My Laptop Won'T Recognize My External Hard Drive

Run your external hard drive on your laptop after updating the driver.

Laptops are great for informational mobility, but it's no secret that laptops are sold with smaller hard drives than desktops. Because of this, many laptop users buy an external hard drive to keep the overflow of data under control. If you've bought an external hard drive recently and your computer will not recognize it, you need to update the drivers on your laptop. Updating these drivers will allow the computer to recognize the external hard drive.

Instructions

1. Plug your external hard drive into your laptop.

2. Go to the bottom right hand side of the screen and click on the flag icon.

3. Click on the "Open Action Center" link.

4. Go over to the "Windows Update" button and click it.

5. Allow the Windows Update to run and locate the necessary driver for your external hard drive.

6. Click on the driver that is recommended by your computer for your external hard drive and click the "Install" button.

Tags: hard drive, external hard drive, external hard, your external, your external hard

Power Door Lock Installation Instructions

You can automatically lock/unlock your car door with power door locks.

Power door locks consist of a control switch, locking door latch and an electric control solenoid. The control switch is energized by an electrical impulse which forces the control solenoid to push or pull the locking mechanism. Kits are available with instructions to convert your manual car door locks to power door locks.

Instructions

1. Identify a location to mount the module. You should mount the main module to a wiring harness or support strap or attach it to a firewall. Determine how the wires will run through the door boot and into the door. Remove the door panel to find a suitable spot to mount the actuator.

2. Mount the module using tie straps. This involves mounting the module to a stiff wiring harness under the dash or you can strap it to a dash support brace. Ensure the connection is secure and tight. Attach it to the firewall or kick panel area using the screw provided.

3. Plug the wiring harness into the mounted control module. The wires on the wiring harness are pre-wired and color coded to the wires on the actuator. Run the wires along their corresponding paths. The shorter side of the two five-wire groups will go into the driver's door and the longer set will run under the dash and into the passenger door. Secure the remainder of wires to the door.

4. Identify the position you have chosen for the actuator. It can mount directly to the door skin or you can mount the door strap to the door skin and then the actuator to the strap. The latter is the most popular method, as it allows you to make room for the door panel to be reinstalled.

5. Loop the metal rod through the hole in the actuator and align it with the door unlock/lock. Using a square metal clamp, connect the rod from the actuator to the rod on the door.

6. Ensure that the door panels fit properly and test your lock and latch assembly to verify that your installation is operable.

Tags: door locks, wiring harness, control solenoid, control switch, door panel

Update System Bios

Update System BIOS

Your computer system makes use of a small set of software instructions called the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). The BIOS performs several tests to check the status of each of the pieces of hardware connected to your computer's motherboard. If you have recently installed a new hardware device or software program and your computer is no longer working properly, you may need to update the BIOS. Your PC's BIOS can be updated by downloading and installing an updater program available from your computer's manufacturer.

Instructions

1. Restart your computer. Press the F1 keyboard key as soon as you see the logo for your computer's manufacturer appear on the screen.

2. Press the down arrow key and highlight the menu entry listed as "Main." Press the Enter key to access the new menu screen. Locate the heading labeled as "BIOS" toward the top of the screen.

3. Write down the long string of numbers listed underneath the "BIOS" heading. Press the F10 key and then press the Enter key to restart the computer.

4. Open your browser and follow the link in Resources below to the BIOS download page for your specific type of computer. Check through the list of BIOS updates available and compare them to the number you wrote down earlier.

5. Click on the link for the BIOS update that has a higher number than the one you wrote down. Click on the download link labeled as "Quick Update" instead of the one labeled as "Floppy Drive."

6. Wait for the BIOS update file to download to your computer. Open the file and then follow the on-screen instructions.

7. Restart your computer to finish updating your computer system's BIOS.

Tags: your computer, BIOS update, BIOS Your, computer manufacturer, computer Open

Update The Amd Athlon C64 Processor 3200 To A New Amd Processor

The Athlon 64 3200 is a standard Socket 754 processor type.

AMD's Athlon 64 3200 processor is a Socket 754 processor designed to work with 64-bit operating systems like Windows Vista or Windows 7. Though it's capable of delivering great performance and earned positive reviews when it was released, there comes a time when every processor needs to be replaced. While most people typically replace a computer all at once, a little time and effort is all that is needed to replace one processor with another.

Instructions

1. Use your Phillips screwdriver to loosen and remove the screws from the back of your computer case and slide the case open.

2. Disconnect the power supply to the processor fan by gently pulling the wire away from the motherboard.

3. Press down on the latch on the side of your processor fan in order to unlock it for removal. Gently lift the fan (and heat sink, if it is not attached) away from the processor.

4. Lift the locking slide lever to the side of the processor by first gently pulling it out and then up. The processor will move slightly as you lift the lever.

5. Gently grab the processor by the edges and lift it out of the slot. Place it aside on a static-free surface.

6. Take your new processor and gently place it in position above the slots. It should almost fall into place on its own with little or no pressure from you.

7. Apply a small, pea-sized drop of the thermal material to the die at the center of the back of your new processor. Not too much, as it will spread when the heat sink presses against it.

8. Slide the locking lever for your processor back down to the secure position and press it inward to lock it.

9. Put your heat sink (and fan if they are a single unit) back on top of the processor and latch them in place.

10. Reattach the power lead from the CPU fan to the motherboard. Close your case and start your system.

Tags: your processor, heat sink, Athlon 3200, away from, back your

Intel Pentium Dual Core E6500 Specs

Launched in early 2008, the Pentium E6500 is a dual-core CPU based on the same architecture as the Intel Core line of processors. Like the equivalent Core processor, the E7500, the Pentium E6500 is a 64-bit processor supporting a wide range of Intel's instruction sets; the only difference is the slightly larger on-board memory in the E7500, which is positioned as an enthusiast's processor.

Physical Design

The E6500 is built on a 45-nm process, meaning that the individual components on the CPU can be as small as 45 nanometers, or more than 2,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair. The CPU itself is 82 square millimeters, and contains 228 million transistors. It is designed around the LGA775 socket also used by the Pentium 4, Core 2 and Xeon line of processors; it is not compatible with the LGA 1156 and LGA 1366 sockets designed to support the i3, i5 and i7 lines of Core processors.

Clock Speed and Cache

The CPU is designed around a bus speed of 266 MHz. Intel's chips are designed to transmit data four times on each clock cycle, a technique known as "quad-pumping," which results in a front-side bus speed of 1066 MHz. The E6500 CPU itself operates at a multiplier of 11, yielding a total clock speed of 266 MHz x 11, or 2.93 GHz. It has 2 MB of L2 cache; this memory is located directly next to the CPU and is faster than system memory but available in much smaller quantities. Pentium and Core CPUs are separately primarily by available cache; the E6500 has 1 MB less than the equivalent 2.93 GHz Core 2 CPU.

Voltage and Temperature

Power consumption at maximum CPU usage is measured in "TDP," or thermal design power. For the Pentium E6500, this is 65 watts. The CPU is designed to draw between .85 and 1.3625 volts under different loads. In general, as voltage and power consumption increases temperature does as well. The E6500's maximum safe operating temperature is 74.1 degrees C, or 165.2 degrees F; above this temperature, the computer may overheat and shut down, and if it continues to be used under such conditions the chip may be permanently damaged.

Instruction Sets

The E6500 supports the same instruction sets as other contemporary Pentium and Core chips. For example, it supports Intel's "Virtualization Technology," which allows the CPU to be accessed by many different "virtual machines," emulated computers running on the same physical machine. To reduce power consumption, the Pentium E6500 also supports Intel's SpeedStep technology, which throttles the power consumption and speed of the CPU based on the requirements of the computer at any given time.

Tags: Pentium E6500, Pentium Core, power consumption, designed around, equivalent Core

Radeon 9550 Agp Technical Specifications

The ATI Radeon 9550 is a discrete video card that uses the AGP interface on your computer. This is an older, 3D-capable card that supports up to Direct X 9 for graphical processing capabilities. The ATI card uses specific device drivers created by ATI to power the card and its 3D graphics features.

Interface

The AGP interface on the ATI Radeon 9550 supports 8X AGP transfers. The AGP interface is often used with the PCI card slots, because of their increased transfer speed. AGP 8X, also known as the AGP 3.0 revision, has a top transfer speed of 2.1 mbps. This is twice as fast as AGP 4x, allowing the card to process graphical information quickly and efficiently.

Memory

This graphics card has 256 megabytes of video memory using DDR memory. DDR stands for double data rate, further increasing the speed of the Radeon 9550 over graphics cards using the SD, or single data rate memory.

Catalyst

The ATI Catalyst drives comprise a proprietary software suite that controls everything from the resolution of the card to the settings on the 3D features. The ATI Radeon supports OpenGL and Direct X 9.0, and the specific 3D feature controls are provided in the ATI Catalyst control panel. Examples of settings you can change include Hydravision, multiple monitors, compatibility settings and TV-out.

Tags: Radeon 9550, card that, data rate, transfer speed

What Are Amd Processors

Apart from Intel Corp., no company produces and sells more processors -- or is more prominent in the semiconductor industry -- than Advanced Micro Devices. Better known by the acronym AMD, it is headquartered in Sunnydale, California. Although the company manufactures other products such as graphics processing units and motherboard chipsets, AMD processors still remain its most popular export.

