scrut1ny / hardware-guide Goto Github PK

• newegg
• Amazon
• Micro Center

Usage:

• Ideal for cleaning electronic components, including CPUs, GPUs, and connectors.
• Effective for removing thermal paste and dust buildup.

Application:

1. Dampen a lint-free cloth or cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Gently wipe the surfaces, ensuring thorough cleaning.
3. Allow components to dry completely before reassembly.

Note:

• Use a high-percentage isopropyl alcohol (at least 90%) for better results.
• Ensure the computer is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.

• Effective for removing dust from hard-to-reach areas, fans, and heat sinks.

1. Hold fans in place to prevent them from spinning during cleaning.
2. Use short bursts of compressed air to blow away dust.
3. Pay attention to vents, heatsinks, and other components with dust buildup.

• Use the compressed air in a well-ventilated area.
• Hold fans in place to prevent them from spinning during cleaning.

• Useful for detailed cleaning of small components and connectors.

1. Dampen the cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Gently clean connectors, ports, and other small components.
3. Dispose of swabs after use to prevent cross-contamination.

• Be gentle to avoid damaging delicate components.
• Use a new swab for each cleaning session.

• Suitable for wiping down surfaces without leaving lint or fibers.

1. Dampen the lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Wipe down surfaces, including the exterior of the computer case.
3. Ensure thorough drying before reassembly.

• Avoid using regular paper towels, as they may leave debris.

• pfSense
  • Addon: pfBlocker-NG
• OpenWrt
• Pi-hole
  • Pi-hole Lists
  • YT Guide

• ISP (Coax) --> Cable Modem --> Router

• ISP (SFP/Fiber) --> Fiber Modem --> SFP/Fiber to RJ45/Ethernet Converter/Adapter --> Router

• Converters/Adapters

  • Coax to RJ45 (MoCA)
  • SFP to RJ45

• AT&T Internet equipment

• LibreSpeed
• Speedtest
• Fast
• cloudflare

• MBps and Mbps Deception: ISPs may deceive users by advertising Mbps (Megabits per second) instead of MBps (Megabytes per second), which is eight times smaller. This can lead to confusion about actual internet speeds. Be vigilant and read the fine print for informed decisions.

  Mb/s (Megabit per second)	MB/s (Megabyte per second)
  300	37.5
  500	62.5
  1000 (1 Gig)	125
  2000 (2 Gig)	250
  5000 (5 Gig)	625

• Introductory Rates: ISPs often offer attractive introductory rates that later increase significantly. Users may sign up for a seemingly affordable plan, only to face higher bills after the initial period.

• Hidden Fees: Additional fees, such as equipment rental charges or installation fees, may not be clearly disclosed upfront, contributing to unexpected costs for users.

• Data Caps: Some ISPs impose data caps on users, limiting the amount of data they can use each month. These caps may not be prominently highlighted, leading to unexpected overage charges.

• Throttling: ISPs may engage in data throttling, slowing down internet speeds for specific activities like streaming or file sharing. This practice might not be clearly communicated to users.

• Unreliable Speed Guarantees: Speed guarantees in ISP contracts may come with disclaimers, allowing for variations in service. Users may not receive the consistently high speeds they expect.

• Contract Lengths: Long-term contracts with hefty termination fees can lock users into agreements without adequate flexibility. Clear information about contract terms may be buried in the fine print.

• Limited Competition: In areas with limited ISP options, companies may not feel the pressure to provide competitive pricing or improved services, leaving users with fewer alternatives.

• DOCSIS 3.1

  • Increased Bandwidth: Up to 10 Gbps downstream and 1-2 Gbps upstream.
  • Improved Efficiency: Uses 4096-QAM and OFDM for better data transmission.
  • Lower Latency: Enhanced for real-time applications like online gaming and VoIP.
  • Backward Compatibility: Compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 equipment.
  • Energy Efficiency: Features designed to reduce power consumption.
  • Enhanced Security: Offers stronger encryption and security measures.

