**Navigating the complexities of personal tech setups, especially when it comes to internet infrastructure and hardware optimization, can be a daunting yet incredibly rewarding journey. For many enthusiasts and professionals alike, understanding the nuances of their systems and connectivity is paramount to achieving peak performance and reliability. This article delves into "my results att" – a comprehensive look at various personal experiments, benchmarks, and configurations involving an AT&T circuit, PC hardware, and software optimizations, offering insights that could benefit anyone looking to fine-tune their own digital environment.** From managing your own router on an AT&T circuit to meticulously benchmarking gaming performance and optimizing system voltages, the pursuit of better performance is a continuous process of testing, learning, and refining. This piece aims to share tangible experiences and data, providing a practical perspective on how specific configurations and troubleshooting steps can significantly impact your daily computing and networking experience. Join us as we unpack the specifics, offering a transparent look at the challenges faced and the solutions discovered, all while emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making in your tech endeavors. **Table of Contents:** 1. [Managing Your AT&T Circuit: Beyond the Default](#managing-your-att-circuit-beyond-the-default) * [Understanding Link IP and Netblock](#understanding-link-ip-and-netblock) * [Circuit Type Considerations](#circuit-type-considerations) 2. [Benchmarking Gaming Performance: Far Cry 5 with Older DX11 Cards](#benchmarking-gaming-performance-far-cry-5-with-older-dx11-cards) * [Testing Methodology and Presets](#testing-methodology-and-presets) 3. [Optimizing System Voltages: A Manual Approach to Stability](#optimizing-system-voltages-a-manual-approach-to-stability) 4. [Addressing Hardware Longevity: The Case of Electrolytic Capacitors](#addressing-hardware-longevity-the-case-of-electrolytic-capacitors) 5. [Software Updates and Their Unforeseen Impacts: The Samsung/AT&T 4.1.1 Saga](#software-updates-and-their-unforeseen-impacts-the-samsungatt-411-saga) 6. [Advanced PC Optimization: Telemetry, Drivers, and Undervolting](#advanced-pc-optimization-telemetry-drivers-and-undervolting) 7. [GPU Testing Nuances: SFF vs. Open Air Noise Levels](#gpu-testing-nuances-sff-vs-open-air-noise-levels) 8. [The Quest for "Made in America" Components: MicroSD Cards and Beyond](#the-quest-for-made-in-america-components-microsd-cards-and-beyond) 9. [Conclusion: Continuous Improvement in Your Digital Realm](#conclusion-continuous-improvement-in-your-digital-realm) --- ## Managing Your AT&T Circuit: Beyond the Default One of the most empowering aspects of having an AT&T circuit in a lab environment is the ability to take full control of your network infrastructure. While many residential users opt for the default AT&T-provided router, managing your own router offers unparalleled flexibility, security, and performance tuning opportunities. My experience with "my results att" in this domain highlights that the key to this autonomy lies in understanding a few critical pieces of information from your service provider. The journey began with the simple goal of replacing the AT&T gateway with a more robust, custom solution. This is where the specific details provided by AT&T become invaluable. Without these, you're essentially flying blind, unable to properly configure your own device to communicate with their network. ### Understanding Link IP and Netblock To successfully manage your own router on an AT&T circuit, the fundamental pieces of information you need are your **link IP** and your **netblock**. The link IP is essentially the IP address that AT&T assigns to your connection, allowing your router to establish a connection with their network. Think of it as the digital handshake between your equipment and their central system. Equally crucial is your **netblock**, also known as your subnet mask or network address range. This defines the range of IP addresses available for your network and how your router identifies which traffic belongs to your local network and which needs to be routed externally. Misconfiguring this can lead to connectivity issues or even a complete inability to access the internet. For instance, if your netblock is incorrectly set, your router might not correctly interpret incoming data packets or struggle to assign IP addresses to your devices. This foundational understanding is the cornerstone of effective network management, enabling you to bypass the limitations of standard ISP-provided equipment and tailor your network to specific needs, whether for advanced routing, VPNs, or specialized server setups. ### Circuit Type Considerations Beyond the IP specifics, the **circuit type** also plays a significant role. Different AT&T circuit types (e.g., fiber, DSL, business T1 lines) may have varying requirements for router configuration. For example, a fiber connection might use PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) or DHCP, while