Hardware
Wondering what CPU is the absolute best for rendering? Or what GPU is the best for Video Editing? We did too when we started building our own rigs!
Our hardware section is a treasure-trove of knowledge for those who need help with picking hardware.
We do the heavy lifting for you, testing hardware, finding performance benchmarks, and coming up with recommendations that help you decide on your next upgrade specific workloads.
Not only do we cover the best hardware, but we also offer value-oriented suggestions for those on a tight budget.
From high-end hardware that’s the very best to fantastic bang-for-buck options, we remain focused on giving you valuable insight and making your purchase decisions easier.
Need Help? We reply to every article comment! :)
Types of SSDs (List & Explanation)
January 12, 2022
SSDs are all the fuss on the storage market, but there are actually different types of SSDs that perform at different tiers of speed.
Guide to GPU Core Clocks & Memory Clocks – Everything You Need To Know
January 7, 2022
In this article, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about GPU core clocks and GPU memory clocks.
What’s the Best 3D Render Engine (GPU & CPU) for your Needs?
December 27, 2021
“What is the best 3D render engine?
What Is Coil Whine – What does it sound like – How To Fix It
December 20, 2021
What does coil whine sound like, how does it affect your hardware, and how can it be prevented or fixed?
How To Lower Your GPU Temperature
December 16, 2021
If you’re here, you’re ready to learn how to lower your GPU’s temperature.
How hot is too hot for a CPU? – Processor Temperature Guide
December 12, 2021
How hot is too hot for a CPU?
How Long Does Liquid Cooling Last?
December 12, 2021
Liquid cooling is one of the best tools you can use to keep your PC nice and chilly even under heavy loads.
What SSD Size is right for me? Different Workloads explored.
January 6, 2022
When it comes to picking the right SSD size for me, I’m often tempted to tell myself “the best I can afford” and just go from there.
Best Wifi Cards for Windows PCs
December 4, 2021
Wi-Fi, the invisible, slightly magical technology that connects us all into the greater human consciousness via the internet.
120mm vs 140mm Case Fans – A Clear Winner For Most Cases
November 30, 2021
Between 120 mm and 140 mm fans, which case fan size is better for you?
Guide to GPU Backplates (What does it do and do you need one)
November 29, 2021
GPU backplates have increased in popularity over the years, but what are they actually meant for, and do they do that job well?
Do I need a sound card?
November 23, 2021
Today, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about sound cards.
APU vs CPU – Differences, Benefits and Drawbacks
November 19, 2021
Have you ever wondered what the difference between an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) is compared to a Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
Why Samsung B-Die Is So Popular & Where To Find It
November 17, 2021
Why Samsung B-Die, and where do you even find it?
How to Fix GPU Sag Before Lasting Damage
January 10, 2022
Have you ever casually looked over at your awesome PC one day and seen something like this?
How To Add More USB Ports To A PC & Laptop
November 14, 2021
Let’s find out how to add more USB ports to a PC, and answer all the important questions surrounding this issue.
Mid vs Full Tower PC Cases – Which is right for your needs?
November 4, 2021
In the battle between Mid Tower vs Full Tower, which case form factor comes out on top?
![Best Graphics Card Brands & Manufacturers [AMD & NVIDIA]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2021/11/Best-Graphics-Card-Brands-For-AMD-and-Nvidia-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Best Graphics Card Brands & Manufacturers [AMD & NVIDIA]")
Best Graphics Card Brands & Manufacturers [AMD & NVIDIA]
November 2, 2021
Finding the best graphics card brand for your needs may seem tough, but it doesn’t need to be.
P-Cores vs E-Cores & Intel’s New CPUs
January 10, 2022
The idea of having different kinds of processor cores on the same CPU package isn’t a new one by any means.
CPU Cores vs. Logical Processors & Threads
November 2, 2021
There’s so much to take into account when looking for a CPU.
What Does RTX & GTX Stand for in Nvidia GPUs?
October 2, 2021
As Nvidia continues to expand its presence on the GPU market, the company has started to split its offers into several lines.
Air vs AIO CPU Coolers: Which One Should You Choose?
October 12, 2021
Sufficient cooling is incredibly crucial for your CPU’s performance.
Best External GPU (eGPU) Enclosures
September 27, 2021
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
September 25, 2021
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.
CPU Base Clocks vs Boost Clocks – What are they and what are the differences?
September 22, 2021
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.
Single Rank vs Dual Rank RAM: Differences & Performance Impact
November 9, 2021
Many small but distinct RAM specifications can add up to a significant boost in performance.
What Is JFP1 And How Do You Use It On Your Motherboard?
October 2, 2021
Ever seen a connector on your motherboard called JFP1?
What Is JCOM1 And How Do You Use It On Your Motherboard?
