Identify Ddr Ram Chips

A computer's random access memory (RAM) is computing memory that is utilized on demand to store small amounts of data spontaneously in order to run ongoing system processes and applications. The more RAM a computer has, the faster a computer will be able to open new programs, and multitask with many programs open at once. As such, it can be useful to know how many RAM chips a computer has installed, their capacity and how fast the chips run.

Instructions

1. Locate the original purchase info and manual for the computer. If you are attempting to identify RAM modules in a computer you purchased yourself, attempt to located the user manual and other specification material that should have come with your computer. This material should contain information on how much RAM your computer has, and what type of RAM is installed.

2. Run "dxdiag.exe." If you don't find the information you need following step one, there's a quick way to determine how much memory your computer has. Go to the Start menu, and click "Run." In the command prompt, type "dxdiag" and the press "OK." This command will produce a list of vital information about your computer including how much RAM it is using.

3. Use a freeware diagnostic tool to gather detailed information on RAM. There are several useful programs and sites that can find data on your memory sticks and display it for you. For instance Crucial, a popular memory manufacturer, has a free download for a memory scanning program. CPU-Z is another freeware program, which requires no installation, and gives very detailed information about a computer's processor, graphics card and memory. CPU-Z will tell you the manufacturer of the RAM, how many modules are installed, the size of each module, the maximum bandwidth of the memory, and even part and serial numbers.

4. Open up your case and take out RAM sticks. If all else fails, it is possible to identify RAM by opening up your computer case and looking at information printed on the RAM itself. As soon as you open your computer case, you will be able to see how many RAM modules are installed. (They are chips aligned in parallel slots, usually next to a large CPU fan and heat sink attached to your motherboard.) To eject the ram, press down firmly on the two clips at either end of the RAM bay. The RAM stick should have some identifying information printed on it, like a part number and the name of the manufacturer.

Tags: your computer, computer case, detailed information, information about, information printed

The Parts Needed To Build A Laptop

It is possible to build your own laptop.

In general, laptops are not meant to offer upgradeable parts like desktop computers. But, as of 2010, laptop vendors are slowly making laptop parts easier to upgrade. It is now possible to almost completely build a laptop from scratch. You will, however, have severely limited options when choosing certain aspects of the unit, such as the casing.

Shell

As of 2010, you cannot choose your own LCD screen or motherboard for your laptop shell. Laptop shells that allow you some degree of customization are called bare-bones laptops. You will almost always have to stick with a motherboard that contains an integrated graphics card, which is also not upgradeable. A bare-bones laptop also comes with speakers, ports and keyboard/touch pad.

Operating System

Building your own laptop gives you the freedom to install whatever operating system you choose. Also, because you must choose your own hard drive, you wont have an operating system preloaded for you.

CPU

One of the major benefits of a custom-built CPU is the ability to choose, and often upgrade, your processor. Purchase a processor compatible with your motherboard. You will also need a a small screwdriver to secure the CPU and use thermal paste to reduce overheating the processor.

Other Components

Other than the CPU, bare-bones laptops also let you choose your hard drive, the amount of RAM and your wireless card. How you install the hard drive depends on the model of the shell and the type of drive. Get the correct type of RAM for your motherboard.

Drivers

You will likely have to install drivers for many of your components, such as the speakers. The bare-bones laptop should include these drivers on a CD included with the unit.

Tags: choose your, hard drive, your laptop, bare-bones laptop, bare-bones laptops, choose your hard

Is The Ati Radeon Hd 4670 Compatible With The Asus M2ne

The ATI Radeon HD 4670, a graphics processing unit (or video/graphics card) that semiconductor company Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) released in 2008, is compatible with the ASUS M2N-E, a motherboard from Taiwanese computer product manufacturer ASUS ASUSTeK Computer Inc. This is due to one of the expansion ports it possesses; such ports are used for cards such as GPUs, wireless network cards and sound cards. Both the GPU and the motherboard are meant for application on desktop PCs.

Interface

The ASUS M2N-E has six Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI Express or PCIe) ports and one PCI port, the latter of which is the older and less advanced version. The largest of the PCIe slots has 16 lanes. The M2N-E also has one PCI Express x4 slot and two PCI Express x1 slots. It is the x16 slot in which users can slot in the ATI Radeon HD 4670. Fitted onto the motherboard, the GPU can conduct a data transfer rate of 8GB per second.

Memory

The ATI Radeon HD 4670 is a discrete card, which means that it has its own memory to use for the desktop PC's video and graphics capabilities. This type of memory is called Graphics Double Data Rate (GDDR). The GPU's built-in memory means that it does not need to share the computer's system memory, which is called Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDR SDRAM). The RAM is installed on some or all of the ASUS M2N-E's four 240-pin dual inline memory module slots. The Radeon HD 4670 comes with a GDDR configuration of 256MB, 512MB or 1GB, while the maximum capacity of the motherboard's DIMM slots is 8GB.

Main GPU Specs

Besides the built-in memory, the ATI Radeon HD 4670 has a core clock of 750MHz and a memory clock of 1,000MHz; these are the rates of the card's processor and memory, respectively. The 4670's memory bandwidth, which is the rate at which its stores and retrieves data, is 32GB per second. The card's pixel fill rate, which stands for the rate at which it renders pixels to computer display screen, is 6,000 megapixels per second. Each GPU can support up to 2,560 by 1,600 pixels in display quality using its DisplayPort or Digital Visual Interface.

Main Motherboard Specs

The ASUS M2N-E uses the Advanced Technology eXtended form factor, measuring 12 by 9.6 inches, or 30.5 by 24.5 centimeters. Besides the PCIe and DIMM slots, the motherboard houses the main components of a desktop PC. This includes a central processing unit socket for supporting processors from Advanced Micro Devices; an 8-channel high-definition sound driver from Analog Devices, Inc.; an Nvidia nForce 570 Ultra chipset that provides wired networking with up to a gigabit per second in data transfer speed; and inputs/outputs such as four USB 2.0 ports and PS/2 connectors for the computer keyboard and mouse.

Tags: Radeon 4670, ASUS M2N-E, rate which, Advanced Micro, Advanced Micro Devices, built-in memory

Recommended Motherboards For The Intel Q6600

The Intel Q6600 was a popular processor for a long stretch of time; there are several good motherboards it's compatible with.

The Intel Q6600 is a Core 2 quad core processor released in early 2007, and it is compatible with the Intel P35 (standard) and X38 (extreme) chipsets, as well as several chipsets from NVIDIA. Each of these chip sets can be thought of as the 'bare bones' of a motherboard, manufacturers then add components like additional PCIe slots and SATA controllers. The Q6600 was a high-performance popular chip, but became standard, as Intel released newer and more capable CPUs.

MSI P6N Platinum

The MSI p6N platinum uses the Socket 775 compatible NVIDIA 650i chipset; NVIDIA's chipset makes some changes from both the Intel P35 and X38 chipsets, in the name of greater performance on synthetic benchmarks. The MSI P6N has two Parallel IDE controllers for old hard drives, and four SATA drive ports for modern hard drives. It has a FireWire port, and an eSATA port for connecting to higher performance external hard drives. It can handle four DIMM slots, each with a maximum of 4 GB of DDR2 RAM, and has two PCI-e slots for graphics, a mini PCI-e slot and three straight PCI slots for older component cards.

Asus Maximus Formula SE X38

Asus built its SE X38 motherboard as a high-end overclocking board for this processor; it has support for DDR2 RAM and is a Socket 775 motherboard working from the Intel X38 chipset. It has several features geared towards the enthusiast market, including "stoplight" color-coded LEDs for showing the voltage going to specific components, and an extensive array of heat sinks going over specific components. It has four DIMM sockets and can take up to 16 GB total; the sockets are color coded for the order you put the DIMMs in for Dual Channel insertion. The motherboard has eight USB ports, one eSATA port and dual PCI-e 16 ports for dual video card usage. It lacks legacy IDE controllers and has six SATA ports for connecting hard drives.

Gigabyte P35-DS3R

Unlike the other boards shown here, the Gigabyte model is geared more towards system stability rather than grabbing maximum performance out of the CPU. While it has four DIMM sockets able to do Dual Channel DDR2 RAM, the maximum ram each slot can take is 2 GB, rather than 4. It has eight SATA2 connectors (offering a performance boost over SATA1), while retaining a lone IDE connector for old hard drives. It has three PCI slots for legacy cards, three PCI-e slots for more modern expansion cards, and a lone PCI-e-S slot for a graphics card.

Tags: hard drives, four DIMM, Intel Q6600, compatible with, compatible with Intel, DIMM sockets, Dual Channel

Purpose Of The Cmos Battery

The CMOS battery looks like a watch battery on your computer's motherboard.

A computer's motherboard is made up of many essential components including the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) battery. Without this battery, a computer cannot properly function or even boot at all. While a CMOS battery is designed to last up to 10 years, it is possible for it to weaken and suffer failure, which will become evident in the computer's performance.

History

In 1982, the CMOS 65C02 processor was first introduced by Western Design Center, Inc. Computers using the Intel 80286 processor and beyond began to require a small CMOS battery on the motherboard to help provide power to the CMOS chip at all times, even when the computer was not turned on. All modern computer motherboards still require a CMOS battery.

About

The CMOS battery most often resembles a large watch battery. It is usually a silver coin cell lithium battery, often similar in size to a nickel. This battery is installed into a circular slot on the computer's motherboard and provides power to the CMOS semiconductor chip that stores important system-settings information.

Functions

The function of the CMOS battery is to provide continuous power to the CMOS chip on the computer's motherboard. The CMOS chip stores essential system information and settings such as date and time, hard disk type, boot drive order, floppy drive type and BIOS settings. The CMOS chip requires the power source of the battery to sustain and preserve these settings.

