Tech

A KVM switch (or keyboard/video/mouse switch) is a device that lets you easily swap input devices between two or more computer systems. The basic design of this type of switch has an input for a keyboard and mouse as well as a connection to a single video display. This then connects to the keyboard/mouse ports and video output on multiple computers. With the press of a button on the switch (or hotkey if you prefer) you can then use one keyboard, mouse, and video display, easily swapping between the computers you have connected. While this certainly isn't necessary for every computer setup, a KVM switch makes multitasking easier between multiple workstations and using one setup for more than one system.We've chosen the following as the best KVM switches in 2022 because they all provide the best functionality due to support for at least four different computers, though switches with even more ports are available. All of these are great options for the latest computers and displays, thanks to either DVI or VGA and USB support. For all your computer setup needs, our guide below is here to help.

An Ethernet switch is a device that connects multiple computers together as part of a local network. As networking technology has improved, so has the speed that data can be sent between systems. These devices also have "Gigabit" or 1,000 Mbps ports to send data from one computer to another at very high speeds. Most home computer setups don't really need a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet switch since a consumer router typically includes both Internet routing hardware and an integrated switch for a small, local network. If you're looking to set up a larger network (especially in a business environment) then a dedicated switch can help organize your hardware and speed up data flow between systems.We've chosen these picks as the best Gigabit Ethernet switches in 2022 thanks to at least eight ports, which gives you a lot of connections for your computers, devices, and other hardware. All of these models are either "smart" or "unmanaged" switches, which makes them easy to set up and use without extensive management on your end, so they're ideal for a small business or even home use. You will also find environmentally friendly features such as power reduction for ports not in use which keeps your energy costs low.

While wireless routers have become more affordable and popular in many network setups, they're not always necessary or ideal for every situation. A wired router provides connectivity for multiple computers on a local area network (LAN) and gives them access to a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. Ethernet cables are typically used for these connections and most modern wired routers support 10/100 Mbps connections for optimal data transfer speeds. These devices often have different numbers of ports for setting up a network, so consider how many systems you want connected on your LAN before making a purchase. Additional features like firewalls and simple network controls can also vary from one router to the next.These are the best wired routers in 2022 thanks to at least four connection ports for computers and devices, in addition to the input port that connects to your modem or other networking device. You get great speed and performance through these routers since they all support 10/100Mpbs ethernet connections, though some of them offer gigabit support for even faster data rates. All of these routers include excellent performance and security features, such as port forwarding, DoS protection, and firewall protection.

Water cooling kits are all-in-one setups you can use to easily install a water or liquid-cooling system into your computer. These typically have enough hardware to connect to your CPU heatsink, tubing for additional cooling needs (like your video card) and other hardware. You may need to have some equipment already compatible with a water cooling system (like a video card with connections for tubing) though kits typically work with a wide range of CPUs. It's helpful to find kits that provide all the hardware you need and are known for reliable and trustworthy equipment. Introducing liquid to the inside of your computer can be a bit risky, so you want to make sure you have a setup that you trust and know won't leak onto your other hardware.We've chosen these as the best water cooling kits for your computer because they provide the hardware you need, including the radiator, tubes, and a number of different connectors and fasteners to securely setup your new cooling system. All of these models include at least two fans, though most of them have three, which helps move heat out of your system and keeps the coolant working properly. These best water cooling kits in 2022 can work with a wide range of different CPUs though keep in mind some are limited to only Intel processors but still offer you support for different Intel chipsets.

While a lot of motherboards have some RAID controls built into them, if you're looking to set up a more complex RAID (or use a level not supported by your motherboard) then a controller card is a very important piece of hardware. The basic purpose of a RAID controller card is to let you connect multiple hard drives together in one of several different configurations, and use them as part of a larger total unit. Since a RAID is usually set up for data backup and speed, a good card is important to ensure your information is properly distributed and saved for either the fastest performance possible or for accurate backup in case of corruption or hardware loss. Although the prices on these cards can vary quite a lot, you'll typically find that overall value (in terms of what you're trying to set up) is really more important than just cost.With that in mind, we've chosen these best RAID controller cards in 2022 because they give you the most options for RAID setups, since they all support at least RAID 0 and 1 types as well as other types like 10 and JBOD. You get at least two SATA or SAS ports on each of these cards, so not only do they offer RAID control, but also give you connections for additional hard drives in your system. Additionally, these cards come with software utilities you can install along with the included drivers to manage your RAID setup more efficiently.