History

Founded in 1969 by a team of former executives from semiconductor company Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc., AMD started off as a producer of logic and random-access memory chips. Then in 1982, it signed an agreement with Intel as a secondary source for the production and supply of the 8086 and 8088, processors best known for their application on the first personal computers from International Business Machines. As IBM PCs became the standard for computer manufacturing in the1980s, AMD became one of the foremost processor companies, making chips based on Intel's x86 instruction set architecture.

Current Brands

At the time of publication, AMD offers a wide range of processor brands. The Athlon -- introduced in 1999 as a seventh-generational x86 processor -- is the most popular brand. Once the company's flagship brand, it has since been relegated to mid-range status by the Phenom, which debuted in 2007. At the other end of the spectrum is the low-end Sempron. The Turion serves as AMD's low-power, energy-efficient processor. All aforementioned brands are available for desktop and laptop PCs, except for the Turion which is only for the latter. The Opteron is AMD's server and workstation processor brand.

Design

Most AMD desktop and laptop processors are single- or dual-core chips. This means that they have one processing unit or two processing unit. The more cores a processor has, the greater processing power it generates. Some Phenom and Athlon processors have three, four or six cores, and the Sempron is restricted to a single core. The Opteron is generally AMD's most powerful brand, with some entries offering eight or even 12 cores.

Technologies

The current AMD processors are 64-bit processors; they use a 64-bit instruction set for accommodation of the absolute maximum data size. Each processor has AMD Virtualization Technology, which is the company's branded version of permitting multiple operating systems to share the processor's capabilities. Other popular technologies include Cool'n'Quiet for energy efficiency while providing optimal performance and 3DNow! for AMD processors' handing of graphics-based applications.

Tags: desktop laptop, most popular, processing unit

Take A Computer Tower Apart

Computer tower

To look at a computer tower, it may seem ominous and imposing, especially if you're considering taking it apart. However, if you take it one piece at a time, it can be done simply and quickly. A computer towers is nothing more than a collection of snapped in and screwed in components that were made to be able to be removed. As long as you carefully take it apart, when you're done you'll have a nice neat pile of computer parts and an empty tower.

Instructions

1. Unplug everything. Unplug all of the wires, computer cables and power plugs from the outside of the tower. After this, it's a good idea to pick up the tower and put it on a clean flat workspace, on its side.

2. Open the case. Discharge any static electricity. If you are worried you may have a lot of static electricity, you can use an ESD strap to discharge it. Remove the sides of the tower by unscrewing the screws in the back of the case that hold them on. This is usually two screws on either side, but may be more. On the side where the computer parts are removed, the side may be screwed in with thumbscrews. Lay the computer down so that all of the components are exposed.

3. Remove the cards. The cards usually consist of, the sound card, video card, network card and maybe a few others. Some of these devices are now integrated on the motherboard, so you may have few or no cards at all. You can remove the cards by unscrewing them from the back of the computer. They usually only have one Phillips screw holding them in. Remove the card by pulling it slowly and carefully; you will have to apply some force though.

4. Take out the drives. The drives are in bays in the front of the tower and are screwed into the framework of the tower or in removable bays. You will need to unscrew several screws from this side of the tower and you will need to flip the computer over and unscrew the drives from the other side as well. Unplug all of the power cables and computer connections from the back of the drives. Pull the hard drives out of the back work area. Floppy and optical drives can now be pushed out the front. Some computer cases, such as certain Dells, have a system for the optical drives to come right out by pushing in releases on the sides of the drive and no unscrewing is required.

5. Disconnect the brains of the computer. Remove the memory by unlocking the white end clips and pulling up on the memory carefully and unsnapping it from the connection. Remove the CPU fan by unsnapping it from its connection to the motherboard. Unlock the CPU holder by unlatching the small metal clip. Lift up and remove the CPU.

6. Remove the power supply. Never open the inside of the power supply, as it may cause severe injury. Simply unplug the power supply from the motherboard. This is usually connected by a long white rectangle and requires a clip to be pinched to let it loose. Make sure the power supply is not connected to anything else inside. All that's left is to unscrew four screws on the back of the case that hold the power supply in place. Lift out the power supply.

7. Detach the motherboard. The motherboard should be screwed in with between 6 and 9 screws, simply unscrew them and lift the motherboard out at a good angle so that it fits out the side of the computer. The motherboard may have to be pulled out of the back of the case with some pressure, where the connections for the computer cables are. You should now have an empty tower.

Tags: power supply, back case, back case that, case that, case that hold, computer cables, computer parts

Update Bios For An Amd

Updating your AMD Bios only takes a few minutes.

The BIOS of your computer completes many hardware-related tasks, but its most important task is to boot the operating system installed on your machine, according to Cavsi.com. Users can change the order in which hardware and the operating system are started, but it is very important that your BIOS works to maximum efficiency if you are trying to decrease the time it takes to start up your computer. AMD offers several updates and upgrades for its BIOS software to make the program more stable and efficient.

Instructions

1. Download and install a system scanner that can detect motherboards (see Resources). There are several free programs available, such as Sandra, Everest, or HWINfo, but they all accomplish the same task in about the same amount of time, according to Hardwaresecrets.com.

2. Run the downloaded system scanner. Most programs immediately begin searching and identifying your hardware specifications as the program is starting.

3. Identify your motherboard. The name of your motherboard with more than likely be beside the text "Motherboard/BIOS."

4. Go to AMD's support site to download drivers and upgrades to your motherboard and BIOS software (see Resources).

5. Click "Chipsets/Motherboards" from the drop-down box for "Product Type."

6. Click the family that your processor belongs to from the "Product" drop-down box.

7. Click "View Results" to view drivers and upgrades available for your BIOS software.

8. Download and install any available upgrades. Your computer will have to restart after each upgrade for the changes to take work.

Tags: BIOS software, your motherboard, Download install, drivers upgrades, operating system, system scanner

Which Form Factors Use A Riser Card On The Edge Of The Motherboard

Riser cards, sometimes called daughterboards depending on their usage, are found in motherboards that are designed for small form factor computers. Riser cards are used to add expansion slots to a board, but unlike on standard motherboards, the expansion cards install perpendicular to the board. Only a few form factors use riser cards.

LPX

Western Digital designed low profile extended (LPX) motherboards in 1987. Due to its small size, the motherboard was often used in slim-line desktop computers and was popular throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. LPX had one major drawback, however: the form factor wasn't standardized. Riser cards and other components designed for one LPX motherboard wouldn't work with another, and as a result, people who had purchased an LPX system could not upgrade or repair the computer. The LPX form factor includes one to two expansion slots. On motherboards designed for tower cases, the riser card ran perpendicular to the board but was installed on its own shelf.

NLX

New low profile extended (NLX) replaced LPX in the mid 1990s. Intel developed the NLX form factor to improve and standardize the LPX design. Like the LPX, NLX was used for slim-line computers, but rather than manufactured for consumers, the form factor was popular in the corporate market instead. Unlike the LPX and most other motherboard form factors, the riser was a central component; the motherboard and all internal cables plugged into the riser card. Upgrading and repairing motherboards on the NLX, as a result, was a much simpler task than it was with the LPX, as it required little more than disconnecting the riser from the old motherboard and plugging it into the new one.

PicoBTX

Intel released the balanced technology extended (BTX) form factor in 2003, intending to replace advanced technology extended, which at the time was perceived as dated. BTX improved on some of the issues that plagued the ATX -- such as poor heat dissipation -- but the form factor never picked up much steam. PicoBTX is an off-shoot of BTX; the form factor is designed for entertainment and mobile systems. Unlike BTX, the PicoBTX uses a riser card to enable the motherboard to fit in small cases.

Mini-ITX

VIA Technologies developed Mini-ITX in 2001. Mini-ITX, a mere 17 cm-by-17 cm, is found in wireless equipment, set-top boxes and home theater systems. The Mini-ITX traditionally includes one expansion slot that runs perpendicular to the motherboard, but on some models you can install a two-slot riser card to the existing expansion slot.

Tags: form factor, riser card, expansion slot, expansion slots, factors riser

The Fastest Cpu For An Asus P5gd1fm

There are four products that represent the fastest central processing units, or processors, that can be physically and electrically connected to the ASUS P5GD1-FM desktop personal computer motherboard from Taiwanese computer product manufacturer ASUSTeK Computer Incorporated. Released between 2004 and 2005, the processors are the 570J, 571, 670 and 672: all Intel Pentium 4 CPUs from semiconductor company Intel Corp. Each CPU is connected using the CPU socket Intel released in 2004 called Land Grid Array 775 for some entries of its then-flagship Pentium and budget-oriented Celeron brand. Since the fastest ASUS P5GD1-FM CPUs share the same speed, they can be compared with or differentiated from each other using other factors.

Speed

The core speed, or processing speed, is the determining factor for the fastest ASUS P5GD1-FM CPUs, as it represents the rate of the processor's operating power. Each Intel Pentium 4 570J, 571, 670 and 672 has a core speed of 3.8GHz. Also, each CPU has a front-side bus speed of 800MHz; this is the rate of the CPU's connection with the motherboard via the desktop PC's front-side bus interface.

Manufacture and Designation

Each of the ASUS P5GD1-FM's fastest processors are single-core chips, which means they consist of just one core, or processing unit. Intel Corp. used the 90-nanometer manufacturing process for each CPU, resulting in a 37.5-by-37.5-millimeter package. However, the die -- the wafer of semiconductor material upon which the core is placed -- of the Intel Pentium 4 570J and the Intel Pentium 4 571 is 112 square millimeters and has 125 million processing transistors. The die of the Intel Pentium 4 670 and the Intel Pentium 4 672 is 135 square millimeters and has 169 million processing transistors.

