33 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
33 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

PC Experts I Need Your Help

by Steven Wagenheim
28 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
    • |
I need to have my PC upgraded in order to run my new software I'm getting. I
need 16 gig of ram to run it comfortably. I am currently at 3 gig.

I did a CPU-Z of my system. Something I am seeing on the readout is bothering
me.

It says the following under:

DMI Memory Controller
correction 64-bit ECC
Max module size 1024 MBytes

Then it says the following:

DMI Physical Memory Array
location Motherboard
usage System Memory
correction None
max capacity 4096 MBytes
max# of devices 4

Does this mean that the max memory I can have in this PC is 4 gig?

If so, does that mean I have to get a new motherboard?

If I do have to get a new motherboard, does that mean I will have to reinstall
my Windows 7 and all my programs?
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    DON'T trust such a program. Read the manual.

    That said, I think it IS saying 4MB, and that is possible. A LOT of computers from the mid 1980s to maybe 2000 DID only have like 4MB. The fact that you are running windows 7 makes me feel that is NOT possible. 4GB certainly, but I don't think W7 can use a system with 4MB.

    If you find that is not enough memory, you WILL need to get another motherboard.

    Getting a new motherboard, which MAY mean getting new memory and a new CPU will NOT mean reinstalling software.

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8474954].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

      DON'T trust such a program. Read the manual.

      That said, I think it IS saying 4MB, and that is possible. A LOT of computers from the mid 1980s to maybe 2000 DID only have like 4MB. The fact that you are running windows 7 makes me feel that is NOT possible. 4GB certainly, but I don't think W7 can use a system with 4MB.

      If you find that is not enough memory, you WILL need to get another motherboard.

      Getting a new motherboard, which MAY mean getting new memory and a new CPU will NOT mean reinstalling software.

      Steve
      It's 4 gig, not 4 meg.

      Read the manual? I don't have a manual. My PC tech built this PC for me. It
      was done a long time ago so it probably is only 4 gig max.

      I think I'm better off just getting another PC for my music and networking
      the two together. That way I don't have to reinstall windows and all my
      programs as, from what I'm reading online, that's what a lot of people say
      you have to do. I don't know. I know nothing about computers, which is why
      I hate them with a passion.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8474968].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        Okay, I've made my decision. I'm going to get a new PC for my music. The only
        thing I'm going to need help with is making it so that I can transfer files between
        my two computers. In other words, network them together. Right now, I have
        another PC hooked up to my router and while it can also access the Internet,
        for some reason it can only access my other computer in one direction. I can
        send files from it to the other computer but not the other way around. I have
        to do the access from the one PC. I don't know if I'm making it clear what's
        going on. This stuff is so confusing for me.

        If I go on this PC, the one I'm using now, and try to see my other PC on the
        network, I can't. But if I go to the other PC and try to see this one, I can. I
        know it has something to do with setting up Networks in Windows but I just
        don't know how to do that.

        Anyway, it will be less painful to just get another PC than to have to reinstall
        all my programs.
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8474995].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    SHOOT, I saw the MB and forgot about the 4096 v 4. Sorry. Well, do you know what board he used? It MAY be clearly marked. You can check it out on the internet.

    For things like creating music, it MIGHT be better to have another system. You could run it full bore and still work with all the other stuff you have.

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8474990].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
      Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

      SHOOT, I saw the MB and forgot about the 4096 v 4. Sorry. Well, do you know what board he used? It MAY be clearly marked. You can check it out on the internet.

      For things like creating music, it MIGHT be better to have another system. You could run it full bore and still work with all the other stuff you have.

      Steve
      I second this.

      No sense gumming up your main business machine with music software, plus all the new hardware (like midi or firewire ports) you are going to potentially need down the road for your music...best to keep those separate though networked.

      Oh, and whatever you do, stay as far away as you can from Best Buy if you're buying a whole new machine...talk to a music shop and buy one from them specifically for music. You'll thank me later for that tip.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8478060].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    You wouldn't need to reinstall your programs anyway. Still, SOME programs may be affected by the speed of the processor, and need a driver that might have to change if you change the motherboard. Neither is common or even likely, but it could happen.

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8475006].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

      You wouldn't need to reinstall your programs anyway. Still, SOME programs may be affected by the speed of the processor, and need a driver that might have to change if you change the motherboard. Neither is common or even likely, but it could happen.

      Steve
      I still think it's the less painful way to go. New PCs are so cheap. One that I
      see at Best Buy is just $500.

      AMD Quad-Core A8-5500 Accelerated Processor with AMD Radeon HD 7560D
      graphics Ensures reliable performance.

      8GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM
      For multitasking power, expandable to 32GB.

      That's more than I'll need.

