Upgrade A Pentium D Processor

Multi-core processors look like single core processors.

Pentium D processors were Intel processors at the beginning of the Pentium dual core processor types of CPUs. Pentium D processors ran hot and were limited by heating issues, so Pentium moved on to slower clocked Dual Core processors. Upgrading from a Pentium D is probably a good idea, especially if you are experiencing problems.

Instructions

1. Read your computer or motherboard manual to determine if your motherboard can support a different processor. Most motherboards can only handle certain processors. Purchase a CPU that will fit your motherboard.

2. Open the computer case by unscrewing the access door from the back of the computer. Pull the door out and set it aside. Unplug the computer. Unscrew the fan and heatsink from the motherboard. You may have to use pliers to release the heatsink from the motherboard. Be careful not to break the heatsink or the motherboard. Lift the CPU bar and pull the Pentium D out.

3. Match the new CPU with the CPU opening on the motherboard. A corner of the CPU and a corner of the CPU slot on the motherboard will each have a pin and pinhole missing. Use this to match them up. Close the bar to hold the CPU in place. Put some thermal grease on top of the CPU.

4. Screw the heatsink and fan into place on top of the CPU. Close the computer door and screw it back in place. Plug the computer back in.

Tags: from motherboard, heatsink from, heatsink from motherboard, Pentium processors, Pentium processors were, processors were

Troubleshoot An Lcd With Sound But No Picture

An LCD television.

It can be overwhelmingly frustrating when an electronic device as expensive as an LCD television set starts having problems. Luckily many of these problems are easily troubleshot. While being able to hear sound coming from your LCD television but seeing no picture may seem serious on the surface, fixing the problem involves checking a few different settings to make sure everything is set properly.

Instructions

1. Check the video connection of any devices plugged into the LCD television. If you can hear sound but are seeing no picture while trying to use something like a DVD player or cable box, the problem is probably that a wire is loose somewhere. Check the yellow video cables running from the DVD player to the TV and make sure everything is plugged in firmly and where it should be. Also check the coaxial cable running from the cable box (or cable outlet) to the television and make sure that wire is also screwed in securely.

2. Check the image settings on your television and make sure everything is set properly. Certain settings like "Picture" or "Brightness," if set to one extreme, can make the picture appear completely black. This could cause you to simply hear television shows but not be able to see them. Reset all picture settings on the TV to their original factory default settings to see if that fixes the problem.

3. Try another channel. If you're watching TV and not getting a picture, the first thing you should do is check a variety of random channels to make sure it is a problem with your TV and not with your television signal. If it is a problem with the television signal it is the fault of the TV station or cable service provider and there isn't anything you can do yourself to fix it.

4. Try the DVD on another DVD player. If you're trying to play a DVD and can't see any images, make sure the disc isn't defective. Try it on another DVD player or a computer DVD drive and make sure the disc works in the first place.

Tags: make sure, make sure everything, sure everything, your television, another player, everything properly, hear sound

Update Bios Windows Xp

A computer's BIOS (basic input/output system) is what gets the PC going when you press the power button. It tells the computer to load the operating system -- Windows XP, in this case -- from the hard drive, and it acts as the interface between the operating system and the hardware. BIOS updates are not as common or frequent as software updates, but it is worthwhile to check for them periodically to get peak performance from your computer. Updates maintain the functionality of your hardware -- which, after all, does provide a home for your software.

Instructions

1. Find out who the manufacturer of your computer is, as well as other important system information. To do this, click "Start" and then click "Run."

2. Type "sysdm.cpl" and click "OK." On the window that appears, go to the "General" tab.

3. Go to the area under "Manufactured and supported by" and write down the name of the computer manufacturer, and your computer's make and model number.

4. Click "Support" and write down the phone number of the manufacturer, if available. Keep this information for future reference.

5. Click "Start," then select "Help and Support."

6. Click the manufacturer's support link to take you to its website. If it does not take you there, manually enter the website address. Next, type "BIOS updates" in its search box. View the results list for technical support on find these for your specific computer model.

7. Follow manufacturer's instructions on update the BIOS of your specific computer model if a change to the system is needed.

Tags: your computer, your specific computer, BIOS updates, computer model, manufacturer your

Update The Drivers On An Asus 9250

The ASUS A9250 is a video graphics card that uses the ATI Radeon 9250 visual processing unit. It features both VGA and DVI video output connectors and 128MB of on-board dedicated video memory. The card plugs into an AGP slot on the computer's motherboard and can support AGP 2x, 4x and 8x. ASUS provided regular driver updates for Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP through 2007. To ensure your A9250 card functions as well as possible, you should install the latest drivers.

Instructions

1. Open a Web browser and navigate to the ASUS A9250 support page (see Resources).

2. Click the "Download" tab below the video card's photo. Select your operating system from the drop-down menu.

3. Click the "+" next to the VGA entry to show a list of available drivers. Click one of the download methods below the description of the driver to save the .zip file to your computer. In most cases, you should download the most recent driver version unless the description says you need an earlier version installed.

4. Unzip the driver file you downloaded. Locate the Setup.exe file and double-click it. Follow the on-screen prompts to authorize the program to make changes to your computer. The program runs and automatically installs the drivers. If you attempt to install a driver that is older than the one currently installed, the program warns you. At that point you should cancel the installation.

Tags: ASUS A9250, Windows Windows, your computer

Intel Vs Amd Chip

Intel Vs. AMD Chip

Choosing which type of processor for a new computer can be confusing. Intel and AMD both have many offerings when it comes to server, desktop and mobile computing needs. Both Intel and AMD manufacture processors that generally perform the same tasks; however, both Intel and AMD processors have their strengths and weaknesses.

History

Intel and AMD were not always competing, rival companies. In 1982, Intel had emerged as the PC industry took off. In order to keep up with demand, Intel contracted AMD to produce their chips; however, in 1986, Intel terminated their contract with AMD, and AMD started to work on building their own processor to rival Intel's. Intel dominated the market place for processors from early on. AMD did not have a popular, successful chip until AMD's Athlon was released.

Market Share

Intel processors outnumber AMD processors 4 to 1. In 2008, Intel produced over 80 percent of all processors sold, while AMD's share was less than 20 percent. Computer enthusiasts often have a brand loyalty when it comes to processors. This is often the case because processors and motherboards are not interchangeable, since AMD processors use different CPU sockets than Intel's.

Server Processors

Intel and AMD both offer enterprise level server processors. Intel offers different levels of their Xeon processor line while AMD has their Opteron processors. For standard server applications, Xeon and Opeteron processors are comparable in terms of speed and features. In benchmarks performed by AnandTech between an Opteron 2360 and a Xeon E5365, both processors had an equal number of wins on different applications. Intel offers a large scale version of a server processor called the Intel Itanium. Up to 512 Itanium processors can be linked together with up to a Petabyte (1024 TB) of memory. AMD does not have a large scale solution to compete with the Itanium processor.

Desktop Processors

In 2009, Intel released the Core i7 processor as a successor to their Core 2 processor. AMD has a competing processor to the Core i7 named Phenom II. The Core i7 processor is rated much higher than the Phenom II; however, the extra speed comes at a high price premium. Core i7 chips, on average, are twice as fast as the corresponding Phenom II processor; however, they cost four times as much. Core i7 processors are available with up to six cores, while Phenom II processors are limited to four.

Mobile Processors

Both AMD and Intel produce processors for laptop and netbook manufacturers. Intel has turned their popular desktop processors into a power-friendly mobile processor. Intel uses their Centrino technology to limit the amount of power that the processor uses to conserve battery life. AMD has a different approach to creating mobile processors. AMD changed the architecture of their processors to use less power and renamed them Turion. Since laptop and netbooks are usually bought as-is, the consumer has less options when it comes to the processor. In regards to the AMD Turion and the Intel Core 2 Centrino, it is a matter of price versus performance. Much like their desktop counterparts, Intel processors outpace AMD processors in most applications; however, Intel chips are usually more expensive.

Tags: Core processor, Intel processors, when comes, Both Intel, Intel both, Intel Chip

The Differences Between Sdram & Ddr Sdram

Unlike DDR SDRAM, regular SDRAM has two notches in the pin-side.

Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM) and Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM are very closely related. The modules look similar and perform similar functions on compatible main boards. SDRAM is the older of the two technologies. DDR SDRAM is a higher-performance RAM. The two types of memory are not compatible and cannot be mixed.

Physical Differences

The overall form of the two memory modules is similar. Both are the same length and are often the same height. Both memory modules have a similar number of interface pins to transfer data to the computer's main board. Because the two memory modules are not compatible, subtle changes were made when DDR SDRAM was released. SDRAM has two notches in-line with the pins. One of the notches is in the center of the module. The other is toward one of the sides. DDR SDRAM, on the other hand, only has one notch. The notch on DDR SDRAM is not in the center of the module, it is slightly off-center.

Bus Tie

SDRAM and DDR SDRAM are both tied to the Front Side Bus (FSB) speed of the computer. The clock rate of the bus is tied to the clock rate of the processor's FSB. For example, if the computer has a 133 MHz FSB, the memory interfaces with the main board at 133 MHz. If a computer has a 266 MHz FSB, the memory interfaces at 266 MHz. The interface clock rate for the two types of memory is the same, although the memory is accessed in very different ways.

Data Rate

DDR SDRAM can handle twice as many requests for information as SDRAM. It can do this because it allows access at both the top of the clock cycle and the bottom. SDRAM allows memory access only at the top of the cycle. If you picture the clock cycle as a sine wave, SDRAM allows access only at the top of the wave. DDR SDRAM allows access both at the top of the wave and the bottom, thus allowing the "doubling" that Double Data Rate implies.

