![Monitor Goes Black For A Second [Causes & How to Fix]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/11/Monitor-Goes-Black-For-A-Second-Causes-Fixes-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Monitor Goes Black For A Second [Causes & How to Fix]")
Monitor Goes Black For A Second [Causes & How to Fix]
November 25, 2022
There’s nothing more infuriating than your monitor suddenly going black for a second.
![Samsung vs Crucial SSDs compared [A clear winner?]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/11/Samsung-vs-Crucial-SSDs-Which-Ones-Are-Better-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Samsung vs Crucial SSDs compared [A clear winner?]")
How to Fix High CPU Usage (Or Doesn’t It Need Fixing?)
November 14, 2022
High CPU usage is a condition that anyone working with computers runs into at some point.
![How to Screenshot on a Lenovo Laptop [ThinkPad, Legion, Yoga & More]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/11/How-To-Screenshot-On-A-Lenovo-ThinkPad-Twitter-420x236.jpg "How to Screenshot on a Lenovo Laptop [ThinkPad, Legion, Yoga & More]")
How to Screenshot on a Lenovo Laptop [ThinkPad, Legion, Yoga & More]
November 10, 2022
There are many different ways to take a screenshot on a Lenovo laptop.
![The Best Custom PC Builder Websites [Ranked]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/11/The-Best-Custom-PC-Builder-Websites-Twitter-420x236.jpg "The Best Custom PC Builder Websites [Ranked]")
Redshift System Requirements & PC-Recommendations
October 29, 2022
Redshift by Maxon is one of the best rendering engines available on the market.
![Does It Matter Which SATA Ports You Use? [It does.]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/10/Does-It-Matter-Which-SATA-Ports-You-Use-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Does It Matter Which SATA Ports You Use? [It does.]")
Does It Matter Which SATA Ports You Use? [It does.]
October 27, 2022
Have you ever built a PC or tried upgrading the storage of a PC and, right as you came to the final step of connecting your SATA storage to your motherboard, ran into this view?
Best Ways to Reduce Your Computer’s Power Consumption & Electric Bill
October 19, 2022
PCs these days can draw a lot of power, especially if you’re running a high-end system.
![Can You Use A Monitor Without A PC? [You can!]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/10/Can-You-Use-a-Monitor-Without-a-PC-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Can You Use A Monitor Without A PC? [You can!]")
Can You Use A Monitor Without A PC? [You can!]
October 17, 2022
I think it’s safe to say that modern PC monitors are having a mini-renaissance with how fast the technology is evolving with groundbreaking new additions that improve upon last year’s model in pretty much every conceivable way— perhaps aside from the price.
![Where Are Dell Computers Made? [Mostly outside the US]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/10/Where-are-Dell-Computers-Made-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Where Are Dell Computers Made? [Mostly outside the US]")
Where Are Dell Computers Made? [Mostly outside the US]
October 13, 2022
Dell has been a behemoth in the computing industry for what feels like forever.
AAFP Connector On Your Motherboard – What It’s For & How To Use It
October 13, 2022
Your motherboard (no matter its size) provides numerous different connectors and sockets, all of which have a singular purpose:
Boxed vs. Tray (OEM) Processor – What’s the difference?
October 10, 2022
If you’ve ever found yourself on the market looking for a used CPU, you’ve probably run into a listing like this.
PC POST / POSTing explained and Guidelines to fix Power-On-Self-Test Errors
October 9, 2022
POST, short for power-on self-test, is a series of tests and procedures your PC runs through before loading the operating system.
![How To Reset An MSI BIOS? [All Possible Ways]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/09/How-To-Reset-MSI-BIOS-All-Possible-Ways-Twitter-420x236.jpg "How To Reset An MSI BIOS? [All Possible Ways]")
How To Reset An MSI BIOS? [All Possible Ways]
November 2, 2022
Your PC’s BIOS contains a myriad of different settings, all of which are designed to help you make the most out of your system and fine-tune its performance to your liking.
![What Is “Rendering” in Digital Art? [2D/3D]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/09/What-Is-Rendering-in-Digital-Art-Twitter-420x236.jpg "What Is “Rendering” in Digital Art? [2D/3D]")
![Lumion System Requirements & PC-Recommendations [Updated]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/09/Lumion-System-Requirements-PC-Recommendations-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Lumion System Requirements & PC-Recommendations [Updated]")
Lumion System Requirements & PC-Recommendations [Updated]
September 14, 2022
Lumion is one of the best real-time rendering programs around for all your architectural rendering needs.
GPU MSRP List – AMD, Nvidia & Intel Graphics Cards
September 5, 2022
Graphics Cards Manufacturers set a Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) when launching new SKUs that can be part of existing or new generations of products.
![How To Know If All Your PC-Parts Are Compatible? [4 Fast Options]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/08/How-to-Know-if-All-Your-PC-Parts-Are-Compatible-Twitter-420x236.jpg "How To Know If All Your PC-Parts Are Compatible? [4 Fast Options]")
How To Know If All Your PC-Parts Are Compatible? [4 Fast Options]
November 2, 2022
It’s a wonderful experience, building PCs.
Which PC Keyboard Size Should I Get?
August 30, 2022
When figuring out your gaming or productivity setup, you must put a lot of thought into the main tools you will be interacting with.
![Laptop Processors (CPUs) in Order Of Performance [Updated List]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/08/Laptop-CPUs-in-Order-of-Performance-List-Twitter-Kopie-420x236.jpg "Laptop Processors (CPUs) in Order Of Performance [Updated List]")
Laptop Processors (CPUs) in Order Of Performance [Updated List]
August 29, 2022
Keeping track of modern Laptop CPUs’ performance and comparing them to their competition can be a frustrating endeavor.
How To Enter BIOS On Your Motherboard (MSI, Asus, Gigabyte, ASRock)
August 24, 2022
Being able to quickly access various system settings is of the utmost importance.
