Random Technology Questions

[vertical limit]

 

Notice it says Not Intialized? Right click the drive and select intialize disk. You can do MBR or GPT, I stick with MBR, however if the drive is over 2TB then use GPT.

Then you need to format it. And then you should be good to go.

It's exactly 2 TB, so should I go with MBR?

 

 

EDIT: The Initialize Disk Wizard did not appear automatically!

 

EDIT 2: YES I WORKED IT OUT!!

 

Thanks for the help.

Edited May 5, 2012 by vertical limit

[bread]

I've decided I want to upgrade this old PC of mines that I have. It's an HP Pavillion a1120n (specs listed on that page are the same I have). I have no clue on how to do it though. It says I can install RAM up to 4gb, so I looked into this. Everything else, I'm completely unaware of. Can someone help me? All I want is a decent graphics card (good enough to play GTA 4), a good RAM and maybe even a good hard drive to store a hefty amount of stuff.

 

If you think the PC isn't good enough for upgrading (for at least, my preferences), then please state it

[Ryan]

That computer is pretty outated. There's really no point in upgrading it. You'd be better off just to save your money and do a new build.

 

The RAM you picked out won't work anyway. It's DDR3. Your computer takes DDR2.

[Crokey]

 

I've decided I want to upgrade this old PC of mines that I have. It's an HP Pavillion a1120n (specs listed on that page are the same I have). I have no clue on how to do it though. It says I can install RAM up to 4gb, so I looked into this. Everything else, I'm completely unaware of. Can someone help me? All I want is a decent graphics card (good enough to play GTA 4), a good RAM and maybe even a good hard drive to store a hefty amount of stuff.

 

If you think the PC isn't good enough for upgrading (for at least, my preferences), then please state it 

That RAM wouldn't be suitable, due to the pins and speed, try picking from this list from newegg

 

RAM List

 

That is all 2Gb RAM, but as you have four slots you can install in pairs, so that means you can get two lots.

 

As for your hard drive, if space is all you care about then get the largest you want to, personal choice. However if you are going to be using it for your main hard drive you might want to consider the speed, I would go for at least 7200rpm speed drives. When it comes to hard drives they are pretty much what you see is what you get, the only thing is price as they are still quite high priced as hard drives where and still mainly manufactured in Thailand and production still hasn't recovered fully after the flooding last year.

 

I'll edit this post or post again depending on if anybodys posted after this one, with GFX help, or anybody else might do that.

 

EDIT: Looking at the specs again for you Graphics Card as you've got PCI slots, this kinda limits you to your options for graphics cards. On newegg I can only see a couple that would be of any benefit as most of the other ones are 64-bit and according to the specs of your PC you don't have a 64 bit machine. I also think you processor might not be able to handle it.

 

As you mentioned you'd like to run GTA:IV on it then I would suggest you go to Can You Run It? and see what it fires back at you, in terms of Processor, GFX etc.

Edited May 5, 2012 by Gareth Croke

[Slamman]

FED UP.... Windows 8, Consumer Preview, I ran two instances of the Live download installer, it just hangs for hours and hours and hours, I did two attempts to get another ISO and it seems the last one worked, but this took nearly two days in all. Anyone having this issue and what the Hells going on at Microsoft???

 

Seriously, I am pretty PO'd over this, the Developer Preview worked like a charm, but I have nothing but errors with the Consumer Preview version, so I can't rightly format or test drive it yet..

 

Hey, Mockage, if you're looking for a use on that MCE;

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-PAVILION-A1120N...#ht_5219wt_1264

 

I own two Asustek boards used in HP Media Center rigs, I can help with options I think work; the Asus Lithium model LE? IIRC, or Limestone

 

Lakeport IIRC, another name used by Intel for a desktop mobo using the 945 chipset, this is the same as my Acer laptop, so if you had my portable laptop, you could presumably swap it's SATA drive back and forth with ease to the HP rig, though there maybe and likely will be some driver issues, it would not crash in BSOD for example. The Core2Duo is supported, Not sure about C2Q, I used the Core2 E4300 perhaps, hard to recall now, but from an XPS Dell 410 I parted, that was moved to one of the MCE (MC Edition) motherboards, the other board is using my PentiumD, still dual core, but taxing the cooling systems in place.

