Does anyone remember "Adequacy.org"?
This, the finest of Satirical Computer websites?
Famous articles included:
"My Son is a Computer Hacker", an allusion to his use of Lunix.
"Reverend says 90% of Computers are infested with Satan."
"How to build your own PC. What the "So called" experts don't tell you"
Amazingly, some people took it seriously. But I still buy American Micro Devices Processors (sic):
https://www.amd.com/en
Everybody knows Intel is built by untrustworthy Foreigners. 😀
This, the finest of Satirical Computer websites?
Famous articles included:
"My Son is a Computer Hacker", an allusion to his use of Lunix.
"Reverend says 90% of Computers are infested with Satan."
"How to build your own PC. What the "So called" experts don't tell you"
Amazingly, some people took it seriously. But I still buy American Micro Devices Processors (sic):
https://www.amd.com/en
Everybody knows Intel is built by untrustworthy Foreigners. 😀
I need the pc for emails for my business.
I also use it for development work like software.
I also use it to program microcontrollers.
Without it I am stuffed.
I do have an old very slow laptop but its a nightmare to use.
Lasts half an hour before cutting out.
Got my cpu and motherboard back today.
So back up and running.
Good news.
If you consider your PC vital to your business you really need a backup PC/solution. When I get my next PC, the old one becomes my backup.
In business situations, replace PC every 4 years. I wouldn't recommend updating individual components. You end up on a cycle of motherboard fails today, next month the PSU fails, then the memory, then the HHD.
Do you use git for software development?
If you consider your PC vital to your business you really need a backup PC/solution. When I get my next PC, the old one becomes my backup.
In business situations, replace PC every 4 years. I wouldn't recommend updating individual components. You end up on a cycle of motherboard fails today, next month the PSU fails, then the memory, then the HHD.
Do you use git for software development?
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Thats why I have the laptop.
Sadly I let a couple of programs slip behind on the laptop.
I should know better with backups.
In 2006 I updated my pc and put on latest version of Windows.
For some unknown reason Windows install formatted both main drive and backup drive !
I had some programs on DVD's but still lost quite a bit.
Since then I keep backups on DVD's and flash drives, even have a flash drive and DVD in the car in case of house fire.
I think I finally got to the bottom of my main pc problems.
When i got cpu and motherboard back I tried to fit new memory but it was only 4gb and 8gb when I thought it was 8gb + 8gb.
So put old memory back in pc failed to boot.
So it looks like when pc went wrong it was failed memory.
When I was debugging pc originally I noticed plug half in and out so suspect there has been some arcing and its blown the memory.
I have ordered another 8gb so memory matches better.
Might even keep 4gb and have 20gb.
Sadly I let a couple of programs slip behind on the laptop.
I should know better with backups.
In 2006 I updated my pc and put on latest version of Windows.
For some unknown reason Windows install formatted both main drive and backup drive !
I had some programs on DVD's but still lost quite a bit.
Since then I keep backups on DVD's and flash drives, even have a flash drive and DVD in the car in case of house fire.
I think I finally got to the bottom of my main pc problems.
When i got cpu and motherboard back I tried to fit new memory but it was only 4gb and 8gb when I thought it was 8gb + 8gb.
So put old memory back in pc failed to boot.
So it looks like when pc went wrong it was failed memory.
When I was debugging pc originally I noticed plug half in and out so suspect there has been some arcing and its blown the memory.
I have ordered another 8gb so memory matches better.
Might even keep 4gb and have 20gb.
Windows used to be TRASH for that. It got to the point where every time I were to install Windows, I would disconnect the other HDDs so it COULDN'T format them.
Even now, I have a GRUB superdisk on a USB key just waiting for Windows to decide GRUB didn't need to be there anymore.
These days, I have several Linux installs and Windows so if I kill my Linux somehow, I can boot another one and chroot to fix it. I'm also not running the unstable repos anymore lol
Even now, I have a GRUB superdisk on a USB key just waiting for Windows to decide GRUB didn't need to be there anymore.
These days, I have several Linux installs and Windows so if I kill my Linux somehow, I can boot another one and chroot to fix it. I'm also not running the unstable repos anymore lol
How many memory slots do you have? 2 or 4? Those may be for different kinds of memory...
And what make and model of mother board?
Use a slightly excess rated supply. Some sag on load, that can cause issues.
Another thing, some boards give a memory error message, if both are not the same capacity.
