Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by snal

Is this true?

snal — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 22:30:13 +0800

Hi,

I have in 2008 purchased an Inspiron 530 direct from Dell. Straight from day one, I had upgraded the graphic card with the best Dell could offer for the model and that is Radeon HD 2600 XT.

A few days ago, the graphic card's fan stop rotating and upon consultation with Dell technician, I was advised to replace it with similar graphic card. And Dell quote me RM 7++.00 for it, not including installation.

I told them that I wish to upgrade to other graphic card with bigger memory. They said my system could go up to 1 GB in graphic card's memory. But still they insist it is inadvisable, and might trigger problems in the long run.

So my questions are?

1. Is it true that I could not replace my graphic card to a better one and need to stick with the same graphic card?

2. Does all graphic card similar in design or should I bring the old card when purchasing to make sure the new card fit in the slot?

3. Another question not related to graphic card, and I appreciate if I could get answer - Dell said since when I purchased the computer it was installed with Vista, it is not suitable with Win7... but funny thing is I have been using Win7 for the last 2 years ( and told them that ) and they STILL insist that I should stick with Vista. Is this true or just Dell's way of making me with the original setup?

Thanks in advance.

snal

DirectX 11 and DirectX 10 (incl. 10.1)

snal — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:52:58 +0800

hi,

i already know that ati radeon 5450/5470 offered by dell and acer on studio and aspire timelinex model are the weakest of the new directx11 graphic card.

My question is, given the fact that the above card is directx 11, can it play the highest game of directx 10 & 10.1?

I am asking because i am thinking of buying a new laptop, and though vaio e series offers ati 5650, its batteries are weak.

Tq.

Alienware M11x or Vaio VPC-EA16FG

snal — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:18:33 +0800

Hi,

I would like some advice on which to choose between Alienware M11x or Vaio VPC-EA16FG.

Specs:-
Alienware M11x
Intel® Core™ i5-520UM Processor(1.06GHz, 4 Threads, turbo Boost up to 1.86GHz, 3M cache)
11.6" WideHD 720p WLED (1366x768) Display Integrated 1.3 mega pixel web cam
1GB GDDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 335M
4GB Dual Channel 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM (2 X 2GB)
500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive Price: RM 4199

Vaio VPC-EA16FG
Intel® Core™ i5-520M Processor 2.40 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.93 GHz *1
14" wide (WXGA:1366 x 768) TFT Colour display (VAIO Display, LED backlight)
ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 5650 Graphics (1 GB DDR3 SDRAM)
4 GB DDR3 SDRAM *2 (upgradeable up to 8 GB*3)
500 GB*4 (Serial ATA, 5400 rpm) Price: RM 3999

Purposes of purchase:- Work, Multimedia and Gaming (Casual to Moderate)

I know that Alienware is at the moment the best in gaming, but Dell only provide display card for DirectX 10.1 (for M11x). Other than that, I think M11x is ok.

Vaio, on the other hand provide ATI HD 5650 for DirectX 11, but the battery is not quite good as Alienware.

For gaming, is it important to have display card with DirectX 11 capabilities? My most demanding in terms of graphic at the moment is Hitman Blood Money. I also play Fifa Manager 09, Warcraft, Need for Speed and Grand Theft Auto. I read somewhere that another game I play, Civilization, will require DirectX 11.

If I buy Alienware with display card for DirectX 10.1 capabilities, can I upgrade the display card software to DirectX 11?

Please advise me.

Thank you.

Laptop battery

snal — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 23:26:20 +0800

Hi,

I am a new laptop user.... previously (and still) using desktop at home but now got a laptop to bring to office.

would you guys please explain to me why my battery would lose like 5% of power everytime i start the laptop even though i had it recharged to 100% before? is this 5% loss a normal standard? would it lose more than 5%? or are that 5% is used to power up the laptop for startup?

and the battery is still brand new.... just upgrade it about a month ago. and i normally use AC Power.

tq.

New PC-To-Buy Specs - Help Please

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 07:30:00 +0800

New PC-To-Buy Specs - Help Please

snal — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:09:54 +0800

Hi there,

I am seriously thinking of buying a new Dell PC - Inspiron 530.

The specs I was thinking are as follows:-
1) Intel Core 2 Duo Processor 2.4 Ghz 2MB L2 Cache 800 Mhz FSB
2) 2 GB DDR2 800 Mhz SDRam Memory
3) 256 MB PCIe x16 ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT w/TV-out & Dual DVI
4) Hard Disk 250 GB

My question (and I reaaly need help) is since I like to play games (but not fast pace like counterstrike etc),
is the processor would be enough for quite some time?

I ask this because I am thinking of upgrading the processor to 2.83 Ghz 6 MBL2 Cache 1333 Mhz FSB?

Does a casual gamer need this upgrade?
TQ

snal

Audio Format for Altec Lansing MX5021 (THX Cert.)

snal — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:46:48 +0800

Hi,

I am using Altec Lansing MX5021 (THX Certified). It is a 2.1 system (2 speaker plus 1 woofer).

From my reading on the internet, THX is based on 5.1 or 7.1 system.

I am using Nero 8 (+ DTS) to burn movies on DVD. It offers 5 audio format options:-
(1) Automatic.
(2) Dolby Digital (AC-3) 5.1
(3) Dolby Digital (AC-3) 5.0
(4) Dolby Digital (AC-3) 2.0
(5) Stereo.

My question is, which out of the five above would best complement my Altec Lansing Speaker? I ask because I am confused.... a 5.1 (THX) based surround on a 2.1 system.

Please help me understand this.

TQ.

snal