Latest PCs & Components How-To Stories
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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 simple 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
6 things that annoy every Windows PC user
These are the biggest disruptive factors when working on a Windows PC.
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
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?
Tip
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?
Tip
Help! My graphics cards fans aren't spinning. How do I fix it?
The intensive work of graphics cards causes them to heat up quickly, which can become problematic when the fans stop working. Here's how to tackle this problem properly.
How-To
How to set up a new SSD or hard drive in Windows
Use Disk Management to easily set up a new hard drive, SSD, or USB stick under Windows.
Tip
What used PC hardware is good to buy, and what should you avoid?
The dream of a powerful PC can be expensive due to high hardware prices. Used PC components can offer a cost-effective alternative, as long as you know which parts are worth it and which you should avoid.
Tip
Why an optical drive is still valuable
Most people regard optical drives as obsolete, but they still have a place in PCs.
How-To
How to install Windows on a Mac
Intel Macs are long gone, but you can still install and run Windows on Macs with Apple Silicon.
Tip
If your PC turns off while playing games, here's what to do
One of the most common causes of a sudden and unexpected computer shutdown is heat. Here's how to prevent damage from overheating.
How-To
1080p, 1440p, 4K: Which monitor resolution should you choose?
Choosing the right monitor depends on several factors, including pixel count and refresh rate. We compare the advantages and disadvantages of 1080p, 1440p, and 4K monitors.
How-To
Clean up cable clutter: These tricks create beautiful cord order
Please tidy up, vacuum, wipe! Hardware professionals recommend a once-a-year tour of the PC and consumer electronics. Besides dust and dirt disposal, tidying accessories are also worthwhile.
How-To
How to sit properly at your PC and keep your body happy
Paying attention to proper ergonomics while you work at your PC will make you more comfortable now, and in the long term.
Tip
How to repair USB 3.0 ports in Windows 11
USB 3.0 is still one of the most popular USB standards. However, it can happen that the USB 3.0 ports on the Windows 11 PC no longer work for no apparent reason. Fortunately, they can be repaired in most cases.
How-To
Raspberry Pi troubleshooting: Helpful fixes to common problems
Having troubles with your Raspberry Pi? Here are the most important troubleshooting solutions.
How-To
Take productivity to new levels with an MMO gaming mouse (seriously!)
It may seem unusual at first glance, but an MMO or MOBA mouse is not just a must-have for avid gamers. With their multiple customization options, programmable buttons and comfort, they are great for taking your productivity to a new level.
How-To