HyperX Fury 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR4 Review

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HyperX Fury 4GB Ram

Image result for HyperX Ram 4 gbs
Example of the RAM being used

HyperX is a very big industry when it comes to gaming. They are mainly known for headsets and are a branch of Kingston, in other words, HyperX is the high-preformace product of Kingston Technology. Most of HyperX’s products are choice of top-rated gamer, tech enthusiasts, and over clockers world wide.
Recently I got my hands on a few sticks of HyperX Fury 4GB RAM . I purchased them from New Egg and they came in pretty fast. It also came with a life time warranty which is really a plus. The sticks I got run about $169.99. This is definitely very expensive, especially for a 4GB stick of RAM. One cool feature is that this RAM will auto-detect your hardware and over clock accordingly to it.
Here is a video showing off what the RAM looks like:

Specs:

  • Amount: 16GB (1 x 16GB)
  • Generation: DDR4
  • Speed: 2400MHz
  • Channels: Dual
  • CL: 15
  • Timing: 15-15-15-35
  • Access Time: 6.5 ns
  • Voltage: 1.5 V
  • ECC: No
  • Warrantee: LIFE TIME!

Overall this is a solid stick of RAM. Its fast, it has a life time warrantee, and is HyperX.  The only problem is the price, is only 4GB worth $169? unless you are building a fast home PC with 2 of these, I do not see another reason to get these, there are definitely other buying choices for a lot less just as good in my opinion.
 
Note:  This review is part of a classroom project.
References:

  • “HyperX – Gaming Headsets, Keyboards & More – WE’RE ALL GAMERS.” HyperXGaming, www.hyperxgaming.com/.
  • “Robot?” Newegg.com, www.newegg.com/.

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Review of the Mushkin Enhanced Redline MRA4U320LLLM8GX2

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Mushkin Enhanced Incorporated is a Colorado founded manufacturer of PSU, USB flash drives, solid state drives, and RAM for your desktop, server, and notebooks.
The Redline series of Mushkin is their latest series of memory for desktops.  It’s quick, sleek, and comes in the fastest generations made, DDR3 and DDR4.  Each stick of Redline RAM comes with the shiny red FrostByte heatsink, meaning that the memory sticks won’t overheat even as you’re overclocking them.
The Redline MRA4U320LLLM8GX2 is two sticks of 8 GB, and comes with the FrostByte-G3-R.  Other features include:

  • CAS Latency of 20
  • Dual Channel
  • An access time of 6.25 nanoseconds
  • A bandwidth of 25600
  • Dual Channel
  • Speed of 3200 MHz

 
It’s compatible with my gaming motherboard which is a Biostar X370GT7, and the fastest memory my motherboard takes is 3200 overclocked, which is why this memory is perfect for my motherboard.  I would recommend this RAM series to anyone who wanted the best and fastest for their computer, not to mention some of the best for a little of your money! These memory sticks will only cost you $140.99!
There are nothing but good reviews from this line of memory from anyone that’s used it, myself included!

Note:  This review is part of a classroom project.

 
 
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G. SKILL RIPJAWS X SERIES Memory

<![CDATA[G. SKILL is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturing company. The company targets customers whom are overclocking computer users.  The company is known for their memory aka RAM. The company was founded in 1989 by a group of computer enthusiasts. My most recent purchase was the fastest memory for my business PC.
My business PC is the ASUS A68HM-E the fast memory I discovered was the RIPJAWS  X SERIES.

This memory makes my whole entire PC run so much faster. Overall everything looks and runs phenomenally. The stylish heat spreader design but keeps it very cool.  This memory is DDR3 1866MHz that delivers up to 14.9Gbps per channel to allow the PC to run at whopping speeds. I am not the only one who has seen great things from this product.  Irma Z. states that “Pros: Cheap, Fast, & Reliable Cons: None Other Thoughts: Would buy again with no questions”, many other review read the same (Newegg)
Specifications:

  • The memory is 4 GB
  • Type – 240 pin DDR3
  • DDR3 1866
  • CAS Latency – 9
  • NON ECC (Does not error check)
  • Non Parity
  • Bandwidth – 14,900 MB/s
  • Single channel
  • Access time – 4.8231 nano second
  • Warranty – Lifetime

I definitely recommend this memory, it worked so well with my motherboard. It is not very costly paying in at a $46.99. RIPJAWS X Series provides an excellence performance at a low price.

