Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with replacement

Replacement Motherboard for one that crapped out.

saxamo — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:47:33 -0800

What motherboard can I find that will replace an MSI K9VGM-V? Hi all. A bit of backstory: My PC had always had an issue where it randomly shut off (akin to overheating). I had replaced the Power supply and the RAM and issue was still present. I had used it like this for several more months until it totally died on me and wouldn't turn on. I understand the PC troubleshooting theory of swapping out components until you find the weak link in the system, which by now could be the motherboard or the processor. So, I'd like to find a new motherboard.

Problem is that the current one I have is discontinued and i don't quite know what to replace it with, or where to look. I'm looking for something similar in

Size: I have a small case and I don't want to run into issues with the motherboard not fitting, so i'm looking for something around the same physical dimensions.

Price: I'm definitely not looking for something top of the line here. I just want a replacement. However I will most likely do some gaming on this. Ideally a $40-$80 price range, but I'm willing to go higher if the shoe really fits.

Compatability: I'd like it to be compatable with the ram and processor that I already have in there.

Again, this is an MSI K9VGM-V Thanks!

Tab it up

arniec — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:57:17 -0800

My wife used to love Tab energy drink both for the burst of energy and for the flavor. We can't find it any more. She needs an energy drink tonight to rev up for Halloween festivities. Are there any commonly found (we live in the midwest) energy drinks that taste similar to the Tab energy drink?

Ditch the Cell

Benzle — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:01:24 -0800

Just finally got my Google Voice account! I have been using Skype for a long time, and now with google voice I am finally ready to get rid of the cell phone all together. BUT, can anyone recommend a good piece of hardware, (The iPod Touch comes to mind) that I can use "like" a cell phone, with minimal tweaking, where wifi is available. A netbook would work, but a little big, can you hook up a mic to any Palm or anything? Thanks everyone.

Undocumented alien needs documents!

fireoyster — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:48:42 -0800

Is it possible to get a replacement U.S. naturalization certificate fast, as in same-day pickup, provided the person can get to a large USCIS office? My mother--who has been a naturalized citizen since she was 4--has applied for a passport to go on a cruise this weekend. The passport office has yet to reply, and still has her birth certificate (filed as part of her adoption, isn't available except by mail through the state, and doesn't prove citizenship) and naturalization certificate somewhere in the bowels of the New Jersey office. She has nothing else proving citizenship except the highly unofficial copies she made of both documents before sending them off over 6 weeks ago. Since the cruise is "closed loop," she can use her driver license and naturalization certificate to re-enter the country, but that's somewhat hard to do since her certificate is several hundred miles northeast of her.

She lives near the big USCIS office in Dallas. Would it be possible for her to take two pictures and go down there tomorrow or Friday to get a new one on the spot, provided she has other identification (a driver license and so forth)? She says she did this 30 years ago when she needed one prior to going to work for a local police department, but I can find no information on if this is true now.

Ikea part number help, please!

brandman — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 06:32:20 -0800

Help me identify the part number for this Ikea part! I've had an Ikea dresser for about 12 years now, and it's held up very well...with the minor exception of the rails that hold the drawers in place. They're starting to crack, and a trip to the Ikea store over the weekend proved unsuccessful in finding a replacement (although the customer service folks were able to find a similar part for one of my other dressers). Anyway, was hoping someone out there could identify the part number for this, so I can go online and "Ask Anna" for replacements. I guess the other option would be to try and fashion a substitute myself, but I'm sure that would have disastrous consequenses.

(Note: The three knobs that stick out of the plastic are the fasteners that connect the rail to the dresser - it just pops in.)

Thanks...

The Best Automobile Driver's Seat

five fresh fish — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:11:11 -0800

Which driver's seat. To my surprise, replacement automobile driver's seat -baby -infant didn't google up anything useful. Surely there's a widely-held opinion as to which junkyard car seats are the best! If it matters, it would be for a custom desk, not for a car. Seems to me a car seat designed for long drives would make a good reclined seat for a geekdesk.

