TP-LINK | TL-841N Wireless-N Router

Good day everyone! I’m so excited this week as I’ve got my hands on my new TP-LINK wireless router, namely the TL-841N. Not to mention, I bought it yesterday, June 2, in PCHub SM Fairview branch, while I was with my girlfriend, for 1820 bucks. Check it out.

Along with the TL-841N Wireless Router, the box comes with its designated adapter, an RJ45/LAN cable, Setup CD and product manual.

The TL-841N is a TP-LINK Wireless-N Router product that is designed mostly for Home & Office use, or the so-called SOHO (Small Office/Home Office). Technologically, it packs with the latest Wireless-N or the IEEE 802.11n, which transmits data for up to 300mbps. A router that is capable of transmitting Wireless-N (IEEE 802.11n) data, which is up to 300mbps, is 6x better than a Wireless-G (IEEE 802.11g) which is capable at a maximum of 54mbps. Also, there exists routers that transmits 150mbps which is what they call as Wireless-N draft routers or Wireless-N lite.

300mbps is good enough in sharing media files and/or streaming HD videos. I have tried watching the latest Girls’ Generation-TTS – Twinkle music video that is stored in my desktop’s harddrive to my ASUS K73SV notebook. It streams the video flawlessly, considering that it is a 1080P mkv video with a file size of not more than 200MB. The TL-841N is still using the currently common 2.4GHz transmitting frequency. In my own test a while ago, it took me 12 minutes to copy a total of 7GB folder from my notebook to my PC, which is quite impressive. Seeing that, I was glad that I can utilize the 300mbps Wireless-N feature of my new TP-LINK router.

Using Windows 7’s HomeGroup, I decided to connect all my devices, including my Desktop PC, my ASUS notebook, and even my older sister’s Toshiba notebook, so we can share files easily, or stream them on-the-go. I configured the router using my web browser and utilized the MAC Filtering feature so that, only our devices can access the router’s signal, that also includes my PlayStation 3 (I use the internet to access PlayStation Network, sync my trophies, download demos and stuffs, and also to stream my media files straight to my TV) and my older sister’s Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S Android Phone (so she can access the internet).

The router is placed on the 2nd level of my house, right next to my Desktop PC, near my ISP’s Modem device, and to my surprise, my PlayStation 3 (which is located in the 1st level of my house) can still receive the best signal from the internet. Thanks to the built-in Dual 5dbi Antenna. In a test I made together with my older sister, using her Android phone, we learned that she can still access the router even outside our house, near the residential highway. Take note that it also depends on the receiving device’ capability, and in our test, it was her phone. I wonder if a better device, like a notebook, can reach. Anyhow, we concluded that the router performs very well, more than what it should meet.

The router is easy to configure, as it comes with a setup CD that can guide you to modify the settings of the router, based on your preference.

Alternatively, you can access the control center of the router and change the common stuffs, as well as perform advanced features of the device through your web browser, by typing the IP address: 192.168.0.1.

The design of the TL-841N is quite simplistic, mostly made of plastic, but if you can notice, the designers of the product considered that not all countries has cold weather. It comes with light indicators, together with the corresponding symbols so users can easily understand. Check it out, lots of holes for ventilation!

At the rear part of the router, aside from the un-attachable omni-directional dual 5dbi antennas, comes the Power button, the Factory Reset button, the QSS button, a DC IN, a WAN port for connecting your ISP’s Modem, and 4 extra 10/100 Gigabit LAN ports for wired devices.

Before I conclude, here’s the Unboxing video of the TP-LINK TL-841N Wireless Router:

In conclusion, the TL-841N Wireless Router is a very good performing full Wireless-N router by TP-LINK. It wasn’t my first Wireless Router, by the way. My old one is a Wireless-G Edimax BR-6204WLG I bought as a bargain (and now I’m selling it) from an old student which is so hard to configure. In that experience, I became sensitive upon choosing which brand to buy, and which model. I wasn’t good in Cisco networking too, back in college days so I have less idea on the technologies used in networking (but learned a lot when I started configuring this device). I’ve been choosing between the 150mbps TP-LINK WR740N or this one. But I was relieved that there’s no regret, I bought a very good product, and TP-LINK also. Check this product out in the official website. Hope to get my hands on another TP-LINK product!

|> 소녀시대 (Girls’ Generation) TTS (TaeTiSeo) – Twinkle

INEXTRON | X-IN GMC 1530T Gaming Chair

Ever wonder where to buy affordable but fully working and quality Gaming Chair for your gaming needs? Here I present to you the gaming chair I’m using up until now. It’s the X-IN gaming chair by INEXTRON. For roughly 10,000 philippine peso, you get this black/red-colored gaming chair to sit in your floor. Bought it last January 2011 and still kicking my ass.

