PC Hardware / Reviews: Most Popular Articles

Desktop PC Buyer's Guide
A product buying guide that examinations the specifications to consider when looking at purchasing your next desktop personal computer system from your About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Budget Desktops PCs
Selection of the best budget desktop personal computers that can be found for under $600 or $750 with monitor from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Budget Notebook PCs
Selection of the best budget notebook PCs that can be found for under $750 from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

What PC To Buy?
A questionnaire to allow users to find the proper desktop or notebook computer system that meets their budget and usage needs based upon their answers.

Notebook PC Buyer's Guide
Buying guide that looks at all the various aspects of a notebook computer system to assist in selecting a notebook PC that best matches your needs.

Ultraportable Notebooks
Selection of the best ultraportable notebook computer systems from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Understanding LCD Monitors
An article that exams the various specifications listed with LCD computer monitors to make an informed comparison before purchasing a new computer monitor.

Widescreen 22-inch LCDs
Selection of the best widescreen 22-inch LCD monitors as chosen by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Performance 3D Video Cards
Selection of the best performance 3D graphics cards for the PC from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

PC Sound Cards
Selection of the best internal PC audio sound cards from the PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

PC Power Supplies
A consumer guide from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide on things to look for when buying a new or replacement power supply unit for a personal computer system.

Best 19-inch LCDs
Selection of the best 19-inch LCD computer monitors based upon the research and experience of the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Thin and Light Notebooks
Selection of the best thin and light notebook computer systems based on the research and experience of the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Desktop CPUs
Selection of the best desktop CPUs from Intel and AMD in three categories as selected by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide based upon experience and research. Categories for each brand include performance, value (<$250) and budget (<$100).

Mainstream Desktop PCs
Selection of the best mainstream desktop personal computers systems priced under US$1600 with a montior or US$1250 without one based upon the research and experience of the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

What is RAID?
Article from the PC Hardware / Reviews Guide looking at the technology of RAID drive systems, how they work and where one might wants to use it in a personal computer.

CRT vs. LCD Monitors
Article from the PC Hardware / Reviews guide discussing the advantages and disadvantages of CRT and LCD based PC computer monitors to help in selecting the right type of monitor.

HDMI and PCs
A look at the HDMI digital video interconnect standard and how it can impact the comptuer industry from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

LCD Imange Persistence
Article from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide discussing the phenomenon known as image persistence on LCD monitors and ways to prevent or correct the issue.

Vista and 4GB RAM
Article from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide talking about Windows Vista and how it can impact computer users that require or use a large amount of system memory for their PC software applications.

Best IDE DVD Burners
Selection of the best internal DVD burners for personal computers that use the IDE interface from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Desktop Replacements
Selection of the best desktop replacement notebooks based upon the research and experience of the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

AGP Graphics Cards
Selection of the best AGP interface video cards for PC computers from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Dell Inspiron 2200
Product review of the Dell Inspiron 2200 budget notebook computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (10/18/05)

HP Pavilion a6400f
Product review of the HP Pavilion a6400f budget desktop personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (5/4/08)

Understanding Notebook Memory
An article that looks at the memory specifications for notebook computers to give an informed decision on purchasing the right amount of memory for the computing tasks.

PC Power Supply Wattage
An article from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide that looks at desktop PC power supplies and their wattage ratings.

SSD
Article from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide looking at the new solid state drive technology and how it will impact computers over the traditional hard drive.

Athlon XP 2500+
Product Review of the AMD Athlon XP 2500+ budget processor by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Performance Desktops
Selection of the best high performance desktop PC systems based upon the research and experience of the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Best 24-inch LCDs
Selection of the best 24-inch LCD computer monitors based upon the research and experience of the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Understanding Notebook CPUs
An article that looks at how to determine if a CPU for a notebook PC matches what the computer will be used for.

DIY: Install CPU and Heatsink
A do-it-yourself article explaining how to properly install a CPU with a cooling colution onto a motherboard. Includes a step-by-step guide to the installing along with pictures for the various steps.

DIY: Installing a Power Supply
A do-it-yourself tutorial explaining how to properly install a power supply unit into a personal computer case. Includes a step-by-step guide to the installation along with pictures for the various steps.

Dell Inspiron 1100
Product review of the Dell Inspiron 1100 budget laptop computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

DIY: Installing a CD/DVD Drive
A do-it-yourself tutorial explaining how to properly install an optical (CD or DVD) drive into a desktop computer system. Includes a step-by-step guide to the installation along with pictures for the various steps.

Dell Dimension 3000
Product review of the Dell Dimension 3000 budget desktop personal computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (10/4/04)

Understanding Desktop Memory
An article that takes a look at the specifications for memory in desktop computer systems to help make an informed purchasing decision.

