. Lift the processor straight up out of the socket.

5. Place the new processor on the socket. The processor and the socket each have a small yellow arrow on the bottom corner. Match up these arrows to place the processor on the socket in the right direction.

6. Close the lever, then replace the heatsink/fan assembly and close the computer case.

Tags: heatsink assembly, processor socket, then lift, assembly then, assembly then lift, Dell Computer, Depending model

What Is Best Computer For Gaming & Photo Editing

Selecting the right computer components can make or break your gaming computer.

Gaming and photo-editing computers are used to run intensive programs that require a better-than-average computer to handle the system requirements. There are a number of key components you'll need to consider while building the perfect computer for your needs.

Types

There are a few different types of gaming and photo-editing computers. The option that gives you the most control is building your own computer. You can choose every component and often save a lot of money putting it together yourself. Prebuilt computers offer an option to choose limited customization options and getting them already put together. Many laptop manufacturers offer high-performance prebuilt laptops, although very few laptops have the option to upgrade components in the future.

Graphics Card

The graphics card is the most important component in a gaming and photo-editing computer. It controls all graphics processing, and choosing a recently released video card provides a form of future-proofing by entering the video card market at the top of the technology curve. Most graphics cards are made by ATI or Nvidia, or companies building on the base architecture of these two companies.

A few important technical specifications for video cards include memory, interface and compatibility. Video cards often come with 1 to 2 gigs of memory and this exceeds most system requirements.

The most common interface is PCI-Express. PCI-Express cards sometimes have a feature called SLI. This allows you to run two video cards at once for additional power. Video cards sometimes have compatibility issues with certain hardware configurations, so researching interaction between the graphics card and the rest of the components is a good idea.

Computer Components

Other significant computer components for a gaming and photo-editing computer are the processor, memory and cooling system. The biggest and best graphics card is useless if it runs into a processor speed bottleneck. Common processor manufacturers are AMD and Intel. Most processors come in dual or quad core processors, which means two to four processors are contained in one chip. A total of 4 to 8 gigs of memory covers every requirement you'll run into in the gaming and photo-editing world.

A good cooling system is essential to the health of your gaming machines. Intense computer processes heat up the processor, video card and hard drive. If it's too hot for too long, the computer could reboot or the hardware could be damaged. An appropriate cooling system keeps the temperatures within normal operating levels during even the most intense use.

Software

The general guidelines for high-performance computer components cover many different situations, but at times you'll need to take a look at the software you're going to install on the computer. Check the software system requirements to make sure that all of the components meet or exceed recommended requirements.

Operating System

The gaming and photo-editing computer is best suited for a 64-bit operating system environment. The 64-bit version of Windows 7 or Windows Vista is required for certain games and photo-editing software. It has a higher capacity for memory and processing power, and all 64-bit drivers are certified by Microsoft to reduce driver-related crashes.

Tags: gaming photo-editing, computer components, cooling system, gaming photo-editing computer, graphics card, photo-editing computer

Pentium D 925 Processor Compatibility

Computer users demand a lot from their systems. Users like to listen to music while social networking and catching the latest rerun of their favorite shows online. The Intel Pentium D 925 offers users the power of two processors in one package.

The Power of Two

Multitasking is fast and easy with the D 925. This processor sports two 65nm processor cores, each running at 3 GHz with integrated 2 MB L2 cache. The design of the chip also helps it function with less power, saving you energy.

64-Bit Technology

Pushing your computer to the limit will be challenging with the D 925. It provides a nice enhanced memory upgrade. The processor utilizes 64-bit hardware and software allowing it to access the use of extended and virtual memory. The D 925 also uses Intel's Execute Disable Bit (EDB) function. This helps the chip prevent certain malicious "buffer overflow" attacks.

Specifications

The D 925 has a Presler Core and operates at a frequency of 3 GHz. It also contains L2 Cache 2x2 MB memory. It has 64-bit support, but does not support Hyper-Threading. It operates with a voltage of 1.225V to 1.312V and comes with a 95W thermal design power supply. Cooling device, heatsink and fan are included in the purchase.

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Upgrade A Dell Cpu

Upgrading the processor (CPU) in your computer can extend the life of your computer significantly and save you the expense of buying a new system simply because the processor speed is a bit too slow. Dell computers typically use Intel processors, though a few AMD models are available. These are, fortunately, the two most widely available processor types, and they can be found and purchased at any computer hardware store. Swapping out the processors is a relatively easy process and should take less than half an hour before you are back up and running.

Instructions

1. Verify that your motherboard is compatible with your new processor. If you did not have the same type of processor before, chances are you will need to install a compatible motherboard before proceeding. If you are unsure, consult your system information to see what type of system board and processor are currently installed, or contact Dell technical support to verify compatibility.

2. Open your computer case and locate the processor. The processor will be a large, usually square chip inserted flat on the main board. It usually has a fan or heat sink mounted over the top, which will need to be disconnected before proceeding. There is only one place on the motherboard that the processor can be mounted, and it will look similar if not identical to the new one you are going to install.

