Desktops: need info on Insignia computers
Insignia computers
by kyzipster - 8/7/05 6:07 AM In reply to: need info on Insignia computers by klhI purchased an Insignia D300a, it was around $100 cheaper than anything comparable that I could find. I've been pleased overall. The onboard graphics memory could not handle my 19" Viewsonic monitor and there is no AGP slot to upgrade video memory, I didn't think about this when shopping, I had to add a PCI video card which works but is a bit slow compared to an AGP card. My biggest gripe is Best Buy or Insignia's policy of not giving out needed technical information. I added a second hard drive and I need to add more RAM, there is no needed information in the manual and they won't give you the information needed when calling technical support. They tell you that if you open the case you will void the warranty and that you have to take it to Best Buy (and pay them) to add components. It's a complete scam. These upgrades are easy to do without having a proper manual but I will never purchase an Insignia computer again out of principle.
one more thing - Insignia
by kyzipster - 8/7/05 6:32 AM In reply to: Insignia computers by kyzipster..Insignia tech support told me I would void the warranty if I altered the BIOS to add my PCI video card and they would not tell me how to access the BIOS after I told them I wasn't concerned about voiding the warranty and the info is not in the manual or on their website. Again, a complete scam to get you to spend money at the Best Buy computer repair place. I think it was the video card tech support that helped me figure it out. Hit F1 at the "Insignia" screen to access the BIOS.
Adding a PCI Video Card
by corkypad - 10/17/05 11:44 PM In reply to: Insignia computers by kyzipsterHi,
When my friend's Insignia D300a is turned on - there is a message in the monitor that says ''This monitor is working properly. Check your cable connection''.
There is power in the cpu because the power light is on & there seems to be some sound coming from the hard drive - I'm not really sure if it is the hard drive since I am not familiar with his computer's sound when it boots.
I tried to isolate the problem by doing the following:
1. I plugged-in 2 different monitors that were borrowed from friends (I made sure that these 2 monitors were working) - there was no display in the monitors. I haven't tried to plug-in his monitor in another PC.
2. I tried to boot using his restore CD and Symantec's Recovery Disk - same result in the 3 monitors - no display.
3. I also tried to press all the ''F'' keys one at a time after I turn on the power - same result, no display.
4. I removed the hard drive, put it inside my HD enclosure and connected it to his laptop - to make sure that there is no physical damage in the hard drive. I was able to to view and run all the files that I opened. Everything seems to be working including the audio and video files.
The possible problem could be one of the following:
a. The hard drive's boot sector or file is corrupted or damaged; (although Symantecs's Recovery Disk will be able to boot even if the boot sector or file is damaged)
b. There is something wrong with the motherboard;
c. The integrated video card / onboard graphics memory is not working.
What do you think is the problem? Your suggestion / solution to this problem will be highly appreciated.
I think that the problem is in the integrated video card. I would like to try adding a PCI video card and see if it will solve the problem.
What was the brand and model of the PCI card that you used? How much is it? What do you think is the cheapest PCI video card that will work? He uses his computer to surf the net and watch some video files. He does not use it for games.
Please advise.
Thank you very much.
corkypad
AVOID INSIGNIAS LIKE THE PLAGUE
by calvin.giroud - 6/14/06 3:09 AM In reply to: need info on Insignia computers by klhI DONT HOW TO EXPRESS, BUT DONT BUY INSIGNIAS, THEY ARE PIECE OF JUNKS, CANT DO NOTHING WITH IT AND THEY USE THE CHEAPEST PARTS POSSIBLE WHICH TOTALLY DEFEATS THE WHOLE PURPOSE. NOW A DAYS WE LOVE TO WATCH MOVES, PLAY ENRICHED GRAPHIC GAMES, WANT IT SUPERFAST AND UPRGRADABLE EASY, ALL THE THINGS INSIGNIA ISNT. GET A DELL, OR BUILD UR OWN AS I DO. STAY AWAY FROM E-MACHINES TOO, PIECES OF JUNK TOO. DONT KNOW WHY PEOPLE DONT USE REVIEWS TO FIND OUT ABOUT THINGS. DELL HAS THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE AND GREAT PRODUCTS. BTW ANY COMPUTER THAT ISNT AGP ENABLED IS JUNK AND IM NOT GOING TO BUY A NEW MOTHERBOARD CAUSE THEY COST 200 DOLLARS, MIGHT AS WELL BUY A NEW COMPUTER.
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