Latest PCs & Components How-To Stories
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Tip
Your monitor's USB ports are hiding secret powers
Many modern monitors include fast USB hubs that often go unused, though they can enhance your setup.
How-To
How to detect a fake SSD or flash drive before you get burned
A lot of capacity for little money? With every generation of flash data carriers, counterfeit cheat packs also come onto the market. Even renowned hard disk manufacturers are not always completely honest.
How-To
These hardware hacks turn your gaming mouse into a whole new beast
With careful tweaks, a gaming mouse can be optimized for better precision and comfort.
Tip
Level up your gaming with peripherals that make a real difference
Not every upgrade noticeably enhances gaming fun, but some hardware improvements deliver immediate impact and stay impressive over time.
How-To
Get your PC 2026-ready with these 9 key upgrades
How to get more performance out of your PC in the new year: The best upgrade tips for SSD, RAM, CPU, graphics card and more.
How-To
How to tell what kind of RAM you have
There are several easy ways to learn more about your system's memory.
How-To
Why two SSDs are better than one in your PC
Most Windows PCs come with just one SSD. That may work for most people, but if you're really looking to boost your speed and free up bandwidth, then you should consider using two SSDs instead of one.
How-To
Master your BIOS: 8 tweaks that unlock hidden PC performance
Whether it's a self-built gaming machine or a fresh-from-the-store office PC, the right BIOS/UEFI settings can make a world of difference.
Tip
I caved and bought an $80 portable monitor. Now I love working remotely
I no longer have to sacrifice productivity when working out of restaurants, cafés, and hotels.
Tip
I hate typing with a TV remote. That's why I love this nifty $36 gadget
It even has a built-in trackpad, which takes it up another level. Everyone with a smart TV should have one of these.
Feature
Yes, 'USB condoms' are real, and they protect your gadgets from danger
A data-blocking charging cable is like a seatbelt your phone: a cheap, secure alternative to your phone's charging cable that will help protect it from being hacked by a sketchy USB port in a hotel or airport.
Tip
Gamers, this is the RAM you want in your PC
The variety of RAM on offer nowadays can make your head spin. But it's quite simple for PC gamers, currently only this certain RAM configuration makes sense.
How-To
Your OLED display’s worst enemy: burn-in. Here’s how to fight back
OLED displays are becoming increasingly popular. However, many buyers fear unsightly burn-in effects. With the right measures, you can extend the life of your OLED screen.
Tip
5 unmistakable signs your old PC is slowing you down
Is your old PC causing problems? We show you 5 clear signs for when a new purchase makes sense.
Tip
Drives, images, and virtual disks: A guide to storage terms & concepts
Terms like hard disk, drive, partition, and image are often confusing. Knowing the difference saves time and avoids errors during setup, installation, and backup.
Tip
How Ryzen's Precision Boost Overdrive supercharges your AMD processor
If you’re using an AMD Ryzen processor and haven’t activated Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO), you could be missing out on performance.
Tip
SSDs are fast, but not always the answer. Here's why
SSDs are fast, quiet, energy-efficient, and vibration-resistant—making them the top choice in many systems. Still, in some cases, a classic HDD is better.
Reviews
I switched my $180 Razer Naga for this $40 mouse—and I love it
The Solakaka SM809 has a regrettable name, but it does everything I wanted the Naga Pro to do.
How-To
Why a thick mouse pad makes a big difference in comfort and control
Many PC users underestimate the importance of the right mouse pad, whose thickness plays a decisive role in comfort, stability, and durability.
Tip
The hidden power of your keyboard's media keys
Many users focus on switch type, layout, and lighting when choosing a keyboard, often overlooking dedicated media keys.
How-To
How to check the age of your hard drive (and why it matters)
f you're using a second-hand drive or one that's been in use for years, it’s worth checking its age.
Tip
I bought a mini-PC and got a spontaneous lesson in cable physics
The important lesson I learned recently setting up a mini-PC, and how a $9 cable made all the difference.
How-To
Don't underestimate memory bandwidth when buying a graphics card
When buying a new graphics card, the focus is often on clock rates, shader cores, and the size of the VRAM. While memory bandwidth is often overlooked, it can have a significant impact on overall performance in the long term.
