• Created on 11/11/11 by xd_1771

This one's for all you firefox loyalists there like me (functionality over page loading speed for the win!) Just a few tips I might share to speed up firefox performance...   UPDATED: I have now realized that the Firefox cache is implemented on a per-tab basis, which is probably why Firefox uses so much RAM for me.  I have removed that portion of the article.  I certainly don't not recommend increasing firefox memory cache per-tab above the default value of up to 32MB, if you have the disk cache disabled, or if you use the back button often and are guarded by... read more

• Created on 9/18/12 by bkwasny

MSI’s “MSI Z77 MPower Overclocking Giveaway” OFFICIAL RULES Sponsored by Heir Audio(“Sponsor”). NO ENTRY FEE. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. The Promotion begins at 9:00:00 AM Pacific Time (“PT”) September 17, 2012 and ends at 4:59:59 PM PT October 02, 2012 (the “Promotion Period”). 1. Eligibility: The MSI’s“MSI Z77 MPower Overclocking” GiveawayPromotion (the “Promotion”) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States, aged eighteen (18) or older as of the date of entry, who have an active e-mail account and Internet access. Employees of... read more

• Created on 11/15/11 by Celcius

Most OCN members have been building computers for years and know all about hardware, but there are also new members that perhaps may have never built a computer before. In this guide, we will be looking at what parts you need to build a computer. Everyone has to start somewhere, so you may as well learn the basics here. The Basic Parts of a Modern Computer: Case: This is the most visible part of the computer. The case is the part that houses all the other components. Several things to consider here are the color, style, what size motherboard that it can hold (form... read more

• Created on 11/13/11 by IIIIICRASHIIIII

To the new PC builders out there, welcome. The custom PC world is a vast one but make sure you don't get screwed over on hardware prices. Over the course of the past few years, I've personally compiled a list of my favorite PC mod sites. If a site is listed here, that means I've personally experienced their service and have rated their customer support, product listings, and/or shipping policies highly. I hope this listing helps guide you throughout your PC modding experience. Sites you can find almost anything on: FrozenCPU Performance-PCs Xoxide Micro Center Fry's... read more

• Created on 10/30/12 by coachmark2

        Please Note: This is a copy of the thread I posted in October 2012. It has been copied to the Articles section, as this is a more appropriate section for it.   Understanding How Power is Used in a Computer Hello fellow OCN’ers! Due to a rather large number of threads that I have read recently regarding power supplies, various components and their power draw, and questions on power distribution, I have decided to do a writeup on the ways that power is used in a computer. For the sake of this article, I will be using 120volt United States standard... read more

• Created on 1/27/13 by Nethermir

Aside from fear, one of the excuses that I keep hearing from people as to why they don't want to build a computer is that it is expensive. They do their research online and get inspired by these stunningly beautiful computers, then they find out that they cost about two months paycheck and that's the end of it. I have been building computers for quite a while and it saddens me that people would shy away from building their own rig because of the price, when there are other avenues to secure the parts that they need. So where do you get cheaper parts? I am a cheapskate... read more

• Created on 11/13/11 by Celcius

When most people buy a pair of headphones, they only consider price and style. These are important, but there are many other aspects to consider when buying a pair of headphones. Today we will be looking at some of these things and hopefully in the future this will allow you to make a well-informed purchase. Here are a few things to consider: Comfort: Often people buy headphones without even thinking about the comfort. If you plan to wear the headphones a lot, then comfort is an important factor. Quality headphones should allow you to focus on the music and forget that... read more

• Created on 6/7/12 by ranjanis

Intel’s “Overclock Intel Maple Crest 330 Series SSD Promotion” OFFICIAL RULES Sponsored by Intel Corporation (“Sponsor”). NO ENTRY FEE. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. The Promotion begins at 12:00 AM Pacific Time (“PT”) June 8, 2012 and ends at 12:00 AM PT July 20, 2012 (the “Promotion Period”). 1. Eligibility: The Intel’s “Overclock Intel Maple Crest 330 Series SSD Promotion” Promotion (the “Promotion”) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia, residents of Canadian provinces and territories excluding... read more

• Created on 11/11/11 by Bitemarks and bloodstains

This thread is designed to help point out the differences between on board sound and a sound card. I see this as being a stickied thread or at least a thread that can be shared with those that need convincing or an opinion/reason to go sound card rather than stay with on board. The Rules: Feel free to extend your opinions on the matter, but before you post, I strongly suggest you take out your sound card or external DAC and listen to on board again to see the difference. Give it 1-3 days for it all to sink in then you may return to your dedicated sound card. Post what... read more

• Created on 11/11/11 by lattyware

(This has been pulled directly from the original thread.) Linux. This is a thread aimed at the people who have heard the name, maybe tried it in the past. This is a thread aimed at trying to get people to try - and I mean really try - Linux. I see a lot of people commenting on Linux, saying why they don't use it, and a lot of what is being said is flat out wrong, misguided, or without proof or reason. So, this is my thread that poses a challenge to you - Try Linux properly (read on for what I mean) - and then form an opinion. One outcome could be you running Linux,... read more