Tech News
Back to home
Technology

Smart ways to help your PC survive through the PC component pricing apocalypse — check temps, replace old AIOs and PSUs, keep an eye on your boot drive's TBW, and more

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

TL;DR

AI Generated

The article discusses strategies to help your PC endure the current surge in component prices, such as monitoring temperatures, replacing old AIOs and PSUs, and checking your boot drive's TBW. It highlights the importance of maintaining clean case fans, using quality surge protectors, and investing in reliable cooling solutions. Additionally, it suggests upgrading outdated hardware to prevent potential failures that could lead to costly replacements. The piece also emphasizes the significance of monitoring CPU and GPU temperatures, considering thermal paste replacement, and ensuring proper airflow for longevity.

Read Full Article

Similar Articles

The GeForce RTX 30-series upgrade matrix — does your Ampere GPU need an upgrade in 2026?

The GeForce RTX 30-series upgrade matrix — does your Ampere GPU need an upgrade in 2026?

Nvidia's RTX 30-series graphics cards are approaching their sixth birthdays, and while they continue to receive support, newer software features like DLSS Frame Generation are not available for Ampere GPUs. The limitations of these cards, particularly in terms of VRAM, may be felt when playing the latest games at high resolutions. The article provides upgrade recommendations for different Ampere cards based on performance improvements and features like DLSS 4.5 and MFG. It suggests considering factors like monitor resolution and refresh rate before deciding on a GPU upgrade. For cards like the RTX 3080, RTX 3070, and RTX 3060, the article recommends upgrading to newer models for better performance and VRAM capacity.

Tom's Hardware•
Commodore backs down over FPGA firmware lockdown — it won’t now try and block third-party firmware installs but will stand firm against bricked modded units

Commodore backs down over FPGA firmware lockdown — it won’t now try and block third-party firmware installs but will stand firm against bricked modded units

Commodore has reversed its decision to block third-party firmware installs on the C64 Ultimate computer, allowing users to experiment freely. However, the company will not provide support or replacements for modded units that become bricked. The initial plan to restrict non-Commodore FPGA firmware caused a divide among fans, leading to heated discussions on social media and forums. Commodore now emphasizes user freedom but warns that using community-installed firmware is at the owner's risk, with no free support or warranty service provided for damaged units.

Tom's Hardware•
CEO Interview with Xianxin Guo of Lumai

CEO Interview with Xianxin Guo of Lumai

Xianxin Guo, CEO of Lumai, discusses the company's optical computing technology for AI and data center acceleration, aiming to address power efficiency and scalability limitations of traditional silicon-based approaches. Lumai's hybrid optical-electronic design enhances compute efficiency by leveraging light for key operations, reducing energy consumption and breaking through AI system bottlenecks. The technology is well-suited for high-throughput AI inference workloads in data centers, offering a more cost-effective and scalable solution. By focusing on optical compute, Lumai differentiates itself from competitors and aims to redefine AI compute efficiency for long-term scalability and performance gains. The company engages with customers through collaborative discussions and partnership-driven approaches to integrate optical computing seamlessly into existing AI infrastructure.

SemiWiki•
Steam Controller leaked review points to $99 MSRP — more expensive than PS5 and Xbox controllers and Nintendo Joy-Cons

Steam Controller leaked review points to $99 MSRP — more expensive than PS5 and Xbox controllers and Nintendo Joy-Cons

A leaked review of the Steam Controller revealed a $99 price tag, making it more expensive than controllers for PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo. The controller features dual trackpads, which the reviewer highlighted as a standout feature. Valve announced the Steam Controller alongside other hardware in late 2025, but due to the chip crisis, the release has been delayed to the first half of 2026. Despite its higher price, the Steam Controller's unique features, like dual touchpads, make it a compelling option for PC gaming. Valve has yet to announce an official release date for its new hardware lineup.

Tom's Hardware•

We use cookies

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our cookie policy.