is there like a card that i can plug into my laptop
to increase gaming performance
to increase gaming performance
by rajharvijay - 6/5/08 12:02 PM
Featuring CNET Editor
Rich Brown
Sponsored by Best Buy
Desktop PCs Session has ended.
Missed this live event? No worries! Each Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon Pacific, we'll give you the chance to chat live with a CNET editor. We'll cover a new topic each week, from cell phones to TVs. Get those burning tech questions ready! Click here for the Ask the Editors Live event calendar.
Latest questions and answers
A: Looks like that's a wrap
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 12:01 PMThanks a bunch for coming by. I look forward to doing this again soon.
In the meantime, we have a bunch of other live editor chats coming up. You can find the current schedule here: http://forums.cnet.com/4520-12548-6748916.html
Q: Poor Cable Reception on Media Center 2005
by hacker925 - 6/5/08 11:51 AMOn my HP Z55 Media Center PC, Channels 2 -7 are static only and it gets better the farther up the channels, but if I hook the cable directly to my HDTV all channels are good and clear.
Is there anything I can do to clear up my Media Centers Cable Reception?
Thanks,
Wayne in College Station, TX
A: driver update?
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:59 AMIf it's channel specific, it could just be that the cable signal doesn't like something about the way your PC is interpreting the sound. First thing I'd do is make sure all of your drivers are up-to-date, including sound card/chip drivers. Then check your PC's audio settings in Windows Control Panel to make sure your output source is configured properly.
If the problem is on the cable side, not much you can do.
Q: bass
by rajharvijay - 6/5/08 11:51 AMis there a software that add bass to the sound
because i got this sony vgn fz 280e
laptop and it have real sound built in
everytime when im playing music while having the volume high the sound, sound so sharp
A: external sound card
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:55 AMYou might be able to find an external sound card that connects via USB to emulate better base output. Creative also used to make laptop sound card that went in your PC Card slot, but I don't know if it's still on the market: http://reviews.cnet.com/sound-cards/creative-sound-blaster-audigy/4505-9334_7-31156120.html
Q: CAT5 in general
by gooku19 - 6/5/08 11:47 AMSorry for the additional question. I just bought my house a year ago and purchased an entertainment package with it for the living room. The CAT5 receptacle was included in that, and placed close to the media niche with all the other wires and surround sound plates and other goodies. If I can't use CAT5 for what I was describing, what good is it and why did they include it? I know it has to do with networking and ethernet, but beyond that I'm lost. Is CAT5 even meant for direct connection to TV's?
I'd hate to run 60' of cable through the house.
Thank you
A: Cable box updating
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:53 AMYour Xbox 360, your PS3, some PVR boxes, and other home entertainment devices use internet connections for updating software, connecting to the Web, multiplayer console gaming etc.
Q: How hot is too hot?
by kwyrt - 6/5/08 11:46 AMI recently bought an MSI 8800GT graphics card, factory overclocked with an aftermarket cooler. It seems to be running awefully hot. Idles around 65 C and got up 89 C during Command and Conquer 3. My PC is an HP Media Center PC so I practically had to shoehorn the card in there. I guess my question is, should I be worried about the temperature of my card? And if so, is it the card, or the fact that I tried to fit a high end graphics card into a PC case that was not really built for it? Thanks!
A: Hardware failure rates vary
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:50 AMBut 89C is very hot. I'm unsure what the failure rate rule of thumb for GPUs is, but I know for CPUs it's about 65C. Chances are it's the cramped case. You can also use Nvidia's overclocking software to drop the clock speeds on the card down. Better to lose a few frames than your entire card.
Q: Potential Apple Convert
by beatgoliath - 6/5/08 11:43 AMI have been avoiding Macs for a long time. I have friends who swear by Apple, saying its better for graphics, media, and desktop publishing and video editing. What's your take? I hear they even run windows better than Micro$oft. What gives?
A: Apple is great
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:47 AMThe iMac is probably the best non-gaming $1,000-$2,000 desktop on the market right now. Ever since Apple went to Intel it leveled the performance playing field with PCs. I recommend it for mainstream users without reservation.
Q: CNET TV
by mattburley1993 - 6/5/08 11:39 AMHey!
Will you still be doing the CNET TV video reviews for Desktops, or will Joseph Kaminski be doing it?
I will miss your cool reviews if you arent doing that anymore.
