Questions tagged [hardware-rec]

Hardware recommendation posts should discuss how to make hardware decisions for oneself. Direct shopping recommendations are off-topic and will be closed, so be very careful posting hardware recommendations. For specific hardware shopping recommendations, please post in the Hardware Recommendations StackExchange.

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How can a hard drive be "optimized for surveillance storage"?

Some internal hard drives are advertised as "optimized for surveillance storage" (and similarly, "optimized for gaming"). What makes these types of drives special or different from "standard" hard ...
IQAndreas's user avatar
  • 3,987
-1 votes
1 answer
53 views

Multiple monitors on/off switch

Im fairly new to SU , but not to SO. As a coder I use 3 external monitors which are connected to my docking station, and I was wondering if there's anything on the market that I can get to switch all ...
Pavel 'PK' Kaminsky's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
2k views

Will any PC digitizer pen work with my laptop?

I lost the digitizer pen for my Sony VAIO Duo 13 and I was wondering if I can buy any digitizer pen to replace it or if I need the pen specifically made for the Duo. I don't want to buy the one made ...
Taylor's user avatar
  • 31
-1 votes
2 answers
35 views

Knowing how to upgrade my pc hardware [duplicate]

I want to add more memory to my pc. is there any tool that can scan my hardware tell me how much more memory i can fit, from which type (ddr2/3) in which slot? Thanks
fatnjazzy's user avatar
  • 171
0 votes
1 answer
1k views

CPU clock and L3 cache for programming

I'm interested in how much different hardware choices affect the following use cases: Programming in Python: lots of heavy mathematical computations using numpy arrays Data Applications in Python and ...
FooBar's user avatar
  • 153
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

Difference hot-swap bay cage with and without tray (trayless)

What exactly is the difference between a normal hot-swap bay cage and a trayless hot-swap bay cage? I know that a trayless hot-swap cage looks like this video. So what's the difference with a normal ...
Jean-Paul's user avatar
  • 123
1 vote
1 answer
507 views

(Arch)Linux board with dual ethernet [closed]

I am looking for a Linux board with the following requirements: 2 ethernet ports (helpful, but only 1 required) 2 USB ports SDXC support (for SD/MicroSD) WiFi (>25 concurrent users ideally) HDMI or ...
tekknolagi's user avatar
  • 1,390
9 votes
5 answers
25k views

Why does a Xeon processor cost much more than a similar Core i7 part?

I want to know why the price of a Xeon CPU and a similar Core i7 CPU is so different. The CPU clock is more or less the same. I want to know this because I want to have an understanding of what kind ...
MOON's user avatar
  • 424
2 votes
2 answers
338 views

Is there a way to get software out of a computer running windows 4?

Our lab uses a computer that runs windows 4 (ancient I know) to run specialized equipment. The software we want is rsview32, it runs a program that controls our specialized equipment. We would like to ...
user17338's user avatar
  • 121
1 vote
1 answer
229 views

Hardware specifications for WOL (Wake On Lan)

I am planning to buy a computer, which I would like to start using Wake-On-Lan from outside the LAN. I was looking on the internet and there is lot of information to be confused. 1) What are the ...
Praveen Sripati's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
555 views

Can i use SATA hard drives with IBM servers

I am planning to but IBM X 3850 M2 server http://www-947.ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5073028 One friend told me that i can only use SAS drives and i can't use SATA Hard ...
user1721949's user avatar
-1 votes
1 answer
62 views

I want to build my first computer but don't have the time. Where could I learn about the different components and how they work? [closed]

I want to learn about how computers work, and maybe eventually routers, but don't have the time right now to build one. Could someone point me in the direction of what the different hardware ...
user3314801's user avatar
-1 votes
1 answer
11k views

How Does Integrated Graphics Card work [closed]

many laptops are these days sold with onboard graphics card, such as the new Intel HD 4600. I am reading that the graphic processor is manufactured on the same die as the central processor. Is the ...
Martin Vegter's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
27k views

Minimum standalone graphics card requirements for dual monitor display

I am researching on hardware requirements for my new PC. One of my requirements is to have dual monitor display to use while programming. I understand that most integrated graphics cards do not ...
ARV's user avatar
  • 935
0 votes
1 answer
4k views

What minimal laptop requirements, so I can play Sims 3 and/or Minecraft? [closed]

I have no experience with gaming on PC, but want to buy my daughter laptop. She wants to play Minecraft and Sims 3. I found some page, but it says I need "2.4 GHz" CPU. Which is usually not an option. ...
user68708's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
891 views

Compatibility of RAM modules [closed]

I have an old computer with 3 RAM modules with 1GB each, as follows: Type: DDR2 Size: 1024 MBytes Manufacturer: Kingston Max bandwith: PC2-6400 (400 MHz) Reference number: KTC1G-UDIMM Now I want ...
MikO's user avatar
  • 1,437
2 votes
1 answer
164 views

If I rub an antistatic bag all over my body, would that stop unwanted static discharge? [closed]

If I rub an antistatic bag all over my body, would that be good enough to de-static-ify myself before handling a motherboard and CPU?
Coldblackice's user avatar
  • 5,884
0 votes
1 answer
425 views

1366x768 native display resolution on a GT720m - battery life + performance advantage over 1080?

