Buying an SSD without getting burned
An SSD is one of the cheapest upgrades that makes an old machine feel new — but the spec sheets are a minefield. Here's what actually matters when a deal shows…
Guides
Buying guides
How to judge value in a category, so a discount alone doesn't decide for you.
How to choose a graphics card: what matters for your games
The graphics card is the most expensive part of a gaming PC and the one that decides how your games look and run. The right card depends on one question first:…
How to choose a monitor: size, resolution, speed and panel
A monitor lasts longer than almost any other part of a PC, so it pays to choose with care. Four things decide whether you'll be happy with one: the size and re…
How to choose a power supply: wattage, efficiency and the connectors that matter
The power supply (PSU) is the part people most often save on, and the one that can take other parts with it when it fails. A good one runs quietly for ten year…
How to choose a processor: cores, platform and what the letters mean
For most people the processor (CPU) matters less than the graphics card for gaming, and more for work like video editing, 3D or compiling code. The right choic…
How to choose a smartphone: what's worth paying for
Almost every smartphone today handles messages, social media and video without trouble. What separates a phone you'll still like in three years from one you'll…
How to choose a TV: size, panel, gaming and the small print
Almost every TV sold today is 4K, so resolution no longer separates a good TV from a mediocre one. What does: the right size for your room, the panel type, how…
How to choose headphones: what actually matters
Headphone spec sheets are long and mostly noise. Five things decide whether you'll be happy with a pair: how you'll use them, the shape, noise cancelling, the …
How to choose RAM: type, capacity, speed, and buying in an expensive market
Memory (RAM) is one of the simplest parts to choose, as long as you get three things right: the type your motherboard takes, how much you need, and a sensible …
How to spot a real LEGO deal
LEGO is one of the few toys that can hold — or even gain — value, which is exactly why "discounts" on it are so often fake. Here's how we separate a genuine de…