Search results

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    Wifi-only phone for using at stores etc.?

    I have no smart-phone. I use an old cellular phone for emergency needs etc. and have a minimal subscription to Verizon. More and more stores, where I shop, have coupons, other benefits etc. on smart phone applications. I regularly shop at Whole Foods, and Amazon Prime will have a shopping...
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    Upgrade from an I7-3770K

    I have an almost 5 year old system. CPU is a an I7-3770K, stock speed. Sasmung SSD, 8gig memory. I currently have a GTX 970 video card in it. I have not played many games in the last year or two. When I did, I could run most setting near max. I would like to start gaming on my TV at or near...
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    For Windows 7, how does one make sure Windows 10 does NOT happen?

    I think that I removed the updates* that cause Windows 7 to upgrade to 10. I got an email from Microsoft about the upgrade as if I were in the que but I assume that is just a mass mailing versus really triggered by my update situation. *Here are the KBs that I hide/uninstalled: KB2952664...
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    Linking a Gigabyte Switch to a 10/100 Switch to expand a network

    Both are Netgear (GS108 and FS105.) Both have Auto-Sensing and Auto-Uplink. What I am trying to do: The GS108 is hooked to my router through attic wiring. 3 devices, located by the GS108, are connected to it. Another port on the GS108 is connected, via ethernet cable, to outlet that goes...
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    nvlddmkm event 13: Graphics Exception: ESR 0x408030=0x80000003 & Const out of Bound

    2 nvlddmkm event 13 errors Both read verbatim: "The description for Event ID 13 from source nvlddmkm cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local...
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    Based on CrystalDiskInfo - how can I tell how long my (830 - 256GB) SSD should last?

    My write amplification seems high (around 9x)? I have had this drive as my main drive for ~2.5 years. Only thing of high data use that I know I do is a refresh about a 25-30GB image 3 or 4 times a years. Based on the above, should I be good for many more years?
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    SATA cable connected to non-powered HDD caused strong vibration

    I have HDD in my case that I only hookup to make images or refresh images on it. In the past I always left it unconnected on both the power cable and the SATA cable. Recently when I refreshed an image, I left the SATA cable (as part of a chain that was also connected to me SSD and a HDD I...
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    Switching 6 pin and 8 pin power source - vibration from PSU with GTX 970

    I went from a GTX 680 to GTX 970. I started noticing a stronger vibration/low hum from my computer. I narrowed it down to PSU (touching it, I could feel the vibration matching the low hum.) Since the 970 uses less power than the 680, it seemed confusing why this would happen (seems it would...
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    Do all GTX 970s boost higher than they state?

    Per the specs on my Gigabyte GTX 970 G1, the boost is supposed to be to 1329 but mine boosts to 1392 (stock - no manual OCing.) Per RivaTuner/MSI Afterburner, my card stays at 1392 stock throughout while gaming (it also shows my base core speed is 1177 which is basically the same as the...
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    For 2560 X 1440, any difference between dual link DVI and displayport cables?

    I have Dell U2713HM 1440 monitor, and a GTX 970. Currently (and all of I have used with the monitor), I am using the dual-link DVI cable provided by Dell. I do not have displayport cable, and I am wondering if it offers anything I might be missing with the dual-link DVI. When I search the...
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    Which Nvidia overclock program? I want saved profiles and projected stats

    I am getting a Gigabyte GTX 970 G1. For overclocking, I would like a program that saves profile to either launch at start-up and easily launch by running the OC program. Also, I would like one that projects stats (FPS, fan speed, temp in game or better on to my Logitech G13.) Do MSI...
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    How much can I expect to get for a GTX 680 now

    I cannot find any reliable prices (all ads I can find ask for crazy amounts like $300) for used GTX 680s. It is a Gigabyte Windforce OC GTX 680. I still have box and manuals etc. I plan to put on Craigslist. How much would you expect?
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    Gigabyte G1 GTX 970 - any problem from size?