So I am aware that the GT720m can handle resolutions a lot higher than 1366x768. - up to 2560x1600. My laptop is coming with a 1366x768 as it's native and max resolution due to the display/led ...
Tom G11's user avatar
  • 377
-1 votes
1 answer
130 views

Where can I find a good laptop for a SuperUser? [closed]

I need help deciding on a good laptop model to replace a laptop that I overheated a "little" while letting it run a program for a week or two... I am a Computer Programmer by trade, and an ...
NictraSavios's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
174 views

Performance when working with large images in Photoshop

I'm looking for a bit of advice on improving the performance of my computer when working with large images in Photoshop. For example, trying to stitch a panorama from 12 or so images takes over 15 ...
Dominic P's user avatar
  • 441
6 votes
3 answers
34k views

How can I limit the volume of audio on Windows by decibel level?

I enjoy listening to music at high volumes, but I'm concerned about possible long-term hearing loss. Articles covering this question suggest limiting audio volume to under 85 decibels. Is there: A ...
Jason's user avatar
  • 217
2 votes
1 answer
262 views

Can I have GeForce® GTX 570 Sonic Platinum with normal GTX 570 in SLI?

The question really describes that all. Here's a detailed disambuagation of my question: Can I combine a GTX 570 Sonic Platinum Edition and a 'Normal' GTX 570? If yes, then does it requires special ...
Mark's user avatar
  • 197
1 vote
1 answer
49 views

19" Console Server running Linux [closed]

I'm searching for a hardware platform or hint for building a console server running Linux. I'd need 8-32 Serial Ports (DB9 or RJ54) Linux as OS 19" chassis I don't really care if this is some custom ...
Udo Schneider's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
3k views

What hardware is important for streaming PC games? [closed]

I'm planning on building a streaming computer. I'm wondering what to keep in mind when putting this computer together. What hardware is most important for streaming of PC games? I will use XSplit as ...
robin's user avatar
  • 23
4 votes
4 answers
8k views

Gaming: HDD vs Hybrid vs SSD

The question is: Can I make an estimate with a game's system requirements to decide which type of disk is "better" for it? Background: I bought a SSD drive. I wanted speed, but, as usual there's ...
Karolinger's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
800 views

External Blu Ray drive or internal + enclosure?

I bought an external Blu-ray drive for my MBP but it failed, and is going back. It felt really cheaply made so now I'm wondering whether to try and find a better one (all the reviews mention tacky ...
Neil Barnwell's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
209 views

What laptop keyboards are easy to disassemble and clean? [closed]

I often use my laptop on construction jobsites or in very dirt-filled situations. Over time, the keyboard gets dusty, greasy, etc. Pieces of detritus fall down underneath the keys, and come to ...
Zac B's user avatar
  • 2,903
0 votes
1 answer
727 views

3D Hologram for pc? [closed]

I would like to create something similar to what we see on Iron Man move with Jarvis or Jarvas or however you spell his personal AI. So to put it simple I would like to know if there is an affordable ...
Prix's user avatar
  • 323
0 votes
2 answers
1k views

What precautions should I take when modifying/upgrading components in a computer? [closed]

Drop it off a cliff, hit it with a hammer, jam a incompatible component in the wrong slot, jam a incompatible component in the wrong slot with a hammer, etc. Not what I mean. I am asking about ...
Anonymous Penguin's user avatar
-4 votes
2 answers
89 views

Will this combination of hardware work together? [closed]

I'm assembling a system with Motherboard: Intel DH61HO Processor: Intel Core i3 2105 Ram: Corsair DDR3 4GB DDR3-1333 Hard drive: ST500DM002 (500 GB, 7200 RPM) Is this combination compatible, or am I ...
Prashant Sharma's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
161 views

System requirements for running windows 8 (basic office use) in virtualbox (ubuntu as host os)

I want to run windows 8 as a guest os with virtualbox on some thinkpad (haven't bought one yet) running Ubuntu 12.04. Apart from virtualizing windows 8 (mostly just for use with the office suite app) ...
user avatar
-4 votes
3 answers
3k views

Is this system 32 bit or 64 bit? [closed]

I would definitely say that this system is 64 bit but the owner says it's 32. The computer is a Dell Optiplex 960 which comes both in 32 bit and 64 bit versions but I installed windows 8 64 bit ...
Niklas Rosencrantz's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
1k views

Why is the AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor TK-57 faster than an Intel Atom CPU N570

There are ubuntu 12.04 32-bit on both machines, results of hardinfo benchmarks: Athlon | Atom X2 TK-57 | N570 **lower is better:** | | ...
scythargon's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

