Gigabyte, Patriot, Zalman, Holiday Contests!

[jjpadinske]

I was eight years old, and my family opens gifts one at a time so everyone can see what eachother gets from Santa, at least thats what my mom told me at the time, ironically she told me I should never lie to people after I found out there was no Santa Claus which she lied about for many years but I digress. So I pick up a big package and shake it(this will probably get me disqualified but thats what she said!), and nothing moves so I tear it open. I was so happy at the sight of 24 cans of tuna cat food. I ran up to my mom and kissed her, and said Santa got me cat food! I was so happy! My older brothers started to laugh along with my mom because their goal of getting me cat food was to hint that they also got me a cat. I was to happy to just get cat food that I did not even think about that(maybe I belong in District 9). My last present they brought out a cage with my black/white cat named Oreo who I loved but 4 years later he died of kidney cancer. It was sad....I really should make up a new ending to this story.

 

[gabriela_stanica]

The most beautiful during Christmas a chance to have my grandchildren. When Santa came with gifts said to them recite a poem. The first little nephew was nervous and never said nothing but began to tell other poem after poem . The problem was that after the "Santa Claus" has asked to come out because he knows many poems. If "Santa" has returned once already the third time the boy had no gift and began to cry . He was quiet difficult but we all amused by the situation as Santa Claus can come multiple times "on demand".

 

[Guest]

Growing up we always opened our gifts on Christmas eve after having our fill of tamales, yes I'm Hispanic . I must have been 11 at the time ,because My oldest brother was still in high school, after eating we gathered around the Christmas tree and opened up our gifts. I had gotten a Nintendo with Super Mario Brothers and Duck Hunt. We stayed up all night playing Super Mario Brothers and duck hunt, taking turns between 3 brothers. That night got me hooked on gaming and eventually into computers and electronics.

 

[Guest]

2005 My first year of being independent worker. I am working in a shop far from home. The problem is holiday is not a holiday for me, because the shop open in holiday, I missed my family so much, luckily that day my girlfriend cant go home too because she having the same problem as mine.
So days before i planned a little party just for the two of us.

After the shop closed i go picked up my girlfriend, and we go to the supermarket and buy some grocery, definitely not extravagant dishes, we go home to my small rented room, on there we prepare our food together, we buy some crab but because we never cooked one we didn’t know how to prepare it, so we find the recipe online (thanks to google).

It still plays vividly in my mind that we both enjoyed every moment of that night. We both missed our families but since we cant go home so we entertain ourselves with each other, we eat and laughing out loud to the corniest joke. It was so much fun.

After that we planning to go out to see fireworks, we arrived in time at our destination in the town center, we holding hand, hug and we kissed, and we getting wet because its raining on the end of that night, we walked in the rain as we walk to my rented room.

That night become our routine every holiday when we cant go home to our families. She makes me stronger and gave me strength to be more successful. And she’s always there for me.

Now, 5 years after, we are still together, loving each other and I’m planning to propose her on this New Years Eve. Wish me luck guys

ps: sorry my bad English, as it is not my native language

 

[ramonsita]

For me the best memories are from summer vacation in 2008, when we stayed two weeks at sea. I forgot where all worries: I swam, I did spa baths, we had fun in the clubs, I went to the theater, we did some partying with barbecue and beer.
But the thing that impressed me was a festival where Apocalyptica played for 2 hours - an exceptional concert, where I was able to take direct contact with an exceptional band.

 

[Guest]

All of your hardware are in my PC already and Tom's H has been the guide. Thanks!

 

[Killingmaster]

Iwant to win so much !¡Ii

 

[Guest]

Me and my cousins love to game.
5 years ago during the Holiday season my two cousin brothers came to my house 3 days before the Christmas and we borrowed the Playstation 1 from my friend on rent for the whole night. We played our favorite games all night and than rushed in the morning to return the Console back to my friend. On the second night we did the same. On third night (25th Dec) we started playing but we were feeling very sleepy because we slept very less during the last 2 days. But, I didn't wanted to sleep. So, I told them to watch me play and finish resident evil one. They agreed as they didn't played it before but only seen it.
I told them about the story while I gamed. They all watched it very interestingly without sleep. I assured that i can finish it within 4-5 hours. But, It took me 7-8 hours to finish the game. They hoped that they could game for 1-2 hours in the morning before we return the console but they didn't got the chance because I got late to finish the game. I asked them why haven't they stopped me if they wanted to play.
They said they found the final end of story hours very interesting and they gave up their hours to see the end of it.