Caches and Power Consumption

Each of the ASUS P5GD1-FM's fastest CPUs has two caches, or tiny storage units -- a Level 1 cache and Level 2 cache -- for high-speed access to the desktop PC's most frequently used data. Intel lists a 1MB L2 cache for the Intel Pentium 4 570J and the Intel Pentium 4 571, and a 2MB L2 cache for the Intel Pentium 4 670 and the Intel Pentium 4 672. Regarding power consumption, each CPU has a peak thermal design power of 115 watts.

Technologies

The fastest ASUS P5GD1-FM CPUs are set apart from many Intel Pentium 4 chips due to the inclusion of Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, which is the enhancement of the CPU's handling of multiple tasks to improve efficiency. Also, each chip is a 64-bit processor, meaning it can handle data widths of up to 64 bits and is backward-compatible with 32-bit processor technology. Execute Disable Bit is added for protection against viruses and malicious-code attacks. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology for optimal performance while saving power is added on the Intel Pentium 4 670 and 672, and the Intel Pentium 4 672 is the only one out of the four CPUs to have VT-x for hardware-based virtualization.

Tags: Intel Pentium, ASUS P5GD1-FM, 570J Intel, 570J Intel Pentium, ASUS P5GD1-FM CPUs, fastest ASUS P5GD1-FM

What Is The Difference Between The Intel Core Duo And The Intel Core 2 Duo

Intel's Core Duo line uses two processors in one CPU.

Both the Core Duo and the Core 2 Duo feature two independent computing engines in one CPU. This results in higher speeds, especially when multitasking, and improved battery life. The Core 2 Duo retains the basic architecture but takes the concept further.

Architecture

While they both share the same basic architecture, the Core 2 Duo features 291 million transistors versus 151 million for the Core Duo. The number of pipeline stages grows from 12 to 14, while the number of decoders goes from "1 complex plus 2 simple" to "1 complex plus 3 simple" and issue ports increased by one, from five to six. These changes enable the Core 2 Duo to process more data faster while also accessing the data quicker.

Speed

Intel claims that the Core 2 Duo is 20 percent faster than its predecessor in real-life applications. While the Core Duo had a 2MB cache, the Core 2 Duo doubles that to 4MB. This combines with Intel's Smart Cache subsystem to result in more instructions per clock cycle to improve execution time.

Efficiency

The Core 2 Duo requires less power than its predecessor because its design allows allows parts of the CPU to hibernate during less intense applications. In addition, many CPU buses and arrays can be switched to a more economical setting when their full capacity is not required.

Tags: Intel Core, basic architecture, complex plus, complex plus simple, plus simple, than predecessor

Test Fan Speed

Testing fan speed helps prevent your computer from becoming too hot to handle.

From mainframes to netbooks, all computers suffer from a common problem: heat. As your computer strains its brain to complete numerous tasks at once, it uses more and more processing power, and components can become red-hot. While a computer generating heat is normal, a computer scalding to the touch is not. And excessive heat doesn't only burn fingers, it also fries key components inside your machine. Critical to cooling down your computer are the fans inside. Keeping on top of your computer's current fan speed is vital for keeping your system healthy.

Instructions

Using SpeedFan

1. Download SpeedFan (see Resources). SpeedFan is a free program that monitors your computer's fan speed and reports on your CPU's temperature.

2. Double-click on the SpeedFan file when it finishes downloading. Follow the on-screen instructions to install SpeedFan on your machine.

3. Open SpeedFan after you have finished the installation.

4. Note your computer's fan speed. This information will be displayed on the opening screen of SpeedFan and is expressed in revolutions per minute (RPM).

Using CPU Fan Speed

5. Download the CPU Fan Speed monitoring program (see Resources).

6. Double-click on the downloaded file to install the program to your machine. Open CPU Fan Speed when finished.

7. Note your computer's fan speed. Fan speed will be displayed on CPU Fan Speed's main screen upon starting the program.

Using CPUCool Monitor

8. Download CPUCool (see Resources).

9. Double-click on the CPUCool file when it is finished downloading to install it to your system.

10. Open CPUCool by navigating to the program in your computer's Start menu and clicking on it. Note your fan speed on the main screen. The program will also display CPU temperature.

Tags: your computer, computer speed, Note your, your computer speed, your machine, file when, machine Open

Requirements For An Intel Core 2 Duo Processor

The Core 2 Duo needs a compatible motherboard to operate.

Intel's Core 2 Duo central processing units have a marked advantage over earlier chips. They can process two streams of data simultaneously. They don't necessarily process any single one faster than previous models, but because of their ability to perform twice as much work, they can juggle multiple programs with greater finesse. Because of this, you can run an anti-virus program while simultaneously operating a high-end game or graphics editing software. The only thing you need to use a Core 2 Duo is a compatible motherboard with the right sized socket.

Socket 479

The Socket 479 model has 479 pins with which to interface with a processor. It is compatible with several other central processing units, so there's a chance that you might already have a Socket 479 motherboard on your computer. You can check by using a system diagnostic program like CPUID or Belarc Advisor.

Socket 478

The Socket 478 is a slightly more efficient variant of the 479. It uses only 478 pins, and you'll need to get a Core 2 Duo specifically for this model. In general, the 478 equates to a high-end 479, with bus speeds and frequency ranges capping out at the same high rates. In both models, bus frequencies reach a max of 667MHz, which influences the data transfer from memory to the processor. Both processor frequencies also max at 2.3GHz, which is how quickly the processor itself can manipulate data.

Socket 775

The fastest of the Core 2 Duo motherboards is the Socket 775 variants, which have a max bus speed of 1.6GHz and processors as fast as 3.8GHz. As with Socket 479, the Socket 775 has multiple chip compatibilities, so even if you don't presently have a Core 2 Duo installed, you might be able to upgrade without swapping motherboards.

Tags: central processing, central processing units, compatible motherboard, Intel Core, need Core, processing units, Socket Socket

What Is The Size Of A Pentium 4 Cpu Processor

The Pentium 4 was a significant step forward for processors.

The Pentium 4 central processing unit (or CPU) was introduced to desktop PCs during the year 2000, succeeding the Pentium III CPU. In contrast to earlier processors, the P4 aimed to increase performance by running at a faster rate (a higher CPU frequency) while sacrificing some efficiencies.

Types

Intel released several versions of the Pentium 4 CPU, featuring cores named Williamette, Northwood, Prescott and Cedar Mill (the core is the design of the internal processor wiring and technology). A high-performance Extreme Edition was also released. The company made two P4s for the growing mobile market, the Mobile Pentium 4-M and the Mobile Pentium 4.

Specifications

During its lifetime, the P4 CPU was available at clock speeds of 1.3 gigahertz to 3.8 gigahertz. Early P4s supported socket 423 motherboards, though these were soon replaced by socket 478 models. The later CPUs supported the more modern LGA 775 socket type. The dimensions of the CPU changed based on the socket support -- socket 423 models (early Pentium 4s) were 2.1 by 2.1 inches, socket 478 models (mid-term Pentium 4s) were 1.38 by 1.38 inches, while the socket LGA 775 models (later Pentium 4s) were measured at 1.47 by 1.47 inches.

Compatibility

A Pentium 4 CPU can be fitted to any compatible motherboard -- this board will need a 423-pin, 478-pin or LGA 775 socket depending on the type of P4 being used. The CPU can be identified from its packaging or the markings and text on the processor itself.

Tags: socket models, Pentium were, Mobile Pentium, models later, Pentium were inches

Reset Abit Bios

Reset the BIOS on your Abit motherboard after hardware changes or upgrades.

Whenever you make repairs or perform upgrades to a computer with an Abit motherboard, you should reset the computer's BIOS settings. When you make changes to the hardware in the system, the BIOS may or may not automatically detect those changes.

Resetting the BIOS on an Abit motherboard usually only involves updating the time and date settings, as well as loading system default values for hardware detection and booting sequence. Resetting the BIOS values is easy and is something you can do in minutes.

Instructions

1. Turn on the computer and begin pressing the "Delete" key repeatedly as soon as you see the initial display or Abit logo screen. Wait for the main BIOS screen to appear. Enter the BIOS system password if prompted to do so.

2. Navigate to the "Standard CMOS Features" menu option with the arrow keys on the keyboard. Press the "Enter" key.

3. Ensure that the time and date settings in the BIOS are correct. If the settings are not correct, use the arrow key to go to the section that needs changed. Then, use the "+" and "-" keys to adjust the settings.

4. Navigate to the "IDE Primary Master" field and press the "Enter" key. Do the same for the "IDE Primary Slave," "IDE Secondary Master" and "IDE Secondary Slave" fields. This detects IDE hard drives and optical drivers connected to the computer.

5. Ensure that the "Drive A" option is set to "1.44M, 3.5 in" or "None" if the computer does not have a floppy drive installed.

6. Press the "Esc" key to return to the main BIOS menu screen.

7. Press the "F7" key to load optimized default settings for the computer.

8. Press the "F10" key to save the settings and exit the BIOS utility. Press the "Enter" button when prompted to confirm the settings and exit. The computer will restart. Allow the computer to boot and load the operating system normally.

Tags: Abit motherboard, date settings, Ensure that, main BIOS, Press Enter

Types Of Processor Sockets

A CPU (the green square with rubber pads in each corner) sits in a socket on the motherboard.