Signs of Failure

A CMOS battery can begin to weaken and fail over time, depending on the environment the computer is exposed to. Some symptoms of a weakening battery are consistent changes in system date and time, system component drivers requiring re-installation every time the computer is booted or a computer that shuts itself down consistently without a reason. The BIOS may provide low-battery warnings on the start-up screen. The computer may also report error messages such as "CMOS Checksum Error," "CMOS Read Error" or "CMOS Battery Failure."

Replacement

If your computer is reporting CMOS errors, first attempt to recharge the CMOS battery by leaving your computer running for a full 24 hours. Often, this will clear up a CMOS battery issue. But if recharging does not fix the issue, you may need to replace the CMOS battery. You will have to open your computer, find the battery on the motherboard and record the information etched on the battery to find a matched replacement for it. You can easily replace the coin cell battery by gently pulling the old battery out of its container with your fingers and inserting a new one in its place.

Tags: CMOS battery, CMOS chip, computer motherboard, your computer, CMOS battery

Reset An Asus Motherboard

An ASUS motherboard can sometimes malfunction due to malicious or accidental user action, a build-up of static electricity, or errant electrical discharges. These can prevent the computer from accessing the Basic Input/Output Systems (BIOS) and starting up successfully. Here's reset a motherboard from ASUS Computer International, and clear the BIOS to restore the computer's functionality.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" menu on the left-hand side of the screen, and shut down the PC. Unplug the power supply at the back of the computer tower to prevent an accidental discharge electricity.

2. Open the computer casing. You may need a screwdriver, depending on the computer model. Find the motherboard. It will be mounted to the side of the computer casing with screws.

3. Locate the motherboard's two jumpers. Important: Note which jumper touches which pin slot.

4. Move the jumpers. For example, if the first jumper lies over the first and second pin slots on the motherboard, move it so it lies across the second and third pin slots. Wait 20 to 30 seconds to the electrical current sufficient time to dissipate.

5. Place the jumpers back to their previous positions as noted in Step 3. Close the casing, and plug the computer back into its power source.

6. Hold down the DEL and F10 keys on on the keyboard while the computer is powering up. This launches the Windows BIO/CMOS setup screen.

7. Follow the on-screen prompts to restore the motherboard's BIOS/CMOS settings and restart the computer.

Tags: computer casing

My Bios Won'T Post Past The Memory Test

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POST" is short for "power-on self-test," a diagnostic test that a computer system performs every time it powers up. It checks the system hardware devices such as processors, interrupts, video and memory. A POST failure typically means that there is something wrong with one of the PC's hardware components. With memory, there are two types of failures: soft and hard. While soft memory errors are solved by restarting the system, hard memory errors usually mean that there is something wrong with one of the memory modules itself. The only way to solve this problem is to check each memory module until you find the one that's the problem.

Instructions

1. Power down the computer.

2. Unplug the power supply to prevent any power surges and to prevent the PC from starting accidentally.

3. Open up the computer case. Remove the screws on the back of the computer to remove the side panel.

4. Locate the memory slots. Typically, the memory slots are located center-right of the computer.

5. Remove one of the memory modules. Unclip the memory module closet to the left by placing your thumbs on both ends and pressing the snaps down until the memory module pops up. Carefully, take out the module and place it in an antistatic bag. Close the computer case and restart the computer.

6. Allow BIOS to run and check the POST. If the POST initialization process runs successfully, then the problem was the memory module that was recently removed. If the problem continues, then remove another memory module until you discover which one or more is a bad.

7. Replace the bad memory module with a good one and restart your computer.

Tags: memory module, computer case, memory errors, memory module until, memory modules, memory slots, module until

Intel Xeon 5110 Specs

The Intel Xeon represented a family of central processing units from semiconductor manufacturer Intel Corp. designed for the non-personal computer market, particularly for people and businesses who use servers and workstations. Since its debut in 1998, Intel produced more than 200 chips under the brand, as of March 2011. One of such entries is the Intel Xeon 5110, which was released during the debut of the 5100-series of Xeon chips in 2006.

Cores

Intel manufactures the Xeon 5110 as a dual-core CPU. This means that it has two processing units. The dual-core feature makes it a better processing performer than single-core Xeon CPU, which only has one processing unit. However, there are members of the Xeon family that have four, six or eight cores. Thus, the Xeon 5110 is far from the most powerful chip of the brand.

Manufacture

The Xeon 5110 was part of a collection of Xeon dual-core chips labeled the 5100 series and codenamed Woodcrest. Intel manufactured these CPUs using the 65 nanometer node of semiconductor fabrication. Under this process, each chip received a 143-square millimeter die with 291 million transistors, which contained the two cores.

As of March 2011, the Xeon 5110, like other "Woodcrest" entries, has received two steppings. These are stages that the manufacturer uses to distinguish revised, improved chips from their original versions. For the Xeon 5110, its 2006 debut is dubbed B2, while the 2007 version is labeled G0.

Speeds

Every CPU has a clock speed and front-side bus speed. The former refers to the rate at which the chip processes, while the latter refers to the speed at which the chip conducts its data transfer. For the Intel Xeon 5110, the clock speed is 1.6 gigahertz (or 1,600 megahertz) and the FSB speed is 1.06 GHz (or 1,066 MHz). These numbers place it at the bottom of the Xeon 5100 series, but roughly in the middle of the family as a whole.

Power

Each processor has a thermal design power or point, which refers to the amount of power it can consume. At 65 watts, the Intel Xeon 5110 is surpassed only by the Xeon 5160, which has a TDP of 80 watts. Although the Xeon 5110 is far from the best power-conserving chip in the Xeon 5100 series, it fares favorably in a computer chip family that has a TDP range of 20 to 150 W. Also, the B2 versions of the 5110 chip have a voltage range of 1 to 1.5, while the newer G0 chips have a lower range of 0.85 to 1.5 volts.

Tags: Xeon 5110, Intel Xeon, Intel Xeon 5110, 5100 series, 5110 from

What Is An Inspiron Mini 9

The Dell Inspiron Mini series is a series of netbooks -- laptops that are smaller, less expensive and more power-efficient than other laptop models. Not as powerful as other laptops, they often run stripped-down versions of common operating systems such as Windows XP or Linux. The Dell Mini 9 was one of Dell's early netbook version, but it was discontinued in favor of its more recent model, the Mini 10.

About Netbooks

As smaller, cheaper laptop versions, netbooks such as the Dell Mini 9 are not as powerful as other laptops. They have fairly small screens, 9-10 inches wide and weigh 2 to 3 lbs. To save on battery power, the early netbook generation used small, solid state storage drives instead of hard disk drives. These solid state drives were more expensive per gigabyte, so to keep costs down, the default drive size was very small, 10 gigabytes or less.

Features

The Dell Mini 9 has a 1.6 gigahertz Intel Atom processor and 1 gigabyte of memory, though it can be upgraded to hold 4 GB of memory. Like most graphics cards, the graphics card is integrated into the motherboard, giving reliable but not gaming-quality graphics. Its screen resolution is 1024-by-600. The Mini 9's keyboard has a non-standard layout, with the apostrophe key located on the bottom row. It also has a built-in wireless card. For inputs, it has one Ethernet jack, three USB ports and an SD card slot.

Battery Life

The Dell Mini 9 has a 4 cell, 14.8V Lithium ion battery. Thanks in part to the solid state drive, the Dell Mini 9 achieves about 3 1/2 hours of battery life. At the time of release, this was impressive for a netbook, but subsequent netbook models have double the battery life thanks to stronger batteries. For example, the Inspiron Mini 1012 boasts an 8.5-hour battery life on a 6-cell battery.

Customization Options

When the Dell Mini 9 was first released, customers could choose between a Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux operating system. The default hard drive hold only 8 GB, but you could upgrade it to 16 gigabytes for $40. It also had optional Bluetooth and webcam functionalities.

Tags: Dell Mini, Inspiron Mini, solid state, battery life, early netbook, other laptops

What Motherboard Do I Have In My Compaq Evo N610c

Released in 2003, the Compaq Evo N610c was a business-oriented laptop PC from the low-end Compaq subsidiary of American technology company Hewlett-Packard. Holding its main components is the motherboard, also known as the main circuit board of the computer. The Evo N610c motherboard goes by the model number HP 291581-001 or HP 304502-001.

Processor

The Compaq Evo N610c motherboard has a plastic central processing unit (CPU) socket called Socket 478, also known as Socket N. Semiconductor company Intel Corp. introduced it in 2000 for its then-premier Pentium and low-end Celeron chips. This socket supports one of eight Pentium processor choices, with a speed range of 1.6 gigahertz (GHz) to 2.4GHz and a data transfer speed of 400 megahertz (MHz).

Memory

The Compaq Evo N610c motherboard has two dual inline memory module (DIMM) slots to accommodate the computer's system memory, which uses the Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDR SDRAM) standard. The DIMM slots are able to hold up to 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM and the access speed is set at 266MHz.

Expansion Ports

The Compaq Evo N610c motherboard has two peripheral component interface (PCI) card slots, designed for installing components such as network or modem cards. A modem card, however, already exists in the motherboard's Mini PCI slot. Also available is an Accelerated Graphics Port, which accommodates the laptop's ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 graphics controller. Responsible for the N610c's video and graphics capabilities, the Mobility Radeon 7500 shares up to 32 megabytes (MB) of the system memory.

Inputs/Outputs

The Compaq Evo N610c motherboard offers a collection of inputs and outputs. This includes two USB ports; RJ-11 and RJ-45 jacks for the modem and Ethernet connections, respectively; an S-Video output port; a PS/2 connector for an external keyboard or mouse; a 9-pin serial connector for a printer; one Video Graphics Array (VGA) port for an external display; and 3.5-millimeter microphone and headphone jacks.

