Computers

Computer Hardware: Overclocking Heat Sinks

June 23, 2008 – 11:01 am
Overclocking heat sinks are the first thing you will want to buy if you are going to try to overclock your system. The heat sink is the simplest method available for dispersing heat off of a CPU. That doesnt mean it should be overlooked. Overclocking heat sinks can be used in conjunction with almost any other cooling method, thus giving you more bang for your buck.A heat sink is a piece of metal attached directly to the CPU. Its purpose is to draw as much heat as possible away from the CPU and spread that heat over as much surface area as possible. By spreading out the heat of a greater surface area, the heat has more contact with the cool air around. Consequently, the heat is transferred to the air, bringing the overall temperature of the overclocking heat sink/CPU down.Understanding Overclocking Heat Sinks: ...

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Computer Hardware: Cpu Overclocking

June 22, 2008 – 11:01 am
CPU overclocking can take an average computer and turn it into a stellar one. It makes stellar computers perform at out-of-this-world speeds! But how do you need to do it? Good question. CPU Overclocking ExplainedYou might not know what overclocking is but youve probably heard the term before. Overclocking is the process of taking a computer component like a processor and running it at a specification higher than the manufacturer rates it. Its like driving a car above the posted speed limit. You should only go 55mph, but you know you can push up to 80mph if nobody is watching. When it comes to computers, nobody is ever watching.But Why Overclock?First of all--why not? Secondly--because it improves performance at very little cost. Most overclockers are trying to either produce the fastest desktop system possible or extend their processing power on a limited budget. Overclocking ...

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Computer Hardware: Overclocking Supplies

June 21, 2008 – 11:01 am
You cant overclock your system without overclocking supplies. Well--you can, but youre going to get really, really lousy results. Overclocking produces a lot off heat off of your CPU. In order to bring that temperature down, you need overclocking supplies. There are basically three different methods for bringing down CPU temps.The heat sink is the simplest method available for dispersing heat off of a CPU. Overclocking heat sinks can be used in conjunction with almost any other cooling method, thus giving you more bang for your buck. Heat sinks disperse heat over a larger surface area than the CPU can do on its own. As air passes over it, the air cools the CPU.Other Overclocking SuppliesCPU Cooling fans are the most popular cooling method among overclockers because they can dramatically reduce heat for very little money. Fans are far more effective than ...

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Computer Hardware: Custom Computer Cases

June 20, 2008 – 11:01 am
Custom computer cases may not accomplish much in the way of performance, but they are everything when it comes to a system that looks great. Whether you choose a Cobra, an Alien, or a Diabolic, you wont regret spending a few extra bucks to give your system some style. Plus, most custom cases are designed with high-end performance in mind.There are tons of custom computer cases to choose from; the first thing to do is pick a style. Cases come in two basic styles: tower and desktop; and three sizes: mini, mid or full. The larger cases provide for more component space while the smaller ones save desk space but sacrifice expansion ability. If youre going with a tower, I say go full. If youre a serious gamer--definitely go full!Custom Computer Cases MaterialWhen forced to choose between steel and aluminum, I like aluminum because of its lower ...

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Computer Hardware: Barebones Computer System

June 19, 2008 – 11:01 am
Barebones computer systems are, in my opinion, the only way to go if you are serious about overclocking. Going barebones is like building a car engine from scratch, but without the hassle of picking out every single part. Once youve put together the basics, every custom piece you add is chosen with the specific purpose of improving the speed and power of the engine. In computers, every piece you choose does exactly the same thing.There is a truly satisfying feeling of accomplishment when youve chosen the components for a new PC and assembled the system. Some techslike starting from scratch and picking out everything themselves. Motherboard, case, power supply--everything is fair game. Personally, I like the barebones computer systems because I know that the components that are the foundation of my system will be compatible with one another.Mini Barebones Computer SystemsMini barebones systems take convenience ...

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