Latest PCs & Components How-To Stories
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3 things to know before building a small form factor PC
Thinking of building your first small form factor PC? Take a few tips from PCWorld's YouTube channel.
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How to install an Intel or AMD CPU in your computer
The CPU is the beating heart of your PC. Here's how to install it.
How-To
How to tell which version of Windows you have
Knowing your version and edition of Windows is useful, especially if you’re about to upgrade. Here are several fast ways to get the info.
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How to check your monitor's refresh rate
Looking for faster gameplay? You've come to the right place. Adjusting the refresh rate on your monitor is actually quite simple.
How-To
What to look for in a cheap Chromebook
Is a cheap Chromebook good enough for homework and distance learning? We discuss the most important criteria as you buy cheap Chromebooks for the holidays and Black Friday.
How-To
SSD vs. HDD vs. hybrid: Which storage tech is right for you?
With SSDs, hard drives, and hybrid drives we are spoiled for choice when it comes to PC storage. Here's our advice on what to do.
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How to choose the right RAM for your PC
Picking the right memory for your computer isn't as straightforward as you might think. Here's what you need to know.
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How to check CPU and memory usage
Here's how to see just how hard your processor and RAM are working.
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Pick the perfect motherboard with these 5 tips
Choosing the right motherboard might seem confusing, but this guide can help you shop smart.
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How to buy the perfect PC case
PC cases come in all shapes, sizes, and features—from fully loaded ATX towers to bare-bones small form factors. This guide will help you find the best PC case for your needs.
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How to install (or replace) a case fan
Your PC needs to stay cool to keep working at its best. Here's how to install a fan for a new build, or to replace a fan that has stopped working.
How-To
How to turn on AMD’s Smart Access Memory for faster gaming performance
With the right AMD hardware, you can unlock extra gaming performance with a quick trip to the BIOS.
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How to change your mouse DPI
This tutorial teaches you how to speed up your mouse by increasing the DPI settings in Windows 10.
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How to calibrate your monitor: An in-depth guide
Disappointed by your monitor’s image quality? You might be able to improve it through monitor calibration. Here's how.
How-To
Speed up Windows 10 for free: Tips for a faster PC
Give your Windows PC a free performance boost with these 9 tips.
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How to check what motherboard you have
Knowing what motherboard you have lets you know what sorts of PC components you can slot into it. Here's how to check.
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How to check your PC specs in Windows 10
Wondering what's inside your computer? Here's how to check your PC specs.
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How to enable XMP to run your RAM at full speed
Your high-speed desktop RAM runs slower until you manually activate XMP in your motherboard BIOS. Here's how to do it.
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How to buy a USB-C cable on Amazon without losing your mind
How do you pick a USB-C cable on Amazon with so many brands available? We sifted through a pile so you wouldn't have to. Here's what we learned.
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How to use Nvidia’s performance tuning tool for one-click GeForce overclocking
If you have a relatively new GeForce RTX graphics card, Nvidia's new performance tuning feature in GeForce Experience can make it even faster with just one click. Here's how to use it, and what to expect from the results.
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How to change your monitor’s refresh rate (and why gamers should check pronto)
High refresh rate monitors are fantastic, but if you don't set them up correctly they can't live up to their potential.
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How to enable HDR in Windows 10
Windows 10 supports HDR monitors, but you have to manually turn the feature on to get those luscious visuals. Here's how to do it.
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How to install a power supply in your PC
A strong, reliable power supply is the heart of a strong, reliable PC. Here's how to replace or install a new power supply in your computer.
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Which CPU do I have and how fast is it? How to check
Do you know which CPU is running inside your PC? The answer could inform what software you run, and when to upgrade.
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How to choose the best PC power supply
Here's everything you need to know about the electric heart beating at your desktop computer's core.
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How to install a hard drive in your computer
Don't be afraid of cracking open your desktop PC's case. Installing a new hard drive is a basic task anyone can accomplish.
How-To
How to see how much memory is in your computer
Running out of memory can cause performance issues. Here's how to see how much memory is in your PC, and how fast it is.