Oh nos! My favorite headphones are dying!

photomusic86 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:29:10 -0800

I love these headphones because the cord retracts. Brilliant, right? Yeah, Sony stopped making them. What other headphones can do this too? I asked this question before, but didn't get my point across before the question got stale and forgotten. I went out and bought several of them after learning of their discontinuation, but I'm finally on my last pair, and they're on their way out...
I love the concept, and hate in-ear buds. Oh please help me!!

Fork me!

pdb — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:46:50 -0800

I need a new fork for my road bike. How do I shop for one? As a result of a could-have-been-a-whole-lot-worse accident a few days ago, my carbon front fork is broken (Fortunately, nothing on my body suffered the same fate - just a concussion, some bruises and stiffness). I have never shopped for a fork before, the one that broke was the original fork from my bike; what sort of things should I be looking for in a fork?

My bike's aluminum with carbon seatstays, and I do like the carbon fork I had (it was Klein-branded, don't know if they made it or not but that's all I can find on it is the Klein name), but I have no idea whether carbon is better than aluminum, or stuff like that.

Also, pricing - assuming I do decide to go with a carbon fork, how much can I expect to spend for a decent one? I'm seeing things for $2-300, is that typical of a good fork?

Replacement UK ID card

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:55:59 -0800

I've lost my UK identity card for foreign nationals and was planning to travel in 3 weeks. Is there any way to get a replacement, fast? I have lost my identity card and only discovered it this weekend when preparing for visa applications for a dream vacation in mid-September. Gulp. After tracking down, with some difficulty, the website page saying what to do, I've learnt it takes 4-14 weeks to get a replacement by post, and requires that I file a police report. There is no fast-track service listed. Does anyone have experience of getting a replacement? How long did it take? Was there any way of getting accelerated service which is not mentioned on the website? I haven't called the Borders Agency to ask, because I'd rather not report it lost until I've done that last final sweep.

Prius Battery Replacement

SLC Mom — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:36:48 -0800

Is there and GOOD and CHEAP way to replace a Prius battery? I have a 2001 Prius with 118K miles on it, and my big battery is going. The dealers is asking for $3100. I am not in the market for a new car, but this is going to be painful. Any suggestions?

Met-Rx vs. Slim Fast

edbyford — Fri, 15 May 2009 01:39:03 -0800

Meal Replacement Shakes for weight loss - can I mix and match? I am currently wanting to lose about 10kg before my summer holidays start. I am going on a 5k jog every other day and doing pushups. This post is not about exercise though. I also decided to use a meal replacement shake to help control my calorie intake.

I ordered 3 tubs (12 servings per tub) of Slim Fast powder at a cost of £15. These have 218 calories per serving. Full Nutritional Details [PDF]

I received these and started taking one for breakfast, one for lunch, and then having a 600 calorie evening meal, as suggested by Slim Fast. I then did some more reading, and an article I found suggested that after I had stopped taking the Slim Fast, and gone back to solids, I would gain the weight back very fast.

So I ordered 20 servings of Met-Rx Meal Replacement Shakes at a cost of £20. These have about 250 calories per serving.
more details here.

So, my question comes in two parts:

1. If I just use Slim Fast, which I'd like to do as it's cheaper (even if not as filling as Met-Rx) will I gain the weight back fast after I stop taking the Slim Fast?

2. If so, might it be possible to have a Slim Fast for breakfast, and a Met-Rx for lunch, without any negative effects?

This Old House: Ready to pull the trigger, but can somebody help me from shooting myself in the foot?

Arch1 — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:19:25 -0800

Working on a 1911 bungalow, and trying to figure out which fixes come in order to create the fewest problems. Original cedar siding is about shot, and I know that replacement will include fixing a bunch of other spots that have suffered neglect on the exterior. That said, I also have a few windows to replace. Question: windows first, or siding? Or does it not matter at all? And can you add gutters to a bungalow without it looking stupid? Finally, Hardie board? Help! Anyone I ask wants to sell me something.

Looking for a new cable.

ricochet biscuit — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:42:32 -0800

Looking for a replacement data sync/charge cable for an HTC Advantage X7501. I have misplaced the the data sync cable from such a machine. Can anyone tell me if the replacement, the X7510, uses the same amperage (and thus, if the cables will be compatible)?