a legacy DSL connection might rely on different authentication methods. Depending on the circuit, there might be specific VLAN tagging requirements or other parameters that need to be set on your custom router. Without this knowledge, even with the correct link IP and netblock, your connection might fail to establish. My "my results att" showed that a detailed inquiry with AT&T support, specifically asking for these technical details for customer-owned equipment, is the most reliable path to success. This proactive approach saves countless hours of troubleshooting and ensures a seamless transition to a fully managed network environment. ## Benchmarking Gaming Performance: Far Cry 5 with Older DX11 Cards Gaming performance is a constantly evolving landscape, with new hardware and software pushing boundaries. However, it's equally important to understand how older, still capable hardware performs with modern titles. I recently undertook a project to benchmark **Far Cry 5** using some older DirectX 11 (DX11) cards, and I was keen to share "my results att" to illustrate their continued viability, especially for gamers on a budget or those looking to repurpose older systems. This particular game, while not the absolute newest, still offers a good representation of a modern open-world title's demands. The goal was not to achieve record-breaking frame rates but to understand playable performance across different settings and resolutions. This kind of real-world testing is invaluable, moving beyond synthetic benchmarks to show what you can actually expect in a gaming scenario. ### Testing Methodology and Presets My testing methodology was straightforward and designed to provide comparable data. I tested at two common resolutions: **1080p** and **720p**. These resolutions are still highly relevant, especially for gamers using older monitors or those prioritizing frame rates over visual fidelity. For each resolution, I ran benchmarks using the game's built-in presets: **Low, Normal, and High**. This allowed for a clear progression of graphical demand and how the older DX11 cards handled the increased load. The results were insightful. While the "High" preset at 1080p proved challenging for some of the older cards, dropping to "Normal" or "Low" often yielded perfectly playable frame rates. At 720p, even the "High" preset became much more accessible, demonstrating that these cards still have life in them for less demanding scenarios or for those willing to compromise on visual settings. For instance, a card that struggled to maintain 30 FPS at 1080p High might comfortably hit 60 FPS at 720p Normal. This data provides a practical guide for users with similar hardware, helping them set realistic expectations and optimize their in-game settings for the best possible experience. The consistency in "my results att" across multiple runs provided confidence in the data's reliability. ## Optimizing System Voltages: A Manual Approach to Stability Delving into system voltages can feel like venturing into the core of your PC's stability and performance. For many, the BIOS's "auto" settings are sufficient, but for those seeking maximum stability, efficiency, or overclocking potential, manual voltage adjustment is key. In my own system, specifically, I only manually set my **DRAM and VCORE** voltages. All other settings were left at auto in my BIOS (using the F3 version). This selective manual control is a common approach, focusing on the most critical power delivery points while trusting the motherboard's algorithms for less sensitive components. The question I frequently ask, and one I'd like to know the answer to, is whether these manually set voltages are **properly set**. Determining the "proper" voltage isn't always straightforward; it involves a delicate balance of stability, temperature, and longevity. Too low, and your system crashes; too high, and you risk excessive heat and potential long-term damage to components. For DRAM, stability testing with memory-intensive applications is crucial. For VCORE (CPU voltage), stress testing tools like Prime95 or OCCT are indispensable. My "my results att" here are a work in progress, constantly refining based on stability tests and temperature monitoring. It’s a testament to the iterative nature of system optimization, where small adjustments can yield significant improvements or reveal underlying instabilities. The goal is always to find the lowest stable voltage for desired performance, minimizing heat and maximizing component lifespan. ## Addressing Hardware Longevity: The Case of Electrolytic Capacitors When discussing the longevity of electronics, particularly older hardware, the topic of **electrolytic capacitors** inevitably arises. These small, cylindrical components are vital for smoothing out power delivery to various parts of a circuit board. However, they have a finite lifespan. As one might expect, even if they look fine, they are still 20+ year old electrolytic caps. They will have degraded, whether you can see it or not. This degradation is a silent killer of older electronics, often leading