Latest PCs & Components How-To Stories
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How-To
How to solve RAM problems with Windows memory diagnostics
If your PC restarts unprompted, freezes, or programs crash, this could indicate a RAM problem. We'll show you how to use the memory diagnostics tool to find out whether the RAM really is the problem.
Tip
Buying a monitor on Cyber Monday? You'll need these 10 accessories, too
Use your Cyber Monday monitor from the first day it arrives with these handy monitor accessories.
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Complete your Cyber Monday laptop with these must-have accessories
Make the most of a Cyber Monday laptop deal by adding on these laptop essentials!
Tip
Buying a desktop PC on Cyber Monday? You'll need these accessories too
You will not regret buying accessories for your desktop PC while they're marked down in these Cyber Monday sales!
How-To
How to extend the life of your hard drive
Under ideal conditions, hard drives can work for many years. However, various factors influence their service life.
How-To
How to make an old monitor look more colorful
That old monitor you have tucked away in a back room may not seem as colorful as a brand-new one with a higher resolution and quicker refresh rate, but simply correcting the color may be all that's needed to give it new life.
Tip
You're using your USB flash drive wrong. Do this instead
There's more to using a USB flash drive than just plugging it in, at least if you want to get the most out of it.
How-To
Buying a graphics card? These are the technical specs you need to know
When buying a new graphics card, there are numerous technical specifications to consider. In order to make the right decision, it's important to know and understand the relevant information.
How-To
How to turn any SSD into a DIY external drive
Breathe new life into your old flash memory with an external USB enclosure.
How-To
5 simple monitor adjustments everyone should make
Whether for work or gaming, many people set up their monitor incorrectly. Here's how to avoid the biggest mistakes.
How-To
How GPU temperatures affect graphics card clock speeds
When installing a new graphics card, the question often arises as to which temperature ranges are considered normal and when it gets too hot.
How-To
How to truly erase data from USB flash drives
Do you have a USB stick that contains a lot of junk? Here's how to empty it completely.
How-To
Building a PC? Take these 7 important measurements first
When building a PC, it is crucial to ensure that all components fit together. Before you start building, you should therefore take the following measurements.
How-To
4 things to consider before buying a GPU
Whether you're looking to build a new gaming PC from scratch or upgrade the GPU in your current system, you'll need to first consider these four things.
How-To
How to connect a PS5 controller to your laptop (and set it up right)
Learn whether you should connect your PS5 controller to your laptop using a wired or wireless connection, plus a few caveats to keep in mind with DualSense controllers on PC.
How-To
Maximize your cloud storage with these 5 tools and tricks
Because storage space on OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive is limited, you should use convenient tools to clear out superfluous files.
Tip
Why a cheap motherboard is probably all you need
When building a PC, many users tend to invest in high-end motherboards. In reality, most boards offer everything you'll need at a more affordable prices.
Tip
Long live the hard drive: Why HDDs are still far from obsolete
Despite the impressive advantages of SSDs, classic hard disk drives (HDDs) still remain relevant today.
How-To
6 things that annoy every Windows PC user
These are the biggest disruptive factors when working on a Windows PC.
How-To
4 ways to cool down your laptop in the summer heat
Summer is here and temperatures are rising. While a high temperature is great for a beach day, it's less great for your laptop. Here are four ways to cool down your laptop in the summer heat.
Tip
How to tell if a gaming mouse will give you a sore wrist
Here's how to tell if your gaming mouse is going to cause you wrist pain and what to do about it.
How-To
USB-C not charging? Try these tricks
Here are a few tips to try when your USB-C device isn't charging.
How-To
How to use an external monitor with a gaming laptop
If your gaming laptop screen feels too cramped, hook up an external monitor! Here's how to do it and what you need to know.
Tip
What’s a hot-swap keyboard? The key to a custom typing experience, explained
Hot-swap keyboards make it easy to replace switches without soldering. But how exactly does this feature work and what technology is behind it?
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Here's why the F and J keys on keyboards have bumps on them
The F and J keys on the keyboard have small bumps on them. There's a practical reason for it.
Tip
My best desktop organization gadget is a humble carabiner
To save myself from diving into a rat's nest of cables, I made a cable keychain for my desk.