Tags: Compaq N610c, N610c motherboard, Compaq N610c motherboard, also known, DIMM slots, Mobility Radeon, Mobility Radeon 7500

What Is The Best Graphics Card For My Pc

The graphic card hosts the processor in charge of all of the calculations necessary to display an image on your screen. Depending on what you are doing on your PC, one video card might be better suited to your needs than another.

Power and Economy

Video cards integrated into the motherboard are the most power-efficient.

Video Games

Graphics cards evolve very quickly. Integrated video card from AMD and Nvidia will be enough to play casually, but to play the latest video games you might want the additional power a dedicated video card provides.

3D Workstation

Specialized 3D software like Maya or 3D Studio require a specific video card and drivers to make use of the video card processor.

Movies

While any video card that connects to your TV will effectively turn your PC into a home theater PC, a good dedicated video card will provide a better picture and also can provide uncompressed sound for your high-definition equipment.

Office Use

Any video card will work for most home-office use. Only if you want more than two displays will you have to get a higher-end card or add a second video card to your PC.

Tags: video card, card will, dedicated video, dedicated video card, video card will

Msi Kt3v Specifications

The KT3v can accept up to three DIMMs of DDR memory.

The MSI KT3V is an ATX form factor motherboard that is designed to work with AMD chips. It offers a great deal of flexibility for users, thanks to the inclusion of a large number of slots and headers. It also serves as a bridge between the past and the present thorough its support for both USB ports and legacy connections such as serial and parallel ports.

CPU and RAM Compatibility

The KT3v has an AMD socket A, which fits a number of Athlon, Athlon XP and Duron processors. Specifically, it works with processors with internal clocks up to 800 megahertz and with double-speed front side buses of 200, 266 or 300 megahertz. It has three DDR DRAM sockets, each of which can accept up to 1 GB of memory.

Drive Connectors

Two connectors are included with the motherboard, each of which can support two IDE hard drives or CD/DVD drives using the ATA 133 transfer format. It also has a connector that supports one or two floppy disk drives.

Expansion Slots

This motherboard has eight slots in addition to its memory connections. Six of the slots follow the PCI format and have 32 bits of bandwidth. It also has a communications network riser, and a single 4x AGP slot for an accelerated graphics card.

On Board Features

The KT333 and VT8235 chipsets on the motherboard include DDR and AGP memory management, an IDE controller, AC 97 audio support and control over the included six USB ports. In addition, the board includes a RealTek ALC650 six-channel controller and VT6103 LAN controller to enable 10- and 100-megabit per second Ethernet networking. The KT3V does not include an on board graphics or RAID controller.

Back Panel Ports

The KT3V includes five legacy ports: two serial, one parallel and a pair of PS/2 connectors for a mouse and keyboard. It also has four USB 2.0 ports on the back panel, as well as a header for two front panel USB ports. Although the back panel has three audio ports (microphone, line in and line out), a header can add more ports for six-channel audio. Finally, the motherboard's back panel includes an RJ-45 Ethernet port.

Tags: back panel, each which, serial parallel

Update Bios When Windows Won'T Boot

You can update the BIOS in a computer that will not boot by using a bootable USB drive.

Updating your computer's BIOS is usually a relatively easy task. However, using normal BIOS upgrade programs may be impossible to run if your Windows operating system will not boot up. You can get around this by making a bootable USB drive. By putting the BIOS update software onto the drive, you will be able to boot your computer from the USB drive and run the programs from there. You will need to create the bootable USB on a working Windows computer.

Instructions

1. Open the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool. Select your USB drive from the list of available drives. Select the FAT32 file system and click the "Start" button.

2. Click "Start" from the desktop and select "All Programs." Choose "Accessories" and select "Run." Type "%systemroot%" into the resulting box and press the "Enter" key. A new window will appear.

3. Click on "Tools" and select "Folder Options." Click the "View" tab and select the "Show Hidden Files and Folders" option. Click the "OK" button.

4. Select the files "boot.ini," "ntldr" and "ntdetect." Right-click these files and select "Send to." Click on the USB drive on the list of drives. Windows will copy the files onto the USB drive.

5. Download and install PEBuilder. The PEBuilder program has the ability to put a bootable copy of Windows XP on the USB drive.

6. Insert the Windows XP Install CD into the appropriate drive. Click the "Browse" button next to the "Source" field. Select the Windows XP install files from the CD.

7. Change the "Output" field to "BartPE." Click "Build" and the software will build a bootable Windows XP disk.

8. Click "Start" and select "All Programs." Choose "Accessories" and click "Run." Type "cmd.exe" in the box and press "Enter."

9. Insert the USB drive into the appropriate port. Type "cd\" and navigate to your root directory. Type "cd pebuilder#\plugin\peinst", replacing "#" with the version number of your PEBuilder installation.

10. Type "peinst" and press "Enter." A new window will open. Select option "1" in the menu to access the "Change source path" option. Type "c:\pebuilder#\BartPE", again replacing "#" with your PEBuilder version.

11. Select option "2" and press "Enter." Type the letter assigned to your USB drive, followed by ":", then press "Enter." Select option "5" and press "Enter." When the computer has completed the process, Windows XP will be installed onto your USB drive.

12. Copy the BIOS update files from your desktop to the USB drive. Remove the USB drive, and insert it into the original computer.

13. Restart the computer. Enter the BIOS boot menu by pressing "F2" during the BIOS start-up. Select the option to boot from USB drive, and press "Enter." The computer will boot from the USB drive, allowing you to run the BIOS update program.

Tags: press Enter, Select option, BIOS update, from drive, will boot, your drive, boot from

Upgrade A Pentium D To A Core 2 Duo

Socket LGA 775 processor

Although top-of-the-line Pentium D's and Core 2 Duos share similar clock speeds, a Core 2 Duo combines smaller transistor sizes with larger cache memory and faster bus speeds while being compatible with many of the same motherboards as a Pentium D. This makes a Core 2 Duo an ideal upgrade from a Pentium D. In order to ensure the upgrade is a success, it is essential to find a Core 2 Duo that will work with your motherboard and to install it properly.

Instructions

1. Look in your computer's manual for your motherboard's model number and make a note of it. If you can't find this information, visit the first link in the resource section for a free program that will display your motherboard model number. Download the program, run it, click on "mainboard," and make a note of your motherboard model number.

2. Visit the second link in the resource section. Click the option that reads "Find processors that will work with my board," then enter your motherboard model number in the space provided. Purchase the Core 2 Duo processor of your choice from the search results.

3. Turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall. Take off its access panel. This usually entails removing the screws on the computer's side panel and lifting it off though some now simply slide off and have no screws.

4. Attach one end of a grounding strap to your wrist and the other to a piece of metal in your computer's interior.

5. Locate the heatsink for your processor. This is a large fan fixed to the motherboard. Unplug the heatsink cable from the board. Insert the tip of a flathead screwdriver into the slot on top of each of the heatsink's four legs. Turn each leg counterclockwise then pull each leg out of the motherboard. Remove the heatsink. This exposes the processor socket.

6. Press down slightly on the hooked lever beside the socket to release the lever, then pull the lever until it frees the socket door. Lift the door up and remove the processor.

7. Hold the processor by its sides so as to avoid touching its contacts, which, according to Intel, can damage the processor. Align the notch in the corner of your new Core 2 Duo processor with the bump in the CPU socket. Note that the corner of the processor with the notch also contains an arrow. Rest the processor in the socket.

8. Close the socket door and reset the lever to lock it in place. Place a dab of thermal paste on the processor. Intel states that you should spread the paste evenly over the processor.

9. Line up the new heatsink that came with your processor so that its legs fit into the holes in the motherboard. Press down on each of the legs to secure them in the holes. Plug the cable into the socket on the motherboard. Tie the cable off with a zip tie so that it won't touch the motherboard or get in the way of the fan.

Tags: your motherboard, model number, motherboard model, motherboard model number, your motherboard model, that will

List Of Socket 462 Motherboards

List of Socket 462 Motherboards

Socket 462, which is more commonly known as "Socket A", supports the AMD Duron, AMD Sempron, AMD Athlon XP/MP 3200+, AMD Thunderbird and the AMD Geode NX processors. Socket 462 motherboards are not widely used anymore because of their very slow speeds. They have been replaced with the 745, 939 and AM2 sockets. However, it is still possible to find a Socket 462 motherboard today.

MSI

The "MSI AMD Socket 462 200FSB KT133 Chipset ATX" has the AMD Socket 462. See the link in the resources.

DFI AD70-SC

The "DFI AD70-SC Socket 462/Socket A Motherboard" uses the AMD Socket 462 technology. For a picture, see the second link in the resources.

DFI AD77

The "DFI AD77 Socket A Motherboard" has Socket 462. See the link in the resources.

DFI AD72-SN

The "DFI AD72-SN Socket A Motherboard" has the Socket 462 capability. For a picture, see the link in the references.

ECS

The "ECS 741GX-M Socket A Motherboard" has the Socket 462 technology. See the motherboard through the link in the references.

Tags: link resources, Motherboard Socket, Socket Motherboard, Socket Motherboard Socket, link references, List Socket

Intel Core 2 Quad Socket Types

Intel Core 2 Quad processors are designed to fit two socket types.

Intel's Core 2 Quad lineup of processors includes 17 different CPUs, ranging from 2 to 3 gigahertz and containing 4 to 12 megabytes of cache. The processors feature 45- and 65-nanometer technology. Core 2 Quad processors and their associated sockets are available for both desktop and mobile platforms. Intel began selling processors for the former in 2007 and the latter in 2008.

LGA775

Most of the Intel Core 2 Quad processors fit the LGA775 socket type, which has 775 pins and is for desktop computers. The LGA775 socket reversed the location of the pins from previous CPUs, moving them into the socket rather than on the CPU itself. The socket supports Intel CPUs with speeds ranging from 1.8 gigahertz up to 3.8 gigahertz. Socket bus speed support ranges from 533 megahertz up to 1600 megahertz.

