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 reviewed the FRITZ!Box 7590 router over 3 years ago, and it has sat at the top of the AVM product lineup ever since, receiving regular firmware updates adding things like Mesh WiFi functionality. Even though my router requirements have adjusted over the years, I still use the 7590 to handle all my DHCP needs,…
I have covered a wide range of the GameSir peripherals now, highlights include the GameSir G4 Pro, the X2 Type-C gaming controller and the GameSir VX2 AimSwitch. Today I have the VX AimBox, which is an alternative solution to the AimSwitch. With a price of just $49.99 it is a much more affordable solution. However,…
With the high bandwidth available to USB-C, many modern devices can use the USB-C port to output video. This has seen many portable laptops ditch HDMI ports, instead relying on USB-C for everything, including power. The Aten UC3238 is a 2.7 USB-C to HDMI cable which offers support up to 3840 x 2160 @ 60…
AVM have release a major FRITZ!OS update with over 70 new features and improvements. The new FRITZ!OS is available now for FRITZ!Box 7590. The update will be rolled out gradually for all other current FRITZ! products. While FRITZ!Box routers may not be as popular as the likes of Netgear and TP-Link in the UK, I…
I am a big fan of power delivery via USB-C. It makes life so much easier not having to wonder where a specific plug is and being able to charge all your devices universally. I particularily love the higher powered ones that can charge your laptop as well as other USB devices. If you then…
With 5G and Wi-Fi 6/6E offering over gigabit transfer speeds, the ageing gigabit wired networks need modernizing. 10 gigabit Ethernet has been around for years, but its adoption within the consumer market has been glacially slow. This has then meant that prices have remained exceptionally high. For the past year or so, we have started…
I previously reviewed the Ubiquiti UniFi 6 Lite, which was my first experience using Unifi properly within my home. I was delighted with its performance for the price, and my compulsive spending got the better of me, so I ordered the Ubiquiti UniFi 6 Long Range as soon as I hit publish on the Lite…
Creative Technology yesterday announced the release of Sound Blaster PLAY! 4, an affordable pocket-sized USB DAC that is geared towards conference calls and online gaming thanks to its cleaver voice detection technology. This differs from the Play!3 by using USB-C rather than USB-A, then only having one 3.5mm port but offering a new VoiceDetect and…
When I originally wrote my best mesh WiFi routers posts back in 2019, times were simpler. WiFi 6 was a future tech with no clients able to support it, WiFi 6E hadn’t been officially announced and we were still allowed to go to the pub. Fast forward to 2021, WiFi 6 has gone mainstream, all…
Announced at IFA 2019 the Netgear Orbi WiFi 6 Tri-band Mesh System RBK852 (or RBK853 for the three-pack) sits at the very top of the Netgear line up of mesh wi-fi systems. There is no doubting that it is a superb system if you have very demanding requirements, or just a high budget then it…
The Huawei MateBook 14 2020 has been out for a few months now featuring (at the time) the new AMD Ryzen 4000 series mobile chipset. While the newer Ryzen 5000 series has been announced, few, if any lightweight laptops feature these yet. It is unique in its specification, offering the Ryzen 5 4600H or Ryzen…
Update – With the MikroTik out of stock there are two options on Amazon by Paradar which have an 8.5dbi Antenna or a 4.5dbi antenna. I have also written another post about the best antenna selection for the Helium Hotspot. I was a little sceptical when I was first offered the Helium Hotspot to review; it…
End of content
End of content