The design of the 1530T is truly intended for hardcore gamers out there. It is equipped with stereo speakers, left and right, placed near where your head rests whenever you start playing. The greatest thing of all is that the bass knocks you down inside its house, pumps at the back of your body and lets you feel the intensity of the game you are playing, whether it is Need For Speed Hot Pursuit or Call of Duty Black Ops.

The 1530T comes out from a big box while being “folded” into two parts (refer to the pictures below). It is bundled together with a user’s manual, a typical adapter, a 3.5mm jack extension and of course, wrapped in a large plastic.

On its side lies all the controls you can modify for your preference and some jacks to use. You can adjust the sound with the up and down buttons, as well as the intensity of the bass. Thanks to its 3.5mm port, you can pair it together with any of your favorite gaming console (PlayStation 3, Wii, XBOX 360, not to mention any older gaming consoles), any portable gaming systems (PlayStation Portable, NDS), your iPod or any MP3 players, your iPad and any other Android machines, that is equipped with 3.5mm jack too.

Check out myself trying out the gaming chair last year (coz’ this is a late post, sorry) while playing Need For Speed Hot Pursuit and listening to Children of Bodom, below:

Now I can play video games at any position. Well, if I like to play Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception on my PlayStation 3, if I want to play Battlefield B3 on my Core i7 Rig, if I wish to play The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on my ASUS Core i5 K73 series notebook, or even if I wish to play TapSonic on my sister’s Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S Android phone, I could!

|> Dethklok – Thunderhorse

ASUS | K73 Series (K73SV-DH51)

One of the leading manufacturers in computer hardware, ASUS, brings us a new notebook model from their K series line. ASUS surely makes it more durable as it is equipped with the company’s latest technology as well as technology from the industry’s leading manufacturers of semiconductors and software, like Intel, Nvidia and even Microsoft.

The K series notebooks from ASUS are targeted mostly for daily computing, multimedia and mainstream to heavy gaming. Unlike the RoG or the G-series notebooks that is aimed for hardcore gamers and equipped with GPU cards that can run the latest games today as well as future ones flawlessly, K-series notebooks are mostly equipped with mainstream GPU cards that can run all games today but it cannot guarantee to run the future ones in max settings. And unlike the N-series notebooks, which are designed by David Lewis and equipped with SonicMaster speakers by Bang & Olufsen to provide the best audio experience with users, K-series notebooks, on the other hand, are equipped with just the mainstream but reliable speakers by AltecLansing. The recent models of the K-series notebooks are the K43, K53, K73 and K93, all of which are equipped with different hardware, as well as varies in size, depending on the consumer’s preference.

The newest addition to the K73 series notebooks is the K73SV-DH51 which is now on my hands and ready to conquer my computing needs.

I’ve got this powerful notebook from my stepfather, on Christmas Day. It wasn’t actually my choice. My real choice was the Toshiba Satellite P755 series with the Intel Core i7 CPU and 3D Technology on it. However, I was surprised upon the arrival of this item. It does a lot and looks promising.

The package arrived with just the notebook itself, covered by the usual plastic, together with its battery, some manuals and warranty coupon. The box, I believe, was disposed by my stepfather to reduce tax.

This notebook ships together with a Mobile Intel HM65 Express Chipset, able to do 64bit computing on its roof. And since it is the HM65 chipset, expect powerful 2nd generation Intel Core processors which are Sandy Bridge ones. The K73SV-DH51 is equipped with a Dual Core, outperforming Intel Core i5 2430M that runs at a clock frequency of 2.4GHz in a 3MB Cache. Thanks to the Intel Turbo Boost Technology, the 2430M can run faster at a 3.0GHz clock frequency. Also, despite being just a Dual-Core processor, with the already introduced Hyper-Threading Technology, the 2430M variation of the Mobile Intel Core i5 series will join your computing world like it is a Quad-core processor. That’s real technology from Intel.

