DogHouse Podcast episode 64.5
I….just couldn’t take it and had to tell Brandon what’s up.
Yes, a little late-night ninja podcasting! Enjoy.
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» Show Notes
#64 DogHouse Podcast – “We Found Brandon in the Supply Closet”
What’s Up At DogHouse Systems?
We had an Intel visit! Sadly, were still under an NDA regarding all the cool future tech we got to see, but keep listening! More stuff is coming!
Oh yeah, and Brandon’s back and has some awesome news to share!
Technical Corner
Our Tech Corner question is from Brigham L via Twitter:
When Considering adding an SSD to your rig, what are the most important specs on the drive? Is SATA II too slow?
Here are the links Keith mentioned during the show!
- http://www.sandforce.com/userfiles/file/downloads/FMS2009_F2A_Smith.pdf
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOPS
- http://www.symantec.com/connect/articles/getting-hang-iops#a08
- http://www.todo-backup.com/
PC Gaming
Brandon gives some quick reviews on a couple of Games he played during his time away: Borderlands 2 and Heart of the Swarm! Plus a love letter to the Citadel DLC for Mass Effect…
Computer Tip Of The Week!
We have a tip from the forums this week! Click here to see the topic!
Hi guys,
I just started listening to the podcast after hearing about it from the Starcast podcast. I wanted to suggest you guys mention ninite.com to listeners. Ever since I found this app/site it has made installing and updating my apps so much faster. I run the programs weekly just to update all my apps.
Great work on the podcast, keep up the good work.
Contact Information
Follow the hosts individually on Twitter: John, Keith, and Brandon!
We welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions! If you would like to submit a question for a future podcast you can leave a message for us at our number, (214) 810-4347 . We are no longer under the 1 minute voicemail cap! Feel free to leave your message and we look forward to using it on the next show We can also be reached by email: podcast@doghousenetwork.com. And don’t forget, we’re giving away free PC games every Friday, and your only way to win is to follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!
And be sure you check out Eric van Skyhawk’s album, “Function”. Skyhawk is the composer of our theme song, as well as the themes for several other shows like Ladies of Leet. You can get it via iTunes or the Amazon MP3 Store.
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#63 DogHouse Podcast – “It’s all Bigger in Texas”
What’s Up At DogHouse Systems?
Clark is in Dallas and he, Keith and John rock it together.
The Kerrigan rifle giveaway happened! Congrats to Daniel H.
The website redesign is AWESOME and almost complete. Stay tuned!
Technical Corner
Our tech corner question is from Oozy Gorilla via our forums:
I don’t remember there ever really being a discussion on the podcast about what exactly a motherboard does for you in a system, other than provide the backbone of the computer for what you plug every other component into. I thought it might be a good topic to discuss. Or maybe not. Just an idea for a topic.
Keith breaks it down to the capacitor level. NERDGASM.
PC Gaming
Clark is PUMPED for Heart of the Swarm. He breaks down ladder climbing and how he doesn’t need water. The conversation also degenerates into hitting old ladies…
Computer Tip Of The Week!
Quillion says: “I’ve been using duckduckgo.com instead of google for search engine needs, initially due to their lack of profiling but also their !Bang commands…”
Great tip and we’re stoked for the submission and the competition to Google.
Contact Information
Follow the hosts individually on Twitter: Clark, Keith, and Brandon!
We welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions! If you would like to submit a question for a future podcast you can leave a message for us at our number, (214) 810-4347 . We are no longer under the 1 minute voicemail cap! Feel free to leave your message and we look forward to using it on the next show We can also be reached by email: podcast@doghousenetwork.com. And don’t forget, we’re giving away free PC games every Friday, and your only way to win is to follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!
And be sure you check out Eric van Skyhawk’s album, “Function”. Skyhawk is the composer of our theme song, as well as the themes for several other shows like Ladies of Leet. You can get it via iTunes or the Amazon MP3 Store.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
#62 DogHouse Podcast – “Just the Two of Us”
What’s Up At DogHouse Systems?
Bill Doran of Punished Props released another video of his work on the Kerrigan rifle for our big giveaway. Check it out:
We have a redesign coming to DoghouseSystems.com coming very soon!
Technical Corner
Our tech corner question is from Andrew G via e-mail:
On the last show I heard briefly about one of you guys running RAID 0 on your PC (Because you’re crazy like that). I was wondering why you are running that? What advantages does it give you? I have thought about doing this on my PC but it seems more trouble than its worth.