Tags: allows access, clock rate, Data Rate, memory modules, SDRAM allows

What Is A Pentium 4 Processor Chip

The Pentium 4 processor chip is the fourth generation of the Pentium processor family, created by the Intel Corporation. The Pentium 4 processor family is made up of both desktop and mobile processor chips.

History

The Pentium 4 processor chip was first introduced in 2000. The Willamette series of Pentium 4 processors was the first to be launched by Intel.

Specifications

The Pentium 4 family ranges in processing speeds from 1.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz. It also varies in front-side bus speeds of 400 MHz, 533 MHz, 800 MHz and 1066 MHz. L2 cache sizes also differ, with sizes of 256KB, 512KB, 1MB and 2MB. The Extreme Edition of Pentium 4 chips also contains L3 cache sizes of 2MB. Pentium 4 socket types include Socket 423 (Willamette), Socket 478 (Willamette, Northwood, Prescott, Extreme Edition, Mobile 4-M and Mobile) and Socket 775 (Prescott, Cedar Mill and Extreme Edition).

Types

The Pentium 4 processor family is made up of the Pentium 4 Willamette, Northwood, Prescott, Cedar Mill, Extreme Edition, Mobile Pentium 4-M and the Mobile Pentium 4.

Tags: Extreme Edition, Pentium processor, Pentium processor family, processor family, cache sizes, Cedar Mill

Nvidia Geforce 6150 Se Settings For Smooth Play For In "Counterstrike Source"

The GeForce 6150 SE graphics chip is an integrated graphics solution, which means the graphics chip is built into the motherboard. The 6150 uses "shared" memory, meaning it uses part of your system RAM as its video buffer. Integrated graphics chips can have trouble playing graphics-intensive games because of this and other factors. Your graphics chip needs to deliver at least 24 frames per second to render smooth gameplay, or you may experience "clipping" (in which the motion on the screen starts and stops). Try several things to get Counter-Strike Source to run smoothly on your GeForce 6150 SE.

Background Programs

As you add programs to your computer, some of them, without you really knowing, automatically run when Windows starts. These programs waste RAM, because they are running in the background even though you are not using them. Prevent these programs from running at startup by using the msconfig utility in Windows, or any number of free utility programs that have startup managers. Access the msconfig utility by clicking "Start" (the Windows-logo button on the lower-left-hand corner of the screen), then clicking "Run," typing "msconfig" and pressing "Enter."

Video Buffer

The video buffer is the amount of system RAM that is reserved for your video card. This is where the video is stored prior to going to your monitor. The size of the video buffer can usually be adjusted in your computer's BIOS. Your buffer may only be set to 64 MB, but you can increase it to 128 or 512 MB. This can improve the smoothness of any game, but you have to have enough RAM in your computer to allow you to do this. There are two problems with shared memory. First, it takes away RAM from your system, which is also using RAM for other aspects of the game; and, secondly, it is not as fast or efficient as a dedicated video card's onboard RAM. To change your buffer size, enter the BIOS by turning on your computer and pressing "Delete" when the prompt to enter the BIOS appears. This is the first screen you see when you turn on your computer. Use the arrow keys to navigate to "Advanced Settings," Press "Enter," navigate to "Video Buffer" or "Video Frame Size," and then press "Enter." You can then use the arrow keys to navigate to a larger buffer size. Press "Esc," navigate to "Exit," and press "Enter" twice.

Game Graphics Options

Counter-Strike: Source, like virtually all video games, has in-game adjustments for video quality. One of the options that greatly affects video performance, especially with integrated graphics, is anti-aliasing, or "AA." AA is a process that attempts to remove jagged lines from smooth surfaces. With the 6150 SE, AA should be turned off. Other video options that should be adjusted are resolution and anisotropic filtering: Resolution can be lowered to 640 X 480, and anisotropic filtering can be turned off. When you start Counter-Strike: Source, click the "Options" button, then click "Graphics" in order to adjust these settings.

System Requirements

There are recommended and minimum system requirements. For reference, the recommended settings are a Pentium 4 CPU running at 3.0 GHz or faster. This includes AMD 64 CPUs rated at 3000+ and above, 1 GB of RAM, and a DX9 graphics card. The minimum requirements are a 1.7 GHz CPU or Athlon 64, 512 MB of RAM, and a DirectX 8.1-capable graphics card.

Tags: your computer, Counter-Strike Source, graphics chip, anisotropic filtering, arrow keys

What Is A Discrete Graphics Card

A discrete graphics card is an entire secondary or subordinate system -- a small computer, if you like -- that is responsible for delivering the images you see on your computer monitor screen. A typical discrete card consists of a separate, or discrete, graphics processing unit (GPU) and separate graphics memory, although some cards do still borrow from system memory.

GPU

The GPU is a microprocessor specifically designed for processing 3D graphics and is essentially the "brain" of a discrete graphics card. The GPU interprets a series of binary instructions, known as machine code, and converts them into a signal to the monitor. This process involves creating a wire frame model, filling in the pixels and adding lighting, texture and color. It is highly mathematically intensive. The GPU performs the necessary calculations, reducing the burden on the central processing unit (CPU) and freeing processor cycles, which can be used for other purposes.

Performance

Several factors, some of which only become apparent when it is performing certain tasks, affect the performance of a discrete graphics card. The core clock speed of a discrete graphics card -- measured in millions of cycles per second, or megahertz -- determines the speed at which it performs its basic operations, while the memory clock speed determines how quickly information is distributed to the GPU. Some high performance GPUs actually exceed the performance characteristics of high performance CPUs.

Discrete Versus Integrated Graphics

The alternative to a discrete graphics card is integrated graphics, whereby the GPU is attached to, or integrated into, the motherboard of the computer. In this case, the GPU shares resources with the CPU and system memory to display information on the monitor screen. Integrated graphics may be suitable for some 3D graphics applications, but is typically less powerful and slower than a discrete graphics card.

Applications

Integrated graphics may be adequate for Web browsing and basic office applications, such as word processing, but for high performance professional and consumer applications, such as high-definition video or video gaming, a discrete graphics card is often essential. A discrete graphics card is, by its very nature, more power-hungry than a GPU integrated into the motherboard, which can be a concern if battery life is important to you. However, if you're running any form of heavy-duty, graphics-related program, a discrete graphics card typically provides a significant improvement in the quality of the images on the screen, the speed with which they are displayed and overall system performance.

Tags: discrete graphics, discrete graphics card, graphics card, high performance, applications such, clock speed

What Is Cpu Socket Configuration

All processors are built to be used with a specific socket.

A computer processor has to have quick access to the data it needs to process so that a computer can operate efficiently. To accomplish this, processors connect to computers through a high-speed connector known as a socket. There are numerous sockets for numerous processors, but they all share some common traits.

History

The first processor socket was created for the Intel 8086 but the design, known as Dual In-Line Package, was not exclusive to processors and had been used with different electronic components since 1965. The first processor exclusive socket was Intel's Socket 1, which was released in 1989. The Socket 1 uses a Pin Grid Array, a series of pins which lined up with conductive pads on a computer's motherboard.

Purpose

The CPU socket fills two roles at once. The first is that it provides power to the processor which has been inserted. Processors are very sensitive to power fluctuations and the power requirements for processors tends to be different between models, which is why most processors are made for only one specific socket. The socket also serves as a means of communication between the processor and the rest of the computer.

Configuration

While Pin Grid Array (PGA) was the original CPU socket configuration, and most early sockets were based on it, today's sockets tend to use a different configuration known as Land Grid Array (LGA). The LGA socket configuration, which is being adapted in different ways by both Intel and Advanced Micro Devices, has the same concept as PGA but places the pins on the motherboard rather than the processor.

Multiple Sockets

Most computers have a CPU socket configuration which features a single socket, but that isn't always the case. There are some motherboards, usually meant for use in servers or supercomputers, which can accept more than a single processor. In fact, some server boards can accept four or more processors. These motherboards always use four identical CPU socket configurations, however. Motherboards with multiple different sockets do not exist.

Compatibility

Every processor manufacturer has its own socket configurations which are proprietary and do not work with the processors of other companies. Manufacturers also frequently come out with new sockets which are necessary to power and communicate with newer, more powerful processors. In most cases, a processor will not even fit into a socket it was not made for, and if it does, it won't allow the computer to boot.

Tags: Grid Array, socket configuration, configuration which, first processor, socket configuration which

What Are Expansion Slots For

Computer motherboards contain several different types of expansion slots.

Expansion slots in a computer can be used for adding various capabilities to the computer that are not built-in. There are several types of expansion slot, from different computing eras, that allow users to upgrade their machine with modems, video cards, sound cards, and other types of expansion cards. This allows customization of a computer for use with different applications.

ISA

ISA, or "Industry Standard Architecture," is a type of expansion bus that was originally introduced in 1981 in an 8-bit version. In 1984, a 16-bit version was introduced, and ISA then became widely used in personal computers. ISA supports clock speeds of 8 and 33 MHz for both 8- and 16-bit versions. ISA slots were used as the most common expansion bus during the 1980s and 1990s. They were eventually replaced by faster PCI and AGP expansion bus technologies. Most modern motherboards no longer include ISA slots, but you will see them occasionally on older machines.

PCI

PCI stands for "Peripheral Component Interconnect." Originally designed by Intel, it is used in both PCs and Macintosh computers. Most common expansion cards use a PCI connection. Older video cards use PCI, but modern video cards use AGP or PCIe busses for their faster speeds. PCI slots are 3.5 inches long and .5 inch high, run at 33 MHz, and have a maximum data transfer rate of 132 MB per second.

