By Jimmy Thang on Mar 29, 2017 10:22 pm
A Phillips-Head screwdriver is the only tool that you absolutely need to build a PC, but if you're constantly building or upgrading rigs, or simply want to take your builds to the next level, here are eight tools that are really helpful.
Magnetic Screwdriver
Since you're going to need a Phillips-Head screwdriver, you might as well make it a good one. We recommend a long magnetic solution. A 12-inch magnetic screwdriver will not only help you access tough-to-reach spots, but its magnetic tip will allow you to pick up any loose screws you may have accidentally dropped inside your case (it happens to the best of us). While magnets can be harmful to computer components, the ones that you typically find in screwdrivers are too weak to do any harm to your PC.
Anti-static mat
Static electricity can be damaging to computer hardware. One shock can cause components to short. While we always recommend that you touch metal to ground yourself before installing components, using an anti-static mat provides an added layer of safety for your rig. We recommending something like the ModRight Xtreme Super Large Anti-Static Mod-Mat. Not only is it large enough to fit the biggest of builds and prevents sliding with its non-scratch surface, but it includes a grounding wrist strap, which will prevent you from accidentally shocking your components.
Magnetic Screw Tray
When you're building a PC, you're going to be dealing with a lot of screws. Screws tend to have a nasty habit of falling off tables never to be seen again. That's where something like a magnetic screw tray comes in handy. Even if you find yourself accidentally knocking the tray over, the magnetic tray will likely hold your screws in place. If you don't want to spend money on a magnetic tray, you can also use an empty egg carton. The different compartments can come in handy when you're trying to separate screws of varying sizes.
Thermal paste remover
If you ever find yourself changing out your CPU cooler, you're going to want to remove the old thermal paste off your processor. ArctiClean makes a good cleaning kit as it includes a bottle of a thermal material remover solution and a second thermal surface purifier. You can dab a bit of this liquid to a paper towel to clean off heat sinks. The stuff also smells like fresh oranges, which is an added bonus. Alternatively, you can also use isopropyl alcohol. Most drug stores sell 91 percent pure isopropyl alcohol that's relatively cheap and can get the job done.
Thermal paste
If your CPU cooler doesn't come with pre-applied thermal paste or if you wanted to re-attach your old CPU cooler after you've swapped out the processor, you'll need to add new thermal paste to your build. While it's hard to go wrong with thermal paste, one relatively high-performing solution that we like is Arctic Silver 5.
Zip Ties/Velcro Straps
Good cable management is arguably what separates the PC building noob from the pro. One tool, or shall we say tools, that helps with cable management are zip ties and/or velcro straps. You can use them to tie down your loose PC cables to the inside of your case. This will make your builds look much cleaner.
Shears/wire cutter
If you're going to use zip ties to hold down your cables, you're going to want to make sure you cut excess ends of them off with a pair of shears or wire cutters. Most cheap scissors simply won't cut it, unfortunately. Otherwise, the loose plastic can obstruct a fan or make it difficult for you to close your case's side panels.
Headlamp
Yes, we realize this isn't an article about spelunking, but a headlamp can come in handy when you're trying to access dim parts of your build (front panel connectors, we're looking at you). It's certainly not a necessity, but it's nice to have light shine wherever you need it while both of your hands are free.
By Tony Guerrero on Mar 29, 2017 06:31 pm
Ghost in the Shell is making its way to the big screen. The manga from 1989 was adapted into an anime in 1995, and because of its popularity, it was followed by more films and television series. With the new live-action movie starring Scarlett Johansson, there are some big moments we're excited to see translated into live-action. Some have already been confirmed in various clips and trailers. There may be minor spoilers.
Cyberbrain Plugs
In this future world, some individuals have cyberbrain implants that allow them to connect to computer networks or others that also have an implant. The first time we see Major Motoko Kusanagi in the anime, the plugs aren't fully explained. A scene similar to the beginning of the anime showing the plugs and cyberbrain being used can be seen in the footage recently released.
Briefcase Guns
The briefcase guns were also shown in the released footage from the movie. If someone is dressed in a nice suit, they can't conceal a big gun without it resulting in a big bulge. Businessmen often carry briefcases so the briefcase gun is a convenient way for them to pack some heat.
Violence
The movie is rated PG-13, but it can still have some gory violence. In the anime, we saw people get shot and explode from the bullet's impact. The anime isn't super-violent, but the movie should have some gruesome moments on the same level.
Thermoptic Camouflage
Why does the Major basically get naked when she fights? So she can use her thermoptic camouflage, of course. We know this will be used in the movie. Hopefully it'll be better explained than it was in the first Ghost in the Shell anime.