Try This
I prevent my cables fraying with just a ballpoint pen
I used to spend a lot of time fixing fraying cables. Now I stop it even happening with this simple trick!
Try This
I fixed my monitor's pixels to make the screen look like new
Discovering dead or stuck pixels in a screen can naturally affect your enjoyment. But thankfully there is a simple fix.
Tip
I put my PC on the floor, but not without this $14 stand
Here’s an easy way to keep your PC off your desk without subjecting it to dust or blocking its air vents.
Tip
Why gasket mount mechanical keyboards are more comfortable to type on
Mounting style matters when buying mechanical keyboards. The popular 'gasket mount' offers a pleasant typing feel — but what makes it special?
Tip
I despise grimy gadget screens, so I never leave home without these 8-cent wipes
I don’t leave my house without a few of these screen-cleaning marvels in my pocket.
Tip
Why helium-filled hard drives outperform traditional HDDs
The use of helium in mechanical hard drives has revolutionized storage technology. But is it really the better choice for all applications?
How-To
Why you shouldn't waste your money on a membrane keyboard
Keyboards are indispensable in everyday digital life. However, if you compare a membrane keyboard with a mechanical keyboard, you'll quickly realize the differences are huge.
How-To
Keep your graphics driver fresh and your games will thank you
You should regularly update the driver for graphics cards, as they often include new configuration options and deliver better performance in the latest games.
Tip
You want to run a virtual PC? Know what hardware you’ll need
For a virtual machine to run reliably, it needs a little more computing power. Here are some recommendations.
Tip
What to do if your mouse is double-clicking when you don't mean it
It could be due to wear and tear, or it could be due to something else. Before you buy a new mouse straight away, here's what you can try to fix it.
How-To
Heatsinks: The unsung heroes cooling your PC
Most PC users are familiar with the term CPU or motherboard, but what exactly is a heatsink?
Tip
Always hit the wrong buttons on your monitor? Try this hack
I kept pressing the wrong buttons on my display when changing the input or messing with the settings. Then the dim lightbulb in my head flickered to life.
Tip
How to buy a decent CPU that'll last you at least 5 years
Choosing the right processor determines how well your PC can keep up with the demands of modern applications and games.
How-To
More performance for laptops for free: The best tuning tips and tools
Free notebook tuning. Use these tips and tools to get the best possible performance and stability out of your laptop.
Feature
Is USB or Thunderbolt better for portable SSDs? The key differences, explained
A look at the various external storage options: Which is fastest, which is most compatible, which is the most affordable and… which one you should buy?
How-To
5 creative ways to use a PC video capture card
Capture cards make it possible to transfer an external video source directly to your computer. Nowadays, they're affordable and easy to use.
How-To
Why is my HDMI connection buzzing?
If your monitor or an HDMI connection is humming, you should rule out a fault. Here you can read how to recognize faulty cables or devices and how to eliminate the annoying noise.
How-To
6 easy tweaks that maximize your SSD's performance
Use these tips and tweaks to boost your SSD's speed and wring every last drop of performance out of it.
How-To
How long does data last on a USB flash drive? It's complicated
You have important data that you need to keep safe. A USB flash drive seems to be the perfect solution. But how long do they last?
How-To
16GB of RAM just doesn't cut it anymore for PC gaming. Here's why
16 GB RAM was long considered the standard for gaming PCs, but is increasingly not enough. nn
How-To
Yes, you can still use floppy disks with Windows 11! Here's how
If you need to, it's entirely possible to read and write to floppy disks with a modern PC or laptop. Here's everything you need to know.
Tip
What does the symbol on a power button mean? How did it come about?
Nearly everyone has seen the universal symbol for power — turning on and off — but not everyone knows why that symbol was chosen.
Tip
Save your money! Most PC gamers don't need a flagship CPU
Flagship CPUs often offer little added value compared to other variants, but usually do not justify the extra cost.
Tip
How to prevent screen flickering when playing games
If your monitor flickers when playing games, this could be due to the "Variable Refresh Rate" (VRR) function. Here's how to check whether VRR is to blame and how to solve the problem.
How-To
How to configure a multi-monitor PC setup like a pro
A multi-monitor setup can significantly increase productivity. These Windows tricks will make the experience even better.
How-To