AGP

AGP is shorthand for "Accelerated Graphics Port." AGP is expansion bus technology specifically designed for video cards. Originally designed by Intel, AGP slots offer faster transfer rates than standard PCI slots, able to transfer a maximum of 528 MB per second, versus 132 MB per second for PCI. This extra speed allows applications and 3D games to use more sophisticated graphics and geometry. AGP cards also have the ability to store graphics in system memory as well as on-board video memory.

PCI Express

Another way to describe PCI Express is "PCIe." PCIe works on a different architecture than standard PCI, which is a parallel system. Utilizing a network of serial connections controlled by a hub on the motherboard, PCIe busses run at significantly higher speeds than older PCI and AGP technologies. PCIe also comes in extended variations such as x1, x4, x8, and x16. These implementations increase the bus bandwidth by the corresponding amount, but require longer PCI Express slots. PCIe is eventually expected to replace both PCI and AGP busses in computers. However, PCIe is backwards compatible with standard PCI.

Tags: video cards, types expansion, common expansion, designed Intel, expansion cards, Originally designed, Originally designed Intel

The Purpose Of Expansion Slots

Expansion slots allow for computer upgrades.

An expansion slot is a part of your computer's motherboard where you can attach additional circuit boards to boost functionality and performance of your PC. Expansion slots are generally only found on tower PCs, not on laptops or netbooks because of size issues. These slots will be accessible by opening your tower and also removing a small metal or plastic plate located on the back of your tower so any external components of your expansion, such as ports, will be accessible.

Expansion Slots

Upon opening your PC tower and locating your motherboard, you will probably see a few long, thin slots that allow you to plug in expansion cards. These slots are how your computer reads things like graphics cards, sound cards and network cards. You can also use an open slot to add a memory expansion to your computer which could improve performance. These cards easily fit into their designated holes and are secured in place by either a screw or clamps where the expansion card's physical interface protrudes from the back of your system tower.

Standards

There are many different standards associated with expansion slots. Though too numerous to name them all, the most common standards are PCI, PCI Express, and AGP. One of the most important factors to keep in mind when purchasing new upgrades for expansion slots is which type of standard your slot conforms to. For example, you can't plug a card made for PCI Express slots into an AGP slot, it wouldn't fit, and if it did fit, it still wouldn't work.

PCI and PCI Express

PCI, short for peripheral component interconnect, is one of the most widely used expansion slots on motherboards. PCI is the predecessor to PCI Express, a smaller and faster version with the same basic functions. These slots are most commonly used to connect sound cards and network cards but have other uses, such as adding extra USB ports. As computer game graphics get more advanced, PCI is less capable of handling graphics cards as well, yet PCI Express can handle the more powerful video cards of today.

AGP slots

AGP, short for advanced graphics port, is a slot used specifically for graphics cards. These slots allow your card to directly access your computers system memory, which speeds up graphics processing. When it comes to performance, AGP slots are less advanced than PCI Express, which does the same things AGP does but faster. When you are using more than one graphics card it is common to have one AGP card and one PCI Express card, as computers generally don't have two AGP slots on the motherboard. Some motherboards have two PCI Express slots, however, so dual video card configurations using only PCI Express are now fairly common.

Alternatives

If you have no open expansion slots on your motherboard, or you have a laptop, fret not. Alternatives are available. Some of the things done through expansion slots are now commonly done through ExpressCard and USB slots. ExpressCards allow laptop owners to enjoy some of the functionality afforded to desktop owners through their expansion slots. These are basically externally accessed expansion slots that can be used for wireless cards and other peripherals.

Tags: expansion slots, These slots, graphics cards, your computer, your tower, back your

Microstar Ms6103 Motherboard Specs

The MS-6103 was a motherboard that was manufactured by Microstar International (MSI). The MS-6103 is no longer available from Microstar, but can be purchased from numerous online vendors. MSI no longer offers support or documentation for the MS-6103 main board, but BIOS drivers are still available from reputable websites.

Processor

The MS-6103 system board supported Pentium Pro Processors with speeds of 150 MHz, 166 MHz, 180 MHz, 200 MHz and 233 MHz. The chipset for this board was the Intel 440FX chipset. The Pentium Pro Processors had front side bus (FSB) speeds of 60 or 66MHz. The on-board level two cache memory size for these processors ranged from 256 KB to 1MB.

Processor Max TDP

The Pentium Pro Processors compatible with this board had maximum thermal design power (TDP) ranging from 31.7 to 44 watts. TDP is the maximum wattage use of the processor under normal operational conditions.

Processor Voltage

All the Pentium Pro Processors that were compatible with this motherboard were 3.3 volt processors.

Processor Case Temperature

The case temperature for these processors ranged from 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit) to 85 degrees Celsius (185 degrees Fahrenheit). Case temperature is the maximum temperature the processor can be expected to withstand during operation.

Memory

The maximum random access memory (RAM) that the Microstar MS-6103 board could support was 512 MB of EDO RAM.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the MS-6103 system board were 330 millimeters (13 inches) by 220 millimeters (8.66 inches).

I/O Ports

The Microstar MS-6130 motherboard had many input/output interfaces, including: one USB interface, two IDE interfaces, one parallel port, two serial ports, four 32-bit PCI slots, one 3.5-inch floppy disk drive interface, one PS/2 mouse port, one infrared port and a speaker port.

Video/Audio

Audio and video cards were not integrated on this motherboard. The MS-6103 included PCI slots to add video and audio cards.

Tags: Pentium Processors, available from, Celsius degrees, Celsius degrees Fahrenheit, compatible with

The Asus P5kse Motherboard Won'T Boot From Pata

Your operating system boots from a hard drive.

The P5k-SE is a motherboard made by Asus, a computer hardware manufacturer known for it's motherboards. Newer motherboards are switching to only SATA drives but the P5K-SE has connection for PATA drives as well. PATA, also known as IDE, EIDE or just ATA drives are similar to SATA drives but are usually slower. Either hard drive type should work as a boot device, however.

Instructions

1. Restart your computer. Look for the message on the screen that lists which key to press to enter either "Setup" or the BIOS. Press the key and look for the boot order option. Choose the boot order to the PATA hard drive.

2. Open your computer case. Disconnect all of the other hard drives. This will help determine if there are any conflicts. If the drive boots after this, you must install the other drives back one at a time and recheck the BIOS to make the other drives lower in the boot order.

3. Check the master-slave setting on the back of the drive. There is a jumper that can be set to make the hard drive the master, slave, single or cable select. There will be a diagram on top of the drive showing the settings. Change the setting to single or master. Make sure the hard drive is connected to the outermost cable connection on the hard drive cable. Try a different cable as well.

4. Replace the drive if nothing else works. Format the hard drive, install an operating system and make sure all of the BIOS and jumper settings are correct on this new drive as well.

Tags: hard drive, boot order, operating system, other drives, SATA drives, your computer

Specs For An Aopen Ax6bc Motherboard

The AX6BC is a computer motherboard that was manufactured in 1998 by AOpen, a Taiwanese subsidiary of the Acer Group. A motherboard is a circuit board that holds a computer processor, memory and other critical hardware components of a laptop or desktop computer. The AOpen AX6BC was discontinued. The AX6BC was popular from 1998 to 2000 due to the wide variety of computer processing units (CPUs) that work with this motherboard.

Processor

The AOpen AX6BC motherboard features a Slot-1 CPU table, which is designed to hold an Intel Pentium II, Intel Pentium III or Intel Celeron processor. The available bus speeds on the motherboard are 66, 68, 75, 83, 100, 103, 112, 117, 124, 129, 133, 138, 143, 148 and 153, meaning that this board can be adjusted to hold between a 66 megahertz and 153 megahertz Intel processor. The power requirements of the CPU are automatically detected and a chip that needs 1.3 to 3.5 volts of power may be used.

Memory

The AOpen AX6BC can handle three or four memory sticks total, depending upon the configuration of the motherboard. The random access memory (RAM) that is compatible with the AX6BC is 168-pin dual inline memory module (DIMM) or SDRAM. The maximum amount of SDRAM memory that can be installed on this motherboard is 768 megabytes (MB) for the three stick board and 1024 MB for a four stick board.

Ports

The AOpen AX6BC includes a variety of ports for peripheral hardware. Two serial ports come with the board in order to hook up a printer, as well as two universal serial bus (USB) ports. In addition, PS/2 mouse and keyboard port allow users to plug in a keyboard and mouse. A VGA adapter is included in order to plug in a computer monitor.

Drives

The AX6BC motherboard includes two ISA slots, five PCI slots and one AGP slot. The accelerated graphics ports (AGP) can be used to hold a 1x video card, although a graphics card may also be installed in a PCI slot. Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) was used in order to install older peripheral devices, while Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) slots are used for newer components. This motherboard contains a connection for two floppy drives, as well as two IDE plugs to connect a maximum of two hard drives.

Bios

The AOpen AX6BC comes with Plug and Play Flash ROM Bios, with support for Windows 98 and 95 compliant components. The BIOS on this motherboard allows users to easily modify hard drive settings and to adjust the speed of the processor. The BIOS operates using a 3V lithium battery.

Tags: AOpen AX6BC, this motherboard, AOpen AX6BC, AX6BC motherboard, Intel Pentium, Intel Pentium Intel

What Is A Beta Bios

A motherboard's Basic Input/Output System controls system-level interactions between the components of the computer. Occasionally, manufacturers may release BIOS updates that improve motherboards by increasing performance and reliability or resolving hardware incompatibilities. A beta BIOS is an update that may improve a motherboard's performance or resolve a severe problem but has not yet undergone thorough testing. These downloads are intended only for advanced computer users.

