Understanding SLI

The term SLI was first coined by 3dfx when they released their Scan-Line Interleave technology. This technology was introduced to the consumer market in 1998 and used in the Voodoo2 line of video cards. After acquiring 3dfx, Nvidia come up with a new technology that uses the PCI-Express bus to improve graphics performance, and named it Scalable Link Interface, in short, SLI.

With the same concept as the dual core CPU, the idea behind SLI is to split the work load to smaller pieces so that different GPUs can be used to process it concurrently. In a SLI setting, two (or more) graphics cards are connected in a master-slave setting via a SLI bridge. When rendering a 3D scene, the work load is split into half and each card will be in charge of one half of the work load. When the slave card is done, it sends its output to the master card via the SLI bridge, which then combines the two results into one and sent to the output for display.

In order to use SLI on your system, you have to fulfill the following criteria:

• Own a motherboard that is based on an Nvidia chipset (the only exception is the Intel Dual Socket Extreme platform which is based on the Intel D5400XS motherboard which supports both SLI and CrossFireX technologies) and have at least two PCI-Express 16x slots.
• Two (or more) nVidia SLI graphics cards of the same GPU

SLI is rather strict on the type of GPU used. While you can set up SLI with two graphics cards from different manufacturers, the condition is: they must be using the same GPU (and preferably same clock speed and memory). In addition, not all Nvidia’s graphics cards are SLI-capable. While the latest release of graphics cards are all SLI-capable, only a selected few from the past series can run SLI. It is important to verify this before buying the graphics card.

The advantage of getting barebone gaming computer kit is abound. Firstly, the biggest challenge of compatibility issue is solved. Leave the trouble to the expert. They will provide the matching motherboard for the CPU and RAM and a power supply enough to support plenty of add on.

The next benefit is the hassle free installation. You do not have to spend much time to assemble the parts as the retailer will assemble for you before they deliver to your place. For people who do not like to do the manual work, but want controllability over the computer, then the barebone kit is the best choice.

Last but not least, barebone gaming computer kit is cheap. You can easily get a barebone kit for under $100. A great way to save your money.

Where can I get a barebone kit?

Well, most of the computer distributors provide barebone kit package. I like TigerDirect! best because of the wide range of choices that I can choose from. In addition, I am also amazed by the services they provide. I ordered a barebone kit two months ago and the delivery was done within 3 days. The barebone kit was well contained and the parts neatly assembled. I plug in my graphics card and connect to my monitor and the next moment, I am pounding my keyboard away, without any glitches. No complaints at all. I was impressed by the quality of their product and the speedy services. Strongly recommended.

Different barebone kits have different configuration. Before you make your purchase, remember to check out which parts you need to top up to make it to a working PC. Use part guide as a checklist. If necessary, I advise you to order the parts together with the barebone kit. This way, you can save up on the shipping fee.

What is refurbished PC?

When a customer buys a new PC, he might find that the system’s specification is not really what he wants, or there are some flaws (such as dented or scratched surface) in the PC. He then returns the product to the manufacturer under the return policy. The manufacturer put the returned product into a series of tests to make sure that the hardware is working well. If they locate an issue, they make the necessary repairs or replacement, then put it through the series of tests again. Once everything is fine, the manufacturer re-installs the Operating System and put the PC through another series of tests again to make sure there are no conflicts between the OS and the hardware. Lastly, the PC is then reconditioned to the original state before it is placed back to the shelf for retailing.

As you can see, by the time the PC is back on the market, it has gone through series and series of tests. People who buy refurbished PC can be assured that the system is working perfectly fine. This is unlike the case when you buy from eBay or another auction site. If anything went wrong, there are no guarantees and you have little recourse.

Why it is good to buy refurbished product?

The main reason for getting a refurbished PC is that it costs cheaper than the original PC. You can expect the price to shave as much as 30 percent off the original price.

When should you not buy a refurbished PC?

A refurbished machine is typically three to six months old into the product life cycle. If you are always shopping for the latest product in the market, then a refurbished PC is not what you are looking for.

Tips to buy refurbished PC

If you are buying a refurbished PC, here are some tips for you:

1) Know what you want – Before you shop for a PC (regardless it is brand new or refurbished), first find out what you want and need. How much speed and memory do you need for your applications? Do you need a sound card for your system? How much hard drive space do you need? Do you need extra power for your hardware?

