Articles By: Alan McCloskey

How to fix 100% CPU on Pivos Xios

How to fix 100% CPU on Pivos Xios

XBMC was originally developed on a console, hence the “Xbox” part of “Xbox Media Center”. Because of this, the CPU had to run all the time to match up with the resolution.

How to fix Video Stuttering on Pivos Xios with XBMC

How to fix Video Stuttering on Pivos Xios with XBMC

There’s nothing really wrong with the Xios, You just have to tweak some settings to get around some limitations.

Physically separate networks to finally fix server issues

Physically separate networks to finally fix server issues

Ever since I moved the site over to Linux, I’ve had weird, unexplained issues, most often the network would stop responding with no warning.

How to Connect XBMC Linux to Synology Diskstation NAS

How to Connect XBMC Linux to Synology Diskstation NAS

One problem you may face with an XBMC Linux installation (or appliance running XBMC) is connecting to and scraping your media that resides on a NAS. You have to do a little tweak to your Diskstation to get XBMC (and some other appliances) to work.

XBMC and XIOS articles on the way

XBMC and XIOS articles on the way

While researching, I found a lot of mixed reviews about this device, but I’ve pretty much resolved all of the issues that these people were complaining about.

Lian Li PC-A7110 Server Case Gallery

Lian Li PC-A7110 Server Case Gallery

The Lian Li PC-A7110 is one of my favorite aluminum cases. It doesn’t have a lot of eye candy in terms of acrylic windows, but is made completely of aluminum and is truly built to be a server.

NZXT Panzerbox Case Gallery

NZXT Panzerbox Case Gallery

We could review the NZXT Panzerbox, but it is now a 3-year-old case and is no longer available for sale.
We went ahead and took a bunch of great photos of this case, so we’re presenting them here for you!

Replacing an APC UPS Battery

Replacing an APC UPS Battery

If you have a Uninterruptable Power Supply for your PC or server, then you already know that the batteries eventually die. Here are some things to consider when replacing the battery in your APC UPS.

Pre-Spring Tech News March 2, 2013

Pre-Spring Tech News March 2, 2013

In Seattle, that doesn’t happen so much… spring gradually sneaks up on you like a Mother Nature Ninja and hits its peak around June.

Wrong type of Cougar News January 26, 2013

Wrong type of Cougar News January 26, 2013

I’m seeing a lot of new hardware reviews from Cougar, which brings up a whole new set of erotic images in my head… it brings new meaning to the term Hardare Pr0n.

Crysis 3 Multiplay Beta on January 29

Crysis 3 Multiplay Beta on January 29

Electronic Arts Inc.and award-winning developer Crytek GmbH  today announced an open multiplayer beta* for the premiere sandbox shooter experience, Crysis®3, will be available starting January 29th for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC. Including two team-based modes and two maps, the extensive beta will give players an opportunity to master the [...]

Star Wars: The Old Republic Expansion: Rise of the Hutt Cartel

Star Wars: The Old Republic Expansion: Rise of the Hutt Cartel

BioWare expands their Star Wars saga with brand new story-based missions pitting both Republic and Imperial forces against the nefarious Hutt Cartel on the new planet of Makeb.

Crytek Buys Homefront From THQ

Crytek Buys Homefront From THQ

Crytek GmbH today announced the acquisition of the intellectual property rights for the Homefront franchise following an auction of assets by THQ Inc. Crytek’s association with the Homefront IP began in autumn 2011, when the developer announced it would be creating the second game in the series in partnership with THQ Inc. Following THQ’s recent [...]

Penta Monitor News January 25, 2013

Penta Monitor News January 25, 2013

If you factor in the netbook I use for IM updates and the kick-ass Android phone, then I have five displays feeding me information… which is translated into the news for the loyal OCmodshop reader!

660 vs 660ti Tech News January 24, 2013

660 vs 660ti Tech News January 24, 2013

For some reason the email that I sent out for our Minecraft Xbox 360 guide didn’t go out until yesterday when I sent out our review on the new Noctua 150mm heatsinks. It’s all good in the ‘hood, I guess.  We have a bunch of case reviews today, including some new Fractal Design cases.  We [...]

Limitless Electronics’ New Tablets

Limitless Electronics’ New Tablets

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (January 8, 2013) – Innovation is a staple of the Consumer Electronics Show. Every year thousands of companies flock to Las Vegas in January to share their newest devices and products with an exciting conglomerate of people ranging from the professional media to electronics junkies. Over the last few years, there has [...]

CES News January 11, 2013

CES News January 11, 2013

The CES 2013 news is still coming in, thanks to our tech affiliates down in the trenches. We have news about Zalman, Cooler Master and Thermaltake in addition to OCZ and other stuff around CES.

Eagle Tech Site Update

Eagle Tech Site Update

It’s been a while since we reviewed any stuff from Eagle Tech, but it appears they’re getting back on the ball and started with a new website redesign!

Lotso CES Tech News January 10, 2013

Lotso CES Tech News January 10, 2013

Another day and more CES coverage! I’m sure a lot of stuff will be coming in over the next few days (and even the weekend) even though CES is almost over.

iPhone 5 for $45 a month Without Contract

iPhone 5 for $45 a month Without Contract

Whatever your feelings about Walmart are, you can’t deny that this is one of the cheapest cell phone plans when using an iPhone. They are offering a contract-less plan for the iPhone 5 with Unlimited everything.

The only bad part is you have to buy the iPhone outright… at a cost of $650.