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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61 votes
6 answers
28k views

How can I check if my computer's powerful enough to run a certain game?

Is there a service that I can use to check if my machine will be able to run a certain game?
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3 votes
5 answers
52k views

How can you move or transfer a Minecraft root folder to another drive?

I have recently gotten my hands on a new computer (MSI G Series GS70 STEALTH-037 - specs below if relevant) that has a Solid State Drive (SSD) that goes along with my hard drive (HDD). I would like to ...
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50 votes
6 answers
27k views

Determining if a game is CPU- or GPU-limited

What is a reliable, but not too time-consuming way to determine if a certain game is limited by the graphics card or by the processor speed? I have some preconceptions about whether I'm mostly GPU or ...
25 votes
13 answers
179k views

How do I repair a scratched game disc?

I have kids, which means I have scratched game discs that my systems can't read. Several months ago, I watched a video demonstrating how to repair scratched game discs using car polish. I tried ...
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 ...
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 ...
26 votes
3 answers
57k 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 ...
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4 votes
6 answers
22k views

Minimum RAM needed for Minecraft server?

What is the minimum RAM needed for a Minecraft server (without using custom servers)? There will be at the most 5 players, the VPS will be OpenVZ.
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31 votes
3 answers
12k 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?
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26 votes
3 answers
7k views

How does the NES Zapper work? [duplicate]

You may have played NES Console games when you were younger -- I know I did. I remember playing Duck Hunt, for one: (source: mentalfloss.com) Duck Hunt came with a peripheral called the NES Zapper:...
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 ...
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14 votes
6 answers
22k views

How do I stop my PS3 from making so much noise?

I believe that my PS3 is full of dust and therefore the fan goes on max as soon as I start a game. How can I get rid of the dust inside on the heat sinks and fans without destroying something?
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10 votes
7 answers
17k views

Internal PS3 HDD Replacement

Is there any limit as to what size/type of hard drive you can replace in the Playstation 3?
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9 votes
2 answers
8k views

PS3 graphics Stretching Glitch

I've been having some Graphics glitches with the assassins creed series (specifically 2/BH/Rev) and until today I assumed it was an issue with the game itself. There are times where the textures/...
8 votes
2 answers
2k 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 ...
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7 votes
4 answers
66k views

What are the hardware differences between the Xbox 360 slim and the Xbox 360 E?

What are the hardware differences between the Xbox 360 slim and the Xbox 360 E? Are there any significant improvements or benefits of the Xbox 360 E that one should consider?
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4 votes
2 answers
3k 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, ...
  • 1,072
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 ...
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4 votes
2 answers
28k views

How to measure the performance of a graphics-card? [closed]

A CPU's performance is usually determined by it's architecture (16-bit, 32-bit, 64-bit, etc.), the number of cores and it's frequency. What would be the equivalent for graphics-cards? I've always ...
  • 1,071
3 votes
2 answers
7k 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 ...
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3 votes
1 answer
3k views

Were the Switch's left Joy-Con connection issues ever fixed?

When the Nintendo Switch launched in February, there were multiple articles and reviews claiming that the Switch's left Joy-Con was prone to frequent connection issues during normal use. (See Nintendo ...
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1 vote
3 answers
2k views

Can PSP Batteries be recharged via USB?

I've obtained a recharging cable for my PSP that has a USB plug at the end rather than an AC adapter. I have a Lithium Ion Battery Pack which i use to charge up my iPhone when it's low on power and ...
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0 votes
1 answer
1k 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 ...