![How To Check Your PC’s Power Consumption [4 Methods]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/08/Power-Consumption-in-PC-Twitter-420x236.jpg "How To Check Your PC’s Power Consumption [4 Methods]")
How To Check Your PC’s Power Consumption [4 Methods]
November 2, 2022
Whether it be for work, gaming, or entertainment, life is simply unimaginable without a PC.
![CPUs with the highest Single-Core Performance [Updated List]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/08/CPUs-with-high-single-core-performance-Twitter-Kopie-420x236.jpg "CPUs with the highest Single-Core Performance [Updated List]")
CPUs with the highest Single-Core Performance [Updated List]
November 2, 2022
A Processor’s single-core performance is one, if not the most important indicator of how your CPU will perform in many workloads.
PCIe vs USB Wi-Fi Adapter — Which Is Better?
August 18, 2022
One of the most frustrating things about connecting your PC to the internet is that, sometimes, it feels like everything is going against you.
Intel CPU (Processor) List in Order of Performance
November 2, 2022
How are Intel CPUs ranked in order of performance – is there an easy list to check?
SketchUp System Requirements & PC Recommendations
August 15, 2022
SketchUp is one of the most well-known 3D modeling tools in the trade for its intuitive UI and modeling experience.
![Are Intel Celeron CPUs Any Good? [Workloads Explored]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/08/Is-Intel-Celeron-Any-Good-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Are Intel Celeron CPUs Any Good? [Workloads Explored]")
Are Intel Celeron CPUs Any Good? [Workloads Explored]
November 2, 2022
We’ve come a long way when it comes to CPU performance.
![Samsung PRO vs Non-PRO SSDs Compared [Which One Do You Need?]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/07/Samsung-PRO-vs-Non-PRO-SSDs-Compared-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Samsung PRO vs Non-PRO SSDs Compared [Which One Do You Need?]")
Samsung PRO vs Non-PRO SSDs Compared [Which One Do You Need?]
July 29, 2022
Samsung SSDs, known around the world as some of the best around, giving you prizewinning speed, lifespan, and reliability.
![PSU Fan Up Or Down? [All Possible Positions Explained]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/07/Should-the-PSU-Fan-Face-Up-or-Down-Twitter-420x236.jpg "PSU Fan Up Or Down? [All Possible Positions Explained]")
PSU Fan Up Or Down? [All Possible Positions Explained]
August 15, 2022
PSU cooling, not exactly something that’s talked about a lot.
![How to Fix Photoshop Brush Lag [Try this first]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/07/How-to-Fix-Photoshop-Brush-Lag-Twitter-420x236.jpg "How to Fix Photoshop Brush Lag [Try this first]")
How to Fix Photoshop Brush Lag [Try this first]
August 15, 2022
Adobe Photoshop is one of the most universally known programs around.
![“No Signal” On BenQ Monitor [How To Fix]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/07/BENQ-Monitor-Showing-No-Signal-Twitter-420x236.jpg "“No Signal” On BenQ Monitor [How To Fix]")
“No Signal” On BenQ Monitor [How To Fix]
September 3, 2022
If your BenQ monitor happens to be showing the dreadful “No Signal” message, you’re probably on the verge of panicking.
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) System Requirements & PC Recommendations
July 1, 2022
OBS, or “Open Broadcasting Software”, is a widely known and beloved piece of software that has brought the power of streaming and recording to the masses in an easy-to-understand yet feature-packed package.
What Are The Quietest / Most Silent Mechanical Keyboard Switches?
September 3, 2022
Silent keyboards are all the rage these days and, well, it’s easy to understand why!
Motherboard HDMI Not Working (Troubleshooting Guide)
September 3, 2022
Your motherboard is incredibly important as it connects all the different pieces of your system – it is the connective tissue that makes the entire PC and its peripherals work and function properly.
NVMe vs SSD – What’s The Difference?
September 3, 2022
NVMe this, SSD that, what are all of these things anyway?
Intel K vs KF vs F CPUs: What’s the Difference?
September 3, 2022
Processor naming schemes sure can get chaotic, and that holds true for both Intel and AMD.
![How To Clean Your Graphics Card / GPU [The easy way]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/06/How-to-Clean-Your-Graphics-Card-GPU-Twitter-420x236.jpg "How To Clean Your Graphics Card / GPU [The easy way]")
How To Clean Your Graphics Card / GPU [The easy way]
September 3, 2022
Cleaning is the most important aspect of maintaining the health and performance of a PC that we all tend to *cough*ignore*cough* at times.
![IOR / Index of Refraction List For Common Materials [For Use In 3D Materials / Rendering]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/06/IORIndex-of-Refraction-List-for-Common-Materials-Twitter-420x236.jpg "IOR / Index of Refraction List For Common Materials [For Use In 3D Materials / Rendering]")
IOR / Index of Refraction List For Common Materials [For Use In 3D Materials / Rendering]
September 5, 2022
IOR, or “Index of Refraction.
Motherboard Audio Ports/Jacks Explained By Color
September 3, 2022
If you’ve ever plugged in anything audio-related to your motherboard, I’m sure you’ve seen the abundance of audio ports scattered on the side of your motherboard.
![What Is Shared GPU Memory? [Everything You Need to Know]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/06/What-is-Shared-GPU-Memory-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-Twitter-420x236.jpg "What Is Shared GPU Memory? [Everything You Need to Know]")
What Is Shared GPU Memory? [Everything You Need to Know]
September 3, 2022
When you have an integrated or dedicated GPU, your operating system will take up as much as half of your RAM and use it as shared GPU memory.
![How Many CPU Cores & Threads Do You have? [How To Check]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/06/How-Many-CPU-Cores-and-Threads-Do-You-Have-How-to-Check-Twitter-420x236.jpg "How Many CPU Cores & Threads Do You have? [How To Check]")
How Many CPU Cores & Threads Do You have? [How To Check]
June 10, 2022
The number of cores and threads your CPU has depends on several different factors including its brand, model, and generation.
