![How To Clean Dust From Your PC? [The easy way]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/06/How-To-Clean-Dust-From-Your-PC-Twitter-420x236.jpg "How To Clean Dust From Your PC? [The easy way]")
How To Clean Dust From Your PC? [The easy way]
June 28, 2022
Dust accumulates everywhere, and your PC is no exception. Here's our step-by-step guide to removing dust from your PC.
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! :)
Motherboard HDMI Not Working (Troubleshooting Guide)
June 26, 2022
There is an entire range of reasons why your Motherboard's HDMI Port might not be working. Here's our step by step guide to fixing this issue.
![What Does RAM Do In A Computer? [Overview Guide]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/06/What-does-RAM-do-in-a-Computer-Twitter-420x236.jpg "What Does RAM Do In A Computer? [Overview Guide]")
What Does RAM Do In A Computer? [Overview Guide]
June 26, 2022
RAM (Memory) holds important data that is needed for active tasks. The CPU can make use of data stored in RAM. Here's our Guide to everything RAM.
![How To Reset Your Graphics Driver [And Why You Should]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/06/How-To-Reset-Your-Graphics-Driver-and-Why-You-Should-Twitter-420x236.jpg "How To Reset Your Graphics Driver [And Why You Should]")
How To Reset Your Graphics Driver [And Why You Should]
June 21, 2022
A Graphics Driver Reset helps with solving all kinds of problems you might encounter. It's also recommended to reinstall your Driver after a GPU upgrade.
NVMe vs SSD – What’s The Difference?
June 22, 2022
NVMe and SSDs can't be compared. They are two entirely different things. What you can compare, though, are NVMe PCIe SSDs and SATA SSDs. Everything you need to know.
Intel K vs KF vs F CPUs: What’s the Difference?
June 17, 2022
Intel has introduced a bunch of Suffixes into their CPU Naming Scheme. What do K, F, and KF mean, and do they impact price, performance, or something else entirely?
![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]
June 16, 2022
Graphics Cards need regular cleaning to maintain their performance. Here's how to clean your GPU quickly and without investing too much time.
![Will My GPU Fit In My Case? [GPU Clearance Explained]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/06/Will-My-GPU-Fit-In-My-Case-GPU-Clearance-Explained-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Will My GPU Fit In My Case? [GPU Clearance Explained]")
Will My GPU Fit In My Case? [GPU Clearance Explained]
June 15, 2022
There's nothing worse than buying a powerful GPU that, as you find out later, does not fit into your Case. Here's how to check if your GPU will fit. GPU Clearance explaned.
Motherboard Audio Ports/Jacks Explained By Color
June 15, 2022
Motherboards have a bunch of audioports. Well, which one should you be using for your Mic or Headphones? And what if you have a 7.1 Soundsystem?
GPU Power Cable Guide — All Connectors Explained
June 23, 2022
GPUs can draw a considerable amount of power and the GPU's power cables make sure the supply is up to par. But what kinds of power cables are there?
![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]
June 13, 2022
GPUs can use shared memory when their dedicated memory is full. But how does this work and what performance implications come with using shared 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
We'll show you how to the number of Cores and Threads of your CPU so you can decide if you need an upgrade or if your CPU is still up to speed.
How To Choose A Graphics Card (GPU) for Video Editing
June 9, 2022
Make sure you understand the process of picking a GPU for Video Editing before buying one. This Guide will teach you how to pick a GPU for Video Editing.
How To Turn On A Motherboard Without A Case Or Power Switch
June 9, 2022
There are many reasons why you might want to turn on your PC without a PC Case. Here are two quick way that'll let you do just that.
What Is a Good Idle GPU (Graphics Card) Temperature?
June 7, 2022
Graphics Card (GPUs) are power-hungry components that output a lot of heat, even when they are not under full load. What is a good GPU idle temperature?
All Types Of PCIe Slots Explained & Compared
June 4, 2022
What are all of the different kinds of PCIe slots, why are they different lengths and which cards can you typically get for each type? Our Guide on PCIe slots.
What Does ATX Stand For In A Motherboard?
June 3, 2022
Motherboards comes in different shapes, sizes and specifications and one of them is ATX. But what does ATX mean anyway? Well, let's find out.
![How Many CPU Cores Do I need? [Workloads Explored]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/06/How-Many-CPU-Cores-Do-I-Need-Twitter-420x236.jpg "How Many CPU Cores Do I need? [Workloads Explored]")
How Many CPU Cores Do I need? [Workloads Explored]
June 2, 2022
More CPU Cores aren't always better. For one, higher core-count CPUs are more expensive, and two, single-core performance starts to suffer above a certain threshold.
Full vs Semi vs Non Modular Power Supply (PSU)
June 1, 2022
Power Supplies come in 3 major variants: Fully Modular, Semi Modul and Non-Modular. What do these fancy names mean and which of the three should you pick?
What Is VRAM, How To Check It, And Can You Increase It?
June 1, 2022
Video Memory (VRAM) is high-speed memory meant to be used by your Graphics Card. It's soldered onto your discreet GPU and can't be upgraded.
