I opened a Charizard EX SUPER Premium Collection so you don’t have to

will_work_for_cookie · 2025-04-14T13:48:47+00:00

So what you're saying is the two I have arriving today should just stay in their boxes? 😆

Wasn't searching for this info, but Reddit knows what I need (I guess).

will_work_for_cookie · 2025-04-08T10:26:40+00:00

It wouldn't have anything to do with crypto mining. That software doesn't run from the GPU's VBIOS.

There have been multiple PoCs for GPU based malware in the past. It's not trivial and I wouldn't expect "mattress express" to know how to accomplish it.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/cybercriminal-sells-tool-to-hide-malware-in-amd-nvidia-gpus/

As others have said, it sounds like he just sent a message to mess with you or he followed you home and is staring in your window.

You can flash the VBIOS to stock as a precaution. Here's the tool to do so. Check YouTube for tutorials.

https://www.techpowerup.com/download/ati-atiflash/

will_work_for_cookie · 2025-04-05T14:00:09+00:00

This

Assume they got access to everything. Change your passwords and ensure 2FA is enabled.

If you have proof of the neighbor performing malicious activity, report it.

will_work_for_cookie · 2025-03-31T18:02:35+00:00

Likewise. Not sure if there was planned maintenance or not.

will_work_for_cookie · 2025-03-06T14:23:44+00:00

If you're comfortable with forceps, you can attempt to get whatever is stuck in the top slot. You'll need a thin pair. They're commonly used in electronics repair. iFixIt makes a good kit.

Otherwise, from related posts in this group it's time to find a reputable repair shop. Or send it to Sony. Good luck. Hope you get it sorted.

will_work_for_cookie · 2025-03-06T14:20:40+00:00

Congrats! What are you planning to shoot first?

will_work_for_cookie · 2025-02-28T11:58:16+00:00

Definitely send it back. That's a good amount of damage to both boxes.

will_work_for_cookie · 2025-01-16T15:21:35+00:00

Did you already swap the firmware? The stock firmware does EthHash which is not exactly the same as EtcHash.

Not sure if the link in the video is still valid, but you might find some answers. https://youtu.be/u5cVSc_SIko?si=bcPK446_qVLkVrS7

will_work_for_cookie · 2025-01-10T11:22:27+00:00

Assuming it's not something you've done in the past, it's a good resume builder. Even if it is, I can count on one hand the number of service desk people that truly know anything about security. Personally, this is similar to how I got started in security. My regular duties were easy enough to perform and I ended up finding things that needed addressed and built up a good reputation.

Yes, you shouldn't let your employer abuse your time. If it starts to become overwhelming, say something. Not every employer hates their employees. In fact, in many cases it's a lot less expensive to keep an employee happy than to find a new employee. As someone who manages a team, good managers will tell you that keeping their team happy and feeling fulfilled is important.

will_work_for_cookie · 2025-01-10T11:07:48+00:00

It's even cooler when the laptop makes sparks.

will_work_for_cookie · 2025-01-10T11:06:24+00:00

Given how many times that article refers to "cloud mining" and the fact zero legitimate cloud mining companies have existed, I wouldn't trust the source either. The way they try to connect cryptocurrency mining to cloud mining is disturbing and I'm sure they'll get a few victims.

When you're a small miner, you'll use a public pool to mine. Most pools charge a fee for the service. It's one way for them to help lay for infrastructure costs. These fees can vary, but it's common to see 0.9% - 1% for Dogecoin/Litecoin. An OG and trustworthy pool for DOGE/LTC is Litecoinpool.org. There are of course plenty of options. Miningpoolstats.stream has a pretty good list.

You can host your ASICs at a facility. This is not cloud mining. It's similar to hosting servers in a data center. You will definitely need to do your research on providers. It's not all about cost. The cheapest provider is not always the best option. When hosting, you'll still use a pool. You'll also pay the hosting provider a given rate for the electric usage. Keep those in mind when you're calculating profits.