As well, I'd be grateful if you could recommend a good source from which to acquire a replacement cable (for the 7501, or the 7510 if that will work). If online, I would need someone who ships to Canada; if anyone knows a good bricks-and-mortar store in Eastern Canada, I will be in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Halifax in the next couple of weeks.

MacBook screen replacement?

entropicamericana — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:16:40 -0800

I broke my MacBook's screen, and I'd like to get it fixed. A quick googling turns up several firms. Can anyone recommend a specific firm? TechRestore's work seems somewhat dodgy. (I've seen pictures of damaged bezels, etc.) Does anyone have experience with MacService? Any other firms that you would recommend?

iPhone Replacement-filter

Argyle — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:23:04 -0800

Mrs. Argyle's iPhone is broken. The SIM card won't stay seated. Apple says the water damage telltale is red, so they won't touch it for repair, nor will AT&T repair it. The water damage telltale invalidates all warranties. From what multiple calls with AT&T tell me, my only option is paying full replacement cost of the iPhone ($400) for a new one. Does anyone know of other or better options? Thanks.

Windows kiosk for kids

greensweater — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:55:09 -0800

I want to disable everything in Windows -- start menu, explorer, task bar, etc. etc., except for certain apps of my choosing, for a kiosk-style experience for my kids. Is this possible to do with a shell replacement that basically does nothing? I could then start Rocketdock (or some other launcher) with a user script and load it up with shortcuts that I allow. Short of this, is there some other method such as Group Policy that would achieve the same thing? I'd like to do this with free tools, but economical options may be doable.

Laptop screen replacement question.

hwestiii — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:19:26 -0800

Looking to possibly replace my laptop screen. Confused by the options. The screen on my Fujitsu Lifebook began flickering occassionally several months ago, but the problem has recently become so frequent that it is nearly unusable and I'm looking at replacement options.

After searching around on the web, it seems like the problem could be in one of two places, the inverter board that the display plugs into, or the display itself.

What I'm trying to figure out is if there is a reliable way of determining which it actually is. I don't want to replace one item only to find out that the problem is actually the other.

Clean, untoachable iPhone needs replaced -- how?

jacobjacobs — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:34:51 -0800

My iPhone is broken and not covered by warranty (water damage), what is my best option (b/c ATT won't let me just buy another iPhone)? My iPhone was washed, it comes on but the touchscreen is still unresponsive after a week of drying.

The water sensor is clearly tripped and there's not an Apply Store within a few hundred miles (for "playing dumb"). ATT tells me I can't buy a new iPhone without adding a new contract. I can add a new number to my line, get a new iPhone, but for $20-30 extra per month and $300 for a new phone, the total cost is twice of that on ebay. Canceling my account ($150) and beginning another (I really love my iPhone) is cheaper than adding a new line.

1) What's the deal with iPhones on ebay? Pop my SIM card in, cross my fingers and it works?

2) Are there any other options I'm missing?

3) Theories on why it's a good idea for ATT/Apple to not let me simply buy a new iPhone?

pondering Honda quandary

wsg — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:52:47 -0800

Is it reasonable for a 1995 Honda Odyssey engine with 150K miles on it to have a compression of 179? My old '95 Honda Odyssey's engine is worn out. I either need to buy another car or put an engine in the one I have. I'm not real car-savvy, so need to lean on the wise counsel of my friends here at ask mefi.

My funds are limited. I need something I can haul a little gear in, so a wagon or minivan is in order. I like 4-cylinders cuz gas prices are not going to stay low, I have a feeling. I can't get much of a car with my limited budget, but can afford an engine for the car I have.

I've been pricing engines locally. One salvage yard has one with 150K miles and compression of 179 for $500.00 w/90-day warranty. Installation is going to be about $800.00. When it's all done, engine and installation will be about $1500.00.

Another one is $2300.00 installed. This includes an engine with 79K miles and no compression rating available. Parts and labor warrantied for 1 year.

What's the better deal? Thanks.