How to choose a Processor (CPU) for Video Editing
June 1, 2022
Choosing a CPU for Video Editing can be cumbersome. You both need high single core performance for your Editing, but also lots of cores for Rendering.
![Can you put a PC on a carpet? [Don’t do this!]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/05/Can-You-Put-a-PC-on-a-Carpet-Safe-Surfaces-For-Your-PC-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Can you put a PC on a carpet? [Don’t do this!]")
Can you put a PC on a carpet? [Don’t do this!]
May 31, 2022
A PC should be placed on a sturdy, flat surface. Carpets are prone to static electricity build-up and hinder airflow. Don't place your PC on a carpet!
![Single Channel vs Dual Channel RAM [+Performance Compared]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/05/Single-Channel-vs-Dual-Channel-RAM-Twitter-420x236.jpg "Single Channel vs Dual Channel RAM [+Performance Compared]")
Single Channel vs Dual Channel RAM [+Performance Compared]
May 28, 2022
Dual-Channel RAM performs better than Single-Channel RAM in almost every scenario. Here's our comparison Guide and what to look out for.
![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]
May 26, 2022
Removing your Graphics Card can feel like a daunting task at first, but is actually quite easy. Here's our Step-By-Step Guide for you to follow along.
![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 And Where To Plug In All Your Fans On The Motherboard [Updated Guide]
May 20, 2022
The Motherboard can power and control all kinds of different Fans inside your PC. But where and how do you connect all of them? Here's our guide.
How to Connect Your PSU Cables to Your Motherboard — Power Supply Cable Guide
May 19, 2022
Power Supply Cables can be tricky to connect. Here's where all you PSU cables are supposed to go. Step-by-step instructions included.
No RGB Header On Motherboard – What now?
June 17, 2022
Can you control your RGB strips and Fans if your Motherboard does not feature any kind of RGB or ARGB headers? Here's what you can do.
![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]
June 17, 2022
Troubleshooting storage devices that don't show up in BIOS can be a hassle. M.2 SSDs even more so. Here's our step-by-step Guide to configuring your M.2 SSD.
CHA_FAN On Your Motherboard – Everything You Need to Know
May 12, 2022
CHA_FAN is another one of those Motherboard Headers that adds confusion to the mix of various other Headers you come across. Here's what it's meant for.
How To Make Your PC Quieter (Try this first)
May 10, 2022
There are many reasons why your PC might be loud. Fans, storage drives, excessive heat, a failing GPU. Here's how to make your PC quieter.
How Long Do GPUs (Graphic Cards) Last?
May 6, 2022
Have you ever wondered how long your GPU lasts? Our top reasons that impact your GPU's longevity and what to do about them.
Do You Need A GPU (Graphics Card) If It’s Not For Gaming?
May 4, 2022
Are Graphics Cards only needed for gaming or are they required for other workloads as well? Is an iGPU sufficient for the tasks you're running on your PC?
Do You Have to Reinstall Windows After Upgrading CPU, GPU or Motherboard?
May 3, 2022
Upgrading your CPU, GPU and Motherboard is done quickly, but do you have to reinstall your Windows Operating System as well? A closer look.
Guide to CPU FAN RPM – What’s a good CPU FAN Speed?
June 17, 2022
What is the ideal CPU FAN Speed and is it better to set the RPM higher or lower? How high can you go without damaging your Fan or CPU?
![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]
June 17, 2022
There are some simple reasons why your RAM might not run at full speed. CPU, Motherboard incompatibility are two, more likely, though, are the following.
ATX vs Micro-ATX vs Mini-ITX: What’s the Difference?
May 1, 2022
Motherboard Sizes influence expandability, features and price, especially. How do ATX, mATX and ITX Motherboard Form-Factors compare?
Guide to Motherboard Standoffs – Everything you need to know
May 1, 2022
Motherboard standoffs keep your PC from shorting and increase the overall stability of your components. Make sure you keep the rules we discuss here in mind.
Does Overclocking Reduce Your CPU or GPU Lifespan?
May 1, 2022
Overclocking is a great way to increase your PC's performance. But does it impact your CPU's or GPU's lifespan, and if so what can you do about it?
What Happens If Your PSU Is Too Weak For Your GPU or PC?
May 9, 2022
A weak Power Supply can lead to all kinds of issues with your GPU or PC. Here's what can happen when your PSU is too weak and what to do in this case.
7 Most Expensive PC Cases Actually Worth Buying: High-End For True Enthusiasts
June 17, 2022
There aren't many expensive PC Cases that are actually worth buying. Here's our overview of the few true high-end Cases for enthusiasts that'll blow you away.
Beginner’s Guide To SATA Cables – Everything you need to know
April 27, 2022
SATA cables connect most of the storage Drives within your System to your Motherboard. Here's everything you need to know to make SATA cables work.
Integrated (iGPU) vs Dedicated Graphics Cards (dGPU) – Differences and Recommendations
April 26, 2022
Whether you should choose an iGPU or a dGPU depends on your workloads. What even are the differences between an integrated and a dedicated GPU?
How To Clear CMOS On Your Motherboard?
April 25, 2022
Clearing your CMOS is usually the last resort to fixing any hardware problems but almost always works to troubleshoot your PC-related issues.