Benefits

Various issues can lead to the release of a beta BIOS. Several motherboard manufacturers released beta BIOS updates in 2011. Gigabyte released a beta BIOS for the GA-Z68XP-UD3P motherboard in 2011 that resolved compatibility issues with Intel Smart Response Technology and Marvell RAID controllers. ASRock released a beta BIOS for the P67 Extreme4 motherboard that resolved a problem that occurred when the motherboard was used with a SteelSeries Xai mouse. Asus released a beta BIOS that allowed its AM3 motherboards to support AMD's "Bulldozer" processors. If you enjoy tweaking your computer for best performance or have an issue with a certain hardware add-on, you may be able to resolve it quickly by downloading a beta BIOS rather than waiting for the manufacturer to perform thorough testing.

Potential Drawbacks

A computer cannot start without a functioning BIOS. Therefore, a BIOS update that fails for any reason such as power loss or a corrupted download can render the computer unusable. In addition, it is possible that a beta BIOS released to resolve a certain issue may introduce a new problem the manufacturer has not yet detected. Therefore, it is wise to confirm that your motherboard has the ability to downgrade to an older BIOS version before performing an upgrade. If your motherboard does not permit you to downgrade, you may find yourself stuck with the beta BIOS until the manufacturer releases another update.

Downloading a Beta BIOS

If a beta BIOS is available for your computer's motherboard, you may be able to obtain it from the manufacturer's support website. However, you may also wish to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's user forum; in some cases, a manufacturer will release a beta BIOS for the enthusiast community for testing and feedback rather than posting it on the general support website.

Installing a Beta BIOS

Because few modern computers include floppy diskette drives, many motherboard manufacturers provide BIOS update applications that work within a Windows environment. In other cases, you may be able to copy the beta BIOS to a USB flash drive and press a key while the computer starts to install the update. Check the manufacturer's website for instructions explaining install a BIOS update for your motherboard model.

Tags: beta BIOS, beta BIOS, BIOS update, released beta, released beta BIOS

What Is The Difference Between Dual And Quad Core In A Computer

Dual and quad-core processor options are common options on many computers, both desktops and laptops. Generally speaking, what processor suits you best depends on your intended use of your computer. If you're into PC or online gaming, you'll want a more powerful processor. However, if all you do is type documents, surf the Web and look at streaming videos, you probably don't need to spend the extra money.

Dual Core

A computer with a dual core processor has two CPUs, or central processing units, that carry out the complex computations your computer runs. If you've ever looked at your task manager window and clicked the "Processes" tab, you've likely seen a long list of programs that are running in the background whenever your computer's booted up. This holds true no matter what operating system you run. Keep in mind that a dual core processor requires computer programmers to write their programs with it in mind for optimal efficiency.

Quad Core

If your computer has a quad core processor, you may guess that it's got four CPUs -- and you'd be right. However, this is not necessarily a case of "more equals better." Overall speed of your processor, no matter the type, is expressed in GHz, or gigahertz. This number is the overall speed of the entire processor, not of each core operating individually. Therefore, it's possible for dual and quad-core processors both running at the same speed to produce roughly the same performance.

Considerations

There's no denying that a quad-core processor has greater computational capability than a dual-core processor. However, programmers have to take advantage of that capability when writing programs in order for it to matter to you as a user. The truest arbiter of any processor -- dual, quad, or otherwise -- is how it performs in benchmark testing. As the name suggests, benchmarks provide a "yardstick" that shows you, in simple terms, how processors or different computer configurations perform. PassMark Software's "CPU Benchmark Charts" website regularly updates with current information on CPU benchmarks. If you're considering buying a new computer or upgrading an old one, check there for the latest information.

Caution

Any processor of any size needs adequate cooling available to function properly. If you're considering upgrading your existing computer's performance, don't forget to cool your speedy new processor of choice. Keep in mind that one of the reasons processor manufacturers moved away from single-core processors is that, as their speed increased, they became hotter and hotter. Dual and quad-core processors with reduced speeds simply don't get as hot as single-core processors running at higher speeds. If you're looking at laptops equipped with multicore processors, read reviews to learn about how well their cooling systems work. Laptops cram a lot into a tiny space, and some get hotter than others. This can be problematic when the vents are on the bottom, particularly if you actually use your laptop on your lap.

Tags: your computer, core processor, dual core, dual core processor, Dual quad-core

Vaio Vs Macbook

The Sony Vaio and Apple MacBook product lines are considered high-end laptops in terms of performance. There are significant differences between the two that you should consider before making a purchasing decision.

Operating Systems

As of October 2009, the Sony Vaio line offers a variety of Windows operating systems depending on the model. All MacBook models ship with current version of Mac OS X.

Base Prices

Base prices of the Vaio models range from $499.99 to $1,769.99 for factory standard configurations. Apple's MacBook line ranges from $999 to $2,499. Upgrades are available for both. While the specific configurations vary as new models are released, these price points are generally consistent.

Screen Sizes

The Vaio line offers widescreen displays from 8 to 18.4 inches. The MacBook widescreen displays range from 13 to 17 inches.

Speed

Different hardware and software configurations combined with the fact Sony and Apple use different processors make it impossible to compare their products based on sheer gigahertz speed.

Key Differences

Sony Vaio offers a wider line of models and lower prices with comparatively more features, but it is incapable of running Mac OS X. Apple's MacBooks have a less broad selection and cost more, but it is capable of running Mac OS X and various Windows operating systems using Apple's built-in Boot Camp utility.

Tags: Sony Vaio, Apple MacBook, from inches, line offers, operating systems, range from, Vaio line

Pcie 1x Vs Pci

PCI-E 1x and PCI are two different versions of the Peripheral Component Interconnect personal computer bus standard, or expansion card slot. They are best known for connecting components such as video/graphics cards to the motherboard of computer systems such as personal computers and servers. The PCI standard was introduced by the Peripheral Component Interconnect Special Interest Group, or PCI-SIG, a non-profit organization consisting of more than 900 technology companies. Succeeding the original PCI, PCI Express -- officially abbreviated as PCIe -- is a faster and more advanced computer bus.

Background

The abbreviation PCI is commonly used for the original PCI, which is also known as Conventional PCI. The organization that developed it, PCI-SIG, debuted PCI in 1993 -- a year after the organization was founded. Two years later, in 2004, PCI-SIG introduced PCI Express. It was then that PCI-SIG officially labeled the original standard as Conventional PCI.

Revisions

At the time of publication, Conventional PCI and PCIe are in their third generation of revisions: PCI with v3.0 in 2002 and PCIe with v3.0 in 2010. Thus, "PCI-E 1x" is a reference to first-generation revisions, which are collectively labeled as v1.x. They consist of PCIe 1.0a and PCIe 1.1, and the other revisions -- apart from the aforementioned PCIe 3.0 -- are PCIe 2.0 and PCIe 2.1. As for Conventional PCI, it had PCI 1.0, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 preceding version 3.0.

Data Rate

Available as a 32-bit or 64-bit interface or port, Conventional PCI transfers or processes data at a speed of 133MB and 266MB for 32-bit applications or 533MB per second for 64-bit ones. When the PCIe debuted with its first production cycle, or PCIe v1.x, it surpassed Conventional PCI with a data rate of 4GB/s, or 4,096MB/s.

Current Status

Conventional PCI is still used in PCs, although the frequency of its application pales in comparison to the PCIe, which has become the standard expansion port in the computer industry. Not only is it used for graphics cards, but other components such as sound cards, modems, Ethernet and Wi-Fi network cards and television tuner cards as well.

Tags: PCIe PCIe, Component Interconnect, components such, graphics cards, Peripheral Component, Peripheral Component Interconnect, standard expansion

Information On The Asus P4s533mx

The ASUS P4S533-MX motherboard only supports certain types of computer hardware; you cannot install, for example, an Intel Core 2 Extreme Processor into the motherboard, because the board does not have an LGA775 socket. To determine what sort of upgrades you can make to your system, review the motherboard information.

Form Factor and Features

The ASUS P4S533-MX uses a Micro-ATX form factor, measuring 9.6 inches by 9.6 inches, or 24.5 cm by 24.5 cm. The motherboard supports the features Power Loss Restart, ASUS EZ Flash and CrashFree BIOS. Power Loss Restart allows a system to restore itself to its previous state after a power interruption. ASUS EZ Flash allows you to update your BIOS through a built-in utility. CrashFree BIOS allows you to restore a faulty BIOS through a backup BIOS stored to a USB flash drive.

Performance

The ASUS P4S533-MX requires double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM). The motherboard uses 184-pin or 168-pin dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) to install PC2700/2100/PC1600 or PC133/PC100 RAM chips. The motherboard supports up to 2 gigabytes of memory. The ASUS P4S533-MX includes Socket 478, which supports processors of the Intel Pentium 4/Celeron family. The motherboard also supports Intel Hyper-Threading Technology (HTT). HTT allows multiple threads of data to run simultaneously in each processor core.

Input/Output Slots

The motherboard includes two IDE slots, one AGP 4X (1.5V) slot, 3 PCI slots, one parallel port, one PS/2 keyboard port, one VGA port, one PS/2 mouse port, four USB 2.0 ports, one RJ-45 (Ethernet) port, one S/PDIF out connector and speaker and microphone ports. The ASUS P4S533-MX also includes an integrated 3-D graphics controller using the SiS 651 chipset integrated into the board.

Installation

Line up the ports on the end of the board with the rear of the chassis. Line up the screw holes on the motherboard with the case. Insert eight screws, one into each hole, and tighten the screws in place.