Keith breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of RAID0. Listen to the show to hear our technical wizard speak!
PC Gaming
Clark followed Brandon’s lead with the Four in February challenge challenge. He got through Braid and Deadlight but Skyrim is a posing a challenge.
Keith is playing WoW.
Computer Tip Of The Week!
No tips this week ya’ll! Submit questions to win some epic prizes!
Contact Information
Follow the hosts individually on Twitter: Clark, Keith, and Brandon!
We welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions! If you would like to submit a question for a future podcast you can leave a message for us at our number, (214) 810-4347 . We are no longer under the 1 minute voicemail cap! Feel free to leave your message and we look forward to using it on the next show We can also be reached by email: podcast@doghousenetwork.com. And don’t forget, we’re giving away free PC games every Friday, and your only way to win is to follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!
And be sure you check out Eric van Skyhawk’s album, “Function”. Skyhawk is the composer of our theme song, as well as the themes for several other shows like Ladies of Leet. You can get it via iTunes or the Amazon MP3 Store.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
#61 DogHouse Podcast – “Off and On Again: A Dork’s Tale by Keith Stanley”
Clark and Brandon routinely invade Keith’s house, eat all his food and sing songs.
Lots happening all around here, so lets just get started!
What’s Up At DogHouse Systems?
We are giving away an amazing Replica of Kerrigan’s sniper rifle created by Bill Doran of Punished Props to coincide with the release of Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm! Want to win this? Want all the rules to win? ) Check out this post on Doghouse Network for the details!!
We are proud to announce that we have teamed with Brian Brushwood to feature some of his artwork on one of our Side Panels! Check here for the “Shwood Edition” Armor!
We have a redesign coming to DoghouseSystems.com coming very soon! It’s almost ready! Keep checking back!
Technical Corner
Our first question is from Michael V on our Twitter:
Technology is ever changing so when do you expect the next jump in SSDs to occur and force down prices of the current gen?
While Keith does have a bit of insider information that he’s under NDA about, the only good answer is “Soon”. But here are some places you should keep an eye on for news in this area!
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_solid-state_drive_manufacturers
- http://www.anandtech.com/
- http://www.tomshardware.com/
- http://www.engadget.com/
- http://www.pcmag.com/
- http://www.hardocp.com/
Another Twitter question, this time from Ryan M
Why does “did you try turning it on and off again” as an answer work for any technical question?
Basically, it forces the system to “Start fresh”, wiping your RAM free of all the clutter that is locking your system up. It’s a very similar principle to Restoring to a last good backup or doing a fresh OS install. Computer use accumulates various files, registry edits, unallocated memory, and all sorts of things that are simply fixed by a good reboot or restore.
Finally, we have a question from Jared W on our Facebook
I had a desktop gaming pc, built myself, ran great for 3 years. I go to put it in a different case, and now it won’t start up. Mobo lights up, connections are all good, but blank screen. Any ideas?
Make sure all the connections are secure, and then try resetting the CMOS by removing the CMOS battery. Keith has seen this a lot, and 9 times out of 10 this fixes the issue. Failing that, try reseating all of the items on your motherboard (Processor, RAM, and videocard), resetting the CMOS each time you do so.
PC Gaming
Brandon is going to try to participate in the Four in February challenge, a challenge to beat 4 games you haven’t started or finished in a single month! His games are Borderlands 2, Torchlight 2, Deadlight, and Halo 4! Send him encouragements on Twitter, or sign up yourself!
Computer Tip Of The Week!
No tips this week ya’ll! Submit questions to win some epic prizes!
Contact Information
Follow the hosts individually on Twitter: Clark, Keith, and Brandon!
We welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions! If you would like to submit a question for a future podcast you can leave a message for us at our number, (214) 810-4347 . We are no longer under the 1 minute voicemail cap! Feel free to leave your message and we look forward to using it on the next show We can also be reached by email: podcast@doghousenetwork.com. And don’t forget, we’re giving away free PC games every Friday, and your only way to win is to follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!
And be sure you check out Eric van Skyhawk’s album, “Function”. Skyhawk is the composer of our theme song, as well as the themes for several other shows like Ladies of Leet. You can get it via iTunes or the Amazon MP3 Store.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
#60 DogHouse Podcast – “The Mayans were WRONG! ”
Tech Corner, some amazing CES news, and some cool stuff coming in this new Year! Let’s rock!
What’s Up At DogHouse Systems?