Understanding Desktop CPUs
An article that takes a look at the various desktop PC processors on the market and breaks them down into four categories for a better understanding when purchasing a new desktop PC.

BIOS Settings - Page 1
Article looking at how to configure the proper CPU and Memory BIOS settings on a newly constructed computer system from components by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Buy Computer Memory Upgrades
An article that looks at the information you should collect about your computer before going out and purchasing memory upgrades.

What is Overclocking?
An article from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide examining what is computer overclocking and why one would be inclined to do it.

ATX12V vs. ATX Power Supplies
A look at the differences in ATX12V and ATX desktop power supplies from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

SFF Barebones PC Kits
Best small form factor or mini PC barebones desktop computer kits based on the research and experience of the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Build Your Own Desktop PC
Course on Putting Togther a Computer from Parts

DIY: Install a Second IDE HD
Tutorial on how to install a second hard drive into a PC desktop computer system written by your About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. Includes step-by-step instructions with photographs.

eSATA
Article discussing the new eSATA or external Serial ATA interface and its implications on computer storage from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

IBM Thinkpad R40
Product Review of the IBM ThinkPad R40 thin and light notebook computer from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide

OEM Products
An article from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide that takes a look at what OEM versions of products are and whether they are items to consider over retail version for your PC.

IBM ThinkPad R51
Product review of the IBM ThinkPad R51 model 28832XU thin and light notebook computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

LCD Monitors: Pixel Problems
An article from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide looking at defective pixels in LCD monitors and what consumers can do to inform themselves about defects and warranties before purchasing an LCD monitor.

USB/FireWire Combo PC Cards
Selection of the best USB and FireWire combo cardbus based PC cards for laptops PCs from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

LCD Color Depth
An article from the About PC Hardware / Reviews to inform consumers about the difference between LCD monitors with regards to speed and color depth and how to determine which suits them better.

Budget PC Graphics Cards
Selection of best budget PC video cards for under $200 from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Understanding Desktop CD/DVDs
An article that looks at the specifications of CD and DVD based drives in desktop PCs to better understand them before buying a new computer.

Best SATA DVD Burners
Selection of the best internal DVD burners available for a PC that use the Serial ATA interfrace chosen by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Toshiba Satellite A215-S6804
Product review of the Toshiba Satellite A215-S6804 budget notebook personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (4/16/08)

Compaq Presario SR5450F
Product review of the Compaq Presario SR5450F budget desktop personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (4/29/08)

Multiple Monitors
An article that looks at what it takes and what reasons you might want to use multiple monitors on a single computer system from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Dell Inspiron 1200
Product review of the Dell Inspiron 1200 budget notebook computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (4/12/05)

IBM ThinkPad X31
Product review of the IBM ThinkPad X31 ultraportable laptop personal computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Intel Centrino Duo
Article from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide that looks into what a notebook with the Intel Centrino Duo badge really means in terms of its features, performance and battery life.

Dual-Core Processors
An article from the About PC Hardware/ Reviews Guide looking at what the implecations are for the shift to dual-core processors by Intel and AMD.

DIY: Install a PCI Card
A do-it-yourself tutorial explaining how to properly install a PCI adapter card into a desktop computer system. Includes a step-by-step guide to the installation along with pictures for the various steps.

Multiple Graphics Cards
An editorial from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide that looks at running multiple graphics cards for improved 3D performance and whether or not it really makes sense for consumers.

Desktop PC Parts Checklist
A quick checklist of the core components required to build a desktop computer system from scratch. Includes a brief description of the components as well as links to more details on selecting the components.

Understanding Notebook Size
An article that takes a look at the size and weight of notebook computers and what the basic dimensions are of the various classifications of notebooks.

Liquid Cooling?
Article that examines what it means to use a liquid cooling solution for personal computer systems written by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Serial ATA
An article from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide examining the new Serial ATA desktop storage interface and comparing it to the older parallele ATA device standards to see how this new interface will change desktop storage.

Gateway GT5670
Product review of the Gateway GT5760 retail budget desktop personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (5/3/08)

DIY: Budget Gaming PC Guide
A suggested list of parts to build your own budget desktop gaming PC computer from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Desktop PC Graphics
An article that looks at the specifications of video graphics inside desktop personal computers to make an informed purchasing decision.

Understanding Notebook Video
An article from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide that looks at notebook graphics and displays to assist in the selection of a notebook computer system.

Hard Drive Buyer's Guide I
An introduction to buying hard drives for personal computers looking at the performance factors such as rotational speeds, access times and buffer sizes.

Not All Memory is Equal Part 1
First part in a three part series looking at memory for personal computer systems and what all the different types of RAM are.

All-In-One PCs
A look at the all-in-one desktop computer system and its advantages and disadvantages when compared to desktop and notebook PCs.

