Hardware Articles

Thermal Paste Comparison

Posted on by Jon Bach

When it comes to building high end computers, there is no room for cutting corners, and even a component like thermal paste can make a significant difference. When we set out to investigate all the different thermal pastes out there, we were surprised to not find a comprehensive comparison of modern products…so we decided to run our own tests! In this article, we will compare the performance of the top rated thermal pastes, so that you can make informed decisions about what will go into your next computer system!

The Sound of Silence: Building a Quiet PC

Posted on by Daniel Hermanson

It’s easy enough to make a fast computer…what’s not easy is making a PC like that quiet! It can be especially difficult since the components tend to run hot. The key is finding the right balance between performance, optimal cooling, and quiet. This article will show how you can have a system that roars with power but not noise.

SCSI vs SATA, Which is Faster?

Posted on by Jon Bach

When configuring a server or high end custom computer, we are often asked about the performance benefits of SCSI over ATA. Since SCSI is much more expensive, the common perception is that it must be significantly faster. The short answer we give to that issue is that with the release of 10,000 RPM SATA drives, SCSI simply does not hold the edge it used to, and we do not feel it is worth the sizable increase in cost. Of course, that statement is very general. Surely there are still applications that greatly benefit from SCSI, and it is the goal of this article to take a deeper look at the performance differences in SCSI vs SATA, and to tell you how those differences translate to performance in real world applications.

PC Power Supplies – Will It Give Me More FPS!?

Posted on by Daniel Brown

The lowly power supply – In today’s world, the power supply is often assumed to be a commodity item. Maybe the problem is that we, as PC enthusiasts, do not grasp the full import of a power supply. A power supply is like the heart of your PC – it pumps the juice to the various parts of the system. As computer desktop operating systems and general productivity software become more stable and reliable, the power supply can present the weakest link in a computer system. A faulty power supply can cause intermittent lockups and rebooting. In this article, we’ll look at how to pick a good power supply!

SLI Technology for PCI-Express

Posted on by Jon Bach

nVidia says that it gives the consumer “heart-pounding PC performance.” It will deliver “unparalleled gaming experience.” So what is it? And where can I find it? And what do I need to run it? These are the questions you may be asking yourself, as I was, when I first read about nVidia’s new SLI technology for PCI-Express. Well, I am here to answer those questions for you. To tell you what exactly this newfangled technology does to deliver this “unparalleled gaming experience.”

Rebates: a Force for Absolute Evil

Posted on by Jon Bach

Why are rebates becoming such a popular way to sell products, and what risks are there for the consumer? In this article, we’ll take a look at what rebates are really all about, and how you can protect yourself.

The Pitfalls of Building Your Own Computer!

Posted on by Jon Bach

One question I have been asked many times is the question “Why should I buy from a custom computer company as opposed to building a computer myself?” It’s a fair question. I’m sure this article can be viewed as nothing more than a glorified advertisement for computer companies, but is my true goal to objectively lay out the pros and cons of building your own computer system.

Building a Value Gaming PC

Posted on by Jon Bach

Building a Value Gaming PC on a tight budget requires some difficult decisions. When budget is not a factor, building a great gaming PC is relatively easy – simply choose the fastest parts available. That’s what we did in our last article, titled Building the Ultimate Gaming PC. If you want the best gaming PC that money can buy, then we encourage you to check out that article. Unfortunately, most of us do not have the luxury of a high budget, so in this article, we will take a look at current technology, and explore what the best choices would be for building a great gaming PC for under $1500.

Building the Ultimate Gaming PC

Posted on by Jon Bach

If money was not a factor, how would you design the ultimate gaming computer? We’ll take a look at what makes up a great gaming PC, and give you everything you need to put together the gaming system that will be the envy of your friends!