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"I need a new PC!" 2010 Edition

Max said:
Out of nowhere today I got the first memory management BSOD since I had my mobo replaced in February. I immediately burnt the newest version of memtes86+ and let it run for 25 minutes or 5 tests and 28 red entries appeared. I have no idea what to do about this, do I need new ram?

It could have been the ram the whole time, suckers at the local computer shop must have diagnosed my mobo as being faulty incorrectly...
Your RAM is bad. RMA it via retailer or company.
 
I've been tempted to replace my 4850 for quite a while, and this is looking really tempting. It's a bit more than I was thinking of spending, but if I get a new mouse + backup hard drive + windows 7 to replace my expired windows 7 RC, does anyone have any opinions on this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161330&cm_re=5850-_-14-161-330-_-Product

Obviously there are only a few reviews so far, but from the sounds of it being quiet and cool it sounds like a good choice, as long as it works with my system and fits in my case (Antec 300).

My other concerns:
1. Is there a good chance of the drivers being stable, no grey screens etc. for Windows 7 home premium 64-bit with this card? I heard there have been problems but am unfamiliar with the latest.
2. Can I do SSAA with this card for stuff like TF2 by using the ATI drivers or ATI Tray Tools?
3. My system is a stock 3.0 GHz e8400, 4GB of memory, 1-2 hard disks, 1 DVDROM drive, and USB stuff, unless I forgot something. The card says 500W or greater supply recommended with two 75W 6-pin PCIe connectors. I'm using a 550W Corsair supply with a single 12V rail, and I believe it has two 6-pin PCIe connectors (will need to verify that). Does it sound like I would be at all close to the line on power, or would it be fine?

Thanks very much for any input!
 
Thanks Mr_Brit, that settled the matter, and Blizzard about your third concern check Mr_Brit's last response, it would help you as well.
 
What's the current consensus on Phenom II vs. i5/i7?

I'm starting to seriously consider upgrading my CPU/Mobo/RAM right now, and I'm pretty much torn straight down the middle.

I've put a couple of builds together to compare, and my thoughts so far are -
Phenom II X6 1055T:
-~$30 cheaper than i5 750, ~$90 cheaper than i7 860
-better upgrade path (most likely)
-better long-term performance? as games become more multithreaded

Core i5 750/i7 860:
-better gaming performance right now
-lower power consumption

I think the decision maker for me will be which processor holds up better in the long term. Right now my hunch is toward AMD, but the Nehalem architecture seems so much more efficient that I could see it outpacing AMD's 6-cores even on more multithreaded games.
 
Blizzard said:
I've been tempted to replace my 4850 for quite a while, and this is looking really tempting. It's a bit more than I was thinking of spending, but if I get a new mouse + backup hard drive + windows 7 to replace my expired windows 7 RC, does anyone have any opinions on this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161330&cm_re=5850-_-14-161-330-_-Product

Obviously there are only a few reviews so far, but from the sounds of it being quiet and cool it sounds like a good choice, as long as it works with my system and fits in my case (Antec 300).

My other concerns:
1. Is there a good chance of the drivers being stable, no grey screens etc. for Windows 7 home premium 64-bit with this card? I heard there have been problems but am unfamiliar with the latest.
2. Can I do SSAA with this card for stuff like TF2 by using the ATI drivers or ATI Tray Tools?
3. My system is a stock 3.0 GHz e8400, 4GB of memory, 1-2 hard disks, 1 DVDROM drive, and USB stuff, unless I forgot something. The card says 500W or greater supply recommended with two 75W 6-pin PCIe connectors. I'm using a 550W Corsair supply with a single 12V rail, and I believe it has two 6-pin PCIe connectors (will need to verify that). Does it sound like I would be at all close to the line on power, or would it be fine?

Thanks very much for any input!
I have the same computer components, and the same questions.
 
I just got my tax return. So I'm able to spend a bit more on a PC now.

I'm going to ask something very lame... but if someone could lend me a hand I'd be very grateful.

