motherboard

Winsage
May 28, 2025
Microsoft has not changed the official requirements for Windows 11 since its launch. Users need a compatible 64-bit processor (1GHz or faster with at least two cores), a minimum of 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Essential features include UEFI firmware that supports Secure Boot and TPM version 2.0, DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and displays of at least 9 inches with a resolution of 720p. Microsoft allows experienced users to manually install Windows 11 on unsupported devices at their own risk, but this is not advisable due to potential issues. The strict requirements are intended to enhance security and performance. Users can check compatibility with the PC Health Check Tool. Microsoft will support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025, after which there will be no official support. For those whose systems do not meet the specifications, upgrading hardware or purchasing a new PC may be necessary.
Winsage
May 2, 2025
The process of installing Linux has evolved from text-based installers in the late 1990s to user-friendly graphical installers in distributions like Ubuntu and OpenSUSE. Users can start with a single-board computer like the Raspberry Pi or set up a dual-boot configuration with Windows and Linux using a custom boot menu called GRUB. It is advisable to back up the drive before installation to prevent data loss. To create a Linux Install USB, users need to download an ISO image of the Linux distribution and use Rufus to write it onto a USB drive of at least 8GB. The steps include selecting the USB drive, choosing the Linux OS, selecting the GPT partition scheme, and writing the OS in ISO image mode. For dual-boot installation, users should insert the USB drive, boot from it, and select “Try or Install Ubuntu” from the GRUB menu. After testing hardware functionality, the installation process involves selecting language, configuring accessibility, choosing keyboard layout, connecting to the Internet, and selecting installation options. Users must choose “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager” and allocate space for each operating system. After installation, users need to adjust BIOS settings to ensure the system boots from the Linux installation. This includes selecting the Boot menu, setting the Linux install as Boot Option 1, and saving the changes. Upon rebooting, users can select their Linux OS from the GRUB menu and verify the functionality of both operating systems.
Winsage
April 18, 2025
The blue screen of death (BSOD) indicates a critical system issue in Windows. Common causes include: - Faulty or outdated drivers, often related to hardware changes. - Hardware problems, such as failures in RAM, hard drives, or motherboards. - Overheating due to dust, poor ventilation, or malfunctioning fans. - Corrupt system files from improper shutdowns, power surges, or software bugs. - Software conflicts, particularly with incompatible applications. - Issues from problematic Windows updates. - Viruses or malware that corrupt system files or disrupt functionality. - BIOS or firmware issues that introduce instability. - Defective external devices like USB sticks or hard drives. Resolving BSOD issues requires a systematic approach and understanding of error codes.
AppWizard
March 31, 2025
Both the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti GPUs are being tested across five demanding PC games to evaluate their performance. The RTX 5070 is priced at £529, while the RTX 5070 Ti is priced at £729. In Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 5070 achieved 17 FPS and the RTX 5070 Ti achieved 25 FPS at 4K Ultra settings without DLSS. With DLSS 4 enabled, both GPUs exceeded 100 FPS. In Forza Horizon 5, both GPUs showed similar 1% low performance. In Call of Duty Black Ops 6, the RTX 5070 showed limitations compared to the RTX 5070 Ti. Black Myth: Wukong revealed a noticeable performance gap between the two GPUs, while both performed well in Alan Wake II. The RTX 5070 Ti is recommended for multiplayer gaming, while the RTX 5070 may suffice for single-player experiences. Both GPUs offer enhanced performance for users with older hardware.
Winsage
March 20, 2025
58.7% of Windows users have not transitioned to Windows 11, which has a market share of 38.13%. Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Microsoft is encouraging users to trade in their old PCs for new models. While users can continue to use their Windows 10 PCs after the support ends, many may find greater value in repurposing their old machines instead of trading them in.
AppWizard
March 9, 2025
Batman: Arkham Knight was pulled from sale within 24 hours of its PC launch due to severe performance issues, leading to a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam after months of fixes. Kerbal Space Program 2, developed by Intercept Games, has received overwhelmingly negative reviews since its early access launch in 2023, raising ethical questions about its availability. Newegg sold a faulty motherboard to Gamers Nexus and refused a refund, leading to a series of videos and a meeting between the two parties. 38 Studios, founded by Curt Schilling, secured a million loan from Rhode Island but filed for bankruptcy after failing to deliver on its MMO project, Project Copernicus, following the underwhelming performance of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. iBUYPOWER was involved in a match-fixing scandal during a 2014 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive match, resulting in Valve taking action against the players. Cyberpunk 2077's launch was plagued by bugs and performance issues, particularly on last-gen consoles, despite high expectations. Blood II: The Chosen was launched prematurely by GT Interactive, leading to a damaged reputation and the abandonment of the franchise.
Winsage
March 4, 2025
The end of Windows 10 support is approaching in eight months, causing concern among PC gamers. AMD's new graphics cards, the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT, require Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) instead of traditional BIOS. AMD confirmed that all graphics cards from the 9000 series will have "UEFI-only support." While many users have transitioned to UEFI, over 40 percent of Steam users still use Windows 10, which is compatible with older BIOS systems. AMD's announcement does not clarify the compatibility of the 9000-series cards with BIOS or motherboards with Compatibility Support Module (CSM). Gamers on Windows 10 may face increasing compatibility issues if they upgrade their hardware after the end-of-service date.
Winsage
March 3, 2025
Users of Windows 11 24H2 have reported issues after installing patches KB5050094 and KB5051987, particularly affecting those with Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processors, leading to game crashes and performance slowdowns. One user experienced crashes while playing The Settlers: New Allies, and others noted widespread instability across applications. An affected user with an ASRock Z890 Pro RS motherboard faced difficulties getting their system running without a beta BIOS due to an Intel microcode update. Users observed significant performance drops when applications were minimized, with CPU clock rates throttled. Performance issues were replicated across multiple applications, including 7Zip and Prime95, with benchmarks showing halved performance when minimized. A workaround involves adjusting power settings, but no definitive fix is available. Users with AMD Ryzen 9 9950X or older Intel Core i9-12900K processors have not reported similar issues, suggesting problems may be specific to Intel's LGA 1851 platform. Additional issues with Windows 11 24H2 include increased advertising in the Settings menu, high CPU utilization, and a glitch causing interface language discrepancies. The patches are optional, allowing users to revert to a more stable version or reinstall Windows 11.
Tech Optimizer
February 26, 2025
In 2020, Avast faced backlash for collecting user data without adequate disclosure and selling it to over a hundred companies through its subsidiary, Jumpshot. Investigations revealed vulnerabilities in their anonymization process, allowing users to be re-identified. In response to public outcry, Avast shut down Jumpshot and CEO Ondrej Vlcek apologized. The FTC initiated an investigation, resulting in penalties for Avast in February 2024, including a ban on selling user data and a settlement of .5 million. Customers who purchased Avast products between August 2014 and January 2020 may be eligible for a refund, with emails containing Claim Numbers sent starting February 24, 2025. Refund amounts will depend on the number of claims filed.
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