CPU sockets are standard in today's desktop and notebook computers. Previously, it was more common to have the CPU soldered into the motherboard, making replacements and upgrades impossible. Socket designs change over time, although AMD uses the same sockets far longer than Intel does. This makes upgrading and maintaining an AMD-based system much cheaper in many cases. By contrast, Intel uses a new socket type with every new range of processors that is not backward-compatible. This means that when upgrading an Intel-based desktop, you will often have to change the motherboard and, sometimes, even the memory.

Intel LGA1155

The LGA1155 socket is a replacement for the older LGA1156. The LGA1155 is used for most of Intel's Core i3, i5 and i7 processors as well as its server processors, the Xeon product line. The socket is not backward-compatible with LGA1156, although heat sinks and fans designed for either one will be compatible with both. LGA stands for "Land Grid Array."

Intel LGA1366

The Intel LGA1366 is used for the highest-end Intel processors from the Core i7 range. The socket provides 1366 pins, hence the name. This socket is also known as Socket B. The LGA1366 is used in some server computers with Xeon processors.

AMD AM2

The AMD AM2 socket supports dual-channel DDR-II memory and processors from the Athlon and Phenom ranges. The socket has been one of the longest-lasting designs. Processors designed for the AM2 socket will also work in the AM3 or AM2+ sockets that succeeded the original AM2 design. The AM2 sockets have 940 pins.

AMD AM2+

Also with 940 pins is the AM2+ socket, the immediate successor to the AM2 sockets. This is a midway migration socket designed for backward-compatibility. Since both DDR-II and a DDR-III memory controllers are available, the AM2+ socket will work with both AM2 and AM3 CPUs. An AM2+ processor will not, however, work on an AM3 motherboard because the processor does not have a DDR-III memory controller.

AMD AM3

With 941 pins, the AM3 socket is the main replacement for AM2 sockets. It provides a DDRIII memory controller for enhanced performance and compatibility with the latest and most powerful quad- and hex-core processors from the Athlon II and Phenom II processors.

Tags: processors from, Athlon Phenom, DDR-III memory, from Athlon, from Athlon Phenom

Why Do Gigabyte Motherboards Overheat

An overheating motherboard is often due to airflow problems.

Motherboards made by Gigabyte and other hardware manufacturers have several built-in features that assist with heat reduction. Problems related to excess system heat are not unique to any single manufacturer. Airflow problems, dust buildup and lack of maintenance can all cause a motherboard to overheat.

Check Internal Airflow

System fans are designed to provide airflow to your computer.

The inside of your computer is a jungle of wires, cables and chips that produce heat. Excessive heat that builds up inside the case can lead to performance problems and even component damage. Check that all system fans installed in your case are functioning properly. Air should be allowed to flow into and out of your computer's case.

Clear Dust and Debris

Components inside of a computer are sensitive to excess dust.

Over time, dust and other debris can enter your computer case as part of the natural airflow system fans cause. Periodically check the inside of your case. If you can do this yourself, carefully open the case and visually inspect the components. Make sure the computer is powered off and that you do not touch anything inside without first discharging static electricity or wearing a static electricity bracelet. You can use canned air to safely blow out the inside of the case to clear out dust.

Use a Temperature Monitor

Heatsinks aid in the removal of heat from motherboard components.

You can install one of several software applications on your system to monitor specific thermal areas within your computer. SpeedFan is one of these free pieces of software that gives you access to many real-time temperatures within your system. For Macintosh systems, iStats also provides thermal monitoring features. For Linux operating systems, Lm-sensors is a widely supported temperature-monitoring utility.

Tags: your computer, computer case, inside case, inside your, static electricity

Micro Usb Tips

There's more to USBs than just the standard tip.

When the USB or Universal Serial Bus standard was originally created, there was just one type of female plug and one type of male plug (i.e. one fit into the other). However, the standard was created in the 1990s before the advent of ever smaller devices such as phones, cameras and eBook readers that required increasingly smaller tips to allow for connections to a computer. Therefore, new kinds of tips were created for these devices. One of the classes of these tips is called Micro USB and there are three types.

Micro USB A `

This format is recognized by the USB standards organization, USB-IF, and is in use in some devices such as cellular phones, GPS devices, Personal Digital Assistants and of course digital cameras. The plug is physically quite similar to the USB Mini-B plug and has five pins just like that plug. The plug maintains the same speed as standard USB offering 480Mbps (Megabits per second) connections to the main computer. It is typically white colored.

Micro USB B

The big difference between Micro USB A and Micro USB B is that the Micro USB B tip is typically black. Other than that, the tip is also commonly used for small devices such as cell phones, digital camera, e-readers and GPS units. It has a standardized connection and it is also capable of full 480Mbps connections to the main computer. This format is also recognized by the USB-IF.

Micro USB AB

Looking like a cross between the Micro USB A and Micro USB B connectors, this is a hybrid connector which is designed to allow you to connect either of the other two types of Micro USB tips. The connector is typically gray in color so as to distinguish it from the other two formats.

Tags: devices such, between Micro, between Micro Micro, connections main, connections main computer

Upgrade An Ati Radeon Hd 3200

Upgrading your laptop will increase its useful lifespan.

Games are not the only type of software that take advantage of hardware accelerated graphics. Upgrading your video card is a sure-fire way of improving your laptop's performance across the board. Unfortunately, video cards like the ATI Radeon HD 3200 are built into laptops and cannot be swapped out for faster cards. However, there is a way of upgrading the performance of such cards. This involves increasing the shared memory of the graphics card by swapping out the stock RAM chip for a higher capacity chip.

Instructions

1. Disconnect the power cord and unplug your laptop's battery. Laptop batteries have small latches that slide over, allowing the battery to slide free.

2. Close the laptop and place it face down so that the underside is facing up.

3. Unscrew the back panel.

4. Unlatch the old RAM chip and remove it from the laptop.

5. Place the new RAM chip in the RAM socket. By pressing down on the chip firmly, the latches should click into place.

6. Screw the back panel onto the laptop.

7. Reconnect the battery and restart your laptop. The performance gain will be apparent once the OS has loaded.

Tags: your laptop, back panel, laptop performance, Radeon 3200, Upgrading your

Update The Atapi Drivers

Update drivers for the ATAPI hardware on your PC readily with Windows tools.

Update the ATAPI or AT Attachment Packet Interface hardware on your Windows PC by using the device manager utility already on the machine. A driver allows a given hardware device to interface with the other components attached to the computer as well as the main circuit board or motherboard. Only with up-to-date drivers can ATAPI hardware perform their important job of allowing the connection of not only hard drives , but also DVD and CD drives to the same location on a computer's motherboard.

Instructions

1. Right-click on the "Start" button to open the start menu.

2. Click on the "Control Panel" option located in the Start menu. Now that the control panel window is open click on "System and Security."

3. Open the "Device Manager" with a click. The device manager window includes a list of the devices installed on your computer. The devices are arranged in groups according to what function they serve.

4. Open the "IDE ATA / ATAPI Controllers" heading to reveal a list of the ATAPI devices used by the computer. Double-click on the ATAPI device for which you wish to update a driver to open a hardware device properties window.

5. Click the "Driver" tab in the hardware device properties window and then press the "Update Driver" button. The driver update utility will open.

6. Click the "Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software" option to set Windows on a search for a new driver for the ATAPI device. After the updated driver is found Windows installed it automatically and you may resume normal use of your PC.

Tags: hardware device, ATAPI device, ATAPI hardware, device manager, device properties

What Is Fraps Benchmarking

Benchmarking software measures a computer's power by recording the speed at which the machine completes a particular task. Fraps, a commercial program produced by Beepa Pty. Ltd., includes benchmarking tools for computer games. These benchmarks measure the render speed of individual frames in a game's animation. By comparing benchmarks of the same game across computers, reviewers can determine which pieces of computer hardware perform better. Using benchmarks at home helps identify your computer's maximum potential.

Purpose of Benchmarking

Benchmarking a computer serves a number of purposes. At its most basic, benchmarking determines how well a particular program runs on a specific computer. This helps users decide if the program will work on their machines. Benchmarking also provides a consistent standard for comparing the power of multiple computers. Although many types of benchmarking exist to test computers' processors, hard drives and more, Fraps benchmarking exclusively tests computer games. Because most games use the computer's video card heavily, Fraps benchmarking can determine a video card's performance.

Overlay

The most basic benchmarking tool in Fraps, the overlay displays the number of rendered frames per second in real time. To use the overlay, set the desired overlay location and toggle hotkey in the FPS tab of Fraps. Open a computer game and press the hotkey to display the overlay. Some game actions will utilize more of the video card's power, so play normally while watching the overlay number to properly gauge the benchmark.

Advanced Benchmarking

Fraps includes a separate benchmarking hotkey, also set up in the FPS tab. Pressing this hotkey will begin a benchmark log. The log will record until you press the hotkey a second time. You can also set a time limit to end the log automatically. The options in the FPS tab determine what data Fraps saves to the log. The FPS option records the current frames per second once per second. Frametimes logs the time each frame rendered, down to the millisecond. Enabling Minmaxavg logs the minimum, maximum and average frame rates over the entire log, as well as showing the total number of frames and the log duration.