DDR2 is the memory, yes, any color coded DIMM slot means there's dual channels as well, you'll be sitting at 1GB per slot, max 4, according to HP/Compaq, I believe this is one of the sore points, since Asus does make 2GB boards, sold under their own name. You're hampered with HP's BIOS versus ones that are Overclocker friendly from Asus

 

Check to see if it's silkscreened, looking like this Lithium;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5188-1681-HP-Compa...#ht_1863wt_1013

 

On the bottom edge is a PCI extender / riser, not sure what type interfaces, but I researched mine.

On the back jack panel are two RCA connectors alongside the PS/2 for keyboard mouse, these are used for coax digital input and output, same as SPDIF

 

Going with the P4 HT mention and this;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5188-1668-HP-SB-A1...0#ht_1732wt_779

 

I'd recommend either of the mobos I got, one in a case, one without. Limestone is the m7140n model I found a few months ago, free. I got it up and running without all it's parts, so it was in good shape

The other Asus HP board cost me $25 locally. These upgrades are HP compliant and will offer the PCI Express if you lack that, and using the 775 socket, Dual Core CPU as well!

 

---===>

Checked this off your initial link, your problem in a nutshell;

Pentium4 519 (P) 3.06 GHz:

533 MHz front side bus

Socket 775

Chipset

Intel 915GV

Motherboard

Manufacturer: Asus

Motherboard Name: PTGD-LA

HP/Compaq motherboard name: Goldfish3-GL8E

 

^^That is ASUS as mentioned in the specs, but not the better Limestone or Lithium boards, remember 2005 is the initial point of Dual Core, Do More, so for the MCE PCs, that was a transitional year, you can in fact retrofit rather easily I think. The 915 chipset supports single core only, it's the same as my Dell SX280 uSFF, and my ThinkCentre IBM find, which both support only GMA900 graphics, the 945 chipset has GMA Intel 950 graphics, a better solution for actual GTA game playing (older variety of course)

Edited May 5, 2012 by Slamman

[Wolf68k]

Notice it says Not Intialized? Right click the drive and select intialize disk. You can do MBR or GPT, I stick with MBR, however if the drive is over 2TB then use GPT.

Then you need to format it. And then you should be good to go.

It's exactly 2 TB, so should I go with MBR?

 

 

EDIT: The Initialize Disk Wizard did not appear automatically!

 

EDIT 2: YES I WORKED IT OUT!!

 

Thanks for the help.

I know you got it to work but just a follow up anyway....

You can use GPT for any size drive, 2TB or less if you want. But if it's over 2TB then you have to use GPT.

 

 

 

@Mockage

As the others said the RAM won't work because it's DDR3. However it won't work for another reason as well. The specs say max allowed per slot: 1GB. So you can't use 2GB sticks.

Also keep in mind that you're using a 32-bit OS, XP. So you won't see all 4GB anyway, at the extreme most is 3.5GB but usually just 3GB.

That system is too old to be useful as a gaming system. It's time to spend some cash and get a new rig.

If you want to turn it into a HTPC (Home Theater PC), then any of the cheap RAM that Gareth listed would be good, then you only need whatever other hardware you might need to make it a HTPC to fit your needs. You could go full on HTPC meaning a capture card and maybe a better, but low end, video card maybe even one with HDMI out. Or if your HDTV supports DLNA, or you can use an Xbox 360 or PS3, you can connect it to your network and with a wide variety of software like PlayOn or Plex to stream media from the PC to the TV.

[bread]

Bummer.

 

Is there anyway I can replace the processor and the DDR2 slots? I'm sorry but I'm not so keen on buying a new PC. Neither are my parents.

[Crokey]

The Processor, possibly see this list on wiki on the right hand side for options, but the RAM slots, no, as they are hardwired to the Motherboard and the circuitry etc will all be set up for DDR2.

[bread]

So in order to replace the DDR2 slots, I'd have to buy a new motherboard?

[Slamman]

As I mentioned, retrofit to the two other Asus HP mating boards, they fit a variety of MCE PCs

I plan on getting the missing parts for mine, a HDD caddy for the removable bay drive, and the video capture card supporting analog video to digital

 

 

Yours is Goldfish3. ...searching that turned up the mobo listings.

