Questions tagged [hardware]

Hardware is a collection of physical elements that comprise a computer system. Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or components of computer such as monitor, keyboard, hard disk, mouse, etc. Hardware recommendation questions are off-topic but might be welcomed at Hardware Recommendations Stack Exchange.

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How prevalent is the dock scratching the Nintendo Switch's screen?

I don't own a Switch yet, but I'm planning for one. One common complaint I hear is that the dock is built in such a way that the screen (rather, it's bezel) is easily scratched when taking the Switch ...
Mikey T.K.'s user avatar
  • 1,823
8 votes
3 answers
5k views

Nintendo Switch left Joy-Con disconnects frequently. Fix?

When playing Zelda: Breath of the Wilds on the Nintendo Switch, when I play with the Switch docked and the Joy-Cons physically disconnected, the left Joy-Con frequently "lags" or becomes disconnected ...
Jon Schneider's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
883 views

Overwatch consistenly sets DPI scaling to 150% when using multiple displays

Specs: GTX960 graphics card on Windows 10 64-bit. I have two 1920x1080 duplicated screens set up (one is a TV, but it is a native 1920x1080 resolution, not scaled) with scaling set to 100% on both ...
janvdl's user avatar
  • 111
0 votes
1 answer
3k views

3DS top screen going dark?

My 3DS top screen has been broken as far as I can remember. My brother and I both got 3DS's when they first came out. I'm pretty sure when he realized his top screen was broken he switched them (we ...
logna's user avatar
  • 3
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

How can I tell which rom version of a game is loaded on an NES cartridge?

On occasion game studios need to make changes to existing games that are still on the market. This means that for any single game, there could be different versions in the wild with only minor ...
RLH's user avatar
  • 3,749
-2 votes
1 answer
3k views

How do I use my earphones only as a microphone in CS:GO? [closed]

I recently got a new computer and I have CS:GO installed. Thing is, in order to play competitive you're basically required to have a microphone and I don't want to ask my parents because they just ...
Alphex's user avatar
  • 990
5 votes
3 answers
4k views

Wii U disc drive spitting out disk after making noises

My Wii U is behaving like the one in this video: I have no idea why it's behaving that way, I have kept my Wii U in great condition since I bought it 2 years ago, ...
Vishwa Iyer's user avatar
4 votes
0 answers
211 views

Why is the video color messed up in our California Speed arcade cabinet?

A friend of mine recently acquired a California Speed arcade machine. The controls work, but the monitor is not the original. It uses a CGA to VGA converter to get the video to display on the new ...
Cody Mercer's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
307 views

Saitek x45 HOTAS range values not mapping properly

I have a saitek x45 HOTAS. I have the drivers downloaded from saiteks ftp server here. I've done the built in windows joystick calibration wizard, and shows as operating perfectly fine with a normal ...
Brian Errigo's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
7k views

Disabling LED breathing effect on a plug and play gaming mouse [closed]

I currently own a plug and play gaming mouse, which has 7 LED colors which keep on cycling automatically in a slow breathing effect. The mouse is "Magic Eagle by Havit". There were no drivers that ...
Vrushal Shravane's user avatar
34 votes
2 answers
12k views

How can I ensure my PlayStation 2 will last a long time?

I'm still using a PlayStation 2. I'm aware that nothing lasts forever, but I would like to make the PlayStation 2 last as long as it can. I bought it roughly when PlayStation 2 was released but ...
Dragon Creature's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
793 views

Can I charge the battery with just a USB cable?

While perusing a local second-hand charity shop, I stumbled upon a PSP for a steal! However, the one "problem" mentioned by the clerk was that it was without a power supply. After handling the ...
RLH's user avatar
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0 votes
1 answer
2k views

Using Razer Synapse, can I lower my mouse sensitivity while aiming?

When I press my right mouse button (RMB), I would like to: Have my character aim their weapon (the default behavior) Have the DPI of my mouse lowered When I release RMB, I would like to stop aiming ...
Impirator's user avatar
  • 423
2 votes
1 answer
190 views

Sharpen the SNES

Is there any way to alter the graphics of the SNES so that they don't appear grainy on my HDTV? Different cables, different wiring, etc? I'm currently using an RF cable. Ideas?
ToTheMax's user avatar
  • 624
1 vote
1 answer
1k views

How does the light gun work for Duck Hunt?

Modern motion detection video game systems (Wii/Wii U, Xbox Kinect, PS Move, etc.) need sensors to read for motion and user input. However, when you play Duck Hunt on the NES, the light gun has no ...
wcarhart's user avatar
  • 1,990
-1 votes
1 answer
74 views

PS3 YLOD question

Im aware there is a lot of YLOD (Yellow light of death) questions and I have read a good few of them, but i couldn't find what i was looking for. So, I bought a PS3 getting YLOD errors. I have tried ...
morgi's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
2k views

Can I change the steam controller's sticks?

