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 previously reviewed the Mobile Pixels Trio portable monitor for laptops, which was a 12.5″ monitor that magnetically attaches to the back of your laptop display and then slides out. I liked the concept behind it. You don’t need a monitor stand, so you can get a dual-screen laptop display in cramped environments. The design…
Network-attached storage (NAS) has come a long way, and it’s not just for businesses any more. If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a plethora of media files, documents, and backup data scattered across your devices. A NAS solution can be a game-changer, providing a centralised space for all your digital assets. The best part?…
I have previously reviewed the Geekom Mini IT11 and IT8 and have been sold on the idea of a mini-PC ever since. These are versatile computers ideal for work PCs, HTPCs, or a variety of server applications such as Home Assistant or a Plex media server. I don’t think I need to sell the idea…
For home users that are interested in NAS devices such as Synology and TerraMaster, setting up a Plex media server is often one of the key features they want to use. As much as I love streaming services like Netflix and Disney, they are starting to get expensive, and it is not uncommon for me…
In a step towards bolstering the Chromebook market, Acer has launched its first-ever Chromebook Plus laptops, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 and Acer Chromebook Plus 514, as part of Google’s Chromebook Plus initiative. Introduced on October 2, 2023, in Taipei, these models are engineered to provide a performance tier higher than current market offerings, boasting…
Acer is best known for its laptops, monitors and desktop PCs and more recently, they have entered the GPU market with the Acer Predator BiFrost Intel Arc A770. However, they also produce quite a lot of other products, including some random things like the Acer Acerpure Air Pro P2 and the Acer ebii E-bike. They…
Raspberry Pi has been a game-changer in the world of single-board computers ever since its inception. With each new model, it brings in a wave of enhancements and upgrades that set a new benchmark in the arena of performance and affordability. The most recent entrant in this series is the Raspberry Pi 5, which is…
Mesh WiFi systems have solved many of the WiFi problems home users face. They allow you to extend your WiFi throughout your home seamlessly by plugging in mesh nodes or satellites. Unlike the WiFi extenders of yesteryear, a mesh satellite retains the WiFi name and password, and the mesh system will work cohesively together, switching…
It seems Wi-Fi 7 is quickly gaining traction. In the past few days, Netgear announced its £1600+ Netgear Orbi 970 Series, and Intel revealed their new WiFi 7 modules, the BE200 and the BE202. I am also in the middle of reviewing the Acer Swift Edge 16, which features Wi-Fi 7 using the Qualcomm FastConnect…
Wi-Fi 7 capable hardware is slowly starting to become available, and in 2024, we should start to see a lot more products featuring it. Recently, Intel became the latest company to announce new Wi-Fi 7 capable hardware. Wi-Fi 7 Capable Routers, Laptops and Phones So far, TP-Link has announced multiple Wi-Fi 7 products, including mesh…
Today, Netgear unveiled its first WiFi 7 mesh system, the Orbi 970 Series. Positioned to succeed its current flagship, the WiFi 6E Orbi 960 Series, the new offering aims to redefine what’s possible in the realm of home networking with true multi-gigabit WiFi. Related Content Netgear Orbi 970 Series Features Unparalleled Performance with WiFi 7…
If you’re like me, the stock firmware on your router often leaves much to be desired in terms of advanced functionalities and fine-tuned control. That’s where ASUSWRT-Merlin comes into play. This aftermarket firmware aims to augment your ASUS router’s capabilities without detracting from its user-friendly nature. So let’s dive into the ins and outs of…
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