Dell Inspiron 530
Product review of the Dell Inspiron 530 mainstream desktop PC system by the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (8/13/07)

17-inch LCD Monitors
Selection of the best 17-inch LCD computer monitors based upon the research and expreience of the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

27-inch and 30-inch LCDs
Selection of the best wide screen 27 and 30-inch LCD computer monitors based upon the research and experience of the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Intel Pentium 4 Motherboards
Top 5 Intel Pentium 4 motherboards chosen by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide based upon experience and research.

Understanding Notebook Drives
An article that looks at the various hard drives, CD and DVD drives found in notebook PCs to help make an informed purchasing decision.

DIY: Installing a SATA HD
A do-it-yourself tutorial explaining how to properly install a Serial ATA hard drive into a desktop computer system. Includes a step-by-step guide to the installation along with pictures for the various steps.

Desktop Motherboards
Thinking of getting a new motherboard? Find out what you need to think about before buying your next desktop PC motherboard.

Sony VAIO VGN-SZ750N/C
Product review of the Sony VAIO VGN-SZ750N/C ultraportable notebook personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (3/5/08)

Small Form Factor PCs
Selection of the best small form factor PC systems available based upon the research and experience of the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Dell Dimension E310
Product review of the Dell Dimension E310 budget desktop personal computer system from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (4/11/05)

Understand CRT Specs
An article that takes a close look at what the various CRT monitor specifications are to make it easier to evaluate a CRT monitor before purchasing.

DIY: Installing Desktop Memory
A do-it-yourself article explaining how to properly install memory into desktop personal computer system. Includes a step-by-step guide to the installing along with pictures for the various steps.

PC Hardware Glossary
A listing of definitions for common PC hardware terms and acronyms produced by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Understanding PC Desktop HDs
An article that examines the specifications for desktop PC hard drives to better understand the differences in hard drives to make an informed computer purchase.

Upgrade or Replace?
Article from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide examining the options available to people with older desktop computers by either upgrading the parts of the computer or through replacement.

Gateway GM5664
Product review of the Gateway GM5664 multimedia desktop personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (2/7/08)

Dell Inspiron 8600
Product review of the Dell Inspiron 8600 desktop replacement laptop personal computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Silent PC Power Supplies
An article that looks into silent desktop PC power supplies from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Vista
An article that looks at the features and problems that may be encountered with the release of Microsoft Vista and whether you should choose to use it or the previous XP operating system for your PC.

Mac OS X vs. Windows XP
A detailed look at performance between Windows XP and Mac OS X running similiar applications on an Intel Mac Mini by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (4/3/06)

Acer Aspire M5100
Product review of the Acer Aspire AM5100-EF9500A budget desktop personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (4/28/08)

PC Shopping Mistakes
Some of the common mistakes that people making when shopping for or buying a personal computer system. Try to avoid some of these things that can trip you up in the pocket book or with your computers usage.

DIY: Installing a Motherboard
A do-it-yourself tutorial explaining how to properly install a motherboard into a computer case. Includes a step-by-steo guide to the installation along with pictures for the various steps.

Building vs. Buying a PC
Article discussing the advantages and disadvantages of building a desktop personal computer system from components versus buying a prebuilt system. Also has link to a signup for a 5-day e-mail course on building a personal computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Dell Inspiron 8500
Product review of the Dell Inspiron 8500 desktop replacement notebook computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Sony VAIO VGN-FZ280E/B
Product review of the Sony VAIO FZ280 thin and light notebook personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (11/11/07)

Dell Dimension 2400
Review of the Dell Dimension 2400 budget desktop computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

IBM ThinkPad R50e
Product review of the IBM ThinkPad R50e budget notebook personal computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (10/28/04)

HP Pavilion dv9040us
Product review of the HP Pavilion dv9040us desktop replacement notebook computer from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (1/11/07)

HP Pavilion dv6675us
Product review of the HP Pavilion dv6675us thin and light notebook personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (11/8/07)

IDE Desktop Hard Drives
Selection of the best IDE desktop hard drives based upon the research and experience of the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (07/10/07)

PC Recycling
An article discussing the options consumers have for disposing of old computer components and electronics from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Sony VAIO VGN-NR240E/W
Product review of the Sony VAIO VGN-NR240E/W budget notebook personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (4/14/08)

Dell Inspiron 1150
Product review of the Dell Inspiron 1150 budget notebook computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Dell Inspiron 1501
Product review of the Dell Inspiron 1501 budget notebook computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (4/4/07)

Acer Aspire AS5520-5891
Product review of the Acer Aspire 5520 budget notebook personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (4/7/08)

ASUS A7N8X Deluxe
Product review by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide of the ASUS A7N8X Deluxe nForce2 based motherboard for AMD Athlon Socket A based processor.