Aside from its already outperforming Core i5 processor, the board of the K73SV-DH51 notebook, there attached a total RAM of 4GB DDR3-1333 memory, which will give me enough ability to multi-task from my daily programming-use and my gaming-needs. And not only that, you can always add more as it has an extra slot for memory upgrades, with a limit of a total of 8GB of system RAM. Cool, isn’t it? And I have plans of upgrading it later.

In terms of storage and media, the K73SV-DH51 is equipped with a single 5400RPM S-ATA harddisk drive with a total of 750GB storage, partitioned, so you can store system/program files on the first 350GB drive, and your personal files on the other 350GB drive. Also, one good thing about it is that it also boasts a DVD writer that can also read Blu-ray Discs, which is placed on the left part of the chassis of the notebook, next to its exhaust area. That’s right, Blu-ray Discs! a 3-in-1 card reader is also present at this model, so you can read and write files to your SD/MMC/MS cards. Unfortunately, the K73SV-DH51 doesn’t have an extra slot for another harddisk drive, so if you are planning for another drive or an SSD (if you have enough money), the only way to do this is to remove the optical disc drive and use its connectors.

Graphically-speaking, the K73SV-DH51 is armed with a mobile Nvidia-powered GeForce 500 series GPU, the GT540M. The said GPU gives you 1GB DDR3 Video RAM, making it possible to play the latest graphically-intensive games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and games I love to play like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Although not as powerful as my Desktop’s 512MB ATI RADEON HD4850 in a few aspect (specifically in DirectX 9 games), thanks to its DirectX10/11 specifications. I can now play Saints Row The Third in Medium settings in DX10/11 mode.

Below are recorded gameplay videos of Skyrim in K73SV-DH51. Take note that it is recorded using Fraps and saved in the same physical harddrive that’s why framerate drops are consistent and mostly below 50fps. However, if it is played without fraps, it will result to a consistent 60fps in most areas in the game, even in combat.

The settings of Skyrim is on Ultra High mode at a resolution of 1366×768, instead of its native 1600×900. Can’t remember the exact details, but Anti-Aliaisng is set to 4x and FXAA is set to 8x.

As you can see, the K73SV-DH51, despite being just a multimedia notebook, performs Skyrim very well. Graphically-speaking, aside from the equipped Nvidia GeForce GT540M, the K73SV-DH51 by default, is also equipped with an Intel HD Graphics (particularly Intel HD Graphics 3000), that sits inside the Intel Core i5 2430M processor. It is fast enough to do all your multimedia needs, like watching HD videos, or editing them, do photoshop and some selected few games. The Intel HD Graphics is efficient enough so you can save battery life. And thanks to the Nvidia Optimus technology. The K73SV-DH51 can switch between the Intel HD Graphics or the GeForce GT540M automatically, depending on the required video-processing power so you can save battery life or conserve energy more than you could imagine.

The boastful graphics technology of the K73SV-DH51 sits on a HD+ 1600×900 resolution LED-backlit LCD Display. It is a glare-type LCD panel, which means that viewing angle is pretty bad but privacy is what’s prioritized. Up ahead sits a 0.3megapixels web camera that can be used for video-chatting, picture-snapping or for security authentication.

Physically, the K73SV-DH51 is a large 17.3inches “Desktop Replacement” that consist of all the latest ASUS technology. The IceCool Technology that ASUS introduced was one of the best reason why I do not regret this notebook over the Toshiba one. With it, you don’t have to worry about your notebook’s warm body and your palm will not absorb it either, as opposed to the conventional notebooks. How did it happen? ASUS uses the so-called Aluminum Tough Technology in which, instead of the useful plastic body of the notebook, ASUS uses aluminum body to keep the insides and outsides of the notebook warm-free. So, say goodbye to overheating!

The 17.3incher notebook offers a very good ventilation as it placed its exhaust on the left part of the chassis of the notebook, next to the Blu-ray/DVD-RW drive. Also, next to it is a single USB2.0 port.

On the right part of the chassis, there lies another 3 USB2.0 ports, Microphone and a 3.5mm jack, an HDMI port for external media viewing, the 3-in-1 card reader, a VGA or D-SUB out for monitors and projectors, an RJ45 port for 10/100 LAN. Next to these goodies were the DC IN for external power, as well as a built-in Kensington Lock. One negative feedback of this notebook is the lack of USB3.0, which should be offered based on the manufacturing date of it. Anyhow, for me, it isn’t a big deal, atleast for now.

