DDR4 vs DDR5 RAM: What's different and which one should you buy?
DDR4 vs DDR5 RAM is one of the most discussed topics in the PC computing space right now. Here's everything you need to know.
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Best Microsoft Surface deals in 2023
Save some money on Microsoft's premium lineup of Surface devices
Microsoft's Surface laptops, tablets, and PCs are some of the most premium and versatile devices on the market There are 2-in-1 Surface Pro and Surface Go models for those who enjoy splitting time between a tablet and notebook. There are Surface Laptop and Laptop Go models for those who want a high-quality notebook. And there's the Surface Laptop Studio for those who need a pull-forward design and the horsepower for specialized work.
How to remove McAfee from Windows 11
Follow our detailed McAfee removal guide if you want to remove all traces of the antivirus software from your Windows 11 PC.
McAfee was one of the most popular antivirus products back in the day. However, things are vastly different in the PC landscape today as McAfee is seen as more of an optional software rather than an essential app.
Copilot and a new File Explorer are now rolling out to Windows 11 Insiders in Release Preview
The best new Windows 11 23H2 features detailed during the Microsoft Event are now up for testing in the more stable Release Preview Channel
Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 build 22621.2361 to the Windows Insiders with PCs enrolled in the Release Preview channel running Windows 11 version 22H2. This new build for this channel is one of the most significant ones yet, as it's delivering Copilot, a new File Explorer, and some of the new Windows 11 23H2 features Microsoft talked about during its September 21 special event in New York.
We at XDA go through a lot of products that show up on our test bench to figure out if they're worth buying or at least considering over their counterparts. Some of these devices are flashier and more important than others, but that doesn't mean you should ignore them. Most, if not all, of these products will eventually make their way to our buying guides and recommendation lists, but I've highlighted some of my favorite products (in no particular order) from the ones we reviewed in August to help you stay on top of all the new and important releases.
Download the Windows 11 wallpapers for your PC
Don't have Windows 11 but still want the beautiful backgrounds, you can download them for yourself right here.
Windows 11 is a beautiful operating system, more so than any of its predecessors. Of course, the design of UI elements like the taskbar, Start menu, and included apps all help with that, but the new desktop backgrounds also contribute to this beautiful experience. And if you don't have Windows 11 on your own PC, you can still get some of that beauty by downloading the wallpapers for yourself.
A faster Steam Deck is at least a couple of years away
A Valve engineer has confirmed that a new Steam Deck with better performance is probably off the cards for now, for the sake of better battery life.
It's fair to say that Valve's Steam Deck has been a success since its launch in 2021. The handheld PC is optimized for lots of popular games, with several thousand titles being Steam Deck-verified. The form factor has become popular to the point that there is competition from various companies looking to cash in on the Steam Deck's popularity, with the benefits for consumers being more innovation in the space as each new entrant tries to capture some of the market share. Although you would expect Valve to capitalize on this consumer interest and release a more powerful version of the Steam Deck soon, it appears that the firm has no such plans.
5 reasons I love benchmarking
Ever since I got into PC building and gaming, benchmarking has been one of my favorite hobbies, and here are five reasons why.
For most people, benchmarking is what you do to make sure your PC is performing normally and is giving you the kind of performance you need, most often in games where you may find yourself tweaking graphics settings to get the right balance. While I'm sure many, or maybe even most people, find this kind of stuff boring, I absolutely love benchmarking. Ever since I built my first PC about a decade ago, I have loved seeing what my components are capable of, and here's why.
This epic Prime Day earbuds deal requires an invite, and here’s how you can request one
Amazon is giving you a golden opportunity to buy the Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds at a record-low price.
Premium wireless earbuds come with a premium price point, but if you get a mouth-watering discount, you could get them at the price of mid-range earbuds. This is exactly what is going to happen with the Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds—they are premium earbuds but won't be exorbitantly priced come Prime Big Deal Days.
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE monitor review: An easy 4K recommendation for professionals
Dell's UltraSharp U2723QE mixes a color-accurate 4K panel with a USB-C hub and powerful collaboration tools.
Dell's UltraSharp lineup offers some of the best monitors you can buy today. The UltraSharp U2723QE, for example, launched in the first half of 2022, was one of the world's first monitors featuring IPS Black technology, boosting color and contrast beyond standard IPS fare.
Steam Deck starter guide: Everything you need to know to start gaming
Just purchased a new Steam Deck? There's a wonderful world of gaming awaiting you, and here are some first steps to take.
The Steam Deck is a straightforward device. It's a handheld gaming PC that relies on Steam and Linux, making it basically the Nintendo Switch for PC gaming. But while you can just immediately get to gaming on your shiny new Deck, there are some things you might want to do before, during, and after you buy it to get the most out of it.