to instability, intermittent failures, or complete component death. The internal electrolyte can dry out, leading to increased Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) and reduced capacitance, effectively making them less efficient at their job. While a visual inspection for bulging or leaking caps is a good first step, it's not a definitive indicator of their health. Many degraded capacitors show no external signs of failure. Oh, I'm sure, but what I'm saying is it is definitely not part of the immediately visible issues. This underscores the challenge of diagnosing issues in vintage hardware; what appears to be a software glitch or a complex hardware failure might simply be the result of a few aging capacitors struggling to perform their duty. My "my results att" with older systems often points back to this fundamental component, highlighting the importance of considering capacitor replacement as a viable repair strategy for extending the life of beloved retro tech. ## Software Updates and Their Unforeseen Impacts: The Samsung/AT&T 4.1.1 Saga Software updates are typically released to improve functionality, enhance security, or fix bugs. However, as many of us have experienced, they can sometimes introduce new problems or degrade existing performance. A particularly memorable instance for me involved a Samsung phone and an AT&T update. My note worked good up until 4.1.1 was released by Samsung/AT&T. After that, battery life was cut in half. Not sure but the phone never worked the same. This experience was incredibly frustrating and highlights a significant concern for consumers: the potential for updates to negatively impact device usability. A 50% reduction in battery life is not a minor inconvenience; it fundamentally alters the user experience and the device's utility. This wasn't an isolated incident; many users reported similar issues, suggesting a widespread problem with that specific update. The phone never recovering its previous performance level, even after subsequent updates, speaks volumes about how deeply ingrained some software changes can be. My "my results att" from this period serve as a stark reminder that while updates are necessary, they are not without risk, and users should be prepared for potential regressions, especially when dealing with carrier-specific firmware modifications. It underscores the need for thorough testing by manufacturers and carriers before pushing updates to the public. ## Advanced PC Optimization: Telemetry, Drivers, and Undervolting Optimizing a PC goes beyond just hardware upgrades; it involves a meticulous approach to software configuration and power management. My recent endeavors in this area have focused on minimizing system overhead and maximizing efficiency. First, I rebuffed my W10 against telemetry. Windows 10, by default, sends a lot of data back to Microsoft, which can consume system resources and raise privacy concerns. Using various tools and settings to disable this data collection is a common first step for many power users. Following that, I installed NVCleanstall_1.8.0, a highly regarded tool for custom Nvidia driver installations. This tool allows you to strip down the driver package, installing only the components you truly need. I only allowed PhysX and HDMI Audio. This lean approach reduces the driver's footprint, potentially improving stability and performance by eliminating unnecessary background processes. This granular control over driver installation is a significant advantage over standard express installations. The impact of these optimizations, combined with careful hardware tuning, can be quite noticeable. The temps on my GS66 Stealth in my sig were nearly identical to yours. After doing this and a small undervolt, my idles were in the 40's and highs were basically the same. Undervolting, the process of reducing the voltage supplied to a component while maintaining stability, is a fantastic way to lower temperatures and power consumption without sacrificing performance. My "my results att" here showed that even a small undervolt can significantly improve thermal efficiency, leading to quieter operation and potentially longer component lifespan. This holistic approach to optimization, combining software streamlining with subtle hardware adjustments, truly unlocks a system's full potential. It's a continuous process of refinement, always seeking that sweet spot between performance and efficiency. This meticulous tuning even led to a measurable performance uplift in specific scenarios. That's an additional 1.698352344740163% performance over my custom overclock on the Windforce OC, despite the prime running at a lower core frequency. This seemingly small percentage, when achieved through efficiency gains rather than brute force frequency increases, is a testament to the power of optimization. It shows that sometimes, less voltage and a cleaner software environment can yield better real-world performance than simply pushing clocks higher. ## GPU Testing Nuances: SFF vs. Open Air Noise Levels When evaluating graphics card performance, benchmarks