    The card is almost 12 inches long with a a very large heat sink and full backplate. I have a Coolermaster HAF X. I takes up to 13.5 in VGA card. SO I should be fine, although I do not like the idea of it hanging over my drive input cables slots as it will. Does the size imply a material...
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    Easy to sell free game promotion with video cards? factoring into decision

    I am thinking of getting a GTX 970 for my 1440 display. Most cards come with a free game of three (The Crew, Far Cry 4 or Assassin Creed Unity.) I already have Far Cry 4 and that is only one I would want. Anyone here successfully sold one of these free promotional games? If so, was it easy...
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    EVGA 970/980s - inferior components?

    I have seen some messages on this forum about EVGA using inferior memory and other components. I am fixing to buy either a 970 or 980 and I was going EVGA but after reading this messages I an rethinking it. Is this just opinion or fact (any webpages you can cite that analyze the components?)...
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    Reinstall an image after changing Nvidia cards - will it work?

    If I reinstall a Windows 7 image when I had a GTX680 with a Nvidia driver 344.11 (it was one for the GTX970-980), on the same exact computer except now my video card is a GTX970, will I be able to boot into the O/S or will it be a conflict and I wont even be able to boot into it?
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    Phone scammers - are they slaves/prisoners?

    I get hit with phone scams a lot. Had an experience that actually put it into perspective today. I got the computer service call about there being something wrong with my computer. I often go along with them and waste 5-10 minutes of their time, playing dumb in the tasks they ask me to do on...
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    Reliable modem and router recommendations for Comcast internet please

    Looking at getting a new cable modem and a router for my Comcast internet.. I have been using a Comcast provided gateway-combo for 2 years. It never had a problem, so I did not mind the monthly fee, as reliability is what I want most, and with no problem, and with the ability to exchange it...
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    Okay to disable Write-cache on SSD in Windows 7?

    I have a Samsung 830 SSD. For the last year, I had write-cache enabled in Windows 7, but recently turned it off. I notice no difference in performance. Perhaps there is benchmark difference, I did not do any tests, but I notice nothing different. If no perceivable difference in...
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    Windows 7 - Can I add a new Administrator account, then change my main to standard?

    In Windows 7 Home Premium x64, I have only one account on my computer and it is an Administrator account. Here is what I am trying to do: 1) Change my main account to a standard user for security; 2) With that standard user account be able to give Administrator UAC permission if something...
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    Routers and control of DNS

    I am using a rented combo modem-router from Comcast now. I plan to get a separate modem and router. I am confused how routers handle DNS servers for their devices. Here is what I recently tried to do but it did not work. I wanted to keep Comcast default DNS servers on my Roku and DirecTv...
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    Ads, main way malware is delivered - Adblock Plus "block" or just "hide" it?

    Geekspeak (NPR) recently shared a study that found that legitimate sites have more malware than shady sites like porno sites etc. and the malware is delivered via ads mostly. Does the Chrome extension Adblock Plus "block" ads or just "hide" them? I read reports on it and some state it blocks...
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    Schannel 36887 error: The following fatal alert was received: 40.

    Today, for first time (I checked Event Viewer history and today's are only ones of this type), I am getting Schannel 36887 errors. They read, "The following fatal alert was received: 40." It happened twice today with about 4-6 of those error messages over a second or two each time in Event...
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    Safe security-wise to use Chrome as default PDF reader?

    I have been reading reports of Adobe Reader exploits. Since I only read PDFs and do not need any extra options or anything, I am satisfied just using Chrome to read PDFs. I uninstalled Adobe Acrobat reader and linked PDF files to be opened by Chrome. I have no PDF addons on Chrome so it just...
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    Kaspersky Antivirus 2013 disabled my Sony Walkman MP# player's driver

    My Norton Antivirus subscription ends in a little over a month, so I wanted to try Kaspersky before deciding whether to renew. I uninstalled Norton and installed Kaspersky last night, and it seemed okay (interface is a bit dated) on resources etc. This morning I plugged in my Sony Walkman MP3...
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    Norton Antivirus - opinion or fact that many virus trick Norton Antivirus?

