DisplayPort, on the other hand, is due to make a significant comeback with the release of DisplayPort 2.0. With massive bandwidth and compatibility for even higher resolutions, refresh rates, and HDR standards, this generation blasts away any prior video transmission standards.

This post will cover DisplayPort 2 and everything you need to know. Let’s get started.

What is DisplayPort 2

The DisplayPort 2 standard is the most recent version of DisplayPort. It is the successor to DisplayPort 1.4 and represents the highest increase in available bandwidth in the standard’s history, nearly tripling it in a single generation.

In comparison, DisplayPort 1.4 might use the High Bit Rate 3 (HBR3) transmission mode, which offers a maximum data rate of 35.92 Gbits per second.

With a maximum data rate of 77.37 Gbits per second, Ultra High Bit Rate 3 (UHBR3), Ultra High Bit Rate 2 (UHBR2), three additional transmission modes are supported by DisplayPort 2.0.

Bandwidth and Resolution

According to VESA, DisplayPort 2.0 boosts the maximum bandwidth to 77.37 Gbps. This is a major improvement over the prior version.

Compared to the previous DisplayPort version (DisplayPort 1.4a), DisplayPort 2.0 offers up to a 3X improvement in data bandwidth performance and additional features to support conventional displays’ expected performance needs in the future.

High dynamic range (HDR) and higher refresh rates support at higher resolutions, enhanced support for different display configurations, and a better user interface with augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) displays, such as support for 4K-and-beyond VR resolutions, are a few of these.

DisplayPort 2.0 additionally provides a 10240×4320 (10K) resolution at 80Hz and up to 24 bpp without HDR. Compression is not required for this single-screen resolution.

Compatibility

The DisplayPort 2.0 connection form is unaltered and backward compatible with prior versions of the DisplayPort protocol.

Furthermore, DisplayPort 2.0 maintains compatibility with DP Alt Mode, which has been warmly appreciated due to its potential to be utilized on USB-C connectors.

Additionally, the new standard, like DisplayPort 1.4, supports ” DisplayPort Alt Mode” on USB-C connections. In this case, you may use a single connection for video and data, allowing for high-speed data transfer without sacrificing video performance.

Connector

DisplayPort 2.0 has the same standard DisplayPort connector. All prior DisplayPort standards are backward compatible. The new standard, like DisplayPort 1.4, is compatible with USB-C connections that enable “DP Alt Mode.”

The Thunderbolt 3 physical interface layer, a more unifying standard for the future, is used by DisplayPort 2.0 in addition to USB-C. By utilizing that physical layer, DisplayPort 2.0 can employ the more effective 128/132b encoding technique, which has significantly less overhead.

Power Saving

DisplayPort 2.0 features likely enhancements to functions along with gains in raw bandwidth, one being Panel Replay.

This increases the efficiency of the display by reducing its power consumption and minimizing its heat output. For example, a smaller device with a high-resolution display only updates items that change on-screen when Panel Replay is enabled.

This feature prevents the display from consuming extra power to update elements that aren’t now displayed, so while you stay on one webpage, it doesn’t continually refresh. It can also aid in accelerating system charging if the device is on while charging.

Multi-Stream Support and Compression

DisplayPort 2.0 is also tuned for multi-stream transfer, allowing you to daisy-chain many monitors, such as three 4K displays or two 8K displays, without sacrificing quality with each progressive connection.

Multiple visual streams are handled by a single DisplayPort 2.0 connection, which sends them to a hub before distributing the separate streams to different monitors.

Display Stream Compression, or DSC, is another DisplayPort 2 feature that will now be required of DisplayPort 2.0-certified devices. The extremely high-resolution and refresh rate options for DisplayPort 2.0 will be enabled by this near-lossless compression format.

Enhanced Audio Support

The increased audio capabilities in DisplayPort 2 are a significant improvement over earlier DisplayPort versions. It supports the most recent audio formats, like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, for an immersive audio experience that complements high-quality video.

The DisplayPort 2 can accommodate up to 32 audio channels and a sample rate of up to 1536kHz, resulting in a larger sound stage and more depth.

The enhanced audio support in DisplayPort 2 is useful in professional situations such as the music or film industries and for gamers that want realistic sound effects for a more immersive experience. DisplayPort 2’s increased audio capability is a key breakthrough leading to a better user experience.