Considerations

Several factors may negatively effect a benchmark's results. If a computer or particular game has vertical sync enabled, it will enforce a limit on the frames per second. Running other applications in the background might slow down a computer, dropping the benchmark results. Fraps' other features, such as the screen recorder, will add an additional strain on the computer, lowering the benchmark. The overlay itself can impact the render speed, though usually not by much. Fraps offers an option to only update the overlay once per second to counteract the slowdown.

Tags: frames second, video card, basic benchmarking, benchmark results, computer games, Fraps benchmarking, most basic

The Difference Between Server And Desktop Cpu

The CPU determines the capabilities of the computer it is a part of.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) of a computer is responsible for all data-related work, such as calculations and analysis. A server CPU monitors more than one terminal, whereas the desktop CPU is designed to work for a single user.

Uses of a Server CPU

A server CPU is usually larger as compared to a desktop CPU.

A server holds applications and data that other terminals attached to it can access. It uses a firewall to protect all computers connected to it and provides a unique IP address to each terminal. Server CPUs are designed to work at high frequencies and process more data at any given time. A server CPU often works like a shared computer, saving and processing data for more than one user, and can also be used to host websites.

Uses of a Desktop CPU

A desktop CPU can be custom-made to suit a single user's needs in terms of the memory, speed, applications uploaded and type of hardware used. It can hold multiple media drives and perform medium-to-high performance tasks like gaming, designing and audio-video editing. Such CPUs are user-specific and need individual firewalls and other security measures.

Server Vs. Desktop

A server CPU has dual-processor configurations that handle failures without having to shut down; a desktop CPU does not. Servers use the Error Code Correction (ECC) technology to check memory errors that affect stability of the system. Although desktops use ECC technology sometimes, it is not as dependable because it doesn't undergo as much testing.

Tags: designed work, more than, Server Desktop, single user

Troubleshoot An Intel D101ggc Motherboard

The Intel D101GGC motherboard is a Pentium 4 motherboard based on the ATI IXP 450 chipset and includes an integrated ATI Radeon Xpress 200 graphics adapter. Although no longer produced by Intel, the motherboard remains in use in many corporate and government office environments. Although motherboards do occasionally fail, many common problems with the Intel D101GGC can be resolved following some basic motherboard troubleshooting techniques. Knowing perform basic troubleshooting procedures on the board can save owners considerable sums associated with repairing computers with the board installed.

Instructions

1. Back up the data on your hard drive if possible. Copy the data to an external USB drive or burn the information to DVDs.

2. Inspect all of the major cable connections to the computer. Verify that the power cord, keyboard and monitor connections are intact. Try to reboot the computer after checking the connections.

3. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from the computer. Place the PC on a desk or other flat, sturdy work surface. Smell the power supply area on the computer (usually located near the top on most PCs). If the computer will not power on at all and a burnt odor emanates from the power supply unit (PSU), the problem is most likely not with the Intel motherboard. Burnt circuitry smells usually indicate you need to change the PSU.

4. Remove the screws on the case panel cover and slide the cover off the case.

5. Remove the processor and memory modules from the D101GGC. Use a lint-free cloth or towel to clean the contact edges on the memory modules, then reseat all the components in the proper slots. Plug in only the power cord and keyboard cable. Try to restart the computer. If the computer will still not boot, unplug the power cord and keyboard cable.

6. Check the power connection from the PSU to the D101GGC motherboard. Ensure the cable connector is tight and secure. Try to restart the computer.

7. Disconnect all hard drives, optical drives and other media storage devices. Remove all add-on cards from the computer. Reconnect the power cord and keyboard cable, then try to start the computer. If the computer starts, there is probably a hardware conflict with one of the disconnected devices. Plug the devices in one at a time, then restart the PC after each connection until you find the device causing the conflict. Remove the conflicting device from the machine. If the machine does not boot, disconnect the power cord and keyboard cable again.

8. Install a spare video card into the white PCI-X slot. Try to start the computer. If the computer starts, the D101GGC's onboard video controller is likely defective. You can use the motherboard, but you must use the new video card with the computer.

9. Replace the memory modules in the Intel D101GGC motherboard with new ones. Try to start the computer.

10. Replace the processor, then try to start the PC.

11. Inspect the surface area of the D101GGC motherboard and look for signs of burnt or damaged capacitors. If a burnt smell comes from the motherboard, you will need to replace it.

Tags: power cord, cord keyboard, power cord keyboard, cord keyboard cable, keyboard cable, computer computer

Information On A Dual Socket Motherboard

Dual socket motherboards can host two processors.

Dual socket motherboards are motherboards which can accommodate two processors. Usually used in servers and computers that need a lot of processing power, these motherboards also have multiple expansion capabilities, unlike standard motherboards.

Requirements

A dual socket motherboard requires compatible processors. Also, because of the larger physical size, a larger case is required.

Potential

A dual socket motherboard can be fitted with two single-core processors to allow parallel computing, or two, multicore processors to further boost the performance.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The ability to connect multiple hard drives, video cards and a large amount of random access memory (RAM) along with the two processors is a considerable advantage of a dual socket motherboard. The main disadvantage is the price, as this type of motherboard can be very expensive.

Tags: dual socket motherboard, socket motherboard, dual socket, Dual socket motherboards, socket motherboards

What Sockets Are Used For A Celeron D 3 2g Processor

Celeron D 3.2G is a reference to the Intel Celeron D 352, a desktop processor that semiconductor company Intel Corp. released in 2006 under its low-end Celeron line of consumer-oriented central processing units. It is compatible with one CPU socket, called Land Grid Array (LGA) 775. This is a component made for connecting the processor to the motherboard for data transfer and physical support.

Socket Background

The Intel Celeron D 352's socket, LGA775, was introduced in 2004. It served as the replacement for Socket 478, or Socket N. Also known as Socket 775 or Socket N, LGA775 is named after its manner of design. Land Grid Array describes the orderly, grid-like layout of the pins used for the attachment of the CPU.

Socket Description

A socket like LGA775 differs from other components, such as Socket 478, in that it has pins instead of pin holes for accommodating the CPU pins, as is the case of the latter. Thus, the roles were reversed. The LGA775 the Intel Celeron D 352 uses is a variant called Plastic LGA, meaning it is made of plastic. Square-shaped, the socket measures 1.48 by 1.48 inches, or 3.75 by 3.75 centimeters, with a squared section in the middle removed.

Compatibility with Intel Celeron D 352

The LGA775 is compatible with Intel Celeron D chips within the processing speed range of 2.4 to 3.6GHz. Thus, the Celeron D 352, at 3.2GHz, is one of the faster LGA775-compatible chips under this brand division. Also, the D 352 is able to transmit data with the motherboard at a 533MHz speed. Other features and specs of the D 352 include a single core for processing, two caches for high-speed access to computer data and an 86-watt peak power consumption rating.

Other Compatible CPUs

As previously mentioned, the Intel Celeron D 352 is not the only chip compatible with the LGA775, nor is the Celeron D the only subcategory for which Intel manufactured the socket. It was actually primarily made for the Intel Pentium 4, which was the company's premier consumer-oriented brand at the time. Some chips from the server- and workstation-oriented Xeon also work with the LGA775, and when Intel introduced the Core 2 -- which would eventually relegate the Pentium to mid-range status -- in 2006, it extended the socket's compatibility to the brand.

Tags: Intel Celeron, compatible with, Celeron only, Grid Array, Land Grid

What Is Ddr3 Memory

DDR3 memory is a type of RAM used in computers.

DDR3 RAM, first released in 2007, is a type of memory often used in computers and other electronic devices. DDR3 offers many advantages over its predecessor, DDR2, though the two are not compatible. DDR3 offers high-speed RAM that will help keep your computer running quickly and smoothly and can be upgraded when the time comes.

What is RAM?

RAM, or random access memory, is what your computer uses to open and run programs. While not in use, things are stored on your hard drive. When you open a program, it moves from the hard drive to your RAM so that you can access and use it quicker. Every program you currently have open is using some of your RAM, and, if you don't have a lot of RAM, opening too many programs can hinder the performance of your computer.

DDR3

DDR3, which stands for Double Data Rate 3, is a high-speed random access memory technology that is used in more than just computers. Smart phones, PDAs, Netbooks and other small electronic devices often take advantage of DDR3 memory, according to MemoryX.net.

VS. DDR2

DDR3 will allow for chips up to 8GB, while DDR2 only allows for 4GB per chip, according to SimmTester.com. That means they have the ability to run more programs at one time without showing any sign of slowdown. MemoryX.net claims DDR3 to be superior in bandwidth as well, with up to 1600 Mbps when it comes to data transfer rates. They also state that DDR3 memory is the same size as DDR2, though the two are not compatible.

Speed & Performance

With DDR3, the components are twice as fast as the fastest DDR2 memory sticks available, according to MemoryX.net. With their added speed and increased storage capacity, DDR3 is clearly superior to DDR2 when it comes to both speed and performance. MemoryX.net also claims that DDR3 has a longer battery life, meaning the product will last longer. It is also designed with heat in mind, as DDR3 will overheat less than DDR2, even when pushed to their limits.

Other Benefits

DDR3 memory operates on 1.5 volts of electricity instead of the previous 1.8 used by DDR2. While it may not seem like much, this small amount means the unit consumes less power than its predecessor. DDR3 RAM also features an asynchronous reset pin to reset the card if the need ever arises, something neither DDR2 or DDR memory featured, according to MemoryX.net.