How To Turn On A Motherboard Without A Case Or Power Switch
November 2, 2022
Turning on a motherboard or a PC without a case or power switch might seem impossible, but that actually couldn’t be further from the truth!
What Is a Good Idle GPU (Graphics Card) Temperature?
September 3, 2022
Ensuring that your GPU idle temperatures are as low as possible is of essential importance for the longevity of your Graphics Card.
How To Cool Down Your Laptop: 4 Smart Ways
June 6, 2022
The best thing about laptops is not their performance but rather their portability.
![How to Remove a Graphics Card From Your PC [Step By Step]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/05/How-to-Remove-a-Graphics-Card-From-Your-PC-Twitter-420x236.jpg "How to Remove a Graphics Card From Your PC [Step By Step]")
How to Remove a Graphics Card From Your PC [Step By Step]
September 3, 2022
Let’s go over a process you’ll have to experience a bunch of times, especially if you’re a gamer:
Autodesk 3ds Max System Requirements & PC Recommendations
September 3, 2022
Autodesk 3ds Max, the more “industrial” alternative to its older brother, Maya, and one of the major titans of the 3D landscape.
![How And Where To Plug In All Your Fans On The Motherboard [Updated Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/05/How-to-and-Where-to-ConnectPlug-in-All-Your-Fans-to-the-Motherboard-Twitter-420x236.jpg "How And Where To Plug In All Your Fans On The Motherboard [Updated Guide]")
How to Connect Your PSU Cables to Your Motherboard — Power Supply Cable Guide
September 3, 2022
Connecting your power supply cables sure can seem like a daunting task.
Autodesk Maya System Requirements & PC Recommendations
June 17, 2022
Autodesk Maya is one of if not the most famous 3D creation suites on the planet.
No RGB Header On Motherboard – What now?
June 17, 2022
The day has finally come and you’re just about to do a colorful upgrade of your system to bask in the sweet glory of all things RGB… only to realize your motherboard doesn’t have an RGB header.
![New M.2 SSD Not Showing Up In BIOS [How to fix]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/05/M.2-SSD-Not-Showing-up-in-BIOS-Causes-and-How-to-Fix-Twitter-420x236.jpg "New M.2 SSD Not Showing Up In BIOS [How to fix]")
New M.2 SSD Not Showing Up In BIOS [How to fix]
November 9, 2022
Motherboards these days offer several SATA connectors and M.
![What To Do AFTER Building/Buying a PC? [Checklist + Do this first!]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/05/What-To-Do-AFTER-BuildingBuying-a-PC-Setting-up-a-New-Computer-for-Dummies-Twitter-420x236.jpg "What To Do AFTER Building/Buying a PC? [Checklist + Do this first!]")
What To Do AFTER Building/Buying a PC? [Checklist + Do this first!]
September 3, 2022
Your PC is finally done!
CHA_FAN On Your Motherboard – Everything You Need to Know
September 3, 2022
Motherboards these days come in all shapes and sizes.
PCPartPicker Compatibility Warnings Explained
August 15, 2022
PCPartPicker is one of the greatest things that has happened to the PC creation process.
![Best MacBook Pro Alternatives right now [Updated 2022]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/05/Best-MacBook-Pro-Alternatives-Right-Now-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Best MacBook Pro Alternatives right now [Updated 2022]")
Best MacBook Pro Alternatives right now [Updated 2022]
June 17, 2022
Apple’s MacBook Pro sort of stands out as the “quintessential” laptop, one that has stood the test of time and has been used by both enthusiasts and creative professionals alike.
5 Great Reasons for building a small ITX PC (And what Case to use)
September 3, 2022
ITX builds are all the rage these days and, well, there’s a very good reason why:
Do You Have to Reinstall Windows After Upgrading CPU, GPU or Motherboard?
September 3, 2022
Do you have to reinstall Windows after installing new hardware, let’s say, the processor (CPU), motherboard, or graphics card?
Our 6 Favorite Free Photoshop Alternatives (2022 Update)
May 3, 2022
Photoshop is a piece of software so prolific that it has literally become a verb through which people describe how someone might’ve modified or edited an image.
Guide to CPU FAN RPM – What’s a good CPU FAN Speed?
June 17, 2022
Your CPU fan spins at different speeds, which helps keep your processor cool enough to run all your tasks efficiently.
![Why Is My RAM Not Running at Full Speed? [5 Reasons and How To Fix]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/05/Why-Is-My-RAM-Not-Running-at-Full-Speed-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Why Is My RAM Not Running at Full Speed? [5 Reasons and How To Fix]")
Why Is My RAM Not Running at Full Speed? [5 Reasons and How To Fix]
August 15, 2022
RAM is one of the most surprisingly complicated aspects of building a PC.
ATX vs Micro-ATX vs Mini-ITX: What’s the Difference?
September 3, 2022
Like so many other components, motherboards, too, come in different sizes and form factors.
Guide to Motherboard Standoffs – Everything you need to know
September 3, 2022
Motherboard standoffs, the brass pillars upon which your motherboard is most likely standing on.
Beginner’s Guide To SATA Cables – Everything you need to know
September 3, 2022
With various uses and applications, SATA cables are quite effective in connecting various drives to your computer’s motherboard.
Integrated (iGPU) vs Dedicated Graphics Cards (dGPU) – Differences and Recommendations
September 3, 2022
Graphics cards come in various different shapes and sizes.
M1 iMac vs. Mac Mini vs. Mac Studio — Which One’s Right For You?
June 17, 2022
Apple’s M1 line-up is absolutely incredible; it can, however, be a bit hard to fully grasp the pros and cons of each device.