    I have had Norton Antivirus for almost a year. I am deciding whether to renew or not. First, I have been happy with it. Unlike most of the complaints against it, I actually find it very light on resources (I see no signs of it all - from my experience, it is same as Microsoft Essentials in...
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    Do SSDs have trouble getting into Safe Mode via F8

    I could not get into Safe Mode, in Windows 7, via the normal F8 method with my SSD system. I tried about 6 times (3 tries of rapidly pressing F8 as I always did on other systems and 3 tries of holding F8 down.) I found some messages on other PC oriented forums of other people have trouble. I...
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    I cannot boot into Safe Mode (Windows 7) and SSD

    Fairly new computer with SSD. I cannot boot into Safe Mode in Windows 7. When I use F8 I get a boot screen for selecting drive. I choose the SSD (my boot drive) and then hit hold down F8 again but it goes into normal windows. I tried several times. I also tried repeatedly hitting F8. No...
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    Any non-Coolermaster 200mm fan fit a HAF XM case?

    I have a HAF XM case. Top 200mm fan became noisy. Had it replaced under warranty. After a few weeks of no problems, the new fan is making noise (after turning on system in the morning, it makes harsh roaring sound for a few minutes.) I want to get a new non-Coolermaster fan, but from reading...
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    Any reason to update chipset, USB, network etc. drivers?

    I usually update drivers like chipset, USB, network etc. but my current system (Z77 chipset, Ivy Bridge CPU, Windows 7) has been extremely stable, so I am wondering if I should. My motherboard Asus P8Z77 V-pro has many new drivers over the last few months. Is there any reason to update them?
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    Coolermaster HAF XM with no top fan - okay to run a week or two?

    I have a Coolermaster HAF XM case. The top fan is making roaring noise lately. I plan to RMA it to Coolermaster. Process will take a week or two to get a fan replacement back. Do you think it is okay to use my computer (3770K CPU, 680GTX video card) for 2 weeks with no top fan (I do not...
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    Is Chrome double spacing Bookmark Manager for everyone?

    Today I opened Chrome and my Bookmark Manager was double spaced. I searched and cannot find how to change it back to how it was. I found a few messages of other people complaining (but only 1 or 2) dated today. Is this a universal change to all Chrome browsers? Would people confirm if it...
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    What size Torx driver for the screws attaching platter to motor on WD?

    I am trying to remove platters to destroy them. I took housing cover off, but the Torx screws on the platter are smaller and my Torx driver does not fit. Anyone know what size those screws (several in middle of platter) are? Thanks.
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    Some questions on buying a new UPS

    I am thinking of getting a UPS just for safety if power cuts off. I do not leave my computer running when not using it, so my needs are just to be able to shut-down if power goes out. Three questions please: 1) I bought one a few years ago but it produced a bad smell (new car smell like)...
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    Any ideas on what could be making a random thumping sound in my computer?

    Any idea what could make a random thumping sound in my computer. It is a random noise which happens every now and then. It sounds like a thumping sound - as if someone was literally thumping the case, although more muffled (barely hear it while using my computer.) It is usually just one thump...
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    Low priced AMD card for internet browsing and browser videos?

    I want to get an AMD video card for a 2nd computer (my older computer.) It will be used for internet browsing and Youtube videos/sports feeds. No gaming or anything. The computer has an E8400 Intel CPU and 4 GB of DDR2 memory. Right now I have a GTX560TI in it that I will be selling that since...
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    ACA rebate checks coming

    I just got my 2012 health insurance rebate check. It was about 70% of one month's premium. Not too bad and not possible without the Affordable Care Act.
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    Any reviews on Benq GW2450 monitor

    It is a VA panel monitor. I think it is fairly new. I am thinking of getting it for casual gaming (mostly MMORPG, not fast paced FPS.) It states 12ms, 4ms GTG. Here is BenQ's page on it: http://www.benq.com/product/monitor/gw2450 Anyone have it or have links to reviews? If no reviews, what...
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    Does 1920X1200 show as much horizontal space in games as X1080?

    You would think it would with both 1920 but I have read reports that it does not. One site showed a game in each resolution on same scene and the 16:9 aspect showed further left and right.
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    Looking for $300 1920X1080 gaming monitor with either glossy screen or minor AG coat?

    What is a good 23-24 inch monitor for gaming that has either a glossy screen or very light anti-glare coating? I want to spend $300 or less. I tried a Dell U2312HM and could not take the grainy look of its anti-glare. From reports, it seems Dells have one of the heaviest anti-glare coating -...