I recently bought a steam controller and really love it. One problem is I really don't like its stick, and would like to change it. I own an XBox controller annd know I love those sticks, is there ...
Magix's user avatar
  • 133
4 votes
2 answers
4k views

Can I use a HDD on my PS3 if I have already used another on the same console?

I'm thinking of changing the Hard Disk of my PS3 (Slim 120GB), but I am unsure of what will happen to the data on the one I previously had if I do this: PS3 has some data in the HDD. I turn off PS3, ...
Manchineel's user avatar
  • 1,072
31 votes
3 answers
13k views

What does RTC stand for?

When researching flash cartridges, I keep coming across the term "RTC", but never see it actually defined. I think it has something to do with a battery powered clock. What does "RTC" stand for?
kzh's user avatar
  • 437
8 votes
2 answers
3k views

Is it safe to use an unofficial cable to power a console?

I want to buy a Super Nintendo AC Adapter Power Supply. The original ones are rare nowadays. I've read on the web that originals adapter have a component that controls the current to avoid damaging ...
Galabyca's user avatar
  • 6,690
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

PS Vita button issue

Recently, my PS Vita's square button stopped working entirely. I have tried everything on the troubleshooting page, and nothing is working. Is this a hardware issue or something that can easliy be ...
Flan's user avatar
  • 143
28 votes
3 answers
10k views

My 3DS got wet, what did I lose and what can I recover?

Four days ago my 3DS fell into water while on, when I pulled it out it remained on, quickly I turned it off and dry it with a towel, removed the SD card and game card, and placed it in a bowl with ...
Uriel Arvizu's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

How can I judge hardware against minimum and recommended specs?

While investigating graphics card benchmarks for a new PC, I noticed that some of the games I've been playing on my current laptop list minimum specificaitons on Steam that are considerably higher ...
Bob Tway's user avatar
  • 1,231
0 votes
1 answer
2k views

Will Skyrim work properly if mods and main files are split over two HDDs?

I would like to know if anyone has experience running skyrim and it's mods across two separate data drives. I am upgrading my rig to a solid state, but it is only 500GB. If I want to play a game like ...
nightsurfer's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
40k views

My Xbox One controller's left joystick popped out. What should I do?

I’m sharing pictures, because this seems fairly incredible to me: This controller fell maybe 3 feet onto a hardwood floor, and I was amazed to discover that the joystick — which doesn’t appear to ...
Alan H.'s user avatar
  • 721
65 votes
3 answers
14k views

Why does the original Game Boy support four shades of grey? [closed]

Why does the Game Boy specifically support four shades of grey, why not three or five? Is there something about the hardware that made four colours optimal? Was there a precedent to using four shades ...
Polyducks's user avatar
  • 749
12 votes
2 answers
6k views

Why did Donkey Kong 64 require more than 4 MB of memory?

As most of you know, the N64 Donkey Kong game had a game breaking bug on the 4 MB memory version. They needed to include the expansion memory just so that bug wouldn't happen. I can imagine in the ...
Smileynator's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
649 views

Which special editions of the PS4 feature the updated power supply?

I have heard the PS4 has recently been updated. I like some of the changes, including the mechanical power and eject buttons, but I especially like the improved power supply. I read some articles ...
Bryan F's user avatar
  • 113
5 votes
0 answers
619 views

Why does my 3DS XL's 3D slider affect the volume?

When I try to change the volume it doesn't change and stays at full volume, but when I turn the 3D on it quiets down for some reason. How can I fix it and do I need replacements?
Korin Ezell's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
25k views

How to transfer data from old HDD to new HDD for PS3 Super Slim?

I'm thinking of upgrading my PS3 HDD to a newer one, but so far I've seen tutorials on how to change the HDD but no information on how to transfer the games and data from my old HDD into the new one. ...
Uriel Arvizu's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is a GameStop Switching Power Supply (Model 6002-7431) safe to use with a Nintendo DS Lite?

Evidently phone chargers are not good to use with a Nintendo DS Lite, as they're liable to damage the system. What about a GameStop Switching Power Supply? Searching the Internet, most hits for ...
Panzercrisis's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
2k views

Wii DVD drive disassembly and reassembly

Can someone please tell me how I can properly disassemble and reassemble a Nintendo Wii DVD disc drive? I know someone by the name 'Console Zombie' has posted a tutorial on YouTube for the Wii U ...
Joshua Stokes's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
8k views

Fixing the disc reader on an SCPH-30001 NTSC-U/C model PlayStation 2

I have attempted to fix the infamous disc reader error on my fat SCPH-30001 NTSC-U/C PlayStation 2. I have gotten into the disc drive to adjust the calibration (white) wheel (4 clicks at a time) all ...
Mr McClean's user avatar
  • 2,685
1 vote
1 answer
1k views

What external hard drive specifications are supported on PS3?

