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Why is my SSD write speed nowhere near the max stated
It is upsetting when your SSD isn't performing as it should. Here are some things to look out for to make sure you are getting the most from your SSD.
Few things are more frustrating than using an SSD and having it run slowly. I mean, the whole point of an SSD is getting blazing-fast speeds, at least that is how they are marketed to us anyway. When it comes to an SSD that is writing slower than its rated speed, there are a few different reasons why this could be. From hardware, to software, or maybe even a few settings, there are many things you can do to fix your SSD. Here are some of the things to look for when your SSD speeds just aren't quite up to par.
StarTech Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display Docking Station review: You can't ask for more ports
This StarTech Thunderbolt 4 docking station supports up to four 4K displays, and it has a lot of ports for peripherals.
There's no shortage of docking stations to choose from if you want to connect more peripherals to a modern laptop. But not many are on the same level as the StarTech Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display Docking Station. Its main selling point is that it can drive up to four 4K displays at 60Hz, all using a single port on your laptop, which is something we've rarely seen in other docks.
How to Install 7-zip
You can use countless programs to compress and unzip computer files, but 7-zip is widely regarded as the cream of the crop… once you get it working.
Sending files over the internet is usually a quick and easy activity – just attach the documents to an email and press “send.” However, the task turns into a chore when you have to transfer large files or a metric ton of data (or both). You can either send multiple emails, or you can compress files so that they don’t take up too much space. If you choose the latter, what program should you use to shrink a file’s digital footprint? Many users agree 7-zip is the way to go.
Here are some of the most ridiculous yet amazing pieces of tech
There have been some bizarre tech products released.
With the advancement of technology, some utterly bizarre products have hit the shelves over the past couple of decades. From an Android-powered oven and selfie toaster to Amazon Dash and the KFConsole. Some of these products were strange, some didn't make sense, some were awful, and others made you go "Huh?" Here are 16 products we found strange ... Do you remember any?
Can you use a TV as a computer monitor?
If any screen comes with an HDMI port, it can act as an alternative or second computer monitor.
Most computers aren’t all-in-one devices. Unless you buy a laptop or a tablet, you need additional peripherals to make your computer work. These extras include a keyboard, mouse, and monitors. However, modern televisions generally are able to fulfill computer monitor functions, so what’s stopping you from using them interchangeably?
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: Foldable showdown
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the most prominent large screen foldable right now, but the best foldable hardware is from a brand named Vivo right now.
For four years, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series reigned supreme in the big foldable category, partly because the phones were very good, but also because they had almost no competition. This changed last year when Google and OnePlus each launched foldables in the US. The latter in particular stole a lot of Samsung's thunder, being named the "foldable phone of the year" by several tech publications, including XDA.
Water cooling your PC is a gimmick for most people
If you're an enthusiast who likes water cooling, just know that not everyone needs it.
As a PC enthusiast, I have a water cooling setup in my PC. It's not anything super high-end, but when I built my PC with an i7-12700KF a few years ago, I purchased a Corsair iCUE H150i to go with it. It looks cool and keeps my temperatures on the lower side, but the truth is that for most people, water cooling is completely a gimmick.
Even more proof appears that the AMD Ryzen 9000 series will arrive soon
Something big is approaching for AMD fans.
If you're excited to get your hands on the new series of AMD Ryzen processors, you likely already know that the AMD Ryzen 9000 processors were accidentally confirmed in a driver. And while that was proof enough that the newest Zen 5 architecture processors were on the way, we've just caught wind of even more evidence that something's brewing. Both MSI and Asus have let slip that they're preparing for the next generation of AMD processors that are on the way, so it shouldn't be too long until we get an official announcement.
Best RAM for AMD Ryzen 7 8700F
These are all the best RAM choices out there for AMD's Ryzen 7 8700F chip, regardless of your budget or performance needs.
When looking for the best CPU, AMD's Ryzen line is a popular choice, and the Ryzen 7 8700F is a worthy pick. However, you'll still need some solid RAM to take full advantage of your chip. Across many different capacities, pricepoints, and speeds, we've got great options for everyone.
AMD and Nvidia have been battling it for GPU dominance and the competition has only become ever fiercer as buzzwords such as AI get thrown into the mix. Which company is best for building a PC from scratch or upgrading an older system? Most of the best graphics cards are made by AMD and Nvidia with the latter producing the world’s faster GPU, the mighty Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090.
3 things Intel needs to redeem itself in the GPU market with the upcoming Battlemage launch
Intel's redemption 'Arc' has Battlemage written all over it.
Intel's first-generation Alchemist family of Arc GPUs that landed on our test bench couldn't really leave a lasting impression on us. The Alchemist chip looked great on paper, but it turned out to be just average, at best. The driver issues truly took the GPU down, and it couldn't stand a chance as a match for Nvidia's GeForce RTX and AMD's Radeon models at that time.
