hardware specifications Archives

Winsage

May 17, 2025

Windows 11 Home vs Pro for Gaming: Which One Should You Choose?

Upgrading from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro does not yield significant benefits in gaming performance, compatibility, or features for most gamers. Both editions provide identical gaming performance, supporting the same core gaming technologies such as DirectStorage, Auto HDR, and Game Mode. Windows 11 Home supports up to 128 GB of RAM and one CPU socket with 64 cores, while Windows 11 Pro supports up to 2 TB of RAM and two CPU sockets with 128 cores. Pro includes additional features like BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop hosting, Hyper-V virtualization, and Group Policy management, which are not typically utilized by gamers. The price of Windows 11 Home is lower than that of Pro, making it a more cost-effective choice for gaming. Both editions meet the hardware requirements for modern gaming, and compatibility with major games and platforms is consistent across both versions.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

APK Full Form in Android: Explained for Gamers and App Lovers

APK stands for Android Application Package, which is a file format essential for distributing, installing, and managing mobile applications on the Android platform. An APK contains all the necessary code, resources, and instructions for an app to run on Android devices. Key components of an APK include DEX files (app code), assets and resources (images, sounds, layouts), certificates and security signatures (for verification), and the AndroidManifest.xml file (which outlines permissions and components). When an app is installed, the APK is unpacked, permissions are granted, and its integrity is verified through digital signatures. APK files support various applications and games, allowing for manual installations and updates, and they ensure universal compatibility across devices. Users can adjust security settings to allow installations from unknown sources, but Android restricts this by default for safety.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages review

The latest first-person shooter from id Software, titled Doom: The Dark Ages, is set to release on May 15, 2025, with a price of £60. It is published by Microsoft and has been reviewed on an RTX 2080 Super, Intel Core i9 9900KS, and 32GB RAM. The game features a new mechanic called the Shield Saw, allowing players to deflect attacks and engage enemies more aggressively. However, the complexity of the firearms has been reduced, with no dedicated secondary fire modes and a focus on passive upgrades. The game emphasizes accessibility, offering customizable difficulty settings, but the level designs are simpler compared to previous installments. Players can pilot mechs and engage in aerial dogfights, but these moments are brief and feel disconnected from the main gameplay. The overall experience may lead players to prefer earlier entries in the series. The game does not include multiplayer and has not been tested on Steam Deck.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2025

One-click Postgres Pro optimization with pgpro_tune

pgpro_tune is a command-line utility designed to optimize the initial server configuration of Postgres Pro based on hardware specifications. It scans the server to identify key hardware details, processes these values through shell scripts that encapsulate tuning expertise, and generates recommended parameters for PostgreSQL settings, including memory management, autovacuum tuning, connection limits, and statistics collection. The utility appends these settings to the postgresql.conf file, ensuring they override the default settings. pgpro_tune supports various presets for different use cases and allows database administrators to create custom presets. It runs automatically during cluster initialization and can be executed manually at any time, applying changes through standard PostgreSQL methods. This tool aims to streamline the tuning process, reduce the risks of misconfiguration, and enhance performance without replacing the need for advanced tuning in specialized scenarios.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Forget FPS. Here’s why Frame Time is the PC gaming stat that matters most

Frame time measures the time interval between individual frames displayed on the screen, providing a more detailed view of frame consistency compared to frames per second (FPS). An ideal frame time for a game running at 60 FPS is 16.6 milliseconds per frame, and deviations can lead to stuttering. A frame time graph shows frame time in milliseconds on the vertical axis and frame number or recording time on the horizontal axis, with a flat line indicating optimal performance. Gamers often prefer consistent, lower FPS over fluctuating higher FPS for a better experience. Troubleshooting frame time issues involves examining CPU and GPU utilization and adjusting settings. Keeping video drivers updated is essential, and persistent issues may indicate problems with the game itself, as seen in titles like Gotham Knights and Elden Ring.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Windows 10 support is ending – and Microsoft’s “helpful” checklist wants you to toss your laptop