3. Remove the old processor and insert the new one. Usually a lever on the side of the processor slot holds the processor in place. Lift it to be able to remove the old one, then lower it once the new processor is in place. After securing the processor, reattach the fan or heat sink over it.

4. Close your computer case and power on the computer. Verify in your system information that the processor information is correct for the new processor you installed. The system should detect the processor type and speed automatically.

Tags: your computer, your system information, before proceeding, computer case, heat sink, processor place

Update Your Bios

Flash your BIOS with a firmware update.

The Basic Input/Output System or BIOS on your computer supplies your operating system with the data it needs to interface with internal components and peripherals such as your hard disk drive. Occasionally, it might be necessary for you to update your BIOS, either to eliminate bugs in the firmware or to provide your computer with added functionality. Updating the BIOS requires using a firmware upgrade procedure known as "flashing." The procedure will vary, depending on your computer brand and model, but the basic steps are essentially the same.

Instructions

1. Write down your existing BIOS settings so you can restore them after you've flashed the new BIOS firmware.

2. Determine the correct BIOS firmware that you need for your computer. Check your computer manufacturer's website for this information. If you have a custom-built system, check the motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest BIOS firmware.

3. Download the latest BIOS firmware specific to your computer. Some manufacturers provide custom software that initiates the update through your operating system; others provide a third-party application that allows you to flash the BIOS through DOS.

4. Run the installer or executable file that you downloaded. Alternately, if the BIOS firmware update is handled via your operating system, simply click "Update," "Write," "Confirm" or a similarly-named button. If you are prompted for an installation CD, insert the media into your disc drive. If the CD contains an "autoexec.bat" file, the BIOS will flash automatically when you restart the computer. While the BIOS flashing procedure varies, nearly all manufacturers provide detailed instructions for completing the task.

5. Turn off your computer. Wait about one minute and then reboot. On some systems, the flash update will restart your computer automatically.

6. As your computer reboots, go immediately into the BIOS setup menu and look for an option to "Restore Defaults" or "Load Fail-Safe Defaults." This will be on the main page or the last page of a tabbed menu. Navigate using the arrow keys on your keyboard and follow all on-screen instructions. When finished, save your new settings and then exit BIOS. Your computer will load the operating system.

Tags: your computer, BIOS firmware, operating system, your operating, your operating system, firmware update

Upgrade An Agp Card

Newer motherboards do not have AGP slots.

The AGP, or Accelerated Graphics Port, was designed to replace the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) interface for graphics applications. The PCI is a general interface used to connect various types of components. AGP is faster than PCI and dedicated to video applications. AGP has been phased out in favor of PCI-Express, but there are still AGP cards available for users who need to upgrade older graphics cards.

Instructions

Access

1. Uninstall the display driver for the video card that is being replaced by accessing the Control Panel through the Start Menu. Find the Device Manager. If it's not available as a Control Menu option, click "Hardware and sound". Expand the Display adapter menu by clicking the "plus" (+) sign, right-clicking on the model of video card installed on your computer and selecting "Uninstall".

2. Turn off your computer and disconnect all wires.

3. Open the computer case.

4. Electrically ground yourself with a an electrostatic discharge (EDS) wrist strap that attaches to the computer case. An ESD strap is the most effective method, but if you don't have one, you can also ground yourself by touching a bare metal section of the computer case.

Replace

5. Remove the old AGP card by unscrewing the retaining screw at the back of the case and pulling the card up out of its slot. There may be a small retaining clip that may have to be disengaged from the old card. If the old card required external power, make sure to remove the power connector.

6. Install the new card by sliding it into the slot. Secure any retaining clips and reinstall the screw at the back of the case to secure the card. Plug in the power connector to an connector from the computer's power supply if needed.

7. Close the case and reconnect all wires.

Drivers

8. Turn the computer on.

9. Cancel any automatic installation that your operating system may initiate.

10. You can find drivers at the graphics card manufacturer's website.

Install the display drivers from the installation disk supplied with the new graphics card or visit the manufacturer's website to download and install the latest drivers.

Tags: computer case, back case, graphics card, ground yourself, manufacturer website, power connector, screw back

Update The Bios In Windows Vista

After upgrading to Windows Vista or after upgrading your hardware on a Vista machine, a BIOS update may be needed. Your basic input/output system controls communications between your operating system and your input and output hardware. Updating the BIOS allows your existing internal hardware to work properly with Windows Vista. A BIOS update also optimizes your system for a Windows Vista environment. Free BIOS updates are available from most computer manufacturers and can be installed in less than 10 minutes.

Instructions

1. Visit your computer manufacturer's website. Locate the Support or Downloads section of the website.

2. Enter your computer model or tag number, which is found on the computer itself, onto the manufacturer's support site.

3. Download the latest BIOS update available for the Windows Vista operating system. Some sites use a link, while others have a button.

4. Read any instructions about the BIOS update. These instructions are available on your manufacturer's website along with the download, or they download with the BIOS update.