Tablets were initially marketed as the "missing link" between smartphones and traditional computers, combining the instant access of the former with the more usable size of the latter. Since then, tablets have evolved to become the poster child for multi-tasking. Each of these best tablets in 2021 is extremely well-suited for general use, and offers plenty of support in terms of apps and content for just about any purpose.

Desktop computers cover a wide range of various makes and models with many different designs and configurations catering to numerous budgets and performance requirements. You can find great options for general desktop computers, all-in-one systems, and even high-end gaming rigs that can run the latest titles at incredible speeds.If you’re not looking to break the bank, then consider some budget options for basic desktop towers, gaming systems, and all-in-ones that work well at a reasonable price. There are even some desktop computers chosen specifically for multimedia editing, as well as nettops that offer great performance in the smallest package possible.With so many choices available to you, you should take a look at the best desktop computers in 2022 and the desktop computer buyer’s guide below for recommendations and more product information.

While a surge protector might seem like little more than a fancy power strip, the protection they provide can be crucial for guarding your electronic devices. Their protection is usually rated in Joules, which is a measurement of energy and indicates how much of a surge they can protect against; generally, a higher rating means more protection from one of these devices. Any power outlet in a house or similar building must be properly grounded to ensure a surge has somewhere to go, even with a surge protector in place. The immense power of a bolt of lightning cannot be adequately handled by a surge protector, but good protection can deal with more common power issues like surges utility providers or other local sources. With all of this in mind, we've compiled a list of five high quality surge protectors and have also included a surge protector buyer’s guide below for information to help you pick the right model to keep your electronics safe.

You never know when the power will suddenly go out, so why not protect your devices and get some extra power in the meantime? An uninterruptable power supply can store the power necessary to give you some more time to find a new power source. When looking for the best uninterruptible power supply, or UPS, consider overall performance as the most important factor. Try to find hardware that is reliable and can provide as much time as possible in the event of any kind of power outage. While even a minute can be enough to maintain system integrity and data in the case of a brief power surge or flicker, you should try to find systems that can provide several minutes or more for you to react appropriately to a power outage. You might also look for hardware that includes utilities that you can use to set up safe power-down options in case there is a power outage when you are not at your computer.We've chosen these picks as the best UPS devices in 2022 on the market because of their voltage and capacities. Each of these picks has an output watt capacity of at least 800W, which gives you enough power for quite a few different devices. Further, each of these units has six or more outlets to connect to and they all offer some surge protection. While it's important to consider the available capacity, each of these picks is designed to give you at least two minutes of backup time under full load and nine minutes or more under half load. Read on below for our favorite UPS devices of this year.

For many years, sales of audio cards declined as the on-board audio on PC's grew better and better. However, the last few years have seen gamers, audiophiles, and even ordinary computer users seeking out the best in audio quality and thus are looking again to add-on computer audio cards. We’ve chosen the following best PC cards in 2022 because they offer a minimum of 24 bit audio reproduction for the highest quality sound reproduction. They also all possess class leading signal -to-noise ratios of at least one hundred decibels (DB) in addition to sampling rates of at least ninety-six kilohertz (Khz). Finally, all of these cards offer sound enhancement technology for the best multichannel surround sound experience you can hope for.

I've been overclocking computers for over fifteen years and I can tell you first hand that thermal compounds have come a long way in that time. They are an important component of any computer build as it can make the difference between a heatsink or water-block installation that is outstanding or one that is merely average. The compounds for this list are all non-conductive pastes so problems such as shorting out your CPU or other components will not be an issue. All of them also have very high thermal conductivity for good heat transfer as well as yielding low delta temperatures (Delta T) under CPU stress testing; delta T is the amount in degrees of temperature rise above CPU idle temperatures exhibited by the CPU when at one hundred percent load. All of the best thermal compounds in 2022 on my list have Delta T ratings of no more than 33 degrees Celsius. Finally, all of them are formulated to be convenient to apply and easy to clean up.