I want to get these guys to build me a box:

http://www.centralcomputers.com/index.htm

I need a processor, RAM, box, powersupply and hard drive. The hard drive doesn't have to be too awesome, as I have a 1 TB I'd be putting in the new one... this would be just to have the OS on. 300-400 gig would be fine.

I already have a graphics card, sound card and Win7.

If someone wouldn't mind, could they look at what they have there and recommend me the best parts I can get for $1000 or under? My modern PC knowledge is almost zero... last time I bought a PC was about 5 years ago.
 
HDD you want this or this, depending on if you want SSD or not, SSD will make Windows significantly faster, but you need a second drive for installing games on.
 
Can anyone recommend me a graphics card for 100-140 bucks? My 9800 GT is overheating and i need a new one, or i'm gonna pull my hair out.
 
Calantus said:
Can anyone recommend me a graphics card for 100-140 bucks? My 9800 GT is overheating and i need a new one, or i'm gonna pull my hair out.

Look for a used 4870, great card and will be faster than your 9800GT.
 
Why is no one talking about the HD5830?

Is this a bad choice to make, should I just shell out the few extra dollars for the 5850?

I am torn, I recently started a new career and have limited funds.

I am looking for something that will compliment my current set up to allow me to play BF BC2, MW2, and future games coming.

I am currently running a:

Q6600 OC'd to 3.2
4 Gigs of Ram
8800gts 512mb edition.

I game on a 26 inch monitor and would like to play at resolutions of 1900X1200.

Thanks for the advice!
 
Gritesh said:
Why is no one talking about the HD5830?

Is this a bad choice to make, should I just shell out the few extra dollars for the 5850?

I am torn, I recently started a new career and have limited funds.

I am looking for something that will compliment my current set up to allow me to play BF BC2, MW2, and future games coming.

I am currently running a:

Q6600 OC'd to 3.2
4 Gigs of Ram
8800gts 512mb edition.

I game on a 26 inch monitor and would like to play at resolutions of 1900X1200.

Thanks for the advice!
Well no-one talks about it because it's bad value. Performs like a 4890 for $50 more. But it looks like it's $200 at newegg.com at the moment with MIR. Reasonable price point for performance between a 5850 and a 5770. Also runs cooler than a 4890 of course.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102878
 
esc said:
Well no-one talks about it because it's bad value. Performs like a 4890 for $50 more. But it looks like it's $200 at newegg.com at the moment with MIR. Reasonable price point for performance between a 5850 and a 5770. Also runs cooler than a 4890 of course.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102878

That's the one I was looking at, I can jump on it for 200, or shell out another hun for the 5850.

I plan on rebuilding next spring from the ground up, so I don't know if I want to go high on the video card at the moment, and then have it be useless next spring again.

At around the 200-240 price point would you say that is better price/performance?

Thanks for the help.
 
Gritesh said:
That's the one I was looking at, I can jump on it for 200, or shell out another hun for the 5850.

I plan on rebuilding next spring from the ground up, so I don't know if I want to go high on the video card at the moment, and then have it be useless next spring again.

At around the 200-240 price point would you say that is better price/performance?

Thanks for the help.

If you can afford a 5850, buy a 5850.

5830 is bigger than a 5850 and is more power hungry and often can't outperform a 5770. Its just a bad product full stop.
 
The only problem with going to a 5850 is that the price point in my local area on 5850's is around the 320 mark.

That put's it 100 bucks more than the 5830, and I don't really want to spend that extra hundred.

I guess the main question here than is:

5830 or 5770?



I should mention that my max budget is $250 so I am trying to get best value for my dollar.

Thanks.
 
Gritesh said:
The only problem with going to a 5850 is that the price point in my local area on 5850's is around the 320 mark.

That put's it 100 bucks more than the 5830, and I don't really want to spend that extra hundred.

I guess the main question here than is:

5830 or 5770?



I should mention that my max budget is $250 so I am trying to get best value for my dollar.

Thanks.

Just get a used 4890. Much cheaper than both and probably the best bang for buck card available.
 