Clark is heading up to Seattle to visit with an Architecture firm (we talked some about this some last show, give it a listen for more details)
We have a promotional deal with Brian Brushwood of the NSFW podcast starting up! Go listen to that amazing show and check out what’s happening!
The Doghouse Armor ST line is closer and closer to coming out, which features the Corsair 600T White chassis! We expect it to be available for sale sometime this first quarter, so take a look at the site frequently!
Technical Corner
Our first question is from Daniel S on our Facebook:
How do you guys feel about single-card with dual gpu’s vs running with sli/crossfire?
In Keith’s personal experience, you have more flexibility and options for multiple monitor setups with dual cards. You also have higher potential for heat issues on a single dual-GPU card, as well as a lack of redundancy in case of a GPU failure. Keith also wants to dispel the rumor that a single card with 2 GPUs is always getting the full benefit of both processors, when in fact, the card is essentially running in SLI internally, so the same caveats of when SLI runs and when it does not apply.
Another Facebook question, this time from John R
How do you select a motherboard for a new build. I have been thinking of building a new gaming machine and I always get stuck on the mother board selection. There are so many options and the price range can be huge. I get a headache every time I start thinking about this and end up not doing anything.
- First, think of what other parts you want, because you’ll need slots and ports for them. If your motherboard can’t do what you need your computer to do, it’s probably not the model you need.
- Make sure the board can fit in your chassis.
- Make sure your PSU has the right connectors.
- If you are buying the processor and motherboard separate, make sure the board has the right socket for your CPU.
- Consider the BIOS, make sure you can work well with it, you’ll be spending lots of time in there.
- Finally, consider how high up on the features list you want to go, and how much you’re willing to spend.
We recommend Intel boards for our customers, we use them in our Armor line, and we really dig them. If you have specific questions, please call or email us and we will do our best to help ya!
PC Gaming
Holy cow, you guys. NVIDIA’s Project Shield is freaking amazing. Take a look at this awesomeness
Computer Tip Of The Week!
No tips this week ya’ll! Submit questions to win some epic prizes!
Contact Information
We welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions! If you would like to submit a question for a future podcast you can leave a message for us at our number, (214) 810-4347 . We are no longer under the 1 minute voicemail cap! Feel free to leave your message and we look forward to using it on the next show We can also be reached by email: podcast@doghousenetwork.com. And don’t forget, we’re giving away free PC games every Friday, and your only way to win is to follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!
And be sure you check out Eric van Skyhawk’s album, “Function”. Skyhawk is the composer of our theme song, as well as the themes for several other shows like Ladies of Leet. You can get it via iTunes or the Amazon MP3 Store.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
#59 DogHouse Podcast – “iDork”
Like his new iPad 4, Keith also runs on an A6X
We’ve got lots of amazing things to recap and a good deal of Tech Corner to cover today! Let’s get ready to rumble!
What’s Up At DogHouse Systems?
John and Clark were recently in Vegas at Autodesk University. AutoCAD programs and designs are getting amazingly detailed and complex, and they need some powerful machines to run them! They saw some amazing things there, video will be forthcoming!
The Doghouse forums have been cleaned up and streamlined, and we actually have received a number of good questions for today’s Technical Corner! Give em a read and submit questions! We’re happy to provide help to anyone!
The Lootme code for podcast listeners is still in effect, and it STACKS with promo codes from other shows! So order you a system and get a free Slashloot.com T-Shirt
Technical Corner
Reap3r in our forums wants to know the cost effectiveness of getting a Mobius VS now versus saving up for an Armor model, especially where upgradability is concerned. Listen in or read the forum thread for our advice for Reap3r!
Another question from our forums comes from Rockdwg, who has some questions about solid state drives. He’s putting one into his machine and wants to know the best way to migrate his Windows install to the SSD while keeping his files intact.
Here are the links we mentioned in the show!
HWCompare.com
Microsoft’s EasyTransfer
Our Episode 22 Shownotes, including info on managing SSD Space!
PC Gaming
Want a trailer for Don’t Starve? Sure you do! Enjoy!
Computer Tip Of The Week!
No tips this week ya’ll! Submit questions to win some epic prizes!
Contact Information
We welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions! If you would like to submit a question for a future podcast you can leave a message for us at our number, (214) 810-4347 . We are no longer under the 1 minute voicemail cap! Feel free to leave your message and we look forward to using it on the next show We can also be reached by email: podcast@doghousenetwork.com. And don’t forget, we’re giving away free PC games every Friday, and your only way to win is to follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!