2) Check out the specification of the PC – Once you know what you want, source for the refurbished PC that fulfills your needs. Most retailers will list the specification on their website. If in doubt on any parts, check with the support.

3) Do research – There are plenty of manufacturers out there selling refurbished PC. Check all of them out (if possible) and find out which one offers the best bargain and which one is the most reliable. Don’t put your bet only on one manufacturer.

4) Check out the condition of the PC – Check with the support the condition of the PC, especially any dent or scratch surface on the computer case.

5) Find out which accessories are included – Some refurbished desktops might come without a keyboard or mouse. Check it out before you make your purchase.

6) Remember the monitor – Most refurbished packages do not include one, so factor in that additional cost. See if the vendor is bundling a monitor with a new model; you could end up with a better deal.

7) Already have a monitor – Make sure the video connectors on the refurbished are compatible before you buy.

8) Compare the prices around – Before you make your purchase, it is best to compare the prices around, even with a comparable brand new PC. Sometime, a brand new PC could lie around the same price range.

9) Check the warranty period – The manufacturer should provide warranty for any refurbished products. Find out how long you will have support. If not, look elsewhere.

10) Check the return policy – Some sellers give you 7 days, some give you 21 days. If you don’t find the return policy clearly stated, shop elsewhere.

11) Check user review – Check out user forums and review sites for reviews on the products and the retailer. You will be able to find valuable information.

Extra tips for gamers…

When looking for a refurbished PC, always factor in the upgradeability of the system – How “upgradeable” is the system in the near future? Since gaming technology progresses very fast, you don’t want to get a system that becomes obsolete with the next technology update.

In addition, you don’t always have to go for a refurbished system. Instead, you can go for refurbished hardware components. You can get refurbished monitor, hard drive or accessories to lower your building cost. You can easily get a 24″ LCD at $100 less than the original price.

	Motherboard/CPU/RAM Bundle Motherboard: XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Processor 2.40GHz OEM RAM: OCZ 4096MB PC6400 DDR2 Memory (2 x 2048MB) Price: $399.99 (after $20 Mail In Rebate)
	Graphics Card: EVGA GeForce 8800 GTS Video Card 320MB GDDR3 PCI Express SLI Ready (Dual Link) Dual DVI, HDTV Price: $199.99 (after $20 MIR)
	Hard Disk(s): 2 x Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 160GB Hard Drive 7200rpm 8MB buffer SATA-300, OEM X 2 (Raid 0 setting) Price: $59.99 x 2 = $119.98 Comment: Since we are building the ultimate gaming PC, performance is the top priority. This explains why we are getting two 160GB hard disk for RAID 0 setting. If price is an issue for you, you can go for Seagate Barracuda 250GB Hard Drive at $69.99.
	Optical Drive: Plextor PX-800A/SW-BL SuperMulti Retail DVD Burner 18x DVD±R Burn 16x DVD±R Read 8x DVD+RW 6x DVD-RW 8x DVD±R DL 12x DVD-RAM Price: $39.99 (after $30 MIR) Comment: The alternative is Lite-On burner. Plextor wins out because of its brand reliability and also the low price (due to the price rebate).
	Monitor: Acer AL2216WBD 22″ Widescreen LCD Monitor Ultra-fast 5ms WSXGA+ 1680×1050 DVI, VGA VESA 100mm Price: $209.99 (after $50 MIR) Comment: We could easily get a 25" LCD for our ultimate gaming machine, but that will easily add another $200 to the bill, which we feel is not really justifiable.
	Computer Case: Cooler Master Centurion 5 Silver ATX Mid-Tower Case Front USB Firewire Audio Ports Price: $49.99
	Power Supply Unit: Ultra X2 750-Watt Power Supply ATX 120mm Fan SLI Ready SATA-Ready 20/24-Pin, Modular Price: $79.99 (after $40 MIR)
	Keyboard: Ideazon Zboard ZBD-101 USB Gaming Keyboard Price: $38.99 Comment: The alternative is Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard (2007 Version), but we like this keyboard better because it is highly configurable and more comfortable during gameplay.
	Mouse: Logitech – G9 – Laser Gaming Mouse Price: $69.99

The total price for this ultimate gaming PC is $1208.90, still at an affordable range.