      Steve, question. After I bring the PC home and hook it up to the router,
      what do I have to do in order to be able to see my other Windows 7 PC?
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8475037].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        I still think it's the less painful way to go. New PCs are so cheap. One that I
        see at Best Buy is just $500.

        AMD Quad-Core A8-5500 Accelerated Processor with AMD Radeon HD 7560D
        graphics Ensures reliable performance.

        8GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM
        For multitasking power, expandable to 32GB.

        That's more than I'll need.

        Steve, question. After I bring the PC home and hook it up to the router,
        what do I have to do in order to be able to see my other Windows 7 PC?
        It has been a long time since I studied this, but I believe you just have to:

        1. set them up in the same workgroup.
        2. set up the directories you want access to as shared.

        Steve
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8475129].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        I still think it's the less painful way to go. New PCs are so cheap. One that I
        see at Best Buy is just $500.

        AMD Quad-Core A8-5500 Accelerated Processor with AMD Radeon HD 7560D
        graphics Ensures reliable performance.
        do NOT buy the AMD LAPTOPS
        unless you dont care it only lasts a few years. ( and if your rendering 24/7
        even less )

        the solid state weld on the on board video melts and then the MB
        needs to be replaced. or you toss it in the garbage and buy a new one.

        if you do the DT version, buy a separate vid card and stick it in there
        your self

        Also if your doing music, you might want to consider a seprate
        audio card as well. They higher end ones pay off big time for
        speed and quality.

        you should read about it in some of the different pc forums.
        Signature

        Selling Ain't for Sissies!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8476482].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author seasoned
          Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

          do NOT buy the AMD LAPTOPS
          unless you dont care it only lasts a few years. ( and if your rendering 24/7
          even less )

          the solid state weld on the on board video melts and then the MB
          needs to be replaced. or you toss it in the garbage and buy a new one.
          WOW! Half my computers have been AMD, and I have NEVER had a motherboard problem! BESIDES, the temperature required to melt solder as you claim is enough to severely damage the chips. The two systems I had that had graphics failures were INTEL! One is DELL, and I think it is an LCD failure! The other is TOSHIBA, and is a backlight failure!

          My current AMD laptop has an RTC failure, but I suspect that is a CMOS battery failure. It WOULD be nice if they made that easily accessible AND had it use the main battery, if available. SERIOUSLY! They design a motherboard for a lapto and FORGET that it is a LAPTOP! Once set though, the clock works as long as it is on, or in sleep.

          Steve
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8477370].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
          Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

          do NOT buy the AMD LAPTOPS
          unless you dont care it only lasts a few years. ( and if your rendering 24/7
          even less )

          the solid state weld on the on board video melts and then the MB
          needs to be replaced. or you toss it in the garbage and buy a new one.

          if you do the DT version, buy a separate vid card and stick it in there
          your self

          Also if your doing music, you might want to consider a seprate
          audio card as well. They higher end ones pay off big time for
          speed and quality.

          you should read about it in some of the different pc forums.
          Ken:

          Let me guess....an Nvidia GPU in your laptop?
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8478097].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    Module = referring to each stick of ram.

    Max module size 1024 MBytes

    Max modules = 4

    So, unfortunately you have a 4 gig max capacity.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8476494].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author stoltingmediagroup
    If you are considering a new computer for the purpose of professionally recording, I would suggest dropping by a music store that has a department dealing with pc recording. Talk to them about what type of external sound card you can get for your budget and needs. They will also be able to give you an idea of the specs for a laptop or desktop computer that you should look for. I can guarantee you that the basic consumer type soundcards that come standard with computers will not be suitable.
    Signature
    Arnold Stolting - Stolting Media Group
    "I LOVE The Song! The Vibe Is Positive And Firm!" - Kymani Marley. (Son of Bob Marley).
    "Very High Quality!" Jeremy Harding - Manager / Producer. Sean Paul.
    "They Are FANTASTIC!" - Willie Crawford.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8477415].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    BTW you might be interested in this:

    Intel Core i5 3570K vs AMD A8 5500

    The numbers are odd! AD started as a lower power, faster, low heat CPU maker. They have recently been known as a decent higher heat CPU maker.

    THIS review shows that AMD has a lot more L2 cache. Cache today other has up to 3 levels. L1 is the fastest, and has the most effect. It is at the CORE level. L2 is generally slower, and usually at the CPU level. L3 is often slower still, and farther away. So AMDs structure is BETTER here! Compatibility IRONICALLY, here seems to be BETTER for AMD! Power consumption is better for AMD. The maximum temperature it can operate at is better for AMD!

