Had just upgraded to the 6870 and found Black Ops was oddly lagging... even at min settings was very much confused.
Easily fixed however, just uninstalled AVG anti virus... fixed instanstly. Put settings back up to max and had a blast since.
This game rocks.. Now time for Mulitplayer Fun.
Sadly this did not fix the Medal of Honor Tier 1 crashes on single player, but the game is poor in comparsion anyway.
Catch you on the field.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
450 watt Power Supply enough for 5850 and 6870? (Corsair VX450W)
While the 5850 and 6870 recommended a 500 watt power supply, I recently upgraded from a 4850 to a Sapphire HD 6870. I can confirm that my Corsair VX 450 watt runs it fine, even under the stress of games.
The corsair range are top quality PSU so don't just think a random cheap 450 watt will run these products, I would ALWAYS recommend paying a good amount for a good PSU, they are critical to the safety of your system. While you may spend a little more up front, you can guarantee they will last you years, not months. Infact the Corsair VX450W comes with a 5 year guarantee, so yes this will last and perform well.
From my own experience, I have had one cheap PSU die on me, while it did not take out any of my other components i feel that is only because i caught it in time. I was shocked to discover a very strong chemical smell coming from my PSU and immediately turned off the power. Considering how strong the chemical smell was, I am still left shocked. No more cheap PSU for me, please don't make the same mistake.
I can highly recommend the Corsair VX450W for the 5850, 6850 and 6870. It will run them with ease.
The corsair range are top quality PSU so don't just think a random cheap 450 watt will run these products, I would ALWAYS recommend paying a good amount for a good PSU, they are critical to the safety of your system. While you may spend a little more up front, you can guarantee they will last you years, not months. Infact the Corsair VX450W comes with a 5 year guarantee, so yes this will last and perform well.
From my own experience, I have had one cheap PSU die on me, while it did not take out any of my other components i feel that is only because i caught it in time. I was shocked to discover a very strong chemical smell coming from my PSU and immediately turned off the power. Considering how strong the chemical smell was, I am still left shocked. No more cheap PSU for me, please don't make the same mistake.
I can highly recommend the Corsair VX450W for the 5850, 6850 and 6870. It will run them with ease.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Medal of Honor Tier 1 crashes (single player)
Been long awaiting Medal of Honor, and after seeing the IGN review of 6.5 i was shocked! I thought perhaps just a bad review, can't be that bad?
Sadly I think 6.5 might be being too generous. I am totally shocked. Here's why..
So as usual as i like to do when i get a new shooter, i complete the single player, well for the first time ever i can not even do this. The game just crashes my video card, i have to reboot. It happens every so often, no specific points, no action on screen, nothing, Just randomly kills my video card. On the third try i had had enough and moved on to multi player.
While the multi player is defiantly better than the single player. It still massively lacks for a modern release, Modern Warfare 2 and Bad Company 2 are far better choices. Dice made the multi player, which I must say is not that bad, quite surprised how well it runs on my computer, (4850, amd 550be [3.1], ram 3 gig) Runs better than MW2 and BC2 for me.
But it has no staying power at all, the level system is dull and slow. Second from final level award, can use enemies guns? final level, extra grenade? I mean wow i want to try hard for that? nope. Not interested at all. Think you ll have some nice medals/ribbons to get? Nope, i have 70% of them in 3 hours. Two odd ones will take a while, 100 disarms and plants. They ll take quite a while, in fact i could arguably of done all medals and ribbons within 10 hours, yet the disarm and plants will likely take 30 hours+ .. Very lame unthought of system. Frustrates me.
It gets worse, you arrive into the game screen to a message Sorry server browser does not work, we are working on a solution. Please use matchmaking. Well people if you thought CoD's matchmaking was bad, this is a whole new level of terrible. Of 6 attempts to get into a none laggy server, only one attempt was successful. Four of those attempts put me in an asian server. This is not even with me immediately re attempting this is over a period of a day. I thankfully found a way around this issue by using the server browser to locate my history and play on the one UK server there. You would think the server browser would display ping to? well it doesn't you have to know the server providers location, while ok there is a box for latency it is blank.