5. Double-click the "BIOS update file" to run the "BIOS flash utility."

6. Follow the guided wizard prompts to flash your BIOS.

7. Restart your computer after the BIOS update is complete if the utility does not restart the system for you.

Tags: BIOS update, Windows Vista, your computer, input output, manufacturer website

Types Of Asus G1 Motherboards

Asus computers of Taiwan produced the G1 series of gaming laptops in late 2006, where they hit a sweet spot of price and performance. The laptop got a model refresh in mid 2007 with the G1S, using an updated chipset. Both of these computers used variations on an Intel chipset produced in house by Asus.

G1 Motherboard Specifications

The original G1 motherboard is an Asus manufactured Intel Go 7700 with a part number of 08621GA0022i. It had a fixed front side bus and chipset with a 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 CPU, SATA connectors for a standard 160 GB hard drive and one RAM slot capable of holding a 2 GB RAM DDR2 667 MHZ RAM DIMM. For ports, it came with 4 USB ports, a mini FireWire port, plus VGA (Video Graphics Array) and DVI-D (Digital Video Interface) ports for driving an external monitor. Its graphics card chipset was an NVIDIA GeForce Go 7700.

G1S Motherboard Specifications

The G1S motherboard, also manufactured by Asus, is an 8600M GT Intel CPU Motherboard 08G21GS0020i. It addressed a number of shortcomings in the original design, having an Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 2.2 MHz CPU at its heart, a faster front side bus at 800 MHz and the ability to support 4 GB of RAM directly. The graphics card controller was a significantly improved NVIDEA GeForce 8600M GT, with 256 MB of onboard RAM, capable of driving an external monitor through VGA (Video Graphics Array) and DVI-D (Digital Video Interface) ports. The hard drive controllers were upgraded to SATA 300, and the hard drive was replaced with a faster model with the same disk space, and it retained the same external USB and FireWire ports of the original model.

Comparable Systems

The primary market for these motherboards are people who had this laptop and need a replacement for it; because they've been out of production for so long (three years as of 2010), these motherboards are hard to find, and consequently more than half the price (or more) of a modern laptop with the same or greater capabilities, such as the Dell E5500 and the Asus UL30-A2.

Tags: hard drive, Array DVI-D, Array DVI-D Digital, Digital Video, Digital Video Interface, driving external, driving external monitor

Update A Soltek Bios

All personal computers have a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) that is saved to a chip on the motherboard. This program commands the motherboard in its communications with different computer devices. If you have a laptop or computer that is using the Soltek BIOS, you should update it to resolve any driver conflict or to improve the computer's overall stability. Check your computer manual if you are unsure of the BIOS manufacturer, or follow the onscreen prompt to enter the "BIOS" when you initiate the computer. Once in the BIOS, the manufacturer will be displayed.

Instructions

1. Download and save new Soltek BIOS driver update to your computer. You can get these drivers at a website such as Open Drivers, Wims Bios or Softpedia. Choose to "Save" the drivers when prompted to run or save the file. If you are using Firefox, you will be prompted to "Save the file to Disk." Instead, you should change this option and choose to save the file to your desktop.

2. Locate the BIOS file you downloaded and double-click on it to start the automatic driver installation. Updated Soltek drivers do not require you use a boot disk to complete the update.

3. Wait for the driver installation to finish. Follow any onscreen installation. Usually there is nothing to do but wait for the installation to finish, but there are some cases when you will be asked to close a program for the installation to complete. Click "Finish."

4. Restart the computer to complete the update process.

Tags: BIOS manufacturer, complete update, driver installation, installation finish, save file, Soltek BIOS, your computer

The Differences Between The Atx And Nlx Formats

The ATX and the NLX -- acronyms that stand for Advanced Technology eXtended and New Low Profile eXtended, respectively -- are form factors that semiconductor company Intel Corp. devised for personal computer motherboards. The ATX debuted in 1995 and the NLX two years later. Both have received revisions to their specifications since their first appearances; at the time of publication, the latest revisions are Version 2.2 for the ATX and Version 1.8 for the NLX.

Size

A full-size ATX motherboard measures 12 inches wide and 9.6 inches deep, or 305 millimeters in width and 244 millimeters in depth. The NLX has physical dimensions that range from a minimum of 10 inches by 8 inches, or 254 mm by 203 mm, to a maximum of 13.6 inches by 9 inches, or 345 mm by 229 mm. Thus, an NLX motherboard can be bigger or smaller than an ATX motherboard.

Processor and System Memory

The ATX and NLX motherboards have a designated area for the processor, or central processing unit. The processor goes on a CPU socket for physical and electrical connection to the motherboard, with a fan applied for cooling it down so as to avoid malfunction due to overheating. On the ATX, the processor is roughly placed in the upper middle section, while that of the NLX can be found at the lower left section. Placed in the middle of each form factor are slots for the PC's system memory modules.

Disk Drives and Expansion Ports

Each ATX and NLX motherboard has connectors for disk drives, which comprise a hard drive for data storage, an optical drive for accommodating optical discs such as CDs and DVDs and a floppy disk drive. They can be found at the motherboard's bottom right section. Added on the ATX are expansion ports such as Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) and Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) for accommodation of expansion cards such as graphics processing units, network cards and sound cards.

