This has gone too far.

It's funny that you think I would think a tone is inferred.

















Kidding!!!

I think I'm seeing the disconnect now. You saw my statement as a teaching moment. You wanted me to know that how often a CPU is pegged is not affected by it's speed. But you were only taking non-realtime operations into account. Perhaps you know that Kevin (in this instance) doesn't burn CD's, watch movies, or play video games.

However, I'm still maintaining that a faster CPU will be pegged less (duration, not frequency if I must spell it out, but it should go without saying since duration is what has the greatest affect on performance).

And since I was including realtime operations (since watching videos, playing video games, and burning CD's is something we all do, for the most part), how often you hit 100% (frequency, not duration) is also an important factor regarding CPU's.

But I do appreciate the explanations. I'm fairly certain we're on the same page.

omg double post

Now I see why my oldish computer dies when I try to convert mp4 to avi and such.

^That could be an overheating issue. It should get the job done, just be slower. Maybe download Speedfan or something similar to monitor temps. You may just need to clean the dust out or replace the CPU fan. Or maybe it's the application your using. I've heard good things about Handbrake for video reencoding.

I believe that Pentium CPU's scale down their speed to keep cool while AMD CPU's are more likely to cause a hard restart.

My cat's breath smells like cat food.


















Also, cheetos. It's weird.

Sigh. Nevermind the slow processor. Dead hard drives are a bigger problem. I assume that's what it is anyway; trying to start in safe mode results in a hardware error very quickly. Could be something else I suppose. Off to BestBuy to replace it.

Googling the error code might lead you toward the issue.

You can usually download a diagnostic program from the HDD manufacturer that you can burn to a CD and boot the computer from the CD. The program can then test the HDD without having to boot to Windows.

Sometimes the laptop manufacturer will have something similar to test all hardware. Dell usually does anyway.

If you torrent, you can also download the OEM Windows install disc ISO, burn it to DVD and try a repair.

Or, I can take it back to BB and get handed a brand new replacement, which happens to be the new model, which happens to have exactly the same hardware specs except for a faster AMD X2 processor, but is $75 cheaper.

linky

And by the way, I had burned recovery discs before it died. No dice. It was quite dead. Not a windows issue.

I have had 2 gateway laptops and I will never buy one again.

For the price range I'm in, there's not a lot of choice. Besides, I'm not that bothered by things going bad so quickly. It's when it happens 8 months down the road it's annoying. I hadn't even loaded my music or Subaru tech stuff on the other one yet.

I would buy an Acer over an HP or Gateway in that price bracket. Probably even a used ASUS or MSI.

I had originally intended to get an Asus, but the models in my price range that were similar to this were out of stock.

Also, it appears Gateways are essentially Acers, since that's who does the warranty info and customer service by phone.

You need to wait and get one anyway. They are the most reliable Windows machines going right now IMO.

Too late. Besides, that's what warranties are for.

The ASUS warranty and CS is like the best thing going. 1 Year 1 free replacement even if you run it over on purpose, plus they are good about sending small parts (like keyboards that you spill stuff on) with minimum hassle.

Or this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834200027

Another cheap laptop. http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1813817

Roundtable off Golden Valley just sold me a large premium pizza for $10.99. Lady said they're running a special.

I bought two of these wireless routers. They're only $32 shipped right now with code EMCYZNN38. I'm going to try to use one as a bridge for my PS3.

Everyone should have a headlamp in their glovebox. I'm telling you, they're awesome.

Here's one for $4 shipped: http://www.meritline.com/1-watt-led-...q_v=50c816991c

Absolutely.

I bought a handfull of clip on single-LED lights when I found them for about $1.00 a piece. They are everywhere in my house now.

Are you saying "meow"?