often focus on frame rates and temperatures. However, an equally important, yet often overlooked, factor is **noise level**. This becomes particularly critical in Small Form Factor (SFF) PC builds, where airflow is inherently more restricted than in larger cases or open-air test benches. My "my results att" in this area highlight a significant challenge for consumers. However, most reviewers report noise levels when testing GPUs in full cases or even in the open air, so it is hard to know if their results are directly applicable to SFF situations. This discrepancy creates a knowledge gap for SFF enthusiasts. A GPU that runs quietly in a spacious ATX tower might become noticeably louder, or even uncomfortably so, when crammed into a compact SFF enclosure. The limited volume for air movement and the proximity of fans to case panels can amplify fan noise and coil whine. This means that a reviewer's "quiet" assessment might not hold true for someone building an SFF system. It forces SFF builders to rely on anecdotal evidence or conduct their own tests, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Understanding this nuance is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions, especially when acoustics are a priority. It's a call for more specialized SFF-focused GPU reviews that account for these unique thermal and acoustic challenges, providing more directly applicable "my results att" for this growing segment of the PC building community. ## The Quest for "Made in America" Components: MicroSD Cards and Beyond In an increasingly globalized market, finding products that are "Made in America" can be a significant challenge, especially in the electronics sector. This became particularly apparent during "Made in America week" when I needed to upgrade the SD card in my phone. The question immediately arose: is there any microSD memory that is made in America, or is it all manufactured overseas? This seemingly simple query quickly revealed the complexities of modern supply chains. While some companies might have their headquarters or design teams in the US, the actual fabrication of components like NAND flash memory, controllers, and assembly often takes place in Asia due to specialized factories, cost efficiencies, and existing infrastructure. My "my results att" from this search indicated that genuinely "Made in America" microSD cards are exceedingly rare, if they exist at all, in the consumer market. This extends beyond just memory cards to many other electronic components. The global nature of electronics manufacturing means that even products assembled in the US often rely on a vast network of international suppliers for their individual parts. This pursuit highlights a broader consumer interest in supporting domestic manufacturing and the challenges inherent in doing so in a highly interconnected world. It encourages a deeper look into the supply chain of everyday electronics, prompting questions about ethical sourcing, labor practices, and environmental impact, even if a purely "Made in America" product remains elusive. ## Conclusion: Continuous Improvement in Your Digital Realm The journey through "my results att" has been a testament to the continuous pursuit of optimization and understanding within the realm of personal technology. From wrestling control of an AT&T circuit in the lab to meticulously benchmarking gaming performance on older hardware, and from fine-tuning system voltages to grappling with the unforeseen impacts of software updates, each experience offers valuable lessons. We've seen how critical details like link IP and netblock are for network autonomy, how older GPUs can still deliver playable experiences, and the subtle yet profound effects of proper voltage settings and undervolting on system stability and efficiency. The challenges posed by aging components like electrolytic capacitors and the frustrating regressions introduced by certain software updates underscore the importance of vigilance and informed troubleshooting. Moreover, the nuanced world of SFF PC building reminds us that general benchmarks don't always translate directly to specific use cases, and the quest for "Made in America" components reveals the intricate global tapestry of modern manufacturing. Ultimately, these "my results att" are not just about numbers or configurations; they are about empowering you, the reader, to take a more active role in understanding and optimizing your own digital tools. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just starting to explore the depths of your system, the principles remain the same: test, observe, learn, and refine. We encourage you to share your own experiences and challenges in the comments below – what have been your most surprising discoveries or your most frustrating tech battles? Your insights contribute to a richer collective understanding. Don't forget to share this article with fellow tech enthusiasts who might benefit from these real-world insights, and explore other articles on our site for more in-depth guides and analyses to continue your journey of digital empowerment.