Power Connectors and Inputs/Outputs

The power connector for the motherboard is located at the upper right hand section of each ATX and NLX form factor. The inputs/outputs, or I/Os, are also located at the upper section. These include PS/2 connectors for the computer mouse and keyboard, USB ports, headphone / microphone jacks and modem and Ethernet ports.

Tags: each form, each form factor, form factor, inches inches, located upper

Pc Parts Checklist

Many consumers buy computers from well known manufacturers like Dell, Gateway, HP or Apple but building your own computer can offer the most bang for your buck. Building a computer from scratch requires purchasing and assembling a variety of parts, but it can allow you to tailor the computer to fit your needs. Building a computer can also help avoid all the unnecessary software or "Bloatware" that often comes installed on manufactured computers.

CPU

The central processing unit (CPU) is perhaps the most important part of a computer. The processor governs how many calculations a computer can perform and thus how many applications and processes it will be able to run concurrently. Since motherboards are designed to work with certain CPUs it may be best to pick the CPU you want to use and then choose a motherboard that is compatible with that CPU.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the main circuit board that the CPU, hard drives and expansion cards plug into. You should choose a motherboard that is compatible with your CPU and that has the appropriate ports, such as SATA ports and PCI Express ports, for the devices you plan to use.

Case

The case is the exterior shell that contains the motherboard and other internal hardware devices. Cases can come in different shapes and sizes but many computers and motherboards use the "ATX form factor" which is a common set of design standards. If you get an ATX case, motherboard, power supply and all the devices should fit in the case.

Power Supply

A power supply is a device that plugs into an outlet and provides power to the computer's motherboard and peripheral devices. It is important to get a power supply that can provide enough wattage to power all the devices in your system.

RAM

Random Access Memory or RAM is memory that plugs directly into the motherboard and sends data to the processor. Installing more RAM will tend to allow for greater multitasking capability without experiencing lag.

Hard Drives and Optical Drives

A computer hard drive stores the operating system, program files and other personal data. At minimum, a computer needs one hard drive with an operating system installed to function. Optical drives are devices such as DVD and CD ROM drives. A computer should have at least one optical drive capable of reading DVDs and CDs.

Video Card

A video card or graphics card is a device that assists the CPU with rendering graphics and contains video output and input ports. Some motherboards have built in video cards while other systems will require a dedicated or stand along video card. Dedicated cards are typically more powerful than built in cards and may be required for certain computer games.

Sound Card

A sound card is a device that allows a computer to output sound to speakers and record sound. Many motherboards have built in sound cards although a dedicated sound card may provide better quality and more input and output options.

Network Cards

Network cards allow a computer to connect to other computers to share data and access the internet. An Ethernet controller or LAN card is required to network a computer using cables and a wireless adapter is required to let a computer access wireless internet signals.

Tags: device that, Building computer, card device, card device that, choose motherboard

Update Video Bios

The video BIOS controls how your operating system interacts with your video card. If your video card is your original card, you must update your system BIOS in order to update the video BIOS. If the video card was purchased separately for an upgrade or replacement, you have the option of updating just the video BIOS. Video BIOS updates are often needed when you've upgraded your operating system or after installing a new video card.

Instructions

1. Determine if you need a system BIOS update or a video BIOS update.

System BIOS: Video card must be the original card that came with the computer or a replacement from the same manufacturer.

Video BIOS: Video card was purchased separately, such as an upgrade or replacement from a different manufacturer than the original.

2. Determine your BIOS manufacturer or video card manufacturer. Download and install Belarc Advisor if you don't know these. See the Resources section to download.

3. Follow the prompts in the installation wizard to install.

4. Scan your system and locate the "Main Circuit Board" area for the system BIOS manufacturer or the "Display" area for the video card manufacturer.

5. Visit the website for the manufacturer you need. For system BIOS, you can also use the link in the Resources section.

6. Locate the "Help", "Support" or "Downloads" section for BIOS downloads at the website.

7. Download the latest BIOS for your system or video card. Read any instructions that come with your BIOS download. Some require a floppy disk, others require a flash drive and others can be run straight from your desktop. Specific instructions vary based on manufacturer.

8. Insert any media required to run the BIOS update and copy the update onto the media. If you can run the update from the desktop, media isn't necessary.

9. For system BIOS updates requiring removable media, restart your computer with the media inserted.

10. Press "F12" for boot options during the boot process and choose your desired media. Allow the update to run without interference. For system BIOS updates or video card BIOS updates, double-click the BIOS update on the desktop and allow the update to run without interference.

Tags: system BIOS, video card, BIOS update, BIOS updates, video BIOS, video card

Symptoms Of Bad Capacitors

A bad capacitor can present a variety of symptoms.

A capacitor, like any electronic part, can fail, causing problems with the device in which it is used. It stores electric charge in a thin sandwich made of metal foils separated by an insulating layer. If the insulator degrades, charges become unstable and cause a short-circuit or other electronic problems. Though any capacitor can fail, electrolytic types are most vulnerable, as the chemicals inside dry out with age.