Crazy Robot Hands
Imagine waiting until the last minute to write a term paper. If you have crazy robot hands, you could likely type hundreds of words per minute. It might be a little pointless to use the special effects in the movie to show these hands, but why not?
3-Point Landings
Three-point landings are used by all the cool action characters. Even the not-so-cool ones use it. This movie should definitely have at least one. If you love three-point landings and want to see more, there's a bunch collected here.
Spider Tanks
The Major's fight with a spider tank was a great moment in the anime. This could be cool to see on the big screen, provided the scene is executed correctly. It shouldn't be too stylish with loud techno music playing. It's just the Major vs. an impenetrable tank.
Damage
If Motoko basically has a robot body, she should have no problem jumping into dangerous situations without waiting for backup. There should be intense moments where damage to the body could happen.
New Bodies
The Major gets a replacement body after her main one is severely damaged. Replacement bodies aren't super-easy to come by. The Major had to go into a child robot body until she could get a proper replacement. This may not be essential to see, but it would be both creepy and cool.
By Mat Elfring on Mar 29, 2017 09:27 am
By the look on AJ Styles's face in the image above, you know it's time for Wrestlemania. WWE's biggest event of the year comes to the WWE Network and PPV on Sunday, April 2, and it's going to be one long show. There are a lot of matches on this year's card, so let's see who is fighting and our predictions for the event. [Update 3/28]: Smackdown Women's Championship match was added to the Kickoff Show, and more wrestlers were added to the Battle Royal.
Neville (c) vs. Austin Aries (Kickoff Show)
(For the Cruiserweight Championship) The cruiserweight division has been a lot of fun, especially with Neville as the champion. Now, the commentator for 205 Live, Austin Aries, is stepping into the ring to take on the champion. In order for this rivalry, which is relatively new, to keep going, Aries has to win here. In addition, Neville needs to be knocked down a few pegs because his ego is out of control, so an Aries win here just makes sense. Prediction: Aries wins
Alexa Bliss (c) Open Challenge (Kickoff Show)
(For the Smackdown Women's Championship) Alexa Bliss couldn't decide who to face at Wrestlemania, so Smackdown GM Daniel Bryan stated that every available woman on the Smackdown roster will have a chance at the belt on April 2. How will this match work? Will it be everyone in the ring at once or just one quick match after another? At this point in time, it's unclear. Because there are more questions than answers for this match, we're going to go out on a limb and say this is the match when Asuka from NXT gets called up and ends up winning the Smackdown Women's Championship. That prediction may not be a little too far out there, as her call-up is one rumors circulating around the net. Note: Naomi returned on the March 28 episode of Smackdown, and she announced she will be a part of this match. Prediction: Asuka steps up and wins
Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal (Kickoff Show)
In the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, 30 superstars begin the match in the ring, and much like the Royal Rumble match, each wrestler is eliminated by being tossed over the top rope. As of this writing, only 21 wrestlers have been announced for the match: Braun Strowman, Sami Zayn, Goldust, R-Truth, Curtis Axel, Primo, Epico, Bo Dallas, Jinder Mahal, Apollo Crews, Mojo Rawley, Big Show, Curt Hawkins, Dolph Ziggler, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Chad Gable, Rhyno, Heath Slater, Tyler Breeze, and Fandango. Because there are still nine people to be announced for this match--one of which we hope is Tye Dillinger--this is a tough one to call. However, because of the headway he's making on Raw and also because there are a lot of rumors of this being "his year," we're going to give the win to Braun Strowman. Our Prediction: Braun Strowman wins
Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (c) vs. Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs. Cesaro & Sheamus
(For the Raw Tag Team Championship) There are a lot of talented stars involved in this match; however, a triple threat for the Raw Tag Team Championship doesn't have as strong of a story driving it. This championship match features the active teams on Raw--minus New Day, who are hosting the night's events. There has to be more to this match than meets the eye. Right off the bat, Gallows and Anderson will get the win, but it will happen thanks to interference from former Bullet Club member Finn Balor. The injured star and former Universal Champion has been at house shows, and Wrestlemania is the best time for him to return. This may sound a bit too much for an early Wrestlemania match, but maybe we just want to see a Bullet Club reunion. Prediction: Gallows and Anderson win after Finn Balor interference
Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Baron Corbin
