Is Gaming RAM Worth It Compared to Value RAM?

Whether you are upgrading an old computer or if you are building or just buying a brand new computer, you may wonder if it is worth buying high performance ram. Generally speaking, high performance memory claims to be faster and also claims to be able to handle higher temperatures, and for this you pay a higher price. However, is it really worth the extra money?

Performance RAM Speed

One claim by memory manufactures is that performance memory is faster. To a point, they are correct. In a recent study done by Tom’s Hardware, they found that, on average, performance memory was 1-3% faster than standard memory. They found cases in which the memory was even faster, but they also found cases in which the regular memory outperformed the higher performance memory. For me personally, if this was the only factor, a 1-3% gain is not worth the extra cost. read more

5 Tips To Never Get a Virus Again

Being a software engineer, I get called quite often by friends or family to help them with a virus problem. In these instances, we usually can get the virus removed. However, removing a virus can be a real time waster, even for tech experts. One of odd things about this is that I rarely, if ever, have to remove viruses from any of my personal computers. I think that their are some distinct reasons why I am able to avoid getting a computer virus. In this post, I am going to give you some of my personal tips so you never get a virus again. read more

What To Do When You Run Out of USB Ports

Sometimes it seems like every peripheral device imaginable is available to be plugged into a USB port. Over and above the classics, like USB drives, cell phone chargers, keyboards and mice, there are USB powered coffee warmers, desk lamps, and cubicle toys of all sorts. With all of these needing to be plugged into its own USB port on your computer, it’s easy to run out of space in a hurry.

The answer to a port shortage, fortunately, is pretty straight forward. A USB hub will solve your problems. It will greatly expand the number of USB ports on your computer and leave room for all of your critical devices. A USB hub is a pretty simple device. It splits one USB port into many. They come in all shapes, sizes, and styles so finding the hub you need can seem like a challenge. Beyond just the number of extra ports you need, there are some considerations to keep in mind for any user wanting a little more space to plug in more devices. read more

Best 40% Keyboards for Gaming

You might have heard of 40% keyboards on gaming forums, but do you know what they actually are? The clue is in the name — these unusually small keyboards come with only 40% (or thereabouts) of the number of keys of a regular keyboard. 

Now, you might be thinking that that’s an oddity that you could do without, but the truth is that these types of keyboards do offer some key advantages that other, fuller-size keyboards do not. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the benefits of 40% keyboards and give our recommendations on the best ones out there to buy, should you decide that it’s what you need to take your gaming performance to the next level.  read more

APU vs CPU + GPU for Gaming

If you are on a budget, you may be considering an APU. In this post, we will look at a few of the similarities and differences between an APU vs a CPU/GPU setup, especially if you are considering this for gaming.

What is an APU

First, let’s take a look at what an APU is. An APU, or accelerated processing unit, is essentially a CPU with an integrated GPU built-in to it. The term APU is a branded term for AMD specific products. Keep in mind that Intel does have similar products to AMD’s APU. Intel often just calls their products CPUs with integrated graphics cards. The APU will have both the CPU and GPU on a single die. This is different from a CPU + GPU setup as the standard is for the CPU and GPU to be stand alone pieces of hardware. read more