We all enjoyed the night. I enjoyed gaming and narrating the story and they enjoyed watching me game.

Than in the morning we all gone to church (along with family). Me and my cousins had heavy head and red eyes. Than after coming back from church we lunched and slept 14 hours straight and woke up in the next early morning (26th).

I cannot forget those days. we all loved it.

 

[sunny155]

Me and my cousins love to game.
5 years ago during the Holiday season my two cousin brothers came to my house 3 days before the Christmas and we borrowed the Playstation 1 from my friend on rent for the whole night. We played our favorite games all night and than rushed in the morning to return the Console back to my friend. On the second night we did the same. On third night (25th Dec) we started playing but we were feeling very sleepy because we slept very less during the last 2 days. But, I didn't wanted to sleep. So, I told them to watch me play and finish resident evil one. They agreed as they didn't played it before but only seen it.
I told them about the story while I gamed. They all watched it very interestingly without sleep. I assured that i can finish it within 4-5 hours. But, It took me 7-8 hours to finish the game. They hoped that they could game for 1-2 hours in the morning before we return the console but they didn't got the chance because I got late to finish the game. I asked them why haven't they stopped me if they wanted to play.
They said they found the final end of story hours very interesting and they gave up their hours to see the end of it.

We all enjoyed the night. I enjoyed gaming and narrating the story and they enjoyed watching me game.

Than in the morning we all gone to church (along with family). Me and my cousins had heavy head and red eyes. Than after coming back from church we lunched and slept 14 hours straight and woke up in the next early morning (26th).

I cannot forget those days. we all loved it.[citation][nom]Anonymous[/nom]Me and my cousins love to game. 5 years ago during the Holiday season my two cousin brothers came to my house 3 days before the Christmas and we borrowed the Playstation 1 from my friend on rent for the whole night. We played our favorite games all night and than rushed in the morning to return the Console back to my friend. On the second night we did the same. On third night (25th Dec) we started playing but we were feeling very sleepy because we slept very less during the last 2 days. But, I didn't wanted to sleep. So, I told them to watch me play and finish resident evil one. They agreed as they didn't played it before but only seen it.I told them about the story while I gamed. They all watched it very interestingly without sleep. I assured that i can finish it within 4-5 hours. But, It took me 7-8 hours to finish the game. They hoped that they could game for 1-2 hours in the morning before we return the console but they didn't got the chance because I got late to finish the game. I asked them why haven't they stopped me if they wanted to play.They said they found the final end of story hours very interesting and they gave up their hours to see the end of it. We all enjoyed the night. I enjoyed gaming and narrating the story and they enjoyed watching me game.Than in the morning we all gone to church (along with family). Me and my cousins had heavy head and red eyes. Than after coming back from church we lunched and slept 14 hours straight and woke up in the next early morning (26th).I cannot forget those days. we all loved it.[/citation]
[citation][nom]Anonymous[/nom]Me and my cousins love to game. 5 years ago during the Holiday season my two cousin brothers came to my house 3 days before the Christmas and we borrowed the Playstation 1 from my friend on rent for the whole night. We played our favorite games all night and than rushed in the morning to return the Console back to my friend. On the second night we did the same. On third night (25th Dec) we started playing but we were feeling very sleepy because we slept very less during the last 2 days. But, I didn't wanted to sleep. So, I told them to watch me play and finish resident evil one. They agreed as they didn't played it before but only seen it.I told them about the story while I gamed. They all watched it very interestingly without sleep. I assured that i can finish it within 4-5 hours. But, It took me 7-8 hours to finish the game. They hoped that they could game for 1-2 hours in the morning before we return the console but they didn't got the chance because I got late to finish the game. I asked them why haven't they stopped me if they wanted to play.They said they found the final end of story hours very interesting and they gave up their hours to see the end of it. We all enjoyed the night. I enjoyed gaming and narrating the story and they enjoyed watching me game.Than in the morning we all gone to church (along with family). Me and my cousins had heavy head and red eyes. Than after coming back from church we lunched and slept 14 hours straight and woke up in the next early morning (26th).I cannot forget those days. we all loved it.[/citation]

 

[amarthfea]

My favorite Christmas memory was the first year we had gotten our kitten, now cat, Iggy. She had never seen a plastic Christmas tree before and we had no idea what was going to happen. Back then we let the kitten wander the house at night (now we put her in a room, with her litter box, food and pillows and blankets, just so she doesn't get into anything haha) so we wake up and head down. Right off the bat we find the kitten 2/3's up a 5/5 foot plastic Christmas tree all 4 paws spread apart hugging it and starring with these huge eyes, you can almost hear her say "it's Christmas wheres my presents!"