How-To
Benchmark your SSD: These free tools do it all
Fast SSDs have now almost completely replaced classic hard drives in PCs and notebooks. We tell you which SSD tips you should definitely know.
Tip
Micro-ATX vs. Mini-ITX: Pros and cons for tiny motherboards
When choosing between Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX for building a smaller computer, you are faced with the decision of how much functionality and expandability you want to sacrifice for a compact size.
Tip
Don’t buy these dangerous USB-C accessories
You risk killing your laptop, tablet, or phone using cheap magnetic USB-C adapters.
Updated
Use your TV as a computer monitor: Everything you need to know
Will that big, sexy screen look as good on your desk as it does in your living room? Let's dig into the specifics of using an HDTV with your PC.
Tip
CPU-FAN versus CPU-OPT on motherboards: What’s the difference?
You may notice a CPU OPT connector on your motherboard. Although its function appears clear at first glance, its exact function remains a mystery for many users.
How-To
9 must-know Microsoft OneDrive tips: Get more from Windows cloud storage
Microsoft's cloud storage doesn't need to hide behind Dropbox, Google Drive, and others. OneDrive offers some surprising functions and backs up important data automatically.
Tip
Is your motherboard defective? Here's how to identify warning signs
The motherboard is at the heart of every system. Motherboard problems can affect a variety of components and are not always easy to diagnose.
Tip
Why a great gaming setup needs more than just a powerful PC
Gaming is a passion that requires the right setup. An optimized setup can not only improve the gaming experience, but also increase the chances of winning, and is simply more fun.
How-To
How to avoid buying a PC case that is too small or too large
Every detail counts when assembling a PC, but we often overestimate the space required. Not every powerhouse needs a colossal case — sometimes less is actually more.
Tip
Oculink: The blazing-fast new tech enabling better external GPUs
Oculink is entering the interface market as a potential game changer. The technology promises to be a cost-effective and fast alternative to Thunderbolt.
How-To
The right amount of thermal paste for your CPU
Applying heat-conducting paste optimally is not a complex matter, but simple, quick and effective — if you know how.
Tip
When should you upgrade your PC’s motherboard?
Choosing a new motherboard is a far-reaching decision when building a PC. It influences both the present and the future of system performance.
How-To
How to build a killer 1080p gaming PC for just $700
Looking to build your own 1080p gaming PC? Well, you can do it for just $712–here's how.
How-To
6 basic mistakes to avoid when installing a motherboard
This guidance will ensure your motherboard installation goes smoothly and your system functions optimally afterwards.
How-To
Caution: These PC noises are warning signals
If your PC makes noises that are more reminiscent of an avant-garde orchestra than a quiet working environment, it's high time to listen more closely.
How-To
How to use a laptop with multiple monitors: The ultimate guide
If you work exclusively with your laptop, and enjoy media or play games, a second or third screen is a must. You can find suitable solutions here.
How-To
Raspberry Pi 5: The 6 best tips, tricks & applications for the single-board PC
What is the best way to optimize the Raspberry Pi 5? We have summarized the best tips and tricks for you.
How-To
Hardware acceleration: A turbo button for PC software
In order to benefit from faster loading times, you often come across the term "hardware acceleration." What exactly is this?
How-To
Upgrade your audio by knowing your microphone's 'polar pattern'
Often the solution to getting clear and unaltered sound recordings lies in an aspect that is easily overlooked — the directional characteristic of the microphone.
Tip
Why 32GB of RAM is becoming the standard
The question of how much RAM a computer really needs is a hotly debated topic. In the following, we look at the different requirement scenarios.
Tip
Nvidia's DLAA makes PC games look better with little performance hit
Nvidia's DLAA tech replaces traditional anti-aliasing technologies to offer better visuals with no performance hit.
How-To
Raspberry Pi: The best beginner projects
New users of the Raspberry Pi are always faced with the question of what can be done with the popular single-board computer. These are the most exciting beginner projects for getting started.
How-To
6 reasons to skip RGB lights in your PC
RGB lighting in a PC makes for spectacular visuals, but does it also enhance the gaming experience?
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