Troubleshooting ASUS Motherboard Error Q-Codes — Everything you need to know
June 17, 2022
Does your Asus Motherboard show you a somewhat cryptic Error Code on the Motherboard display? Here's what you can do about it.
Do Nvidia’s LHR “Lite Hash Rate” GPUs Perform Worse?
June 17, 2022
Nvidia's LHR GPUs are considerably slower for crypto mining. But what about Rendering, Gaming, and general productivity? Are they impacted at all?
What RAM (Memory) Is Compatible With My Motherboard?
June 17, 2022
Finding out which RAM is compatible with your Motherboard is a straightforward process involving 4 easy steps. Here's how to do it.
System FAN vs CPU FAN Headers – Difference & When to Use Which
June 17, 2022
What is the difference between a System fan and a CPU fan header? Can you use either for any of your fans? A closer look.
How to Tell if Your Graphics Card Is Dying
May 4, 2022
Dying GPUs often have telltale signs that' forewarn you to look into issues that need fixing. Here're our most common GPU issues that indicate it's failing.
Motherboard Temperature Guide – What is a Safe Motherboard Temp?
April 15, 2022
Keeping your Motherboard's temperatures low is just as important as those of your CPU or GPU. Take these steps to check and reduce them as much as possible.
TiB vs TB — Why Storage Drives Are Smaller Than Advertised
April 14, 2022
Why does Windows show a lower total storage capacity than expected? It has something to do with TiB and TB and converting between the two units.
Types of RAM – An Overview Guide to PC Memory
April 13, 2022
There are so many types of RAM available that it can be difficult to make heads or tails of all the acronyms. DDR, SDRAM, RDIMM, ECC. We explain it all.
What Is CSM In Your BIOS And What Is It Good For?
June 17, 2022
CSM allows you to emulate an old BIOS environment on a UEFI machine. This introduces some benefits and drawbacks that we'll take a closer look at.
How To Find Out Which CPU is compatible With Your Motherboard
June 17, 2022
Weather you're buying a new PC or upgrading your CPU, you have to make sure the Processor is compatible with your Motherboard. Here's how to figure it out.
Single-Sided vs Double-Sided Memory (SS vs DS RAM Modules)
April 7, 2022
What does single and double-sided Memory (RAM) mean and how does it impact performance? Is it the same as Memory Ranks?
Best PC for Machine Learning – An entry-level Guide
June 17, 2022
Machine Learning demands has extremely high performance demands if used right. Our Guide explains what hardware components are most important to speed up your workload.
GPU Fans Not Spinning – How To Fix (or doesn’t it need fixing?)
April 6, 2022
GPU Fans don't always have to spin. But when they're supposed to and don't, it's cause for alarm. Here's our checklist to make sure your GPU Fans are operating correctly.
Types of M.2 Drives & Slots (An In-Depth Guide)
April 1, 2022
M.2 is the new performance standard for all things primary storage. What do all those specifications & slots mean and which drive do you need?
![The Best CPUs with Integrated Graphics (iGPU) [Updated 2022]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2022/03/Finding-The-Best-CPUs-With-Integrated-Graphics-iGPU-Twitter-420x236.jpg "The Best CPUs with Integrated Graphics (iGPU) [Updated 2022]")
The Best CPUs with Integrated Graphics (iGPU) [Updated 2022]
April 27, 2022
What are the best CPUs with integrated graphics (iGPU)? And how do those iGPUs perform compared to discreet Graphics Cards? Let's find out!
Which RAM Slots Should You Use?
June 17, 2022
Which RAM slots should you use for your RAM Sticks? Does it make a performance difference or can you place the Modules wherever you want to?
AMD Radeon Pro W6400 4GB Review – It’s a Graphics Card You Can Buy
March 23, 2022
The AMD Radeon is a low-end GPU targeted at Professionals with simple workloads. Our Review shows it's strong and not so strong suits.
AMD CPU (Processor) List in Order of Performance
April 27, 2022
Our AMD Processor List in Order of Performance will help you decide on the right AMD CPU for your needs. Multi-, Single-Core Performance and Value compared.
Does a Motherboard affect performance? Workloads Explored.
March 18, 2022
Your Motherboard heavily influences all of the components that are attached to it. Keep this guide in mind to unfold the full potential of your CPU, GPU, RAM and more.
How do M.2 NVMe SSDs Benefit Your PC?
June 17, 2022
M.2 NVMe SSDs are the newest kind of Storage included in almost any modern PC. How do they perform, though, and do they benefit your PC?
Locked vs Unlocked CPUs. Which One Do You Need?
March 17, 2022
Intel especially segments its CPUs into locked and unlocked. This comes with some extra features, like overclockability, the other may save you some money.
Is Zotac A Good GPU Brand?
June 17, 2022
Zotac is a well-known GPU Brand that offers Graphic Cards at reduced prices. Does this mean those GPUs aren't any good? Or is Zotac a reliable Brand that you can buy from?
How to update your BIOS without a CPU
June 17, 2022
You can update the BIOS without a CPU to make your Motherboard ready for newer Processors. Here's how to use the so-called BIOS Flashback Feature.