The K73SV-DH51 notebook gives you the metallic-like feel, thanks to its so-called Metallic-Chic texture. The notebook offers a super-compressed keyboard that comes with the numpad. The keys can be easily pressed with just a slight effort. Using the Function key (Fn key), you can perform shortcut keys like Sleep, WiFi On/Off, Brightness Low/High/Dim, Sound Low/High/Mute, Media keys, eliminating the need to provide additional physical keys that takes up space in its body, making it stay simplistic. Also, on its body, lies the SonicFocus AltecLansing speakers that are strong enough to give you theater-like feel when watching movies, listening to music or playing video games. On its side is the Power Button which is quite simplistic.

The touchpad of the K73SV-DH51 gives you the ability to perform multi-touch gestures, for extra operations, like scrolling, zooming in and out, etc. Below it are light indicators for Power, Battery, CPU, WiFi, NumLock and CapsLock.

All of these runs the latest Service Pack 1 of Windows 7 Home Professional, together with the Office 2010 Starter, as well as some bloatware from ASUS. One useful built-in bloatware from ASUS is the so-called Power4Gear, which lets me use pre-defined configuration on how much power I will use to save battery life.

The K73SV-DH51, according to some sources, can sit on your lap for 5 hours. But based on my test, it can last more than 5 hours, just keep it in battery saving mode and with the WiFi turned off.

Here’s my Youtube unboxing video of K73SV-DH51 (captured using a Sony Arc S 720P Camera):

What’s missing? The K73SV-DH51 lacks Bluetooth, Blu-ray Writer, 3D capabilities and USB3.0, all of which isn’t necessary for me as of now. Take a minute for the summary of the specifications of K73SV-DH51:

—–CPU—–

Processor: Intel Core i5-2430M
Clock Frequency: 2.40GHz
Turbo Boost Technology: Yes, 3.0GHz
Processor Family: 2nd Generation Intel Core Processor Family (Sandy Bridge)
Chipset: Intel HM65 Chipset
Intel Smart Cache: 3MB
Num. of Cores: 2 (Dual Core)
Hyper-Threading: Yes, 4
Integrated Graphics: Yes, Intel HD Graphics 3000

—–Display—–

Display: 17.3″ HD+ (16:9) Super Clear Glare-Type Screen (1600×900)
Graphics: nVIDIA® GeForce GT 540M GDDR3 (1.0GB) w/ Optimus Technology
PCI-Express: PCI-Express™ 16X

—–Memory—–

Memory: 4096 MB DDR3 1333MHz (Upgradeable – 8GB 1333MHz Max)
Number of SODIMMS: Two 204Pin SODIMM Sockets

—–Storage—–

Standard Hard Drive: 750GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
Standard Optical Drive: 4x Blu-Ray Reader + 8x DVDRW/CDRW Super Multi Combo Drive

—–Network—–

Network/Communication: Built-in Gigabit Ethernet LAN; Integrated 802.11 b/g/n wireless LAN

—–Slots/Interface—–

Card Reader: 3-in-1 Card Reader (SD / MMC / MS / MS-Pro )

Input / Output Ports:

– 4 x USB 2.0 Ports
– 1 x HDMI
– 1 x RJ45 LAN
– 1 x VGA Port
– 1 x Microphone
– 2 x Headphone Out Jack (S/PDIF)

—–Power System—–

Battery: 6 Cells – Smart Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (4800 mAh)
Power Supply: 16 V DC, 4.7 A, 90W | 100~240 V AC, 50/60 Hz Universal

—–Cooling System—–

Standard Cooling:: Copper CPU Heatsink
Optional Cooling: IC Diamond Thermal Compound

—–Size/Weight—–

Size: 16.50″ x 11.02″ (d) x 01.44″ (h)
Weight: 6.9 lbs with 6-cell Battery

—–Keyboard/Point Device—–

Keyboard: 19.02mm Size 88 Key Full Sized Keyboard with Numeric Key Pad
Point Device: Integrated Touchpad with Scrolling Function