How To Clear CMOS On Your Motherboard?
October 22, 2022
Clearing your CMOS can help you with a wide array of problems.
Troubleshooting ASUS Motherboard Error Q-Codes — Everything you need to know
August 15, 2022
Has your ASUS motherboard ever given you some numbers or letters (also known as error codes) on that tiny display that’s on there nestled in the corner?
Is the New 24″ M1 iMac Good Enough for Creative Professionals?
June 17, 2022
The 24” M1 iMac is an incredible device and that holds true in more ways than one.
What RAM (Memory) Is Compatible With My Motherboard?
June 17, 2022
Not only are there many different types of RAM modules but many kinds of motherboards as well.
System FAN vs CPU FAN Headers – Difference & When to Use Which
June 17, 2022
You’re ready to plug in those Case or CPU fans but you’ve stumbled upon terminology you’re not all that familiar with?
How to Tell if Your Graphics Card Is Dying
May 4, 2022
GPUs are one of the most costly parts of a PC.
Motherboard Temperature Guide – What is a Safe Motherboard Temp?
September 3, 2022
What’s a normal Motherboard temperature, and when should you be worried?
Types of RAM – An Overview Guide to PC Memory
September 3, 2022
There are many different types of RAM (Memory) meant for different kinds of PCs and workloads.
Apple Studio Display — Worth It For Creative Professionals?
September 3, 2022
The whole tech world is divided on the Apple Studio Display and whether or not it’s even worth talking about.
What Is CSM In Your BIOS And What Is It Good For?
June 17, 2022
What is CSM, and how can you use it to get the most out of your computer?
How To Find Out Which CPU is compatible With Your Motherboard
November 21, 2022
Figuring out which CPUs are compatible with your motherboard can be tricky because of the many factors to consider.
Single-Sided vs Double-Sided Memory (SS vs DS RAM Modules)
September 3, 2022
What’s the difference between single-sided and double-sided RAM?
GPU Fans Not Spinning – How To Fix (or doesn’t it need fixing?)
September 3, 2022
GPU fans not spinning can cause all sorts of problems, from overheating and damaging the GPU to good old thermal throttling.
Which RAM Slots Should You Use?
November 25, 2022
RAM is one of the most well-known and deceptively simple parts of a computer.
What is “CG” or “CGI” and what is it used for?
March 28, 2022
CG this, CG that, we’ve all heard those two letters being used over and over again to describe many different things, but what does it really stand for?
AMD CPU (Processor) List in Order of Performance
November 1, 2022
How are AMD CPUs ranked in order of performance – is there an easy list to check?
Does a Motherboard affect performance? Workloads Explored.
March 18, 2022
Gone are the days when motherboards drastically affected PC performance, or are they?
Is Zotac A Good GPU Brand?
June 17, 2022
It can be challenging to buy a new GPU from the most desired manufacturers.
How to update your BIOS without a CPU
November 12, 2022
If you’re building a new computer and can’t turn it on, you may need to update the BIOS.
Substance Painter System Requirements & PC Recommendations
February 15, 2022
Substance Painter, or Substance 3D Painter if we were to follow Adobe’s novel naming schemes, is the crème de la crème of the world of 3D painting.
What’s the Best 3D Render Engine (GPU & CPU) for your Needs?
May 2, 2022
“What is the best 3D render engine?
How Long Does Liquid Cooling Last?
April 28, 2022
Liquid cooling is one of the best tools you can use to keep your PC nice and chilly even under heavy loads.
Best Wifi Cards for Windows PCs
June 17, 2022
Wi-Fi, the invisible, slightly magical technology that connects us all into the greater human consciousness via the internet.
How To Ground Yourself When Building A PC
April 27, 2022
Ever gone to a PC repair shop and/or pretty much any PC building tutorial video on the internet and seen this on the host’s hand?
Our Favourite Walk Cycle References – And where to find more
December 21, 2021
The humble walk cycle animation.
APU vs CPU – Differences, Benefits and Drawbacks
June 17, 2022
Have you ever wondered what the difference between an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) is compared to a Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
How to Fix GPU Sag Before Lasting Damage
August 15, 2022
Have you ever casually looked over at your awesome PC one day and seen something like this?
CPU Cores vs. Logical Processors & Threads
April 27, 2022
There’s so much to take into account when looking for a CPU.
Unity 3D System Requirements & PC Recommendations
April 27, 2022
Unity is a name known by developers of all kinds; from indie amateurs working from their parents’ basement to triple-A studios across the world.
After Effects vs. Premiere Pro – Which is the better Tool for your Purpose?
April 28, 2022
I am a Motion Designer and Video Editor (in addition to some other things I do) and hop in and out of After Effects and Premiere Pro multiple times throughout a typical workday.
What Does RTX & GTX Stand for in Nvidia GPUs?
April 27, 2022
As Nvidia continues to expand its presence on the GPU market, the company has started to split its offers into several lines.
Blender System Requirements & PC Recommendations
March 1, 2022
Blender, the once unknown underdog of the 3D software community has gone on to become a powerhouse of a 3D application, expanding not only into new 3D workflows but 2D as well.
Air vs AIO CPU Coolers: Which One Should You Choose?
April 29, 2022
Sufficient cooling is incredibly crucial for your CPU’s performance.
Best External GPU (eGPU) Enclosures
April 27, 2022
Looking for a way to beef up the struggling GPU in your laptop?
How Many Case Fans Do You Need? Workloads and other factors explored
April 27, 2022
In order to achieve the maximum level of performance from each and every component of your PC, you need to make sure they’re running at optimal temperatures.
Normal vs Displacement vs Bump Maps: Differences and when to use which
April 29, 2022
You might’ve heard the words “normal map” or “bump map” or any assortment of other weirdly named “maps” when you’ve been scouring the internet for texture maps.
CPU Base Clocks vs Boost Clocks – What are they and what are the differences?