If you have not bought Medal of Honor Tier 1 yet, don't bother. Once Blackops is out, this game will be forgotten, it wont have existed. In fact i have almost forgot it already. If you can wait, seriously just wait, this game will be £9.99 by Christmas.
Biggest shock this year. Obviously involves EA. No shock there.
Sadly I think 6.5 might be being too generous. I am totally shocked. Here's why..
So as usual as i like to do when i get a new shooter, i complete the single player, well for the first time ever i can not even do this. The game just crashes my video card, i have to reboot. It happens every so often, no specific points, no action on screen, nothing, Just randomly kills my video card. On the third try i had had enough and moved on to multi player.
While the multi player is defiantly better than the single player. It still massively lacks for a modern release, Modern Warfare 2 and Bad Company 2 are far better choices. Dice made the multi player, which I must say is not that bad, quite surprised how well it runs on my computer, (4850, amd 550be [3.1], ram 3 gig) Runs better than MW2 and BC2 for me.
But it has no staying power at all, the level system is dull and slow. Second from final level award, can use enemies guns? final level, extra grenade? I mean wow i want to try hard for that? nope. Not interested at all. Think you ll have some nice medals/ribbons to get? Nope, i have 70% of them in 3 hours. Two odd ones will take a while, 100 disarms and plants. They ll take quite a while, in fact i could arguably of done all medals and ribbons within 10 hours, yet the disarm and plants will likely take 30 hours+ .. Very lame unthought of system. Frustrates me.
It gets worse, you arrive into the game screen to a message Sorry server browser does not work, we are working on a solution. Please use matchmaking. Well people if you thought CoD's matchmaking was bad, this is a whole new level of terrible. Of 6 attempts to get into a none laggy server, only one attempt was successful. Four of those attempts put me in an asian server. This is not even with me immediately re attempting this is over a period of a day. I thankfully found a way around this issue by using the server browser to locate my history and play on the one UK server there. You would think the server browser would display ping to? well it doesn't you have to know the server providers location, while ok there is a box for latency it is blank.
If you have not bought Medal of Honor Tier 1 yet, don't bother. Once Blackops is out, this game will be forgotten, it wont have existed. In fact i have almost forgot it already. If you can wait, seriously just wait, this game will be £9.99 by Christmas.
Biggest shock this year. Obviously involves EA. No shock there.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Student Loans. How to apply.
Here is a quick run down on what to do and when to do it.
Do it NOW!!!!!!!!!!
For any perspective university students it is vital that you go online to http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/Applyingforthefirsttime/DG_171523 and apply for funding for the academic year of 2010/11. The majority of people will need a loan to pay for the tuition fees so make sure you know how much the university you are going to is charging (this should be featured with the letter giving you a confirmed or conditional acceptance). I have discovered that some courses are around the £3200 mark but make sure you double check and don’t estimate the cost, as if there is a difference, for example you tuition fee loan is £3200 but the tuition for the year is £3290 you have to pay the £90 yourself so will be out of pocket. It must be done as soon as possible, before the end of May, so that it can be processed in time for the new academic year.
You must after going on to the website, register yourself as a new full time student and you are registering to apply for support. It will also make your life easier if you register with the personal details held on your UCAS application. It is then simple you fill in your personal details. Be aware you may need your passport. You will also need your national insurance number and your bank details (sort code and account number, so they can out the money into your account when the time comes).
Details also include the university which you will be attending and the course. You will need to put in your application where you will be living during the three terms of the academic year and where you will be studying such as full time at university or whether you will be doing one term abroad.