I'm really considering buying this Notebook: http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...Id=8198552921644569397&parentCategoryId=16154


Goal: To find a reliable, 13'' Laptop with the power of a desktop replacement, yet having decent battery life that would serve me well for years. Keyboard and Screen had to be state of the art, and the games and video editing performance, had to be unreal for a portable and light laptop.


My concerns about this notebook:

1) My previous Laptop had a 8600m GT 512 DDR2. It was one of the thousands of faulty 8600m's and 8400m's that overheated, and became useless. My laptop was very expenssive, and I could not replace it, after the damage started showing. I had to live with a gimped laptop. Since then, I have been afraid of overheating.
I am afraid if this Laptop will be able to handle me playing a games for hours every day, and have it on, using it for movies, writing, video editing, and all that every day. That it won't overheat.

2) This Laptop has a 330m, but the card is underclocked, by around 20%. Perhaps due to heat, perhaps due to battery life. I wonder how useful it will be in games and such. According to what I've been told, the place scores around 6000 points in 3d mark 06 with an i7!

3) This Laptop comes with special SSD's. If I had a choice I would have gotten a regular hard-drive, but the only configuration of the machine in Denmark is with SSD. These are special SSDs in raid made by Samsung, meaning I cant upgrade or switch to another SSD or a HDD at any point in time in the future, ever. I'm stuck with the 256 GB of SSD space there comes with it. Being a media junkie, it would mean that all my music, movies, pictures and editing content would have to be on external hard drive. -minus 1 for portability.

4) It's super expenssive. I'm afraid that this laptop will be so expenssive, and make me so vary of problems and dents and warn-downness happening to it, that I wont dare using it for it's perfect intent.. portability and using it everywhere. Im afraid I will only use it in the house, and that I will go crazy if there even comes a slight dent in it.

5)I've been told by some that it's hell to format, and do a clean install on Sony Vaio computers because they come with software there needs to be installed to make the graphics switching, screen brightness dimming, media hotkeys, wi-fi/bluetooth, and all other kinds of vaio laptop things work... I always like to do clean install every now and then, and if I can't even do a clean install due to lack of drivers for some of these more narrow things or if its hard due to the raid SSD configuration... then thats not very good:(

6) No possibility of engraving, 8 GB ram, or Blu-Ray in my country. Not needed features, but it makes me sad I cant have them...

On the other hand. I am looking for the most powerful and best and most reliable 13'' In the world. the Carbon Fiber body, the 4 hour battery, the 330m in the little cassis, the low weight, the i7, the 1900x1600 insane screen, the incredible keyboard...

Yeah, I don't know if I should go for it.


On the other hand, the Alienware M11X is getting an i7 CULV update, and that CPU wont come close to the one in this laptop, but its also around 3 times as cheap, and it still gets around 6500 points in 3D Mark 06 thanks to its 335m. It's ugly as sin, and its heavy for its size, and it has the same size as the Vaio but is only 11'' and that's pushing it if you want to do photoshopping work, and its screen seems mediocre...


Gahhh. What to do. What to do?
 
Blizzard said:
I've been tempted to replace my 4850 for quite a while, and this is looking really tempting. It's a bit more than I was thinking of spending, but if I get a new mouse + backup hard drive + windows 7 to replace my expired windows 7 RC, does anyone have any opinions on this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161330&cm_re=5850-_-14-161-330-_-Product

Obviously there are only a few reviews so far, but from the sounds of it being quiet and cool it sounds like a good choice, as long as it works with my system and fits in my case (Antec 300).

My other concerns:
1. Is there a good chance of the drivers being stable, no grey screens etc. for Windows 7 home premium 64-bit with this card? I heard there have been problems but am unfamiliar with the latest.
2. Can I do SSAA with this card for stuff like TF2 by using the ATI drivers or ATI Tray Tools?
3. My system is a stock 3.0 GHz e8400, 4GB of memory, 1-2 hard disks, 1 DVDROM drive, and USB stuff, unless I forgot something. The card says 500W or greater supply recommended with two 75W 6-pin PCIe connectors. I'm using a 550W Corsair supply with a single 12V rail, and I believe it has two 6-pin PCIe connectors (will need to verify that). Does it sound like I would be at all close to the line on power, or would it be fine?