Improved Security Features

Display Stream Compression (DSC) 1.2a, which compresses and encrypts video and audio data for safe transmission while decreasing necessary bandwidth, is one of the enhanced security elements of DisplayPort 2.

HDCP 2.3, which encrypts digital signals to prevent unlawful copying or distribution of copyrighted content, is also supported.

These options make DisplayPort 2 an appropriate interface for sensitive applications such as government or military contexts. They also help customers by securing their data.

DisplayPort 2’s enhanced security measures generally guard against unwanted access and hacking, giving it a more secure interface for sending video and audio information.

Should You Need to Upgrade?

If you play video games, you probably don’t have a high-resolution display screen. A faster refresh rate is more significant to gamers than a better resolution. Therefore, a DisplayPort 1.4 connection already covers the demands of most gamers.

If you wish to play games at a 144Hz refresh rate on a 4K display, a DisplayPort 1.4 connection will be sufficient. If you have one of those new high-end gaming monitors that may be testing the limitations of DisplayPort 1.4, you may get up a DisplayPort 2.0 cable and prepare for the future.

Conclusion

DisplayPort 2 is the most recent version of the DisplayPort interface. It has various enhancements over earlier versions, including increased bandwidth, compatibility for 8K monitors, better audio, and greater security measures.

DisplayPort 2 also supports USB-C connection and MST and is backward compatible with older standards, including HDMI and VGA (you will need a dongle).

It’s simple to go to Best Buy, Amazon, or any electronics retailer and get a system. The question is whether you purchase the right one for you or not.

Users make many typical mistakes when buying a new PC, and it becomes a headache for them; therefore, you should avoid a few mistakes when purchasing a PC.

In this post, we’ll go through some common mistakes when buying a new PC. Let’s get started!

Buying the Cheapest Available Device

The cheapest PC does not necessarily imply it will do the work you want or have all the qualities you want. Suppose you’re choosing between a quad-core and a dual-core CPU. You need to run many apps at the same time, but you choose the dual-core CPU since it is less costly.

You now own a system that isn’t as strong as your tasks require, and that issue will nag you until it’s time to purchase again.

Instead of going for the cheapest device, choose one that will genuinely meet your demands and then cross-reference it with your budget.

Focusing On One Number Only

This is the most basic mistake made by users. When discussing computers, a lot of numbers are thrown around. If you are just concerned with one number, you may overlook others that are equally essential.

Many customers, for example, are worried about purchasing an Intel Core i7 CPU over an i5, but it’s not that straightforward. It all gets down to, among other things, the number of processor cores and threads.

Define your requirements and compare how specific elements operate in comparison to the others.

Opting for the Highest Available Resolution

A portable gadget with an 4K display is undoubtedly worth more than a casual glance, but it’s not always the best option. The reason is that the smaller screens don’t allow you to fully appreciate the increased quality.

In addition, 4K displays might have a significant influence on your device’s battery life. Many 4K devices have poor endurance with higher resolution screens, and you won’t experience many advantages.

Unless you’re purchasing a high-end gaming PC or one with a large screen, you should usually go with 1080p to save money and battery life.

Not Reading Reviews

Because there are so many factors to consider when purchasing a system, reading reviews is very crucial. A beautiful PC or laptop may appear nice, but is it well-built? Does it excel in a variety of tasks? These are all critical issues that PC evaluations often look into.

Rather than trusting your intuition or the marketing copy on the website, read quite as many reviews as possible before making a decision.

You will discover any nasty surprises before giving over your money this way instead of knowing about them the hard way.

Not Testing It Out Before Purchasing

What if the keypad or mouse is unpleasant to use, the sound quality is poor, or the touchscreen is slow? Avoid this massive mistake.

Although if you decide to buy yours online, it is still recommended that you visit your local store and test out that exact model. Examine how it looks, how this listens to music, and, most importantly, whether you have any doubts about it. If something doesn’t feel right, ignore it.

You should look for features of the PC you want to buy and any problems there with the PC. After all, through the checking process, you can buy the PC if it is compatible with your requirements.

Buying the Correct RAM

Buying more RAM over your CPU and system support is an expensive mistake. Furthermore, do not purchase more RAM than the other parts can handle.

For instance, if you purchase RAM that works at 3600MHz, but your motherboard only allows 1600MHz, the RAM will only run at 1600MHz, losing its complete capacity.

