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!
Intel has not formally announced the Alder Lake (12th-gen) CPUs yet, and it is expected they will announce them at the Intel Innovation event will take place on 27-28 October. Today, Acer is getting out ahead of this news with the announcement of the new Predator Orion 7000, which will feature the latest unlocked 12th Gen…
Netgear has gone all out for their latest mesh WiFi 6 system. Featuring the new WiFi 6E standard, the mesh system utilizes three different frequencies, 2.4Ghz, 5Ghz and 6Ghz. The problem with a WiFi 6E mesh system is that you need to use one band for the backhaul. If the system shares a backhaul channel…
I have been a fan of the Raspberry Pi for years now, originally building a cheap Kodi media player and later using it for low powered server functionality and a dedicated Pi-Hole DNS adblocker. I have always used normal peripherals and monitors with it, and once the initial set-up is done, move over to SSH/command…
I previously reviewed the superb but extremely expensive Netgear Orbi Pro SXK80, which basically took the flagship consumer Orbi RBK852 hardware and upgraded it with Netgear Insight cloud management. Netgear has now released the smaller SXK30 system which is considerably more affordable, making it appealing for small businesses. Similar to the larger model, the SXK30…
When it comes to PC gaming, most PC users would advise to self-build as it is often cheaper and also a more rewarding experience compared to prebuilds from big brand names such as Dell or Acer. However, smaller local/national companies have often produced high-quality prebuilt gaming PCs with a minimal markup compared to the price…
The TerraMaster F4-421 was launched back in 2019, but a couple of months ago, I was sent a press release with an F4-421 announcement. The announcement was especially confusing as there was no mention of the 2019 model, and at a passing glance, all the specifications looked the same. It turns out that it is a new model…
This content was provided by Iwona Zalewska who is the DRAM Business Manager at Kingston Technology – Any internal, external or affiliate links were added by James the editor Deciding how much system memory (RAM, or random-access memory) to purchase is an age-old problem faced by anyone buying a computer. Whether it was the 16-bit…
Founded in April 2016, OBSBOT, an artificial intelligence camera brand by REMO TECH, develops a variety of AI-powered cameras offering various features that make the brand stand out from all the other webcam options on the market. The OBSBOT Tiny is their most famous camera, which has full PTZ functionality and can use AI to…
In just over a year, webcams went from a niche product to an essential piece of equipment for many people studying or working from home. This blend of audio-visual technology is perfect for connecting with colleagues, teams, friends, fans and family – and can be installed anywhere. They also tend to deliver far better looking…
[Note] I originally published this about a year ago, but for whatever reason, my host took offence to some of the wording used in it, so I had to take it down. I have only just noticed it was still in my drafts and I think I have removed what may have caused the issue…
The Red Magic 6S Pro was announced earlier this week and is the second phone to be announced with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+, it will also likely be available to buy before the Asus. With a launch price of £519, you are only paying a tenner more than the existing Red Magic 6 Pro. Qualcomm…
I have already reviewed a couple of the affordable multi-gig Zyxel switches that offered a combination of 10Gb SFP & 2.5Gb RJ45 ethernet. At the time, they were the cheapest way to get 2.5GbE in your home. Since then, 2.5GbE appears to be going mainstream. QNAP were the first to launch an affordable 5-port unmanaged…
End of content
End of content