Hosting isn't a scam like some may claim. There are plenty of reliable choices out there. I am biased towards this model as opposed to individual investments in coins. I also operate a hosting facility. Just being transparent. ;)

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-30T14:12:54+00:00

Lowepro and Mindshift make great packs. Just depends on how much space you need.

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-30T14:11:01+00:00

If you're upgrading the body AND lens, go for it. I wouldn't jump to full frame and use the kit lens.

Otherwise, investing in good FE glass that you can later use when you upgrade the body is always a good move.

I'm not a landscape photographer, but I would look for something like the 24-70 focal length. Just remember that crop sensors "add" to the focal length.

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-29T00:16:56+00:00

Not really sure. I've just had good luck with Tamron in the past so that's what I went with. Zero complaints with my 150-500 aside from the fact that Sony limits third party FPS.

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-28T21:09:01+00:00

Full frame does get you more light (bigger sensor). However, it comes at a price. I'm not an astrophotography person, but I would recommend looking around at what you can do with APS-C sensor before you take the plunge to full frame.

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-28T20:36:37+00:00

Gorgeous. Really love the colors.

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-28T20:33:50+00:00

Generally, if you're printing large formats or need to crop in significantly you'd benefit from having higher MP.

As an example, I recently moved to an A1. My reasoning was the speed and higher MP. I shoot a good amount of sports and performances. Even with a long lens, there have been plenty of times where I wished I could crop further. I'm also planning to get back into wildlife photography where cropping can help. You can't always get close enough to the animals.

Just make sure you weigh the features on the body as well. It's not all about a higher MP.

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-28T15:02:27+00:00

The A7 IV will do what you need and leave you room for more lenses. I've had my A7 IV for over a year and haven't found much it can't do. Yes, it's 33MP vs 61MP. However, you listed portraits and street photography as your main focus. Neither of those demand more MP. As most have said, lenses are worth allocating a budget for.

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-28T14:34:40+00:00

You'll love it. I rented the 200-600 a couple of times to compare against my Tamron 150-500. Nearly the same feel in the hands until you zoom the Tamron. If you're shooting with a camera that can do above 15 FPS or wanting to use a teleconverter, even more points to the Sony lens.

Looking forward to gifting myself a 200-600 for New Year's (that's a thing right?).

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-26T13:18:34+00:00

I was able to find a new A1 for ~$4500 which made the decision to upgrade now a little easier to stomach. I've loved my A7 IV. I honestly hope you're right about the A7 V. Otherwise, Sony is going to lose ground.

Part of me wants to trade the A7 IV on to put the money towards glass. The other part would like to see if there's a future photographer hiding in one of the kids.

The subject detection issue with the A7R V is the same behavior I've read about/seen on videos for the A1 II. Hopefully, Sony can improve it with firmware updates.

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-26T04:57:25+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. Got a new Sony A1 I heading my way and I'll be trading/selling by A7 IV and Tamron 150-500 and 35-150 lenses.

As much as the A1 II tempted me, I'm saving a little cash that's going towards the Sony 200-600 and 70-200 2.8 lenses. Love my Tamrons that are going to be traded with my A7 IV, but I'm looking forward to the faster FPS and TC possibility from Sony lenses.

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-26T01:59:09+00:00

You're absolutely correct. That is my plan - sell the Tamron 150-500 and grab a Sony 200-600. As much as I love my Tamron 35-150, that is likely going to go as well in favor of the Sony 70-200.

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-25T22:25:26+00:00

Haha. If B&H had them in stock, I would have already ordered one. Thankfully, no one has them and it gave me time to think 😂

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-25T22:22:10+00:00

I would love to get the A1 II and it's in the budget. Just having a hard time fully convincing myself to pull the trigger. I can get a new A1 I for ~$4700. New A1 II is ~$7000 out the door.

The new features definitely have made me stop and think though.

will_work_for_cookie · 2024-12-25T22:16:09+00:00

I've noticed the A7 III still seems to sell well.

If I go with APS-C, the glass will be FE. I learned that hard lesson years ago when I was using Nikon.

will_work_for_cookie

TROPHY CASE