Tags: ASUS P4S533-MX, ASUS Flash, BIOS through, CrashFree BIOS, Loss Restart

What Motherboards Use Ddr3

DDR3 is a form of random access memory.

DDR3 is the third generation of Double Data Rate RAM. It offers double the speed and less power consumption compared to its predecessor, DDR2. DDR3 is not compatible with earlier versions of the DDR standard, and you must have a motherboard that specifically supports DDR3 technology. All major motherboard manufacturers offer DDR3 compatible devices, each with their own storage capacities and hardware features.The first DDR3 motherboards entered the market in June of 2007.

ASUS P5E3 Deluxe Motherboard

The Asus P5E3 Deluxe is a high-end motherboard for Socket 775 computers. It is based on the Intel X38 chipset, which offers features such as a built-in Wi-Fi access point that lets you share your Internet connection with others, a remote control, and an internal Linux installation that has an Internet browser and does not require a hard drive. It allows you to overclock your hardware to gain increased performance and supports up to 8 gigabytes of DDR3 memory over four installation sockets.

Intel DP45SG Motherboard

The Intel DP45SG is a motherboard released by Intel. It offers a Socket 775 CPU slot that supports processors ranging from the Pentium 4 to the Core 2 Quad and Core 2 Extreme. It supports up to 8 gigabytes of DDR3 memory. It fits ATX-sized cases and was first released in 2008. The motherboard can hold up to four slots of DDR3 RAM.

Biostar TP35D3-A7 Deluxe Motherboard

The Biostar TP35D3-A7 Deluxe Motherboard is equipped to deal with all the 775 core processors that are on the market. It supports Socket 775 processors, allowing it to run Pentium Core 2's in both dual- and quad-core editions. The Biostar TP35D3-A7 motherboard is based on the Intel P35 Express and ICH9R chipsets. The motherboard supports DDR3 memory and has two Gigabit network cards, HD audio and RAID support. It has four DDR3 memory slots, allowing it to hold up to 8 GB of RAM. The motherboard has a built-in LED that will display problems with the motherboard during diagnosis and has a legend of error codes built into the physical board.

Tags: DDR3 memory, Biostar TP35D3-A7, Deluxe Motherboard, based Intel, Biostar TP35D3-A7 Deluxe, DDR3 compatible

What Is A Gaming Desktop Computer

What Is a Gaming Desktop Computer?

Gaming desktop computers are simply what their names imply, desktop computers made for gaming. If you think about it, console systems such as Microsoft's Xbox or Sony's PlayStation are basically computers. They have processors, RAM, a hard drive and more.

Gaming desktop computers can come in many different configurations and have almost unlimited options.

Gaming Desktop Computer

A gaming desktop computer is simply a desktop computer that is efficient at playing computer games. But, what separates a gaming desktop computer from just any desktop computer? For the most part, gaming computers are performance computers. The majority of the makeup of gaming desktop computers is with performance parts.

Common Performance/Upgraded Parts

Not all parts of a desktop computer necessarily need to be performance or upgraded to be considered a good gaming computer. Most of the time, gaming desktops feature an upgraded graphics card, processor, RAM memory, and a hard drive.

The upgraded graphics card allows the computer to be able to handle high frame rates and buffer video faster. Many computer games require these capabilities. Without a good graphics card, computer gamers can experience a "lag," or slow down in performance when playing a game.

An upgraded processor is mainly to support all of the other upgraded parts. A good processor can make your computer run faster and give it significant performance boosts when playing games.

The RAM memory upgrade supports the high system requirements of some games. Many games will take up a lot of memory on your computer, and the additional RAM helps your computer run smoothly throughout game play.

The upgraded hard drive is often a preference. However, many computer gamers like to store game saves to their computer as well as other features. This will allow them more capacity.

Gaming Computer Builds

Most commonly, anyone who is a hardcore computer gamer will build his own computer from scratch. This will allow him to pick out every single component of his computer to assure that it works great with the latest games. There are many performance computer parts available at sites such as Newegg.com.

Factory Gaming Brands

If you do not have the knowledge to build your own gaming computer, or you do not want to go through the hassle, many computer manufacturers offer specialty gaming computers. Generally, these computers cost more than a standard desktop. Gateway's FX series, HP's VooDoo PC, and Dell's Alienware desktops are all examples of factory gaming desktop computers.

Some Popular Desktop Games

What's a gaming computer without the games. PCs have a wide range of games to pick from. Some classic games that you may be interested in are Grand Theft Auto, Halo and Call of Duty. World of Warcraft has also become very popular over the last couple of years. If you are looking for a good game to play that was just released, check out Champions Online and Batman Arkham Asylum.

Tags: desktop computer, desktop computers, Desktop Computer, gaming computer, graphics card, hard drive

Recycled Motherboard Gifts

The time has come to give your favorite techie a gift, but you have no idea what to give. Luckily, there are a plethora of gifts made from recycled computer parts. Motherboards are especially versatile, and this is the perfect opportunity to rescue an unneeded motherboard from decades of slow disintegration in a nearby landfill.

Recycled Motherboard Photo Frame

Everyone likes putting pictures of family, friends and pets on their desk at work, but workers often choose nondescript frames. You should give the computer engineer a frame that really reflects his or her personality, and a recycled motherboard picture frame does just that. The frames look quite simple to make, but if an afternoon with a miter saw and a set of Dremel tools does not sound like your idea of a good time, it is worth the $18 to $20 as of 2010 to purchase the frames already made.

Recycled Motherboard Menorah

For the Jewish technology specialist in your life, a motherboard menorah is an excellent choice. Traditionally, candles are lit for each night of Hanukkah, but that is the low-tech way to celebrate. The high-tech motherboard menorah has LED lights attached to a small battery, and each individual bulb has its own switch. This sure beats the usual chocolate gelt and plastic driedels.

Recycled Motherboard Business Card Case

Carrying around a stack of business cards in your pants pocket is not very classy. Your favorite techie should be carrying them in a card holder made from an old motherboard. Computer experts can attest to the fact that motherboards come in different colors, such as black, blue, red and purple. This means the giver has the option of choosing whichever color the engineer will like best.

Tags: Recycled Motherboard, favorite techie, made from

What Is The Difference Between Ddr Ddr2 Ddr3 & Ddr4 Video Memory

What Is the Difference Between DDR, DDR2, DDR3 & DDR4 Video Memory?

One of the most common upgrades for a computer is its memory. The standards for memory are DIMM and RIMM memory with variations based on bus speed. DDR, DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4 are all speed variations.

DDR

DDR, or double data rate, memory is simply a memory chip that processes twice as many bits of data per clock cycle as a standard RAM chip. This allows twice as many calculations to be done, effectively doubling the computing power of the processor. DDR was available in 200 MHz, 266 MHz, 333 MHz and 400 MHz speeds.

DDR2

DDR2 is the second version of DDR memory. It requires less power -- 1.8 volts as compared to the DDR's 2.5 volts. It also comes with a different form factor which means that it is not usable in motherboards designed for DDR. DDR2 was available in 400 MHz, 533 MHz, 667 MHz, 800 MHz and1033MHz speeds.

DDR3

DDR3 is the third generation of double data rate memory. Even more efficient than the DDR2, DDR3 operates on 1.5 volts of electricity. It is available in 800 Mhz, 1066 Mhz, 1330 Mhz and 1600 Mhz speeds. The DDR3 form factor, although consisting of the same number of pins, is not backwards compatible with DDR2 machines.

DDR4

DDR4 was set to be released in 2011 and the specs were not set in stone as of December 2010; although they were to be faster and more efficient than the DDR3's from all indications.

Tags: DDR2 DDR3, data rate, data rate memory, DDR2 DDR3 DDR4, DDR3 DDR4, Difference Between, double data

What Is The Meaning Of System Hardware

System hardware is the computer and its physical equipment.

The FreeDictionary.com defines system hardware as a computer and its physical equipment that is directly involved in the performance of data processing or communications. The system unit, or hard drive, is the actual computer.

Hardware

Removable media include CD and DVD drives.

The Cool Nerd website provides a diagram of a desktop PC, showing the components of the system unit, which is the computer tower and everything inside. Some of the hardware includes removable media and storage, including the CD, DVD and floppy disk drives that can be removed. Notebooks and laptop computers have the same components, but the hardware is integrated into a single portable unit.

Internal Components

The hardware system also contains a hard drive that cannot be seen or removed.

The computer hard disk stores all the information that is saved on the computer and cannot be seen or removed. It is housed in a special casing to protect the data stored on it. RAM, or random access memory, is very fast and stores the information and data being entered on a computer at the time it is being used. Once the system is shut down, the RAM information is lost.

Peripheral Devices

The keyboard, mouse and monitor are peripheral devices that are attached to the computer system so it can be used.

Peripheral devices are hardware components that are needed to use a computer. Common peripheral devices include the mouse, keyboard, monitor, external speakers and printer.

System Software

Without an operating system, which is software, a computer could not be used. According to ComputerHope.com, an operating system is a software program that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Some examples of operating system software are Microsoft Windows, Linux and Unix.

Tags: operating system, cannot seen, cannot seen removed, computer physical, computer physical equipment, hard drive

Intel Celeron 2 8 Gig 728 Processor Specifications

Intel's Celeron processor supports 64-bit computing and protects against virus attacks.

The Intel Celeron D processor contains several configurations tailored for any kind of computer user. Intel offers an entry level processor with low costs, aimed at owners of netbooks and basic laptops. Intel also produces a powerful processor for owners of multimedia powerhouse computers and workstations. The Intel Celeron processor has a middle-of-the-pack model as well, with a 2.80 Gigahertz clock speed among other technical specifications.

