Hardware

Laptop or desktop computers and any components within.

Why did my computer not start when I tried to turn it on?

Jeff from Hillsboro, OR

Episode 962

When Jeff tried to turn on his computer, it didn't do anything. No fans, no beeps, it was silent. He unplugged the computer, plugged it back in, and then it started up just fine. Since Jeff's computer is 6 years old, Leo says it may just be that the power switch is failing after years of use. It also could be a flakey power supply, or possibly something more serious such as a bad motherboard. Leo doesn't suspect the hard drive is at fault here.

Would the "lemon law" apply to my Mac?

Episode 961

Becky from Los Angeles, CA
Apple iMac

Becky bought her first Mac and it's been in and out of genius bar with repairs. It keeps dying and she's worried because her Apple Care is about to run out. It could be that her power is fluctuating causing components to fail. In that case, she can get a UPS from TrippLite that will condition her power. She would want to find one that is constantly conditioning the power, and those cost a little bit more.

How can I upgrade my PC to USB 3.0?

Episode 960

Richard from Irvine, CA
USB 3.0 PCI-e controller card

Richard needs a PCI-e card and wants to know who has the best one because the prices are so vast. He's also wondering what "superspeed USB 3.0" is.

Leo says a PCI-e slot is faster and if he has that on his motherboard, that's the type to choose. As far as brand goes, Leo says they're pretty much all the same and are probably using the same components. A USB 3 card won't do him much good unless his devices are USB 3 supported. Luke in the chatroom bought a cheap card from eBay and says it works fine. He should just be sure he has the drivers for it.

Why does my laptop shut down after gaming for awhile?

Chris from Virginia

Episode 959

Chris is a gamer and his laptop computer is shutting down after awhile. Leo says that's likely an overheating problem, which is causing the computer to shut down to protect it. The best thing to do is to make sure the laptop has proper airflow, or maybe have a fan underneath it. He could send it to a technician to clean it out as well.

How can I connect a VCR to an HDTV?

Episode 959

Mark from Anaheim, CA

Mark recently upgraded to a Samsung 42" TV that he wants to connect to his old VCR. He's connected it, but it looks terrible. Leo says that's because the VCR is inferior in quality and it's a lot more obvious with an HDTV. There are VCRs that have built-in DVD recorders. They may have digital out options. Leo recommends Overstock.com, but the future isn't bright for finding one.

How can I record multiple channels of audio without the sync slipping after awhile?

Episode 959

David from Toronto, Canda
Zoom H4

Leo says that if he can record each mic in a separate channel, he can probably fix it in post. He could just use a stereo microphone and put that in between him and the cohost. Or he could use a standalone device like the Zoom H4, which has a pair of directional mics that can record really well.