On VIA boards you could use different frequency SD RAM, but not on Intel.
And do check the earthing. That is most essential.
One more thing, keep the HDD out of circuit till you are satisfied, there may be a PC health screen (in the BIOS screens) telling you actual and expected voltages, that will tell you if there is a fault.
Once that is okay, then only connect the HDD.
If you have high humidity, good idea to use a protective spray like 2-26 on the connectors..
And what make and model of mother board?
Use a slightly excess rated supply. Some sag on load, that can cause issues.
Another thing, some boards give a memory error message, if both are not the same capacity.
On VIA boards you could use different frequency SD RAM, but not on Intel.
And do check the earthing. That is most essential.
One more thing, keep the HDD out of circuit till you are satisfied, there may be a PC health screen (in the BIOS screens) telling you actual and expected voltages, that will tell you if there is a fault.
Once that is okay, then only connect the HDD.
If you have high humidity, good idea to use a protective spray like 2-26 on the connectors..
I have 4 slots, I use 2 slots alternately.
When I first got a DDR motherboard I put the memory in adjacent slots.
Then sometimes the pc would crash, blue screen etc.
I did memory tests and hard drive tests but they didnt show a problem.
It wasnt until I too ka memory stick out it worked ok.
So looked up the manual and it said dual channel needs to be in alternate slots.
Did that and pc was fine after that.
The pc is currently working fine even with 4gb and 8gb in the alternate slots.
When I first got a DDR motherboard I put the memory in adjacent slots.
Then sometimes the pc would crash, blue screen etc.
I did memory tests and hard drive tests but they didnt show a problem.
It wasnt until I too ka memory stick out it worked ok.
So looked up the manual and it said dual channel needs to be in alternate slots.
Did that and pc was fine after that.
The pc is currently working fine even with 4gb and 8gb in the alternate slots.
Good...look closely when you have the time, maybe the RAM are at different frequencies, that may be the issue.
If working, don't bother too much..
Do check case to wall earthing after switching off the mains supply.
If working, don't bother too much..
Do check case to wall earthing after switching off the mains supply.
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Just got on the bench yet another laptop with failed lid sensor hall switch. Misdiagnosed by the shop as out-of-warranty faulty motherboard - no repair sorry. The shop has been a bit lazy while executing the excuse made-up process, because they usually misdiagnose the issue as a more beliveable "faulty screen", with the same end-user suggestion - buy a new computer. The lid switch is the sensor that turns off the screen when the lid is closed.
This specific PC is a nice one with a concealed physical reset button, very useful on PCs with permanently installed battery. The TACT switch was jammed shorted and prevented the boot. Someone probably tried to reset the computer to fix the screen issue, but inserted the paper clip with excessive force.
Both faults are fairly common, quick and easy to fix. The cost of a original lid sensor board is about 100 euros from most manufacturers (if you even can source it), but I usually just remove/disable the sensor. Its purpose is not essential and it may even be frustrating when the laptop is operated on top of a magnetic surface such as some public transport vehicles seat tables. Older lid sensors can also be repaired because they use off the shelf hall sensors with reasonable packages.
This specific PC is a nice one with a concealed physical reset button, very useful on PCs with permanently installed battery. The TACT switch was jammed shorted and prevented the boot. Someone probably tried to reset the computer to fix the screen issue, but inserted the paper clip with excessive force.
Both faults are fairly common, quick and easy to fix. The cost of a original lid sensor board is about 100 euros from most manufacturers (if you even can source it), but I usually just remove/disable the sensor. Its purpose is not essential and it may even be frustrating when the laptop is operated on top of a magnetic surface such as some public transport vehicles seat tables. Older lid sensors can also be repaired because they use off the shelf hall sensors with reasonable packages.
Your motherboard recommendations, specifically MSI and Gigabyte, sound like solid choices for quality and reliability. Japanese capacitors and high-quality connectors can make a significant difference in the long-term performance of your PC.
The tip about using male-female wire to protect USB sockets on the motherboard from wear and tear is a valuable one, and it's great to know it's an affordable solution. Thanks for sharing your insights and tips on PC maintenance and component choices!
Your preference for MSI and Gigabyte motherboards is well-founded. These brands are known for their quality components, including Japanese capacitors and connectors, which often result in more reliable and durable systems. HP and Lenovo also offer dependable options in the motherboard department. Your insights on these brands and components are valuable for those seeking reliable computer setups.