October 2, 2021
Ever seen a connector on your motherboard called JCOM1?
How Much RAM (Memory) Do You Need? Different Workloads explored
October 14, 2021
Have you picked all the parts for a brand new PC, but can’t decide on how much RAM (Random Access Memory) you need?
PWM vs. DC vs. Auto Fan Modes for System & Case Fans
October 2, 2021
If you’ve ever gone rummaging through your BIOS, you might have stumbled across the terms PWM, DC, and Auto in the fan control section.
Troubleshooting MSI EZ Debug LEDs: Everything You need to know
November 9, 2021
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?
October 4, 2021
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
November 9, 2021
What’s faster than one PC?
GDDR5 vs GDDR6 – What’s the Difference and which do you need?
November 9, 2021
Random Access Memory (RAM) varies dramatically in performance, from one generation to the next; and this is particularly the case between GDDR5 and GDDR6.
Best Z590 Motherboards for Intel 11900K, 11700(K), 11600(K)
November 9, 2021
If you have a specific budget in mind, here’s a list of good motherboards that will help you get the most out of your brand-new Intel processor.
How to Enable RTX (Ray Tracing & Voice) On Your Nvidia GPU
November 9, 2021
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)?
November 9, 2021
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 9, 2021
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.
CUDA Cores vs. Stream Processors (And other GPU Cores Explored)
November 8, 2021
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 8, 2021
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.
Guide to XMP Memory Profiles – How to set XMP Profiles in your BIOS
November 8, 2021
First-time PC builders often shy away from tinkering in the BIOS (understandably).
Server vs. Desktop CPUs: What are the differences?
November 8, 2021
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?
November 8, 2021
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
November 8, 2021
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?
November 8, 2021
Have you ever wondered why some GPUs come with 3 Fans, some with 2 and many just have a single fan?
Do CPUs Come With Thermal Paste? (And how to apply it properly)
November 8, 2021
Building a new PC can be a daunting task, but this experience can also be very exciting.
Our 5 Favorite Low Profile CPU Coolers (for Small Form Factor Builds)
November 8, 2021
Looking for a great low-profile CPU cooler that fits your needs can be time-consuming.
Pro vs. Consumer GPUs – What’s the difference & Why so expensive?
November 8, 2021
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]
January 4, 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 to fix bent Pins on a CPU and Motherboard (LGA & PGA)
October 2, 2021
Bent pins can cause a variety of peculiarities.
How long does Thermal Paste last? (Applied and Stored)
November 8, 2021
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
April 23, 2021
Raw clock speeds and processing cores are not the only factors to consider when picking a graphics card.
The Best Motherboard Brands (And what to beware of)
April 9, 2021
We often get questions like – ‘What’s the best motherboard brand?
Guide to PCIe Lanes: How many do you need for your workload?
October 4, 2021
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.
2022 Motherboard Buying Guide for Workstations [How to Buy a Motherboard]
January 4, 2022
Picking the right motherboard is one of the most complicated but critical tasks when you’re getting parts together for a brand-new PC build.
Where to buy PC-Parts, CPUs & Graphics Cards in your Country
October 2, 2021
Well, it’s 2021, and stock issues still plague buyers worldwide.
CPU FAN vs. CPU OPT (When to use which)
October 4, 2021
Wondering what the difference between all those fan headers on your motherboard is?
NVLink vs. SLI and Multiple GPUs – Is it worth it?
August 25, 2021
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?
August 27, 2021
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.
How to upgrade your PC (Beginner’s Guide)
October 2, 2021
Upgrading your system is an exciting experience that comes with a lot of benefits:
Our Favorite Gifts for Animators & Digital Artists
August 18, 2021
Picking gifts for a loved one is never easy.
LGA vs. PGA Sockets – Benefits & Drawbacks
August 31, 2021
If you’ve ever shopped for processors and motherboards, you might’ve encountered words and terms like ‘sockets,’ ‘LGA1200,’ and so on.
The Best Thermal Paste for your needs (Beginner’s Guide)
August 27, 2021
Every PC enthusiast knows that a cool PC is the best PC.
AMD Graphics Cards List in Order of Performance
March 27, 2021
There are so many different AMD Graphics Cards for purchase that it can get confusing at times.
![Best B550 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen CPUs [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/07/BestB550Motherboards_Twitter-1200x675-1-420x236.jpg "Best B550 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen CPUs [2022 Guide]")
Best B550 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen CPUs [2022 Guide]
January 4, 2022
After numerous delays, motherboards with the B550 chipset for AMD processors have finally started popping up on the market.
Best Smallest ATX Cases for Compact PC Builds in 2022
January 4, 2022
Most of us wouldn’t say no to a PC stuffed with beastly hardware, but not everyone has the desk or floor space to stash a tower the size of a child.