AIO vs Custom Loop Liquid Cooling – Everything You Need To Know
June 17, 2022
Are there any major performance benefits from going with custom water cooling instead of an AIO? Or just a lot of work for nothing?
RTX vs GTX – Workloads & Functionality Explored
April 27, 2022
Do you need an RTX GPU? Or will a GTX GPU do just fine. This doesn't only depend on your workloads and wallet. A closer look.
Guide to RAM Frequency & What Yours Should Be Set To
April 27, 2022
RAM Frequency can impact the performance of certain workloads considerably. Here's how to figure out what you RAM Frequency should be set to.
How to Check Graphics Card Compatibility with your PC?
April 27, 2022
There are 5 Key things you have to check to guarantee GPU compatibility with your PC. We'll walk you through them step by step.
Best CPU for Video Encoding
April 27, 2022
Video Encoding is CPU demanding and will eat into your editing time if not taken into consideration when buying a PC or upgrading one. A closer look at encoding performance.
2 vs 4 RAM Modules – Are There Any Differences?
May 9, 2022
Will you see any noticeable differences in performance when choosing either 2 or 4 RAM Modules for your PC? We've taken a closer look.
Guide to RAM (Memory) Latency – How important is it?
April 27, 2022
All those Latency specifications on RAM Kits can become confusing when buying memory. How important are they and what Latency is best?
Which M.2 Slot Should You Use?
May 9, 2022
Multiple M.2 Slots on a Motherboard can mean that one will be faster than the other. Here's everything you need to know to pick the right M.2 Slot.
Which PCIe Slot is best for your Graphics Card?
June 17, 2022
Not all PCIe-Slots are equal. Even though a PCIe-Slot might have the right size to physically hold your GPU just fine, PCIe-Lanes have to be considered as well.
How Should You Mount The Radiator Of Your AIO & Tubes up or down?
April 27, 2022
Mounting the Radiator of your AIO CPU or GPU Cooler incorrectly can severely impact your performance. Here's what to keep in mind.
What is SVM Mode in your BIOS?
April 27, 2022
You can enable Virtualization in your BIOS by switching SVM Mode to on. An Intel BIOS will have a similar option but called differently. What do you need it for?
MT/s vs MHz (Datarate vs Frequency) in RAM Modules
April 27, 2022
What's the difference between MT/s and MHz when inspecting specifications of RAM Modules? Datarate and Frequency are certainly not the same thing.
How To Tell If A Motherboard Has Wi-Fi
June 17, 2022
Motherboard Wifi is often hidden in technical specifications & difficult to discern on an existing PC. Here's how to find out if your Motherboard has WIFI.
Thermal Throttling Guide (Prevent your GPU & CPU from Thermal throttling)
April 27, 2022
Hot PC components are thermally throttled and you miss out on potential performance. Here's how to make your CPU and GPU perform to their full potential.
DDR4 vs DDR5 RAM – Workloads explored
April 27, 2022
How does DDR5 compare to DDR4? Is it worth the added cost or is the performance-increase negligible? A closer look at DDR4 vs DDR5.
VRAM vs RAM – Explained
January 28, 2022
VRAM (Video Memory) and System Memory (RAM) are used for very different things to increase your PC's performance.
What is XMP, EOCP, DOCP in your BIOS?
June 17, 2022
Your BIOS has some very specific settings that control how well your RAM (Memory) performs. A closer look at XMP, EOCP, and DOCP.
Are Founders Edition GPUs Any Good?
April 27, 2022
How do Founders Edition GPUs compare to Board-Partner GPUs? Are they any good or should you stay clear of them? We take a closer look.
Types of SSDs (List & Explanation)
April 27, 2022
An extensive Article explaining the different types of SSDs, their performance, Form-Factor and recommendations for your specific workloads.
How Many SSDs Can You Have?
April 27, 2022
Different PCs support a different amount of SSDs. Here's how to find out how many SSDs you can safely hook up without performance-loss.
Guide to GPU Core Clocks & Memory Clocks – Everything You Need To Know
April 27, 2022
Comparing GPUs by looking at their clock speeds can be confusing. There are a couple of things you have to keep in mind.
What’s the Best 3D Render Engine (GPU & CPU) for your Needs?
May 2, 2022
It can be challenging to select a render engine that fits your needs. We break it down to make picking a suitable 3D Render Engine an easy task.
What Is Coil Whine – What does it sound like – How To Fix It
April 27, 2022
Coil Whine doesn't necessarily mean your PC is broken or will perform worse, but it can sure be annoying. Here's what you can do.
How To Lower Your GPU Temperature
April 27, 2022
A lower GPU Temperature equals lower noise, longer lifetime, and if done right, higher performance. Our Guide to lowering your GPU Temperature.
How hot is too hot for a CPU? – Processor Temperature Guide
April 29, 2022
Hot Processors perform worse than cool CPUs. But how hot, exactly, is too hot? And how can you ensure your CPU performs as well as possible?
How Long Does Liquid Cooling Last?
April 28, 2022
Liquid Cooling needs regular maintenance and refilling to keep cooling performance at its maximum potential. Here's how long your Liquid cooling will last.
Does RAM Brand matter?