Bulges

Electronic component manufacturers cut score lines in the metal tops of electrolytic capacitors as a safety measure. The electrolyte chemical can expand if the part fails, putting the capacitor's case under pressure. The score lines allow the top to break predictably and safely rather than explode. If you see a capacitor with its top cracked open and bulging, the part has gone bad.

Smoke

A bad capacitor can emit a puff of acrid, black smoke. It will coat the insides of the equipment with dark soot. If this happens, disconnect the device from the power outlet. Though unpleasant, the smoke is not harmful. It comes from electrolytic chemicals burning inside the capacitor. As the capacitor contains only a few grams of the chemicals, it makes a small amount of smoke.

Leaks

If a capacitor is poorly made, or if the circuit has excessive voltage, the chemical insulator can leak out of the bottom. The part has not only failed, it has exposed the circuit board to a mildly reactive compound, possibly affecting nearby components and the circuit board's copper foil. If you see a chemical ooze around a capacitor, it has failed.

Poor Sound

An electrolytic capacitor can fail gradually over a period of years as it dries out. The insulator in the capacitor becomes inconsistent, and its electronic characteristics drift. In audio amplifiers and related equipment, this causes problems with the dynamic range of the sound. You hear crackles in the music and it will sound weak.

Computer Malfunctions

A bad capacitor can cause a variety of mischief in computer circuits. Your computer may spontaneously restart, it may fail to start occasionally or completely. It may fail to finish the power-on self test (POST), which it performs before starting the operating system. When you turn the computer on, its fans may start, but otherwise it does nothing. While computer software problems tend to be consistent, hardware problems like this cause erratic, unpredictable behavior.

Tags: capacitor fail, circuit board, problems with, score lines

The Best Rated Gaming Computers

The Best Rated Gaming Computers

A new breed of computer--the gaming computer--is emerging from the computing industry and will undoubtedly have a big influence on future industry advancement. These performance champions are generally nose-bleed expensive and sit on the edge of technology. However, this does not always translate into best value for the money. This article points out a few systems for gaming that will keep your expectations high, and in a few cases, won't necessarily break the bank.

Falcon Northwest Talon (Intel Core i7)

The Talon from Falcon Northwest looks relatively plain by Falcon Northwest standards, but the hardware configuration provides enough muscle to make this a good buy. It features a Core i7 870 processor that allows the Talon to keep up respectably with systems higher up in Falcon Northwest's gaming system lineup.

The specs:

MSI P55 motherboard

700 Watt power supply

Intel Core i7 870 2.66GHz CPU

4GB 1333MHz DDR3 RAM

1GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 285 video card

500GB 7200 RPM hard drive

Alienware Area-51

The Area-51 is a bargain-basement offering from a company that specializes in top-end gaming systems. However, for a gaming system that hovers around $2,000, the Area 51 is an excellent value.

The specs:

Intel X58 motherboard

1000 Watt power supply

Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz CPU

6GB 1067MHz DDR3 RAM

1GB GDDR5 ATI Radeon HD 5870

640GB 7200 RPM hard drive

Falcon Northwest Mach V

An upgrade from the Talon, the Mach V performs admirably but costs significantly less when compared with high-end gaming systems. Of course, that price quickly escalates with enticing options like support for multiple video cards. However, the standard configuration for the Mach V is adequate enough for an excellent gaming experience.

The specs:

EVGA X58 SLI motherboard

700 Watt power supply

Intel Core i7 960 3.2GHz CPU (liquid cooled)

6GB 1333MHz DDR3 RAM

1GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 285 video card

500GB 7200 RPM hard drive

Alienware Aurora ALX

The Aurora ALX is the perfect blend of performance and bank account sensitivity. For cost-effective gaming systems that still perform at a high level, it's tough to beat this system.

The specs:

Intel X58 motherboard

875 Watt power supply

Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz CPU

6GB 1333MHz DDR3 RAM

Dual 1GB Nvidia GTS 240 video cards in SLI mode

1.2TB in RAID 0 (two 640GB) 7,200 RPM hard drives

Maingear Ephex

Although this behemoth has a price tag that induces heart palpitations, you simply cannot ignore it if considering buying a gaming system. Much like the price tag, the hardware configuration for the Maingear Ephex will bring any gaming enthusiast to their knees. It features a quad-core Intel Core i7 965 running at 3.925 GHz and a host of other eye-popping features.

The specs:

Intel X58 motherboard

1,200 Watt power supply

Overclocked Intel Core i7 965 3.2 GHz CPU

12GB 1600MHz DDR3 RAM

Three 1GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 280 video cards

1 TB 7200 RPM hard drive

Tags: Intel Core, Falcon Northwest, power supply, Watt power, Watt power supply

Mobile Pentium 4 Vs Pentium M

I feel the need for SPEED!