The best part about this was we took her down and about 5 minute later we found out how she made it up that far. Iggy took a running jump of a near by couch and just launched herself at the tree. I'll never forget the look on my Moms face!

 

[alindumitru46]

I went with two good friends in a beautiful summer Sunday to spend a day dream on an island in the middle of the Danube at my birthday. We prepared everything very well: meat, sausages, cold beer, barbecue, umbrellas, soccer ball, so a whole arsenal (we surprised those who expected to dock the boat, including its driver, an old friend of ours, and joking and we can stay overnight on the island).
After we descended on the sand softer than the Copacabana we began to gambol like Mark Twain's heroes: played a little football, swam, what to say!
After an hour we went to the shade because the sun was 50 degrees Celsius and sand was hot, and we made a little plan: one who made the army at paratroopers to find branches for firewood, another to clean the grill and I to prepare the food. But one of my friends about two beers drunk and forgot the steaks pack! We had to catch small fish to fry him because we were very hungry but the same friend was thrown into the Danube made some huge waves that put down the bowl with a few fishes. So we left and we drank all the beer crate, considering that it has more calories and we eat enough of . The driver has arrived once to let another group but left quickly because "he has seen as much fun and did not want to spoil our pleasure". Without food and without cigarettes, after 10 hours, he came to take us: we were very tired, thirsty, hungry, with some sunburn, but we quickly raise morale with a few jokes and a packet of smuggled cigarettes and then we forget all the unpleasant things and we left with fun memories.

 

[msyteao]

When I was five I wanted to have as many stuffed animals as possible. I was obsessed. My favourite animal was the tiger and for Christmas I really wanted a stuffed tiger. Unfortunately I hadn’t learned which was called a tiger and which was called a lion yet and of course I messed it up. So on Christmas morning I came running from my room to unwrap my present (I was sure it was going to be a tiger) and when I saw it was actually a lion I burst out crying. I did learn the difference between a lion and a tiger though.

 

[kobroro]

The best memories I have from 21 years ago, when I felt a great release when my country permanently removed Ceausescu's communist leadership.
Old times.

 

[stanicacostel]

One of the best memories I have from a childhood winter. Together with some friends I decided to go rabbit hunting and for that we woke up early. We have walked many miles, but traces of rabbits we have not seen. Instead we find to hunt crows but without success, then we split into two bands and I built two fortresses in the snow that we face with snowballs. After that we built a giant snowman that melted in the late spring as a sign of our effort.

 

[dream_surgeon]

Wishing Happy new year to everyone reading my comment. I am from Bangladesh where Holiday season is not a part of culture actually. But the memory is from late December, 2007. So I think I can count this as an Holiday experience. So, here goes my story...

I was in 3rd year of medical college. I was frustrated with the performance of my 6 year old Pentium 4 machine. So after repeated humble and long requests to my parents, they agreed to buy me a new PC. I was so happy. I went to a boutique shop immediately and ordered a custom built PC with a quad core Q6600 processor, a P35 motherboard from Abit and a XFX 8800 GT GPU, my dream PC. After 2 days, it was time to bring that dream machine to home. I started my journey with cash 95000 taka (almost 1500$) in a college bag. I was planning to go to the shop by bus and return by a taxi. But on my way towards the bus-stop, 2 guys suddenly came from two side and asked me the way to an address. Th street was a little secluded. And to my awe, one of them suddenly stuck a knife on my back and told me to give everything I had. I felt so Sorry. But I was not ready give them my dream. I was thinking of running. But then I felt like a fire in my eyes. They rubbed something on my eyes. I couldn't see anything. They kicked me from back and my head hit with something hard. The next thing I remember, I was in a bed. I couldn't see anything but could hear my parents voice. They told me my eyes were bandaged to gave them some rest. I was so sad. I was so close to get my new long desired PC but I lost it. I asked apology to my parents for loosing their hard earned money, but my mom just hugged me and said, it's alright son. Two days later, it was time to open my bandage. When the doctor removed them, I could see my parents and some of my cousins standing in front of me with smiling faces. I was happy to see them but again became sad thinking of the recent incident. Then my parents and cousins split and stepped aside. And to my best surprise, my newly ordered PC was standing there proudly. I was so happy that I almost cried. I hugged my parents and thanked them... That is best moment I can share with you, guys.