—–Additional Features—–

Extra Features: Built-in 0.3M Digital Video | Kensington® Lock

—–Software—–

Standard OS: Genuine Windows 7® Home Premium 64-Bit SP1

Source: xoticpc.com

All in all, it is one heck of a notebook. It is my first notebook, but compared to my older brother and sister’s Toshiba Satellite A665 with an AMD Phenom II X3 and ATI Radeon HD5650-equipped 15.6inches notebooks, this one is 40% better in all aspects. It defines the words “Desktop Replacement” and “Multimedia Notebook”.

|> Linkin Park – Lying From You

DEEPCOOL | Killer Whale

Last time, I had a problem with my Core i7 CPU. It burns its temperature for up to 75degrees and it’s quite alarming. Having been to a lot of forums, they said that Core i7 or Nehalem processors run as hot as that, so to make it easy to understand, an i7 cpu with 75degrees temperature is normal, and overclocking it means that you’ll eventually reach up to 100degrees or more! Pretty scary, to think that I live in a tropical country and it’s summer right now, folks. The included heatsink and fan of the i7 920 does it right but seems lacking. Thankfully I have saved a lot of money while I’m doing my OJT in ACI. Good thing, PCHub had a promo that when you buy an AeroCool VS-9, you’ll be entitled for a discount for some DeepCool products. I sold my Antec 300 that night to my fellow TPC user, and bought the new VS-9, plus the DeepCool Killer Whale. VS-9 cost me 2,100php and the discounted Killer Whale was 2,400php (originally 2,900). Good thing for me.

The Killer Whale is surely huge as you can see, but in reality, the larger means a better cooling solution. Despite I myself isn’t an overclocker or a huge modder, I was so surprised at how greatly my CPU’s temperature decreased. From 75degrees of max load, it fell down at 60degrees even if the weather is too hot. Thanks to the 6 sintered powder heatpipes as well as the 55 pieces of copper fins of the heatsink, the CPU won’t stay hot as hell. And huge thanks to its 120mm equipped PWM fan with LED lights, the hotness will be blown away easily.

The Killer Whale is said to be compatible to any competing AMD AM2+/AM3 processor of the current generation (as of writing this) aside from the new Nehalem-based processors (Core i3, i5, i7). At its box includes the Killer Whale, instruction guide, screws, thermal paste and compatibility bracket.

A friend from PCHub Fairview installed this Killer Whale for me, aside from transferring my hardware components from the Antec 300 to the AeroCool VS-9. Now it’s mounted to my Intel DX58SO motherboard.

In summary, the DeepCool Killer Whale features:

• Equipped with multiple clips to support Intel LGA1366/1155/1156/775 and AMD AM3/AM2+/AM2.

• 6 sintered powder heatpipes conduct heat from the processor quickly to protect it from overheating.

• Mirror polished copper base gives perfect contact with the CPU surface.

• 55 pieces of copper fins with big surface dissipate heat efficiently.

• 120x120x48mm PWM fan with built-in blue LED, modding looking, offers a perfect balance between airflow and noise.

• De-vibration rubber buckles absorb operating noise maximally.

• Cool the CPU and the surrounding components like Mainboard, memory card, chipset, etc.

• Tool free installation.

• 150W solution, a perfect choice for overclockers.

You can find more of the technical specs and features of Killer Whale at the official website of DeepCool.

I had doubts that it won’t fit in the new AeroCool VS-9 casing I bought but thankfully, it did fit.

In conclusion, despite having it as the first DeepCool product I bought, I won’t hesitate to buy another product from the company. I am so satisfied with the durability and performance of Killer Whale, aside from its looks that is already a Killer, the Killer Whale is an overkill performer. Now, I’m gonna sit back and relax, watch a movie or play GTAIV without worrying about my i7 920 ever again. Cheers!

|> Metallica – Eye of the Beholder

The Pinoy Rig Show Vol.3

Here we go again, for another rig story to feature. This time, we’re going to have a closer look at sir ronkx‘s “white-outside, colorful-inside” rig.

This monster rig was unveiled on the SMYR thread in TPC on November 16, 2010, just 3 days ago, by sir ronkx. This one isn’t the type you can show off for having the latest components. Instead, I would prefer it calling a “humble but versatile” one. White and clear. Almost like a Pimp-my-Macintosh. I believe this neat chassis is an NZXT Phantom, and yes, it’s cool. If you have the time to look at what a Phantom can give you, do it. You’ll see a bunch of awards grabbed by this one in the NZXT website. If you’re wondering, the front and upper part of the chassis are the plastic ones, the rest are all heavy metal \m/.

