Hardware - Make Tech Easier

PC Troubleshooting Guide: Find Out Which Piece of Hardware Is Malfunctioning in Your PC

Miguel Leiva-Gomez — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 10:25:00 +0000

Your PC can be a very complex machine, especially if you don’t have a handle on how its hardware works. There’s a lot of stuff that can go wrong, and there’s no definitive way to find out which hardware is at fault without putting on a little elbow grease and getting creative. This PC troubleshooting guide is meant to make it easier to find out what you actually have to replace on your computer so that you do not invest money unnecessarily on a part that was in fact working correctly. I’ll list the most troublesome pieces of hardware and list the most common problems that each of them causes. Let’s get started!

Tip: instead of troubleshooting your PC when it fails, you can actively monitor your PC health with these tools.

Before You Start

Before assuming that a piece of hardware is causing problems in your computer, make sure that the socket on your wall is working and that all cables are correctly connected both outside and inside the computer. Check for loose connections and, if you purchased the system from a foreign... Read more

9 Things to Consider Before Building a Gaming PC

Tanveer Singh — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Whether you plan to put together a gaming PC from scratch or upgrade an older system, you have more choices than ever before. Above all, remember that you’re building a PC for the unique ways you will use it. There are a few essential things you should keep in mind before you start ordering the parts.

Tip: those with a PC running an AMD Ryzen CPU can easily overclock their RAM using AMD Ryzen Master.

1. Budget

How much are you willing to invest in this endeavor? They say that you can never spend too much when building a PC. But fortunately, there’s always a way to maximize value for money with any budget.

Image source: Unsplash

Provided you have set aside at least $700 to $800 for your build, you can put together a decent mid-range 1080p gaming PC that can last you for years to come. Sure, you’ll need to make some tradeoffs, but a somewhat powerful machine is still... Read more

Which Used PC Parts You Can Buy (And Which You Definitely Shouldn’t)

Tanveer Singh — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 21:25:00 +0000

PC hardware is getting prohibitively expensive. Mainstream graphics card prices have crossed the $1,000 mark, DDR5 memory and motherboards aren’t exactly “budget,” and even decent monitors and other peripherals cost a pretty penny. Fortunately, you can always explore the world of used PC parts. Just ensure you know which used PC parts are worth purchasing and which you should stay away from.

CPU (Processor)

Verdict: can buy

The CPU, or processor, is arguably, the most important component of your PC. Luckily, a used CPU is also among the safest used PC components you can buy.

Image source: Unsplash

Damaging a processor, even with years of sustained use, is pretty rare. As long as the CPU you’re buying wasn’t used in a cooling-starved case and constantly overclocked, running a few Cinebench benchmarks will help you verify its condition. You can always find great deals on previous-gen high-end CPUs that are still... Read more

How to Install AirPods Beta Firmware Update

Brahm Shank — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 15:25:00 +0000

By installing the AirPods Beta, you can gain early access to new features, such as Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, new mute controls, and Conversation Awareness, before they are available publicly. Learn how to install the beta firmware update on your AirPods!

Understanding AirPods Betas

Remember, installing beta firmware updates on your AirPods is a risky endeavor. Pre-release software is not yet fully developed and may contain bugs that could cause your AirPods to malfunction. Apple is likely to address reported issues, including connectivity problems and optimized battery charging inconsistencies, before the public debut. It is also important to note that there is currently no way to manually downgrade your AirPods if something goes wrong.

Tip: not a fan of AirPods? Check out our list of the best wireless headphone alternatives to AirPods.

Compatibility and Peripherals

To get started, you will need an Apple Developer account, an iPhone running iOS 17 or later, a Mac running macOS Ventura or later, and of course, the pair of compatible AirPods that you would... Read more

Looking for the Best Android Smartwatch? 6 Options to Consider

Charlie Fripp — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Apple users are more inclined to pick the latest Apple Watch to accompany their iPhone, but where does that leave Android users who want a smartwatch? Thankfully, many devices use Google’s wearOS operating system, based on Android. This makes it much easier to pair with devices and synchronize data.

Also helpful: comparing Fitbit to Apple Watch? Learn which option is best between these two front runners.

1. Best for Samsung Owners: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

Price: $249

If you already use a Samsung smartphone, the Galaxy Watch 5 is the perfect accessory, as it automatically syncs all your activities. It’s available in five band colors, three face sizes, and two connectivity methods. The Galaxy Watch 5 features Advanced Sleep Coaching, body composition analysis, and a sapphire crystal glass face.

