Hardware Upgrades
Ongoing coverage on Hardware Upgrades.
Latest coverage
Apex Legends PC System Requirements: Minimum & Recommended Specs
This guide details the minimum and recommended PC system requirements for Apex Legends, including CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage specifications. It also offers advice on checking current hardware and performing necessary upgrades to meet the game's demands for optimal performance.
Steam's most popular GPU is still the Nvidia RTX 3060, as prices prevent many gamers from upgrading
The Nvidia RTX 3060 remains the most popular graphics card among Steam users, indicating a trend of PC gamers holding onto older hardware due to persistently high GPU prices. Despite some users opting for newer Nvidia RTX 50 series cards, price increases of up to 40% this summer are preventing widespread upgrades.
Framework's cheapest laptop just got a major spec bump
Framework has upgraded its Framework Laptop 12 with Intel's Core Series 3 chips and other hardware enhancements. This update brings improved specifications to their most affordable laptop model.
Apple's rumored upgrades to its Mac lineup go beyond touchscreens
Apple is reportedly preparing upgrades for its Mac lineup, including the MacBook Neo, iMac, and MacBook Air. Rumors suggest these updates may go beyond simple touchscreen enhancements.
Morning Tech Bits
This article rounds up several tech-related news items, including a guide on mounting GPU memory as a RAM disk on Windows, methods for preserving DVDs and Blu-rays, and information on hardware upgrades.
New rumours suggest Nintendo could be looking into upgrading the Switch 2 with an OLED screen
New rumors suggest Nintendo is considering an OLED screen upgrade for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, potentially launching in 2028. Samsung Display may supply the OLED panels, similar to the original Nintendo Switch OLED model. This upgrade could also address issues like screen delay and ghosting.
Disassembling the Steam Machine suggests Valve are protecting its precious RAM by burying it under a dozen other parts
A teardown of the Steam Machine reveals its complex internal structure, making RAM upgrades and repairs significantly more difficult than on standard PCs. While components like the SSD are accessible, the CPU and GPU are integrated, and accessing the RAM requires extensive disassembly. Despite these challenges, the modular design offers good repairability for individual parts, though replacement parts are not yet widely available.
How to survive the memory shortage crisis: a PC owner's guide
This guide offers PC owners strategies to navigate the current memory shortage crisis, which is driving up prices for RAM, graphics cards, and other components. It suggests focusing on software solutions like upscaling and frame generation, optimizing existing hardware through updates and BIOS settings, and considering second-hand parts or cheaper alternatives for upgrades. The article anticipates that significant relief in memory pricing is unlikely before 2028 or 2029 due to high AI demand.
Luxury mechanical keyboards can cost hundreds, check your deck for this cheaper upgrade
This article discusses upgrading mechanical keyboards by swapping out switches, a feature common in many modern decks. It highlights that this can be a more cost-effective solution than buying a new keyboard, especially with Prime Day deals available on Amazon. The guide also mentions other keyboard types like Hall effect keyboards and lists recommended switches.
The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X has just received an upgraded OLED model in a bundle with AR glasses, and my wallet is…
Asus has unveiled an anniversary edition of the ASUS ROG Ally X handheld gaming device, featuring a 7.4-inch OLED screen, black and gold theming, and TMR thumbsticks. This upgraded model is bundled with ROG XReal R1 AR glasses, which can simulate a 171-inch display. Pricing and a release date for this bundle have not yet been announced, but it is expected to be significantly more expensive than the original $1,000 model due to the premium components and AR glasses.
The Asus ROG Ally X20 Finally Gets The Upgrade Fans Have Been Asking For
Asus has unveiled the ROG Ally X20 at Computex, featuring a significant upgrade with a 7.4-inch 120Hz OLED 1080p display, drift-resistant joysticks, and an improved D-pad. While internal hardware remains similar, the new OLED screen offers superior brightness and color compared to previous models and competitors like the Steam Deck. Pricing and release details are yet to be fully confirmed, with initial reports suggesting a bundle with Xreal R1 glasses.
As AI supply disruptions grip the market, almost two thirds of PC owners have no plans to upgrade
A survey of 1,500 PC owners indicates that approximately 60% have no plans to upgrade their systems in the next two years, largely due to surging component prices driven by AI demand. Prices for RAM, SSDs, and even older CPUs have significantly increased, making upgrades unaffordable for many.
PlayStation Urges PS4 Players to Upgrade to PS5 for GTA 6
Sony is urging PlayStation 4 owners to upgrade to the PlayStation 5 in anticipation of Grand Theft Auto 6's release on November 19, 2026. Emails and console messages are being sent to active Grand Theft Auto 5 players and those who have wishlisted the upcoming title, directing them to PS5 purchasing pages. This move suggests a potential marketing partnership between Sony and Rockstar Games to ensure players experience GTA 6 on current-gen hardware.
Musk pledges to fix 2019-2023 Teslas that can't fully self drive
Elon Musk announced that Tesla will upgrade Hardware 3 computers in vehicles manufactured between 2019 and early 2023 to enable Full Self-Driving capabilities, as the current hardware lacks sufficient memory bandwidth. The company plans to establish microfactories for efficient upgrades and will release FSD version 14 for Hardware 3 by the end of June. Additionally, Tesla's Fremont factory will begin producing Optimus robots in late July or August.