As technology advances everyday, you can expect to see new model of laptops appearing in the market every few months. To prevent falling into the technology trap, it is necessary to understand about the laptop parts and what you should look out for when choosing the best gaming laptop.

CPU

Regardless whether it is a desktop or a laptop, you will need a fast machine to play the latest 3D games. A CPU speed of 1.73MH0z (or equivalent) should be the minimum you need to play the most demanding game in the market. If possible, get a laptop with a dual core processor. Though it will be more expensive, it is surely more advantageous in the long run.

RAM

The bigger the RAM size, the better the performance. This is a universal rule that never changes. In today technology, a laptop with 512MB is the minimum, 1GB is the norm and 2GB is great. A very important pointer: never compromise with your RAM.

Video card

This is what makes the gaming laptop different from the normal laptop. If you have the intention to play a 3D intensive game, a laptop with good video card must be your top priority. Most laptop comes with onboard graphics. You must be prepared to dish out extra cash to get the one with great graphics processing capability. ATI’s Mobility Radeon X1600 offers high quality graphics.

Screen size

This affects your gaming experience. A 12’ screen is too small for comfortable game play. A good screen size is 15’ – 17’. If you are getting a wide screen LCD panel, you might experience image stretching or elongation which might affect the gaming quality. Check the image quality before you make your purchase.

Battery life

The dedicated graphics card drains out plenty of battery power. If you are always on the move, consider investing on a 6 cells lithium-ion battery that can last at least 5 hours.

Price

A gaming laptop is generally more expensive than a normal laptop. You can’t really find a cheap gaming laptop with all the high end parts. If you are willing to compromise on the CPU speed, you could be able to get one that is more affordable. As a gauge, a gaming laptop generally cost at least $300 – $500 more than a normal laptop.

Laptop accessories

Cooling pad

A down side for a gaming laptop is the huge amount of heat it generated. If left without control, it can shorten the laptop lifespan. A good solution is to use a cooling pad to dissipate the heat away. A cooling pad is a pad with three inbuilt 60mm cooling fans placed at the base of the laptop.

External speaker

The quality of the sound and audio contribute to the gaming experience. The sad part is that most laptops are not able to provide great quality audio system (due to space constrain and size limitation). As such, you might want to get an external speaker.

Conclusion

Getting a gaming laptop can be a great choice if you are always on the move. For in-house gaming, it is always better to get a gaming computer desktop. It is cheaper and has more upgradeability options. As compared to desktop, laptop is not as versatile and you can not upgrade any parts as and when you want. When making your purchase, it is advisable to spend a bit more to get a high-end laptop that can last for a few years.

Hope this article is useful in helping you to make the right choice of gaming laptop.

The resources you need are as follow:

1. A PC with Windows 2000 or XP installed(with computer RAM of minimum 1GB and CPU speed above the game’s minimum spec)
2. A router (preferably a gaming router such as D-Link DGL-4100 gaming router that can prioritize gaming traffic on your network)
3. A high speed dedicated broadband connection (The higher the speed, the more players you’ll be able to support.)
4. a copy of the game you are hosting and its server version
5. Network Optimizer (Optional. If you already own a router, a network optimizer can prioritizes delivery of the gaming data)

Now for the hands-on session.

First test your broadband speed. Check out www.bandwidthplace.com/speedtest to run a free speed test. If you get a rating of Not bad and above, you should be able to run a smooth session on your dedicated game server. If your connection is slow, contact your service provider to find out the cause or to upgrade to the next higher package.

Take out your router’s manual and follow the instructions to install the router. Once configured, Windows should automatically establish connection to the Internet. Now, you need to set up a static IP address to prevent any network interference during the gameplay session. Go to Start -> Run and type cmd. Type ipconfig/all. Write down the IP address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway and DNS server numbers. Next proceed to Control Panel -> Network Connection. Right click on Local Area Connection and choose Properties. Scroll down to the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties. Select the use the following IP address and key in the number you wrote down just now. Click OK and you are done with setting up a static IP address. Fire up your browser and check if the Internet connection is still working. If not, go back to check if you have keyed in correctly.

