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!
Following on from the superb Acer Nitro 7, I have been sent the Acer Predator Triton 500, which is the next step up in terms of pricing and performance. I was actually expecting the new i7-9750H model which currently retails for £1,699.00 however I was sent the slightly older model which Scan still sell for…
Following my review of the superb Samsung C49RG90 I thought it would be worth looking at how it compares with other similar monitors on the market. The Dell U4919DW and Philips 499P9H are the two notable options, both have the same screen size and resolution to the Samsung. Key Specs All three monitors are 49-inch…
The Samsung C49RG90 is the latest ultra-wide to hit the market and takes things to the next level with the super ultrawide format. A quick glance at the specs you would think at 49 inches running at 5120 x 1440 QHD it is the most over the top and ridiculous thing possible. However, due to…
I reviewed the Thermaltake V200 RGB towards the end of last year, at the time it cost £79, and I classed it as a must-buy for affordable gaming. Since then priced has dropped down to just £59.99, and for just a tenner extra compared to the original price you can get the case plus 550W…
A couple of years ago multiple companies, including ASUS announced their Big Format Gaming Displays which were completely over the top and amazing. They did launch, some to middling reviews, and you can buy the HP OMEN X Emperium 65 display from Currys for a bargain £3,499.00. This year, a more sensible solution as put…
If you want reliable Wi-Fi across a large home but don’t want large ugly routers dotted around then Zyxel may have the system for you with their latest mesh Wi-Fi system. The new Zyxel Multy U AC2100 Mesh System is more affordable, smaller and more attractive than the Zyxel Multy X Tri-Band AC3000 I have…
The new AMD Ryzen 3000 CPUs have been out for a few weeks now and the Ryzen 5 3600, Ryzen 7 3700X and Ryzen 9 3900X have become the best choices for users dependant on budget. If £200 is too expensive for you and you still want a 6-core 12-thread processor then the AMD Ryzen…
I have reviewed quite a lot of mesh Wi-Fi systems, and somehow the existence of the Nokia Beacon has eluded me. The Nokia Beacon 1 launched at the start of July and is currently only available in the US. The Nokia Beacon 3 launched at some point this year but appears to have had so…
Original Post – 9th of July 2019 – Updated on 27th July 2019 to include benchmarks across X370, X470 & X570 Zen 2 has finally landed, and it has mostly met expectations. The new CPUs don’t quite take the crown from Intel in pure gaming performance, but they offer much better value for similar gaming…
Now that the new Ryzen 3000 CPUs have been released with many reviews showing their performance over previous generations, it is time for the leaks and rumours about the Ryzen Threadripper 3000 series to begin. A UserBenchmark result spotted by twitter user TUM_APISAK who is famous for his leaks. The UserBenchmark result is for a 16-core, 32-thread engineering…
Updated on 07/07/2019 Official review are now out. Updated on 24/07/2019 – Toms Hardware now has a review of the 3800X With the announcement of the latest AMD CPUs, many people will be wondering if it is worth upgrading from earlier Ryzen chips. They all use the AM4 socket, so theoretically with a BIOS update,…
An external sound card provides an easy way for you to level up the audio quality of your laptop or desktop computer. External sound cards can be purchased in a wide range of capabilities and connections. Some of them are straightforward and simple – adds an extra headphone jack to your computer – while others…
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