Note: This review is part of a school project.

References:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231720
 
 
 
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G.Skill RipjawsV DDR4-2666 MHz Memory Review

<![CDATA[G.Skill is an internationally known computer hardware company based in Taiwan. They produce an influx of high-end PC products. The most well-known of these products is their RAM. Although G.Skills targeted audience is overclocking computer users, I bought memory for them that worked with my gaming motherboard, non-overclocked.
Today I am reviewing the G.Skill Ripjaws4 DDR4-2666 MHz  memory kit.  I tested this memory on my ASUS ROG Strix Z370-e gaming motherboard.
Aesthetically, this memory kit looks pretty good on a motherboard. The red heatspreaders are not ridiculously tall. Each memory stick is a bright cherry red color with the G.Skill logo branded on both sides. These sticks feel very well made (Overclockers).However, as we know, aesthetics are not the most important aspect of memory reviewing.
This particular memory is available in a wide range of frequency options from standard DDR4-2133MHz to a blistering DDR4-3733MHz. This particular kit has a very enjoyable performance and holds up to the task. The price of $189.99 can be compared to many other memory kits, but the performance cannot (Proclockers).

The specifications for the memory are pictured in the chart below: 

Overall, this memory kit is a job well done for G.Skill. The Ripjaws V series provides a faster computer experience for gaming, editing, rendering, and processing. The memory kit combines a sleeker look and high quality performance into one, creating an experience of great cosmetics and performance, for a great price (Proclockers).

Note: This review is part of a classroom project.

References:

  • http://www.overclockers.com
  • https://www.newegg.com
  • https://proclockers.com

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G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series Review

<![CDATA[I bought the Ripjaws V Series memory after looking around for a fast business RAM without completely breaking the bank. While this is a fairly fast memory chip, I feel as though I could have gotten one just as fast for less money. I paid $208 for two 8GB memory on newegg.com
I’ve never bought any products from G.SKILL so I had to do quite a bit of research. For those of you like me here is some information:
G.Skill is known for its range of DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 computer memory. RAM is available in single channel, dual channel, triple channel and quad channel packs for desktops, workstations, HTPC, as well as netbooks and laptops.G.Skill was shown to be the only DDR4 manufacturer not vulnerable to Rowhammer.G.Skill does not manufacture the memory dies, it purchases the memory dies and assembles them into a DIMM memory module ready for sale to customers.(G.SKILLWiki)
Warning: This memory was tested on my ASUS Prime B350M-A/CSM motherboard. The results may differ when using a different motherboard.
Benchmarks:

  • DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600)
  • Capacity: 8GB (2 x 4GB)
  • Non-Parity
  • Non-ECC
  • Dual Channel
  • CAS Latency: 16
  • Timing:16-16-16-36
  • Type: 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM
  • Access Time: 6.25 Ns

I went into this testing with high expectations. I was right to have these expectations as the Ripjaws V Series is EXTREMELY fast. I did not need to tweak or change anything about the performance. I’m sure that if I had used a higher end motherboard or even a gamer, it might not be able to keep up. Though this memory is fast I feel as though the price is too much. When I was looking at this RAM the first time it was around $150 and I can’t imagine why they increased the price so dramatically. If you are willing to pay the price this is a decent memory for a home and business motherboard but I suggest going with something more inexpensive.

