Hardware Guides

Comprehensive List of S-IPS Based LCD Monitors

I am often asked for a recommendation on what type or brand of LCD monitor offers the best picture quality, to which I usually just suggest an LCD which uses an S-IPS based panel. This list goes a bit further and compiles all the S-IPS monitors currently available on the market. View Comprehensive List of S-IPS Based LCD Monitors

LCD Panel Technology Explained

There are many different panel technologies used in the production of LCD monitors. They range from budget TN panels to expensive, professional quality S-IPS and S-PVA panels. The average consumer usually has no idea what panel technology is used in their LCD. In fact, many power users are also unaware, simply because the panel type is rarely listed by the manufacturer in the monitor specifications. View LCD Panel Technology Explained

The Budget Gaming PC - Buyers Guide

Gaming is an expensive hobby. That is a fact. Every few months it seems a new PC game is released that pushes current technology to its limits and sends hardcore gamers off shopping to buy the latest and greatest video cards and RAM upgrades. All so they can play their games at the maximum settings possible in ungodly resolutions. Good for them. They can afford it. Here is the problem. Most gamers are not willing or able to spend hundreds every few months to have top of the line gaming PCs. View The Budget Gaming PC

Backlight Bleeding: An LCD Problem

The entire surface of an LCD is backlit from behind by a light source and the LCD blocks out the light that is not needed. Backlight bleeding occurs when this light is not 100% blocked allowing some light to "bleed" through the LCD causing spots of lighter areas on a dark or black background. View Backlight Bleeding: An LCD Problem

CPU Install Guide

The installation of a CPU is a simple process, if done correctly. This guide is based on the installation of a Pentium 4 proccesor in a socket 478 motherboard. This guide also assumes that you have all the necessary tools and equipment and your CPU is compatible with your motherboard and other system components. View CPU Install Guide

Upgrade Power Supply Guide

After upgrades are made to a PC or new components are added your power supply may not provide enough wattage to power all the devices in your PC. To test your power supply, simply power on and use as many devices in your PC possible. If everything works fine an no errors occur your current power supply is fine. If you encounter any problems with multiple devices running this means its time for a power supply upgrade. View Upgrading Power Supply Guide

Speed Up Access to Data

Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back together. The response time can be significantly longer. Speed Up Access to Data