When it comes to CPU cooling, there are two basic designs you can look at and choose from: liquid-cooling and air-cooling. In either system the goal is simple: to transfer heat away from the CPU in your computer and dissipate it through liquid or air. Both liquid and air-cooling systems work great and can help keep your CPU within safe performance conditions. These are primarily high-end products that are great for powerful computers and work well for overclocked systems that can produce higher heat than some other setups. Some of these models are fairly large so look at their listed sizes and your computer tower to be sure you have space enough for the cooler in your system. We've gathered the best CPU coolers in 2022 and these CPU coolers reduce heat efficiently thanks to fans that spin at rates of at least 1200 RPM for optimal performance. The fans that run in these coolers are at least 92mm in size, which helps provide at least 45 CFM of airflow, though many of these offer much greater performance. They run quietly with a maximum noise level of no more than 40 decibels (dBA).

A good computer headset should provide you with both functionality and comfort. Whether you use a headset while gaming with friends or on an online conference call, you need to consider a headset that offers great sound, an ergonomic design, and a quality mic. Headsets that give you controls or extra features for easy and efficient use are ideal, and there are many wired and wireless options. The headband and ear cups also need to be comfortable so that you can wear them for several hours at a time without any pain or irritation. There are lots of features to consider, but that's why we're here to help.We’ve chosen these as the best computer headsets in 2022 because they offer excellent sound quality and comfort. All of these picks have an overhead band that rests comfortably on your head with padding on the ear pads so that you can wear them for hours. In addition to their sound quality and comfort, many of these headsets have a noise-canceling feature so you have the best audio quality possible during a conversation. Read on below to see our favorite headsets from 2022 along with a buyer's guide to aid you in your purchase.

A USB hub lets you easily connect numerous USB cables to a single device and acts as part of a larger network. This lets you work around limitations you may have on the number of USB ports in your computer and can make it easy for multiple devices to be shared within a network. The best type of hub for you will depend primarily on two things: the version of USB technology and how many ports. Most models out there support USB 2.0 because so many devices still use that standard, but the best performance comes from a USB 3.0 hub. While a wide range of different models is available, most of them have about half a dozen ports, which is plenty for most uses. We’ve chosen these as the best USB hubs in 2022 because they offer you support for at least USB 2.0 specifications. You get at least four ports on these hubs to give you a lot of options for connecting your devices, and some of them also provide you with seven (or even 10) ports if you have a lot of devices to connect. All of these hubs include backward compatibility so you can choose a model that’s a bit better than what you need but it will still work with older hardware. Keep scrolling for our top picks and buyer's guide.

Case fans move air in and out of your computer case and are important components to consider when you’re working on building a high performance computer. Having fans which perform well keeps your system essential components cool enough so they have a long operating lifespan and allowing higher overclocks on your CPU's and GPU's. When choosing the best case fans in 2022 for this list, we first looked at how much air they can move which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM); the picks on this list all have a minimum air flow rating of between 62 and 134 CFM. We also took into consideration the decibel (Db) levels these fans operated at. The fans I've chosen here all operate at exceptionally quiet sound levels of between 23 and 38 decibels while still maintaining an excellent level of cooling airflow throughout your computer case.

Computer cases can come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from bizarre custom models designed to look like spaceships, to more toned-down boxes intended for the average computer user. If the motherboard is the central nervous system of a computer, and the CPU is its heart, then the case is the body of the system, which has to protect and support all of the other pieces. That makes it every bit as important to carefully consider your computer case before you buy it, and choose the perfect one for your needs. Whether you're interested in water cooling or optimal airflow, you will find the right model here for your needs. Consider towers designed to reduce noise output, as well as the best ones that go easy on your wallet. There's also a wide range of sizes based on the type of motherboard you're using, so consider if you need a mini-ITX case or a full tower capable of housing a dozen or more hard drives. Choosing the right case can seem deceptively simple, so take a look at our list of the best computer cases in 2022 and the buyer’s guide below to know exactly what to look for before making a choice.

Network attached storage allows for digital storage available across a wired/wireless network. Many implementations focus on redundancy, performance, or throughput. The best NAS (Network Attached Storages) in 2022 devices are simple to use, feature excellent cooling options, and function reliably to allow for maximum uptime for accessing digital media over a local area network. Many NAS devices allow for multiple hard disks to be inserted within the unit to increase the storage pool and offer RAID support for physical disk redundancy, or through duplication within Windows Home Server. Before making a selection, take a look at the NAS buyer’s guide for more information and suggestions on the best option for your setup.