In its attempts to develop a good notebook processor, Intel created four chips that had similar names and often confused people. The Pentium 3 Mobile (early 2001), the Mobile Pentium 4-M (early 2002), the Mobile Pentium 4 (mid-2002), and the Pentium M (early 2003) were all different microprocessors. In the end, it was the Pentium M that won the battle to be notebook kingpin.

Centrino

The Pentium M became the basis of Intel's current Centrino family of chips. It had one great advantage over all of Intel's other mobile processor designs---it was designed from the ground up to be used in a notebook computer. Moreover, it was designed as part of a package of chips; Centrino is not only a processor but also a chipset (the controllers for all the components in the notebook) and a wireless communications chip. The Mobile Pentium 4 had none of these advantages.

Architecture

The Mobile Pentium 4 was built from the Pentium 4 chip. It was more of an attempt to make an existing chip work in a system with stringent requirements as opposed to a design specifically for notebooks.

The Pentium M, by comparison, started with the earlier Pentium 3 chip, but was changed considerably. Rather than a low-power adaptation of the existing chip, it was completely reworked to get the results the designers wanted.

Speed

The Pentium M is the fastest mobile chip Intel has made. These speed increases aren't a matter of clock speed, but of how data is processed during each clock cycle. For example, according to notebookcheck.net, the Pentium M was "very fast per megahertz" compared to its other mobile chips. Tests at the University of Pennsylvania back that assessment; Penn Computing noted that "Pentium M chips are SIGNIFICANTLY higher in performance than Mobile Pentium 4 chips at any given clock speed" (Penn Computing's emphasis). Testing has even shown the Pentium M to be faster than some of the desktop Pentium 4 chips.

Heat

Mobile Pentium 4 chips gave off much more heat, due to their likeness to the power-hungry Pentium desktop chips. Some models of the Pentium M use as little as 5 watts. But even a typical Pentium M installation‚ drawing about 25 watts, needs less than a third the power of a comparable Mobile Pentium 4. In fact, when Hexus.net reviewed the Pentium M 735 chip, they claimed it could run in "free air"---with no fan at all.

Bus

The front-side bus (FSB) is the series of connections between the microprocessor and memory controller chip that lets the various components on the motherboard communicate with each other. Both the Mobile Pentium 4 and the Pentium M use the same FSB of the Pentium 4. Most chips use either a 400- or 533 MHz bus.

Tags: Mobile Pentium, Pentium chips, Pentium chip, clock speed, existing chip, Mobile Pentium chips

Replacing A Cpu Cooling Fan

Remove the Old Heatsink and Fan

The first thing that must be done to replace a CPU cooling fan is to remove the old heat sink and fan from the computer. The computer should be completely unplugged before doing so. The power button should be pushed again in order to discharge any additional power that might still be left in the power supply. Make sure to maintain contact with the metal components of the computer case or other grounded surface when working on the computer so as to prevent damage to the internal components that can be caused by static discharge.

Care should be taken when removing the old heat sink. Not only should the screws or clips holding it in place be removed gently so as to prevent damage to the motherboard, but the heat sink itself should be removed carefully as it may be stuck to the CPU with hardened thermal paste. Unplug the CPU fan from the motherboard before attempting to remove it in order to prevent accidentally damaging the motherboard. Once the heat sink and fan have been removed from the case they can be set aside.

Preparing the New Heat Sink and Fan

Check to see if the new heat sink comes with thermal paste already applied or if you will need to apply your own. If new thermal paste needs to be applied, use a thin layer and then scrape it off gently so that any scratches or contours will be filled. A second layer may then be applied, again making sure that only a thin layer is used. Any remaining thermal paste still on the CPU from the old heat sink should be very carefully removed using rubbing alcohol or acetone applied with a cotton swab and then allowed to evaporate completely.

Installing the New Heat Sink and Fan

The new heat sink and fan should be installed securely, making sure that the mounting brackets hold it firmly against the CPU. The thermal paste that was applied to the bottom of the heat sink will assist in heat distribution, helping to keep heat moving from the CPU into the heat sink so that the fan can distribute it away from the sensitive processor. Once the mounting screws or clips have been replaced, plug the new fan into the motherboard so that the fan will be operational as soon as the computer is turned on.

Tags: heat sink, thermal paste, have been, heat sink, heat sink should

Test Memory Chips

Software is available to test your computer's memory chips.

If you experience strange behavior from your computer, such as errors when running applications or intermittent freezing up, these symptoms could be an indication of a bad memory chip.

Instructions

1. Listen for your computer's BIOS beep codes. When you turn your computer on, it will perform a self-test. If all is well, you should hear one beep. If you hear multiple beeps or a long beep, this is a diagnostic code that there is a problem. Refer to your computer's owner's manual to find the beep code that indicates a bad memory chip.

2. Run Windows' memory test diagnostic utility. For Windows XP, use Microsoft's Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. Instructions and downloading are found at oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp. For Windows 7, click on the Control Panel, System Maintenance, Administrative Tools, then Memory Diagnostics Tool. Click the option and your computer will restart and automatically run the memory test.

3. Download Memtest86 from memtest86.com. This is a free and very comprehensive memory test program. Other commercial programs are available for purchase at your local computer store and online.