Processor Speed

The Celeron processor has a clock speed of 2.8 Gigahertz (GHz). Additionally, the processor has a Level 2 cache of 256KB. The Front Side Bus clocks in at 533 Megahertz (MHz). The processor is built to operate 64-bit operating systems. The processor's cooling system can dissipate up to 84 watts of heat before damaging the computer. The Celeron also has a voltage range of 1.250V to 1.400V.

Other Specifications

The Celeron supports physical address extensions in the 32-bit format. Error Correcting Memory, however, is not supported with the computer. The processor is constructed within a case that stays at 67.7 degrees Celsius. The package size is 37.5 millimeters by 37.5 millimeters. There are 125 million processing die transistors within the Celeron processor. The process supports two different types of sockets: PLGA478 and PLGA775.

Intel 64 Architecture

Intel 64 Architecture is included with the processor. Intel 64 provides 64-bit computing processors for servers, workstations, desktop and mobile platforms when used in tandem with supported hardware. In order for the Celeron processor to deliver 64-bit computing, the computer system must also have a chipset, BIOS, supported operating system and drivers that support Intel 64 Architecture. Celeron processors are then able to commit more than 4 GB of both virtual and physical memory to computer systems.

Execute Disable Bit

Execute Disable Bit is Intel's security protocol that is embedded into Celeron processors. The feature reduces the risk of viruses and malicious software attacks. It also restricts harmful software from spreading by accessing the server or network.

Tags: Celeron processor, Intel Celeron, 64-bit computing, Intel Architecture, Intel Celeron processor, Celeron processors, clock speed

What Is A Bga Socket

A Ball Grid Array socket -- also known as a BGA socket -- is a central processing unit package characterized by soldered balls to accommodate a processor. Like other types of CPU sockets, the BGA socket is designed for physical and electrical connection of a processor with the motherboard of a personal computer.

Background

The BGA socket is considered a descendant of the Pin Grid Array, which consists of pin holes arranged in a neat, grid-like format on one side of a square-shaped substrate. This provides the interface for the processor to be connected to the motherboard -- not only for data transfer or interaction with other PC components, but also for protection from potential damage during insertion or removal. The BGA socket follows the same orderly layout of the contacts; however, instead of pins, it uses metal balls or spheres soldered onto the surface.

Types

The BGA socket has more than a dozen variants. However, the most popular ones include the Plastic BGA, Ceramic BGA and Flip Chip BGA. The PBGA and CBGA are named after the material used in their manufacture. The FCBGA is a reference to a variant that involves the back of the CPU's die -- the wafer of semiconductor material upon which its processing unit or units are placed -- exposed so that the user can introduce a heat sink to cool it down.

Advantages

The primary advantage of the BGA socket lies in its ability to fit more processor contacts in a substrate. This design solved the problem of mistakenly bridging pin contacts with solder as manufacturers increased their number on PGA sockets. The BGA socket uses the solder on the balls for attachment, rather than having them applied on the contacts. In addition to its density, which was higher than that of previous types of integrated circuit packaging, the BGA socket has better heat conduction and electrical performance, with a lower thermal resistance between the socket and the motherboard due to the shortened distance and relatively outstanding thermal properties of the socket itself.

Disadvantages

The BGA socket, however, also has its drawbacks. Its main shortcoming is the inability of its solder to flex like sockets with longer contacts. This causes an increase of the possibility of the motherboard's thermal and mechanical stresses being transferred to the socket, thus causing fracture of the solder balls and reducing its reliability. Another problem with the BGA socket is the difficulty of searching for soldering defects once it has been soldered onto the motherboard.

Tags: Grid Array, processing unit, sockets socket, solder balls, soldered onto

Update & Back Up Bios

Update & Back Up BIOS

Backing up your BIOS (Basic Input Output System) can save your system if a virus corrupts or erases the BIOS. Without your BIOS firmware, you cannot install your operating system. Part of backing up your BIOS involves updating the BIOS. The backup procedure uses the update process to create the backup. All computer and motherboard manufacturers support updating and backing up the BIOS.

Instructions

1. Turn on your computer. If you changed the motherboard or built your own computer piece by piece, see Step 2. Otherwise, skip to Step 3.

2. Write down the name of your motherboard manufacturer as it appears during the boot process. Common motherboard manufacturers include AMI and Phoenix. If you do not see the motherboard name, restart your system and enter your BIOS using the BIOS key listed on the first screen during the boot process. The motherboard manufacturer is listed on the first screen of the BIOS.

3. Visit either your computer manufacturer's or motherboard manufacturer's website.

4. Locate the Support, Help or Downloads section of the website. Use the exact name and model of your computer or motherboard to view available downloads.

5. Download the latest BIOS update.

6. Download the latest version of the BIOS backup software. If you do not see BIOS backup software listed, search for "BIOS backup" on the computer manufacturer's or motherboard manufacturer's website.

7. Read all instructions provided with the BIOS backup software. Some manufacturers require you to update the BIOS first, while others require you to update after backing up.

8. Follow the instructions provided with the BIOS update file to update your BIOS.

9. Run the BIOS backup software. Some manufacturers require you to use a command line prompt to backup the BIOS. The prompts are listed in the software instructions.

Tags: BIOS backup, your BIOS, backup software, BIOS backup software, motherboard manufacturer

What Is A 64bit Processor

Advanced computer chip technology is gaining recognition as 21st century, next generation computing since the release of 64-bit processors. Personal computers running 64-bit operating systems are more powerful and faster. Complex elements or circuitry built inside the processors, allow computers to store more data in RAM (random access memory), which reduces processing time and increases overall system performance.

Facts

Since the early 90s, 64-bit processors were solely used to run high-performance servers. Database management industries could effectively handle massive amounts of data, larger workloads and virtualization.

Today, two popular manufacturers, Intel and AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) are making considerable changes in the computer industry. They have released numerous types of 64-bit processors for personal computers.

History

Nowadays, personal computers that run on 32-bit processors are considered out of date. Due to limitations of 2 or 4 gigabytes of memory, 32-bit processors are slower than 64-bit processors. The difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors is the amount of data that can be processed per clock cycle.

Thirty two-bit processors cannot support 64-bit operating systems, because the processor speed must match the version of the operating system. A 32-bit processor works efficiently with a 32-bit operating system installed on a computer.

Function

Sixty four-bit processors' memory size is in the terabytes range. The processors are able to process larger pieces of data, and offer security benefits that aren't available in 32-bit systems. Most 64-bit processors have backwards compatibility, and can detect older applications. The enhanced processors are able to run 32-bit operating systems and software applications without developing performance issues.

Each processor type is distinguished from the kind of technology used to develop the processor chip. You can purchase 64-bit processors in several different speeds. The model number refers to the speed of the processor, and a higher number usually indicates improved performance.

Types

Single core processing has a single core is embedded inside a processor chip. This type of design performs one operation at a time.

Dual-core processing allows a computer to use two processors embedded inside a single processor chip. This type of design improves the speed and power of the computer.

Quad core processing allows a computer to use four processors embedded inside a single processor chip. This type of design boosts software algorithms and increases performance levels.

Turbo-boost technology increases cores' frequency, accelerates performance and enables maximum speed.

Hyper-threading technology allows the processor to execute multiple tasks at the same time efficiently.

Benefits

The main advantage of 64-bit processors is their enhanced memory stability and multitasking capability. The processors are able to effectively handle high-end applications, digital music, play realistic games with improved graphics and stream videos without delays, pauses or interruptions at optimal speeds.

Tags: 64-bit processors, processor chip, chip This, chip This type, embedded inside

Troubleshoot An Hp Pavilion Motherboard

Several components must be removed to access the motherboard.

HP Pavilion motherboards can suffer from a disconnected video cable or connector issues at the motherboard's actual base within the Pavilion's enclosure. In both cases, the motherboard will cease to operate properly until the cables are reconnected properly and the Pavilion's connectors are locked down. HP Pavilion motherboards can also suffer from general motherboard failure that requires full motherboard replacement. In order to troubleshoot for and then fix or replace the Pavilion motherboard, the battery, RAM, wireless card and the notebook's top assembly must all be removed using a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Instructions

1. Turn off the HP Pavilion laptop. Ensure the power adapter cable is not connected to the computer. Turn the HP Pavilion over and notice the battery at the top center of the unit. Directly below the battery is the release. Slide this to pop out the battery.

2. Begin removing components to access the motherboard. Below the battery the hard drive and RAM compartments reside, with a black plastic hatch covering both. The hard drive compartment is to the bottom right, while the RAM is directly beside it to the left. Remove the screws on these hatches with a Phillips-head screwdriver, then take off the plastic compartment hatches.

3. Pop out the RAM modules using your fingers. Grab the hard drive by its right side, pull it up and lay it aside. This will reveal the wireless card beneath.

4. Take note of the two black antenna cables that come out of the wireless card and run into two connectors. "Unlock" the connectors by flipping them into an upright position, then remove the cables. Take out the wireless card.

5. Remove all the visible screws on the bottom side of the HP Pavilion laptop with your screwdriver. Set these aside, as you’ll need them for reassembly.

6. Flip over the HP Pavilion laptop and take out the keyboard. It’s now loose and you can lift it out. As you do, notice the keyboard cable that runs from its bottom to the motherboard at the notebook’s base. Disconnect this cable from the connector the way you did with the wireless card’s cables, then set the keyboard aside.

7. Troubleshoot for the video cable connector on the motherboard. With the keyboard removed, you’ll see this cable running into a connector on the motherboard, with the connector located just under the left display hinge. If this cable is loose or disconnected, this should be the problem with the motherboard. Reconnect it and then replace all the components and screws you have taken out, then try powering on your computer to see if the motherboard problem is resolved. If not, continue disassembly.

