Computer Problems/Upgrades/Info

[Bonecrusher]

Boney, how old is the keyboard? It could be a zoned keyboard which doesn't allow more than two key presses in the same zone. Try switching keyboards and see if that does anything.

Its not very old. Its a logitech, got it for my Dad for christmas like two years ago. I'm going to try switching it to USB instead of PS/2 (i think it has that ability).

 

[Iceburgs]

Well, believe it or not I will actually be building a new computer in the next few months. I'm looking to build something that can run the latest games—and will be able to run the newest games for the next couple of years—but it doesn't need to be top-of-the-line. This isn't just so I can save $$, but it's because I don't have that much $$ to play with. I'll probably have somewhere in the range of $600-$650 to spend on a case, PSU, CPU, RAM, GPU, DVD-R/W, and HDD. The HDD will be to replace the ones I will be taking out of my current rig, so that the missus can use it. BC, any chance you still have that XP SP2 available?

Anyway, any help/input you guys can give me as to what I should be getting would be quite appreciated. I know that the funds available will make this one a bit on the tough side, but as I said, it doesn't need to be perfect, just practical for what I have to spend and what I want to accomplish. Thanks, guys!

Incidentally, Morty, I got a page file error again last night, with the new HDD. I am beginning to think it's a SATA thing....

 

[TAZTG]

Hmmmm, thats not much funds for a new rig. Sounds like you pretty much need everything. I think you left off the important part. "Motherboard" This is what will determine the Type of CPU, Ram you will need. Now as you know Spare Parts seem to accumulate around here. Here's what I can offer you to help ya out.
I have this case it's new and never been used! Needs a good home plus we can negotiate something like Dinner and a Movie...
Case: Antec Mini P180 White Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case
Note: Motherboard Compatibility -- MicroATX
This means you have to get a MicroATX Motherboard, but don't worry there is a huge selection of them.
Example Build Based on MicroATX with a CPU Socket Type : LGA 1156 (x)
which has 11 Results at NewEgg.

Motherboard: MSI P55M-GD45 LGA 1156 Intel P55 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
89.99

CPU: Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor
199.99

Ram: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-8500CL7D-2GBNQ With XP you only need 2GB!
54.99

GPU: EVGA 512-P3-1154-TR GeForce GTS 250 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card Checked Tom's and it rates not to bad for the money...
149.99

Hard Drive, Power Supply, DVD-R/W are your choices but should be able to be purchased and stay within your budget.

That's my lame attempt at staying with in budget.

 

[Bonecrusher]

How big is the GTS 250? Will it fit in a MicroATX case? The Egg says its 9.5 inches long. Whip out that tapemeasure Dave

I also noticed there are THREE GTS 250's from EVGA.

Since you're most likely not in a hurry, I'd recommend throwing everything in a cart over at zipzoomfly too. Their combo deals saved me about $90 compared to newegg's price, it just took three times longer to get here

 

[TAZTG]

Configurable to support full length graphics cards up to the 8800
Unique upper and lower chamber structure
Cable organization for added convenience and better airflow

The 8800GTS Card length is 9 inches.

If you look at rthe PICS of the case you can remove the HD Cage in front of the GPU's for more space. I think it would fit.
Its a very nice case..

 

[Bonecrusher]

Sorry I blew off Ice's question. Yes, I do have XP still. Uh oh... Icey is going legit? I'll get you the info sometime this week. Probably take the same avenue I took with Jason.

 

[TAZTG]

Hope Ice doesn't take 2 months to reply to the thread.

 

[Morty]

Hope Ice doesn't take 2 months to reply to the thread.

DOH!!!!!!!

 

[Bonecrusher]

Sorry I blew off Ice's question. Yes, I do have XP still. Uh oh... Icey is going legit? I'll get you the info sometime this week. Probably take the same avenue I took with Jason.

Jason... did I send you instructions via email? If so can you forward it back to me. It'll save me some time

Hope Ice doesn't take 2 months to reply to the thread.

Yeah, about that.

 

[Shattered_Steel]

Jason... did I send you instructions via email? If so can you forward it back to me. It'll save me some time

No, I don't have anything saved. I remember you ended up uploading the image somewhere, which I ended up burning to disc and installing on the new machine straight up. Otherwise, we were on TeamSpeak talking it through.