Microsoft is transitioning Windows 10 users to Windows 11, with an end-of-support date for Windows 10 set for October 14, 2025. Windows 11 has achieved a desktop market share of 42.69%. A newly released end-of-support checklist suggests users prepare to replace their Windows 10 machines rather than simply upgrade. The checklist outlines Windows 11's minimum hardware requirements and implies that Microsoft encourages users to consider new hardware, raising suspicions that the stringent requirements are designed to stimulate sales of new devices. The checklist emphasizes backing up data and responsible recycling of old devices, and it suggests trading in older machines for discounts on new Windows 11-compatible computers. Since its launch in 2021, Windows 11 has evolved significantly, particularly with the integration of generative AI, which has raised hardware specifications. The introduction of Copilot+ PC-branded laptops highlights the urgency for users to upgrade from aging Windows 10 devices.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Windows 365 Link Cloud PC now available for $349.99

Microsoft has launched the Windows 365 Link, its first cloud PC, available for purchase in the U.S. at a price of .99. The device features an Intel N250 processor, 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 64GB of UFS storage. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-A 3.2 Gen1, USB-A 3.2 Gen2, USB-C 3.2, Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4. It measures 120 x 120 x 30mm. The device requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance, and its hardware specifications may not meet the demands of intensive tasks. In comparison, Apple's Mac Mini, priced at 9, features an M2 chip, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB of SSD storage. Microsoft claims that Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop can save employees 6 to 12 minutes daily and organizations between .1M and .2M over three years through BYOPC programs. The Windows 365 Link is aimed at businesses integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a cost-effective solution for cloud-managed workstations.

AppWizard

April 2, 2025

Naughty Dog And Nixxes On The PC Port Of The Last Of Us Part II: “We Take The Steam Deck Very, Very Seriously”

The Last of Us Part II is set to launch on Steam on April 3, marking a shift in Sony's strategy to release titles across multiple platforms. The porting process involves adapting the game from PlayStation hardware to PC, which presents challenges due to differences in architecture and the need for customizable experiences for PC gamers. The development team, including members from Naughty Dog and Nixxes, has implemented a system for real-time shader compilation to enhance performance. The port will also include new characters and gameplay modes, while maintaining the original narrative. Extensive collaboration between Naughty Dog and Nixxes has ensured support for various input devices and accessibility options.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

The Last of Us Part II Remastered Coming to PC On April 3, 2025

“The Last of Us Part II Remastered” will be released on PC on April 3, 2025, available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. This marks the first time Windows users can access the game, which previously received over 300 Game of the Year awards on PlayStation. The remastered edition includes enhancements such as improved graphics, performance, and new content, including a roguelike mode called “No Return.” Pre-orders are currently available. The PC version will support customizable graphics settings, ultrawide monitor support, and full DualSense controller features. New playable characters Bill and Marlene will be introduced in the “No Return” mode, alongside a Guitar Free Play mode and restored cut content. The game will require a minimum of an Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300x processor and 16GB RAM.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Windows 11 has a hidden FAQ page in testing that tells you why your PC is slow

Windows 11 will introduce a new FAQ page in its Settings app to help users identify potential limitations of their PCs. This feature, currently hidden in Dev Channel builds, will answer questions about the OS version and evaluate GPU adequacy for gaming and video tasks. It will also analyze the impact of having 4-8GB of RAM on performance. The feature can be activated using the third-party utility ViVeTool with ID “5530588,” but its effectiveness may vary across systems. Microsoft has faced criticism for Windows 11's strict minimum hardware requirements, which may prevent many PCs from upgrading from Windows 10. This situation may force users to upgrade hardware or consider alternatives like ChromeOS. Microsoft aims to enhance user experience with Windows 11, which may lead to increased hardware sales and user satisfaction.