Since I have a pretty small (40GB) hard drive on my PS3 I was planning on buying an external hard drive for some extra storage. I'm looking at a 2.5", 1TB, 5400 rpm Seagate Expansion with a USB 3.0 ...
DGarvanski's user avatar
  • 3,046
0 votes
2 answers
755 views

Analog movement when emulating keyboard/mouse with Steam controller

I have a Steam Controller on the way and I'm interested in using it for games e.g. Fallout 4. I'd prefer it if the controller would emulate the keyboard, rather than the gamepad, so that I have more ...
malnourish's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
5k views

How do I remove the Steam Controller receiver from the USB extender?

I got my Steam Controller and plugged the USB-A receiver into the included desktop extender. But I just tried taking the dongle out of the extender and I physically can't. How do I remove it? Has ...
Keavon's user avatar
  • 2,586
26 votes
3 answers
60k views

Turn off Steam Controller without using big picture mode

I have a steam controller connected to my computer. How do I turn the controller off without launching big picture mode? Currently to turn the controller off, I do the following: hit the steam ...
Colin D's user avatar
  • 9,103
1 vote
1 answer
5k views

How does an SSD improve gaming performance?

How would an SSD improve my gaming performance? Is there any FPS increment after using SSD instead of HDD? My System Configuration Windows 7 Professional Intel Core i7 3770 8GB Ram EVGA GTX 980 ...
Jamshaid Alam's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
2k views

How does Rambo Arcade's light gun work on an LCD screen?

As we all know by now, light gun games that worked on a CRT TV do not work on a plasma or LCD screen. However, in recent years an arcade game based on Rambo was released: ...
yesman's user avatar
  • 161
21 votes
3 answers
1k views

Logitech G13 changes LCD automatically, can it change the profile automatically, too?

I am currently using a Logitech G13 to play Star Trek Online. Without any action on my part, the G13 seems to be aware of whether I am playing on a surface map or a space map. On surface maps, I get a ...
T.J.L.'s user avatar
  • 1,516
2 votes
3 answers
1k views

Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma - Lighting Profiles per Game on Mac OS X

I just got my Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma Headset today, and is my first of the kind, so have no idea. Just after opening Razer Synapse, I am taken to a "Lighting" page where I can change the lights on ...
user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
3k views

PS3 wont turn on

My ps3 super slim stopped working suddenly. It was working fine with no issues, but one day it just refused to turn on . Not even the red LED glows now. I tested the PSU following this video Ps3 Super ...
jaycyborg's user avatar
  • 161
0 votes
1 answer
2k views

Differences between the N64 Passport Plus versions

Last night I bought an N64 Passport Plus from someone on eBay, as there's a bigger range on N64 games, and some that I just can't find in Australia. While researching the Passport, I noticed that ...
Grayda's user avatar
  • 787
3 votes
0 answers
94 views

is the xbox 360 wireless receiver a low/full speed or a high speed usb 2 device? (compatibility with at90usb1287 host)

[This might be a bit off-topic, but I'm not sure where it would be a better fit] I would like to control my uC with a wireless XB360 Gamepad. The at90usb1287 has a usb 2.0 low/full speed host ...
Lukas Rieger's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
105 views

ARTetriCAN is a Tetris variant for Android devices. Does it require access to a color printer?

ARTetriCAN is a free-and-open-source augmented-reality Tetris variant for Android devices. You print out a target label, wrap it around a can or bottle, and use your Android device to play an ...
unforgettableidSupportsMonica's user avatar
14 votes
7 answers
37k views

For PC gaming on external storage, should I use Flash or HDD (hard disk drive)?

I will be playing PC games on external memory via a USB 3.0 connection. Ignoring price and memory capacity differences, which of these options is better for gameplay purposes?: a Flash USB (generally ...
Syd's user avatar
  • 151
0 votes
1 answer
2k views

Is there a way I can use Action Replay Powersaves on Ubuntu/Linux?

I'd like to use Action Replay Powersaves, but my computer is running Ubuntu and the official website has only downloads for Windows and Mac.
Tennisdan125's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
1k views

GBA SP screen suddenly turning darker for no reason

Hello all a few weeks ago I bought a GBA SP for well nostalgia and all that. But now suddenly two issues have come up (One which I fixed I think). Issue #1: The GBA SP suddenly turning off, checking ...
RDAxRoadkill's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
451 views

Is it possible that my connection speed could effect my FPS?

Recently I got my laptop repaired. I started it up, updated drivers and started up smite. However, when I began playing I noticed my FPS was low, even in the menu. It told me my FPS was 15.32 my ping ...
CrabtasticGoat's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
45k views

Will US PS4 work on 220V?

I bought a new PS4 Batman bundle from Amazon.com and I was wondering if it will work on 220V. I asked the support in Amazon and did some research and people say that it would work, however when I ...
K'''s user avatar
  • 175