8. Remove both the screws that are under the two display hinges. Remove the monitor assembly of the Pavilion by lifting it up.

9. Remove the top housing of the HP Pavilion laptop that surrounds where the keyboard used to reside. You can lift this out now that the top assembly is gone.

10. Check the two cables running from the bottom of the motherboard. If motherboard failure has occurred, this could be the culprit. To get at these cables, remove the large screw that sits at the far bottom right of the motherboard.

11. Lift the motherboard partially up now that the screw is gone. This will reveal the cables, which run from the motherboard’s base to two connectors. If these cables are disconnected, plug them back in. This should alleviate your motherboard woes.

12. Remove the motherboard completely if the HP Pavilion laptop still does not operate after these troubleshooting measures. Break the computer back down just as before, then disconnect the motherboard’s two base cables from the connectors after you remove the motherboard’s screw. Lift out the motherboard and replace it with a new one.

Tags: Pavilion laptop, wireless card, hard drive, this cable, access motherboard, bottom motherboard

Upgrade Ami Bios

American Megatrends Inc. (AMI) is a development company that produces computer motherboards and basic input/output systems (BIOS). The BIOS is typically stored in a ROM chip on the motherboard and is an integral part of every computer. It has all the code needed to control the keyboard, monitor, disk drives and other important components. Without a BIOS, the computer would simply cease to function. AMI offers updates for their basic input/output systems on their support website, provided AMI also manufactured the motherboard. To keep your computer at peak performance, you should upgrade your AMI BIOS whenever a new update is released.

Instructions

1. Identify the type of motherboard you have by using the AMI Motherboard Identification Utility (see Resources).

2. Select your motherboard from the drop-down menu on the AMI support page (see Resources), then click "Submit." You will be presented with a list of available updates for that motherboard on the following page.

3. Click on the update(s), then read the terms of service and click "I agree."

4. Click "OK" to download the update. Unzip the update folder and double-click the executable (.exe) file to install the update.

Tags: basic input, basic input output, input output, input output systems, output systems

The Ecs Bios Won'T Flash

Flashing ECS BIOS is easy.

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) is a Taiwan-based computer hardware manufacturer. ECS is one of the world's largest manufacturers of PC motherboards. Within the PC motherboards that are manufactured by ECS is a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). BIOS can be periodically updated using specialized software known as a BIOS update utility.

Instructions

1. Go to the BIOS Live Update page within the official website of ECS.

2. Download the eBLU software application, extract the compressed (zip) document and install it on your computer.

3. Run eBLU. This program will automatically detect your motherboard model number, the CPU, the BIOS manufacturer, and the operating system that you're currently operating.

4. Click on the "Check Update" option. This establishes whether or not there is an update available for BIOS.

5. Click on the "Install" button in eBLU (assuming that there is an update available). Once the update has been applied to BIOS, a dialog box will appear requesting that you confirm the reboot of your computer; press the "OK" button to perform the reboot. The process is now complete.

Tags: there update, there update available, update available, your computer

What Is An Unlocked Processor

An unlocked processor allows users to configure its speed for optimum performance.

Processors are an important part of any computer. They allow computers to perform operations on data from many sources, including on-site storage like hard drives or RAM, removable storage like flash drives and CDs, or network data from the Internet. Once initiated, most programs load their data into RAM, a location which allows the processor quick and easy access. Once loaded into the processor, the data can be read and manipulated and processed to enable the program's operations. Some manufacturers lock their processors, preventing users from tampering with the processor's settings which might create an unstable operating environment. On the other hand, other manufacturers prefer to keep their processors unlocked. With an unlocked processor, a user can change the processor settings to increase the performance of the computer. Since tampering with a processor can lead to hardware failure, users must be aware of the benefits and potential drawbacks.

Overclocking

Unlocked processors allow users to overclock. When processor manufacturers test their processors, they run them at a specific speed. If a particular processor fails at a certain speed, the same tests are run at a slightly lower speed. Processors are rated based on the highest speed at which they remain stable. However, since these tests are so stringent, many processors may operate reliably beyond their rating. Forcing a processor to run at a higher speed than their rating is called overclocking. A 1.2 ghz processor, for example, may be overclocked to run at 1.3 ghz or even 1.4 ghz.

Underclocking

As the name implies, underclocking is the reverse of overclocking. When users underclock their processors, they reduce the speed at which it is running. Although users loose processing power when underclocking, some users may choose to do so to preserve the health of their hardware if their computer continuously overheats.

Bus Speed

The processor's bus speed determines the speed at which data is loaded into the processor. Like the processor speed, bus speeds on an unlocked processor can also be adjusted. Since increasing bus speed affects how the processor interacts with all the other computer components, it usually has a very noticeable effect on computer performance. However, increasing the bus speed means users are spreading the risk of overheating to all affected components.

Risks

When a user runs a processor at a speed higher than it was rated for, they run the risk of overheating their processor ans causing hardware failure. To protect their processors, many users install additional fans and heat sinks into their computers, especially if they intend to overclock. Likewise, when users increase the processor's bus speed, the affected components like the RAM and motherboard share the same risk of overheating. Additional fans and heat sinks will help lessen this risk as well but it may not completely eliminate it.

Tags: their processors, processor speed, risk overheating, speed which, unlocked processor, affected components

Windows 3 1 Compatibility

W3.1 can multitask some DOS programs.

Windows 3.1 provides compatibility with a wide range of older and newer PCs. This version of Windows also runs a broad assortment of computer software programs developed during the 1980s, '90s and early 2000s.

Hardware

According to Microsoft, Windows 3.1 requires a 286 or faster CPU, 896K total memory and a hard disk drive, at a minimum. Most ISA and serial modems offer good W3.1 compatibility. Some newer PCs will only run this version of Windows in basic VGA mode with no sound.

Software

Most DOS software and programs for earlier versions (like 3.0) offer W3.1 compatibility, along with packages specifically designed for it. Such programs were sold on floppy disk and CD-ROM. Look for 16-bit versions of Windows software.

Examples

Well-known programs for W3.1 include Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer and mIRC. The 1994 Maxis "Software Toys Catalog" lists compatible games such as SimAnt and Wrath of the Gods, which came on a CD-ROM.

Tags: software programs, version Windows

Replace The Thermal Fan On A Dell Studio Xps 1640

Keep your Dell Studio XPS 1640 cool with a new fan.

If you allow your Dell Studio XPS 1640 to overheat, the entire electronic system can be destroyed. If you've tried cleaning the dust out of the vents and the computer still runs hot, then the thermal fan is probably shot. Replacing the thermal fan isn't difficult, especially since the internal components of this computer are accessible from the base. You can perform this procedure in about a half hour and get your computer cooled down.

Instructions

1. Shut down the computer and disconnect the power cable.

2. Disconnect the peripheral devices from the system.

3. Turn over the computer and extract the 10 screws from the base cover.

4. Lift the base cover off the computer from left to right to expose the internal components.

5. Slide the battery out of the computer.

6. Touch an unpainted metal object periodically to keep the static electricity from damaging the computer.

7. Locate the rear caps on the back of the computer on both sides of the outside of the battery bay. Slide the left rear cap to the right and pull it off, and slide the right rear cap to the left and pull it off.

8. Extract the seven screws on the copper heat sink conduits and lift the heat sink out of the computer.

9. Extract the two screws on the thermal fan.

10. Disconnect the fan cable from its connector on the motherboard.

11. Remove the thermal fan from the computer.

12. Follow the instructions in reverse order with the replacement fan to assemble the computer.

Tags: Dell Studio, Dell Studio 1640, Studio 1640, your Dell Studio, base cover

Msi 945 Neo5 Usb Problems

USB standard cables work cross-generationally between 1.1 and 2.0.

The MSI 945 Neo5 motherboard does not have widely reported USB problems, but it does have problems with its included BIOS software which can cause USB problems. The problem can also come from a loose connection or an attached device.

BIOS Update

The 945 Neo5's pre-installed Basic Input/Output System is known to cause problems with its interaction with other hardware. MSI has resolved the majority of the problems over BIOS revisions. You can try to resolve the USB problems by downloading and installing the latest version of BIOS from MSI's website.

USB Cable Not Connected

If you are experiencing problems with the USB ports on the computer case but not the ports on the back of the computer you probably have a loose or disconnected USB cable. The cable attached to the on-case USB ports connects to the 945 Neo5's JUSB ports. The ports can be found near the center of the motherboard on the bottom when it is mounted upright. Do not connect external Firewire connections to these ports.

Device Problems

The problem could be with the USB device. Some USB devices need their drivers installed before they will work. Other devices may need multiple ports for power reasons. Verify that the correct and updated device drivers are installed and that the device is properly connected to the USB port.

Tags: problems with, cause problems, devices need, does have, drivers installed

Upgrade A Motherboard And Cpu In A Desktop

A motherboard shown here being removed from the computer.

Upgrade a motherboard and CPU in a desktop computer to keep pace with the latest technology and gain the performance of a new computer. The new motherboard may have more ports and expansion slots or support new types of technology that were not available on the board being upgraded. The new CPU may run at a faster clock speed and offer more cores to allow a significant increase in speed for the new generation of applications.

Instructions

1. Click "Start" (Windows Orb), "Control Panel" and "Back Up Your Computer" to launch the Windows Backup utility. Back up any files or settings on the computer onto an external device or network location before upgrading the motherboard and CPU.

2. Click "Start" and "Shut Down" to power off the computer. If the computer is already off and it is unclear whether this method was used, power it back on and shut it down using this method to ensure the computer is not in sleep mode or hibernation. Disconnect the power cable, monitor cable, keyboard and mouse cable, sound cable and any other cables connected to the computer. Remove any external devices such as USB flash drives from the computer as well.