Focusing Too Much on Storage Space

The majority of the industry has embraced SSD storage. It’s crucial to remember that SSDs are far quicker than spinning hard drives and may make a significant difference in how quickly your system boots and how snappy and responsive it feels. However, a lesser capacity SSD is nearly always preferable.

If you need extra storage space, external hard drives are plentiful, and there are several great cloud storage solutions for storing films, images, and music. When paired with an external hard drive or cloud storage, a 128GB or 256GB SSD should be plenty for most individuals.

PC Is Future-Proof

The finest aspect of owning a PC is the user’s ability to update over time and stay up to date with the current standards.

So, before purchasing the PC, make sure that there are numerous RAM slots, that the PSU is powerful enough to support a more powerful GPU, and that the motherboard has extra storage spaces.

Also, get components that support the most recent technology, such as PCIe 5.0, DDR5, and next-generation hardware, to ensure that the system lasts as long as possible before requiring a total overhaul. You should not purchase an outdated PC that cannot run the most recent applications.

Warranty

Laptops, in particular, are vulnerable to theft and damage. Getting the correct warranty from the start will help you reduce downtime if something goes wrong with your computer.

One of the reasons customers like Dell devices is their excellent warranties. Many of them come with a one-year guarantee, but you can generally purchase an extended warranty for a fee.

Conclusion

Your tastes, specs requirements and even aesthetic preferences will decide which PC is perfect for you. Of course, you’ll want to make an informed decision, so read reviews, conduct research, and compare any data before purchasing.

By following these easy guidelines, you may avoid making some frequent computer-buying blunders. Do your analysis ahead of time and examine pricing and qualities, and never spend more money than you can afford.

Even now, building your PC is still less expensive than purchasing a pre-built system from a company such as Dell or HP. You not only save money, but the finished machine is frequently more capable as well.

If you’re seeking to construct a new computer but have a limited budget, you’re probably looking for methods to save money. So, we’ll teach you how to save money when building a new PC.

Plan Everything Beforehand

Plan out everything you will need while building a new PC. Before purchasing even a single part, consider all aspects of your design. It is essential to ask yourself why you are purchasing a new rig. Will it be used for work, or do you want an all-rounder that can perform most tasks?

It is also important to ensure that you are not upgrading a lot more or a lot less than what you need in terms of PC specifications and that anything you purchase functions together.

Planning will save you a lot of time and, more importantly, money. That’s why it is the most critical aspect of building a new PC.

Reuse What You Already Have

If you already own a system, you may save a lot of money by either selling or reusing existing components in your new computer.

A new PC is normally built around a new CPU and motherboard, but there’s a good possibility you will be capable of using your old graphics card, disk, RAM, or case, particularly if you’re replacing a PC from the previous decade or so.

However, first, ensure that your old parts are suitable for your new ones. Outdated hard drives may use an interface that is no longer supported; you should also verify and check your PC motherboard health and run a test or two.

Pick Only the Parts You Need

One of the easiest ways to save hundreds of thousands of dollars on a PC is to construct it to just match your needs. It’s pointless to spend $5,000 on a gaming PC if you only perform web browsing games, read e-mail, and watch Movies.

It’s good to have a powerful computer, but if you are looking to save cash, you need to be very picky about the parts you use.

Furthermore, whenever it comes to PC hardware, don’t try to “purchase for the future,” commonly known as future-proofing. Yes, the term is very much in, and it is recommended for gaming, but it is also extremely expensive to buy all the latest PC components.

Buy Used Parts

If you don’t have spare PC components lying around, the next smartest way is to purchase secondhand components instead of paying the additional money for brand-new ones. You will be surprised how inexpensive yet effective these used parts can be, and it saves you a few bucks along the way as well.

However, you should use caution when choosing the parts you utilize, similar to when using components from an old PC. First, you should check the PC component’s compatibility, and then you should use it on your PC (if compatible). This approach, if it works correctly, can save a lot of money.

But when it relates to graphics cards, motherboards, and other critical PC components, you might be less likely to purchase secondhand parts, which is OK. This isn’t to say they won’t function if you want to save money in these places to stay within budget; it only indicates you should be extra cautious when purchasing these used components.

Know Where and How to Find the Best Deals

Finding the best discounts is more of an art; the process will be flawed. Nonetheless, knowing what you are doing might help you locate the finest discounts. There are precise paths you may take to find the best discounts and save the most money.