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How to see your PC game’s frame rate with Steam’s FPS counter
It's quick and easy to turn on Steam's in-game FPS counter. Here's how.
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How to build your own high-performance portable SSD
By building your own portable SSD you can typically get the best performance at cheaper prices.
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How to install a graphics card
Installing a new graphics card can give your PC a major performance boost. Here's how to do it.
How-To
How to find out if your laptop can take an SSD
Give your old laptop a big performance boost with one simple step: replacing its hard drive with an SSD. Can your laptop be upgraded? Let's find out.
Tip
Couldn’t buy a graphics card? Play Cyberpunk 2077 from the cloud on GeForce Now
Bummed because you couldn't find a graphics card in time to play Cyberpunk 2077 today? Consider playing it on GeForce Now, Nvidia's surprisingly good cloud gaming service.
Updated
How to build a PC: A step-by-step guide
Wondering how to build a PC? Our comprehensive guide can help you through the entire process, from installing the CPU and the Windows operating system, to proper cable management.
How-To
How to get rid of old files and clean up your PC with Windows’ Storage settings
The combination of Windows 10's Storage settings, Storage Sense, and free third-party apps like WinDirStat can quickly clear out enough extra space to store the latest games and videos.
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How to overclock your PC’s CPU
We'll show you how to tweak your PC's settings in order to wring extra performance from your CPU, and avoid a costly upgrade.
How-To
If you’re having graphics card problems, try a clean driver install
AMD issues a great reminder amidst a recent bug hunt: Many graphics card problems can be fixed by performing a clean install of your GPU drivers.
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How to use Windows’ Your Phone app to connect your phone to your PC
We'll walk you through how to use Windows 10's Your Phone app, from basic setup to its ability to show texts and notifications, remotely interact with your Android phone's screen, and even place calls.
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How to use a Chromebook: 10 must-know tips, tricks, and tools for beginners
Chromebooks are dead-simple to use, but just like any PC a little tweaking makes your experience that much better.
Tip
Ask a PC expert: Should you upgrade your Core i7-2600K?
PCWorld CPU guru Gordon Mah Ung explains who should and shouldn't upgrade their workhorse Intel Core i7-2600K processor, and which CPUs to replace it with.
Tip
Ask a PC expert: Why are there so many PC hardware launch supply problems?
PCWorld CPU guru Gordon Mah Ung explains why so many flagship PC hardware launches suffer from supply woes, then digs into whether or not you should preorder parts to avoid the headache.
Tip
Ask a PC expert: Is air cooling or liquid cooling better for your CPU?
PCWorld's CPU guru Gordon Mah Ung breaks down the pros, cons, and common misconceptions about air coolers and closed-loop liquid cooling.
How-To
5 Windows display tricks to help you focus
When you're trying to focus on a specific task, the right display settings can make a big difference. Automate dark mode, cut down on blue light, dim secondary displays and more with these tips.
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How to partition a hard drive
Partitions allow you to segment a single drive for separating programs from files or installing a second OS.
How-To
How to disable your laptop touchpad
Does your laptop touchpad get in the way while you type? Here's how to turn it off.
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How to remove malware from your Windows PC
Has malicious software taken your PC hostage? Our malware-removal guide will help you clean out your PC and restore it to a pristine state.
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How to transform your laptop into a gaming powerhouse with an external graphics card
With a little bit of research and elbow grease (or a Thunderbolt 3 dock), an external graphics card setup lets you upgrade your laptop for a fraction of the cost of a new gaming PC.
How-To
The ultimate guide to proper SSD management
From file management to housecleaning, these tips and tricks will help you get the most out of your supercharged storage.
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How to install Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp
After following these simple instructions, you'll be able to dual-boot your Mac into Windows.
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Use Windows 10’s individual display scaling to perfect your multi-monitor setup
Want to boost the scaling on your 1080p monitor by a little and your 4K display by a lot? With Windows 10 that's an easy fix.
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