If you live with your parents they will be (if they don't have an exceptionally large income) supporting your application so they to will need to register. Don’t worry it seems difficult but it’s easy once you know how. You have to put down your parents date of birth (the ones who you live with whether it is one or both), their national insurance number and an email address if they wish to fill out the information required online. A paper copy can be sent out but I would advise completing the form online. The address as which you and they live will also be needed.
Some of the information required by your parents includes their finances for the year of 2008/9 so I believe that is a P90. There may also be a limited amount of information required from 2009/10 so far. So they fill in the boxes with the correct amounts, save what they have put in which you can then check to make sure everything is done correctly and then send off the application for support.
You can apply for a maintenance loan and a maintenance grant. The grant you do not have to pay back but make sure you apply for as much as you can so that the university is aware of finances. If you are able to get a large maintenance grant it could possible mean that you could be eligible for a bursary from the university. Again you do not have to pay this back. All you pay back are your tuition fees and maintenance loan.
Hope that helps a little if you are struggling. Oh and be aware that your reference number when appling for your loan is your ART ID so don't misplace that number!
If you have any questions I will try my best to help.
Do it NOW!!!!!!!!!!
For any perspective university students it is vital that you go online to http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/Applyingforthefirsttime/DG_171523 and apply for funding for the academic year of 2010/11. The majority of people will need a loan to pay for the tuition fees so make sure you know how much the university you are going to is charging (this should be featured with the letter giving you a confirmed or conditional acceptance). I have discovered that some courses are around the £3200 mark but make sure you double check and don’t estimate the cost, as if there is a difference, for example you tuition fee loan is £3200 but the tuition for the year is £3290 you have to pay the £90 yourself so will be out of pocket. It must be done as soon as possible, before the end of May, so that it can be processed in time for the new academic year.
You must after going on to the website, register yourself as a new full time student and you are registering to apply for support. It will also make your life easier if you register with the personal details held on your UCAS application. It is then simple you fill in your personal details. Be aware you may need your passport. You will also need your national insurance number and your bank details (sort code and account number, so they can out the money into your account when the time comes).
Details also include the university which you will be attending and the course. You will need to put in your application where you will be living during the three terms of the academic year and where you will be studying such as full time at university or whether you will be doing one term abroad.
If you live with your parents they will be (if they don't have an exceptionally large income) supporting your application so they to will need to register. Don’t worry it seems difficult but it’s easy once you know how. You have to put down your parents date of birth (the ones who you live with whether it is one or both), their national insurance number and an email address if they wish to fill out the information required online. A paper copy can be sent out but I would advise completing the form online. The address as which you and they live will also be needed.
Some of the information required by your parents includes their finances for the year of 2008/9 so I believe that is a P90. There may also be a limited amount of information required from 2009/10 so far. So they fill in the boxes with the correct amounts, save what they have put in which you can then check to make sure everything is done correctly and then send off the application for support.
You can apply for a maintenance loan and a maintenance grant. The grant you do not have to pay back but make sure you apply for as much as you can so that the university is aware of finances. If you are able to get a large maintenance grant it could possible mean that you could be eligible for a bursary from the university. Again you do not have to pay this back. All you pay back are your tuition fees and maintenance loan.
Hope that helps a little if you are struggling. Oh and be aware that your reference number when appling for your loan is your ART ID so don't misplace that number!
If you have any questions I will try my best to help.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Interview questions and tips for Teaching Assistants.
Obviously many people already know the way in which an interview to become a teaching assistant is conducted but for those just starting in the proffession here are a few tips on what to expect.
The first thing for any interview, especially in a school, is to smile and be open because if you go in looking like doom and gloom it's not going to suggest that you are enthusiastic and can support children in their learning. Now on to the next point,
What to wear?
Even if you are asked for an 'informal' interview be aware that it is the only interview you will have for the position you are applying for so don't go dressed in jeans or a dress that is too short. Think about who you are working with so no tops that are too low cut; remember you are bending down a lot cleaning things up and helping children with their work. My tip, smart trousers but to change it a little go with brown or grey or even a tweed. Then a casual, slightly smart top. One in which you are comfortable and can move freely in. Meaning you are dressed to impress but also dress in an outfit you could possible wear when working in the classroom.
