I reinstalled my drivers and It didn't work. I checked DXDiag and it says I'm using directx11 but I am on Vista and I have a 8800 gts card so is there a way to make my pc run on directx 9 or 10?1kalli1

I'm a diehard PC gamer, but I can still appreciate a good joke at my expense, and thought the PC gamer community might enjoy the following comic courtesy of Boston local artist Tak Toyoshima:

Happy gaming,

Boz

If you are able to boot into Windows it is unlikely to be a dead card. Dying cards will give you graphical errors even at the Bios screen.

Try reinstalling your drivers - meaning uninstall your current drivers, reboot, and reinstall the drivers - and checking your cables. Boot into Safe Mode if you have to.

If those don't work and you're absolutely certain it's a graphic card issue, you can still try to resussitate it: Link (the images and video are broken due to ongoing Gamespot hosting issues, but the content is there).

Good luck,

Boz

Is there any product out there that would let me set up an entertainment area in my guest room without adding cable? I have a PC monitor, but I lack anything to hook into it that replicates the experience one gets from cable. I was exploring Google tv, but it sounds like it blocks a lot of media sites, AND it seems to require a cable box.

donalbane

Forget about it, Jim, it's not worth it. Gamespot just isn't the same place it was in 2007. It was one thing to dismiss the Gerstmanngate doomsayers back in the day, it's another when someone like GabuEx heads for the door.

Just forget about it. The Soapbox is done.

Boz

That dribble doesn't deserve reposting...


Sounds like another Steve Jobs.


Repost this when tables and other portable devices have serious computing power.

C_Rule

Well yes conventional desktops will not be the forefront of computer sales, but to say " Era of PC coming to close" is a bold and misleading headline.

Blue-Sky

It will be perfectly fine. That's a generic one lots of vendors buy and they do work great.

ChubbyGuy40

Unless you have a gigantic head like I do I would strongly consider the JVC HARX900, which is about $60, closed-back, and sound fantastic. They do tend to be a tight fit and they're BIG, but are otherwise a very good value. Alternatively there are some Sony and Shure options available, but you'll have to chat up the Head-Fi folks for recommendations in your price range.

One thing I neglected to mention: Over-the-ear headphones will give you a sweaty head if you are prone to such things (most people are not). If so you might consider opting for a nice pair of earbuds.

Good luck!

Boz

When: 5:00PM PST, August 24, 2011
Server: (TBD)
What: Unreal Tournament, eitherUT 2004 OR UT3
Where to buy:UT 2004 via Steam, UT3 via Steam
Platform: PC
Map(s): (TBD)
Chat Resource:Game Night Chatroom  (requires Java)

1. How do I get in on the action?
It is important to join the chatroom (requires Java) so staff and GameSpotters can communicate. If you cannot remain in the chatroom for any reason, you are welcome to exit and return once you are finished playing a match. If the chatroom is not open for any reason, post a question in this game night discussion thread with your issue. Otherwise, the chatroom should be open on the day of game night.

2. I am from another country and timezone other than California time (Pacific Time). What time is that for me?
http://www.timezoneconverter.com/cgi-bin/tzc.tzc. If you want to be extra tech savvy and you use Firefox, download the foxclocks application to monitor your timezone versus other timezones.

3. What mode will we be playing?
The game modes are normally requested in the chatroom, so ask away once you join. GameSpot staff are normally easy going unless there are specific requirements in the announcement of a game night. 

4. How do you select a game for game night?
GameSpot staff will consider suggestions made in this union. The official game night schedule can be viewed here. However, highly anticipated games may take priority. One example of this would be the UFC game night held with a variety of staff back in May 2009. Many GameSpot editors were playing for weeks before there was a chance to play with other GameSpotters. Fun times indeed!

5. Can I drop by late to participate?
Of course! Why not? Be sure to post what time you plan to show right here in this thread so we can stick around later in case you decide to show later than 5:00pm PT. 

6. What GameSpot folks will I be playing with?
The game and platforms really does determine which GameSpot Staff members are likely to play. You might even hit some of your favorite GameSpot editors to ask them when they plan to participate in another game night or which game is likely to get them to drop by as well. You can do so by sending them a PM or posting a new thread in the Union board. 

7. What is up with the bounty hunter emblem?
Every Game Night a player that meets the bounty requirement will get to take part in a grudge match later in the year against other bounty hunters on the game platform. Note that this process is still in planning stages. That match will take place on a game that pretty much anyone can play, such as a free bowling game, or some other such frivolity. The winner of the Grudge Match will receive a special emblem in his or her profile. 

8. Do I get an emblem for playing?
The only emblem goes to the bounty winner(s), which are listed on the Game Night feature page as MVP. It's next to impossible for staff to keep up with who enters the game server and who doesn't. Besides, isn't gloating over GameSpot Staff a great reward?

9. What is the bounty requirement?
The non-scientific method: The player GameSpot staff feels kicked their butts the most is normally the first to receive the emblem. However, we have also considered users who are respectful with others ingame as well. We normally choose one MVP per game or platform. 

10. So, do I have a good chance of kicking GameSpot butt?
Yes, unless it's Quake, in which case Jody will introduce you to her Rocket Launcher. Briefly.

11. What if you give the emblem to some other dude, even if I know I am better?
It's the staff's call on who becomes the MVP for the week.

12. Where should I report my game night experience?
Feel free to discuss your experience in this thread. You can also Tweet about it, post an update to FUSE, or blog about it right here on Gamespot!

If you're concerned about your headphone's ambient noise you'll want a pair of over-the-ear, closed-back headphones. This means that many over-the-ear, open-back headphones like the popular Sennheiser HD555s are not an option for you.

I didn't really get into that level of detail in the sticky, so let me know your preferred budget and I'll come back with a couple recommendations. I would also suggest making a login at Head-Fi and posting the same request for suggestions in your budget range in this thread. Head-Fi regulars are headphone enthusiasts; I'm just a guy that knows too much about a lot of random consumer electronics stuff.

Happy gaming,

Boz