4. Substitute your memory modules. Replacing your memory module with a known good module and then seeing if your problem is corrected is perhaps the most accurate test. This does, however, require you to purchase a memory module. If you have more than one module, change out one at a time and check to see if the problem is solved.

Tags: your computer, memory test, code that, computer will, memory chip, memory module

Transfer Pc Components To A New Tower

If you are upgrading to a new computer that has a new motherboard and/or processor but you still want to swap over your existing RAM (if it is compatible) or expansion cards, the process is incredibly simple. So long as they are compatible, of course.

Instructions

1. Disconnect the wires from the back of your old PC, including the power cable. This is done for reasons of both safety and practicality.

2. Lay your old PC tower on a firm, flat surface next to the replacement PC. Open both of the towers for easier access during the transfer process.

3. Remove each component, one at a time, from the old tower. The expansion cards (the cards that slide into the slots on the rear of the board) will slide easily out of their slots, while the RAM will require only a little effort to remove by unlatching the protective holds that keep the RAM sticks in place. The hard drives, power source and disk drives may require a screwdriver to remove.

4. Unscrew the screws holding the motherboard inside the old tower, placing each screw to the side so that you can use them to reinstall the motherboard in the new tower. Once each screw is removed, lift and remove the motherboard from the old tower.

5. Insert your motherboard into the new tower before attempting to install anything else. Align the board so that the screw holes line up with the holes inside the new tower. Once the board is aligned properly, secure it in place with the screws that previously held the board in the old tower.

6. Slide all compatible components into their respective places in the new tower. Much like how they were slid out of the old tower, you will slide them into the new tower. Use screws if necessary to secure the hard drive, power source and disk drives.

7. Connect your monitor, speakers and other peripherals to your new tower. Power on your PC and the transfer is complete.

Tags: disk drives, each screw, expansion cards, from tower, inside tower, into tower, power source

Troubleshoot An Agp Graphics Card

An Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) graphics card is used to boost the performance of video computer graphics. AGP cards are popular among computer gamers as well as professional video graphic designers. It is not difficult to troubleshoot an AGP graphics card to pinpoint any problems you may be experiencing.

Instructions

1. Restart your computer. Click the Start menu, located in the lower left-hand corner of the screen, and select Run.

2. Type "dxdiag" (without the quotation marks). This launches the graphics card diagnosis utility. It will list the type of AGP graphics card you have installed in your computer as well as the driver software version.

3. Visit the website for the manufacturer of the graphics card as noted in the diagnosis utility (e.g. Nvidia or ATI). Download any updates to the AGP graphics card's software drivers. Such updates typically resolve any bugs or errors that are being commonly experienced by consumers. Do not install the downloaded drivers yet.

4. Download a driver-cleaning software such as Driver Cleaner (see Resources). Double-click the installation file to install the cleaning utility, but do not run the actual program yet. These utilities scan your graphics card drivers to ensure that they are correctly installed and running properly.

5. Click the Start menu and open the Control Panel. Double-click "Add/Remove Software" and uninstall the current drivers for your graphics card. Restart your computer after uninstalling the old drivers.

6. Restart your computer and hold down the F8 key on your keyboard while restarting. This launches the Windows operating system in Windows Safe Mode.

7. Launch the driver-cleaning utility you downloaded and installed in step 4. Follow the on-screen prompts to scan and clean out any remnants of the old driver. Restart Windows in regular mode upon completion.

8. Double-click the new driver installation package downloaded in step 3. The drivers will automatically be installed. Restart your computer again.

9. Right-click on your desktop and select "Properties." Check your screen's resolutions. Boost the resolution to the highest quality setting that is available. Close the settings window.

10. Launch a graphics-heavy computer game or your favorite video editing software to test that the AGP graphics card is working properly.

Tags: graphics card, your computer, Restart your, Restart your computer, Click Start

Tell The Difference Between Graphic Cards Models Pci & Agp

The Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) cards use different standards, and you must be able to identify the type of card you have before inserting it into a computer. Inserting the wrong type in the wrong motherboard slot can damage the card or the motherboard. Each interface card has some noticeable differences to help you identify the right type for your computer.

Instructions

1. Look at the connectors on the bottom of the video card. Thirty-two-bit PCI cards have two sections, one large and one small. Most PCI slots on a motherboard are white, but they are occasionally labeled with other colors such as blue.

2. Identify the AGP bus slot configuration if the card does not match the PCI description. AGP slots are divided into three sections. The slots on the motherboard are typically labeled in brown.

3. View images of the two bus slot types. All slots on video cards look the same, so the manufacturer's connector configuration looks the same. Compare the images of bus slots in the Resources section with your own video card to identify its configuration.

Tags: slots motherboard, video card

Logic Board Vs Motherboard

A motherboard or logic board connects your computer's components.

Do-it-yourself PC builders are familiar with a computer's motherboard as the primary component to which they connect virtually every other internal component. Apple Computer refers to the primary component of its computers as a logic board. These two terms are virtually interchangeable now, but there are subtle differences that are more pronounced in older models.