April 27, 2022
Gone are the days when CPUs had fixed clock speeds, and comparing different models from various manufacturers was as easy as ranking them by their frequency.
Best Normal Map Generators – Our 6 Favorite Tools
November 9, 2021
If you’re new to the 3D world, you might’ve heard the words “Normal Map” or any other assortment of wonderful maps with wacky names being thrown around.
How to Export an MP4 from After Effects (4 possible Ways)
March 1, 2022
Exporting an MP4 from After Effects directly seems to be more difficult than it should be.
Single Rank vs Dual Rank RAM: Differences & Performance Impact
April 29, 2022
Many small but distinct RAM specifications can add up to a significant boost in performance.
Curved vs Flat Monitors – Which Should You Pick?
April 29, 2022
Both curved and flat monitors have their advantages, and there are strong arguments to be made for choosing one over the other.
Using the Wiggle Expression in After Effects – Ultimate Guide
March 1, 2022
The Wiggle Expression in After Effects (or AE Wiggle) is a great way to make objects move randomly, have some sort of idle Movement in character joints, animate a random camera shake, create wobbly text or animate a flickering light.
What Is JFP1 And How Do You Use It On Your Motherboard?
March 1, 2022
Ever seen a connector on your motherboard called JFP1?
What Is JCOM1 And How Do You Use It On Your Motherboard?
March 1, 2022
Ever seen a connector on your motherboard called JCOM1?
Workstation vs Gaming PC – What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?
April 29, 2022
Have you ever wondered what makes one computer a ‘Workstation’ and another, a ‘Gaming’ PC?
How Much RAM (Memory) Do You Need? Different Workloads explored
November 22, 2022
Have you picked all the parts for a brand new PC, but can’t decide on how much RAM (Random Access Memory) you need?
Troubleshooting MSI EZ Debug LEDs: Everything You need to know
November 9, 2022
MSI’s EZ debug LEDs might seem like a trivial feature when purchasing a new motherboard, but it can save you hours when troubleshooting in case something does go wrong.
GPU vs Graphics Card vs Video Card: Are there any differences?
April 27, 2022
There are two things we can say about GPUs, Graphics Cards, and Video Cards:
How to Combine the Processing Power of Two (or more) Computers
April 4, 2022
What’s faster than one PC?
![Best Laptops for 3D Modeling and Rendering [Updated Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2021/07/Best-Laptop-for-3D-Modeling-and-Rendering-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Best Laptops for 3D Modeling and Rendering [Updated Guide]")
Best Laptops for 3D Modeling and Rendering [Updated Guide]
May 10, 2022
3D work on a laptop… It feels a bit wrong, doesn’t it?
GDDR5 vs GDDR6 – What’s the Difference and which do you need?
August 8, 2022
Random Access Memory (RAM) varies dramatically in performance, from one generation to the next; and this is particularly the case between GDDR5 and GDDR6.
How Long Does it Take to Build a PC? A Beginner’s Guide.
November 9, 2021
If you’re building a PC for the first time, you may be wondering how long the process is really going to take.
How to Enable RTX (Ray Tracing & Voice) On Your Nvidia GPU
April 2, 2022
Getting the most out of your PC hardware is paramount, and this is especially the case when it comes to Nvidia’s RTX – or ray tracing – functionality.
5 Best M.2 PCIe Adapters (For Mounting and Speeding Up Your M.2 NVMe SSDs)
November 9, 2021
The amount of allotted M.
Can You Use Two Different Brands of RAM (Mix Memory Modules)?
February 19, 2022
If you’re looking to purchase a new RAM kit – or upgrade your existing one – a question that many times arises is:
Can You Use Nvidia GPUs with an AMD CPU?
November 25, 2022
AMD is the only PC component manufacturer that builds both CPUs and dedicated graphics cards for the mainstream PC market.
Do You Need to Uninstall Your Old Graphics Drivers Before Installing a New GPU?
November 9, 2021
If you’re in the fortunate position of swapping your graphics card for a newer, more powerful unit, then you’ll want to make sure you have the appropriate software to support it.
Best 3D Modeling Software (Free & Paid) – A Senior 3D-Artist’s View
August 15, 2022
Are you looking for the best 3D modeling software?
How much is your Computer worth? (Guide to Valuating a PC)
December 18, 2021
Knowing how to valuate the worth of second-hand computer components is always useful, especially in a market where prices fluctuate strongly.
CUDA Cores vs. Stream Processors (And other GPU Cores Explored)
March 19, 2022
Ever went to go buy a fancy new graphics card and ran into technobabble like this?
How Hot is Too Hot for a GPU? – Graphics Card Temperature Guide
November 25, 2022
If your PC is stuttering, crashing, or if you’re simply not seeing the performance you would expect from your GPU, it may be an overheating issue.
![Building the Best Workstation PC for ZBrush [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2021/06/Best-Workstation-PC-for-ZBrush-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Building the Best Workstation PC for ZBrush [2022 Guide]")
Building the Best Workstation PC for ZBrush [2022 Guide]
April 29, 2022
Pixologic’s ZBrush is built to do one thing well, exceptionally well:
Cinema 4D System Requirements – What they don’t tell you
April 29, 2022
Although Cinema 4D’s official System Requirements seem fairly low, there’s more to them than meets the eye at first glance.
Server vs. Desktop CPUs: What are the differences?
May 24, 2022
A common question amongst our readers is which processor type they should choose:
CPU vs. GPU Rendering – What’s the difference and which should you choose?
April 12, 2022
Ever wondered what the difference between CPU and GPU rendering was and which one fits your needs best?
Top 5 Low-Profile Memory (RAM) Modules & Kits that fit almost anywhere
March 23, 2022
Buying the right RAM (Memory) kit is a crucial step towards maximizing the performance of your system.
Open-Air vs. Blower-Style Cooled GPUs – What’s the difference?