December 11, 2021
RAM Brands all source their chips from just a couple of suppliers. Is there an actual performance difference or are we just picking fancy heat sinks?
What SSD Size is right for me? Different Workloads explored.
April 27, 2022
Your SSD will become too small, quickly. We've all been there. Here's what we recommend you buy for different professional and gaming workloads.
Best Wifi Cards for Windows PCs
June 17, 2022
A Wi-Fi Card is the best way to get a low-latency, high-bandwidth, and stable wireless connection to your PC. Which Wi-Fi Cards offer the highest performance?
120mm vs 140mm Case Fans – A Clear Winner For Most Cases
June 17, 2022
140mm Case Fans are slowly but surely becoming more popular than 120mm Case fans. Are they the clear winner in every scenario?
Guide to GPU Backplates (What does it do and do you need one)
November 29, 2021
Are GPU Backplates worth it? Do they help with performance or are they just of aesthetic nature? Let's take a closer look.
Do I need a sound card?
February 24, 2022
Most Motherboards come with in-built soundcards nowadays. But are they sufficient, and what benefits do you get from buying an actual Sound Card?
APU vs CPU – Differences, Benefits and Drawbacks
June 17, 2022
Are there any major differences between a CPU and an APU? When does it make sense to get an APU with an integrated GPU or a CPU + GPU combo? A closer look.
Why Samsung B-Die Is So Popular & Where To Find It
March 1, 2022
Samsung's B-Die Memory Modules perform especially well in certain situations. They are especially popular amongst Ryzen Users. Our top B-Die RAM picks.
How to Fix GPU Sag Before Lasting Damage
June 17, 2022
Every GPU sags. Longer and heavier GPUs especially, and you'll benefit from straightening it before there's any lasting damage. Here's how.
How To Add More USB Ports To A PC & Laptop
November 14, 2021
Many PCs, and Laptops especially, will have a very limited amount of USB Connectors. But there are some easy options to add to your existing USB Ports.
Mid vs Full Tower PC Cases – Which is right for your needs?
November 4, 2021
Is a Mid Tower PC Case best for your needs or should you go Full Tower? Let's take a look at the most important factors that sets these two Cases apart.
![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]
March 1, 2022
Are all GPU Brands the same or do some deliver higher Quality and Performance than others? We compare the most popular Graphics Cards Brands.
P-Cores vs E-Cores & Intel’s New CPUs
April 28, 2022
P-Cores (Performance Cores) and E-Cores (Efficiency Cores) are a novel addition to Intel's new CPUs. What can we expect of them?
How to Fix the “CPU Fan Error!” Message
April 27, 2022
A List of the most common causes of the CPU Fan Error and how to fix them when trying to boot your PC.
CPU Cores vs. Logical Processors & Threads
April 27, 2022
What are Threads and Logical Processors compared to your CPU's Cores? And how do they perform in comparison?
What Does RTX & GTX Stand for in Nvidia GPUs?
April 27, 2022
The GTX and RTX abbreviations are all over the place when looking for new GPUs. But are these just marketing speak or does it actually stand for something?
Air vs AIO CPU Coolers: Which One Should You Choose?
April 29, 2022
Air and AIO Coolers can't be directly compared. Both have their specific pros and cons, and which one is better will depend on your workloads.
Best External GPU (eGPU) Enclosures
April 27, 2022
eGPUs offer increased performance for mobile devices when you need it. Rendering, Gaming and other visually demanding tasks get a serious boost.
How to choose a Power Supply (PSU) for your PC – Buying Guide
May 20, 2022
A PC's Power Supply isn't easy to shop for. Our Guide goes over everything you need to know to choose the best PSU for your Computer.
How Many Case Fans Do You Need? Workloads and other factors explored
April 27, 2022
How many case fans you need depends on your workloads, hardware components, case type and case-fan types. Here's an estimate for your orientation.
CPU Base Clocks vs Boost Clocks – What are they and what are the differences?
April 27, 2022
Apart from Brand and number of Cores, CPU Base and Boost clocks are among the most important metrics that determine a Processor's performance.
When Should You Upgrade Your CPU?
March 1, 2022
Do you need to upgrade your CPU or is it still fine for a couple of more years? Here's how to find out if your processor is due for an upgrade.
Single Rank vs Dual Rank RAM: Differences & Performance Impact
April 29, 2022
RAM Modules come with so-called Memory Ranks. But what are these and is there a performance difference between single and dual rank that is worth it?
How Long Does RAM Last?
April 28, 2022
RAM doesn't last forever. There are a lot of reasons why your System's Memory could fail earlier than expected. Here's how to prevent premature failure.
What Is JFP1 And How Do You Use It On Your Motherboard?
March 1, 2022
Have you ever come across a JFP1 connector on your motherboard? Here's all you need to know to make the best use of it.
What Is JCOM1 And How Do You Use It On Your Motherboard?
March 1, 2022
Have you ever come across a JCOM1 connector on your motherboard? Here's all you need to know to make the best use of it.
Where do you Connect Your AIO Pump on your Motherboard?
April 4, 2022
Modern Motherboards have specific Fan headers for AIO Coolers. Here's an overview guide of where to connect your All-In-One CPU Water Cooler.