Pros

Battery lasts several days
Sapphire crystal glass face is extra durable

7 of the Best Places to Buy Used PC Parts

Tanveer Singh — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 00:25:00 +0000

Buying used PC parts can be a great way to save money when building a new PC or replacing a component that’s gone bad. It’s also a great way to grab obsolete parts for a passion project or find components that work with your existing motherboard. No matter why you’re shopping, this list of the best places to buy used PC parts will help you locate the necessary components.

Tip: decide whether you need an APU, CPU, or GPU for gaming before you start building a new PC.

1. eBay

eBay is one of the most popular online platforms for buying used electronics. Whether you’re building a gaming PC or a workstation, you can easily find current and older-gen hardware on eBay.

To shop for used PC parts on eBay, navigate to the “Electronics” category, select “Computer Components & Parts,” and choose “Used” or “Refurbished” from the filters. Then, search for a specific part and model name, or browse the many subcategories to find a good deal.

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Used Laptop

Charlie Fripp — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 05:25:00 +0000

Buying a used laptop can be a great idea. You get a fully functional computer at a fraction of the actual cost. But getting a used laptop has its risks, and as with buying a used car, there are various checks and precautions you should take. Here’s everything you need to know about buying a used laptop.

Good to know: before you throw out that old computer, learn which laptop parts are worth salvaging.

1. Protect Your Investment

Laptops range greatly in price, but it’s fair to say that they’re generally not cheap pieces of equipment. When larger amounts of money are involved, you want to know that you have some protection when purchasing. (Legitimate sellers will be thinking this, too, of course.)

Before hitting the classifieds like Craigslist or Gumtree, look at popular retailer options such as eBay, Amazon, and Best Buy’s Outlet section. Amazon and eBay protection policies tend to side with the buyer, so if the laptop is in worse condition than you expected (or doesn’t work), the seller must accept a return at their own expense. Best... Read more

7 Ways to Power Your Raspberry Pi Besides the Wall Socket

Terenz Jomar Dela Cruz — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 15:25:00 +0000

The Raspberry Pi is really such a neat tiny computer – it’s so small that you can take it literally everywhere! Now if only the same could be said with the power socket. Having the Raspberry Pi power supply connected to a wall socket all the time kind of defeats the purpose of having a tiny computer the size of a credit card.

Luckily, there are other ways to power the Raspberry Pi. Check out the various ways to power up your Raspberry Pi.

Tip: if you just got a new Raspberry Pi, you need to first set up Raspberry Pi OS in order to run anything meaningful on it.

1. Phone Power Bank

Price: roughly $20-100

Powering a Raspberry Pi with a phone power bank is a great way to make your project as mobile as it possibly can without having to shell out a ton of cash. No need for new components – you could even use an old power bank as long as it’s got enough juice left in it. For... Read more

Is an Intel Arc GPU Good for Gaming?

Tanveer Singh — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 05:25:00 +0000

After years of buildup and months of teasers, Intel Arc GPUs saw the light of day in late 2022. Customers and reviewers welcomed the potential competition by Team Blue against GPU heavyweights like NVIDIA and AMD. The question remains, however, whether an Intel Arc GPU is good for gaming. In a search for that answer, this guide covers many aspects of Intel Arc GPUs and whether one would make sense for you.

Good to know: our graphics card buyer’s guide explains what to look for in a graphics card and how to compare your options.

Intel Arc GPUs – The First Generation

In October 2022, Intel’s flagship GPUs – Arc A770 and Arc A750 – were made available. While Intel had launched its entry-level Arc A380 earlier that year to terrible reviews, mainly owing to underwhelming performance and broken drivers, the new chips were what the market was waiting for. And the Arc A770 and A750 didn’t disappoint.

Core clock

Memory clock

VRAM

Xe cores

RT... Read more

The Best Instant Cameras for Retro Photos

Natalie dela Vega — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 00:25:00 +0000

Any occasion is best paired with good photos. With the increasing interest in using instant cameras such as Instax and Polaroid because of their retro vibes, there are now many to choose from. These instant cameras vary depending on portability, image, quality, and price. This guide will help you find the best instant cameras suitable for your retro photo needs.

Good to know: do you want to switch up the look of photos taken on your iPhone? These are the best apps to make your iPhone camera photos look like film.