Render Engine Hardware Compatibility – CPU / GPU / Hybrid
December 29, 2020
This is one of the first things you need to know when planning a new PC for Rendering Workloads:
Best Z490 Motherboards for Intel 10900K, 10700K, 10600K CPUs
December 18, 2021
Intel’s 10th Generation lineup has brought back competition to the market, in a way at least, by enabling hyperthreading across the entire product stack.
Best Modular Power Supplies of 2022 – 550W / 650W / 850W / 1000W
January 4, 2022
Picking a suitable power supply is critical, as it’s one of the core elements of your PC build.
Best CPU Cooler for Intel i9-10900K
August 19, 2021
Intel’s i9 10900k Processor is an exceptionally powerful CPU.
![Best Motherboards for Gaming [2022 Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/05/BestMotherboardsForGaming_Twitter-1200x675-1-420x236.jpg "Best Motherboards for Gaming [2022 Guide]")
Best Motherboards for Gaming [2022 Guide]
January 4, 2022
Whether you’re building a PC for gaming or work, a motherboard remains one of your PC’s core components.
The AMD Threadripper 3990X Review for Content Creators
October 5, 2021
AMD’s Threadripper lineup launch, featuring overwhelming 24 and 32-core CPUs, left a trail of dizzy Intel HEDT and even enterprise-class Xeon processors in its wake.
Finding The Best NVMe SSDs: Value, Speed, Optane, and more
January 6, 2022
Today, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about NVMe SSDs.
What is the Best GPU for Video Editing and Rendering?
May 13, 2021
Buying a new graphics card (GPU) can be tough, especially if you aren’t familiar with all the nitty-gritty tech jargon involved.
Best Motherboards for 3rd Gen AMD Threadripper CPUs 3990X, 3970X, 3960X
October 5, 2021
With the release of AMD’s Threadripper 3000 processors (3rd Generation Threadripper), Intel has finally lost the lead in both single-core and multi-threaded workloads.
![Best Motherboards for i9 9900k, i7 9700k [Intel 9th Gen CPUs]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2019/11/BestMotherboards-Twitter_1200x675-420x236.jpg "Best Motherboards for i9 9900k, i7 9700k [Intel 9th Gen CPUs]")
Best Motherboards for i9 9900k, i7 9700k [Intel 9th Gen CPUs]
July 31, 2021
Intel’s consumer CPUs have always remained a step ahead of their AMD counterparts when it comes to single-thread performance.
The Best Time to buy Computer Parts
October 5, 2021
In this article, we’re going to discuss the best time of the year to buy PC hardware.
The Best Case Fans for your PC
September 1, 2021
In this article, we’re going to teach you all you need to know to purchase the best case fans for your needs.
Best CPU Coolers for AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPUs (Review Roundup)
October 15, 2021
AMD’s Threadripper CPUs were designed to deliver incredible performance at shockingly low prices.
Intel Core vs AMD Ryzen CPUs in 2022 (Benchmarks & Comparison)
January 7, 2022
With the launch of Ryzen 5000 CPUs (5950X, 5900X, 5800X, and 5600X), AMD surpassed even Intel’s most premium offerings in 2020.
Best Memory (RAM) for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs 3900X, 3700X, 3600
April 23, 2021
Wondering what RAM would be perfect for your Ryzen PC Build?
Best Motherboards for AMD Ryzen 5000 Series CPUs 5950X, 5900X, 5600X
July 31, 2021
On the lookout for a motherboard that pairs well with a Ryzen 5000 CPU like the 5950X?
Best PCIE Riser & Extension Cables for heavy GPU Workloads
October 5, 2021
PCIe Riser and Extension Cables have become more and more important in recent years.
Western Digital Blue vs. Black Series – Which is best for your needs?
September 4, 2021
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).
Single vs Dual vs Quad Channel Memory on Ryzen Threadripper (Benchmarks)
March 27, 2021
Does Single vs Dual vs Quad Channel Memory impact performance on Ryzen Threadripper CPUs?
Parts Needed to Build a PC (Computer Parts List & Explanation)
December 20, 2021
What Computer Parts do you need to build a PC, you ask?
Octanebench Benchmark Results (Updated Scores)
November 19, 2021
OctaneBench is the currently most popular GPU Rendering Benchmark.
Nvidia Graphics Cards List In Order Of Performance
October 5, 2021
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
April 21, 2021
Quickly find the best Parts for your PC & Workstation.
How Much RAM Do You Need For Photoshop
September 9, 2021
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
October 5, 2021
Graphics Cards have complicated naming schemes and it can get confusing very fast, especially with the rate at which new GPUs are released.
![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]
January 4, 2022
Have you ever wondered what Processor (CPU) is best for rendering?
Best Hardware for GPU Rendering in Octane – Redshift – Vray (Updated)
October 5, 2021
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.