Questions.
Here are a number of questions which will likely be asked.
1. Can you tell us about your experience and why you want the job?
2. What do you think the role of a teaching assistant is?
3. How would you carry out your work? -tip you need to know what your work for the day is so you ask.
4. Can you think of an example where you have helped/encouraged a child with their work and they have responded positively?
5. Can you think if an example from your experience where you have had to deal with a child who did not want to particiapte in learning?
6. How would you help a child learn to read if they could not/are struggling?
7. Why would you benfit the school and be a good teaching assistant?
Don't forget you too need to ask questions! Research the school and position as much as you possibly can. This will help you formulate questions, it is also an idea to ask questions regarding specific areas of school life.
Possible questions to ask ...
1. How often do the children get to use computers?
2. To what degree is MFL studied and in what year group does it begin?
3. What are the behaviour strategies used within the school?
4. Do you use the SEAL curriculum? (or any question regarding an area of the curriculum you know a lot about).
Now all I can say is good luck and prepare yourself!
The first thing for any interview, especially in a school, is to smile and be open because if you go in looking like doom and gloom it's not going to suggest that you are enthusiastic and can support children in their learning. Now on to the next point,
What to wear?
Even if you are asked for an 'informal' interview be aware that it is the only interview you will have for the position you are applying for so don't go dressed in jeans or a dress that is too short. Think about who you are working with so no tops that are too low cut; remember you are bending down a lot cleaning things up and helping children with their work. My tip, smart trousers but to change it a little go with brown or grey or even a tweed. Then a casual, slightly smart top. One in which you are comfortable and can move freely in. Meaning you are dressed to impress but also dress in an outfit you could possible wear when working in the classroom.
Questions.
Here are a number of questions which will likely be asked.
1. Can you tell us about your experience and why you want the job?
2. What do you think the role of a teaching assistant is?
3. How would you carry out your work? -tip you need to know what your work for the day is so you ask.
4. Can you think of an example where you have helped/encouraged a child with their work and they have responded positively?
5. Can you think if an example from your experience where you have had to deal with a child who did not want to particiapte in learning?
6. How would you help a child learn to read if they could not/are struggling?
7. Why would you benfit the school and be a good teaching assistant?
Don't forget you too need to ask questions! Research the school and position as much as you possibly can. This will help you formulate questions, it is also an idea to ask questions regarding specific areas of school life.
Possible questions to ask ...
1. How often do the children get to use computers?
2. To what degree is MFL studied and in what year group does it begin?
3. What are the behaviour strategies used within the school?
4. Do you use the SEAL curriculum? (or any question regarding an area of the curriculum you know a lot about).
Now all I can say is good luck and prepare yourself!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
First blackberry 8520 blog post - including fix to send but not receive email
Hey guys. Loving my new blackberry 8520 on vodafone.
Had a few issues getting email to work but now fixed it. Will be doing a blog soon on how I did it.
The damm issue was I could send email but not receive them.
Since I am so happy typing on this I am just going to tell you the fix now lol.
I fixed by creating a vodafone email address and that's it lol. Tried all the high tech fixes google could find but no success.
No matter what I did gmail was not coming to my phone until I created the free vodafone email. Sending had worked fine from the get go however which was weird.
Anyway again my first blog on my new blackberry 8520 on vodafone. Hope this helps you.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Had a few issues getting email to work but now fixed it. Will be doing a blog soon on how I did it.
The damm issue was I could send email but not receive them.
Since I am so happy typing on this I am just going to tell you the fix now lol.
I fixed by creating a vodafone email address and that's it lol. Tried all the high tech fixes google could find but no success.
No matter what I did gmail was not coming to my phone until I created the free vodafone email. Sending had worked fine from the get go however which was weird.