How to connect a Wi-Fi extender to your router
If your Wi-Fi router’s signal doesn’t reach your computer, you can either move them closer to one another or set up a Wi-Fi extender.
Wi-Fi routers let you connect to the internet without physically plugging a computer into a modem, and they also create a network that supports numerous smart home devices. So long as your router has enough bandwidth to support everything, you’re usually ok, emphasis on “usually.” While Wi-Fi is far more convenient than a wired connection, the signals generated aren’t always dependable. To compensate, you might need a Wi-Fi extender.
3dfx Voodoo card makes a return in 2024 thanks to some ambitious builders
It's not going to produce stellar performance numbers, but this labor of love is one to behold
Graphic cards have evolved quite a bit over the past ten years, but those that have been around for some time will remember the true glory days, when you had multiple brands of cards with strange-looking boxes that had pretty good performance and were actually affordable. And while times have changed quite a bit, it looks like some are still happily stuck in the past, working on passion projects that involve old school GPUs.
How to check CPU temperature in Windows 11
CPU temperature is a crucial indicator of your PC health and CPU performance
Checking your CPU temperature can be an occasional or frequent activity, depending on what you put your precious processor through. Those who use their PC for everyday work and casual gaming don't have to worry about it as much as others who are into things like gaming, video editing, or anything that demands the CPU's attention. It's also particularly crucial when you're overclocking the CPU, as the last thing you want to do is put up with an overheating or an unstable processor. Modern processors tend to run quite hot, especially if you're running one of the top desktop CPUs or using the best laptops on the market.
These are the two most important ways a NAS can protect your home
See how a NAS can help keep your family safe.
A network-attached storage (NAS) system can store data and run various services. One such application is home surveillance and general security. Many of the best NAS brands such as Synology, Asustor, and QNAP have surveillance packages that can be run alongside other services to transform your general storage server into a powerful security center. Here are all the ways a NAS can help keep secure your home.
Best mouse in 2024
A good mouse is your gateway to a positive experience with your computer, and we've collected the best ones here for a wide range of uses.
Finding the best mouse possible isn't always an easy process; a quick search will usually produce thousands of results, and sifting through all the different models might leave you with more questions than answers. You might want a wireless connection instead of dealing with a connected cable, you might want something small enough to be able to tuck into a laptop bag, or you might want something with the right performance to keep up with PC gaming.
Ditch your ISP's trash router with 30% off our favorite TP-Link model
Now's the perfect time to upgrade and save big on one of the best routers on the market
For most, it's easy to stick with whatever router the service provider gives you because it works, and it's convenient. While these types of interactions are usually seamless, a recent move to Spectrum was met with headaches and faulty hardware right out of the gate, which meant it was easier just to buy a router to get things working as soon as possible.
Matte vs glossy displays: How to decide and why it matters
Displays usually feature either matte or glossy surface, and there are advantages to both. Here's how to choose between them.
Picking out the right display for your desk setup or on one of the best laptops can be quite tricky. There are a lot of factors to consider, like display type, resolution, refresh rate, and more, with all of them playing a role in your viewing experience. However, an underrated thing that differentiates great monitors and screens from one another is the kind of surface that covers their displays. You'll find two main types of surfaces: glossy and matte. More often than not, a model of monitor or laptop will come in only one surface type, either glossy or matte. In some cases, you'll be able to choose between the two — and sometimes one will cost more than the other. But what's the difference between the surfaces, and how much does surface type matter when picking your next monitor or laptop? Let's take a look.
Heineken enters the smartphone world with a phone that's boring for all the right reasons
At least it has Snake.
Smartphones have slowly but surely taken over our attention spans. Once upon a time, they were only good for sending SMS messages and playing Snake; now, they're essentially miniature computers that you may take a call on from time to time. Whether or not this is a good thing depends on who you ask; people who were around before the smartphone revolution may lament how dates at restaurants and patrons at the cinema spend more time on their phones than living in the situation. However, give a younger person a Nokia 3210 and they'll find it totally useless for modern-day use. For those who miss easier times, Heineken and Bodega have teamed up to make the Boring Phone that brings the smartphone all the way to the 90s when things weren't so smart.
LG Gram +View review: An excellent portable monitor with some limitations
The LG Gram +View is arguably the best portable monitor out there, but it lacks some features I really wish were here.
LG's Gram laptops have some of the best displays in the business, so it only makes sense for the company to throw its hat in the ring of portable monitors, too. The LG Gram +View first made its debut in 2022, and it's designed to be the perfect pairing for the 16-inch Gram laptops, but it's also just an excellent portable monitor.