Dell Dimension 4600
Product review of the Dell Dimension 4600 mainstream desktop personal computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide

IBM ThinkCentre M50
Product review of the IBM ThinkCentre M50 model 8185F4U mainstream desktop computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Dell Dimension B110
Product review of the Dell Dimension B110 budget desktop computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (4/11/06)

Computer Audio Part 4
Final section of a four part series on PC audio. This part discusses speakers designed for computer systems and the features to consider when purchasing some for your computer system.

Price Comparision
Price comparision of comparable systems from a retailer, a direct order company and a reseller.

PCI Express Primer
Article that looks at some of the benefits of the new PCI Express interface over the previous PCI standards.

HP Pavilion Elite m9150f
Product review of the HP Pavilion Elite m9150f multimedia desktop personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (2/6/08)

Serial ATA Hard Drives
Selection of the best Serial ATA desktop hard drives based upon the research and experience of the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Dell Dimension E521
Product review of the AMD based Dell Dimension E521 budget desktop computer system from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (10/24/06)

HP Pavilion dv2120us
Product review of the HP Pavilion dv2120us budget notebook computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (10/11/06)

Not All Memory Is Equal Part 2
Second part in a three part series looking at memory for personal computer systems and what the different speed and latency numbers mean.

Toshiba Satellite M115-S3094
Product review of the Toshiba Satellite M115-S3094 budget notebook computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (10/9/06)

Sony VAIO VGN-FJ290
Product review of the Sony VAIO VGN-FJ290 thin and light notebook personal computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (5/25/06)

PC Power Supply Efficiency
An article from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide that looks at the efficiencies of personal computer power supplies and what it means to consumers energy consumption.

DIY: Installing Notebook RAM
Tutorial on how to install memory into a PC laptop computer system written by your About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. Includes step-by-step instructions with photographs.

USB 2.0 External Drive Enclosure
Product Review from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide on Belkin's USB 2.0 External Drive Enclosure for 5.25 inch optical drive or 2.5 inch desktop hard drives with an IDE interface.

HP Pavilion dv6707us
Product review of the HP Pavilion dv6707us budget notebook computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (4/11/08)

Dell Inspiron 1000
Product review of the Dell Inspiron 1000 budget notebook computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (10/26/04)

Dell Inspiron B130
Product review of the Dell Inspiron B130 budget notebook personal computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (4/17/06)

Computer Audio Part 3
Part three of a four part series on computer Audio. This section looks at the type of connectors used to bring the audio from the computers to speakers and the advantages and disadvantages they bring.

Computer Audio Part I
First part in a four part series on Understanding Computer Audio. This section covers the basics of digital audio and how it relates to computer audio products to help inform consumers on how to properly select computer audio components to suit their needs

Zt Affinity 5024Zi
Product review of the Zt Systems Affinity 5024Zi budget desktop personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (5/8/08)

Athlon XP-M 2600+
Product review of the AMD Athlon XP-M 2600+ processor by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Lenovo IdeaPad Y710
Profile of the upcoming Lenovo IdeaPad Y710 desktop replacement notebook personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (1/22/08)

Acer
Profile of the Acer customer and technical support departments including surveys and ratings on their performance.

DIY: Budget PC Guide
A suggested list of parts to build your own budget desktop PC computer for under $700 from the About.com PC / Hardware / Reviews Guide.

Sony VAIO VGN-AR730E/B
Product review of the Sony VAIO VGN-AR730E/B desktop replacement notebook personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (1/17/08)

AMD Athlon XP 2500+ Processor
Product review of the AMD Athlon XP 2500+ Processor from the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. Includes benchmarks and overclocking results.

Toshiba Satellite A60-S1591ST
Product review of the Toshiba Satellite A60-S1591ST budget notebook personal computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (10/28/04)

PC Tool Kit
Article detailing the most important tools that one should have when working on a personal computer. It is formatted as a checklist with the name of the item to have in the kit, how it is used and why it is important.

Toshiba Portege R500-S5001X
Product review of the Toshiba Portege R500-S5001X ultraportable notebook computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (9/13/07)

Lenovo 3000 Y410
Product review of hte Lenovo 3000 Y410 budget notebook personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (4/12/08)

PC Cases
Article from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide looking into the various aspects to consider when looking to purchase a case for your desktop personal computer

Lenovo ThinkPad X300
Product review of the Lenovo Ultraportable ThinkPad X300 ultraportable notebook personal computer system from the About.com PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (3/8/08)

HP Compaq nc4010
Product review of the HP Compaq corporate ultraportable notebook computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews.

Dell Dimension XPS (Gen 4)
Product review of the fourth generation Dell Dimension XPS performance desktop personal computer system by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide. (12/21/04)