Thanks!
A: Team effort
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:43 AMJoe and I are both tackling desktop video reviews. Hoping to get a few shot this week, but it's hard to get in the studio sometimes.
Q: What about DLNA? (cat5 and more?)
by R. Proffitt - 6/5/08 11:38 AMWhile DLNA is not exactly on topic it does want to break down the digital barriers we see today. That is you get to watch your video, see pictures and play your MP3s across all the DLNA enabled devices.
As you can imagine. DRM proponents don't like it.
A: no doubt
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:41 AMand as always, it's all about the content. i'm all for forward-looking tech specs and industry coalitions, but as long as the content providers make you jump through hoops, others' efforts can only help so much.
Q: user accounts in vista.
by djbrigidope - 6/5/08 11:31 AMmy friend is running vista basic on an older/oldish dell laptop.
(inspiron processor). logging into her primary admin level account is fine, however any additional account and vista seems to lock up requiring her to hard restart. i think at one time she had norton antivirus on there.. btu has since removed it. any ways to correct this without having to reload vista? thanks in advance- djbrigidope.
A: Registry cleaner?
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:39 AMShot in the dark here, but Norton may have left something in the registry that interferes with the account administration process.
Here's one that might work: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13845_3-9931230-58.html?tag=blog.3
If you can't track the problem down, can always back up the data, restore the original image (Dell usually includes restore disks), and start from scratch.
Q: Building My Own System
by beatgoliath - 6/5/08 11:29 AMWhat are decent specs for a system building progect? I basically type scripts, surf the web, watch movies online, but my wife is a Sims 2 FANATIC and she is now in to First Person Shooters? She wants me to build her a rig? How can I run the Sims 2 (and ultimately sims 3) without breaking the bank?
Thsnks for your help! You answers to other questions, including my own, is spot on!
For Editor of the month? I'm thinking you...
A: Shucks...
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:35 AMThis Maingear system might give you a good guide: http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/maingear-prelude-amd-phenom/4505-3118_7-33056203.html
It's about $1,500, and will run pretty much anything. Can probably drop the CPU down to dual core and save some money, too.
This Dell gives a good idea of an Intel/Nvidia-based spec in the same price range.
For both you can drop the CPU down to a dual-core chip with a similar clock speed and probably be okay, too.
Q: CAT5 Capabilities
by gooku19 - 6/5/08 11:29 AMI have a CAT5 receptacle in my living room and in my computer room. Can I connect my PC and TV to these seperate receptacles and join my TV and PC? (Surf web on TV, Browse and listen to music from my PC through my TV, etc.?) Or would I still need a slingbox?
A: Need video input
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:32 AMThe best way to link the two is via a video input. DVI, HDMI, etc. HP has some purpose-made TVs that will connect to your PC via wireless networking, but there's a software layer on the TV that makes the connection. I don't believe what you're describing will work.
Q: Video Cards. SLI or single.
by R. Proffitt - 6/5/08 11:18 AMFor right or wrong SLI setups still tax the most ardent gamer. My advice is to use the highest card they can afford on Tomshardware's Best Video Card For The Money (all work as single cards) for whatever latest list they have.
So far that's saved them from hardware or driver hell many times and games play very well.
I don't get why SLI is out except for bleeding edge or gamers that must get over 120 FPS.
Am I missing something?
PS. I like this Crysis tweak page -> http://www.tweakguides.com/Crysis_1.html
A: SLI makes sense for two reasons
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:28 AM1: Bleeding edge users.
2: Upgrades. If you have an SLI motherboard and one 3D card, you can benefit by adding another, in some cases.
In general, you're probably better off spending more on the more expensive single card than shelling out for two midrange cards.
Q: Crysis Crisis
by beatgoliath - 6/5/08 11:17 AMWhat PC is best to run Crysis at Maximum settings? Does it exist?
A: Well...
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:26 AMWe just reviewed a $7,800 Alienware desktop that could only hit 40 frames per second on Crysis at 1,920 x 1,080. So...no.
Q: Media Center streaming to other PCs.
by ebmace - 6/5/08 11:16 AMHave a new Entertainment desktop PC which is setup in the home office. Never before experienced Media Center but am intreagued by the TIVO-like functionality.
Wondering if I can stream shows wirelessly (and how) that I recorded on that new PC to a WinXP Home laptop elsewhere in the home?