Tags: according MemoryX, DDR3 memory, your computer, access memory, DDR2 memory, DDR2 though, DDR2 though compatible

The Bestrated Free Laptop Support Sites

Whether you use your laptop computer as a desktop replacement, mobile office, or portable gaming machine, inevitably it will need repair or even replacement. When that time comes, you can do it yourself or hire a professional. Before making a potentially costly call to a technician, research the issue you are experiencing. If you have some mechanical aptitude or if it is an easy fix, you may want to try your hand at it before calling in the experts.

Technology Questions

Technology Questions is primarily a free Internet community forum that offers help in all areas of technology. There is also a section of the site for articles and a beta area for bookmarks. The site hosts a vast array of knowledge on hardware, software, manufacturers and gaming topics. Links to articles and blogs around the globe are available as well. Regardless of the problem you are experiencing with your laptop, someone there will be able to help.

technologyquestions.com/technology/notebooks

Free Laptop Manuals

This free support site provides laptop manuals, printer manuals, user guides and a new support forum for Windows-based laptops. If you are looking for tips, hints or advice, the forum is a good place to start. For repair, troubleshooting or maintenance issues, the step-by-step user guides, disassembly guides and laptop manual links are the way to go.

freelaptopmanuals.com/default.aspx

Twelpforce

The Best Buy Geek Squad is using Twitter to offer free laptop troubleshooting advice. Tweet your laptop question to http://twitter.com/twelpforce and a knowledgeable professional will respond. While this may not meet your needs if you are experiencing a complex issue, they are definitely thinking outside of the box.

twitter.com/twelpforce

SysChat

SysChat is free and comprehensive computer support forum where members can share resources, ask questions and become involved in technology discussions. In addition to the forum there are videos, tutorials, articles and tips to help solve your laptop issues. If none of those options proves fruitful, you can check out the "Other Resources" section of the site for links to support for individual manufacturers or components.

syschat.com

Tech Support Forum

If you're running a Mac, Linux or Unix-based laptop, the Tech Support Forum may be your best choice. This site covers Windows-based systems as well as alternatives. Topics include gaming, networking, security, hardware and software.

techsupportforum.com

Tags: your laptop, Free Laptop, hardware software, section site, support forum

The Specifications For A Dimension Xps 710

The XPS 710 provides two internal USB ports to further expand its USB capabilities.

Dell's XPS 710 desktop PC launched in 2007 as part of Dell's Dimension line. It supports a variety of features including scalable link interface (SLI), optional liquid cooling and several types of optical drives. It provides support for some outdated interfaces but does not accommodate many of the features found on newer systems.

Processor and Memory

The motherboard of the XPS 710 provides support for Intel processors using Intel Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme processors. These processors come in dual-core and, for Core 2 Extreme models, quad-core models that are available in a variety of speeds. These processors provide L3 caches with a minimum rating of 1 megabyte for storing temporary program instructions. The memory available with this system includes 533- and 667-megahertz DDR2 standard dual-channel SDRAM modules. The motherboard supports a maximum of 8 gigabytes of memory and only supports 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB memory modules.

Motherboard

The XPS 710's motherboard uses an NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP chipset to route information between system components. This chipset supports up to two video cards on this system using an SLI configuration. Video cards in SLI mode take advantage of the dual PCI Express x16 slots available on this board; however, systems using this configuration cannot use the PCI Express x1 slot that shares bandwidth with the second x16 slot. The motherboard also supports a 98-pin PCI Express x8 slot and three regular PCI slots for miscellaneous expansion cards, in addition to connectors for various disk drives.

Connectors

The XPS 710 provides support for older IDE disk drives using a single 40-pin connector. It also supports newer disk drives with six Serial ATA connectors and a single floppy drive using a 34-pin connector. It also provides three 5-pin power connectors to support internal fans and a 12-pin power connector compatible with a liquid-cooled heatsink. The XPS 710 also provides a variety of external data ports including two front-panel and six back-panel USB 2.0 connectors. The motherboard also provides a 9-pin serial port, two PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse support, an IEEE 1394 data port and a standard RJ45 network adapter for the integrated LAN controller.

Configuration

The XPS 710 provides an ample external drive bay that supports two 3.5-inch devices and four 5.25-inch drive bays. These bays are designed to hold a variety of drives and devices including floppy drives, optical drives and an optional combination media card reader that supports 13 types of media cards. The XPS 710 also provides an on-board RAID controller that supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations for computers with multiple matching hard disks. RAID 0 provides enhanced access speeds for data stored on hard drives, while RAID 1 configurations provide redundant data storage.

Tags: also provides, disk drives, provides support, that supports, also supports

The Difference Between A Cpu & A Microprocessor

Central Processor Unit

The central processing unit (CPU) is a chip that functions as the brains of the computer. It is made of transistors--millions of transistors, in fact. Microprocessors are the circuitry that surround the CPU. The microprocessor is more than the CPU. It contains other processors, for example, the graphics processor unit. Sound cards and network cards are encased in microprocessors. So a CPU is part of a microprocessor, but a microprocessor is more than the CPU.

The CPU

Arithmetic and Algebraic Operations

The CPU has a control unit, a logic and arithmetic unit and registers, plus a small bit of memory called cache. The logic unit processes instructions one cycle at a time. It performs these instructions based on the computer program that it is running. In that sense, the CPU performs individual instructions; and when combined to perform a task, this is a computer program.

The arithmetic unit does math. If the computer program will seek out a mathematical computation, the logic unit sends that instruction to the arithmetic unit to perform the task. Upon completion of the operation, the results get placed into CPU cache or back into the logic unit for further operations.

The control unit controls how and in what order the instructions will be processed.

One final note on a different kind of processor, the vector processor, or array processor. This is a CPU that operates on an instruction set containing one-dimensional arrays of data called vectors. In contrast to a processor known as a scalar processor whose instructions operate on single data items. Today, most CPUs are scalar.

The Microprocessor

Microprocessor

The microprocessor is made of millions of transistors. These are tiny electronic devices that carry an electric charge. They have an on and off switch (or open and close gate) which steers the current through a particular path to produce a desired result.

Microprocessors have traditionally held the CPU. The circuitry of the both devices becomes entwined producing a seamless operation. The microprocessor receives electrical signals from memory, external and internal hard drives, from network cards, from graphics and video devices and from other input devices like a mouse or keyboard.

However, not all electrical currents end up in the CPU. Some signals go to specialized chips that have replaced the CPU. The chips reside on their own microprocessors and process their own results. Nevertheless, the CPU acts as the coordinator where all processed signals, even from different chips, are computed. These are the math operations (on the CPU), or the end results that are displayed, like the network or video or audio operations. So even if there are other performance chips on microprocessors, the result will be processed on the CPU.

The microprocessor is the holding circuitry that connects to the motherboard. The motherboard contains all the different microprocessors, but they work in unison to produce what is known as a computer.

Architecture of the CPU

Microprocessor on Motherboard

Even with new chips on microprocessors, the CPU is still the central processing unit that controls the operations on the computer. This explains why CPU manufacturers spend so much time modifying and extending the processing power of these chips.

Some of the innovations that come about include adding more CPUs to the microprocessor. Intel and AMD both have dual-core microprocessors. This means that they have two CPUs on the microprocessor. They are independent of one another but take the instruction sets from programs and processes them independently but in unison.

Advanced microprocessor's now have quad-core and six-core architectures and beyond. Twelve and even 48-core CPU microprocessors are in the design stage.

Chips and Microprocessors

The CPU may be the most important processor on the computer, but many tasks have been removed from it and given to other chips.

Graphics processor units (GPU) remove 2D or 3D graphics operations from the CPU. They are used in personal computers, embedded systems, mobile phones, workstations and game consoles.

A network processor unit (NPU) is an integrated circuit designed with a feature set uniquely targeted at the networking operations domain. Internet operations and network feature sets are in the domain of operation. They are typically software-programmable devices and have many generic characteristics similar to general purpose central processing units.

An audio processor unit (APU) is an integrated circuit designed to process audio data to give a clearer and more robust sound to generate. It is stored on a microprocessor on a sound card.

Summary

The CPU is a microprocessor. The microprocessor is an integrated circuit that is made up of millions of transistors. However, not all microprocessors are CPUs. There are NPUs, GPUs and APUs that remove network, graphics or audio processing from the CPU. The end result is a faster CPU performance. The CPU is not slowed down by operations that can be done by outside microprocessors; and since all are working in conjunction, the results are displayed faster, more robustly and with less breakup or downtime.

Tags: arithmetic unit, central processing, computer program, integrated circuit, logic unit, processor unit, central processing unit

What Is The Difference Between Ppga478 & Pga478

The PPGA478 and the PGA478 are terms used for a central processing unit socket called "Socket 478" to denote the type of form factor used to manufacture it. Also known as "Socket N," Socket 478 is the product of semiconductor company Intel Corp., released in 2000 to physically and electrically connect processors from its then-flagship Pentium brand and low-end Celeron brand.

General Description

Socket 478 is named after the number of pin holes it has to accommodate the pins of the Intel Pentium or Celeron processor. It is a square-shaped structure that measures 1.38-by-1.38 inches, or 3.5-by-3.5 centimeters. Like other CPU sockets, Socket 478 is used to connect the processor to the motherboard for data transmission, as well as physical support and protection so that it does not get easily damaged.