Those black/white system fans are included in the chassis. Sir ronkx did not managed to cope up with the color combination. I think he did that on purpose. If you look at it, we’ve got a blue colored CPU fan mounted on the motherboard and a red-colored-line in system’s gpu. It’s good having that black GIGABYTE power supply, matches the color.

As I’ve said above, this one’s the simple type of rig, not those for hardcore guys. I’m not sure what components are installed in this one. But to be honest, having an NZXT Phantom’s enough. I’ve gone to the website a while ago, and to the webpage of the Phantom. Hmm… It’s interesting to see that the Phantom have built-in fan controller and I’m getting jealous. I’m pretty sure the plastic parts of this chassis are durable enough, even if you drop it like many times, it may not break. There’s still a lot of drive bays empty, and yes it can handle more than 8 HDDs, if you’re files are mostly Bluray ripped movies. I’m not pretty sure if this one’s equipped with an optical drive but if you think of it, most systems have, agree? Also, looks like you can install separate system fans just below those HDD containers, cool.

STYLE – 8.5
UPGRADE – 9.0
SPACE – 10

This one’s pretty reminiscent to sir tsakoyy’s “Assassin’s Creed” rig huh. But if you think of it, this one’s more neat. If I have to NAME it myself, it would be… “Assassin’s Creed II” rig 😀 But wait, where’s the Brotherhood one? ^_^

Before we put an end to this article, I would like to personally thank sir ronkx for this wonderful creature he just built.
Thanks for reading!

|> Trivium – The Calamity

The Pinoy Rig Show Vol.2

Today, another all-hail rig will turn your eyes into ice. This rig by sir Urfantasyguy of TipidPC just caught my eye. I swear, you have to take a look at it now.

Honestly, it does not give you the good impression at first, especially if you’re eyeing to the outer appearance, but when you start to take some glimpse on the inside of the box, you’ll see what I was talking about.

As you can see, this monster rig is wearing a MSI GTX460 hawk, firmly equipped in an MSI P55 GD55 motherboard, with an Intel Core i7-870 as the CPU while the stock cooler disregarded and instead, plugged an aftermarket Xigmatek Balder. Of course, we shouldn’t forget about those 4 gigs Corsair RAM sticks speeding up to 1600. All of these power-hungry components connected to a Corsair HX750, and weared by an AeroCool CyborgX, a pretty awesome choice.

Here you see the MSI GTX460 card and the red-black-colored thing-y on the right side below, I think it’s a customized Western Digital Caviar, matched with the customized Corsair HX750.

Generally, sir Urfantasyguy intended to make this rig in a color-concept combining Red and Black, as opposed to sir tsakoyy’s Assasin’s Creed rig. It’s a plus that this rig doesn’t use any water-cooling system, and that the cables inside are arranged very well. If I could define this monster rig in a single word, that would be “Infernus”, because of those HOT and SEXY components inside and the fact that it is a combination of Red and Black. Cool, isn’t it?

STYLE – 9.0
UPGRADE – 9.0
SPACE – 10

Thanks for reading the second part of TPRS. I would like to thank sir Urfantasyguy for the awesome-ness of this rig, and to guys of TipidPC!

—————-
|> Metallica – Phantom Lord

The Pinoy Rig Show Vol.1

Hey guys! It’s the first edition of The Pinoy Rig Show! Are you excited? Yes I am, I’m writing it as much as I can and I already saw some EPIC-looking Rigs all the way from TipidPC. Sometimes I feel jealous, uhh, I think that’s how getting poor is… That’s what the world anyway. If you haven’t read my introduction about this new segment, click here. So much for that, we’ll start off with Sir tsakoyy‘s new repainted Rig. I’ve seen this from the “Show Me Your RIG!” thread from TipidPC:

Honestly, I can’t seem to recognize what components he used when you look far. Let’s look a little more.

Sir tsakoyy told me the right specs this rig is equipped with, the morning after I published this article. Finally, I’ve learned that this is a Cooler Master CM Storm Sniper, originally colored black, and recently repainted in white. Internal components include a Core i5 750 mounted to an Asus Maximus 3 Formula, armed 2 gigs of DDR3 Arctic RAMs, an Asus GTX 280 (connected to the water cooling system), a humble 160 gigs of Western Dgital HDD, all powered by a 620 watts Enermax PSU.

