Articles

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Computer Graphics Cards

A computer graphics card is an expansion card used to generate output images to a display, usually a PC monitor. Many graphics cards also offer additional functions such as FireWire, TV output, accelerated rendering of graphics and the ability to connect more than one monitor. The basic chipset in the motherboard of a PC is adequate for normal usage: ...

Warning: Overclocking is something you do at your own risk. Intel does not officially support overclocking. Overclocking will void the warranty of your CPU. Then again, so does adding new CPU coolers and thermal paste.

Overclocking is becoming more common since it's a good way to alleviate CPU bottlenecks. Thankfully, overclocking on P55 based motherboards is not an extremely difficult task as you are about to see. For this guide, I am using the EVGA P55 FTW motherboard, Intel Core i5 760 and G.SKILL ECO 2 x 2 GB DDR3 1600 CL7 memory. Many of these terms and strategies apply to X58 overclockers as well.

Here is a good diagram of the architecture of Lynnfield (LGA 1156 quad core) processors. Unlike previous architectures, Lynnfield has both the memory controller and PCI-E controller.

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Fans are becoming more and more necessary for modern computers. They're used to simply move air through the computer or cool specific components. What more people should realize is that not all fans are the same, and it is a wise choice to select high quality fans that last long, fit your noise tolerance and provide enough airflow for your needs. In this thread I'll make recommendations on fans to choose from, but first lets go over some terms you should know.

Terms and Abbreviations

RPM - Revolutions per minute. Measure of the complete rotations completed by the motor hub/fan blades. The higher the RPM, the more air movement but noise also increases. A more powerful motor is needed to achieve high RPM reliably, therefore motor noise might also increase.

CFM - Cubic feet per minute. Measure of the speed of air movement. Higher means more airflow, but increased RPM leads to increased CFM, therefore higher CFM fans will also be more noisy. The design and amount of fan blades affects CFM as well.

DBA - Decibels. Measure of noise. Higher is louder. Here is a useful sound chart.

Static Pressure - Measured air pressure. Commonly overlooked. Higher static pressure means the fan can output air that can more easily overcome the resistance ...

This thread is a compilation of ATX cases I personally recommend, going by price ranges. I don't have personal experience with every one of these cases, but I do have personal experience with several of these cases, ones like it or in the same series, or I have just done lots of research on the case. I'll give a rundown for the features of every case. First let me make a general list of what I think makes a good case.

• Build Quality - You don't want a case that is built like crap. Now I know you won't be throwing your case around, but I don't like any rattling parts that you might break when disassembling your PC. You probably don't want paint that is easily scratched either. Aluminum is the best material for cases, it is lightweight and if thick enough, it can be very strong while weighing much less than steel. Thin aluminum isn't very good. Budget cases rarely use aluminum.
• Airflow - You probably need air movement in your case if you don't want parts overheating. Most of you reading this don't just browse the web and listen to music. You probably play games, run other sorts of 3D programs such as modelling and/or rendering, or maybe you like to benchmark. Components necessary for such computing can generate a bit of heat. You'll want to cool it down. Airflow direction can be important as well, and positive air pressure is generally preferred. Read more about chassis airflow here.
• User Friendly Design - I like my cases to not be a pain in the ass to work with. Sharp edges are a no go. Not only can you cut yourself but you can cut cables too. I don't like my cases to be too small, cable management cut outs are a must, tool free designs for drive bays and expansion slots are highly preferred, and personally I like having a cut out on the motherboard tray for the retention plate for CPU coolers. High end CPU coolers usually have bolt through mounting mechanisms which require mounting hardware to be installed on the back of the motherboard. Having a hole on the motherboard tray behind the CPU socket is beneficial since you won't have to remove your motherboard to remove or replace such CPU coolers. I also like to have decent places to tuck cables in.
• Styling - Of course you want a case to fit your style. If there is an incredibly awesome case out there that has just about every feature you could possibly want, but has questionable looks (cough), you probably don't want it since it will grow old on you very quickly.
• Portability - To those who move their computer around, you'll want handles on the case and/or casters (wheels) to move the case around. This only applies to a minority of people so I don't make this a big factor in buying cases.

First, lets have a look at known case manufacturers.

Antec - They are known primarily for their gamer series of cases, the 300/600/900/902/1200 and now the Dark Fleet series (DF-30, DF-35 and DF-85). Their Performance One series have gained some recognition as well. Overall Antec cases are simply inferior to the competition. Their gamer cases are incredibly small, even the full tower ones (1200 and DF-85). This makes cable management a pain in the ass. They have no vibration countermeasures, no water cooling support, not many tool free designs and build quality isn't really good. The Performance One series cases are just lacking in features - again there is a lack of tool free designs and airflow. All of their cases lack PSU ventilation as well. At this point, their cases are best avoided.
Cooler Master - Excellent overall company in the case category. Great choices from $50 to $200. Their cases are well known for their feature lists - good cable management, CPU retention plate access holes, unrivaled potential airflow (out of stock ATX cases anyway, read below for more), great water cooling support, tool free designs, vibration counter measures, etc. They're probably the most popular case manufacturer due to their large variety. A good step above Antec, that's for sure.

• Storm Series - Their gamer lineup of chassis. The Storm Scout is inferior to its competition (690 II, HAF 922, Lancool K62) but still a good case, and their Storm Sniper is one of the best value cases. User friendly, tool free designs, excellent airflow (especially potential airflow), good water cooling support in the Storm Sniper, great cable management, carrying handles, fan controllers, so on.
• HAF Series - Well known for their distinctive looks, amazing airflow (HAF stands for High Air Flow), great water

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This is a full detailed tutorial of how to create a custom livery in DiRT 2. (preferably a GND Tech one as me and strud hope to make to put on the new 09 Impreza STI WRX ) Its going to be long so here it goes...


First thing is first. Download the DiRT 2 PSSG Tool from: http://colinmcrae.110mb.com/dirt2_mods-tools-hints.htm ...

Word of caution!

This MAY damage your video card, OR void your warranty. Neither myself nor GND-Tech is responsible for any damage that MAY occur to your graphics card.


What is the purpose?

First, be sure to have a very good reason for flashing your BIOS as this is not a casual way of modding a graphics card. BIOS modifications can be used to overclock, modify voltage and memory timings, change manufacturer info, and MANY other options. In a nutshell, BIOS modding is a permanent way to alter the settings on your card. If the changes you are going to make are not going to be permanent, then this is not for you. Use software such as RivaTuner instead.


What will I need?

To flash a video card's BIOS, you need several things. First, (besides a good reason) two programs. NiBiTor and NvFlash. These can be downloaded from here:

The latest version can be downloaded here:
NiBiTor: http://www.mvktech.net/component/opt...einfo/id,3208/ ...