How Much RAM (Memory) Do You Need? Different Workloads explored
May 15, 2022
How much RAM you need depends heavily on your typical workloads. Here's an overview of the most popular workloads and their RAM requirements.
PWM vs. DC vs. Auto Fan Modes for System & Case Fans
June 3, 2022
Have you ever stumbled across the terms PWM, DC, and Auto in the BIOS's fan control section? Here's a closer look at when to use which mode.
Troubleshooting MSI EZ Debug LEDs: Everything You need to know
November 9, 2021
MSI's EZ Debug LEDs are geat for troubleshooting any PC-startup Issues. You'll be able to narrow down the troublesome component in no time. We show you how.
GPU vs Graphics Card vs Video Card: Are there any differences?
April 27, 2022
Although the terms GPU, Graphics Card and Video Card are often used interchangeably, technically, they mean different things.
How to Combine the Processing Power of Two (or more) Computers
April 4, 2022
Can you combine the processing power of 2 or more PCs? How do you do this and for what kind of workloads does this make sense?
GDDR5 vs GDDR6 – What’s the Difference and which do you need?
April 29, 2022
Is buying a Graphics Card with GDDR6 Memory instead of GDDR5 worth it? What's the performance difference between the two? A closer look.
Best Z590 Motherboards for Intel 11900K, 11700(K), 11600(K)
November 9, 2021
We take a close look at the many Z590 Motherboard options on the market. Which is the best for your particular Intel CPU - without spending an arm and a leg?
How to Enable RTX (Ray Tracing & Voice) On Your Nvidia GPU
April 2, 2022
Here's how to enable RTX Ray Tracing and Voice on supported Nvidia GPUs to make use of the extremely powerful Hardware-Feature to improve your Application's Fidelity.
5 Best M.2 PCIe Adapters (For Mounting and Speeding Up Your M.2 NVMe SSDs)
November 9, 2021
M.2 PCIe Adapters let you mount your M.2 NVMe Drives onto a PCIe-Slot. Benefits include Performance increases and more extension options. Our Guide.
Can You Use Two Different Brands of RAM (Mix Memory Modules)?
February 19, 2022
There are many reasons why you might want to use different kinds of Memory Modules and RAM Brands within a single System. Beware of the risks though.
Can You Use Nvidia GPUs with an AMD CPU?
March 29, 2022
Are there any Benefits to going all AMD? Or can you use an Nvidia Graphics Card with an AMD Processor? A closer look at the pros and cons of each.
Do you need ECC Memory (RAM) for your PC & Workloads?
November 8, 2021
ECC Memory catches and corrects Errors that might occur in stored Data, but does it make sense for you to use ECC Memory or can you do without?
Do You Need to Uninstall Your Old Graphics Drivers Before Installing a New GPU?
November 9, 2021
Will your new GPU run on your old Graphics Drivers or do you need to uninstall your old Drivers first before installing a new Graphics Card? A closer look.
CUDA Cores vs. Stream Processors (And other GPU Cores Explored)
March 19, 2022
What are CUDA Cores and Stream Processors and which are more powerful? Can you gauge the performance of a GPU by comparing Core Counts? A closer look.
How Hot is Too Hot for a GPU? – Graphics Card Temperature Guide
May 1, 2022
Hot Graphics Cards perform worse than cool GPUs. But how hot, exactly, is too hot? And how can you ensure your GPU performs as well as possible?
Guide to XMP Memory Profiles – How to set XMP Profiles in your BIOS
November 8, 2021
What is XMP good for and which XMP Memory Profile should you enable in your Motherboard's BIOS? Here's our Guide for all Motherboard Brands.
Server vs. Desktop CPUs: What are the differences?
May 24, 2022
What sets Server CPUs apart from Desktop CPUs? Are there any meaningful features that warrant the premium price of Server CPUs? It's all about platform.
CPU vs. GPU Rendering – What’s the difference and which should you choose?
April 12, 2022
There are the right kind of CPU and GPU Render Engines for any type of 3D Projects. But what are the differences between them and which one should you choose?
Top 5 Low-Profile Memory (RAM) Modules & Kits that fit almost anywhere
March 23, 2022
Low Profile Memory (RAM) solves clearance issues with the CPU Cooler. But do they perform worse than RAM Modules with heatsinks?
Open-Air vs. Blower-Style Cooled GPUs – What’s the difference?
May 9, 2022
What's the difference between Blower-Style and Open-Air Cooled Graphics Cards? Do they perform the same or is one the better choice for you to buy?
Do CPUs Come With Thermal Paste? (And how to apply it properly)
April 25, 2022
Some CPUs come with CPU Coolers that have pre-applied Thermal Paste, some don't. Always check to see if you need to buy additional Thermal paste.
Our 5 Favorite Low Profile CPU Coolers (for Small Form Factor Builds)
May 9, 2022
Finding the perfect Low-Profile CPU Cooler for your Small Form Factor Build is not easy. You'll want to avoid mistakes that make your CPU underperform.
Pro vs. Consumer GPUs – What’s the difference & Why so expensive?
April 14, 2022
Pro GPUs often cost a multiple of Consumer GPUs without being faster at first glance. Why are they so expensive, what are their benefits and who needs them?