You now have a PC with a fixed IP address to host game. The next step is to do a port forwarding to route all game requests to your dedicated game server. Bring out your game’s manual (or check out the game’s website) and check the ports number (different game use different ports, for example a STEAM dedicated game server uses UDP1200, 27000-27015 and 27020, along with TCP 27020-27039
and 27015). Find out those numbers and copy to the clipboard.

Now, fire up your browser again and type in the address to access the router’s configuration page (refer to your router’s manual for the address. It’s usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Find the port forwarding section. Here is where you need to enter the port numbers that you copy just now. Specify the IP address to the static IP address that you set up earlier. If you are having trouble with this step, go to www.portforward.com, where you?ll find instructions for configuring most routers and games.

You are done configuring the hardware part. It’s time to set up your server software. Install the game and its server version on your PC. For specific game installation instruction, refer to the game’s manual or the game’s website. Once you’re ready, start the server. You should be able to see a tray icon to show that the server is running. Launch the server software. If you have installed any firewall program, mostly like it will ask if you want to let the server accept connection. Set it to allow them.

All’s done? Not yet, still a last step remaining. Head back to the browser and check your LAN’s external IP address at www.whatismyip.com. Give this address to other players and you are ready to go.

Troubleshooting

If your friend cannot detect your server, the main cause is your firewall port protection. Go back to the router configuration page and enter the IP address in the DMZ section. This will eliminate the port protection function.

Here you have built a dedicated game server. Enjoy the session.

Windows Vista is a total makeover from its predecessor, Windows XP. It contains new features, better security architecture and an improved user interface. On hardware side, it is much more demanding. The same old system that runs Windows XP well can no longer be used for Windows Vista.

Do not fret! It doesn’t mean that you have to change the whole PC to use Windows Vista. You only have to upgrade a few components.

According to the specification given by Microsoft, a Windows Vista capable PC must be at least 800MHz CPU speed, 512MB of memory RAM and a graphics processor that can process DirectX9. Note that this is only the minimum requirement. For optimum performance, you need to upgrade the following computer parts:

CPU

Windows Vista ships with both 32-bit and 64-bit version in a DVD rom. You need to have a 64-bit CPU to be able to run the 64-bit version. Currently, the processors that can run 64-bit applications are the Intel Core 2 Duo and AMD Athlon 64 series. They are the processors that you should be upgrading to.

RAM

A Windows Vista Premium ready PC needs at least 1 GB of memory RAM. It is better if you can upgrade to 2 GB. No one has ever complained about having too much memory space. A buffer of extra 1GB will gives your computer the extra capabilities to run other applications concurrently.

Graphics Card

A Windows Vista capable computer requires at least a 128MB graphics card, I would recommend getting a 512MB graphics card. If you want to achieve the best gaming effects with the most rigorous OS, you got to have the best graphics card.

If you are thinking of getting an onboard graphics card, I would advise against it. The main reason for this is because most of the onboard graphics has only limited features. There is no adequate support and resources to run Windows Vista at the optimum level. In addition, onboard graphics is never suitable for gaming.

In conclusion, if you have the intention to migrate to Windows Vista after it is launched, then it pays to understand more about this revolutionary OS and start to prepare your computer for it. Hope this article is able to help you to make the correct upgrading decision.

AGP slot was the standard for graphics card interface with the motherboard. As technology advances, the newer PCI-Express has taken over and many graphics card nowadays use PCI-E slot as its interface with the motherboard.

Before you can install the graphics card, you need to identify which type of slot does your graphics card uses. If you are not sure which slot does your graphics card use, check out the user manual that comes with the graphics card.

(Click the image to enlarge)

Once you are ready to install your graphics card, follow these four steps…

Step 1: Uninstall the current graphics card drivers

Before you install your new card, you have to uninstall your current card driver. This is because the current driver might not be compatible with the new graphics card and it might result in hardware conflict.

On your Windows desktop, click ‘Start’ -> ‘Control Panel’. In the new window that pops up, search for the ‘System’ icon and double click on it. Look for the ‘hardware’ tab. Click on the ‘Device Manager’. This will pop up a new window showing your entire hardware configuration. Your graphics card should be listed under the ‘Display Adapter’ heading. Double-click the name of your graphics card. In the next window, go to ‘Driver’ tab and right below, there is an ‘Uninstall’ button. Click the Uninstall button. Once it is done, close all the windows and shut down your computer.