Thanks very much for any input!

I had that same card in the exact same config you have. Only difference is I had a shitty 530w power supply, and my CPU was OC'd to 4Ghz. Never had a crash.


I'd say you're more than fine.
 
Hey, I'm currently in the market to buy a new laptop for gaming and heavy usage etc. currently I use a Fujitsu Siemens Amilo pi1536 (big mistake buying this 5 years ago, the customer service leaves a lot to be desired).

I've been looking about and have seen the Toshiba Qosmio X500 - 11m
Cost £1379.99~
13456480x.jpg

Specs
# Processor Type: Intel Core i7-720QM, clock speed 1.6 GHz, 2nd level cache 6 MB L2
# Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
# System Memory: 4GB
# Hard Disk: 500GB
# Optical Drive: Blu-Ray Re-writer drive - CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-R(DL), DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R(DL), DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, BD-ROM, BD-R, BDR-R DL, BD-RE, BD-RE DL
# Maximum Speed (Read): 24x CD-ROM, 8x DVD-ROM/
# Maximum Speed (Write): 24x CD-R, 4x CD-RW, 10x HS CD-RW, 24x US CD-RW, 8x DVD-R, 6x DVD-R (Double Layer), 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD+R, 6x DVD+R (Double Layer), 8x DVD+RW, 5x DVD-RAM, 6x BD-ROM, 4x BD-R, 4x BDR-R DL, 4x BD-RE, 4x BD-RE DL
# Display: 18.4" Toshiba TruBrite HD+ TFT High Brightness display, internal resolution 1,920 x 1,080 (1080p)
# Graphics adaptor: NVIDIA GeForce GTS 360M 1GB dedicated
# Interfaces: DC-in, external monitor, RJ-45, external microphone, headphone (stereo), 3x USB 2.0, HDMI, integrated HD Web Camera with built-in microphone
# Expansion: 2x memory slots (0 to configure)
# Wireless communication: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
# Network Support: 802.11b/g/n
# Wireless Technology: Wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n)
# Wired communication: Fast Ethernet LAN Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000Mbit
# Sound: 24-bit stereo supported audio format, built-in Harmon Kardon stereo speakers

Any opinions/suggestions/criticisms are welcome.
Alternatives to said purchase are also welcome for consideration, its a lot of money to put down so I would like some external opinions.
 
weeman_com said:
Hey, I'm currently in the market to buy a new laptop for gaming and heavy usage etc. currently I use a Fujitsu Siemens Amilo pi1536 (big mistake buying this 5 years ago, the customer service leaves a lot to be desired).

I've been looking about and have seen the Toshiba Qosmio X500 - 11m
Cost £1379.99~
13456480x.jpg

Specs
# Processor Type: Intel Core i7-720QM, clock speed 1.6 GHz, 2nd level cache 6 MB L2
# Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
# System Memory: 4GB
# Hard Disk: 500GB
# Optical Drive: Blu-Ray Re-writer drive - CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-R(DL), DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R(DL), DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, BD-ROM, BD-R, BDR-R DL, BD-RE, BD-RE DL
# Maximum Speed (Read): 24x CD-ROM, 8x DVD-ROM/
# Maximum Speed (Write): 24x CD-R, 4x CD-RW, 10x HS CD-RW, 24x US CD-RW, 8x DVD-R, 6x DVD-R (Double Layer), 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD+R, 6x DVD+R (Double Layer), 8x DVD+RW, 5x DVD-RAM, 6x BD-ROM, 4x BD-R, 4x BDR-R DL, 4x BD-RE, 4x BD-RE DL
# Display: 18.4" Toshiba TruBrite HD+ TFT High Brightness display, internal resolution 1,920 x 1,080 (1080p)
# Graphics adaptor: NVIDIA GeForce GTS 360M 1GB dedicated
# Interfaces: DC-in, external monitor, RJ-45, external microphone, headphone (stereo), 3x USB 2.0, HDMI, integrated HD Web Camera with built-in microphone
# Expansion: 2x memory slots (0 to configure)
# Wireless communication: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
# Network Support: 802.11b/g/n
# Wireless Technology: Wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n)
# Wired communication: Fast Ethernet LAN Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000Mbit
# Sound: 24-bit stereo supported audio format, built-in Harmon Kardon stereo speakers

Any opinions/suggestions/criticisms are welcome.
Alternatives to said purchase are also welcome for consideration, its a lot of money to put down so I would like some external opinions.