Do You need a CPU Cooler? All cases where you’ll need a CPU Cooler explained.
November 8, 2021
When and what type of CPU Cooler do you need to run your System at top performance? Or could you run your CPU without a CPU Cooler entirely?
![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
Low-Profile GPUs are made to fit into small spaces, especially when starting a Small Form Factor PC-Build. Consider these best Low-Profile GPUs for your needs.
How to fix bent Pins on a CPU and Motherboard (LGA & PGA)
May 18, 2022
There are some careful measures you can take to fix bent CPU pins and restore full functionality. Be cautious and follow this guide closely.
How long does Thermal Paste last? (Applied and Stored)
May 9, 2022
Old Thermal paste can cause decreased performance, throttling and even overheating of your CPU and GPU. Be sure to replace Thermal Paste regularly.
How much VRAM do you need? Professional and Gaming Workloads explored
May 9, 2022
How much VRAM you'll need on your Graphics Card for different Software and Games depends a lot on your specific workloads. Find your sweet spot.
The Best Motherboard Brands (And what to beware of)
May 9, 2022
Even the best Motherboard Brands can turn out some of the worste Products, so beware who you're buying from. Every Line-Up is different.
Guide to PCIe Lanes: How many do you need for your workload?
February 15, 2022
PCIe Lanes can severly bottleneck your performance if you don't have enough for your workload. Here's all you need to know about PCIe Lanes.
![2022 Motherboard Buying Guide for Workstations [How to Buy a Motherboard]](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2021/03/Motherboard-Buying-Guide-for-Workstations_Twitter-1200x675-1-420x236.jpg "2022 Motherboard Buying Guide for Workstations [How to Buy a Motherboard]")
2022 Motherboard Buying Guide for Workstations [How to Buy a Motherboard]
May 19, 2022
If you're building a Workstation you'll need to make sure your Motherboard is up to the task. Learn what to look out for when buying a Motherboard for Workstation Workloads.
Where to buy PC-Parts, CPUs & Graphics Cards in your Country
April 29, 2022
Are PC-Parts out of Stock or you'd like to compare prices across retailers? Use our list to find Online Shops in your Country that sell PC-Parts.
CPU FAN vs. CPU OPT (When to use which)
May 20, 2022
Should you use CPU_FAN or CPU_OPT to plug your Cooler into? Here's a quick overview on the Motherboard's Fan Header connectors.
NVLink vs. SLI and Multiple GPUs – Is it worth it?
May 9, 2022
What's the difference between NVLINK and SLI and when do you use which? Is using multiple GPUs through NVLINK or SLI even worth it? Let's take a closer look.
Samsung EVO vs QVO SSDs Compared – Which one’s better?
May 9, 2022
Is Samsung's EVO or QVO better for your needs? Which one performs faster and has higher value? We compared both and here's all you need to know.
How to upgrade your PC (Beginner’s Guide)
May 19, 2022
Upgrading your PC is easy and doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what to look out for when upgrading specific components for performance.
Our Favorite Gifts for Animators & Digital Artists
May 24, 2022
We'll make it easy for you to buy a gift for a PC-Enthusiast, Content Creator, CG-Artist and other People who spend a lot of time on their PC.
LGA vs. PGA Sockets – Benefits & Drawbacks
May 9, 2022
We will show you how you can fix bent CPU Socket Pins on both LGA and PGA Sockets. In most cases you can fix this yourself without having to buy a new motherboard.
The Best Thermal Paste for your needs (Beginner’s Guide)
May 14, 2022
If you want to keep your CPU cool while increasing your performance, thermal paste is the first step into the right direction. We list the best Thermal Paste for your needs.
AMD Graphics Cards List in Order of Performance
May 11, 2022
A comprehensive List of all modern AMD Graphics Cards in Order of Performance in different Benchmarks such as Gaming and Rendering.
![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]
May 9, 2022
Are B550 Motherboards the better X570 Motherboards at a cheaper price? Here's our Guide to finding the best B550 Motherboard for your Ryzen.
Best Smallest ATX Cases for Compact PC Builds in 2022
May 9, 2022
Compact ATX Cases are still big enough to house powerful components. This guide will get you ready for buying the best and smallest ATX Cases.
Render Engine Hardware Compatibility – CPU / GPU / Hybrid
May 9, 2022
The first thing you need to know when planning a new PC for Rendering Workloads: What Render Engine are you using and what Hardware do I need?
Best Z490 Motherboards for Intel 10900K, 10700K, 10600K CPUs
December 18, 2021
Looking for a motherboard that pairs well with a 10th Gen Intel CPU? Find the best Motherboards for Intel Core 10900K, 10700K, 10600K here.
Best Modular Power Supplies of 2022 – 550W / 650W / 850W / 1000W
April 29, 2022
Picking a suitable power supply is critical, as it’s one of the core elements of your PC build. We recommend these PSUs for best performance.
Best CPU Cooler for Intel i9-10900K
May 2, 2022
Get the highest possible performance out of your Intel i9 10900K with the right CPU Cooler. Don't risk throttling your 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]
May 9, 2022
Motherboards might not seem directly related to performance, choosing the right one allows you to use hardware to their full potential.