The easiest approach to get the best bargains on PC parts is to wait for one of the big sales periods. Cyber Monday, Black Friday in the month of November, Christmas, or any other major event shopping time in particular, and Amazon’s Prime Day all feature amazing prices on a variety of components that can be used to buy you new or secondhand components for your PC.

Additionally, check for low costs in PC stores in your neighborhood and get a low-cost, high-quality product to build your PC.

Keep it Simple

If you are on a tight budget, you can forego the cosmetic aspects. When compared to other solutions, a modest mid-tower case without RGB will save you $50-$100. Cutting RBG from other components will also save a lot of money. RGB coolers, GPUs, and motherboards are more expensive.

Don’t overspend on a huge full-tower case if you don’t need it. Going micro-ATX can help you save money while still allowing room for future improvements.

Consider Barebone PC Kits

This isn’t gonna be relevant to the majority of users, and also, it’s not common nowadays, but the other solution for saving money on a PC setup is to consider purchasing a barebone kit.

Barebone kits may refer to an unbuilt combination of components, but they might also refer to semi-assembled PCs that ship with some elements already fitted and will require you to install more parts based on your needs.

For instance, you may occasionally get a barebones PC with the casing, motherboard, fans, and possibly anything else already installed, and afterward, you can go in and buy whatever CPU, Storage, RAM, GPU, and so forth that you need.

Forget Huge SSDs

This is perhaps one of the more apparent money-saving ideas, as SSDs are more costly than standard hard drives, so if you’re seeking to save money on a PC build, just go with a regular HDD if you need a lot of storage capacity.

Buying a small to medium-sized SSD as your primary system/boot disc will speed up your operating system and save you money.

Just don’t include a 1TB – 2TB SSD in your configuration if you want to save money when building a new PC. If you really want huge space on your system and an SSD, try a 128 GB SSD combination with a 1 or 2 TB HDD. You can use SSD for your operating system and HDD to store games, movies, or any other files.

Conclusion

Saving money on a PC setup will need a significant amount of planning, effort, and patience. Nevertheless, the more time you give to looking for offers, the more money you may save on your new rig. If you decide to build your PC yourself, avoid common mistakes like not planning your budget.

Using the techniques outlined above will assist you in saving a lot of money on the PC which you are building. Just remember to buy wisely and not feel shy to buy used components at a huge discount.

This was changed with the introduction of HDMI 2.1, which saw HDMI technology undergo its most dramatic advancement to date, nearly doubling bandwidth and significantly broadening support for all types of visual devices.

That doesn’t imply your present HDMI connections, which are essentially obsolete, so you should update to HDMI 2.0 or 2.1. However, in a duel of HDMI 2.1 vs. 2.0, it’s not much of a match.

Let us begin this post by defining the terms HDMI, HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1. Then, we will compare HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 with the help of different features like bandwidth, video resolution, audio, refresh rate and gaming. Read on to find out!

What is HDMI?

HDMI is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. It is a multimedia connectivity standard used to transport media from a source (such as a DVD player) to a screen. Since it can carry high video and audio via cable, the innovation outperforms prior standards.

HDMI was initially launched in 2002, and the most recent HDMI specification, HDMI 2.1, was issued in 2017. Nevertheless, the most prevalent specification is HDMI 2.0, which was launched in 2013.

As reported by the HDMI Forum, the technology is now used by over 8 billion gadgets. This is the body in charge of establishing new HDMI specifications and enhancing HDMI technology.

What is HDMI 2.0?

In multimedia applications, the capacity to transfer data faster from one system to the next is crucial. The connectivity between a gaming service and the screen has a significant impact on picture quality and lag times.

HDMI 2.0 cables were introduced in 2013 to accommodate new technologies. Greater television displays having HD capabilities were desired by consumers. Gaming platform advancements have also raised the demand for speedier data transport. The possible bandwidth throughput of the new HDMI technology has been boosted to 18Gbps.

What is HDMI 2.1?

HDMI 2.1 is the latest edition of the HDMI standard, and it applies to both HDMI ports and HDMI cables.

Some televisions, for example, are beginning to include HDMI 2.1-compliant connectors and ultra-high speed. The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 also include HDMI 2.1.