Webcams cover a wide range of devices designed to capture video mages and send them to a computer or network. These cameras are usually pretty small, often designed to hook onto a monitor or sit next to a computer on your desktop. There are also webcams designed as part of other hardware, usually integrated into a computer monitor, tablet, or laptop. As internet streaming has become faster and more widely available, webcams have advanced to include high-definition video and other convenience features. With so many different models available (and a number of accompanying technical specifications) to consider, you should check out our list for the best webcams in 2022 and our buyer’s guide below to determine which one is best for you.

Wireless adapters let your desktop computer receive a signal from a router or similar device to connect to a wireless network. They typically come in one of two primary designs, either internal or external adapters. Internal cards install directly onto the motherboard of a computer, typically in some type of PCI slot. These usually have one or more antennas that stick out the back of a computer to find the wireless signal, send, and then receive data over a network. External devices, on the other hand, usually plug into a computer through an input slot such as a USB port. These lists of the best wireless adapters in 2022 come in a fairly wide range of designs and can either run small enough to easily fit in your pocket or end up being a bit larger. Internal antennas are quite common in such devices so they can remain small although some of them also have external antennas which can fold or flip out of the adapter. Be sure to look at the wireless adapter buyer’s guide below to help you pick just the right model for your system.

Devices that can burn to Blu-Ray discs have become the pinnacle of current optical media hardware. These drives are able to read from and write to Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs, giving you total freedom to handle whatever kind of media you prefer. Though these were once very expensive, they have become increasingly affordable in the last few years and should continue to become standard in many computers. Internal devices are often installed by computer manufacturers or can be placed into a system with just a little effort. External drives are quite handy and effective as a portable way to write to and read from various types of media. Keep in mind, however, that these are data drives, so if you want to watch your favorite new movie on a Blu-ray, you'll need software on a computer or similar device to actually play the film. For more information to help you pick out the best Blu-ray burner for your files, check out our list of the best Blu-ray burner in 2022 and the buyer’s guide below.

While keyboards may seem simple and identical to one another, there is actually a wide range of different keyboards available. From standard keyboards that don't have a lot of bells and whistles, to illuminated gamer keyboards with a dozen programmable hotkeys, to ergonomically-designed split keyboards, there’s a lot for you to choose from.If you're just looking for a basic input device, check out our best overall keyboard pick. But if you want something special, perhaps to get an edge in your favorite PC game or if you’re seeking relief for aching wrists, there’s also a number of specialty keyboards available to users with unique needs. To help you better understand what is available to you and pick the right model for your needs, take a look at our list of the best computer keyboards in 2022 and the buyer’s guide below for more information and recommendations.

The computer mouse is easily one of the most commonly used input devices around, yet hardly any thought goes into selecting a decent one. Computer mice come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, ranging from the familiar flat mouse with two buttons and a scroll wheel to ergonomic models designed to keep your wrist and forearm free from repetitive strain. Gaming mice provide more programmable buttons, while laptop mice are designed to be compact and easy to travel with. With so many options available, we recommend taking a look at our list of the best computer mice in 2022 and the buyer’s guide below for more information to help you choose the right mouse for your needs.

When computer mice primarily used the physical rotation of a ball to track movement, mouse pads were necessary to ensure a secure grip and accurate motion. However, as optical and laser mice have replaced the older designs, these pads have become much less necessary. Many people still prefer to use them though since they can provide a more comfortable workspace and improve performance under certain conditions. For example, gamers often use high-performance mouse pads to gain an edge over other players and even non-gamers can still benefit from mouse pads, since they can provide wrist support and a smooth surface. Be sure to check out our picks for our favorite mouse pads in 2022 and the buyer’s guide below for all the information you need to pick the right mousepad for you .

Choosing the right monitor is an extremely important step in any PC setup. Your high-end graphics card and processor won't mean anything if your monitor doesn't have the ability to display accurate color and contrast at the appropriate resolution, and different rigs require different specifications. For example, a gaming rig works best with fast response times and high resolution, but doesn't necessarily require the perfect color accuracy and display tweaking options that a professional photographer or graphic designer's monitor should. To help you navigate these waters of technical specifications and screen types, check out the computer monitor buyer’s guide below for all the information you need before making a purchase.