How to decide what graphics card is better? [closed]

I am looking to buy a new graphics card, but I am not sure what to be looking for, what is more important? CUDA Cores, Clock Speed, Memory, etc. Here are some examples Core Clock ...
Get Off My Lawn's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
715 views

what is the difference between ASIC and FPGA

Recently I started to experiment with FPGAs and while doing this I found out about ASICs. Can anyone explain me the main differences between them. From what I have read so far, I understand the ...
Salvador Dali's user avatar
0 votes
3 answers
116 views

Panel for a slimline DVD drive

I am looking at nixing my DVD drive in my HTPC/Nettop box, and replacing it with a new HD. Where might I find a cover that would fill the gap where the DVD drive used to be on the case?
monksy's user avatar
  • 1,731
4 votes
1 answer
13k views

Will you be able to change the SSD in the Google Chromebook Pixel?

The new Google Chromebook Pixel really looks interesting. However, it comes with a small SSD of 32 or 64GB. Even with cloud storage, that's small. So will you be able to easily change the SSD?
Benjamin Crouzier's user avatar
-5 votes
1 answer
276 views

Building an economical small to mid scale development server [closed]

Can anyone recommend a cheap rack/server combination for our office shared linux development server? We have limited knowledge so I want something that we can upgrade hard drives and RAM easily. I ...
madphp's user avatar
  • 201
2 votes
1 answer
3k views

Copying files to multiple USB flash drives [closed]

Does anyone know of any software or hardware (or both) that will copy a certain set of files to multiple USB flash drives? We have a project where there are some PDF's that need to be copied to about ...
ultraloveninja's user avatar
7 votes
4 answers
22k views

How can I take a single hotel Wifi connection and share it out amongst devices via Wifi?

Many hotels these days still have pretty dreadful Wifi. Often the worst offender is the "you still only have one Wifi device, right?" assumption; you get a username/password combo, and using it on ...
Andrew Ferrier's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
83 views

I need some guidance on what to do next with my server

I have a server with the following specifications: HP DL180 G6 2 x Intel Quad-Core Xeon E5620 8GB RAM 4 x 2TB Hard drives running in a RAID10 NGINX running as download webserver It is connected at ...
user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
2k views

What is the bottleneck for the my browser?

I have a laptop with Intel i7 2720QM Samsung SSD PM810 128GB SATA II (link to benchmark) 8GB DDR3 PC-10700 Memory CAS# Latency 6/7/8/9 My internet speed is 19 ms (Ping) 20 Mbps (Down) 4.5 Mbps (Up) ...
Forethinker's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
2k views

Convert Bluetooth Headset to 3.5mm Stereo Out And Mic In (Duplex)

I know stereo 3.5mm jack to Bluetooth dongles exist for Bluetooth headphones. But what if this is for a Bluetooth headset with a Mic? Are there Bluetooth dongles for line-in also? For example, my ...
Tom Geeee's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
13k views

Increasing RAM to 1GB from 512MB help improve system speed with the same processor

I have an old PC with 512MB Ram(DDR2), Intel Pentium 4 Processor 3GHz, running Windows XP. (See my System Info). The PC is acting slow and laggy from last few weeks, maybe because of new programs I ...
MeetM's user avatar
  • 163
0 votes
1 answer
364 views

How do I interpret the information regarding the Vivobook S400CA battery life?

I'm interested in an ultrabook, but I cannot understand it's battery life's spec. The model's website indicates that it has 44 Whrs Polymer Battery How does this information translates into the ...
chanp's user avatar
  • 111
0 votes
1 answer
145 views

Projector in front of the wall

What are the projectors called that can stand directly in front of the wall and project the image "straight" to the wall? Rather than projectors which require a certain distance to the wall to ...
kcode's user avatar
  • 465
0 votes
1 answer
262 views

Is it possible to have a portable plotter that can print QR codes on burlap?

This is a hardware question. Is there a class of plotters that are portable and accept sharpies? The use case: I have a burlap sack. It will be taking very specific potsherds from an archaeological ...
Brian Ballsun-Stanton's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
3k views

Is there a touch mouse which uses tap to click? [closed]

Is there a mouse that supports tap to click, i.e. generate left and right clicks without mechanically pressing a button? I've tried the Microsoft Touch Mouse, while the extra features for making ...
rwallace's user avatar
  • 2,597
2 votes
0 answers
41 views

Is this graphic card compatible with my motherboard in terms of PCIe? [duplicate]

Possible Duplicate: PCIe Generation 3.0 graphic board running on old mainboard Generation 2.0 or earlier? today sadly my good old graphic card died :(. I'm now in the need of a new one, but ...
Waylander's user avatar
  • 549
0 votes
1 answer
75 views

Store and Encrypt data over the internet.

I am trying to build a system where I will be able to access my files remotely. I want to setup an external hard drive or a NAS that I will access over the internet, and I want every file that is ...
sotsec's user avatar
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