Socket P

The Intel Core 2 Quad processors for notebooks fit the Socket P (or PGA478) socket type. This socket has 478 pins and includes pins in the socket rather than on the processor. The socket is similar to Socket M and 478, both of which also have 478 pins, but Socket P processors are not compatible with Socket M and 478 processors. Intel CPUs compatible with Socket P are either 2 or 2.26 gigahertz and have either 6 or 12 megabytes of cache.

List of CPUs

These Intel CPUs fit the LGA 775 socket: Q9650, Q9550S, Q9550, Q9505S, Q9505, Q9500, Q9450, Q9400S, Q9400, Q9300, Q8400S, Q8400, Q8300, Q8200S, Q8200, Q6700 and Q6600.

These Intel CPUs fit Socket P: Q9100 and Q9000.

Tags: Core Quad, Intel Core, Intel Core Quad, Core Quad processors, Intel CPUs, Quad processors, compatible with

Treat Acne Cysts

Treat Acne Cysts

Acne cysts are soft, pus-filled and inflamed lesions that occur deep in the dermis. They are also referred to as acne nodules, and are notoriously difficult to treat with common acne medications such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Due to the fact that acne cysts occur deep inside the skin, they must be treated by a skincare professional in order to minimize scarring and prevent deeper infections.

Instructions

1. Get a glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peel. This is a chemical peel that must be done at a dermatologist's office. It causes skin to blister and peel off, removing the acne cysts and revealing healthy skin.

2. Take oral antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline (Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin) and erythromycin. These are powerful acne medications that work from within to rid your body of acne cysts by destroying the bacteria that causes these lesions. Keep in mind that these antibiotics are serious medications that must be prescribed by a dermatologist.

3. Try Accutane. This is a very powerful acne medication that also has serious side effects. It must not be taken by women who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant in the near future. It works by controlling the growth of P. acnes bacteria--the bacteria that causes pores to become infected and acne cysts to form.

4. Get a cortisone injection. This is an on-the-spot injection administered by a dermatologist that goes directly into the acne cyst to destroy bacteria and reduce inflammation. This is the ideal treatment if you only have one or two acne cysts and want to get rid of them in a relatively short amount of time.

Tags: acne cysts, acne medications, bacteria that, bacteria that causes, medications that

What Are The Geforce 6150 Specs

The GeForce 6150 is a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU) designed to be built directly into motherboards. It is the second cheapest option in the GeForce 6 series, just barely outperforming the GeForce 6100. Unlike dedicated full graphics cards, it does not have any on-board memory and instead must use part of the main system memory to store textures and other video information.

Clock Speed

The GPU operates at a clock speed of 475 megahertz. This is 50 megahertz greater than the GeForce 6100.

Max Resolution

The maximum resolution of the GeForce 6150 depends on the type of monitor connection used. With a more traditional RGB connection, then a maximum resolution of 1920x1440, with a 75-hertz refresh rate, is supported. On the other hand, with the new DVI-D displays, a maximum resolution of 1600x1200 is supported, at a refresh rate of 65 hertz. The card operates natively at 32-bit color.

Video Processor

The video processor includes a variety of features. Most importantly, it is the lowest level GPU in the GeForce 6 series that can play high-definition MPEG-2 and Windows Media Video (WMV) files without resorting to the main CPU. In addition, Nvidia's trademarked PureVideo technology allows video to be scaled and filtered by the GPU hardware. It also has a built-in HDTV encoder for hardware-accelerated video encoding at high-definition resolutions. The built-in de-interlacer smooths video playback from interlaced media forms like television and DVD.

HyperTransport

Using Nvidia's Hypertransport technology, motherboards with a built-in GeForce 6150 provide up to 8 gigabytes per second of bandwidth between the graphics unit and the processor. This improves the performance of 3-D graphics, as data can be moved swiftly onto and off the graphics chip to be processed.

IntelliSample

Gamers have access to Intellisample 3.0, Nvidia's antialiasing tool. Antialiasing improves video quality in 3-D applications and games by smoothing the jagged edges that naturally result from 3-D rendering.

OpenGL/DirectX Support

The GeForce 6150 supports and is optimized for version 9 of Microsoft's DirectX multimedia library with support for Shader Model 3.0. Similarly, support is included for version 1.5 of the open source OpenGL library.

Tags: GeForce 6150, maximum resolution, GeForce 6100, GeForce series, refresh rate

Intel D865perlk P4 Motherboard Battery Types

Motherboards require a battery to power the system clock and the CMOS memory.

A computer's motherboard has a battery, known as the Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) battery. This battery is responsible for powering the system clock and enabling the system's underlying hardware settings. Like any other battery, the CMOS battery can lose its charge or die. You must replace the battery with the same exact type of battery.

Motherboard

The D865PERL is a desktop system board made by Intel. This board supports Intel Pentium 4 and Celeron processors.

Battery Type

According to Intel, there is only one type of battery compatible with the D865PERL motherboard. A CR2032 Lithium coin cell (also called a button cell) battery is required to power the CMOS for this system board.

Materials

CR2032 batteries are typically made of Lithium Manganese Dioxide.

Battery Life

The typical battery life for a CR2032 is three years when the computer is not plugged into an electrical outlet. The standby current from the power supply prolongs the battery life. With 3.3 standby volts and a temperature of 25 degrees C, the CMOS clock is accurate to plus or minus 13 minutes per year.

Voltage

The voltage for this battery is 3 volts. If the voltage drops below the appropriate level, the BIOS Setup application saved in the CMOS memory may not be accurate. The electrical charge for this battery is 220 milliampere hours (mAh). The discharge current for the CR2032 battery is 0.2 milliampere hours.

Dimensions

The CR2032 battery weighs 3.2 g (0.11 oz.). The CR2032 measures 20 mm (0.79 inch) in diameter and 3.2 mm (0.13 inch) high.

Tags: battery life, battery milliampere, battery milliampere hours, CMOS battery, CMOS memory, CR2032 battery, milliampere hours

What Does The Northbridge Chip Do In A Mac

Like other computers, each Mac computer -- which could be a MacBook laptop, Mac mini small form factor desktop, iMac all-in-one computer or Mac Pro desktop tower -- has a chipset, which consists of two integrated circuits, or chips. One of such chips is called the northbridge.

Chipset

The chipset, which includes the northbridge, is integrated into the Mac's motherboard, which holds the computer's main components. This includes the processor, or central processing unit, which is fastened to a CPU socket; random access memory; Peripheral Component Interconnect Express expansion port; audio and video connectors; and USB ports. The chipset is responsible for connecting the CPU, which carries out the instructions of the Mac's computer program, with such aforementioned components.

Northbridge Function

The northbridge is the high-speed part of a Mac chipset, responsible for the faster capabilities of the motherboard. It connects the CPU to the RAM via the front-side bus for data transfer. The rate at which the processor performs this activity is referred to as FSB speed. The northbridge also connects the CPU to the PCI-E, which are designed for fitting expansion ports such as sound cards, graphics processing units and wireless network adapters.

Northbridge vs. Southbridge

The northbridge is contrasted with the other part of the Mac's chipset, the southbridge, which handles the slower capabilities of the motherboard. The southbridge connects the Mac's CPU to the other inputs/outputs of the motherboard, which include the audio, video and USB ports; Serial Advanced Technology Attachment hard drive connector; Ethernet port for wired networking; and serial and parallel ports.

Mac Chipsets

Each Mac comes with a processor from semiconductor company Intel Corp. and the CPU is paired with a chipset from the Intel Express brand. The type of chipset, however, varies according the type of Mac computer. For instance, the Intel Core i-series CPUs choices for the MacBook Pro laptop are compatible with Mobile Intel Express Chipset entries such as HM65, HM67 and QM67.

Tags: audio video, capabilities motherboard, chipset responsible, chipset which, Intel Express

Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor E5300 Specs

The processor is also known as the CPU or central processing unit.

The Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor E5300 is a central processing unit (CPU) launched toward the end of 2008. Special features of this processor include Intel Wide Dynamic execution, Intel Smart Memory Access, Intel Advanced Smart Cache, Intel Advanced Digital Media Boost, Execute Disable Bit, Intel Designed Thermal Solution for Boxed Processors and Intel Virtualization Technology.

Dual Core

The Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor E5300 has two processor cores. Therefore, it acts as two processors in one small package. Dual core technology allows the processor to work much faster. The two cores are capable of the same frequency and can handle data simultaneously.

Processor Interface

The Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor E5300 requires LGA775 socket type. The socket is where the processor actually connects into the motherboard. The processor is connected by pins or leads. The Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor E5300 connects with 775 pins.

Clock Speed

The clock speed of this processor is 2.6 GHz. The clock speed is a measure of how quickly the processor can read and write data.

FSB Speed

The front side bus (FSB) is the main connection between the CPU and the motherboard of the computer. The FSB speed or bandwidth of the Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor E5300 is 800 MHz.

Instruction Set

The Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor comes standard with the ability to process 64-bit software. This CPU is able to manage RAM amounts over 4 GB. This is beneficial for gamers and web servers.

Thermal Specification

The thermal specification for the Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor E5300 is 74.1 degrees Celsius (165.38 degrees Fahrenheit). This is the maximum case temperature of the unit. A fan comes with the processor to aid in cooling of the CPU.

Max TDP

The TDP or thermal design point is the greatest amount of power the cooling unit will need to disperse from the processor during normal usage conditions. The Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor has a Max TDP of 65 watts.

Architecture

The Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor E5300 uses 45 nanometer lithography or architecture. This measurement refers to the size of silicon integrated circuits in the underlying structure of the processor.

Cache

Cache memory is used for rapid retrieval of data and instructions that are used most frequently. This memory helps the processor work more quickly on processing new information. The cache size on the Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor E5300 is 2 MB.