    Surprisingly, they say the Intel processor is faster. They MIGHT have overclocked it, but that is their claim. They ALSO say that intel overclocks better with water cooling, so it may NEED the higher heat rating. The max is approximately 174F. That IS hot, apparently, solder melts at 398F. Granted, a lower temp could hurt the cladding over time, but I haven't seen it happen yet.

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8477431].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
      Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

      BTW you might be interested in this:

      Intel Core i5 3570K vs AMD A8 5500

      The numbers are odd! AD started as a lower power, faster, low heat CPU maker. They have recently been known as a decent higher heat CPU maker.

      THIS review shows that AMD has a lot more L2 cache. Cache today other has up to 3 levels. L1 is the fastest, and has the most effect. It is at the CORE level. L2 is generally slower, and usually at the CPU level. L3 is often slower still, and farther away. So AMDs structure is BETTER here! Compatibility IRONICALLY, here seems to be BETTER for AMD! Power consumption is better for AMD. The maximum temperature it can operate at is better for AMD!

      Surprisingly, they say the Intel processor is faster. They MIGHT have overclocked it, but that is their claim. They ALSO say that intel overclocks better with water cooling, so it may NEED the higher heat rating. The max is approximately 174F. That IS hot, apparently, solder melts at 398F. Granted, a lower temp could hurt the cladding over time, but I haven't seen it happen yet.

      Steve
      I have twice, the second time i investigated and found out I missed the recall.
      Signature

      Selling Ain't for Sissies!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8477711].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
      Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

      BTW you might be interested in this:

      Intel Core i5 3570K vs AMD A8 5500

      The numbers are odd! AD started as a lower power, faster, low heat CPU maker. They have recently been known as a decent higher heat CPU maker.

      THIS review shows that AMD has a lot more L2 cache. Cache today other has up to 3 levels. L1 is the fastest, and has the most effect. It is at the CORE level. L2 is generally slower, and usually at the CPU level. L3 is often slower still, and farther away. So AMDs structure is BETTER here! Compatibility IRONICALLY, here seems to be BETTER for AMD! Power consumption is better for AMD. The maximum temperature it can operate at is better for AMD!

      Surprisingly, they say the Intel processor is faster. They MIGHT have overclocked it, but that is their claim. They ALSO say that intel overclocks better with water cooling, so it may NEED the higher heat rating. The max is approximately 174F. That IS hot, apparently, solder melts at 398F. Granted, a lower temp could hurt the cladding over time, but I haven't seen it happen yet.

      Steve

      Two reasons Intel is faster.

      1. Poor CPU architecture design by AMD.

      2. Poor CPU optimization by the software community in general. What that means is the software takes full advantage of the features of the Intel CPU, but not the AMD CPU (this is especially true with the multicore designs...software that uses all of Intel's cores may only use one AMD core).

      It's about half and half on both of those.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8478079].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by Floyd Fisher View Post

        Two reasons Intel is faster.

        1. Poor CPU architecture design by AMD.

        2. Poor CPU optimization by the software community in general. What that means is the software takes full advantage of the features of the Intel CPU, but not the AMD CPU (this is especially true with the multicore designs...software that uses all of Intel's cores may only use one AMD core).

        It's about half and half on both of those.
        I guess I have been lucky. Mine is reasonably cool, and running close to an i5, based on various benchmarks. But yeah, intel sued AMD for trying to use the technoogy intel gave them, so AMD has tried to simply make additions their own way. That means things won't be fully 1:1.

        Steve
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8478857].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
    Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

    I need to have my PC upgraded in order to run my new software I'm getting. I
    need 16 gig of ram to run it comfortably. I am currently at 3 gig.

    I did a CPU-Z of my system. Something I am seeing on the readout is bothering
    me.

    It says the following under:

    DMI Memory Controller
    correction 64-bit ECC
    Max module size 1024 MBytes

    Then it says the following:

    DMI Physical Memory Array
    location Motherboard
    usage System Memory
    correction None
    max capacity 4096 MBytes
    max# of devices 4

    Does this mean that the max memory I can have in this PC is 4 gig?

    If so, does that mean I have to get a new motherboard?

    If I do have to get a new motherboard, does that mean I will have to reinstall
    my Windows 7 and all my programs?
    Steve:

    Question one: yes, max your board can handle is 4gb.

    Question two: yes, you will need a new motherboard, new memory sticks, and probably a new CPU.

    Question three: absolutely not...even if you were changing out the hard drive (which you are not), there are ways to change the hard drive without going through all that...a truly competent tech (which most are not unfortunately) would know how to do this.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8478031].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author garyv
    If you're buying a computer for music - put in a Solid State Drive - SSD - You'd be surprised at how much faster it will make your computer.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8478916].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Well, I ordered my system. It should be done sometime next week. I didn't skimp
      on anything. It should more than meet my needs.