Anyhow, I can see he’s using a water-cooling formula to cool his CPU as well as his GPU. Looks good with the white theme. I can describe it as “an Assassin’s Creed-inspired rig”, with all the CPU casing parts repainted from black to white. It’s a good thing he also did repainted his Power Supply, and the cable modules also matched the white-themed interior. Here’s a summary of what water cooling system he used:

Swiftech 360 Radiator
Swiftech 240 Radiator
Corsair 655 Pump
Ek 250ml Reservoir
Ek GTX 280 GPU Water Block
Heatkiller CPU Water Block
2pcs Bitspower 90deg Rotary Elbow
4pcs Bitspower 45deg Rotary Elbow
10pcs Feser Compression Fitting 3/8×5/8
Danger Den UV White Tube
5pcs DK Fans 90 CFM

As for the exterior, I’m a bit intrigued at why this CPU doesn’t have any optical drive installed. Anyhow, because of the removal of the optical drive, the Rig as a whole look pretty simple, classy and sexy. It’s even more sexier with the addition of those Red-colored drive-bay locks. You can see on the upper part of the image that there’s a fan controller installed. Hmmm… coold 😀 I cannot see what GPU card he’s using but I’m sure it’s a high-end one and it’s pretty long. Anyhow, I assure this rig is able to replace new GPUs that are coming up like HD6800 series.

STYLE – 9.5
UPGRADE – 9.0
SPACE – 10

So that’s the final score. I’m sure Sir tsakoyy of TPC would be happy and satisfied with his customized Rig. Thanks for reading this article. Thank you Sir tsakoyy. Thanks TipidPC!

—————-
|> Metallica – One

The Pinoy Rig Show

Dear Bloggers,

Ok, so now you’re viewing my newest segment here in my blog entitled, The Pinoy Rig Show. Basically, what we do here is to feature our filipino friends’ most-beloved Rigs. When I say Rig, we’re definitely talking about the Style among personal computers. Whether it’s a BEASTy rig or a CASUAL rig, or even just a SIMPLE student rig, just whatever it is, you’re in!

The Pinoy Rig Show will judge these rigs by the following:

STYLE – If you’re rig seems to be unique or trendy, you’ll get a high score all the way.
UPGRADE – If you’re system is able to take future upgrades.
SPACE – If you’re system can be operational in any condition and is not messy.

That will be the 3 criteria. I know you guys will insist why the heck I did not include any criteria that will measure the system’s performance. Here’s my explanation: I will never ever have the opportunity to try out the featured rigs. I’m just gonna praise and criticize there systems through how they look in the images and what hardware components they use. Honestly, it’s like I’m more promoting and featuring these systems to my blog.

Most Rigs featured and will be featured here will be TipidPC users, and together with their Rig’s image, I’ll include their TipidPC name. On the other hand, The Pinoy Rig Show will operate weekly.

-Mister Computer

————————————————————————————
List of TPRS articles, so far:

Week1 (101103): “Assassin’s Creed” –click here–
Week2 (101108): “Infernus” –click here–
Week3 (101119: “Assassin’s Creed II” – click here –

DIARY | R.I.P.: HEC Cougar 700CM – May 2009-October 2010

October 15, 2010. I was on the computer, trying to configure Dolphin so I can play Fatal Frame IV: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse flawlessly and downloading SungKyunKwan Scandal EP11 when suddenly, the computer turned off by itself. It was 6 in the evening and I thought to myself that maybe there’s a problem in our electricity so, I checked out downstairs. My brother’s watching TV while my sis is playing with my PlayStation 3. I returned back to my room and I notice why the heck my pc casing’s switch is still on “Blue”? I tried restarting and turning it on again. No luck. It has power just for a second then dies again. WTF happened to my PC?! I decided to leave it out for now.

The next day, I tried turning it on again but still, it does the same. I tried to ask the Ate Meg from PCHub Fairview if what should I do. She said I should just bring the unit there so they can check it. And so I did. I already had the feeling that the problem’s either on my Power Supply or the motherboard. Kuya Rhayan was the one assigned to look up and test my pc. They will contact me in 3 days after some tests.