Tags: Dual Core, Core Processor, Dual Core Processor, Intel Pentium, Intel Pentium Dual, Pentium Dual, Pentium Dual Core

Msi P7n Diamond Specifications

Th P7N Diamond is a ATX motherboard for Intel processors from MSI. The P7N Diamond features two video card expansions slots for increasing the system's graphics capabilities. The motherboard also includes a Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme H/W audio card. The motherboard's desktop management software and BIOS add more ways for you to customize, monitor and control the motherboard.

Processor

The P7N Diamond features a 775 CPU socket. It supports many Intel Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo, Pentium 4, Pentium 4 EE, Pentium D or Pentium XE processors that are designed for socket 775 motherboards. The board can handle front side bus speeds of 1,333, 1,066, 800 or 533 megahertz. The board also supports processors with Intel's Hyper-Threading technology.

RAM

The motherboard has four DDR2 RAM slots. Each slot accepts up to 2GB of RAM for a maximum total of 8GB. The motherboard uses 240-pain DIMM RAM that operates at 1.8 volts. It supports RAM at 533, 668, 800 or 1,066 MHz.

Expansion Slots

The P7N has several expansion slots for adding functionality to the motherboard. It has four PCIe x16 slots, two of which can be used for graphics card expansions. The motherboard can use ATI or NVIDIA graphics cards but it can only support two graphics cards together if they are both compatible SLI-ready NVIDIA graphics cards. The motherboard includes two PCIe x1 slots, but one of the slots is occupied by the audio card. There is also one 32-bit v2.3 Master PCI slot.

External Connections

The motherboard has two PS/2 ports for a mouse and a keyboard connection. Two eSATA ports provide high-speed external hard drive connections. Two Ethernet ports and one IEEE 1394 port allow for a variety of networking options. The motherboard has six rear USB 2.0 ports for connecting to external devices. The motherboard has a special button on the back panel that resets the system's CMOS settings. This restores the motherboard and its settings to their factory state without opening the case. The audio card has five audio ports for 7.1 surround sound, line-in and microphone-in. The card also has one optical SPDIF audio connection.

Internal Connections

Six internal SATA connectors allow for up to six internal hard drives or optical discs. A front panel audio connector and two front panel USB 2.0 connectors support cases with front panel input. A single floppy disk drive connector and a serial port connector support legacy devices. The motherboard can power and control up to four internal fans.

Features

MSI's Desktop Management Interface allows you to monitor and control your motherboard without entering BIOS settings. The interface records BIOS settings on the computer's hard drive. If the settings are reset, the interface can restore them. You can also modify settings through the interface to fix whatever issue may have caused you to reset the BIOS before restoring the settings.

Tags: audio card, front panel, graphics cards, Pentium Pentium, BIOS settings, card expansions, devices motherboard

What Device Connects The Cpu To A Computer System'S Other Hardware Devices

Motherboards tie all hardware devices together in a PC.

The motherboard is the device that connects the central processing unit, or CPU, to the rest of the system's devices. Its is also sometimes called a mainboard. Motherboards have been around longer than the home computer, but are an often overlooked part of the system. Matching the right motherboard to the right CPU and video card will give you the best PC performance.

Motherboard Components

Motherboards have many different components that are meant to interact with other system devices. There are ports to attach hard drives and USB devices. It also has connectors for the power supply, the RAM and the CPU. Motherboards may have a slot for a separate video card, or they may have a video card built into the board.

Function of the Motherboard

The motherboard acts as a highway and traffic cop that connects the computer's devices to the CPU. Every device that connects to a computer routes through the motherboard in some way. Some of its other functions include providing initial instructions to the CPU when the computer boots, and routing power to onboard components such as the CPU and RAM.

Types of Motherboards

Motherboards are classified by their form factor, their chipsets, and the type of CPU that they take. The form factor is determined by the size of the computer's case. The ATX form factor is currently the most popular for home PCs, but there are others such as microATX, miniATX. The chipset is dependent on the type of CPU the motherboard will be using. Both chipset and CPU types change frequently.

Motherboard Upgrade Considerations

A motherboard upgrade is not one to be taken lightly. While some PC cases allow quick access to the motherboard, most case configurations force the technician to remove many of the other components in the computer first. It's usually best to do a motherboard and CPU upgrade at the same time, considering your new CPU may not be compatible with your existing motherboard.

Tags: form factor, Motherboards have, that connects, video card, connects computer, device that, device that connects

What Are The Hp Msi Ms6577 Specs

What are the HP MSI Ms-6577 Specs

The MS-6577 motherboard, manufactured by MSI for HP computers, is an older model compatible with socket 478 processors. It fits inside both ATX and micro ATX cases and comes with MSI's Award BIOS.

Processor Compatibility

The MSI MS-6577 motherboard takes either Intel Pentium 4 or Celeron processors that use either the Williamette or Northwood cores. The socket is a 478-pin Land Grid Array (LGA) type, meaning that it takes processors with 478 pins on the back of them. Font-side bus speed on this board is 400 megahertz (MHz) or 533 MHz, depending upon the processor you install.

Graphics

This motherboard uses Intel's 845G Revision A1 chipset for its on-board graphics. The built-in monitor port is for Video Graphics Array (VGA) cables. There is a 4x speed Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) port available for installing an older AGP video card.

Memory Compatibility

MSI's MS-6577 takes up to 1 gigabyte (GB) of memory. This motherboard is compatible only with Double Data Rate (DDR) memory and will not take DDR2 or DDR3. There are two sockets on the motherboard for installing up to two memory sticks.

Ports

Two PS/2 ports are built-in for use with an older keyboard and mouse. Other built-in ports on this motherboard include four Universal Serial Bus (USB), one RJ-45 for connecting the computer to a Local Area Network (LAN) and three audio jacks. Also included are a parallel and a serial port for attaching legacy devices, such as an old printer.

Tags: Compatibility MS-6577, MS-6577 motherboard, This motherboard

What Does Bios Mean

The BIOS is stored on a separate physical chip on a motherboard.

Every computer, no matter its operating system or specifications, includes a Basic Input/Output System chip on the motherboard. The BIOS regulates the flow of data to and from all the components in the machine. The BIOS also controls the boot process and keeps track of basic computer settings. Though different brands and versions of BIOS exist, their function has changed little over the years.

Boot Fuctions

The BIOS controls a computer system through its boot process. When a user presses the power button, the BIOS begins a Power On Self Test to quickly verify all hardware works. After the POST, the BIOS directs the system to the location of the operating system. After the OS loads, the BIOS turns over hardware control to the operating system's drivers, but continues to support the input/output data streams from optical and hard drives.

Settings

A computer's BIOS stores basic settings, such as boot drive order, clock time, fan speeds and RAM timings on a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. The CMOS chip, installed separately on a motherboard, draws power from a backup battery in order to retain settings when powered off. Users modify these settings through a setup utility accessible only during the boot process, usually by pressing a certain key immediately after the POST.

Updates

On older motherboards, the BIOS was stored on a read-only memory chip, making it impossible to update without a hardware upgrade. New BIOS chips use either flash memory or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory -- EEPROM -- which users update through a process called "flashing." Though traditionally done with a specialized boot disk, some motherboards support updating within the operating system.

Future

The core structure of BIOS has changed very little over the years. BIOS still uses a 32-bit system while most modern operating systems run in 64-bits. This old technology imposes certain limitations on computers, such as the inability use a boot drive over 3 TB. To fix these problems, a group of major manufacturers created a new boot system, Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. UEFI does not replace BIOS in entirety, but works alongside existing protocols to support new technology. Though not in wide use as of 2011, many UEFI-compatible motherboards are already on the market.

Tags: operating system, boot process, BIOS stored, boot drive, chip motherboard, little over, little over years

The Best Way To Clean Toothbrushes

Upright storage prevents bacteria growth.

Although brushing your teeth is crucial to maintaining a clean and healthy smile, toothbrushes can be breeding grounds for bacteria. According to the American Dental Association, some of the microorganisms that live in the mouth can move to your toothbrush. Properly cleaning your toothbrush can destroy bacteria instead of constantly transferring it between your mouth and toothbrush. Does this Spark an idea?

Immediate Cleaning

Clean your toothbrush immediately after all brushing sessions. Keep your faucet running and rinse your toothbrush until all leftover toothpaste or food particles are completely removed. Do not rub the toothbrush bristles to clean them and never clean toothbrushes in the dishwasher or heat them in the microwave to destroy germs. The American Dental Association states that most toothbrushes cannot withstand that type of force. If the bristles become frayed or damaged, the toothbrush won't be able to effectively clean the plaque or debris from your teeth. After rinsing your toothbrush, place the bristles into a cap of antibacterial mouthwash and soak it for one minute. Rinse the brush again to remove any traces of the mouthwash.

Storage

Incorrectly storing your toothbrush can undo all the effort you put into cleaning it. Place your toothbrush upright to dry. Make sure it is not touching any other toothbrushes. If other people have not properly cleaned their toothbrushes, the microorganisms can easily move onto your toothbrush. Although it may seem like a smart choice to keep your toothbrush in a covered container to protect it from exposure to germs, the American Dental Association states that bacteria is actually more likely to grow in closed containers.

Use upright toothbrush holders with individual slots rather than a community cup where everyone's brushes lean against one another. Keeping your toothbrush upright will prevent any bacteria from the sink's surface from contaminating your brush, while the individual slot holders will maintain a safe distance from other toothbrushes. No matter how often you clean your brush though, it will still need to be replaced every three to four months.

Choosing Commercial Cleaners

For additional cleaning power, try a commercial toothbrush cleaner. The American Dental Association reports that although no clinical evidence has been reported for or against these cleaners, people can use these cleaners for extra bacteria protection; for instance, if someone in your household has a contagious condition. If you want to use one of these products to clean toothbrushes, examine the package carefully and make sure it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for safety. Only purchase toothbrush cleaning products that claim to reduce bacteria or sanitize brushes, meaning a small percentage of bacteria may still remain. Do not purchase one that claims to sterilize, or kill all germs completely. There are no cleaners on the market that have been found to truly sterilize toothbrush bacteria, so any product that claims to do so is falsely advertising. After you choose a cleaner, follow the manufacturer's directions, then dry and store it properly.