3. Remove the case cover and connect the anti-static wrist strap between one wrist and the inside of the case where there is an exposed metal part of the frame.

4. Disconnect all of the wires and cables coming from the motherboard.

5. Remove all of the expansion cards that are plugged into slots on the motherboard by removing the single screw holding each one in place and pulling them straight out of the slots.

6. Remove all of the screws holding the motherboard in place and remove the motherboard by lifting the front edge up slightly and pulling the motherboard away from the rear panel and out of the system.

7. Compare the mounting holes on the new motherboard to the old motherboard or to the case and insert or remove the motherboard standoffs as needed so that there is one standoff in the case for each screw hole in the new motherboard.

8. Lift the locking lever for the CPU socket on the new motherboard. Insert the new CPU into the new motherboard as indicated by the Pin 1 marking in one corner of the CPU that matches one corner of the CPU socket. Drop the CPU gently into the socket and close the locking lever, being careful not to force the CPU into the socket but ensuring it is fully seated.

9. Apply a thin layer of thermal compound to the top of the CPU if there is none on the heat sink already. Place the heat sink squarely onto the CPU and attach it to the mounting tabs on the motherboard. Connect the power lead from the fan to the location on the motherboard marked "CPUFAN" or equivalent.

10. Remove the RAM from the old motherboard by pressing outward on the small plastic retention clips and pulling the RAM straight up from the sockets once it has risen up slightly out of the socket. Install the RAM onto the new motherboard by opening the retention clips fully and sliding the RAM modules straight into the slots with sufficient force to allow the retention clips to rise into place and audibly click into the locked position. Notice the small key notch in the RAM modules that matches the key tab in the socket to ensure the proper orientation of the module during installation.

11. Replace the rear panel face plate with the one that matches the layout of the ports on the new motherboard.

12. Insert the new motherboard into the case by aligning the rear ports with the rear panel face plate and gently sliding the port end of the motherboard into place and then laying the motherboard flat onto the standoffs. Be careful not to bend the grounding tabs on the rear panel face plate. Place a screw into each hole in the motherboard and tighten them gently into the standoffs.

13. Attach the main power supply lead and auxiliary power leads as needed to the motherboard. Connect the front panel face plate connectors to the motherboard as indicated on the cables and the motherboard or the user manual for the motherboard.

14. Attach the data cables and any other cables to the motherboard. Reinstall the expansion cards into the slots and secure them with one screw for each card.

15. Wrap a nylon cable tie around any loose wires or wires that pass too closely to the CPU fan and tie them off gently. Allow some slack in the cables and avoid pinching the cable ties too tightly as this can cause damage to the insulation on the conductors.

Tags: face plate, panel face, panel face plate, rear panel, into slots, rear panel face, retention clips

Test Fsb Speed

Test FSB Speed

The front-side bus is the pathway that connects hardware components to the CPU. Testing the speed of an FSB can be done inside your computer's BIOS menu. Increase or decrease the CPU/PCI frequency setting to test out which speed works best. Increasing the FSB will transfer more information across to the CPU. However, the amount of RAM installed on your system will determine if the increase will create any effect.

Instructions

1. Restart your computer. Press one of the "Function" keys -- "F1" through "F12" -- that displays on your computer's boot-up screen. After pressing the function key, your computer enters the BIOS settings screen.

2. Press the "Left" arrow key on your keyboard to access the "Advanced" options screen.

3. Press the "Down" arrow key and then the "Enter" key to access the "Advanced Chipset Features" menu.

4. Press the "Down" arrow key to the "CPU/PCI Frequency" and then press either the "+" or "-" key. The "+" key increases the FSB speed and the "-" key decreases the speed.

5. Press the "F10" key to save and exit the BIOS. Load into Windows and determine if you see any performance increase. Continue increasing or decreasing the "CPU/PCI Frequency" to test the FSB speed.

Tags: your computer, access Advanced, Down arrow, Press Down, Press Down arrow, screen Press, Test Speed

Tell What Agp Card Is In A Computer

An AGP video card slot

Advanced graphics port (AGP) is a type of computer video card technology. If you plan to purchase new computer games or applications that require 3-D graphics, the type of video card you have installed can influence how well the application runs. It may be helpful to identify the exact type of AGP card you have installed to troubleshoot whether it meets the requirements for applications or to search for driver updates at the manufacturer's website.

Instructions

Check Video Card with Device Manager

1. Click "Start," then "Control Panel," then "Administrative Tools" followed by "Computer Management."

2. Click on "Device Manager" on the left-hand side of the window, then click the plus (+) sign next to "Display Adapters."

3. Right-click on your AGP video card in the list that expands, then select "Properties" to view information about the card.

Check a Video Card with Dxdiag

4. Click "Start," then "Run" and type "dxdiag" in the "run" text field.

5. Click "OK."

6. Click on the "Display" tab. Information about your video card will be displayed including the card name, manufacturer, and approximate graphics memory.

Use CPU-Z to Identify a Video Card

7. Go to Resources to find a link to download one of the versions of CPU-Z that is labeled as "No install." (The download links are on the left side of the page.)

8. Double-click on cpuz.exe to launch the system scanner.

9. Click on the "Graphics" tab to view information about your video card.

Tags: your video card, your video, about your, about your video, card have, card have installed

What Are The Three Main Categories Of Form Factors Used For Motherboards

The dominant motherboard form factor is ATX.

A form factor is an industry standard for how components work together to make a system from parts. The three commonly used motherboard form factors regulate how motherboards connect to cases, power supplies and backplanes with elements such as microphone jacks and USB connectors.

ATX Form Factor

The ATX form factor grew out of the Baby-AT form factor that dominated systems construction in the 1990s. Functionally, it's a Baby-AT motherboard rotated 90 degrees, with the CPU shifted away from the expansion slots, so that the board can hold full height expansion cards in all sockets. ATX motherboards also integrate many components that used to be separate cards onto the motherboard, like Ethernet cards, and basic integrated video cards. ATX motherboards are 12-by-9.6 inches.

MicroATX Form Factor

The MicroATX form factor is a reduced-size ATX motherboard with fewer expansion slots. It is primarily used as a cost-reduction component for small form factor computers, using half-sized cases. It uses the standard ATX backplane configuration, meaning that the ATX backplane shield can work with MicroATX motherboards. Using the alternate mounting holes, a MicroATX motherboard can be mounted in a full-sized ATX case. The MicroATX motherboard is typically 9.6-by-9.6 inches.

FlexATX Form Factor

FlexATX is a variation on the MicroATX form factor; a FlexATX motherboard uses the same I/O panel and configurations as the MicroATX board. It has a slightly smaller motherboard size, and uses the same mounting holes as MicroATX. It does compromise on using socket-only CPUs to encourage use in smaller computers. Most "all-in-one" small desktop computers, like nettops, use FlexATX motherboards to reduce component costs and overall system size. FlexATX motherboards are 9.6-by-7.5 inches.

BTX Form Factor

The BTX form factor is an emerging standard, meant to address thermal and mechanical and electrical issues with desktop computer systems. It is intended is to make cases that are better engineered for airflow-based cooling. It is meant to be used in small, thin computers, and has several candidate motherboard dimensions, most of which match the existing spectrum of ATX motherboards.

Tags: form factor, expansion slots, FlexATX motherboards, form factor, holes MicroATX, MicroATX motherboard, motherboard form

What Are The Differences Between Ide & Sata Ii

This is a SATA II cable.

IDE and SATA II are types of connections that computers use to interface with disc drives and hard drives. While both perform the same task, SATA II is the newer version of the two and is considered an improvement on IDE's technology. Computers often support both IDE and SATA II connections. Newer devices use SATA II while IDE is phasing out.

Connection Type And Cable Size

These are two SATA II ports on a computer hard drive.

IDE and SATA II use different types of connections. IDE uses a longer, flat, 40-pin connector while SATA II uses a small seven-pin connector. The IDE cables are wider, about 18 inches at longest, and can have connections to two devices. The SATA II cables are thinner, can be up to 3 feet long, and connect to a single device. SATA's thinner cable size makes it easier to navigate within a computer's case and also contributes to improving airflow inside the computer. While IDE cables can connect to two devices at a time, the devices need to be at specific locations within the computer to match up with the connectors. Devices inside a computer may need to be moved around to fit on the same IDE cable.

Speed

This is what an IDE cable looks like.

IDE and SATA II operate at different speeds. IDE connections operate at several speeds, the fastest using a protocol called Ultra-ATA/133 and transferring data at 133 megabits per second. SATA II connections can transfer data twice as fast as IDE at speeds of 300 Mbps. Also, IDE devices on the same cable have to share the transfer speed, while SATA II drives operate individually.

Jumpers

This is an example of an IDE cable connecting the computer's motherboard to two devices.

IDE devices use an electronic interface called a jumper to designate whether a connected device is the slave or the master on a connection. Because IDE cables can connect to two devices, the computer needs to differentiate between the two drives by setting one drive as a slave and one as a master. The drives are set as slave and master through an electronic connection on each drive. The position of the jumper on each drive designates whether it is slave or master. Because SATA II drives operate on individual cables, the technology does not use jumpers to differentiate between drives.

Power Connection

This is a molex to SATA power adapter.

IDE and SATA II devices use different types of power connections. The IDE power conection is thicker and uses a four-pin Molex connection, while the SATA II power connection is thinner and uses 15 smaller pins to connect. The IDE and SATA II power connectors are approximately the same width.

Tags: slave master, SATA power, while SATA, between drives, cables connect