Computer speakers play the largest role in determining the quality of the audio from your system. Most basic computer speakers have two "satellites" which are often placed on either side of a computer monitor, providing left and right channels for stereo sound. Beyond that, 2.1 and 5.1 speaker systems are growing in popularity. These setups have multiple satellites and a dedicated subwoofer and offer much higher performance than basic speaker systems. They have substantially better bass response, making them an ideal choice for PC gaming and watching movies. While a simple pair of speakers can be inexpensive and easy to choose, take a look at our picks for the best PC Speakers in 2022 and the buyer’s guide below for more information to help you pick exactly the right speakers for your setup.

Gaming headsets differ from standard headsets by the special needs they must fulfill—while sound quality is an important consideration, the best gaming headsets must also be comfortable enough for prolonged wear. Thankfully, there are wired and wireless headsets that meet these requirements so gamers have plenty of options to choose from. Since gaming headsets can cost you quite a lot of money, it’s important to choose a model that works well for your needs while providing adequate value for the money you’re spending. Check out our list of the best gaming headsets in 2022 and the buyer’s guide below for all the information you need to pick just the right headset for your next gaming session.

Intel motherboards have been popular for many years and will likely remain favorable long into the future. Many of these models are made by other manufacturers, like ASUS, Gigabyte, and ASRock, but the chipsets used on them are made by Intel and designed to work with Intel CPUs. Your motherboard connects all other pieces of hardware within your computer and houses the BIOS firmware used to boot up your system. Since the board essentially acts as the central nervous system of your computer, it’s a vital component with a tremendous impact on overall performance. As you look at different Intel motherboard models, you should consider older chipsets, such as the Z87, as well as newer ones like the Z97 and X99. There are a lot of technical specifications involved in evaluating and comparing motherboards, but we've broken down all of this in the buying guide below our product reviews. Read on through the entire article, and you'll have a comprehensive overview of how to pick the right motherboard for exactly your needs!

A Home Theater Personal Computer, or HTPC, is a system built to stream media to a large television or projector as part of a home theater setup. While you can use a wide range of different motherboards for this type of rig, in general you want a board that is ideal for handling a lot of media and keeping your system running cool and quiet. Look for a motherboard with at least one good video card slot, to keep your video media playing fast and smooth. You’ll also want a ton of storage, so that you can keep as many media files as you want on your system, and options for enough RAM to keep your system running smoothly.These HTPC motherboards can run a maximum of at least 32GB of RAM, which is more than enough for a home theater setup, though some can handle even more. They have at least one really good slot for a video card, which is sufficient for a serious media player, but if you plan on using your HTPC for gaming, then you may want to look for a board that can handle more than one video card. These boards give you at least six slots for SATA connections, which lets you have a ton of storage in your computer. Both Intel and AMD motherboards can work great for an HTPC, and these boards use chips with relatively low power requirements, which help keep your system cool without creating a lot of noise. Check out our list of the best HTPC motherboards in 2022.

There are a wide range of AMD motherboards available, depending on your particular needs and goals for your computer. Along with Intel, AMD is the leading manufacturer for CPUs and motherboard chipsets, which determine many of the basic functions and operation speeds of your computer. Your choice in motherboard is extremely important, since many other component decisions are often based on it.Everything, from the type of RAM you can use to the number of video cards you can install, all depend on the motherboard you choose and its specifications. AMD has a number of solid chipsets and CPU sockets to choose from, including the older FM2 board, as well as newer models like the FM2+ and AM3+. Check out the AMD motherboard buyer’s guide and out picks for the best AMD motherboards in 2022 below for more information and tips to help you pick the best model for your computer.

Flash drives come in all shapes and sizes. Ranging in capacity from less than 1GB to more than 256GB, a flash drive can be just enough to carry the files you need to a meeting, house your entire music and movie collection, and more. Depending on your needs and your lifestyle, USB 2.0 flash drives are standard and have lower prices versus the new, blazing-fast USB 3.0 standard that moves your files faster than ever. Flash drives can also be for those who need top-notch security for peace of mind with their files. All in all, there are all sorts of flash drives. Depending on your needs, you may need a bare-bones one for a few dollars or the most secure and durable one that costs hundreds of dollars— it all depends on your digital storage needs. Check out our list for the best flash drives in 2022 to learn more.