May 9, 2022
Have you ever wondered why some GPUs come with 3 Fans, some with 2 and many just have a single fan?
Insydium X-Particles Benchmark Results & CPU Performance compared
August 31, 2022
X-Particles is becoming more popular by the day and we are seeing a lot of requests from readers looking to build a PC for X-Particle Workloads.
Do CPUs Come With Thermal Paste? (And how to apply it properly)
April 25, 2022
Building a new PC can be a daunting task, but this experience can also be very exciting.
6 Best High-Quality Texture Sites (Free & Paid)
May 9, 2022
You’re done with modeling, UV unwrapping, and are ready to go.
Our 5 Favorite Low Profile CPU Coolers (for Small Form Factor Builds)
May 9, 2022
Looking for a great low-profile CPU cooler that fits your needs can be time-consuming.
Best Online Render Farms – Our Top 10 Favorite CPU & GPU Render Farms
May 9, 2022
Rendering too slow?
Everything About the Blender Undo, Redo, Repeat Last, and Adjust Last Operations
May 9, 2022
In this article, I will be explaining to you in great detail all of the possible ways you can undo, redo, repeat, and modify an operation in Blender.
Pro vs. Consumer GPUs – What’s the difference & Why so expensive?
April 14, 2022
If you’re looking for a graphics card that suits the demanding requirements of pro-level software, chances are your pro-software’s vendor recommends a Quadro or Radeon Pro GPU.
Do You need a CPU Cooler? All cases where you’ll need a CPU Cooler explained.
November 8, 2021
Whether you need a CPU Cooler or not might seem like a bit of an obvious question to some, but it can certainly be confusing to newcomers.
![Best Low-Profile & Compact Graphics Cards (GPU) for your needs [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2021/04/Best-Low-Profile-GPUs-Twitter_1200x675-420x236.jpg "Best Low-Profile & Compact Graphics Cards (GPU) for your needs [2022 Guide]")
Best Low-Profile & Compact Graphics Cards (GPU) for your needs [2022 Guide]
May 19, 2022
If you’re looking to build a compact PC, whether it’s for gaming, work, or to use as a home theater (or a server), low-profile GPUs a must-have.
How long does Thermal Paste last? (Applied and Stored)
May 9, 2022
Thermal paste is a thermally conductive compound mostly used as an interface between a chip and a heatsink.
How much VRAM do you need? Professional and Gaming Workloads explored
May 9, 2022
Raw clock speeds and processing cores are not the only factors to consider when picking a graphics card.
Guide to PCIe Lanes: How many do you need for your workload?
February 15, 2022
When choosing the motherboard and processor for a PC build, a feature we see most builders often overlook is picking the right amount of PCIe lanes.
Adobe Lightroom CC & Lightroom Classic System Requirements and Recommendations
October 4, 2021
Post-processing and image management tools are crucial assets for any kind of photographer.
How to move the Camera in Blender (All possible ways)
September 25, 2021
Camera movement is one of the key elements to any animation, representing the lens through which the viewer sees your animated creation, framing and visually narrating the action (or inaction) displayed.
Adobe Illustrator System Requirements (And PC Recommendations)
February 18, 2022
Whether you’re a professional graphics designer working in Adobe Illustrator or a new talent that’s picking up the industry-standard program, it’s crucial to figure out Adobe Illustrator’s system requirements, first, to know what it’ll take to perform smoothly.
![Best Workstation PC for DaVinci Resolve Studio [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2021/01/Best-PC-for-Davinci-Resolve-Twitter-1200-x-675-420x236.jpg "Best Workstation PC for DaVinci Resolve Studio [2022 Guide]")
Best Workstation PC for DaVinci Resolve Studio [2022 Guide]
May 9, 2022
DaVinci Resolve is a powerful video editing package in a unique market position.
Adobe After Effects System Requirements & PC Recommendations
May 9, 2022
Adobe After Effects is one of the most popular Motion Design & Compositing software on the market.
How to Update Blender (All possible ways)
May 9, 2022
Over the past few years, Blender’s industry adoption rate has skyrocketed, with the extra exposure and interest driving the contributions to the Blender Development Fund up.
CPU FAN vs. CPU OPT (When to use which)
May 20, 2022
Wondering what the difference between all those fan headers on your motherboard is?
Adobe Premiere Pro System Requirements & PC Recommendations
May 9, 2022
Video Editing is more accessible than ever.
NVLink vs. SLI and Multiple GPUs – Is it worth it?
May 9, 2022
It’s a reasonable enough assumption to make that if one new graphics card (GPU) can speed up your work by X amount, two will do the job twice as fast, right?
Samsung EVO vs QVO SSDs Compared – Which one’s better?
May 9, 2022
Samsung—possibly the most prolific SSD brand on the market—recently released a new line of SSDs to go with their other popular options, the Samsung 870 QVO.
Best Renderers (Render Engines) for Blender in 2022
May 21, 2022
Blender is finally shedding its “quirky kid around the block” attire and donning a more serious and respected “3D powerhouse” one.
How to upgrade your PC (Beginner’s Guide)
May 19, 2022
Upgrading your system is an exciting experience that comes with a lot of benefits:
Adobe Photoshop System Requirements & PC-Recommendations
October 4, 2021
Adobe Photoshop is the most popular photo editor in the world.
How to check your PC’s Specs (CPU, GPU, RAM, Storage & More)
May 9, 2022
There are many reasons why you would want to check your PC’s specs.
How to Render Faster – In-Depth Guide to increasing Render Performance in 3D
September 3, 2022
We all want to render faster.
Why is Blender Free? A quick look behind the curtain.
May 9, 2022
The 3D industry is full of expensive professional 3D Software.
Best Laptops for Engineering Students (2022 Guide)
May 9, 2022
Being an engineering student in college can be quite an undertaking.