And be sure you check out Eric van Skyhawk’s album, “Function”. Skyhawk is the composer of our theme song, as well as the themes for several other shows like Ladies of Leet. You can get it via iTunes or the Amazon MP3 Store.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
#58 DogHouse Podcast – “Clark Does Dallas!”
Brandon, Clark, Keith, and John. Yes, Clark really is that tall.
Oh dear…we’re all in the same room. Hijinks and awesome ensue. Let’s get started!!
What’s Up At DogHouse Systems?
What’s up here? Clark is here, that’s what! We are proud to announce that our very own Clark Petri is the newest member of the DogHouse family! Listen to the show to hear all about his first week on the job!
Our Black Friday specials are ready to go and should be live on the site by the time this podcast goes live! We also talk about the process of actually coming up with the specials, and what all factors we had to consider.
One of Clark’s first duties at DogHouse was to revise our service statement, which hadn’t yet caught up to our various offerings. Have you read it? You should! In fact, the first person who sends either a screenshot of, or a link to, the support statement on our website will win a free shirt from slashloot.com! Send that photo or link, along with which shirt and size you like, to podcast@doghousenetwork.com!
Technical Corner
Our first question is from Tyberius!
I’m building a home with a home office, and have been lately considering putting the PC equipment in a segregated closet/room. The closet would have supplemental cooling and also have enhanced dust filtration. My concern is with how far video cable can run from PC to monitors, as I understand that long runs can cause video ghosting. Do you know of sources to read or have suggestions for planning this sealed equipment room next to my office?
Keith mentioned that the Official DVI standard is 5 meters, about 16 feet. HDMI maximum length at 1080p is 100 feet. Longer than that and you’ll need one of these: http://www.datapro.net/products/dvi-inline-repeater-booster.html
Keith also discusses an alternate solution: the long distance cable affordability of Cat5 and VGA to Cat5 converters. http://www.startech.com/AV/Extenders/VGA?gclid=CP2Hr5CN0rMCFYQ7MgodxQEACA
PC Gaming
Oh man, loads of gaming goodness here. Let’s see, where to start…
- Everyone loves Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. It sold a Million units at Gamestop on opening night, despite the fact that some of the retail copies were actually install discs for Mass Effect 2.
- Clark is even starting a new podcast featuring Jocelyn of the Gamers Inn podcast and Turpster of the Instance and TIPOAA fame!
- Yes, the conversation devolves into talking about the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic iPhone game. Which, for the record, Brandon does not like!
- Finally, Mechwarrior Online has gone into open Beta, and they’re adding even more new Mechs to the game, including the new Assault class ones.
Computer Tip Of The Week!
John discusses the classic shell mod for windows which has become increasingly popular at the office for those of us which have upgraded to Windows 8.
Brandon, Keith, and Clark. Not pictured: John, Clark’s rampaging horde of fangirls.
Contact Information
We welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions! If you would like to submit a question for a future podcast you can leave a message for us at our number, (214) 810-4347 . We are no longer under the 1 minute voicemail cap! Feel free to leave your message and we look forward to using it on the next show We can also be reached by email: podcast@doghousenetwork.com. And don’t forget, we’re giving away free PC games every Friday, and your only way to win is to follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!
And be sure you check out Eric van Skyhawk’s album, “Function”. Skyhawk is the composer of our theme song, as well as the themes for several other shows like Ladies of Leet. You can get it via iTunes or the Amazon MP3 Store.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
#57 DogHouse Podcast – “Bronies Unite!”
New Stuff at Doghouse Systems, we need a contributor, Tech Corner stuff about chipsets, and gaming talk! What’re we waiting for? I dunno either, let’s get started!
(As a side note, since the show was recorded, we have added a few new contributors to DHN. Check out their posts on the site and stay tuned as we introduce a new contributor or two in the near future!)
What’s Up At DogHouse Systems?
If you’ve been to the site lately, you might notice the Armor Line has been revamped a bit. We’ve taken feedback from our customers, paid attention to the competition, and evaluated each model based on it’s “mission”. The video card selection has been improved across each model, and now you select them within the configuration in the store!
We’re looking for contributors here at Doghouse Network! See Clark’s post here for more information!!
Technical Corner
Our first question is from David! He’s got a very simple question…
i5-2500k Vs. i5-3570k; worth $30 difference?
Keith’s answer: Yes! Wanna know why? Listen to the show!
