SSD

Winsage
May 17, 2025
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.
Tech Optimizer
May 16, 2025
Antivirus software has been a common tool for PC users over the past two decades, with many opting for third-party solutions for enhanced protection despite Windows 11's built-in features. User behavior significantly impacts computer security, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unknown links and not reusing passwords. Antivirus packages are designed to combat threats like ransomware, spyware, and viruses. The evaluation process for antivirus applications involved testing on a Windows 11 PC with simulated virus attacks and scanning the SSD for performance metrics. The top antivirus apps for 2025 include BitDefender Total Security (£49.99), Avira Free (free), Malwarebytes Plus (£49.99), and Sophos Home Premium (£37.46).
Tech Optimizer
May 13, 2025
Antivirus software has been essential for PC users for two decades, with advertisements emphasizing its importance. Windows 11 includes built-in security features, but many users prefer third-party antivirus solutions for quicker updates and additional benefits. User behavior significantly impacts computer security, and it is recommended to avoid links from unfamiliar email senders and not to reuse passwords. A comprehensive evaluation of antivirus applications involved testing on a Windows 11 PC using simulated virus attacks. The testing included scanning the SSD and consulting independent security testing laboratories. The best antivirus software for 2025 includes BitDefender Total Security as the best overall, Avira Free as the best free option, Malwarebytes Plus for the best VPN bundle, and Sophos Home Premium for protecting multiple devices.
AppWizard
May 11, 2025
Doom: The Dark Ages was tested on an Alienware Area-51 gaming PC with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090, achieving 155 frames per second at Ultra Nightmare settings and 4K resolution without DLSS. With DLSS 4 x4 activated, the frame rate increased to 344 fps. The Alienware setup included an Intel Ultra Core 9 285K CPU, 64GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. Testing with other RTX 50 series cards showed the RTX 5060 Ti reached 153 fps at 4K with DLSS 4, while the RTX 5070 Ti achieved 185 fps with DLSS 4. Performance results for various RTX 50 cards at different settings were provided, highlighting their capabilities.
AppWizard
May 9, 2025
2K Games has announced that Mafia: The Old Country will use Denuvo anti-tamper technology and is set to release on August 8th. The minimum system requirements are Windows 10/11, AMD Ryzen 7 2700X or Intel Core i7-9700K, 16 GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT or NVIDIA RTX 2070, DirectX 12, and 55 GB of storage, requiring a 64-bit processor and SSD, running at Medium settings with 1080p resolution. The recommended specifications include Windows 10/11, AMD Ryzen 7 5800X or Intel Core i7-12700K, 32 GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT or NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti, DirectX 12, and 55 GB of storage, also requiring a 64-bit processor and SSD, running at High settings with 1440p resolution. The game is built on Unreal Engine 5 and features a narrative set in early 1900s Sicily, where players will control Enzo Favara in the organized crime underworld. Pre-orders are currently available.
Winsage
May 6, 2025
BitLocker encryption is enabled by default on most Windows 11 systems, which can hinder the installation of Ubuntu. To proceed with the installation, BitLocker was temporarily disabled through the Control Panel. A bootable USB drive for Ubuntu was created using Rufus with an SK hynix Tube drive. The Ubuntu 25.04 ISO file, known as "Plucky Puffin," was downloaded at 5.8GB in about a minute. The decision was made to install Ubuntu 25.04 instead of the more stable Ubuntu 24.04 LTS due to a desire for the latest features. The installation was planned for both a ThinkPad X1 Carbon and a custom-built desktop with an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X CPU.
Winsage
May 3, 2025
Janet Jackson's song "Rhythm Nation" caused laptops to crash due to its bass-heavy sound generating a resonant frequency that affected mechanical hard drives. Microsoft investigated the issue and found that the song could induce slight movements in the hard drives, leading to data corruption and system freezes. They implemented a "notch" filter to eliminate the problematic frequency from the launch of Windows XP in 2001 until Windows 7 in 2009. This issue was specific to laptop hard drives and did not affect external models. With the introduction of solid-state drives (SSDs), the problems associated with mechanical drives and resonance have been largely resolved.
Winsage
April 16, 2025
Tailscale simplifies remote access to self-hosted services for home lab enthusiasts by eliminating the complexities of port forwarding and CGNAT issues. Nintendo's Switch 2 pricing strategy has faced backlash, while Sony has raised PlayStation 5 prices in Europe for both digital and disc editions. Microsoft removed the seconds display from the Windows 10 taskbar clock, prompting user dissatisfaction as part of a strategy to encourage upgrades to Windows 11. Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned Start menu with features based on user feedback, although the implementation delay raises concerns. Google's phone app has improved spam filtering, particularly noted in regions like Portugal, despite occasional notification delays. Nvidia's upcoming RTX 5060 series shows promising thermal performance, but pricing details are still unclear. Beginners in 3D printing can benefit from using tree supports for intricate models to enhance the printing process. Discussions around effective backup strategies are crucial for data security, especially highlighted by World Backup Day. The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) introduced at CES 2025 may change A/V connectivity standards, particularly in China, while its adoption in Western markets is uncertain. The PocketCloud NAS features a docking station with an M.2 SSD slot, allowing for versatile data storage solutions.
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