![Cinebench R23 Scores [Updated Results]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/11/Cinebench-R23-Benchmark-Results-Twitter-1200x675-1-420x236.jpg "Cinebench R23 Scores [Updated Results]")
Cinebench R23 Scores [Updated Results]
November 12, 2022
Maxon’s Cinebench has become one of the most popular benchmarking software for CPUs.
The Best Thermal Paste for your needs (Beginner’s Guide)
May 14, 2022
Every PC enthusiast knows that a cool PC is the best PC.
AMD Graphics Cards List in Order of Performance
May 11, 2022
There are so many different AMD Graphics Cards for purchase that it can get confusing at times.
![Corona Renderer Benchmark Results [Updated]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/11/Corona-Benchmark-Results-Twitter_1200x675-420x236.jpg "Corona Renderer Benchmark Results [Updated]")
Corona Renderer Benchmark Results [Updated]
January 10, 2022
Corona has become a popular Render Engine which is available for 3ds Max, Cinema 4D and as a standalone Application.
![Best Workstation PC For 3ds Max [Updated Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/10/Best-PC-for-3ds-Max-Twitter_1200x675-420x236.jpg "Best Workstation PC For 3ds Max [Updated Guide]")
Best Workstation PC For 3ds Max [Updated Guide]
May 9, 2022
Autodesk’s 3ds Max is as popular as it is demanding on your hardware.
![Best PC / Workstation for Autodesk Revit [Updated Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/10/Best-PC-for-Autodesk-Revit-Twitter_1200x675-1-420x236.jpg "Best PC / Workstation for Autodesk Revit [Updated Guide]")
Best PC / Workstation for Autodesk Revit [Updated Guide]
May 9, 2022
Revit is a powerful building information modeling (BIM) software that allows users to design buildings and their components in 3D, detail them in 2D and 3D, and access building information from the model’s database.
![Best Workstation PC for ArchiCAD [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/12/Best-PC-for-Graphisoft-ArchiCAD-Twitter-1200x675-1-420x236.jpg "Best Workstation PC for ArchiCAD [2022 Guide]")
Best Workstation PC for ArchiCAD [2022 Guide]
May 9, 2022
ArchiCAD is a Building information modeling (BIM) CAD package developed by Graphisoft and used by students and professionals worldwide for architectural design and engineering, as well as architectural 3D modeling.
Fix Jumpy Mouse Movement across multiple Monitors (Free tool)
August 15, 2022
If you are working on multiple Monitors, chances are high that you have cursed Windows for not being able to properly move your mouse across them.
Render Engine Hardware Compatibility – CPU / GPU / Hybrid
May 9, 2022
This is one of the first things you need to know when planning a new PC for Rendering Workloads:
Best CPU Cooler for Intel i9-10900K
May 2, 2022
Intel’s i9 10900k Processor is an exceptionally powerful CPU.
![How to Build your own Render Farm [Ultimate Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/04/HowToBuildYourOwnRenderfarm_Twitter-1200x675-1-420x236.jpg "How to Build your own Render Farm [Ultimate Guide]")
How to Build your own Render Farm [Ultimate Guide]
August 11, 2022
Although building your own Render Farm might seem like an expensive or complicated endeavor at first, you’ll be astonished by how fast it pays for itself, how much time it frees up in a typical work-day, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t started building one much earlier.
Best Curved Monitors For Content Creators
May 9, 2022
Curved Monitors are becoming more and more popular, especially for Gaming.
Best Laptops for Graphic Design
August 15, 2022
Time is money and the importance of good equipment that doesn’t hinder your efficiency is undisputed.
![Best Computer for Photo Editing [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2019/11/Twitter-1200x675-420x236.jpg "Best Computer for Photo Editing [2022 Guide]")
Best Computer for Photo Editing [2022 Guide]
May 9, 2022
While photo-editing software has become incredibly portable, it’s hard to deny the value of a proper workstation for professional work.
Best CPU Coolers for AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPUs (Review Roundup)
May 9, 2022
AMD’s Threadripper CPUs were designed to deliver incredible performance at shockingly low prices.
Best PCIE Riser & Extension Cables for heavy GPU Workloads
May 23, 2022
PCIe Riser and Extension Cables have become more and more important in recent years.
Best Monitor for Graphic Design, Video Editing & 3D Animation (Updated)
August 12, 2022
The great thing about buying a Monitor for Graphic Design, Video Editing, Photo Editing, or 3D Animation and CAD, is that all of these tasks are visually demanding and therefore require very similar features from a Monitor.
![How to pick a Laptop For Video Editing [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2019/04/Best_Laptop_for_Video_Editing_Twitter-1200x675-420x236.jpg "How to pick a Laptop For Video Editing [2022 Guide]")
How to pick a Laptop For Video Editing [2022 Guide]
May 11, 2022
Video Editing or cutting Film used to be a job for specialists, that required the operation of heavy machinery.
Western Digital Blue vs. Black Series – Which is best for your needs?
May 9, 2022
When it comes to hard drive brands, it’s difficult to find a more famous and trusted name than Western Digital Corporation (otherwise known as WD).
What Kind of Computer Do You Need? (Step-by-Step)
May 9, 2022
Are you thinking about buying a new Computer or Laptop, or want to upgrade your existing one, but don’t really know where to start?
Cinema 4D Viewport Performance Benchmark & Scores (Updated Results)
November 7, 2022
CGDirector’s Cinema 4D Viewport Performance Benchmark measures how snappy and smooth Active Work inside your 3D Software will be.
Cinebench R20 Scores (Updated Results)
April 29, 2022
There’s a newer version of Cinebench Available Here.
Best Workstation PC / Laptop for CAD, Autocad, Solidworks, Revit, Inventor
May 9, 2022
What is the best Computer or Laptop for CAD Software such as Autocad, Solidworks, Inventor, or Revit?