Anyway again my first blog on my new blackberry 8520 on vodafone. Hope this helps you.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Mass Effect 2 - black screen fix
I have discovered a fix for the annoying graphics card driver crash that mass effect 2 in known for.
The problem is that the game will just kill your graphic card driver randomly or at set events, your screen goes black, the system becomes unresponsive. Lowering settings to min only changed the black screen to blocks.
The only solution past this is a system reboot.. not ideal.. considering the problem is consistant, my first hours of the game were 4 crashes (not an ideal name but..) then 2 hours researching fixes.
The fix is some what odd.... i simply uninstalled k-lite codec pack. I have a new codec pack from k-lite ready to replace the old one i was using, perhaps installing it would not let the crashing restart. But for now i can do without it while I enjoy Mass Effect 2, which is an amazing game.
I have had no more crashes since i uninstalled k-lite codec pack, i discovered the fix on a random forum thread and was sceptical it would work. I was surprised to discover it fixed it a 100%.
While I have heard this has not worked for everyone, i would suggest running ccleaner after uninstalling, for added confirmation on successful removal of the codec packs.
Hope this helps fix the issue for people as Mass Effect 2 should be enjoyed by all.
The problem is that the game will just kill your graphic card driver randomly or at set events, your screen goes black, the system becomes unresponsive. Lowering settings to min only changed the black screen to blocks.
The only solution past this is a system reboot.. not ideal.. considering the problem is consistant, my first hours of the game were 4 crashes (not an ideal name but..) then 2 hours researching fixes.
The fix is some what odd.... i simply uninstalled k-lite codec pack. I have a new codec pack from k-lite ready to replace the old one i was using, perhaps installing it would not let the crashing restart. But for now i can do without it while I enjoy Mass Effect 2, which is an amazing game.
I have had no more crashes since i uninstalled k-lite codec pack, i discovered the fix on a random forum thread and was sceptical it would work. I was surprised to discover it fixed it a 100%.
While I have heard this has not worked for everyone, i would suggest running ccleaner after uninstalling, for added confirmation on successful removal of the codec packs.
Hope this helps fix the issue for people as Mass Effect 2 should be enjoyed by all.
Friday, January 29, 2010
New working for Blizzard Entertainment Questions?
I used to work for Blizzard Entertainment as a Gamemaster, I have already done a few blogs on my experience.
I am now opening up to questions, so if there is questions you want answered please submit them in the form of comments here. I will then submit new blogs to answer them as best I can.
Previous blogs below
Interview / Training / Pay
The Office / Break Room
The Work / The People
The Perks
Should you work for Blizzard Entertainment?
I am now opening up to questions, so if there is questions you want answered please submit them in the form of comments here. I will then submit new blogs to answer them as best I can.
Previous blogs below
Interview / Training / Pay
The Office / Break Room
The Work / The People
The Perks
Should you work for Blizzard Entertainment?
Monday, January 4, 2010
League of Legend download size
Howdy.
Been playing Leage of Legends a few days now and just thought others may want to know like me the size of the game before downloading.
Intial download around 700 meg, then about 4 patches totalling about 350 meg. (patches installed directly through launcher)
Total therefore equals just about 1 gig.
Strange however that my folder is 1.89 gig.
Figures are rough, but should be a good idea before you download.
Please note, this game rocks.. great fun and free. (yes there is a paid side, but it only helps get things quicker - you can do EVERYTHING without paying)
Expect a full review in near future.
See you in Leage of Legends.
Been playing Leage of Legends a few days now and just thought others may want to know like me the size of the game before downloading.
Intial download around 700 meg, then about 4 patches totalling about 350 meg. (patches installed directly through launcher)
Total therefore equals just about 1 gig.
Strange however that my folder is 1.89 gig.
Figures are rough, but should be a good idea before you download.
Please note, this game rocks.. great fun and free. (yes there is a paid side, but it only helps get things quicker - you can do EVERYTHING without paying)
Expect a full review in near future.
See you in Leage of Legends.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)