Welcome to the Computer Hardware section of our blog, the go-to resource for enthusiasts, professionals, and everyone in between who wants to get the most out of their computing experience. Whether you’re looking to upgrade a specific component or planning to build a PC from scratch, this category delves into the essential hardware elements that define the performance and functionality of your computer.
CPUs (Central Processing Units)
Relevant Brands: Intel, AMD
The CPU is the brain of your computer, where most calculations take place. From Intel’s Core series to AMD’s Ryzen line-up, we examine the specifications, performance benchmarks, and power efficiency to help you choose the right processor for your needs.
GPUs (Graphics Processing Units)
Relevant Brands: NVIDIA, AMD
Whether you’re gaming, rendering video, or running complex simulations, a powerful GPU is essential. NVIDIA’s GeForce series and AMD’s Radeon cards are the primary contenders, each with their unique features and capabilities.
Power Supplies
Relevant Brands: Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic
A robust and efficient power supply is the backbone of any stable system. We discuss the importance of wattage, efficiency ratings, and brand reliability, focusing on leading manufacturers like Corsair, EVGA, and Seasonic.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Relevant Brands: Kingston, Corsair, G.Skill
RAM is where your computer stores data for quick read and write access. We look into speed, capacity, and compatibility, highlighting top brands such as Kingston, Corsair, and G.Skill that offer a range of options to suit various needs.
PC Cases
Relevant Brands: NZXT, Cooler Master, Fractal Design
The PC case is not just an aesthetic choice; it impacts cooling, upgradeability, and system layout. Brands like NZXT and Cooler Master offer various designs and form factors, from minimalist to RGB-heavy, that cater to different tastes and requirements.
Motherboards
Relevant Brands: ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte
The motherboard is the central hub connecting all your components. We delve into form factors, chipsets, and expandability, focusing on reputable brands like ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte.
Storage: NVMe, SSD, Hard Drives
Relevant Brands: Samsung, Western Digital, Seagate, Crucial
Your storage solution influences not only how much data you can keep but also how fast you can access it. We cover the speed advantages of NVMe drives, the reliability of SSDs, and the capacity benefits of traditional hard drives, examining offerings from brands like Samsung, Western Digital, and Seagate.
As we venture deeper into this digital age, understanding the hardware that powers your computing experience has never been more critical. This category aims to provide you with the essential information, objective comparisons, and expert insights needed to make well-informed decisions on your computer hardware. So go ahead, explore, and build the machine of your dreams!
I have had some mixed results with Mercusys in the past. My first experience with one of the systems was the Mercusys Halo S12 which I did not particularly rate at the time. Looking at the current price of £35, it is a bargain if you want very basic whole-home Wi-Fi. I was much more…
The TP-Link Deco XE75 has been available in the US for months now, but it is only just getting a UK launch. TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro vs None-Pro There are two variants of the system, a standard and a pro model. In the US, the TP-Link Deco 2-pack is $270, while the Deco XE75 Pro…
I reviewed the Netgear Insight WAX610 a couple of years ago, along with the outdoor WAX610Y. Since then, Netgear has continued to expand the range of WiFi 6 access points, and they now have five options for indoors. Sitting at the top of the pack is the new WiFi 6E WAX630E. The WAX615 I am…
The Orico Montage 40Gbps USB4 external SSDs were announced last month with claimed 3,126MB/s reads speeds and 2,832MB/s write speeds. It comes in an attractive bright enclosure draws from Mondrian’s famous work Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow, incorporating the thick black lines and blocks of colour that immediately distinguish the device from the monochrome…
The new Kingston Ironkey Locker+ 50 USB drive is an affordable, secure drive that is a little bit different from all the other encrypted secure drives I have reviewed in the past. There is no FIPs certification, nor is there any physical security. All the security is built around the hardware encryption built into the…
Let’s admit that the modern business world greatly depends on remote connections, especially it has become obvious after the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic when the world faced massive lockdowns. There are not so many situations when we are required to visit the offices of our clients or business partners. The majority of questions…
Earlier in the year, I reviewed the new flagship WiFi 6E gaming router from Netgear, the RAXE500. This new technology is rolling down into more affordable models, and I have recently been checking out the new RAXE300. Netgear RAXE300 vs RAXE500 Specification To save you going over the table below, the RAXE300 is just a…
The IronKey Vault Privacy 80 External SSD is the latest secure drive by Kingston and their top-of-the-range drive. Unlike most drives on the market, this has a touchscreen interface with many customisable options that keep your data safe. There are a lot of similarities with the more expensive Datalocker DL4 FE I have previously reviewed….
I previously reviewed the 512 Audio Skylight XLR microphone and thought it was superb and have continued to use it for the past year as my main microphone (not that I need to use it much). 512 Audio are now back with a more mainstream consumer-friendly option. The 512 Audio Tempest is a USB-powered cardioid…
I have reviewed a few 4G and 5G routers over the years, including 4G and 5G mobile hotspots. It has become an increasingly viable option for home use. I am able to get over 100Mbit/s from Vodafone in my office, while the best I can get from BT Broadband VDSL is 56Mbps. If you live…
I was impressed when I previously reviewed the JamesDonkey RS4. It is an excellent 87-Key TKl RGB mechanical keyboard that has both wireless and wired connectivity. Recently, I have been reviewing the new JamesDonkey RS2. This is a 99-key which Google informs me is an 1800 Compact (96%). You can find out more about JamesDonkey…
AMD is expected to launch the new Ryzen 7000 series of processors in just over a month. As usual for these product launches, we are seeing a growing number of leaks. Serial leaker Wccftech has published what is expected to be the full specification of the new AMD Ryzen 7000 ‘Raphael’ Desktop CPUs. The leaked…
End of content
End of content