Tags: your toothbrush, American Dental, American Dental Association, Dental Association, your toothbrush upright, Association states

Issues With Soyo Topaz S

The Topaz S is an LCD television manufactured by the Soyo company--which was established in 1999. The Topaz S is also known by its model number, DYLM24D6. Users have experienced major problems with setup buttons, the monitor and the viewing aspect ratio of the monitor.

Setup Buttons

Dysfunction of setup buttons includes the brightness screen appearing on the screen, as if someone has pressed the button on the side of the monitor. You can resolve this issue by applying pressure on the setup button with the handle of a screw driver.

DVI Operation

A symptom of an Extended Display Identification Data problem is a Digital Visual Interface that operates as 1280 by 720. DVI provides better picture quality than VGA. However, for some users, the DVI will operate at 1280 by 720, while VGA operates as 1600 by 1200.

Monitor Overheats

Owners of the Soyo Topaz S, 24-inch LCD experience overheated monitors and a whirring sound behind the monitor. The monitor overheats a couple of minutes after you turn it on.

Monitor Timers

If you own a Soyo Topaz S, viewing 1920 by 1200 on an Intel 945GM Express chipset, you can use Intel embedded drivers to create custom drivers to improve your viewing.

Tags: Soyo Topaz, setup buttons

What Is A Motherboard

What Is a Motherboard?

The motherboard in a computer connects all the various elements of the computer together. It holds the power supply, memory cards, the video card, drive connectors, the microprocessor and other peripheral connections. Without a motherboard the computer could not function. Since the early motherboard, more and more device connectors have been added.

Significance

By mounting all the internal parts of a computer on one flat board, economics of manufacturing are achieved and the size of the computer is reduced.

Function

Data flows through and is processed in the central processing unit, a chip that performs calculations and sends the results to other elements on the motherboard resulting in a display of results, a printout and/or storage of the information.

Types

As of 2006 there were 11 primary motherboard makers. Four companies, Asustek Computer, Elitegroup Computer Systems, Micro-Star International, and Gigabyte Technology had the dominant share of this market.

Features

Motherboards contain at a minimum the following parts: a microprocessor, a chipset, the BIOS chip, a clock chip, peripheral connection places for internal cards and external devices, a graphics port, hard drive and optical drive interfaces, USB connectors and random access memory slots.

Fun Fact

The first motherboard was developed for the Apple II computer in 1977. Although there were other approaches to personal computers, the success of the Apple in part was due to the integrated aspect of packing the necessary components on one board.

Tags: motherboard computer, there were, What Motherboard

The Specifications For A Dell Dimension 2350

The Del Dimension 2350 was first released in 2003.

Released in 2003, the Dell Dimension 2350 was one of the entries in the Dell company's series of entry-level desktop computers targeted at casual consumers. It has since been discontinued, with the entire Dimension line giving way to the Dell Inspiron.

Microprocessor

The Dell Dimension 2530 had two choices of microprocessors, both from Intel. The Intel Pentium 4 ran at 1.8, 2.0, 2.4 or 2.5 GHz internally; while the Intel Celeron ran at 1.7, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 or 2.3 GHz internally. Both ran at an external speed of 400 MHz.

Memory

Using two connectors and DDR SDRAM architecture, the Dell Dimension 2350 had memory capacities of 128, 256, or 512 MB. Users had the option of expanding memory to a maximum of 1 GB.

Audio, Video and Network

Intel provided the Dell Dimension 2350 with an integrated graphics card called 3D Extreme Graphics. The audio and 10/100 Ethernet controllers were integrated as well.

Ports and Connectors

The ports and connectors of the Dell Dimension 2350 included six USB 2.0 inputs, two at the front panel and four at the back panel; two 6-pin mini-DIN connectors for the keyboard and mouse; RJ-45 connector for computer networking, line-in, line-out and microphone jacks.

Size and Weight

Weighing 23 lbs., the Dell Dimension 2350 was around 15-inches high, 7-inches wide and 17-inches thick.

Tags: Dell Dimension, Dimension 2350, Dell Dimension 2350

What Kind Of Memory Do I Need For My Pc

CPU-Z is your go-to program for identifying RAM.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the memory that Windows uses to temporarily store data. It stores some data on your hard drive, but RAM is preferred because it works much, much faster for storage and retrieval. The more RAM you have, the less Windows will use your much slower hard drive for temporary storage. However, many different kinds of RAM are available, only some of which is compatible with your particular computer.

Consulting the manufacturer

Windows doesn't have any built-in function to show you what type of RAM you have, only how much. To find that out, consult your computer's documentation. If your documentation is not available, go to the manufacturer's website and search for your model number in the support section, if this is a pre-built computer.

To obtain the model number, right-click on "My Computer" (or just "Computer" in Windows Vista) and select "Properties." You will see a large company logo in the bottom left of this window and the model information in the lower-right. If you have built this computer yourself, however, you will need to consult your motherboard documentation.

Some manufacturers do not have comprehensive websites, however. In that case, you may need to contact them by phone

What to do with the information

So you have identified your RAM at this point. You know how many slots it's occupying on the motherboard. With these two pieces of data, you can figure out what kind of RAM you need to buy. Sometimes all RAM slots are already filled. So to get more RAM, you have to take one stick out and replace it with a stick that has more memory. Make sure that RAM sticks are securely in their slots when installing; they will "click" into place.

For example, let's say you have two gigabytes (GBs) of RAM taking up all four of your RAM slots. That means each stick contains 512MB of RAM. And you want to expand to 4GB of RAM. The easiest way to do that, then, would be to replace one 512MB stick with one 1GB stick, and replace another 512MB stick with a 2GB stick. (This technically gives you a total of 4096 megabytes of RAM instead of 4000 megabytes -- some industry computations will vary from "real world" calculations.)

Tags: with stick, 512MB stick, 512MB stick with, consult your, hard drive, model number, more have

What Is The Highpitched Noise From A Power Supply

Failing capacitors can make a high-pitched noise.

It's normal for a power supply to emit some noise while it's working, but high-pitched noise from you power supply can be a sign that you need to repair or replace it. Typically, noise can come from the transformer from a fan inside the power supply or from bad capacitors. You should always address high-pitched power supply noise as it can be a sign that your unit is failing or needs attention.

Magnetostriction

Magnetostriction can cause power supply noise. A power supply typically contains a transformer, which converts the high mains voltage into a more suitable voltage for computers and other electronic equipment. When magnetic materials such as the iron inside a transformer are placed in a magnetic field, they change shape slightly. This can create audible noise. Magnetostriction is less likely to be at the root of a high-pitched noise coming from the power supply than some other possible causes, as it tends to produce lower-frequency sounds; however, under some circumstances it can cause a higher-frequency whine.

Noise from Fans

Transformers and other components in a power supply can become very hot. Some power supplies come with a built-in fan to draw air through the unit and keep it cool. Sometimes a fan can create a high-pitched noise. This may come from the fan's bearings, in which case lubrication or adjustment may help. Dust or other contaminants falling into the fan can also cause it to squeak. Solutions include blowing compressed air over the fan, cleaning the fan with a paintbrush, applying a very small amount of a suitable lubricating compound or replacing the fan. A noisy fan can be a sign that your supply is underpowered or that your fan is close to failing.

Failing Capacitors

A possible cause of high-pitched noise from a power supply is a failing electrolytic capacitor. Electrolytic capacitors contain a fluid, called electrolyte. If the capacitor is improperly connected, exposed to extremes of temperature or getting old, this fluid may break down causing gasses to build up inside capacitor. Some electrolytic capacitors explode quite dramatically, but others, especially those with a vent embossed at the top, leak the gases through a hole in their casing. This can produce a shrill whine. Failing capacitors can damage the rest of a circuit and must be replaced immediately by a trained technician.

The "Capacitor Plague"

The "capacitor plague" was an influx of improperly-made electrolytic capacitors from suppliers in Asia. Reports of bad capacitors causing problems in electronic equipment began to emerge in the late 1990s and continued through the following decade. Equipment manufactured as late as 2007 is thought to have been affected. Electrolytic capacitors typically have a lifespan of around seven years; the so-called "bad caps" have a lifespan of under four years. Power supplies made before 2007 may possibly contain these defective capacitors, which have been known to make a high-pitched whine when fading.

Tags: power supply, high-pitched noise, sign that, that your, come from, electrolytic capacitors, electronic equipment

Pc Ram Compatibility

Knowing the type of RAM your computer uses is crucial to upgrading.

While RAM and computer memory may seem confusing, understanding the basic difference between memory modules will help you figure out the type you need for an upgrade. Upgrading your RAM will often increase PC performance and speed.

Compatibility

Different computers are designed with specific parts that are supposed to be used with certain types of memory. Different memory modules are designed to meet different specifications based on bandwidth, speed and efficiency.

Desktop vs. Laptop Memory

While desktops use dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), laptops use small outline dual in-line memory modules (SO-DIMMs). Due to the smaller size of the computers they go in, SO-DIMMs are physically smaller, though technologically similar to desktop DIMMs.

Warning

If you purchase the wrong type of RAM for your PC, chances are it may not even physically fit. If your RAM doesn't fit, don't force it, that could ruin the memory slot. If you do happen to install improper memory, your computer won't work properly.

Prevention/Solution

When considering a memory upgrade, you can often find the type you need in the owner's manual that came with your computer. Alternately, many websites have tools to help determine the type of RAM your PC needs.

