Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Do I need to upgrade my PC’s power supply before I install my new graphics card?

Posted on April 2, 2017

Question from Jeffrey M.: Hi Rick. I just bought a new graphics card to upgrade my Gateway computer but I don’t know how to hook it up.

The new card needs to connect to a wire from the power supply that has an 8 pin connector, but I can’t find one. There are a couple with 6 pin connectors, but they won’t mate up with the connectors on the card.

Is there any way to connect this video card to my computer? Do I need to upgrade the power supply too or just return the graphics card and buy a different one?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: What’s the safest way to straighten bent pins on a CPU?

Posted on March 28, 2017

Question from Byron J.: Hi Rick. I have a serious problem and I need your help.

I bought a new Intel Core i7-4790K CPU the other day to go in a gaming rig that I’m building.

I removed the CPU from the packaging and placed it on the table. As I was working I dropped a screwdriver on the CPU and bent several of the pins.

None of the pins are bent really bad, but I’m afraid I might break them off when I try to straighten them out. As you know, this is a very expensive CPU and I don’t think I’ll be able to return it if I break a pin off.

Can you tell me the best way to straighten bent CPU pins without breaking them off?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Should I buy a new PC with Windows 7 on it?

Posted on March 25, 2017

Question from Henry P.: I’ve been shopping online for a new computer and I found out that there are still some Windows 7 computers available. My question is should I buy one?

I really like Windows 7 but I want to make sure I won’t end up buying a headache now that Windows 10 is the norm.

Do you know of any reason why I should buy something with Windows 10 on it instead of Windows 7? Something I’m missing perhaps?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Will Microsoft Office 2010 work with Windows 10?

Posted on March 25, 2017

Question from Ellen R.: I used Microsoft Office 2003 on my old computer but the hard drive died and I had to replace it.

I still have my Office 2003 installation discs but I can’t get it installed on the new laptop. I’m guessing that it’s just not compatible with Windows 10.

My brother has a copy of MS Office 2010 Professional that’s still in the box and it’s never been opened or registered. He said he would ship it to me from Scotland if it’ll work with my system, but he doesn’t want to waste money to ship it to me if it won’t work.

My question is will Microsoft Office 2010 run on Windows 10? If it will it’ll save me from having to buy a copy of MS Office that I really can’t afford right now.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]