      My only challenge is going to be hooking this up to my Comcast network (I do
      have a router) and getting it to be able to communicate (transfer files back and
      forth) with my other PC. Both will be running Windows 7.

      If anybody absolutely knows how to do this and can post step by step
      instructions here, I will be eternally grateful as the tech says it would cost me
      about $175 for him to come to the house to do this.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8479380].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author waterotter
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Well, I ordered my system. It should be done sometime next week. I didn't skimp
        on anything. It should more than meet my needs.

        My only challenge is going to be hooking this up to my Comcast network (I do
        have a router) and getting it to be able to communicate (transfer files back and
        forth) with my other PC. Both will be running Windows 7.

        If anybody absolutely knows how to do this and can post step by step
        instructions here, I will be eternally grateful as the tech says it would cost me
        about $175 for him to come to the house to do this.
        Start here to set up a home network in Windows 7 - Microsoft Windows Help
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8479495].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Well, I ordered my system. It should be done sometime next week. I didn't skimp
        on anything. It should more than meet my needs.

        My only challenge is going to be hooking this up to my Comcast network (I do
        have a router) and getting it to be able to communicate (transfer files back and
        forth) with my other PC. Both will be running Windows 7.

        If anybody absolutely knows how to do this and can post step by step
        instructions here, I will be eternally grateful as the tech says it would cost me
        about $175 for him to come to the house to do this.
        For the comcast network, if you rent the modem(as MOST do), simply ask for the one with the router. Apparently, the cost is the SAME! The instructions are straight forward.

        The $175 is probably mostly to come to where you are, and just for a service call.

        Steve
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8479499].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
          Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

          For the comcast network, if you rent the modem(as MOST do), simply ask for the one with the router. Apparently, the cost is the SAME! The instructions are straight forward.

          The $175 is probably mostly to come to where you are, and just for a service call.

          Steve
          I already have a router. I just can't get my two PCs to hook up. Granted, my
          other one is running Windows 2000 so maybe that has something to do with it.
          Hopefully, when I get my other Windows 7 PC it won't be difficult. I went
          through the instructions (created homegroup on this PC) and tried to connect
          from the other one but it won't let me. I know the password and user name
          is correct so it must have something to do with a Windows 2000 and Windows
          7 incompatibility.

          At least that's what I hope it is.
          Signature
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8479536].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author waterotter
            Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

            I already have a router. I just can't get my two PCs to hook up. Granted, my
            other one is running Windows 2000 so maybe that has something to do with it.
            Hopefully, when I get my other Windows 7 PC it won't be difficult. I went
            through the instructions (created homegroup on this PC) and tried to connect
            from the other one but it won't let me. I know the password and user name
            is correct so it must have something to do with a Windows 2000 and Windows
            7 incompatibility.

            At least that's what I hope it is.
            Steven, you need to be running windows 7 on all 3 computers if you want them to communicate.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8479546].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
              Originally Posted by waterotter View Post

              Steven, you need to be running windows 7 on all 3 computers if you want them to communicate.
              That's what I figured. Well, this other computer is going off line anyway when
              I get the new Windows 7 next week so I'm hoping that this shouldn't be a
              problem.
              Signature
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8479612].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    You know, it is funny. I watched a show yesterday "The customer is always right: Mrs' fields". I kept hearing this guy say "WE NEED TO CHANGE, and find out what to do next!" MY answer? "NO YOU DON'T! DO WHAT YOU DID". And he says "WE HAVE DONE IT THIS WAY ALL ALONG!" My answer? NO YOU HAVEN'T! THEN, he has some customers help out, that obviously don' know much. They EVEN asked people wat they came for and were SHOCKED to find that NOBODY came to buy a cookie! DUH! So they say GET OUT OF THE MALLS!

    At least they managed to say what I had been saying! Bring back the good cookies, nice stores, etc... And the guy that said they were doing things ANOTHER way? He ADMITTED that that was how they started!!!!!!!! HECK, I used to like the cookies, EVEN at $0.50 a PIECE, as I recall. The quality and size went down as the price went up. I tried ONE a couple years ago, FORGET IT! If the quality is high enough, they could even get RESTAURANTS to offer their cookies.

    Well, Amazon may soon find it has only ONE thing going for it! The reviews! Stores were created, as the name implies, to locally STOCK the product. Because of a lack of STORage, and communication, manufacturers relied eventually on STORES to get the message out. Will THAT be the next shoe to drop?

    HECK, I worked for one of amazons biggest Ecompetitors. They only stocked about 15% of what they offered. I wonder how much amazon REALLY stocks! MANY items I purchase say they have less than 30! Many say less than 10!

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8479588].message }}

Trending Topics