The new HDMI interface will enable greater efficiency aims than the existing HDMI 2.0 interface (or 2.0b, to be more specific). In other terms, the interesting features of tomorrow, such as 120fps at 4K resolution, will depend on HDMI 2.1.

HDMI 2.0 vs HDMI 2.1

Although there may not appear to be much of a difference between HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1, this new technology introduces several important modifications to the audio/video interface. We’ve described both to help you determine whether changing your HDMI cables to the latest standard is worthwhile.

Bandwidth

HDMI 2.0 improved color spectrum support, increased transmission and transfer speeds by more than 50% and doubled audio channel support. However, HDMI 2.1 flipped the protocol on its head.

HDMI 2.1 has the highest transmission data speed of 48 Gbps, as opposed to HDMI 2.0’s 18 Gbps. On peak effective data rate, HDMI 2.1 cables outperform HDMI 2.0 cables by up to 42.6 Gbps, whereas HDMI 2.0 only accomplishes 14.4 Gbps.

With all of that extra bandwidth, the HDMI standard can now support greater graphics and refresh rates compared to ever before, enabling it to be a legitimate rival to the high-end DisplayPort format.

Video Resolution

HDMI 2.1 can offer video resolutions of up to 10K or 8K uncompressed, but HDMI 2.0 can only enable 4K.

When you use an HDMI 2.1 connection, you will be capable of seeing even more detail, and pictures will be clearer, but only when the TV, audio, and video player are all suitable with greater resolution.

However, an HDMI 2.0 connection can only display 4K material at 60 frames per second, which is insufficient for some programs. If you have a 4K TV, you may still prefer to use an HDMI 2.1 cable.

Audio

Both HDMI 2.1 and HDMI 2.0 have an audio return channel (ARC) capability, which allows a single connection to transmit and receive audio data from the TV to a speaker or AV receiver.

HDMI 2.1, on the other hand, enables an enhanced audio return channel (eARC).

You can hear surround quality audio with ARC. However, it will be compressed. eARC, in contrast, side, has a larger bandwidth capacity and so enables uncompressed surround sound, such as DTS Master, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, and Dolby Atmos 3D sound system.

Refresh Rate

HDMI 2.1 can offer frame rates of up to 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz, but HDMI 2.0 can only support 4K at 60 Hz. The refresh rate of a display is the number of times the image is refreshed each second. A faster refresh rate contributes to smoother movements overall, particularly during gaming.

Your refresh rate should ideally be the same or greater than the frame rate of your video. Otherwise, you may notice image distortion and blurriness. HDMI 2.0 enables 1080p at 240 Hz and 1440p at 144 Hz, making it suitable for movies and gaming.

If you are using an 8K or 4K monitor or want the most performance from your gaming machine, you should invest in an HDMI 2.1 cable.

Gaming

Gaming experience shows one of the most prominent differences between HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1.

Only HDMI 2.1 supports advanced capabilities such as variable refresh rate (VRR) to eliminate screen tearing and auto low latency mode (ALLM) to reduce lag.

VRR is incorporated into HDMI 2.1, allowing the refresh rate of the screen to match the refresh rate of your gameplay in true. Without such functionality, your display will occasionally attempt to present information from two frames at the same time. This results in screen tearing.

Conclusion

Unless you have a TV with HDMI 2.1-compliant ports, you generally don’t need to purchase new cables because your TV lacks the inputs needed to use those HDMI connections in the first place.

HDMI 2.1 is intended to change the way we view and consume content, whether it’s games, movies, or TV shows. Considering this, most tech users do not need to be concerned about HDMI 2.1 just yet.

All HDMI cables appear to be the same. So, if you’d like to get an HDMI 2.1 cable, search for the designation “Ultra-High-Speed HDMI.” An HDMI 2.0 cable on the contrast side will be designated as “Premium High Speed.”

New computer users don’t really know much about the components and are easily seduced by smart advertising and awesome-looking PCs. Repurposing outdated components from a prior PC that you or a family person no longer requires is a simple approach to saving money on developing a new PC. But what pieces from an old PC can you utilize in your new build?

This post will discuss different old components of a PC which can be reused when you are building a new PC so you can avoid common PC building mistakes. Read on to find out!

Do You Really Require All-New Components?

Whenever it comes to a fresh PC, many people imagine new components, and for valid reasons. Any user in a new PC would like a system that performs better than the one they used to have before.