1. Best Overall: Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

Price: $248.50

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo offers a chic, retro-style camera body that can provide high-quality photos. With its credit card-sized prints, it’s a good choice if you want to keep your photos in your wallet or compile them in a scrapbook. With the price of just under $250, it comes with an LCD that is best to use when choosing photos you want to print, which helps in conserving instant film. The LCD also allows you to edit your photos... Read more

The Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2023

Natalie dela Vega — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 00:25:00 +0000

If you’re looking for a laptop that can double as a tablet, has a touchscreen, and works with a stylus, a 2-in-1 laptop is the gadget you want. We’ve compiled the best 2-in-1 laptops for gamers, creators, professionals, and other users.

Also helpful: not looking for a 2-in-1 device? We also have a list of the best laptops for each type of user.

1. Best for Gaming: ASUS ROG Flow X16

Price: $1,969.99

If you’re into gaming and want the best 2-in-1 laptop, the ASUS ROG Flow X16 is your best bet. This laptop can run today’s AAA games and has a reasonable display refresh rate. It weighs around 4.50 pounds, which is light for a gaming laptop. However, a 16-inch screen is still not as portable as the 2-in-1 laptops with smaller displays.

Tech Specs

Processor: Ryzen 9 6900HS

Memory:... Read more

9 Things to Try If HDMI Port Is Not Working on Your Laptop

Chifundo Kasiya — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 21:25:00 +0000

Is the HDMI not working when you plug your Windows laptop into a secondary display device, such as a TV or projector, using an HDMI cable? In most cases, you can fix this problem by restarting your computer. But if that doesn’t work, this guide contains nine more troubleshooting steps you can try.

Good to know: if you’re trying to upgrade your gaming setup, check out the best gaming monitor recommendations for 2023.

1. Check the HDMI Cable

One of the most common reasons HDMI is not working on Windows is a faulty cable. It’s essential to rule this out before you start tweaking any settings on your laptop, as it is quite an easy fix.

Image source: Pexels

To get to the bottom of this problem, try inserting another HDMI cable into your laptop and the second monitor. If that solves the problem, then the HDMI cable... Read more

How to Improve Battery Life on Your Steam Deck

Charlie Fripp — Sun, 28 May 2023 15:25:00 +0000

You can play video games at home, but if you want a handheld console to game on the go, your options are relatively limited. Nintendo’s Switch is arguably the most popular device for that, but game developer Valve also stepped into the ring in 2022 with its Steam Deck. However, as a handheld and portable gadget, Steam Deck relies on a rechargeable battery that might not last as long as expected.

Tip: check out some of the best games for your Steam Deck that you just can’t miss.

The Steam Deck’s Battery Life

The Steam Deck is a powerful handheld computer that lets you play all your Steam library games whenever you want. But the built-in 7-inch display, trackpad, and speakers drain the battery relatively quickly. Under normal circumstances, Steam claims the 40-watt-hour battery should get you between two and eight hours of gaming.

Image source: Valve

Naturally, all sorts of factors come... Read more

Is AMD Ryzen Good For Gaming? The Best AMD CPUs Reviewed

Tanveer Singh — Sat, 27 May 2023 21:25:00 +0000

Is AMD Ryzen good for gaming? This has been a pretty common question since the initial launch of the Ryzen series in 2017. Even today, there can be legitimate debates launched when AMD fails to compete with Intel in some way. To properly answer the question, we need to dive into the details of how AMD has competed with Intel in the CPU space, in recent years ousting it as far as value for money.

Also helpful: if you’re comparing processors to find the best option, consider our AMD vs. Intel CPU comparison.

AMD’s Meteoric Rise

First, let’s talk about why people used to think AMD CPUs weren’t good for gaming. There was a time when this was definitely true. The pre-Ryzen era of AMD was defined by a limited socket and constant reuse of the same basic CPU architecture for each generation.

Before Zen/Ryzen, AMD’s released and iterated architecture was called Bulldozer. Bulldozer’s big innovation, when it launched in 2011, was superb multi-core performance. The issue was that games and most applications at the time weren’t particularly well-optimized to use... Read more

How to Find Out How Much Hard Drive Space You Need

Tanveer Singh — Wed, 17 May 2023 00:25:00 +0000

When purchasing a new computer, it’s hard to determine how much hard drive space you need. Every computer has a set amount of space, such as “500GB,” but how big is that?

What can you store on a 500GB hard drive? Will it allow you to install as much software and download as much media as you want? Is it too small? Given that there’s no physical reference to just how big 500GB is, it can be hard to visualize its size. This guide helps you determine how much hard drive space you need.

Tip: if replacing your hard drive, you may want to upgrade to a solid-state drive.

What Goes on a Hard Drive?