PGA vs. PPGA

The PGA and PPGA prefixes used for Socket 478 are actually acronyms. PGA stands for "pin grid array," which means that the pin holes are arranged in an orderly, grid-like format on the socket. The pins are arranged in a 26-by-26 formation, with a 14-by-14 section depopulated in the middle. Moreover, Intel blocks out two pin holes. Thus, 26-by-26 minus 14-by-14 minus 2 equals 478 usable pins. Socket 478 is usually made of ceramic; sometimes it is called "CPGA" to denote the type of PGA variant. PPGA stands for another popular PGA variant of Socket 478 -- the plastic pin grid array. This means that the socket is made of plastic.

Other PGA/PPGA478 Specs

Typically, PGA478 and PPGA478 sockets have a flip-chip feature. This means that the hottest part of the processor -- the back of the die, the wafer of semiconductor material that holds the CPU's processing unit or units -- is exposed. This allows users to introduce a heatsink as a cooling mechanism and thus prevents possible malfunction from overheating. Also, a zero insertion force feature is included so that users do not need any force at all to insert or remove the CPU.

Processor Specs

PGA478 and PPGA478 sockets support Intel Pentium 4 chips, the fourth major iteration of the Pentium brand; and Intel Celeron chips with a processing speed range of 1.4GHz to 3.4GHz and 1.7GHz to 2.8GHz, respectively. They also accommodate the high-end yet less energy-efficient counterparts, Celeron D and Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition, with a processing speed range of 2.13GHz to 3.2GHz and 3.2GHz to 3.4GHz, respectively. Also, each Socket 478-compatible CPU has a data transfer speed of 400MHz, 533MHz or 800MHz.

Tags: Intel Pentium, means that, denote type, grid array, Pentium brand, PGA478 PPGA478

What Is The Difference Between The Amd Athlon & The Phenom

The Athlon and the Phenom are two types of processors created by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). AMD has used the Athlon for many years, while the Phenom is a newer generation of processor.

History

The AMD Athlon line of processors was first introduced on June 23, 1999. The Phenom line of processors began with the Phenom 9500 and 9600 in November 2007.

Function

Athlon processors are primarily used for common tasks that meet the need of the everyday computer user. Phenom processors are generally used for high-end gaming and overclocking enthusiasts. Phenom is meant to provide incredible performance, and is able to deal with heavy workloads.

Comparison

Athlons only support L1 and L2 cache, while Phenoms support L1, L2 and L3 cache. This allows the Phenom to provide additional performance bonuses since it is less reliant on RAM. Phenoms can support DDR2 RAM that has a clock frequency of up to 1066 MHz, while Athlons can only support DD2 with a frequency of 800 MHz. Athlon processors have the advantage in power consumption and heat reduction. As expected with a processor that provides more computing power, the Phenom also consumes more energy and heats up more.

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Toprated Business Schools

The best business schools offer great networking opportunities for students.

When it comes to finding the top-rated business schools, although you might encounter slight differences in rankings of the institutions, for the most part, you'll find the same names appearing on list after list consistently, whether you're looking in the "Financial Times" or examining the Top Ten rankings as judged by Bloomberg BusinessWeek.

Overall Rankings

In a survey conducted in 2010 of 426 MBA programs, "US News and World Report" created a list that ranked the various programs according to such criteria as overall scoring of all categories, as well as the cost of enrolling in the programs, the average starting salary of those attaining a degree, and the percentage of graduates employed when they graduate. In the survey, Harvard University attained a perfect score of 100, as did Stanford University.

Undergraduate

When Bloomberg BusinessWeek formed its ranking of the best undergraduate business programs, Notre Dame was ranked in the number-one position. This was followed by the University of Virginia and Massachusetts Institute of Technology's business programs. The median starting salary of a Notre Dame graduate was $55,000, while that of an MIT graduate was $62,000.

Global

Just because a school isn't located in the United States doesn't mean that it should be excluded from being given a ranking, which is why the "Financial Times" created its Global MBA Rankings. Coming in at the top of the list is the London Business School, followed by the University of Pennsylvania in second place and Harvard Business School in third place.

Admission Requirements

Out of 30 of the top-ranked business programs and schools, all but four required applicants to have taken the Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT. The four that didn't require GMAT scores were Yale, University of Michigan, University of Virginia and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition, with the exception of Michigan State University and Stanford University, all of the other top-ranked business schools and programs require interviews.

Employment

Employment opportunities are always considered when choosing the right business school to attend. Ninety percent of all Dartmouth College graduates are offered jobs at graduation, ranking it the highest in job offers. That's followed by Harvard University with 87 percent of graduates offered a job, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology coming in third place with 84 percent having job offers.

Reputation

Business Insider ranked Harvard Business School as its top-rated business school because of its "brand value." In other words, if you graduate from Harvard Business School, you might have an advantage over graduates from other schools due to the favorable name recognition of the Harvard name.

Suitability

When it comes to finding the right business school, you need to carefully examine each school and decide which one has what you're looking for. Just because a school is the top-ranked business school in a particular category doesn't mean that it's the best school for you. By carefully examining the programs each school offers in-depth, you'll be able to determine which school best fits your needs.

Tags: business programs, business school, Business School, business schools, Harvard Business, Harvard Business School

What Is The Life Of A Computer Battery

When your personal computer is turned off, the motherboard depends on a standard three-volt battery to maintain the CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or flash memory chip. The CMOS battery runs a small charge through the memory chip to retain your computer's important system settings, such as the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) startup information, as well as the current time and date.

Facts

Normally, the lifespan of a CMOS battery is about four to five years, but you should replace the battery every two or three years before it begins to fail. A failing CMOS battery will cause your computer to develop memory loss and other unusual symptoms. For instance, boot failure can occur due to unusual BIOS settings that have been wiped when your computer was turned off. Your computer may display incorrect times and dates in the BIOS or within your computer system.

If you have an older computer and it begins to develop memory loss, your system clock continuously resets itself or old settings disappear, you should not overlook this problem to avoid system failure.

Significance

A failing CMOS battery can easily be fixed by replacing it with a new one. It is essential that you replace the battery with the same type that is installed on your computer's motherboard.

Identification

You can purchase a circular-type CR-2032 three-volt lithium battery at most electronics stores and expect to pay about $3 or less for it. Never replace the CMOS battery with a rechargeable battery. A rechargeable battery will become unstable, burst or explode, causing damage to your computer's motherboard.

Function

A new CMOS battery will refresh the CMOS memory chip. The CMOS battery is usually mounted on the motherboard and can be removed with a thin screwdriver.

Once you have installed a new CMOS battery, restart your computer, and change the date in the BIOS setup to the current date. Shut your computer down, and unplug your computer's power cords for about 15 minutes. Plug the power cords back in, and restart your computer. Verify that the current date settings have not changed. If the current date is displayed, the CMOS battery is working properly, and your system should return to normal.

Warning

Before you open your computer case to replace the CMOS battery, take several precautions to keep yourself grounded. Unplug all power cords from their outlets, and wear an antistatic wrist strap. Work in a well-lit, static-free area, and avoid working in carpeted areas.

Tags: CMOS battery, your computer, your computer, battery will, current date, memory chip, power cords

Upgrade A Gateway Lx6810 Processor

Speed up your Computer's processor

Programs continue to require more power which creates the need for your computer to be upgraded. The Gateway LX6810 desktop comes loaded with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium and up to a one terabyte hard drive. The specifications are very customizable and it can accept up to 8 GB's of RAM. It can also be ordered with an Intel Core 2 Quad processor, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or an Intel Pentium Dual-Core processor. The CPU can be upgraded after the purchase to go with an even more powerful processor.

Instructions

1. Verify the type of CPU needed for this system. The Gateway LX6810 can accept an Intel Core 2 Quad processor, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or an Intel Pentium Dual-Core processor that can be purchased from multiple retailers.

2. Create a back up of your system and valuable data. Power off the computer and if there is a master power switch on the tower, turn that off as well. Disconnect all devices and open the casing of the Gateway LX6810. Unscrew the screws that hold the casing in place and remove it from the unit.

3. The old CPU, heat sink and cooling fan must be removed, so clear any drive cables or components that are in the way to gain access to the processor. Take a note of anything that was disconnected so that it can be put back in place. In some Gateway systems the hard drive cables may need to be disconnected.

4. Disconnect the cooling unit from the power source or heat sink and unclip any heat sink supports. There is a small lever on the processor socket that needs to be pushed away to the side of the CPU and then lifted up. The processor will be pushed from the socket and can be removed.

5. Put the new processor onto the empty socket slot on the motherboard. Align the pin on the processor with the one on the motherboard, then slowly lower the CPU into the socket and make sure all pins are lined up to avoid damage. Press down slowly to make sure the processor is all the way in. Connect the old heat sink if a new one is not connected to the new CPU.

6. Reconnect any cables and components that were in place and power on the system. Log back into Windows before replacing the case to make sure you everything works correctly. Once everything is verified, shut off the computer and replace the case.

Tags: heat sink, Intel Core, processor Intel, make sure, cables components, cables components that

Top Rated Msi Gigabyte Asus

MSI, Gigabye and Asus are some of the most well-known names in the computer industry.

MSI, Gigabyte and Asus are some of the most well-known manufacturers of computer motherboards, graphics cards, laptops and other computer-related peripherals. Top-rated equipment by one of these three companies will be amongst the best equipment available in their respective product types. Products that all three companies have in common and are recognized for worldwide are graphics cards and motherboards.