A: Need a centralized device
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:25 AMRemote desktop is a possibility, but it not really for video. Typically you need a centralized device or a media center extender. A Windows Home Server would be a good way to go.
Q: DDR3 Memory
by beatgoliath - 6/5/08 11:15 AMI have a Dell Precision 350 with a P4 2.8 GHz, 512 MB of DDR3 RAM, and an ATi 8600 series video card.
Is it worth upgrading the graphics card and replacing the motherboard to use, maybe 4 GB of DDR2 RAM?
A: Assuming it's for graphics...
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:21 AMWhen I think Precision I think workstation, so I assume that's what this is for. You can get much faster 3D cards that that one for $100-$250 right now, so yup, upgrade that 3D card. As for the RAM, if you're in Vista you want 2GB or more, but you can't use all 4GB unless you're in 64-bit Vista. RAM speed probably doesn't matter too much right now, but DDR3 prices are coming down, so if you can find a deal, go for it.
Q: Not hardware, but Windows Vista 32bit or 64bit?
by sbaxter - 6/5/08 11:15 AMLooking to buy a new PC soon, but I'm not too sure exactly which Vista version I should go with, 32bit or 64bit?
What are the benefits of going 64bit, or should I even care? When will it make a difference? Sorry confused and need some explanations.
Thanks in advance, Rich!
SB
A: More RAM
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:18 AM64-bit matters most right now if you need more memory. 32-bit only uses between 2.5GB-3.5GB at most (depending on other hardware). But for 4GB of RAM or more (digital media editing, games) you'll want 64-bit. Just make sure any software you need is 64-bit compatible or has a 64-bit version.
Q: eMachines T5254 with IDE Hard Disks
by mattburley1993 - 6/5/08 11:13 AMIf I purchased the eMachines T5254 would I still be able to use my IDE hard disks with it or doesn't it support it?
Thanks Rich!
A: Doubtful
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:16 AMWe sent the system back to eMachines so I can't look at it any more, but if I recall right it only has a single IDE channel, which is currently occupied by the DVD-burner. Might work if you disconnect the DVD drive, but no promises.
Q: SATA and IDE hard drives
by apw76006 - 6/5/08 11:11 AMRich,
My PC uses SATA hard drives but I noticed that there is an open IDE port on the motherboard; does this mean that I can also connect IDE hard drives or should the IDE port only be used for devices such as optical drives?
Thanks in advance,
Adrian
A: Depends on the motherboard
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:13 AMBut I believe in general that if you have a single IDE port, as long as you stick with one type of device it should work with whatever you connect to it.
Just don't try to put a hard drive and an optical drives on the same port using a splitter.
Q: New PC or Keep old one
by mattburley1993 - 6/5/08 11:04 AMI have a 5 year old Dell Dimension 4500 computer. It has a P4 2.4GHz and 1.25GB RAM. I am looking to either upgrade the parts or get a new computer. Do you think I should get a new computer or upgrade this one? The computer is fine for me but when I do my web editing it slows down a little bit.
Thanks Rich!
A: Go new
by rhbrown - 6/5/08 11:10 AMeMachines, Dell, and HP have decent new systems for between $300 and 600 these days, and they're all likely faster and have more features than that old Dell. I'd definitely go new.
Here's a few recent ones: http://reviews.cnet.com/4321-3118_7-6619780.html
Incoming questions
gaming
Poor Cable Reception on Media Center 2005
On my HP Z55 Media Center PC, Channels 2 -7 are static only and it gets better the farther up the channels, but if I hook the cable directly to my HDTV all channels are good and clear.
Is there anything I can do to clear up my Media Centers Cable Reception?
Thanks,
Wayne in College Station, TX
Is there anything I can do to clear up my Media Centers Cable Reception?
Thanks,
Wayne in College Station, TX
by hacker925 - 6/5/08 11:51 AM
bass
is there a software that add bass to the sound
because i got this sony vgn fz 280e
laptop and it have real sound built in
everytime when im playing music while having the volume high the sound, sound so sharp
because i got this sony vgn fz 280e
laptop and it have real sound built in
everytime when im playing music while having the volume high the sound, sound so sharp
by rajharvijay - 6/5/08 11:51 AM
CAT5 in general
Sorry for the additional question. I just bought my house a year ago and purchased an entertainment package with it for the living room. The CAT5 receptacle was included in that, and placed close to the media niche with all the other wires and surround sound plates and other goodies. If I can't use CAT5 for what I was describing, what good is it and why did they include it? I know it has to do with networking and ethernet, but beyond that I'm lost. Is CAT5 even meant for direct connection to TV's?