Sony Vaio F looks good, if a 16'' Is okay for you.
 
kinggroin said:
I had that same card in the exact same config you have. Only difference is I had a shitty 530w power supply, and my CPU was OC'd to 4Ghz. Never had a crash.


I'd say you're more than fine.
Thanks. I'll ask in the PC screenshot thread about SSAA experiences with it.
 
Alright, I'm pulling the trigger on a new video card and PSU tonight.

Unfortunately the 5850 still seems like the best deal on the block right now (unfortunate in the sense that due to nVidia's cock-ups the MSRP is higher than what it started at), the best price of which seems to be the HIS:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161330&cm_re=5850-_-14-161-330-_-Product

This will be the first time in a while now that I've strayed from eVGA, but with their GTX 470 hitting $350 I don't think I can justify it.

Planning on pairing it with this PSU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Always liked Corsair's upper PSUs and I need a new one because I'm actually running on a back-up PSU (my old Corsair was damaged by my own stupidity in my last rebuild).

Objections? Advice?
 
Wallach said:
Alright, I'm pulling the trigger on a new video card and PSU tonight.

Unfortunately the 5850 still seems like the best deal on the block right now (unfortunate in the sense that due to nVidia's cock-ups the MSRP is higher than what it started at), the best price of which seems to be the HIS:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161330&cm_re=5850-_-14-161-330-_-Product

This will be the first time in a while now that I've strayed from eVGA, but with their GTX 470 hitting $350 I don't think I can justify it.

Planning on pairing it with this PSU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Always liked Corsair's upper PSUs and I need a new one because I'm actually running on a back-up PSU (my old Corsair was damaged by my own stupidity in my last rebuild).

Objections? Advice?
I'm considering the same card and I have been running on a Corsair 550 PSU for two years. With some rare exceptions, Corsairs seem to work really well. Out of curiosity, may I ask how you damaged it? :lol
 
Blizzard said:
I'm considering the same card and I have been running on a Corsair 550 PSU for two years. With some rare exceptions, Corsairs seem to work really well. Out of curiosity, may I ask how you damaged it? :lol

Moving the nearly empty case from the downstairs to the upstairs. Somehow I failed to remember that I had unseated (but not removed, for some reason) my PSU. Stumbled near the top of the stairs - caught myself, but the case tilted enough that the PSU pulled a bail out. Sounded like something came loose so I wasn't going to risk hooking it up to anything after that. So, yeah... basic stupidity.

Really wishing Fermi had worked out better. I have had such a great experience with eVGA cards... why can't they make ATI cards too? Dorks. :lol
 
Everdred said:
Will my current power supply work with this GTX 470?

I don't understand how the multiple rails work.

It's a little close to the recommended as far as amperage on your 12V rail but it should work assuming it is a quality PSU and your system load isn't above average. I have no experience whatsoever with that brand so I personally would not trust it blindly. You'll know pretty fast if it doesn't, the whole PC will shut down when the card load gets significant if the PSU fails to keep up with the power draw.
 
Everdred said:
I don't understand how the multiple rails work.

Dual rails split the 12v power for your mobo (cpu, gfx...) and everything else (fans, optical drives...) so that the system runs more stable.

But there is a lot of debate going on about if this stuff actually really works as advertised so dont give to much attention to it.
 
K.Jack said:
This, w/ the standard Mobility 5870.

That Qosmio would be your second mistake.
How so?

I get that the Kobalt may be a good laptop, but I dont see how its better for the same money, and its looks arent all that appealing either!
 