Image source: Unsplash

Your computer’s hard drive is where all your data is stored. Everything goes on your hard drive, from your operating system, work documents, music, and photos, to bigger files, like games, movies, and... Read more

7 Smart Tools That Can Save You Time Gardening

Charlie Fripp — Tue, 09 May 2023 05:25:00 +0000

There are plenty of studies that show gardening to be therapeutic – but it’s not always sunshine and roses, as you still need to work hard for your garden to succeed. Fortunately, you can get help from smart gardening gadgets. When you leverage technology to your advantage while gardening, you can save time and money, increase your crop yield, and make gardening more enjoyable. In fact, these seven smart gardening tools can help you with everything from irrigation to knowing the right time to plant your crops.

Also helpful: if you’re working on home improvement projects, check out these impressive DIY apps for Android.

1. Best for Smart Irrigation: Rachio 3

Price: $196

The Rachio 3 smart gadget controls water flow to your plants in eight customizable zones. The internal sensors detect when it’s raining or windy and will skip the scheduled watering slot. You can easily control the sprinklers through the mobile app and get a detailed view of the estimated outdoor water usage and upcoming schedules.

Read more

Graphics Card Not Working? Here Are the Causes and Fixes

Tanveer Singh — Fri, 05 May 2023 05:25:00 +0000

From video games to professional 3D work, a graphics card is an essential piece of kit for those who want to push their computers to the next level of graphics rendering. Unfortunately, as is usually the case with adding extra hardware to a computer, graphics cards come with their own sets of problems and issues. If your graphics card is not working, it can be frustrating, especially for those who aren’t experienced with graphics cards and don’t know how to diagnose errors.

Here are the symptoms of a faulty graphics card and how to fix it when it is not working.

Also helpful: identify the graphics card in your computer before testing any of these fixes.

The Symptoms

Games Underperforming

It’s a tale as old as time. You buy a new gaming laptop or GPU, having heard that it will run your games at searingly fast framerates, but when it comes to actually running the games, it’s performing 30% or worse below expectations.

It’s one thing for the framerate in a game... Read more

Are Gaming Laptops Worth It in 2023?

Tanveer Singh — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 19:25:00 +0000

Until a few years ago, gaming laptops had been met with mockery and derision. The logic for this was along the lines of “Why would you get a gaming laptop instead of buying a gaming PC that, for the same price, would have much more powerful specs?”

But things can greatly change in the tech world in a few years, and it’s safe to say that some game-changing things have happened to make gaming laptops more viable than ever (even if the best ones are still something of a luxury). This guide takes a look at whether a gaming laptop is worth it in 2023.

Also helpful: whether you’re buying a laptop or desktop, you should prioritize these considerations for buying a gaming PC before you add anything to your cart.

Price

Gaming laptops have really plummeted in price in recent years. While you’d previously have had to spend upward of $1200 to play the latest games at high settings, you can easily find ones for cheaper than that today.

For example, you can grab an Read more

5 of the Best Smart Doorbells for 2023

Megan Glosson — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:25:00 +0000

Smart homes have become more commonplace than craze over the past few years. While some devices help homeowners better control their energy use, other items, like smart doorbells, enhance security and safety.

There are dozens of options for smart doorbells, which makes it hard to decide which device is the best for you. We’ve rounded up the top five options based on pricing, features, compatibility, and functionality.

Good to know: if you’re converting your house into a smart home, our beginner’s guide to smart home setup can help.

1. Best Overall: Google Nest

If you want a high-quality smart doorbell for an affordable price, look no further than Google Nest. For just over $100, you get a fully-functional doorbell that integrates into the Google Home app, making it a no-brainer for anyone whose smart home operates with Google. The wireless option can be installed in mere minutes and is easy to remove when you need to recharge.

Read more

How to Transfer Game Data from a PS4 to a PS5

Ryan Lynch — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 00:25:00 +0000

The PS5 is backward compatible, meaning you can play all of your PS4 games on the new console. Thankfully, transferring game data from the PS4 to the PS5 can easily be done a few different ways.

Also helpful: backward compatibility isn’t always straightforward, so we have a complete guide to PS5 backward compatibility.

Before You Begin

Image source: PlayStation Support

Some data transfer methods detailed below require signing you in to the same account on your PS4 and PS5. Failure to do so will result in the inability to transfer any data. Ensure that you’re signed in to the same account on both consoles before you attempt the transfer process.

Method 1: Transfer Data Using Your Local Network

You can transfer both PS4 game data and save data to your PS5 using your Wi-Fi network. First, connect both consoles to the same wireless network, then follow the steps below.

On your PS5, navigate... Read more