The AMD Threadripper 3990X Review for Content Creators
October 5, 2021
Is the AMD Threadripper 3990X 64-Core CPU the new King for Content Creators? How does it perform in Rendering, Video Editing and other heavy processing tasks?
Finding The Best NVMe SSDs: Value, Speed, Optane, and more
May 9, 2022
Find the fastest and best NVMe SSDs within your budget and intended workloads. PCIe 3.0, 4.0, NVMe, SSD, what is important to keep in mind when chosing an NVMe SSD.
What is the Best GPU for Video Editing and Rendering?
May 9, 2022
Graphics Cards can be expensive. Buying the right kind of GPU for your Video Editing or Rendering Workflow therefore is of utmost imprtance. We will teach you all you need to know about the best Editing and Rendering GPUs.
Best Motherboards for 3rd Gen AMD Threadripper CPUs 3990X, 3970X, 3960X
May 9, 2022
Looking for a motherboard that pairs well with a 3rd Gen Threadripper CPU? Find the best Motherboards for Threadripper 3960X, 3970X here.
![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]
May 9, 2022
Here’s an in-depth article for those who need a quick rundown on what LGA 1151 motherboard is the best at every price point for Intel 9th Gen CPUs.
The Best Time to buy Computer Parts
May 2, 2022
Is there a best time to buy new Parts for your PC? Yes, absolutely. Every Hardware Part has major release cycles and then there are Deal-Days.
The Best Case Fans for your PC
May 9, 2022
We’re going to teach you all you need to know to purchase the best case fans for your needs. Size, RGB, Airflow, Noise, we cover it all!
Best CPU Coolers for AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPUs (Review Roundup)
May 9, 2022
Make sure your CPU performs the best it can by choosing the right CPU Coler for your AMD Ryzen Threadripper Processor. AiO or Air-Cooled, find out what is better!
Intel Core vs AMD Ryzen CPUs in 2022 (Benchmarks & Comparison)
May 9, 2022
AMD Ryzen or Intel Core CPUs? What processors perform best at workstation tasks such as Rendering, Video Editing, Responsiveness & General Productivity?
Best Memory (RAM) for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs 3900X, 3700X, 3600
May 9, 2022
Looking for the best RAM for 3rd Gen Ryzen CPUs? Find great Memory that fits your budget for AMD Ryzen 3600, 3700X, 3800X, 3900 CPUs.
Best Motherboards for AMD Ryzen 5000 Series CPUs 5950X, 5900X, 5600X
July 31, 2021
Looking for a motherboard that pairs well with an AMD Ryzen 5000 Series CPU? Find the best Motherboards for Ryzen 5600, 5700X, 5800X, 5900X, 5950X here.
Best PCIE Riser & Extension Cables for heavy GPU Workloads
May 23, 2022
You will want to make sure you don't lose any performance when attaching a or multiple GPUs to the Motherboard through Riser Cables.
Western Digital Blue vs. Black Series – Which is best for your needs?
May 9, 2022
Western Digital's "Blue" series has always offered the most for the least, but with SSD's now dominating, the "Black" series might be the better choice.
Single vs Dual vs Quad Channel Memory on Ryzen Threadripper (Benchmarks)
March 27, 2021
How much faster is Quad Channel RAM vs Dual or Single Channel Memory? Is it worth the upgrade and extra money? Lets take a look at some Benchmarks.
Parts Needed to Build a PC (Computer Parts List & Explanation)
May 9, 2022
A comprehensive overview of all basic Parts you need to build a PC, Workstation or Computer. Building your own PC is easy when you start with this list.
Octanebench Benchmark Results (Updated Scores)
March 31, 2022
An extensive and up-to-date List of all modern GPUs compared with the popular GPU Benchmark Octanebench.
Nvidia Graphics Cards List In Order Of Performance
March 31, 2022
A comprehensive List of all modern Nvidia Graphics Cards in Order of Performance in different Benchmarks such as Gaming and Rendering.
PC-Builder: Find The Best Parts For Your PC & Workstation
May 11, 2022
The CGDirector PC-Builder lets you quickly find the best Computer Parts for your PC & Workstation Build. Use cases include 3D-Modeling, Animation, Video-Editing, Motion Design and more.
How Much RAM Do You Need For Photoshop
May 9, 2022
Find out how much RAM you need for Photoshop and how to exactly estimate the RAM needs based on how many and what type of photos you are editing.
What Does Ti mean in a GPU
February 20, 2022
Is it just some random name or does "Ti" stand for something specific in NVIDIA GPUs? Let's have a quick look here.
How Much RAM Do You Need For Video Editing?
June 2, 2022
RAM (Memory) Requirements for Video Editing scale with project complexity. Find out how much RAM you need for your Video Editing Projects here.
![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
Processor (CPU) Performance / Price Ratio for 3D Rendering. Ultimate List for finding the best CPU for Rendering.
Best Hardware for GPU Rendering in Octane – Redshift – Vray (Updated)
May 9, 2022
Here's everything you need to know about the Best Hardware for GPU Rendering in Octane, Redshift, V-Ray and other modern GPU Render Engines.