I'd hate to run 60' of cable through the house.
Thank you
I'd hate to run 60' of cable through the house.
Thank you
by gooku19 - 6/5/08 11:47 AM
How hot is too hot?
I recently bought an MSI 8800GT graphics card, factory overclocked with an aftermarket cooler. It seems to be running awefully hot. Idles around 65 C and got up 89 C during Command and Conquer 3. My PC is an HP Media Center PC so I practically had to shoehorn the card in there. I guess my question is, should I be worried about the temperature of my card? And if so, is it the card, or the fact that I tried to fit a high end graphics card into a PC case that was not really built for it? Thanks!
by kwyrt - 6/5/08 11:46 AM
PC
Book the studio early! I cant wait to see your next review - what PC will it be?
by mattburley1993 - 6/5/08 11:46 AM
Potential Apple Convert
I have been avoiding Macs for a long time. I have friends who swear by Apple, saying its better for graphics, media, and desktop publishing and video editing. What's your take? I hear they even run windows better than Micro$oft. What gives?
by beatgoliath - 6/5/08 11:43 AM
CNET TV
Hey!
Will you still be doing the CNET TV video reviews for Desktops, or will Joseph Kaminski be doing it?
I will miss your cool reviews if you arent doing that anymore.
Thanks!
Will you still be doing the CNET TV video reviews for Desktops, or will Joseph Kaminski be doing it?
I will miss your cool reviews if you arent doing that anymore.
Thanks!
by mattburley1993 - 6/5/08 11:39 AM
What about DLNA? (cat5 and more?)
While DLNA is not exactly on topic it does want to break down the digital barriers we see today. That is you get to watch your video, see pictures and play your MP3s across all the DLNA enabled devices.
As you can imagine. DRM proponents don't like it.
As you can imagine. DRM proponents don't like it.
by R. Proffitt - 6/5/08 11:38 AM
user accounts in vista.
my friend is running vista basic on an older/oldish dell laptop.
(inspiron processor). logging into her primary admin level account is fine, however any additional account and vista seems to lock up requiring her to hard restart. i think at one time she had norton antivirus on there.. btu has since removed it. any ways to correct this without having to reload vista? thanks in advance- djbrigidope.
(inspiron processor). logging into her primary admin level account is fine, however any additional account and vista seems to lock up requiring her to hard restart. i think at one time she had norton antivirus on there.. btu has since removed it. any ways to correct this without having to reload vista? thanks in advance- djbrigidope.
by djbrigidope - 6/5/08 11:31 AM
Building My Own System
What are decent specs for a system building progect? I basically type scripts, surf the web, watch movies online, but my wife is a Sims 2 FANATIC and she is now in to First Person Shooters? She wants me to build her a rig? How can I run the Sims 2 (and ultimately sims 3) without breaking the bank?
Thsnks for your help! You answers to other questions, including my own, is spot on!
For Editor of the month? I'm thinking you...
Thsnks for your help! You answers to other questions, including my own, is spot on!
For Editor of the month? I'm thinking you...
by beatgoliath - 6/5/08 11:29 AM
CAT5 Capabilities
I have a CAT5 receptacle in my living room and in my computer room. Can I connect my PC and TV to these seperate receptacles and join my TV and PC? (Surf web on TV, Browse and listen to music from my PC through my TV, etc.?) Or would I still need a slingbox?
by gooku19 - 6/5/08 11:29 AM
Video Cards. SLI or single.
For right or wrong SLI setups still tax the most ardent gamer. My advice is to use the highest card they can afford on Tomshardware's Best Video Card For The Money (all work as single cards) for whatever latest list they have.
So far that's saved them from hardware or driver hell many times and games play very well.
I don't get why SLI is out except for bleeding edge or gamers that must get over 120 FPS.
Am I missing something?
PS. I like this Crysis tweak page -> http://www.tweakguides.com/Crysis_1.html
So far that's saved them from hardware or driver hell many times and games play very well.
I don't get why SLI is out except for bleeding edge or gamers that must get over 120 FPS.