Tags: memory modules, type your, your computer, dual in-line, dual in-line memory

Major Parts Of A Computer

A computer is composed of multiple components that perform specific functions. In many computers, a component may be replaced independently without replacing the other components. This allows only a specific part to be replaced as the item breaks down or becomes obsolete.

Motherboard

The motherboard provides connections for all the peripheral (child) devices. It's becoming increasingly common for a motherboard to perform these peripheral functions without a separate device.

Central Processing Unit

The central processing unit (CPU) is the "brain" of the computer and performs most of the actual computing functions. The CPU determines how quickly the computer can perform most tasks.

Hard Drive

The hard drive provides the permanent storage for information. This information is still recorded when the computer is turned off.

Memory Card

The memory card holds information temporarily while the computer is turned on. The retrieval and storage of memory is much faster than that of the hard drive.

Monitor

The monitor is similar to a television and displays visual information to the user.

Tags: computer turned

Specs For A Pavilion Zv5000

If you are looking for a new laptop, the HP Pavilion ZV5000 is a viable option for computing.

Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Hewlett Packard is an American company that produces computers and laptops. The Pavilion ZV5000 is just one example of an HP laptop. If you are curious about purchasing a ZV5000, you should review the specifications beforehand, such as the memory and power capabilities.

Memory and OS

The operating software that comes bundled with the HP Pavilion ZV5000 is Windows XP; however, you can upgrade to a higher model of Windows software at the time of purchase or later. It is stored on 30 GB with 256 MB of RAM.

Screen

A 15-inch LCD color screen comes standard on the ZV5000. The screen resolution is 1024 by 768 pixels per inch.

Input and Connections

This laptop uses a standard keyboard for data input and a trackpad as a pointing device. You can attach a mouse via one of the two USB ports that are on the side of the laptop. The ZV5000 also comes with a FireWire for transmission to high-bandwidth devices.

Processor

The Pentium 4, single-core processor is made by Intel. It has a processor speed of 2.4 GHz.

Dimensions

The ZV5000 is 14.25 inches tall (with the top open), 11.18 inches wide and 1.82 inches deep. Each laptop weighs 8.06 pounds.

Media and Connectivity

If you want to use CDs, DVDs or other media devices, you can do so with the optical drive. You can access wireless Internet with 802.11 b connectivity or use the 10/100 ethernet drive.

Tags: Pavilion ZV5000

Uninstall The Nvidia Motherboard Drivers In Vista

All a computer's components plug into its motherboard.

NVIDIA is a company best known for its video cards. Lesser known is the NVIDIA nForce motherboard chipset, used on a variety of motherboards. The nForce chipset includes memory, sound and networking controllers, and thus, the NVIDIA motherboard drivers control a computer's memory, sound and network access ability. Users must uninstall the NVIDIA motherboard drivers before installing a new, upgraded version. Alternatively, older versions of the NVIDIA nForce motherboard chipset are supported natively by Windows Vista; uninstall the NVIDIA motherboard drivers to use Windows Vista's built-in drivers.

Instructions

1. Open the Control Panel by clicking "Start" and "Control Panel."

2. Click "Uninstall a Program" under Programs in the Control Panel window.

3. Click "NVIDIA Drivers" in the list of installed programs and click the "Change/Remove" button on the toolbar.

4. Click "Remove all NVIDIA Drivers, Except Display" in the Remove NVIDIA Components window that appears. This option removes the NVIDIA motherboard drives only, leaving the NVIDIA video card driver installed.

5. Uninstall the NVIDIA motherboard drivers by clicking the "Remove" button at the bottom of the Remove NVIDIA Components window.

6. Restart your computer when prompted by clicking "OK" in the prompt window.

Tags: motherboard drivers, Control Panel, NVIDIA motherboard, NVIDIA motherboard drivers, Remove NVIDIA, Components window, memory sound

Internal Parts Of A Computer

Internal Parts of a Computer

Modern PCs are made of a series of interconnected devices and sub-systems. Understanding these systems will help to troubleshoot computer failures or performance issues. Although there have been many advances in microcomputer technology, the basic architecture of a personal computer has remained relatively constant since the introduction of the first personal computers.

Mainboard

All computers are built around a mainboard, which contains all of the connectors that allow the various other subsystems to interact. CPUs and random access memory (RAM) mount in sockets on the main board while other subsystems are connected via cables or built on cards that mount directly on the mainboard.

CPU

The central processing unit (CPU) is the component that performs all calculations and mathematical manipulations in a computer. CPUs are sometimes single-chip devices and sometimes are packaged together with supporting circuits like memory and buffers mounted on a board, and packaged together in a single unit.

Memory

RAM is the memory that computers use to store data and instructions needed by the CPU for computer operation. RAM generally consists of memory chips and control circuitry mounted on a circuit board with pins that slip into RAM slots on the main board. In situations where a computer needs more RAM than is physically available, computers use a hard drive for additional storage. Using a hard drive for temporary memory usually has a negative effect on computer performance and is an indication that a computer needs more memory.

Disk Drives

A computer contains at least one disk drive. There are several types of drives, including CD or DVD drives, floppy disk drives and hard disk drives. A hard disk drive is usually the main storage drive on the computer, and stores data and programs that are loaded into RAM for use. Some modern hard disk drives use large quantities of solid state memory and contain no moving parts, however most are made of multiple disk platters that spin at a high rate of speed to allow for faster data transfer.

Interface Cards

Most computers allow for a variety of interface cards, which allow external devices to input or read data from the computer. Examples of interface cards include video cards, audio cards, network cards and modems. Modems are cards that allow data communication over standard telephone lines. In many cases, a single interface card allows many devices to be used on a single computer. A good example is a USB card, which allows many devices to send and receive data from a computer. In the past, USB was implemented only on an interface card, but many modern computers implement USB on the main board, thus negating the need for a card.

Power Supply

All computers require a power supply, which provides even, constant power to the main board and to other components, like disk drives. Power to interface cards or devices connected directly to the main board pass through the main board before being delivered to the card or device.

Tags: main board, disk drives, hard disk, allows many, allows many devices

Intel E139761 Pentium Pro Motherboard Information

Intel lists three motherboards with the Pentium Pro processor.

According to both Intel and Underwriters Laboratories, E139761 is the UL File Number for Intel motherboards. This number does not designate a particular motherboard model.

Pentium Pro

The Pentium Pro or P6 was a processor that Intel introduced in the first quarter of 1995. The clock speed of the Pentium Pro processors ranged from 150MHz to 200MHz. The front side bus speed ranged from 60MHz to 66MHz. The level two cache size for these processors was either 256KB or 512KB. Pentium Pro processors are no longer available from Intel. Furthermore, Intel no longer provides support for these products.

Intel Pentium Pro Motherboards

Intel lists three motherboards with Pentium Pro Processors: VS440FX, AP440FX and PR440FX. These motherboards have been discontinued by Intel and Intel no longer provides support for them.

Form Factor

The VS440FX and PR440FX were standard ATX desktop form factor motherboards. The AP440FX was an LPX (low profile extension) form factor, measuring nine by thirteen inches.

Memory

The AP440FX had four sockets for SIMMs (single inline memory modules) and could support up to 128MB of EDO or FPM RAM. The VS440FX had four SIMM sockets and could support up to 256MB of FPM or EDO RAM. The PR440FX had four sockets for DIMMs (dual inline memory modules) and could support up to 512MB of EDO RAM.

Tags: could support, four sockets, inline memory, inline memory modules, Intel lists, Intel lists three

Software To Flash Bios

Motherboard components

Whether your computer is aging and needs an update to handle that hot new gadget or is so new that the programmers are still figuring out get the most out of the gear, ensuring that your motherboard's BIOS is up-to-date will help you get the most out of your machine.

Function

Be sure to refresh your BIOS as required.

Updating your BIOS software by flashing can often improve speed, while providing compatibility with new technologies and gadgets that did not exist when you purchased your computer. If you are experiencing crashes, blue screens or other misbehavior, especially associated with the introduction of new hardware, ensuring that your BIOS is up-to-date can often provide a quick fix.

Types

A handful of manufacturers account for the majority of BIOS chips in modern PCs. Some of the major producers include IBM, American Megatrend (AMI) and Phoenix/AwardBIOS. The manufacturer's name or splash logo will usually appear on the computer screen prior to boot. Each manufacturer makes available a suite of software tools for flashing their BIOS chips; it is generally a good idea to use software from the manufacturer of the BIOS chip you wish to flash in order to avoid any problems.

Warnings

Be careful to match model numbers.

The BIOS is a sensitive collection of low-level code, and slight differences or inconsistencies can have catastrophic effects. Always allow the flash process to complete before powering off the computer. Never interrupt the computer while the BIOS chip is being flashed. Never flash a BIOS that does not directly match your model or system--do not flash a BIOS built for a Brand X Model 35 to a Brand X Model 35a computer.

Tags: your BIOS, BIOS chip, BIOS chips, BIOS up-to-date, Brand Model, ensuring that

Upgrade A Dell 8300 Motherboard

Upgrade a Dell 8300 Motherboard

A primary reason you would upgrade the Dell 8300 motherboard is for updating the CPU (central processing unit). You can, however, replace the motherboard to upgrade available connectors, such as more USB or Firewire ports. Regardless, the CPU and motherboard must be compatible. Dell designs their motherboards in a very specific way, so make sure to verify that the new motherboard will fit and can be secured inside the computer case.

Instructions

1. Unplug the Dell 8300, then lay the computer on its right side.

2. Press the release buttons on the top and bottom panels of the computer, toward the back. Rotate the left panel up to open the computer.

3. Disconnect the power and data cables connected to the motherboard.

4. Pull up on the tab located on the side of the motherboard closest to the front of the computer, then slide the motherboard toward the front of the computer. Lift it up to remove it.

5. Push clips holding the RAM modules on the old motherboard apart from each other, then insert the RAM into the RAM slots on the new motherboard. Push down firmly until it clips into place.