Same PC still giving me its dedicated service. Next year, I wish a buy a new one with my own money... That's all guys... Sorry for my poor English and the length. God bless you..

 

[geekapproved]

Here's a really funny one.....some people here are actually scared to make a facebook account. I guess when you have made enemies all your life, the last thing you want is them to be able to find you right? LOOL

 

[coolzone]

I remember when I was little one time when I was unsure Santa was real and I have waited to see who is getting me presents in the middle of the night

 

[Guest]

Yup, also refuse to use facebook... but in case it gets let through without it:

Xmas Eve when I was young, Mum had packed us all up and taken us down to the church service where Dad was supposed to meet up with us after his work Xmas party. He wasn't there so Mum left us with one of her friends and her kids while she ran off to pick our dad and her husband who was also at the same party. She returned shortly after with them both - both of whom had had a fair bit of Xmas cheer by this point.

Dad and his friend sat between the two families, between us kids with the mums on the far ends. The two semi-drunks then joined in all the church singing, top of their lungs and all mixed up, inserting new and often NSFChurch lyrics! We kids had a blast and thought it was funny as heck and had to fight off mum who was trying to (discreetly) reach over to slap dad around the ears to get him to behave!

Strangely enough, Mum won't allow either of them back to church!

 

[alyoshka]

This is really killing me, can't they have it just for toms people and not all this facebook crap......
Isn't it sign enough that we like you if we are the members of Toms.....
WTF..... the products of these companies aren't debated and trouble shooted at facebook..... so pls, giveaway guys..... get off this facebook BS.....

 

[spotless]

iam going to auction all my replacement item then go to orphanage give them pc or make show/social games with my friends to entertain & keep them motivated

 

[sushrukh]

I have grown up here in India where Christmas hasn't been a very big season of Celebration, but being brought up in a Jesuit School with a lot of English Movies, i always have liked Christmas holiday's a lot and i always think of celebrating these holiday just like the one's portrayed in the Home Alone series.Have a Happy New Year to everyone.

 

[radium69]

Sorry Tuan,
But this facebook idea is pretty pathetic. Even though I visit your site every day and help out the forum members, this idea with facebook sounds totally unprofessional!

It's a shame that since the new site layout things have been much more unprofessional. I really miss the professional looks and reading very nice informative articles.

But I really can't seem to find the motivation to applaud the work you do.
Even though some articles are still very well written, it still doesn't have the feel that it used to have.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to bring you hard working people down. But I think you guys should rethink your strategy, instead of focusing completely on sponsors etc.

I'm always on the look for info and nice goodies. And I give my respect that you folks do this contest international! And offcourse I could not miss this page...

But when the facebook part started I nodded my head...
If you'd like to get to know your "fans" better, I think, you should have a different approach.

I came to Tom's Hardware years ago, when the first Core 2 Duo processors came out. This was with the old layout and the slideshow article view. Back in those days I was hooked on your articles. Even though it wasn't perfect, I really felt attracted to the articles. The nice graphs, that were clear as it could be. The simple but professional looking text.

Also in those days I read the article about the Geforce 8800GTS 512, which still is in my pc to this date! I found the forum helpful and I think a lot of my respect goes to the helpful people at the forum also!

I build my own computer and found the guidance very helpful. I started with a Q6600, a p35 motherboard (Abit IP35 PRO) and 2 gigs of GEIL ram which you reviewed also!

In short, this site has helped me a lot but I really miss the old looks, read and feel of the site. Even though you (tuan) and your colleagues do the best you can.

I write this because I hope you appreciate well written comments as well as I do.

I wish you and your colleagues a nice and happy new year! And hope you keep up the good work. Let me know if I can do anything for you folks! I'd be glad to offer some help.

Kind regards,
Kevin.

 

[naddit]

Please, write all winners in this tread.

 

[slugbug55]

Where exactly is the PM box?

 

[jtheater]

Where exactly is the PM box?

Go to Toms Guide. Thats where I found it. Top right of this window.