(For the Intercontinental Championship) Baron Corbin continues his dominance on Smackdown, and the next person on his list is Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose. Both of these men want to be back on the road to the WWE Championship, but they'll have to face each other first. It feels like a no-brainer that Corbin is going to win this one, freeing Ambrose from the Intercontinental belt to enter the WWE Championship picture. Then, it will finally be time for Corbin to have some gold around his waist. Prediction: Corbin wins
John Cena & Nikki Bella vs. The Miz & Maryse
This is a feud blending the worlds of the reality series Total Divas and Smackdown as Nikki Bella and Maryse's battle has its own match at Wrestlemania. In addition, their significant others are teaming with them for this match. While The Miz is one of our favorite parts of Smackdown, with all the rumblings that John Cena is about to take some time off from the company, it seems more than likely WWE will want Cena to go out on top. That being said, we're giving the win to Cena and Bella. Prediction: Cena/Bella wins
Chris Jericho (c) vs. Kevin Owens
(For the United States Championship) Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens used to be best friends. Then, Owens turned on Jericho at the "Festival of Friendship," and wrestling fans' hearts shattered into a million pieces. Now, the two will battle it out on the grandest stage of them all: Wrestlemania. Much like the Cena match, the word around the campfire is that Jericho is taking a break after the April event. Considering all of that, we're giving the win to Owens. Hopefully, we can also see Owens get a dirty win to get some more heat on him as well. Prediction: Owens wins dirty
Bayley (c) vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax (Fatal 4-Way Match)
(For the Raw Women's Championship) Three of the women on Raw have proven themselves as worthy of the Women's Championship on the Monday night show: Charlotte, Sasha Banks, and Nia Jax. All three of them will take on the current champion, Bayley. This is extremely tough to call. The only one who hasn't been champion as of yet is Nia Jax, but is she ready? While Bayley, Charlotte, and Banks are all top-talent and put on some amazing matches, we're going to go out on a limb and say the human-wrecking ball, Jax, is going to win it all. Prediction: Nia Jax wins
Shane McMahon vs. AJ Styles
AJ Styles didn't have a match at Wrestlemania, so he did the one thing that would get everyone's attention: attack Shane McMahon. Now, he'll be fighting the son of the owner of the WWE, even though Styles was fired by general manager Daniel Bryan. There's one thing we can say about this match: it's going to be filled with ridiculous high spots. Whether you like the booking or not, it's going to entertain the masses. However, when it comes down to it, we think Styles is going to come out on top. Prediction: Styles wins
Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns
One staple of Wrestlemania is the Undertaker. This year, he'll be taking on Roman Reigns, a match whose seeds were planted back at Royal Rumble. There have been a couple meetings between the two since then. There isn't a lot of hype behind this, and there are plenty of rumors stating this is going to be the Undertaker's last match. Because of this, we think he's going out on top with a win. Prediction: Undertaker wins
Seth Rollins vs. Triple H
This is a story a few years in the making. At one time, Seth Rollins and Triple H worked together, and things were going great, especially when Rollins was the champion. However, Rollins was betrayed, and after a knee injury, he's made his return and is now looking for revenge. This is the best storyline on Raw. While the card is already stacked, this is a welcome addition. There is nothing more we'd rather see than Rollins coming out on top here. However, he is injured, so in order for him to get the win, it's going to take some outside interference. This is very tough to call, but we're giving the win to Triple H. Prediction: Triple H wins
Goldberg (c) vs. Brock Lesnar
(For the Universal Championship) Brock Lesnar is challenging Goldberg for the Universal Championship. Both meetings between the two stars, at the Royal Rumble and Survivor Series, have shown that Goldberg is a dominant force. This will be the third official meeting between the two stars. We think that this is the end of the feud, and there's no way Goldberg will best Lesnar once again. Continuously beating down a person that WWE has set up to be an unstoppable force (Lesnar), over and over, doesn't make sense unless he gets the win at the end. Lesnar will get his belt back and give it up to someone else at the next PPV. We don't see either of these men holding the title for very long. Prediction: Lesnar wins
Bray Wyatt (c) vs. Randy Orton
(For the WWE Championship) WWE Champion Bray Wyatt will be taking on former ally and Royal Rumble winner Randy Orton. This has been a fantastic storyline and is one of the most anticipated matches of the card. Orton recently burned down the Wyatt's compound, so Wyatt is out for revenge. We love Bray Wyatt as champion, and it's really hard to put that love aside, especially when he's up against someone who has headlined a plethora of PPVs. We're thinking WWE is going to continue pushing Wyatt, and there may be some interferences in this match, whether it's Luke Harper or Erick Rowan. Taking everything into consideration, Wyatt will retain his belt. Prediction: Wyatt wins clean.
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