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 been a big fan of the Samsung C49RG9 and its massive 49-inch panel running at 5120×1440. As I write for a living, it allows me to have two 2560×1440 windows snapped side to side, which is perfect for referencing things while writing. However, it is still quite a rare resolution. Not only are…
While most of us use WiFi to connect to the Internet now, it will never be as good as Ethernet and I will always use Ethernet whenever possible with my devices. However, from time to time, you may have a strange problem where the Internet doesn’t work even though it is plugged into via the…
The AVM FRITZ!Box 7590 AX was announced in May 2021 and is the WiFi 6 upgrade of the AVM FRITZ!Box 7590 I reviewed five years ago. I don’t personally use VDSL anymore, and I have switched all my WiFi to Zyxel access points, but I still use the FRITZ!Box 7590 is my main router because…
I previously reviewed the JAMESDONKEY RS4 and was pleasantly impressed with it. It was a well-made keyboard with both Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz and wired connectivity with RGB and Gateron Pro Yellow 2.0 switches. JAMESDONKEY have now launched the RS2, which has a retro beige colourway for anyone that has fond memories of the traditional IBM keyboards….
Buying refurbished stuff may make you feel uncomfortable, especially if it’s your first time doing so. But surprisingly, refurbished devices provide a smart and low-risk way of saving a ton of money when buying computers. Refurbished computers aren’t necessarily inferior to their new counterparts. In fact, you can get refurbished laptops for less money than…
Sky is the second largest ISP after BT (PlusNet, EE) with over 6 million subscribers, and like all ISPs, they suffer from downtime or slow Internet from time to time. However, more often than not, slow Internet can be a result of something wrong with your router or poor Wi-Fi, rather than something wrong with…
I completely missed the announcement of the new 2022 Amazon Fire 7 tablets, but they are now available to buy on Amazon UK in the standard model or the rugged kids variant. The last launch was three years ago, and the new 2022 models come with some minor upgrades that improve performance and modernise various…
[June 2022 Update] It has been a couple of years since I updated this guide. A lot of companies appear to have given up on VDSL routers but there are a few new good options. There are hundreds of routers on the market covering features and pricing to suit everyone. One specific feature set that…
BT Broadband is the largest ISP in the UK, and they also operate Plusnet, which they bought out in 2007. It is believed that BT have over 9 million customers, and they also own Openreach, which is the main provider of ADSL and Fibre broadband connection in the UK. Predicted Speeds If you have just…
James Donkey is a Chinese-based peripherals manufacturer that specialises in gaming mice and mechanical keyboards. It looks like the only current supplier of this hardware is Mechkeys, who also supplied this sample. The James Donkey RS4 is an 87-key tenkeyless mechanical keyboard using Gateron Pro 2.0 yellow switches that can operate in wired or wireless…
The Apcsilmic DOT 1 Mini PC is one of the only desktop PCs on the market to run the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Compute Platform. This makes it the most energy-efficient Windows PC you can buy and quite likely the smallest too. I wouldn’t say I have had the best experience with Windows on Arm in…
The Innocn 27C1U is a 60Hz 4K 27-inch monitor with a wide range of connectivity. With this being a relatively young Chinese brand, I had relatively low expectations about this monitor, thinking it would be your standard budget quality hardware you see on Amazon. I have come away pleasantly surprised, and this is an ideal…