 

Show your folks this eBay listing, but perhaps go no more then $50 asking

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HP-Limestone-M...5#ht_1797wt_779

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASUS-HP-P5LP-LE-RE...5#ht_1748wt_779

 

Remember, the price at $70 is including a Pentium D dual core, but these should support Core2 as mentioned, same chipset, 667 or 800Mhz FSB

 

800 is not listed in the spec, but mine are all 800Mhz Desktop CPUs, the P-D and HT variety and I got them working, but the Ram is 667 listed, fair to say

To compare to what I put my Q8200 quad core in, this P45 Asus that's true ATX, versus miniATX

http://www.ebay.com/itm/P5Q-SE2-Motherboar...e#ht_500wt_1030

 

I got mine from the Goodwill store, $2 dollars or something insane, had one or two bent CPU pins, but I repaired them and was off and running! Supporting 16GB of Ram in it's four slots

Edited May 5, 2012 by Slamman

[Los Santos Pedestrian]

So a few days ago I ordered one of these RAM cards - a Ballistix 4GB DDR3 1333, this is what it looks like

 

 

Unfortunately the connectors at the bottom were incompatible with my computer; if I remember correctly, the connectors were both the same length. Are there any similar cars that are compatible with my system?

[Ryan]

To my knowledge there are no types of ram that are shaped identically on the bottom on both sides. What are you trying to upgrade the RAM in, a laptop or a desktop? If it's a laptop, I can tell you right now that it won't work. You need SoDIMM modules.

Edited May 5, 2012 by Ryan

[Crokey]

Make sure you have selected the right RAM, Crucial (who make RAM) have a scanning tool available from their front page which will tell you exactly which RAM you need.

 

Which once you've done then go find it elsewhere

 

I know this seems a little after the fact, but it might help identify what RAM you should really need.

[Wolf68k]

The Processor, possibly see this list on wiki on the right hand side for options, but the RAM slots, no, as they are hardwired to the Motherboard and the circuitry etc will all be set up for DDR2.

Just because the mobo is Socket 775 doesn't mean any 775 will work in that mobo.

This says it'll support P4s and up to 3.4GHz http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/documen...cname=c00361570

 

Also no AGP or PCIe slot, only PCI so getting a new video card just got narrowed down big time.

 

Like we said, it's just not worth it to upgrade. In fact in light of the fact that the video card upgrade is so limited, that idea I had about turning it into a HTPC just got even more limited.

 

 

@Los Santos Pedestrian

What mobo is it? Make and model.

[bread]

Done a lot thinking and research. I've decided to ditch upgrading. The PC is too useless, you guys were right.

 

My budget is around ~$300-350. Thinking of building a PC that's good enough for my needs and that is gaming and programming. Any suggestions? I've begun looking at cases and found these 2:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811103045

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811103045

 

I took a look at Ryan's guide on how to build your PC and I'm following that. I just don't know what Mobo is good for me.

Sorry, I'm not very hardware literate. Can someone give me suggestions? Preferably suiting one of the 2 cases above.

 

Thanks.

[Wolf68k]

You're not at a stage where your own topic to get help would be better. However at $350 that's going to be a really tough build. The most you'd be able to salvage from the HP system is the HDD and the DVD drive. Keep in mind that if you do reuse the HDD you'll have to wipe it and install a fresh OS. So you'll be saving $100 for the HDD but spending that $100 on the OS. But you'll also be saving roughly $30-50 on resuing the DVD drive.

If you don't mind trying to cram everything into the HP case you can reuse that well. That's another $30-50 saved toward something else.

[leik oh em jeez!]

The Processor, possibly see this list on wiki on the right hand side for options, but the RAM slots, no, as they are hardwired to the Motherboard and the circuitry etc will all be set up for DDR2.

Just because the mobo is Socket 775 doesn't mean any 775 will work in that mobo.

This says it'll support P4s and up to 3.4GHz http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/documen...cname=c00361570

 

Also no AGP or PCIe slot, only PCI so getting a new video card just got narrowed down big time.

 

Like we said, it's just not worth it to upgrade. In fact in light of the fact that the video card upgrade is so limited, that idea I had about turning it into a HTPC just got even more limited.

Woah, let's slow down here.

 

Apparently the motherboard was offered both with and without a PCI-e slot. And through a little research it appears to be compatible with Wolfdale chips. So he should at least check to see if his does have a PCI-e slot. 4Gb DDR2 800 can be had for next to nothing, E8400s can be found in the $50 market and GTX275s can be had for about $60-70. Wouldn't be a bad $150 upgrade if he does have a PIC Express slot. But if he doesn't, it really is hopeless.

[DEALUX]

What can happen if I set an unsupported resolution on my monitor? What I mean is what are the long term effects? I have an TFT LCD monitor.