MSI Video Card

MSI's N470GTX Twin Frozr II is a powerful video card by MSI with a 607MHz core clock speed and 1280 MB DDR5 memory operating at 3348MHz. It has outputs for up to two DVI monitors, and one HDMI monitor. One factor that separates this card from similar models is cooling. It has two eight centimeter fans on the top, and eight millimeter heat pipes to transfer heat effectively, resulting in a heat reduction of 16 degrees Celsius, and noise reduction of 21.5dB.

MSI Motherboard

According to MSI.com, the 890GXM-G65 is a motherboard with "Superb Stability" from its "Military Class Components." Other factors unique to the 890GXM-G65 are its support for USB 3.0 terminals for faster data transfers than USB 2.0 ports, and "OC Genie Lite" included which allows for easy overclocking.

Gigabyte Video Card

The Gigabyte GTX 460 SOC video card was the top-rated graphics card in the world as of November 16, 2010. The "SOC" stands for "Super Over-Clocked" over the standard edition of the card, and performance in 3DMark Vantage shows the overclocking efforts of Gigabyte were worthwhile. 3DMark is a benchmarking program that allows people to compare video cards, and the GTX 460 SOC scored 27,600 marks, the highest ever up to that point.

Gigabyte Motherboard

Gigabyte's GA-P55-US3L is based off Intel's H55 Chipset. A main feature of this motherboard is a two-ounce PCB, or printed circuit board, which is exclusive to Gigabyte. Traditionally, motherboards have a one-ounce PCB. Gigabyte claims its two-ounce design has a number of advantages, from lower temperature and better overclocking, to lower impedance and better power efficiency.

Asus Video Card

Based on the NVidia GeForce GTX 580 graphics engine, the ENGTX580/2DI/1536MD5 is an award winning graphics card by Asus. It received the "Best Model in Class" award from BozzaBench, and two performance awards from Overclock3d.net. Base clock rate of this video card is 782MHz, and memory clock rate is 4008 MHz.

Asus Motherboard

The Rampage III Formula motherboard by Asus is equipped with an LGA1366 socket capable of accepting Intel Core i7 and Core i7 Extreme processors. It has triple channel memory support at speeds up to 2200 MHz. It comes with a feature called "ROG Connect" which allows you to monitor and alter hardware settings of the board in real time from a laptop connected to your computer via USB.

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What Is Hardware Support

When you have a problem with your computer that you cannot resolve, you have several ways of dealing with it. Hardware support is an official channel for troubleshooting issues with your computer's hardware, which includes all of its physical components.

Hardware Support Basics

When you purchase a computer from companies such as Dell, HP or Apple, it comes with a warranty. This warranty includes assistance with the physical hardware of your computer.

Getting Hardware Support

This support can come over the phone, through email, or in person, depending on the warranty that you have chosen. Dell may remotely diagnose your issue over the Internet, if possible, before sending a technician.

Household Support

You may have to mail a broken or defective item before you can receive a replacement, or you may be able to bring the hardware into a store for an immediate replacement.

Corporate Support

In a business environment, your office's IT (Information Technology) personnel usually perform hardware support instead, although they may consult the manufacturer or vendor of the hardware.

Informal Uses

"Hardware support" sometimes also refers to what your software or operating system is compatible with. For example, Mac OS X's hardware support does not include older Macs like the G3.

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Which Xbox Games Work For Xbox 360

While hardware developers are constantly exploring new technologies to improve upon the gaming experience with better graphics, sound and game physics, they also haven't forgotten their past. The Microsoft Xbox 360 is backward compatible, allowing players to use many of their old Xbox games on the newer system.

Software Update

Before you can play original Xbox games on your Xbox 360, you must install an update on your console. The easiest way to obtain this update is through Xbox Live, which will also download future updates automatically when new games are supported. Sign in to your account and any general updates should be installed. Place an original Xbox game in the disc drive of the console and close it. Any updates particular to the game will then download.

Order a Disc

If you don't have Xbox Live, you can order a disc from xbox.com. After receiving the disc, place it in the console and follow the on-screen prompts to apply the update. You will then have to update the operating system of the Xbox 360 after the emulator is installed. Continue to follow the prompts. The system will reboot when it's done with the installation.

List of Games

The list of original Xbox games that can be played on the Xbox 360 is in the hundreds and includes almost all of the most popular titles, including "Halo" and "Halo 2," "Fable," "Ninja Gaiden" and "Ninja Gaiden Black," "Crash Bandicoot 4" and "Crash Bandicoot 5," and "Doom 3." For a complete list of the available games, see the Resources section.

Technical Issues

Some unfortunate glitches have popped up in original Xbox games when they are played on the Xbox 360. Examples include frame rate slowdowns during battles in "Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance" and random game crashes in "Dead or Alive Ultimate" during the opening movie. For an exhaustive list of these glitches, see the Resource link below.

Tags: original Xbox, original Xbox games, Crash Bandicoot, Ninja Gaiden, played Xbox, will then, Xbox games

Types Of Plasma Electrodes

Plasma electrodes vaporize metals into gas to coat computer microchips.

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) represents 90 percent of the semiconductor products produced in the United States. The multi-billion dollar semiconductor industry sells millions of tiny computer microchips, which are created with plasma electrodes. Types of plasma electrodes are: induction coupled, microwave or radio wave electrodes. Plasma electrodes at the bottom of furnace shafts, reach temperatures above 6,000 degrees Centigrade. Plasma electrodes vaporize metal, which coats copper or silicone forming semiconductors.

Electrical Discharge Plasma Electrodes

Plasma electrodes release electric current through a substance that does not conduct electricity. Air insulates. It does not conduct electricity, but a several thousand volt electric field passed through normally insulating air, creates nitrogen, oxygen and other gaseous ions. The plasma electrode causes negatively charged electrons to break off the nitrogen or oxygen atoms and leaves the positively charged ions. The ions and electrons (plasma) move separately through the high voltage creating an electrical current. Plasma conducts electrical current.

Vaccuum Arc Plasma Electrodes

Vacuum arc electrical discharges use plasma coatings in metallurgy and as plasma films. The vacuum arcs are from paired high voltage electrodes in a vacuum chamber. The electrical arc carries the ionized plasma and directs the magnetic arc to coat a microchip surface. The arc can be directed with a magnetic field. Coating microchips with a charged plasma arc is a process called "vacuum arc deposition." Liquid metal drops spray from the electrodes surface, which detract from the quality of the thin plasma coating. The inconsistent droplets are removed from the plasma beam by obstructing the flow of the plasma arc between the electrode and the semiconductor surface. This process is called "filtered vacuum arc deposition."

Corona and Glow Discharge Electrodes

Corona electrical discharge is a partial inhomogeneous electrical discharge. Corona electrical discharge is created by a high voltage electric field near a sharp electrode. Corona is a low current, high voltage discharge. Glow discharges are several hundred volts and 1 ampere of current. The low ionized current is amplified in collision with other particles. The amplification creates secondary electrons. Electrical discharges are also created by microwave or laser waves with or without electrodes.

Capacitively Coupled Plasma (CCP) Electrodes

A capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) electrode is actually two plasma electrodes with little distance between them inside a reactor. Pressure from gas within the reactor may be lower than the pressure of the atmosphere. A CCP electrode directs radio waves, usually at 13.56 MHz. One plasma electrode is attached to the electric power, and the other one is the ground electrode. The CCP electrodes are attached in parallel, and plasma formed in this manner is capacitively coupled plasma. Capacitively coupled plasma sometimes produces light while generating plasma with a capacitor. Electrons bombarding an electrode quickly become negatively charged, and they create secondary plasma current in addition to the alternating current. A direct current electrode excites electrons and charges ions. This microprocess deposits a thin plasma film on an electrode. Semiconductors from CCP may be etched.

Tags: high voltage, coupled plasma, plasma electrode, Plasma electrodes, capacitively coupled, computer microchips, conduct electricity

Troubleshoot An Ati Video Card

Troubleshoot an ATI Video Card

ATI video cards can help boost the graphics performance of games and other multimedia programs, but they're not without faults. When applications that rely heavily on graphics crash or act erratically, you can usually tie the problem to your computer's video card. The good news is that some basic troubleshooting can typically reveal the source of trouble and help you get your video card working as it should.

Instructions

1. Uninstall the drivers currently being used by your video card. To do so, click "Start," type "devmgmt.msc" in the "Run" field, and press "Enter." In the Device Manager, double-click the "Display Adapters" entry, then right-click on your display adapter. Click "Uninstall" and follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall the drivers. Reboot your computer.

2. Reinstall the drivers for your video card. This step can solve driver-related problems, particularly if your card is using outdated drivers. Browse to the AMD Graphics Drivers & Software page and choose your operating system and video card. Download the driver installation program to your Windows desktop and double-click it to install the drivers.

3. Check that the fan is operational on the video card if the driver installation doesn't solve the problem. If the fan isn't running or is blocked, you can encounter heat-related problems that can cause program crashes or visual artifacts. While the computer is running, open the computer's case cover (if the door doesn't have a see-through window) and ensure that the fan on the video card is running. If it isn't, make sure no cables are blocking it. If you suspect that the fan has failed, contact the manufacturer.

4. Shut down and unplug your computer if the previous steps didn't help. Place the antistatic wristband around your wrist and connect its clip to the computer's chassis. Open the computer case cover and make sure that the card is properly seated in the motherboard slot. Press firmly on the card to ensure a tight fit.

5. Check that the video card is connected to the power supply. This step is particularly relevant for newer video cards that require a discrete power source.

Tags: video card, video card, your computer, your video, your video card, case cover, Check that