Motherboard

A computer's motherboard connects all of its components, including its CPU, RAM, level 2 cache, graphics card and all peripherals. A motherboard normally features sockets for adding or removing components, enabling the user to upgrade without purchasing a new computer. The motherboard also uses a small battery to power its configuration memory and internal clock so that you don't have to reset the time and reconfigure settings every time it's unplugged.

Logic Board

In the 1980s and 90s, Macs used a proprietary board similar to a PC motherboard but customized for use with its Motorola processors and proprietary peripheral connections like the Apple Desktop Bus. Some Mac logic boards included a button enabling you to reset the computer's Power Management Unit. Since 2006 Mac computers have used Intel processors and standard components interchangeable with those in PCs running Windows, so a modern Mac logic board bears little functional difference from a PC motherboard. In fact, some do-it-yourself builders have used PC motherboards to create computers that will run Mac OS X.

Components

The primary differences between Mac logic boards and PC motherboards involve the components that connect to each type of board. For example, older Macs using Motorola processors would not accept an Intel processor. Modern Macs use standard technologies that are interchangeable with the equivalent PC components. Components like graphics cards may require firmware for compatibility with a specific operating system, so although a card may physically connect with both Mac and PC boards, it may not function correctly on both types of computer.

Availability

PC Motherboards are readily available as individual components from many online and physical stores, and you can often upgrade an older computer by installing a new motherboard at a low cost. Only Apple manufactures Mac logic boards, which tend to be more expensive than PC motherboards. Most Mac logic boards are customized in size and shape for a specific Mac model.

Tags: logic boards, computer motherboard, have used, interchangeable with, Motorola processors

What Differences In P3 & P4 Processors

The Pentium three and Pentium four processor families are two separate generations of Intel processors. The Pentium three line was released in February 1999, and the Pentium 4 family of processors was introduced in November 2000. These product families support a variety of processors, including mobile and desktop versions. Pentium 4 models provide significantly better performance and more features than their obsolete P3 predecessors.

P3 Mobile

The Pentium three family includes eight separate models, including a variety of desktop and mobile processors. The mobile processors available from the P3 family include the Pentium III Mobile, and the Mobile Pentium III and III-M processors. The Pentium III Mobile processors consist of a separate module that integrates the processor, host bridge controller and voltage regulator on a single board. These processors were available in eight models, rated between 450 and 850 megahertz. Intel's Mobile Pentium III processors are a discrete processor soldered to a Socket 495 compatible motherboard. These processors are rated at speeds up to one gigahertz with 256 kilobyte L2 data caches. The M version processors have larger L2 caches -- up to 512 KB -- with speeds up to 1.33 GHz.

P4 Mobile

The Mobile Pentium processors include the 4 and 4-M models. These processors feature significantly faster front side bus speeds and larger L2 caches than the previous generations of Mobile P3 processors. The fastest mobile P4 M processors have a 400 MHz front side bus, compared to the 100 MHz bus used on most P3 models. This model also has much faster clock speeds of up to 2.6 GHz. The second generation Mobile Pentium 4 processors feature 533 MHz front side bus speeds, L2 caches of up to 1 MB, and core clock speeds between 2.3 and 3.46 GHz.

P3 Desktop

The Pentium three family includes five models of desktop processors. These families include the Coppermine, Katmai, Xeon and Tualatin processors. The Katmai processors are the earliest desktop model of P3. They feature a 133 MHz front side bus and a core clock speed between 450 and 600 MHz. The following generation of P3 desktops is the Coppermine series. These processors are available in speeds from 500 to 1133 MHz, with an integrated L2 cache up to 256 KB. Some early Coppermine processors used the slot 1 cartridge socket, however, most utilize the 370 pin PGA socket. This socket is also used by the more powerful Tulatin models. These processors support speeds up to 1,400 MHz, with an L2 cache up to 512 KB with support for single or dual-processor systems.

P3 Server

The Xeon line of processors is intended for use in server systems. The Xeon models include some of the most powerful models of P3 processors. These processors include several revisions similar to the Coppermine and Katmai processors. Later editions supported more clock speeds up to 1 GHz, a two megabyte L2 cache and support for four processor systems. The Xeon processors use a cartridge style processor socket, known as slot 2.

P4 Desktop

The Pentium 4 desktop processors include five different models, known as Willamette, Northwood, Prescott, Cedar Mill and Extreme Edition. These processors range in capability from the 1 GHz Willamette models to the 3 GHz Extreme Edition processors. The earlier models of P4 include features similar to the more powerful P3 processors. However, later editions to the P4 family completely supplanted the outdated P3 desktop processors. P4 processors completely abandon the cartridge system used on early P3 processors -- in favor of the Socket 423, 478 and 775 Micro PGA and Land Grid Array processor sockets. The most powerful P4 desktop models also include support for 64-bit processing and hyper-threading, providing them with superior bandwidth and multi-tasking power compared to P3 processors.

Tags: These processors, Mobile Pentium, front side, Pentium three, clock speeds, desktop processors