Three days later, Ate Meg told me that it was the PSU. I guess I need to buy another one. However, Mom said I should just buy the new PSU next week. A few days later, I’m now ready to buy. I’m reconsidering the Corsair PSUs coz’ they’re so freakin’ expensive. I tried asking Ate Meg if I could just buy the same unit but she declined, and even Kuya Rhayan, because they say that in their experience, that PSU is really faulty and prone to RMAs. Too bad. I ended up to just avail the lower-end model HEC Raptor R500. :[

Rest in Peace
– HEC Cougar 700CM –
May 2009 – October 2010

On the other hand, tomorrow my junkie HEC Cougar 700CM will be sold for 600 bucks for good. Bye ~

Oh no! My Samsung F480’s no more a Virgin!

Last week, my phone malfunctioned. I know it has something to do with the hardware, coz’ if it’s in the software, then i’ll be the one to repair it instead. So, last August 1, 2010 (right, it’s Tiffany’s birthday), I came to SM Fairview to make a check-up and at the same time, repair this phone. I’ve gone to the following shops in CyberZone: Techno Mobile, BSD International, and all they say is that, there’s a short circuit in the phone itself, and it would cost me 700~800 PHP. It’s quite believable, since the problem of my phone is that, everytime I insert the battery, it automatically turns on like hell, then turns off after a few minutes, then sometimes, rapidly pushing in the End button. But the problem is, they told me, I should just bring it to the Samsung shop. In short, they’re not capable T__T. The next shop which is I really became disappointed is, TwinLine. That shop made me argue with the technician. He said it’s in the program, and it needs to be reprogrammed. F*** ’em! Sorry for that bad word.

So, the next thing is to look for another store and inquire. I tried this up-start cellphone shop called “C.CellZone” and I immediately asked the technician if he could fix my phone. First, we did some talking. He asked me about the symptoms, and commanded me to remove the memory card, coz’ he told me that it is possible that there’s a virus, though it’s very unusual. He told me that maybe there’s a corrupted system file and we did a Master Reset of the phone. We observed the phone for a while, and he said that if ever it happens again, it’s in the hardware, that maybe there’s a so-called “corrosion” in the flex or in any of the inside parts of the phone (Note: Corrosion are dust/damages that can be found in flex and other ICs and circuits of any electrical machine). So, the phone turned well, and he did not asked me for anything. I came home and tested the phone. It works. I turned it off then tried removing then inserting the battery, when suddenly, after inserting it, the phone automatically turned on! This is EPIC crazy!… I told myself, I should just bring it back in the repair shop and totally ask the technician to repair it as much as he could.

So, I came back last Wednesday and told him what happened. He told me, maybe there is really a corrosion in the flex of the End key, and that it is most likely that it became wet and then dried. We also did a short conversation about the other stores I asked out, and that he is aware that some of those are real scammers, that they’ll cost you so much and they’ll even do the wrong thing. After a few moments, he did the thing, opened the insides of the phone (and that’s why i’m saying it’s no more a virgin), and tried observing the whole parts. I saw all of it. I was amazingly staring at the parts, that they were just like that, so thin and small, packed inside the housing of my phone. The technician, Kuya Rick, was just using a set of screwdrivers and a mini scalpel. Finally, we happened to see the flex and, it’s confirmed, the flex has dust! We’re very sure that water came inside and ruined the flex. After that findings, he immediately cleaned up the corrosion while I’m enjoying to watch him clean it, as if I’m gonna try that out xD. Finally, he tried testing the phone again after assembling its, and everything worked out as expected. I’m so happy it’s working again. He told me it’ll cost me just PHP250. I’m so amazed… “akala ko wala ng technician na humble, magaling at hindi mandurugas…”, and it was just him that proved me that I’m wrong. I did the right thing. Even though C.CellZOne was just an up-start, cheap-looking store in contrast to the other cellphone shops I mentioned, atleast they’re doing their thing in a very good way. I’m so pleased. And quite excited to make a copy of The Big Four Tour Liva @ Sonisphere to my phone. Thanks to Kuya Ricky and the rest of C.CellZone. And here are some stolen shots ^_^

…and here’s something to tell you that I’m not joking when I said it cost me PHP250.00

I’m really happy my phone was respawned and working well again. And I would like to recommend Charle’s Cellzone, specially Kuya Rick for bringing back my phone to life again. If you are looking for repairs, just contact him @ 09217228814. Thanks ^^

|> In Flames – The Chosen Pessimist