Am I missing something?
PS. I like this Crysis tweak page -> http://www.tweakguides.com/Crysis_1.html
by R. Proffitt - 6/5/08 11:18 AM
Crysis Crisis
What PC is best to run Crysis at Maximum settings? Does it exist?
by beatgoliath - 6/5/08 11:17 AM
Media Center streaming to other PCs.
Have a new Entertainment desktop PC which is setup in the home office. Never before experienced Media Center but am intreagued by the TIVO-like functionality.
Wondering if I can stream shows wirelessly (and how) that I recorded on that new PC to a WinXP Home laptop elsewhere in the home?
Wondering if I can stream shows wirelessly (and how) that I recorded on that new PC to a WinXP Home laptop elsewhere in the home?
by ebmace - 6/5/08 11:16 AM
DDR3 Memory
I have a Dell Precision 350 with a P4 2.8 GHz, 512 MB of DDR3 RAM, and an ATi 8600 series video card.
Is it worth upgrading the graphics card and replacing the motherboard to use, maybe 4 GB of DDR2 RAM?
Is it worth upgrading the graphics card and replacing the motherboard to use, maybe 4 GB of DDR2 RAM?
by beatgoliath - 6/5/08 11:15 AM
Not hardware, but Windows Vista 32bit or 64bit?
Looking to buy a new PC soon, but I'm not too sure exactly which Vista version I should go with, 32bit or 64bit?
What are the benefits of going 64bit, or should I even care? When will it make a difference? Sorry confused and need some explanations.
Thanks in advance, Rich!
SB
What are the benefits of going 64bit, or should I even care? When will it make a difference? Sorry confused and need some explanations.
Thanks in advance, Rich!
SB
by sbaxter - 6/5/08 11:15 AM
Portege R500
I saw that Toshiba came out with a new version that comes standard with 2GB of RAM and has Windows XP, instead of Vista. What do you think about this laptop? Is there anything coming down the pike from an ultraportable standpoint worth waiting on?
by Fratsooner - 6/5/08 11:15 AM
eMachines T5254 with IDE Hard Disks
If I purchased the eMachines T5254 would I still be able to use my IDE hard disks with it or doesn't it support it?
Thanks Rich!
Thanks Rich!
by mattburley1993 - 6/5/08 11:13 AM
SATA and IDE hard drives
Rich,
My PC uses SATA hard drives but I noticed that there is an open IDE port on the motherboard; does this mean that I can also connect IDE hard drives or should the IDE port only be used for devices such as optical drives?
Thanks in advance,
Adrian
My PC uses SATA hard drives but I noticed that there is an open IDE port on the motherboard; does this mean that I can also connect IDE hard drives or should the IDE port only be used for devices such as optical drives?
Thanks in advance,
Adrian
by apw76006 - 6/5/08 11:11 AM
New PC or Keep old one
I have a 5 year old Dell Dimension 4500 computer. It has a P4 2.4GHz and 1.25GB RAM. I am looking to either upgrade the parts or get a new computer. Do you think I should get a new computer or upgrade this one? The computer is fine for me but when I do my web editing it slows down a little bit.
Thanks Rich!
Thanks Rich!
by mattburley1993 - 6/5/08 11:04 AM
Rich Brown, desktops and PC components editor LIVE!
Ask the Editors Live!
Topic: Desktop PCs
Got desktop PC questions? Or how about computer hardware component questions? Well if you do, you're in luck!
For one whole hour on Thursday, June 5, from 11 a.m. to noon Pacific Time, you'll have your chance to chat live and ask question about computer desktops with our special host, CNET senior editor Rich Brown. He'll be here to answer your questions on living-room PCs, Windows gaming hardware, or other desktop- and component-related matters, and much more. So get your questions ready for Rich and see you at this event!
Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
Topic: Desktop PCs
Got desktop PC questions? Or how about computer hardware component questions? Well if you do, you're in luck!
For one whole hour on Thursday, June 5, from 11 a.m. to noon Pacific Time, you'll have your chance to chat live and ask question about computer desktops with our special host, CNET senior editor Rich Brown. He'll be here to answer your questions on living-room PCs, Windows gaming hardware, or other desktop- and component-related matters, and much more. So get your questions ready for Rich and see you at this event!
Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 6/4/08 11:51 AM