Our second question is from Bruce! He wants to know why Chrome has multiple processes open in Task Manager when he only has a few extensions and one tab open. Bruce, the basic issue is that you have Chrome trying to “spread the load” over multiple cores. This improves browser performance and stability.
PC Gaming
We’re talking about Pandaria! Also some talk on Guild Wars 2, Telltale Games’ Vast Library of awesomeness, and a bit of brief Tech Support from Keith on how to get best performance from Mists of Pandaria on older systems, specifically video cards!
Have opinions on PC gaming? Think we’re completely nuts? Email us! We’d love to hear from you!
Computer Tip Of The Week!
No tips this week! Send in a Computer Tip and you could win 2500 Jinx.com gold!
Contact Information
We welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions! If you would like to submit a question for a future podcast you can leave a message for us at our NEW number, (214) 810-4347 . We are no longer under the 1 minute voicemail cap! Feel free to leave your message and we look forward to using it on the next show We can also be reached by email: podcast@doghousenetwork.com. And don’t forget, we’re giving away free PC games every Friday, and your only way to win is to follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!
And be sure you check out Eric van Skyhawk’s album, “Function”. Skyhawk is the composer of our theme song, as well as the themes for several other shows like Ladies of Leet. You can get it via iTunes or the Amazon MP3 Store.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
#56 DogHouse Podcast – “Keith is not a Dork, Keith is 56 Dorks”
Complete love to Scott Johnson at myextralife.com for this image. No claim of ownership intended. Don’t steal his stuff. Srsly.
We’re ready for Pandas, and ready for your questions and tips in this episode of the Doghouse!!
What’s Up At DogHouse Systems?
Not much to talk about yet. There’s some rumblings of a new case option in the Armor line however…
Technical Corner
We got us a question from Eric H! He wants to know if it’s better to get a second 560 TI and run them both in SLI with his current system, or invest in the 670 or possibly even the 680 instead.
Eric, it’s really up to you. Two 560s in SLI will run most games great, as long as they support SLI. If not, it might be worthwhile to “future proof” your system against new games and invest in one of the newer cards. Without more data, it’s difficult to say, so we invite you to tell us more about your system and what you like to play.
If you have a question for the Tech Corner, please email us at podcast@doghousenetwork.com!
PC Gaming
A bit of pre-discussion of Mists of Pandaria, and some excitement over Borderlands 2 having just been released! Listen to the show for more!
Have opinions on PC gaming? Think we’re completely nuts? Email us! We’d love to hear from you!
Computer Tip Of The Week!
Our tip this week comes to us from Michael D
I use this often so I don’t have to open every web tab one at a time. I don’t know if this works in chrome but, in Firefox in your bookmark section you can create a folder to help organize your bookmarks BUT did you know that if you right click that folder you can open all the tabs located in that folder? I use it to open all my webcomics in one click
Another tip I thought of before I send this: I found out how to have my PC open programs on a schedule. I ONLY KNOW IF THIS WORKS ON WINDOWS 7 What you do is I go into the Windows start menu and right click the computer button and there I press mange. this pulls up your computer management window. On the left there is a tab called Task Scheduler. Click on this and the menu on your right will change. In that menu you will see a button that says Create Basic Task. A window will open and ask you to name your Task, what is it’s trigger (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, One Time, When Computer Starts, When You Log On, or When a Specific event is Logged. Depending on what you choose you will ask to specify when for the task to begin. Next you choose if you want the action. You can choose for a program to start, and email to be sent, or for the computer to display a message. If you choose start a program it will ask you for the location of the program. I use this to wake me up extra early on certain days (downside is you have to leave your PC on). I also have me computer setup to email me whenever it is turned on. This way I can see if anyone got on my PC when I was away. Plus a good way to see if you need to change your password
Thank you very much for the tip, Michael! You win 2,500 Jinx Gold!
Want some free shweet swag from Jinx? Send us a PC tip!
Contact Information
We welcome your feedback, comments, and suggestions! If you would like to submit a question for a future podcast you can leave a message for us at our NEW number, (214) 810-4347 . We are no longer under the 1 minute voicemail cap! Feel free to leave your message and we look forward to using it on the next show We can also be reached by email: podcast@doghousenetwork.com. And don’t forget, we’re giving away free PC games every Friday, and your only way to win is to follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!
And be sure you check out Eric van Skyhawk’s album, “Function”. Skyhawk is the composer of our theme song, as well as the themes for several other shows like Ladies of Leet. You can get it via iTunes or the Amazon MP3 Store.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download