Note:  This review is part of a classroom project.
References: 

 
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DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION

<![CDATA[Fix Windows 10 error DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
The original fault was with the IDE ATA/ATAPI controller installed with Windows 10. The fix was to use a different driver.
1. Navigate to Control Panel, Hardware and Sound and Device Manager.
2. Open the IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers section.
3. Select the controller that says ‘SATA AHCI’, right click and select Properties.
4. Select the Driver tab and Driver Details. Make sure the driver is ‘iastor.sys’. If it is, carry on. If it isn’t, try another or move on to the next step.
5. Select Update Driver Software, Browse and Let me Pick from a list of devices.
6. Select ‘Standard SATA AHCI Controller’ from the list and install.
JamieKavanagh. “How to Fix Windows 10 Error DPC Watchdog Violation – Windows 10.” Tom’s Hardware, 21 July 2016, www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-3128566/fix-windows-error-dpc-watchdog-violation.html. ]]>

What's in your backup?

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As IT professionals we know that server backups are our sole responsibility.  There is no one else in the building worrying about it (until they lose stuff) and no one is looking over your shoulder.  But when the crypto-virus hits, when a catastrophic power event kills your servers, when your boss deletes the same folder for the tenth time…can you get it back?
All the training in the world will not prevent every user from clicking on that download.  I do training, I tell users not to click on unexpected attachments, but it happens.  Are you ready?  FYI, not selling anything.
Backups are easy.  In fact, with Server 2016, they are easier than easy.  In each of my VMWare machines there exists and “extra” 6TB drive.  On this drive I added an extra drive to each virtual server and setup automatic daily backups.  In general, this has been a flawless technique.  I can restore files in minutes.  Users do not have access (so the crytovirus doesn’t touch them) and they can be archived.  I use a daily batch to copy these backups weeks to another backup server, giving me redundancy.  I also have a copy in the vault that I remake every once in while.
“The cloud is better!”  I have heard that alot, but I don’t think so.  If all our user documents are on Google we are a slave to the internet.  Yes, an IT guy just said that!  Our internet goes down every single year!  There has not been a single year since I became Technology Coordinator that it hasn’t happened!  Does teaching stop when the internet goes down?  It might, if everything a teacher uses is in the cloud.  Instead, we keep most things internal.  Our LMS (Moodle,)  file servers, web servers, you name it.  If the internet goes down, we lose the internet.  Most teachers can continue without it.  Maybe a lesson is altered for the day, maybe not.  But teaching still happens.  In districts where everything is in the cloud, it comes to a standstill.
Consider monthly or weekly archival moves to the cloud, not all.  With the low cost of 6-8TB drives these days I would far rather have all these files local, and save my bandwidth for what isn’t our content.]]>

How many AD Controllers do I need?

<![CDATA[Is this a strange question?  Some would think so.  I have known  a local IT shop that had only one.  They lost it in a storm, had no backup, and paid $35K to have an IT company make a new one.  After that, they still only had one!  Later the local IT company was hired to augment the IT shop, and they immediately put in a BDC.  Theirs actually became the PDC (yes those term still exist in FSMO) and then it was later removed when their contract ended, leaving not PDC.  So, is it a bad question?  I think not.
Now the most basic answer, for a single location situation, is 2.  Just not 1!   If you have multiple locations I would have 1 at each location.  For a school district (or business) with multiple complexes, a Domain Controller at each complex location would be optimal.  Each DC should handle DHCP and DNS as well.  This allows for local logons to be optimal, with little or no delay.  Additionally I would recommend file servers per complex so that the user files are as local as possible.  A single VMWare (or Hyper-V) machine can handle these various servers (I still make separate role servers) easily.

Server 2016 lets you split DHCP ranges.  As I have different VLANs and ranges per building, I can give the building primary (the close one) most of the range.  I do this by making the VLAN on the machine at the location have no delay, and then put in a delay in that VLAN for the other DCs.  Even in a single location situation I would recommend a delay on the BDC.  This allow one machine to handle normal logons, and allows you a way to gauge your network.  I have a 1ms delay on the BDC and it gets about 5% of the logons.  This is excellent feedback that the network is running well, and is healthy.  If I had a 1ms delay and 40-60% of the logons were on the BDC, I could have an issue.
I have a 10G network with all workstations on 1G connections, including the wireless APs.  The APs are AC and can handle 200 clients, with an AP in every room.  I also have a single location situation with 1200 devices (plus student and staff BYOD connecting as well.)
Back to logon delay.  I would highly recommend playing with this to find your network sweet spot.  Find the __ms setting that results in a 10% or lower fallback to the DC that is secondary (or tertiary).  If every DC is primary on a different VLAN (the primary VLAN for the physical location) then you have fallback for heavy logon times while maintaining the fastest speeds.
With network bandwidth becoming more an issue every day, it is our responsibility as IT professionals to make the user experience and fast and flawless as possible.  We impact the business at hand, and possible loss of production, more than some realize.  Finding the sweet spot for network logons, file access, and internet access, is one the primary ways we can make the things we do in the background obvious to those we support.]]>