Parts Needed to Build a PC (Computer Parts List & Explanation)
November 7, 2022
What Computer Parts do you need to build a PC, you ask?
![Best Computer for Video Editing [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2018/11/Best-Computer-for-Video-Editing-Twitter-1200x675-420x236.jpg "Best Computer for Video Editing [2022 Guide]")
Best Computer for Video Editing [2022 Guide]
August 10, 2022
Video Editing is one of the most popular things you can do on a Computer or Workstation.
![Building the best PC for 3D Animation [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2018/11/Building_Best_PC_for_3D_animation-Twitter-1200x675-420x236.jpg "Building the best PC for 3D Animation [2022 Guide]")
Building the best PC for 3D Animation [2022 Guide]
February 14, 2022
Building the best Computer for Animation requires some specific Hardware Components and just a tiny bit of insight into the inner workings of 2D & 3D Animation Software and how they use your PC’s hardware.
VRAY Benchmark & CPU + GPU Scores (Updated Results)
March 31, 2022
Chaos Group’s V-Ray Benchmark is a widely used tool for benchmarking your Processor and your Graphics Card.
Octanebench Benchmark Results (Updated Scores)
November 15, 2022
OctaneBench is the currently most popular GPU Rendering Benchmark.
![Best Laptop for Animation [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2018/09/Best-Laptop-for-Animation-Twitter-1200x675-420x236.jpg "Best Laptop for Animation [2022 Guide]")
Best Laptop for Animation [2022 Guide]
February 24, 2022
There are quite some things to consider when looking for the best Laptop for Animation.
Best Computer For Graphic Design
May 16, 2022
As a Graphic Designer, you’ll need an excellent Computer optimized for Graphic Design workloads for a fast and frustration-free work experience.
Nvidia Graphics Cards List In Order Of Performance
November 15, 2022
A list of Nvidia Graphics Cards in order of performance is something I keep looking for myself.
PC-Builder: Find The Best Parts For Your PC & Workstation
May 11, 2022
Quickly find the best Parts for your PC & Workstation.
Best Workstation Computer for 3D Modeling and Rendering
May 9, 2022
The most interesting thing you’ll come across when looking for a Computer or Workstation for 3D Modeling and Rendering is that 3D Modeling and (CPU) Rendering are two very different workloads.
Redshift Benchmark Results (Updated)
November 15, 2022
Redshift Benchmark results are not easy to find, that is why I compiled a list for everyone to take a look at.
Cinebench R15 Scores (Updated Results)
November 28, 2021
There’s a newer version of Cinebench Available Here.
Blender Benchmark Results (Updated Scores)
November 15, 2022
The Open Source Digital Content Creation Software Blender is among the most popular 3D-Modeling, -Animation, -Rendering, Video Editing & Compositing Solutions on the market.
How Much RAM Do You Need For Photoshop
May 9, 2022
Knowing how much RAM (System Memory) you need for working in Photoshop can be quite tricky at times because there are so many factors to keep in mind.
What Does Ti mean in a GPU
February 20, 2022
Graphics Cards have complicated naming schemes and it can get confusing very fast, especially with the rate at which new GPUs are released.
How Much RAM Do You Need For Video Editing?
June 2, 2022
RAM can make or break your Video Editing performance.
How to Make Money as a 3D Artist (9 Fulfilling Ways)
May 9, 2022
There are many ways to make money as a 3D-Artist.
![Best CPU For Rendering [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2017/04/BestCPUForRendering-Twitter_1200x675-420x236.jpg "Best CPU For Rendering [2022 Guide]")
Best CPU For Rendering [2022 Guide]
May 9, 2022
Have you ever wondered what Processor (CPU) is best for rendering?
![Best Workstation Computer For After Effects [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2017/03/BestWorkstationForAfterEffects-Twitter_1200x675-420x236.jpg "Best Workstation Computer For After Effects [2022 Guide]")
Best Workstation Computer For After Effects [2022 Guide]
April 8, 2022
There are quite some factors to consider when building a new PC that is mainly targeted at After Effects use.
Best Hardware for GPU Rendering in Octane – Redshift – Vray (Updated)
May 9, 2022
Graphics Card (GPU) based render engines such as Redshift, Octane, or VRAY have matured quite a bit and are overtaking CPU-based Render-Engines – both in popularity and speed.
What is an Albedo Map and How to use it?
May 9, 2022
There seems to be quite some hype about Albedo Maps recently, especially in 3D Rendering and Realtime Rendering Applications.
![Building the Best Cinema 4D Workstation Computer [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2016/10/BestPcforCinema4D-Twitter_1200x675-420x236.jpg "Building the Best Cinema 4D Workstation Computer [2022 Guide]")
Building the Best Cinema 4D Workstation Computer [2022 Guide]
September 1, 2022
It’s always fun to research new PC-Parts to make your new Workstation or Computer run as fast as possible in your main workloads, such as Cinema 4D, without having to spend an arm and a leg.
Quick-Tip: Straight Alpha VS Premultiplied Alpha
April 29, 2022
Have you ever tried figuring out the difference between Straight Alpha and Premultiplied alpha and when to use what?
Jobs
December 17, 2020
We are always on the lookout for PC-Enthusiasts, CG-Software Experts, and Writers, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you think your expertise would fit well into what CGDirector offers.
Terms of Use
March 19, 2022
CG Director was created to help PC Builders on all levels to make the most out of their new Computer Build.
Privacy Policy
August 10, 2022
Legal Disclosure Information in accordance with Section 5 TMG Alex Glawion – CGDirector c/o Postflex Helmers Kamp 74 48249 Dülmen Contact Information Telephone:
Disclaimer
April 30, 2022
This disclaimer (“Disclaimer”, “Agreement”) is an agreement between Website Operator (“Website Operator”, “us”, “we” or “our”) and you (“User”, “you” or “your”).