hardware performance Archives

Winsage

August 18, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 Security Update Causes SSD/HDD Failures and Potential Data Corruption

A significant security update from Microsoft, Windows 11 24H2 (KB5063878), is causing issues for users, making SSDs and HDDs inaccessible and potentially corrupting user data. Users have reported installation failures with error code 0x80240069, and despite a hotfix, the update has led to storage drives disappearing from the Windows environment, particularly during large sequential write operations. Recovery attempts are often unsuccessful, putting user files at risk. Microsoft has not provided an official fix, and users are advised to avoid the update and ensure routine data backups. Unplugging and reconnecting the affected drive may temporarily restore visibility but does not guarantee data safety.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Steam’s new performance overlay feature will help you monitor how your games are running

Valve has released an update to the Steam Client that includes a performance monitoring overlay for enhanced gaming experience. This overlay provides comprehensive analysis of game performance, displaying FPS values and differentiating between frames generated by technologies like Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). Players can select from four monitoring levels: Single FPS Value, FPS Details, CPU & GPU Utilization, and FPS, CPU, GPU, and RAM. The overlay shows minimum and maximum frame values, graphical representation of frame rates, and insights into CPU, GPU, and memory usage. It appears at the bottom of the screen and can be customized in real-time for color saturation, text size, and background opacity. Users can visualize CPU utilization per core and track FPS trends. To activate the overlay, users navigate to Settings > In Game and adjust the Performance Overlay section, where they can reposition it and assign a hotkey. Valve plans to enhance the overlay with additional data to identify hardware performance issues and provide a broader summary of game performance.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Steam adds an in-game performance monitor so you can brag about hitting 900 FPS in Deus Ex

A recent update to Steam has introduced a fully integrated in-game performance monitor, transitioning from its beta phase. This upgraded tool enhances the previous frame counter with additional features, allowing users to activate it through Steam settings for real-time insights into system performance. It displays frame rate values, differentiates between frames generated by technologies like DLSS or FSR, and provides analysis of minimum and maximum frame values along with a graph of frame rate fluctuations. The monitor also tracks CPU performance, GPU performance, and system memory usage, streamlining the assessment of these metrics. Users can choose from four levels of detail and customize the display options. Future enhancements are planned, including automatic detection of common hardware performance issues. Currently, the focus is on Windows users and commonly used GPUs, with broader support expected in future updates.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for only $15 — Get it before Windows 10 ends

Microsoft is phasing out updates for Windows 10, leading to increased vulnerability for users. Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 and offers enhanced features and security, including biometric login, advanced antivirus defenses, and Smart App Control. It improves productivity with features like voice typing, a powerful search function, BitLocker encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V, and Azure AD. Gamers benefit from DirectX 12 Ultimate for better graphics and performance. Windows 11 Pro includes the AI-powered assistant Copilot, which can answer questions, open applications, modify settings, summarize web pages, and integrate with GitHub. It also features Widgets, MS Teams, and touchscreen support. Users should check system requirements before upgrading.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro now $10 with Stack Social deal

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, reduced from its original price of 9. A coupon code, WINDOWS, can further reduce the price to .97. Key features include an intuitive interface, enhanced voice typing, advanced security, and gaming capabilities with DirectX 12 Ultimate. The package includes Microsoft Teams, Widgets, and touchscreen support, and purchasing it grants a lifetime license. Users should ensure their PC meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Additionally, Walmart is offering Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) for 9.99, and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K for .99.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Windows 11 will soon let you know why your PC hardware sucks

A new feature in the latest test builds of Windows 11 includes a FAQ section aimed at helping users understand how their hardware affects system performance, specifically addressing issues related to GPU memory and system RAM. Discovered by a Windows enthusiast, this feature is available in the Dev Channel build and can be manually activated, although Microsoft has not officially confirmed it. The FAQ provides information on the implications of low RAM and GPUs with less than 4GB of memory, and it notifies users who are not on the latest version of Windows 11 to consider updates. The adaptability of the FAQ responses is still unclear, and the feature may be rolled out to all Windows 11 users in the future, particularly with the upcoming 24H2 update.

Winsage

February 22, 2025

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro before Windows 10 support ends

Microsoft is discontinuing support for Windows 10, encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, which is currently priced at .97 (regularly .99) until March 30. Windows 11 Pro features a user-friendly interface, enhanced multitasking capabilities, advanced security measures including TPM 2.0 and BitLocker encryption, and tools for businesses like Azure AD and Hyper-V. It also includes gaming enhancements through DirectX 12 Ultimate and an AI-powered Copilot for various tasks. The license allows one activation key for two devices, and users should check their PC's compatibility before purchasing.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

This Windows 11 Pro With AI Copilot at 90% Off Is Your Last Shot of the Year, Offer Ends Soon

StackSocial is offering a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro at a price significantly reduced by 90% from the standard retail price of 9. The license allows installation on two PCs that meet the minimum system requirements. Windows 11 Pro features enhancements such as an AI-powered assistant called Copilot, DirectX 12 Ultimate for improved gaming graphics, BitLocker Drive Encryption for device security, and Smart App Control to prevent the installation of untrusted applications.

Winsage

December 6, 2024

5 reasons to keep your Windows drivers up to date

Drivers are essential software that connect a computer's hardware to the Windows operating system, ensuring smooth operation and recognition of components like the motherboard and graphics card. Windows typically installs necessary drivers automatically when a new device is connected, but this process may not always occur. Keeping drivers updated is important for optimal functionality and security, as outdated drivers can lead to performance issues and vulnerabilities. Each hardware component requires specific drivers, and users can manually download them from the manufacturer's website if automatic installation fails. Regular driver updates can enhance hardware performance, particularly for gaming, and help avoid compatibility issues. Outdated drivers can cause hardware instability, leading to crashes or connectivity problems, which may be resolved by updating. Additionally, keeping drivers current protects against security vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit. Updating drivers can also resolve longstanding hardware issues that persist despite other troubleshooting efforts.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows Central’s highest-rated laptops are already on sale ahead of Black Friday — save up to $640 with my shopping advice

As the holiday shopping season approaches, discounts on Windows laptops are becoming available, including high-end Copilot+ PCs and budget-friendly options. A curated list of the best deals for 2024 is being compiled, which will be updated as Black Friday nears. Windows laptops are categorized into three primary types: 1. Notebook: A classic clamshell design, often used for gaming. 2. Convertible: Heavier, pricier laptops with 360-degree hinges and touch displays, suitable for media and creative tasks. 3. 2-in-1: Devices with a detachable keyboard, allowing tablet-like use. AI PCs, equipped with processors that include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), are gaining attention in 2024. Examples include Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI 300. Microsoft's Copilot+ PC program enhances the AI experience for laptops with NPUs. However, for most users, having an NPU may not be essential, and focusing on overall performance is recommended. The evaluation process for Windows laptops includes testing hinge strength, chassis durability, port speed, camera quality, speaker performance, fan noise, display quality, and battery life. All laptops in the Black Friday collection have ratings of four stars or higher. Black Friday 2024 is scheduled for November 29, 2024, with many retailers already offering deals. Cyber Monday will follow on December 2, 2024, focusing on online shopping, with some tech deals continuing from Black Friday.