Step 2: Remove old graphics card

Now, unplug the power socket from the wall and remove the casing of your computer. Locate the AGP slot (short brown color slot above the rows of long white PCI slot) with your old graphics card. To prevent static charge from damaging your computer parts, touch a metal part of the case to ground yourself. Remove the screw on the back plate of the graphics card and unplug the graphics card from the slot.

Step 3: Install new card.

Align the new card correctly with the AGP slot (align with the PCI-e slot if your graphics card is of the PCI express type). Applying even forces on both end of the card, slowly push the new graphics card into the slot. Secure it to the back plate with a screw.

Step 4: Install new drivers.

Plug in all cables and boot up your Windows. Your operating system should now automatically recognize the new hardware and walk you through the installation wizard. Most of the time, you will need to insert the driver CD that come with the graphics card into the CD-ROM. Locate the ‘setup.exe’ file in the driver CD and double click on it. It will then walk you through the installation process. If your graphics card is not the latest model, then most probably there is a newer version of the driver on the Internet. Check out the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers. Install it. Once done, reboot your PC.

Now, you’re ready to start gaming.

There are several advantages:

Firstly, building your own computer allows you to have more flexibility and control. By buying a fully assembled PC off the shelf, you are changing your needs to suit the PC, whereas when you build your own computer, you are customizing the computer to suit your needs. Which one do you prefer?

Secondly, it is much cheaper to build your own computer. There is no mark up, no labour cost, no service charge, no delivery fee etc. Check out the comparison table below:

* Parts specification and price taken from a commercial retailer website
** All price quoted are from TigerDirect.com

For the comparison table above, I have chosen parts that are either similar or better than the commercial gaming system, and the total cost is only about two thirds of that.

Convinced that it is worthwhile building your own gaming computer?

For a gamer, what can be more fulfilling than to build your own gaming computer? In fact, the only way to get the best out of your computer and maximize your gaming experience is to build it yourself. However, there are tightly kept secrets among computer retailers that they don’t want you to know, because it will affect their profitability to a great extent. This article will reveal the secrets that all gamers need to know.

Secret 1) It is very easy to build your own gaming computer

If everyone knows how easy it is to build a computer, then no one will be buying from the computer retailers. This is why most computer retailers tell you that it is very troublesome and complicated to build your own and it is better off to buy one off the shelf. In actual fact, my 10 years old kid took only 1 hour to figure out how to build a computer. How long do you think you need?

Secret 2) It is much cheaper to build your own gaming computer than to buy one off the shelf

Keep in mind that the main focus of the computer retailer is to make as much profit from you, not how good your gaming experience is. As such, never expect a cheap gaming computer from computer retailers. Occasionally, computer retailers may package their computers in a low price to entice you to buy. The fact is: you will not be getting the quality component that your price is paying. Most of the parts in the computer will not be suitable for gaming usage. It might boost the latest CPU in the market, but the power supply, graphics card, motherboards and memory are parts that get obsolete very fast. If you are patient enough to shop around and source for the parts you want, you can save up to 30 – 50% of what you going to pay at the retail store.

Secret 3) Off the shelf computers are not upgradeable

Building your own computer allows you to choose the parts that are upgradeable in the future. Off the shelf computers don’t and the retailers are keeping mum about it. Most off the shelf computers are using parts that will grow obsolete in a year or two times and the only choice you have then is to buy another computer from them again.

Secret 4) You don’t need extended warranties and technical support

Your computer retailers will definitely sell you the benefit of having extended warranties and technical support because they know that most of the time, it will not realise and it is a pure profit for them. By buying one, you’re betting that your product will break, that the extended warranty will cover the damage, and that repairing the product would cost more than you paid for the extended warranty. In that case, why bother to buy from them in the first place? When you build your own gaming computer, each part comes with warranty. Even if it spoils, you only have to change the individual part rather than the whole computer. This is much cheaper than what you pay for the extended warranty. In addition, the lifespan of a computer system is generally 3-5 years. By the time your whole computer system is spoilt, it is also time to get a new one because all your computer parts will be obsolete by then.

Conclusion

The only way to get the best out of your computer, be it the cost or the gaming performance, is to build your own gaming computer. Computer retailers are keeping mum about this fact and trying means to entice you to buy from them. If you are serious about gaming, don’t ever let the computer retailers stand in your way of owning your very best gaming computer.