• DOCSIS 3.0

  • Increased Bandwidth: Supports up to 1 Gbps downstream and up to 200 Mbps upstream.
  • Channel Bonding: Combines multiple channels to increase data transfer rates.
  • IPv6 Support: Provides support for the latest Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6).
  • Backward Compatibility: Compatible with previous DOCSIS standards.
  • Improved Security: Enhanced security features over DOCSIS 2.0, including AES encryption.
  • Quality of Service (QoS): Improved QoS features for better management of data traffic prioritization.

• Motorola MB8600
  • 1 Gbps
  • DOCSIS 3.1
  • Compatible with: Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum, and Cox
• NETGEAR CM1000
  • 1 Gbps
  • DOCSIS 3.1
  • Compatible with: Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum, and Cox

• Pricing: Competitive pricing with various plans tailored to different needs.
• Coverage: Extensive coverage, especially in urban and suburban areas.
• Customer Service: Offers various channels for support, including phone, chat, and in-person services at AT&T stores.
• Key Features:
  • No price increase at 12 months.
  • No annual contract.
  • No data caps on many plans, allowing for unlimited data usage.
  • No equipment fees, with included gateway for internet service.

• Pricing: Offers straightforward pricing with promotional rates for new customers.
• Coverage: Wide coverage area, particularly strong in metropolitan areas.
• Customer Service: 24/7 customer support available via phone, chat, and email.
• Key Features:
  • No contracts, providing flexibility to change or cancel service without penalty.
  • No data caps, ensuring unlimited internet usage without overage fees.
  • Free modem and antivirus software, adding value to the service.

• Pricing: Flexible pricing with promotional offers for new customers; prices vary based on region.
• Coverage: One of the largest coverage footprints in the U.S., especially strong in the Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the West Coast.
• Customer Service: Offers multiple channels for support but has received mixed reviews on customer service quality.
• Key Features:
  • Various plans with different speeds and pricing to suit different user needs.
  • Offers bundles for Internet, TV, and phone service.
  • Equipment rental fees apply, with options to use your own modem to save on rental fees.

• Pricing: Competitive, especially for the fiber-optic service with higher speeds.
• Coverage: Primarily available in the Northeastern U.S.
• Customer Service: Generally receives favorable reviews for customer support.
• Key Features:
  • 100% fiber-optic network offering fast download and upload speeds.
  • No annual contract with a price guarantee for up to 24 months on some plans.
  • No data caps, allowing for unlimited internet usage.

• Pricing: Offers a range of plans with promotional prices for the first 12 months.
• Coverage: Primarily available in the Southwest, Central U.S., and parts of the East Coast.
• Customer Service: Offers support through various channels, including online, phone, and in-person.
• Key Features:
  • Offers a variety of Internet, TV, phone, and smart home services.
  • Data caps apply, but there are options for unlimited data plans.
  • Equipment rental fee, with the option to use your own compatible modem.

• Pricing: Price-for-Life guarantee on some plans, where the monthly rate doesn't increase as long as you keep your plan.
• Coverage: Wide coverage, especially in rural and suburban areas.
• Customer Service: Offers standard support options including phone and chat.
• Key Features:
  • No contract required, providing flexibility to customers.
  • Offers both DSL and fiber-optic internet options, with varying speeds and availability.
  • Data caps may apply, depending on the plan.

Solutions:

• Verify cable connections; ensure all are securely in place.
• Clear the CMOS.
• Check if your CPU supports iGPU (Integrated Graphics); attempt to get output from the motherboard instead of the GPU.
• Attempt taking out the GPU, cleaning the pins, and blowing out all dust, etc., then reinserting the GPU.
• Troubleshoot RAM issues; try booting with 1 or 2 RAM sticks, testing different sticks as one may be faulty.
• If the motherboard is potentially bricked, update the UEFI/BIOS by placing a fresh image on a flash drive. Connect it to the Flash BIOS port in the I/O port area and use the Flash BIOS Button if available. If you don't have this option, you will have to replace the UEFI firmware chip on the motherboard or just acquire a new motherboard.
• If possible, check how the GPU acts in another currently working system.
• NVIDIA GPU Firmware Update Tool for DisplayID - Download Link

• WizTree - Download ⬇️
• ValiDrive - Download ⬇️
• OpenRGB - Download ⬇️