Devil's Canyon-i7 (LGA 1150)

<![CDATA[Image result for Intel
The Devil Canyon is a CPU made by Intel worth over $385.99 for sale. The Devil’s Canyon is so expensive because of it’s performance. The rating for the Devil’s Canyon is 5/5 on New egg and  11191 rating on PassMark. This Card is made more for gaming than casual searching on the internet or basic social conversations.
Using the Devil’s Canyon I was able to play all my favorite games like The Witcher 3, Fallout, Rainbow, and World of Warcraft. With this CPU I was running a steady 60 Fps, perfect for gaming. With an average benchmark of 88.4% which is a good CPU until they release better CPU’s.
Image result for Devil's Canyon-i7 (LGA 1150)
 

  • Socket Type:  LGA 1150
  • Core: Quad-Core
  • Cache:
  • L2 Cache 4 x 256KB
  • L3 Cache 8MB
  • Operating Frequency
  • 0 GHz
  • Max Turbo Frequency
  • 4 GHz

 
 
Benchmarks:

  • Effective  Speed 2%
  • Average User Bench -1%
  • Peak Overclocked Bench -1% 
  •  Rating -20%,
  • Market Share 11%
  • Price -42%
  • Value -14%
  • Cores -22%
  • Threads -11%

In total comparing this CPU to others it’s really good for the cost. It may not be a i9 CPU but it can still play the games that you would want to play, but I would recommend getting it when it’s on sale though.
Note:  This review is part of a classroom project.
References: https://www.newegg.comhttps://www.cpubenchmark.net]]>

Intel Core i7-7700 Kaby Lake Review

<![CDATA[Intel has a wide variety of many hardware options for a computer. Out of all of the things that they produce and manufacture, Intel is most commonly known for their CPU’s (Central Processing Unit). Out of the two brands of CPU’s (Intel and AMD) Intel has better and more efficient CPU’s than the opposing CPU brand, AMD. The Intel CPU’s have a better performance rating than the AMD CPU’s.

Click the picture to see the price.

Intel was founded by Gordon E. Moore and Robert Noyce on July 18, 1968. Their headquarters is located in Santa Clara, California.
The Intel Core i7-7700 Kaby Lake is a 7th generation CPU that Intel produces. I believe that this CPU is a good option for many different motherboards. This Central Processing Unit has a lot of capabilities for many different motherboards. Having a pretty average clock speed and a high amount of cache, makes this CPU have a very good performance.
 
Specifications: 

  • Clock Speed:
    • Base: 3.60 GHz
    • Max Turbo: 4.20 GHz
  • Cache:
    • L1: 4 x 32KB Instruction and 4 x 32KB Data
    • L2: 4 x 256KB
    • L3: 1 x 8MB  
  • Socket Type:
    • LGA 1151
  • Number of Processors and Threads:
    • 4 cores (Quad Core)
    • 8 threads
  • Passmark Rating:
    • 10818 (Higher is better)

After going through all these specifications of this central processing unit, makes this a very high end CPU. This would be good for many different purposes for a computer. Weather you are just using it as a home computer, a business computer, or even a gaming computer. Even though this processor is quite pricey, it is worth it. It has a high performance rating and it shows.

Note: This review is part of a classroom project. 
References:
https://ark.intel.com/products/97128/Intel-Core-i7-7700-Processor-8M-Cache-up-to-4_20-GHz
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/homepage.html
https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-a-cpu-2618150
 
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