Gritesh said:
A used 4890 is not really an option for me.

Anyone comment on best value at the $250 price point?

Thanks.

We should see real reviews of the GTX 465 in a couple days which was supposed to MSRP at $249, though maybe now they raised it? Either way, it's worth looking in to still, I'm not going to cross it off based on one leaked preview with just a couple benches.
 
asus essentio
yea best buy... I know i can find it on other sites in an i7 version, would prolly go with the i7.

I was thinking of getting one of these to turn onto a duel boot hackintosh. Obviously I would add a good graphics card. Is there a good resource that any one recommends for hackintosh mods?
 
blizzardjesus said:
asus essentio
yea best buy... I know i can find it on other sites in an i7 version, would prolly go with the i7.

I was thinking of getting one of these to turn onto a duel boot hackintosh. Obviously I would add a good graphics card. Is there a good resource that any one recommends for hackintosh mods?
http://insanelymac.com
http://www.tonymacx86.com/

also i'd recommend against pre-fab system and buying the parts individually. it'll be more expensive, but there's a ton more info/mods online to make the process seamless.
 
Most netbooks have Win7 Starter (sucks) Anyone know netbooks that are netbooks (small, portable, wi-fi, inexpensive) but with Win7 Home Premium?
 
This may sound very stupid, but the guides I've read don't mention wifi or Bluetooth when putting together a pc, so are those things that are already on the mobo, or extra peripherals?
 
Okay, I am totally clueless when it comes to pc parts/building one, but I think I am ready to try and build my first one. Could I build a good gaming rig for $1000 US? I need everything (monitor,speakers, mouse & keyboard ect.)

Could someone help me out?
 
mattiewheels said:
This may sound very stupid, but the guides I've read don't mention wifi or Bluetooth when putting together a pc, so are those things that are already on the mobo, or extra peripherals?
Some motherboards can have wifi or bluetooth built in.
Otherwise you'll need a wireless USB/PCI card or a Bluetooth USB/PCI card.
BrassMonkey1010 said:
Okay, I am totally clueless when it comes to pc parts/building one, but I think I am ready to try and build my first one. Could I build a good gaming rig for $1000 US? I need everything (monitor,speakers, mouse & keyboard ect.)

Could someone help me out?
*Reposting*
1)Basic Desktop Questions

Budget: Price Range + Country
Main Use: Gaming, Video editing, or just general usage
Monitor Resolution: What resolution will you be playing your games at? Are you going to upgrade later?
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Self Explanatory

2)General Guide on what to buy (Spring)
Tech Report Builders Guide!

A very good basic guide that has been updated for Spring (Right now there is some new stuff coming out + new GPU's on the way, so once that gets out of the way hopefully they will update.)
http://techreport.com/articles.x/18747/2

3) 15 minute video how-to
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/video_how_build_pc_ever_step_explained

If someone has a better short video please share.

4) Prospective laptop buyers please fill this out (and maybe even ask their forum):
http://forum.notebookreview.com/wha...ould-i-buy-form-must-read-before-posting.html
 
Hazaro said:
*Reposting*

Thank you very much. I am going to check out the video and info!

Anyways..
Budget: $1000 US
Main Use: Gaming and general use.
Monitor Resolution: Do not have a monitor yet. I need part of the $1000 budget to go to one. Don't really know is 16:9 or 10 is better, or what resolution to get.
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Crysis, Starcraft 2, Fallout: New Vegas, Diablo 3. (would really like to play everything)

EDIT. I think I will just go with this build from the tech report link. I just need to know a good monitor to hook up to it.
 
According to my BIOS my ram voltage isn't correct, I emailed an NCIX guy about it and he told me it should be 1.65v but right now mine's 1.581. Would changing this prevent the "memory management" bsod and fix my problems detected in memtest86+?
 
It's possible, although that's a small enough discrepancy that decent quality memory would normally probably be ok at its rated speed at a voltage deficit like that. It still wouldn't hurt to try upping the memory voltage a little if your BIOS allows it and re-running memtest86.
 
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