Android 14 will turn your phone into a webcam for your PC
Your phone camera can now be used as a webcam on your PC, Chromebook, Mac, or even a Linux PC.
Google has released the Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1 update for Pixel devices with plenty of fixes and a bunch of new features. But for PC users, the standout feature in this update is the ability to use their phones as webcams for their computers. Pixel devices, except for Pixel Fold, running Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1 can now use their phone's camera as a webcam for their desktops or laptops.
Best DDR5 RAM memory kits in 2023
If you're on the lookout for the best DDR5 RAM modules on the market, then we've got something for you.
The launch of Intel's 12th-generation Alder Lake chips marked the arrival of DDR5 RAM kits on the market, which is the next evolution of system memory. DDR5 is faster than DDR4, and at least for now, that comes at a premium. But with AMD Ryzen 7000 as well as Intel 13th-generation chips out in the world and benefiting from it, it's worth the higher price tag. We're now entering the era of DDR5 for those wanting to extract the most from their systems, so these are the best DDR5 RAM kits you need to know about.
HP Spectre Fold vs Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2: Battle of the foldable PCs
We compare the HP Spectre Fold and the ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2, two of the most recent foldable PCs to be released, and help you decide which is better
While the market for foldable PCs is quite niche and isn't as big as the best laptops, they are still quite special. It's why when compared to the best HP laptops, the new HP Spectre Fold is unique since it can be used in three different ways thanks to the massive foldable 17-inch OLED screen. But before that, there was the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2, which stands out from the best tablets on its own due to that foldable form factor.
How to check CPU temperature in Windows 11
CPU temperature is a crucial indicator of your PC health and CPU performance
Checking your CPU temperature can be an occasional or frequent activity, depending on what you put your precious processor through. If you primarily use your PC for work and some casual gaming, you might never think about how hot your CPU is running. However, if you're into AAA gaming, editing, or overclocking your CPU, checking your CPU temperature becomes extremely important. Modern processors tend to run quite hot, especially if you're running one of the top desktop CPUs or using the best laptops on the market.
Corsair's AIO CPU cooler gets deep discount, dropping down to its lowest price ever
Do not miss out on this deal for one of the best CPU coolers on the market.
This is one of the best all-in-one CPU coolers on the market, offering a sleek look, plenty of cooling, and a customizable LCD display that can add a flair of personality to your PC. Plus it's from a brand you can really trust, with Corsair producing some of the best PC and gaming accessories and has been in business for nearly 30 years.
Best wireless gaming mouse in 2023
Get rid of those pesky USB cables with these excellent wireless gaming pointers.
Tired of being tethered to your gaming PC? You'll want a wireless gaming mouse! These handy pointers utilize Bluetooth or 2.4GHz dongles for wireless connections that do away with USB cabling. With one of our wireless gaming mouse recommendations, you can finally cut the cord and enjoy a cable-free gaming experience.
Hands-on with Surface Laptop Studio 2: Big refinements that matter
The new Surface Laptop Studio 2 is Microsoft's most powerful laptop yet, and it is so much better than the original.
Microsoft held its annual Surface event in New York City today, and while there was a heavy focus was on Artifical Intelligence and Windows 11 features like Copilot, the company still had hardware to show that stunned me. No, it's not Surface Laptop Go 3. It's the Surface Laptop Studio 2 that grabbed my attention.
Surface Go 4: Price, release date, and everything we know
Microsoft's SUrface Go 4 is here, but it's only available for businesses. Still, it packs some nice performance upgrades.
After two years of waiting, Microsoft has finally refreshed the Surface Go family with the Surface Go 4, except it's not exactly what we were expecting. While this new model is still one of Microsoft's best Surface products, the company is only making a business version, meaning most consumers won't be able to find it in stores. Still, if you're interested in this budget-oriented Windows tablet, we've got you covered.
How to scan documents on a Mac with Continuity Camera
Continuity Camera allows you to use your iPhone or iPad to scan documents directly onto your Mac, thus making your workflow easier.
You might know Continuity Camera as the feature that allows you to use your iPhone's rear cameras as your Mac's webcam, and you can use it with these great iPhone mounts. However, before that iteration of Continuity Camera, Apple made it possible to scan documents to your Mac with your iPhone's camera. Though it might not be as flashy as Continuity Camera for webcams, you can still do it, and it's a surprisingly useful feature.
The new Outlook for Windows app is now generally available for all consumers
The new Outlook for Windows app has hit general availability, but only for consumers. Commercial customers can still give it a whirl in preview phase.
After several leaks, Microsoft began rolling out an updated Outlook for Windows app for Office Insiders enrolled in the Beta Channel back in May 2022. The redesigned app eventually became available for more consumers by September 2022 as it received multiple updates to improve inking support and introduce integration with Gmail accounts. Following well over a year of testing with Office Insiders, Microsoft is now making the new Outlook for Windows app generally available for all consumers.