6. Un-clip the heatsink assembly from the old motherboard, then un-clip the CPU and lift it out of the socket. If you are using a new CPU, skip this step.

7. Place the CPU on the socket of the new motherboard. Lower the lever on the right side of the socket and clip it into place.

8. Place a small amount of thermal grease on the CPU, then place the heatsink assembly on top of the CPU and clip it into place.

9. Place the motherboard into the Dell 8300 case and slide it towards the back until it clips into place.

10. Reconnect the power and data cables to the motherboard and close the computer case.

Tags: Dell 8300, into place, 8300 Motherboard, clip into, clip into place, clips into

What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of A Bad Motherboard Processor

A motherboard controls some of a PC's most crucial components.

Motherboard problems with your personal computer can affect its systems in frustrating ways. Often, a proactive strategy is the best in fixing motherboard problems, which can be as simple as properly plugging in a component or fitting hardware properly in the case. Failure to correct motherboard problems could result in a full reinstall of PC software or cost you a new computer.

BIOS Menu Appears at Startup

The BIOS menu is the setup menu for your computer. When it appears on its own during the boot-up process, it's usually indicative of an extensive software or hardware error such as a problem with the motherboard. The BIOS menu governs the hardware agreements for your computer, so if your motherboard is having difficulty communicating with recently installed components such as a graphics card, it will show up on this menu when the computer tries to boot. The appearance of the BIOS menu can also indicate that a component on the motherboard is faulty or has ceased functioning.

Applications are Malfunctioning

If your motherboard is able to make it through the boot process, you may experience application malfunctions during operation. This may mean that multitasking with your personal computer greatly slows its processor speed or certain applications that put strain on hardware components, such as video games, may stall your processor or shut it down altogether. Motherboards that are breaking down will show an increased inability to manage all of the computer's hardware components, leading to more shutdowns and application lag times.

Blue Screen of Death

The dreaded "blue screen of death," technically known as a Windows Stop Error, is indicative of software or hardware failure such as a motherboard crash. This error occurs when your operating system encounters an error from which it cannot recover and has to shut down the system. You may experience this error frequently or when running specific applications that the motherboard no longer has the capacity to operate. Blue-screen errors can require a complete reinstall to effectively repair or may require a replacement of the motherboard if the error is not software-based.

Tags: BIOS menu, applications that, components such, hardware components, personal computer, shut down, software hardware

The Specifications For An Amd Athlon Xp 2500

The AMD Athlon XP 2500+ is designed for desktop computers.

The AMD Athlon XP 2500+ is a discontinued desktop CPU. Its support for 64-bit code and other features put it on-par with more modern processors, however. Whether you already own an Athlon XP 2500+ or are considering installing one, understanding the product's specifications can help you better take advantage of its features.

Clock Speed and Cache

The AMD Athlon XP 2500+ runs at 1.833GHz and has a 512KB Level 2 cache. It also features a 333MHz front-side bus (FSB) speed.

Motherboard Compatibility

The processor is compatible with any motherboard that uses AMD Socket A (Socket 462). It is not compatible with other main boards.

Memory Compatibility

The Athlon XP uses DDR memory.

The AMD Athlon XP 2500+ works with DDR memory of any speed. This includes PC1600, PC2100, PC2700 and PC3200 RAM.

Instruction Sets

One of the most notable features of the Athlon XP series is the AMD64 instruction set. This allows the processor to run both 32-bit code and 64-bit code. The CPU also supports the SSE, SSE2, SSE3 and MMX instruction sets.

Physical Specifications

The Athlon XP 2500+ is 1.95 inches by 1.95 inches in size. AMD manufactured it using a 0.13-micron copper process. The CPU normally uses around 53 watts of electricity, but can consume up to 68 watts. It has a minimum operating temperature of 0 degrees C and a maximum of 85 degrees C.

Tags: Athlon 2500, 64-bit code, compatible with, Specifications Athlon, Specifications Athlon 2500

Update The System Bios In An Hp Pavilion

A computer's system BIOS, or basic input/output system, is firmware that allows a motherboard to boot, test basic system devices to ensure that they are working properly and prepare the system for booting up the operating system stored on the computer's hard drive. The basic black or blue text screens that appear when a computer is first turned on are part of the BIOS utility. Updating a computer's BIOS can help ensure that it boots up and runs as efficiently as possible.

Instructions

1. Turn on your HP Pavilion.

2. Determine the exact model number of your HP. There should be a sticker on the computer with the model number.

3. Go to HP's driver support center online. (See Resources.)

4. Enter your computer model into the field provided and search for updates.

5. Download the newest BIOS update applicable for your computer model. If there are more than one BIOS update available, you may have to identify your motherboard model. To do this, you can either open up your computer and look at the labels on the motherboard itself or download a free system scanning program, such as CPU-Z, and run it to display information on your motherboard.

6. Run the newly installed BIOS after it is downloaded. Restart your computer after the installation is complete.

Tags: your computer, BIOS update, computer model, ensure that, model number

Upgrade A Pc From A Pentium 4

Upgrade a PC From a Pentium 4

If you're running a Pentium 4 processor, you have to decide if you want to bring it all the way into the present or just one level up. For video editing or online gaming, you'll need a top-of-the-line processor and possibly a new motherboard. However, if you just want to get the most out of what you've got, a lower-end Core 2 Duo processor will give you the cheapest and most significant performance boost and may not require a motherboard upgrade.

Instructions

1. Determine if your motherboard is compatible with the Core 2 Duo. For this, it needs an LGA 775 socket. Some Pentium 4s run on the 775, as does the Core 2 Duo, making for a simple upgrade. The socket number should be in the manual or on the manufacturer's website by motherboard model number. You need a motherboard with a 775 socket to upgrade the processor. If you have a 775 socket, determine your motherboard's maximum external clock rate (in the manual or on the manufacturer's site). Purchase a Core 2 Duo compatible with your clock rate.

2. Turn off your computer and unplug it.

3. Touch a grounded piece of metal.

4. Remove your computer's side panel.

5. Disconnect the power supply from all other components, unscrew it from its housing and take it out.

6. Remove the heat sink (the fan above the CPU). Disconnect the heat sink cable from the motherboard. Loosen the clips on each of its legs with a flathead screwdriver and lift it out.

7. Detach the locking arm on the side of the CPU housing by pushing down and pulling it out and up. Lift the cover off and carefully remove the old CPU.

8. Insert the new CPU, being careful to avoid touching its contacts. A corner will be marked on both the CPU and the motherboard socket. Line these up and gently place your CPU in the socket, contacts facing down. Close the cover and fasten the locking arm.

9. Apply thermal paste. Skip this step if your CPU instructions explicitly recommend against it. Place a fingernail-sized dab on the CPU. Don't get paste on your motherboard. Gently press the flat side of a glass slide or credit card against the paste to spread it over the entire surface of the CPU.

10. Install the new heat sink. Gently insert the heat sink into the holes provided on the motherboard. Depress the clips on the legs of the heat sink. Make sure it's properly secured. Connect the heat sink to the fan connector on the motherboard. Make sure none of the cables can catch on your fans.

11. Reconnect and screw in your power supply.

12. Replace the side panel.

Tags: heat sink, your motherboard, clock rate, compatible with, From Pentium

What Type Of Motherboards Does Asus Make

A computer product manufacturer based in Taipei, Taiwan, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., better known by its abbreviation, ASUS, is well known for its motherboards, which provide many of the crucial components of a personal computer. At the time of publication, ASUS advertises six motherboards at its U.S. website: the F1A75-V Pro, M5A99X Evo, Maximus IV Extreme-Z, P8Z68 Deluxe, Sabertooth 990FX and Crosshair V Formula. The type of ASUS motherboard can be determined by its components, which include its processor, or central processing unit (CPU); size; and inputs/outputs.

Processor Technology

ASUS motherboards can be split into two divisions, depending on whether the CPU comes from either of two semiconductor companies: Intel Corp. or Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). Each ASUS motherboard has a CPU socket that it uses for the processor's physical and electrical attachment. The Intel-based boards -- the Maximus IV Extreme-Z and P8Z68 Deluxe -- come with Land Grid Array (LGA) 1155 for attaching CPUs from Intel Corp.'s premier Core i-series brand. Two sockets are available for the four AMD-based ASUS boards: Socket AM3 on the M5A99X Evo, Sabertooth 990FX and Crosshair V Formula for the mid-level Athlon and top-tier Phenom processor; and Socket FM1 on the F1A75-V Pro for AMD's newer A-series processors.

Form Factor

The largest of the six current ASUS motherboards is the Maximus IV Extreme-Z. It uses the Extended Advanced Technology eXtended (EATX) form factor, which gives it a measurement of approximately 12 by 10.6 inches, or 30.5 by 26.9 centimeters. The other motherboards use the ATX form factor; they measure 12 by 9.6 inches, or 30.5 by 24.4 centimeters.

Audio and Video

Each ASUS motherboard has an 8-channel high-definition audio driver, complete with Sony Digital Philips Interface (S/DIF) audio jacks. The Realtek ALC 889 goes on the Intel-based motherboards and the AMD-based motherboards with Socket AM3 have the Realtek ALC 892. The Socket FM1-bearing board has the SupremeFX X-Fi 2 chip, and it is the only ASUS board with an integrated graphics processor, which is the AMD Radeon HD 6000.

Networking

The ASUS motherboards have at least one Ethernet controller from Intel or Realtek with a peak data transfer speed of 100 megabits per second and an accompanying RJ-45 jack. The P8Z68 Deluxe is the only one with two Ethernet controllers: one from Intel and the other from Realtek. The P8Z68 Deluxe and the Maximus IV Extreme-Z have an additional Bluetooth V2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate wireless technology.

Tags: Maximus Extreme-Z, P8Z68 Deluxe, ASUS motherboard, ASUS motherboards, from Intel, 990FX Crosshair