Experiences with pet grief and replacement

zennoshinjou — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:06:27 -0800

How did you deal with pet loss grief? I want to collect people's experiences with waiting to get another pet or getting one right away and the relative merits of each. One of our cats died suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday and my partner and I are a little divided on how to proceed. I agree with the part of her argument that feels its in the interest of our other cat to have a buddy since that is all he's known (having other cats around that is) and he will likely get lonely and moody if he is by himself (hes already moody.. but hey, hes a cat). She thinks also that having another cat will help her move on where I feel precisely opposite- I want to wait a little bit to let the grief pass so the new cat doesn't always remind of how much I miss the other one.

To be clear- I am interested in your experiences with losing a pet in a home with more than one. Is this in the interest of the pet that survives? How did it help you as or hurt you as a pet steward to either wait or not wait? Obviously we have our own thoughts and proclivities but I want to know how it has played out for others. This is a decision that I do not take lightly because pet ownership is a serious responsibility and I want to make the best choice for all of us, cat included. While I welcome stories from all varieties of animals, obviously cat-centric answers will be the most helpful to me.

While I have seen other threads on this I am interested in a more balanced perspective- this is just as much about our other cat as it us.

Is my new (aftermarket) power adapter safe for my laptop?

leticia — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:21:52 -0800

Can I damage my laptop by using a power adapter that has a slightly higher wattage than the original adapter? The original adapter was 65W, and the aftermarket one is 70W. The voltage is switchable. My original adapter had a voltage of 18.5V, this one says that if I need 18.5V, I should choose 18V. Any chance of damaging the computer by using this one? The computer is a few years old -- it's an HP Pavillion dv1040us model.

Also, one additional detail -- I bought it in the US but now am living in Europe. I've been using the US plug with an adapter end for the EU socket. This one I bought here will automatically have the EU plug. That doesn't make any difference right?

Thanks for any help/answers. I've tried to research online and I think I'm safe, but I really don't know anything about electrical things, so some expert confirmation would really be appreciated.

iMac24 Graphics Card Replacement

strangelove — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 02:36:23 -0800

iMac 24 - 2006 version; graphics card has failed, and I would like to replace with a card model from one of the newer iMacs, is this possible from a hardware/driver perspective? What are some of the caveats I may encounter? Thank you.

Is penny-wise pound-foolish with replacement filters?

daisyace — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:15:58 -0800

With some products, the off-brand is as good as any other brand, sometimes even coming off the same production lines in the same factories. With other products, there is a quality difference between brands. How about for replacement HEPA filters for a Kenmore air cleaner? (And, as a bonus, should I believe the warning against washing and reusing the charcoal pre-filters?) My Kenmore air filter has charcoal prefilters to replace every three months, and a HEPA filter to replace yearly. The Kenmore replacement HEPA filter is $110, while this aftermarket one, for example, is $68 including shipping. Both claim to capture 99.97% of particles down to .3 microns. I picked my air filter carefully based on reading about tested differences in performance, so I don't want to cheap out now if there's a quality difference, but I don't want to pay extra if there's not.

For the bonus question, the charcoal pre-filters come with the warning, "DO NOT try to wash and reuse either the HEPA filter or the pre-filter," but when I take out the pre-filters, they sure look like a good hosing off and a thorough drying in the sun might make them perfectly serviceable again. Would performance be degraded?

Find an old key replacement?

dougiedd — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:09:20 -0800

what is the key in the very middle of this image called and where can i find one for my old doors at home? Are they pretty standard or are there lots of different cuts? I broke the only one i had.

Needing a new useful remote.

actionpact — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:47:52 -0800

Help us find a replacement remote for a TV/DVD combo, or else a good universal remote with an eject button! My mother is trying to replace a remote for a LCD-TV/DVD she has, a Sylvania 6615LDF she got two years ago. The remote has since kicked the bucket and when searching for a new replacement, we're finding a remote with the same model number (NE204UD) but clearly meant for a DVR instead of a DVD. So we're not sure exactly what to do.

I'm wondering two things:
1) Is there a well-recommended site for buying replacement remotes for your systems? A lot of the sites I saw are either really generic or don't have photos for everything so I'm a little wary I'll get the wrong remote.
2) Can you recommend a universal remote that also has an eject feature? All the ones we saw at Target and other stores seem to lack an eject option, which is kind of important since the tv has a built in dvd player. Would prefer one that is not more than $40, but am open to suggestions anyway.

Thanks, hivemind!