[Wolf68k]

@leik

But you forget about his OP and this link: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/documen...cname=c00389434

Which lists only 3 PCI slots. There is no mention of PCI-e or any kind.

I wasn't stating my facts about no AGP or PCI-e based on my link to the mobo details, I was using his original link to the system specs. My link to the mobo was only to clarify what CPUs are supported.

 

 

@(blank because I have no idea what your name is suppose to be)

Basically you can't change it to an unsupported resolution. If you try to force it, the screen would go blank and as long as you don't get any keys or the mouse, then after about 15-20seconds the system will reset it back to the last setting. If you were to be, well let's just say it, stupid enough to try and hit the right keys that would make the OS seem to think you said OK then you'd be in a world of hell since you can't see anything. If you're lucky you'd get a screwed up looking screen.

If the monitor is connected via DVI the OS will/should be able to auto detect which resolutions are allowed. If it's VGA it might still be able to detect them other wise that is were monitor "drivers" come in.

Why would you want to force it to an unsupported resolution anyway? That makes no sense.

[DEALUX]

I actually already tried an unsupported resolution and I noticed that the screen scrolls. I read before you replied that the maximum resolution allowed by a monitor is a physical constraint and that it can damage a monitor if you switch to a higher one.

 

I used to have a much bigger resolution on my old monitor (1600x1200), now everything looks so large on 1280x1024 and the items on my desktop look crowded. I loved the space of the old monitor but I won't risk damaging the monitor for that extra space, I will eventually buy a full HD monitor anyway.

 

By the way, what is the difference between 4:3 and 5:4? I couldn't find anything on this but there definitely seems to be a difference because my old monitor displayed 4:3 wallpapers correctly while this one shrinks them horizontally or stretches them vertically, I can't tell exactly.

[leik oh em jeez!]

@leik

But you forget about his OP and this link: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/documen...cname=c00389434

Which lists only 3 PCI slots. There is no mention of PCI-e or any kind.

I wasn't stating my facts about no AGP or PCI-e based on my link to the mobo details, I was using his original link to the system specs. My link to the mobo was only to clarify what CPUs are supported.

Ah, I apologize then. I only saw the link to the motherboard specs, and assumed they only listed the "standard options" if you will. Still may be worth a peek, but thanks for pointing that out, as I had missed it.

[bread]

What exactly is this?

 

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/se...merReviewsBlock

[Crokey]

It's a barebones kit, basically everything you see in that picture and written in the description.

 

Basically everything to get you started except a GFX Card, although the motherboard will probably have a basic onboard graphics chip. Oh you just need to add a mouse, keyboard and monitor.

[bread]

I'm thinking of getting that. Is it any good for gaming if I get a GTX card? It has onboard graphics on it (nVidia GeForce 7505 something like that). I have the monitor, mouse, OS etc... taken care of already.

[Crokey]

It'll do OK, might not get you full on specs in games, but it'll run GTA:IV ok provided you get a good graphics card. The processor maybe a little on the weakish side but because it's an AMD you can probably upgrade this without needing to get a new motherboard for a new socket type.

 

But it all really depends on what games you want to run on it and what you are after, in terms or graphical sechs or just running a game good.

[bread]

Would a Radeon HD 5450 suffice?

[leik oh em jeez!]

Would a Radeon HD 5450 suffice?

No. A $30 8800GT would be faster than a 5450. On the ATI side you'd need to be looking for a 4850 bare minimum, or GTS250 or better for nvidia. Keep in mind GTX285s are generally under $100 now, so finding cheap performance shouldn't be hard.

[bread]

I'm looking at the GT 520 now. Not sure if it'll do good with the barebone kit I posted above considering the processor isn't that great as you said. Also took a look at this:

 

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...98&sku=SYX-7002

 

With the GT 520..

[leik oh em jeez!]

I'm looking at the GT 520 now.

I would highly recommend against a GT520. Again, a $30 8800GT would be faster. If you're trying to keep GPU costs down, you'll be better off with an older high end card than a newer low end card.

[yoječ]

I totally agree, GT520 is just pure garbage. If you are looking for a brand new card, I'd consider getting HD4850 with GDDR5 memory - Vertex3D and PowerColor sell these. They are extremely cheap (though I'm not sure if they're available in all countries), and quite powerful. Basically, they can outperform GTS450, while they cost no more than HD6670.