 

[Iceburgs]

Sorry I blew off Ice's question. Yes, I do have XP still. Uh oh... Icey is going legit? I'll get you the info sometime this week. Probably take the same avenue I took with Jason.

Well, it's meant for the new HDD that I will be putting in the old comp for Mrs. Ice. Theretically, I guess I could have used the key for myself as well, but I have already upgraded to SP2, and I already had when you mentioned that you had it. Unless you know otherwise, I will stick with what I've got.

So, while I'm at it, I might as well ask a question: At least once a week I have to open up my display settings, go to Screen Saver -> Monitor Power -> Power Schemes, and open up the Turn Off Monitor After.... drop down field (which is set to 20 Minutes) and select 20 Minutes then click apply. I cannot figure out why it just stops turning off the monitor, or why doing the above fixes it for a few days or weeks. Any opinions?

 

[Bonecrusher]

Virus.

Did you install a program around the same time this started happening? An anti-virus perhaps? Could be running scans in the background. There are many things out there that will modify settings like that and/or not allow the monitor to turn off. It used to be just having media player running didn't allow a monitor to go to sleep.

Your setting is not being changed right? It just sops working and you have to re-click apply? I'd say it has something to do with a program that runs on your start-up.

 

[Iceburgs]

Virus.

Did you install a program around the same time this started happening? An anti-virus perhaps? Could be running scans in the background. There are many things out there that will modify settings like that and/or not allow the monitor to turn off. It used to be just having media player running didn't allow a monitor to go to sleep.

Your setting is not being changed right? It just sops working and you have to re-click apply? I'd say it has something to do with a program that runs on your start-up.

This has been going on for at least a year, perhaps more. I only reboot once a month or so, so who the heck knows if it is from something starting up with the computer. Take today, for instance: I last rebooted two weeks ago, and this is the second time I have had to re-click to apply, with the first being a few days ago. The only thing I can think of is perhaps it's some glitch with Firefox, as I will find out about it hours after the last thing I did was close the program.

 

[TAZTG]

Anyway, any help/input you guys can give me as to what I should be getting would be quite appreciated. I know that the funds available will make this one a bit on the tough side, but as I said, it doesn't need to be perfect, just practical for what I have to spend and what I want to accomplish. Thanks, guys!

Well, what did you think of my input?? You went on and on about some Power Setting!

 

[Iceburgs]

Taz, I haven't had the chance to look over all the items yet. We have had family in town for the holiday, and I really haven't had much time to myself. I will hopefully get a chance in the next few days. What you said definitely sounds interesting, though I am skeptical about the mini-tower.

 

[Bonecrusher]

Ice check your email!!

 

[Iceburgs]

Done, done, and done. Thanks, Boney! As I said earlier: family has been in town, so computer time was non-existent for me.

 

[TAZTG]

Taz, I haven't had the chance to look over all the items yet. We have had family in town for the holiday, and I really haven't had much time to myself. I will hopefully get a chance in the next few days. What you said definitely sounds interesting, though I am skeptical about the mini-tower.

Its not a Mini Tower. Its a medium case. The Form Factor is Micro-ATX. You do understand Form Factor right. It determines the type of Motherboard the case will support.
Physical Spec:
Dimensions(L x W x H) 17.1" x 8.3" x 17.2"
Weight 20.9 lbs.

The Antec Sonata is almost same dimensions.
Physical Spec
Dimensions(L x W x H) 17.30" x 8.10" x 18.90"

But if your still concerned, I will keep the case or sell it.. Might be used for my next upgrade...

 

[Iceburgs]

Yes, I know what form factor is. The thing is, I have a Sonata, and as far as I know, I didn't get a micro-ATX. Whatever. I will hopefully get to check out the list of stuff tonight.

 

[TAZTG]

Yes, I know what form factor is. The thing is, I have a Sonata, and as far as I know, I didn't get a micro-ATX. Whatever. I will hopefully get to check out the list of stuff tonight.

Sorry, thought you needed a case. I was trying to help a buddy out by offering a very nice MicroATX Case and gave you some options for a MicroATX Build. If you have a older Sonata II then it supports all 3 form factors and if you plan on using this for the upgrade just go with a ATX Motherboard.