That doesn’t imply that certain units can’t be removed from your old PC to be used again in a new one. Let’s go over the primary PC components in order to check their potential reusability.

Keep Your Peripherals

If you are constructing a new PC, preserving your old gadgets can save you money. Your monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, camera, earphones, and all other gadgets fall under this category.

Power Supply

PC power supplies are classified into three types:

• Robust units which appear to last a lifetime.
• Mystery PSUs in pre-built PCs.
• Lemons that survive two years or less.

You can probably predict which side you belong to if you have had a good power supply for more than two years.

Under some conditions, power supplies are well worth holding. The very first question is if they are still covered under warranty.
The second point to consider is power. Do you have an old power supply with enough watts to power your more sophisticated system? If otherwise, it’s time to make a change.

Another consideration for power supply units is whether they are modular, semi-modular, or non-modular. Consider switching if you have a non-modular.

The Box and Fans

The casing or box is the easiest and safest to retain all the parts you may reuse from a prior PC. There is no reason to replace a high-quality model that is still in good condition.

However, if you still have an outdated case, it is a smart option to replace it. If you preserve the original casing, you may keep the fans as well, given that they are still functional. Just make sure you thoroughly clean them.

Even if you don’t want to use the old case, check to see if the existing fans will fit the new one. The size of the fans it accepts is specified in the box manual. However, if the PC fan makes noises, it is time to replace it.

Graphics Card

One of the simplest parts to assess is the graphics card. If you simply want to enjoy your existing games, and they run very well and smoothly enough, you might want to use your graphics card on a new PC.

Look out for the minimum requirements for the new games if you want to experience the newest titles as well as those that will be published in the future. You’ll soon see how long you have until you need to update your graphics card.

It’s time to upgrade when the minimal requirements for AAA games surpass the capability of the GPU. As a result, you must select a suitable graphics card based on your system settings.

Using your old card applies only to individuals who are ready to tolerate 30 to 60 frames a second at 1080p. A new graphics card is required if you really want upwards of 60 frames per second or a better resolution and ray tracing.

RAM

Because RAM is such a robust component, it is feasible to reuse it. RAM types do not evolve as frequently as CPU and GPU versions. If you decide to keep the RAM, ensure certain that it is suitable for your motherboard by checking its health and compatibility. For instance, DDR3 RAM will very certainly not operate with a DDR4 motherboard.

Optical Drive

Although not used as often anymore, certain users still like having an optical drive, mostly in the form of Blu-Ray disks now.

If you already have these from a prior system hanging somewhere, unless it’s excessively loud or acting up, there’s no sense not to use them in your new PC.

Storage

Storage drives can be reused. They are, in many respects, the easiest parts to move between machines. Many new users wonder about the total storage they will need.

If your hard disks and SSDs are still in good working order, they may be possibilities for reuse.

It is critical to check if the hard drive is about to fail or die before using them on a new PC. There are multiple ways to check a failing hard drive.

Another important guideline is to change your drive every few years. If you are willing to take the risk and utilize an older disc, make assured you have a robust backup strategy in place to secure your data in the event of a disaster. You can use an external hard drive to backup all your important data, so even if the old drive crashes, your data will remain unharmed.

CPU Coolers

CPU coolers are usually really expensive, making them naturally hard to replace over and over again. So, if your old coolers are in good working condition, it is a good idea to use them on a new PC.

However, you must ensure that it is suitable and sufficient to cool your new PC and its components.

Lastly, it is essential to ensure that these coolers fit into the slot on the motherboard of your new PC. If they don’t fit in, it’s time to buy a new one that does.

Conclusion

Several PC components should be considered for reuse in a fresh arrangement. When reusing these elements, keep in mind the difference between an update and designing a whole new system.

Simple updates to an existing setup are perfectly acceptable. Nevertheless, if you end up using too many old parts, you may not achieve the desired efficiency gain.

New rendering technologies such as ray-tracing, which produce real-time reflections, lights, and shadows that are considerably more real than just what we’re conditioned to accept in games, have helped in these giant strides by tech companies such as NVIDIA.

You may not realize that NVIDIA’s features include another one called Deep Learning Super Sampling, or NVIDIA DLSS, which is even more game-changing.

Everything you need to know about NVIDIA DLSS, including how it works and what it can do for your PC games, is right here. Let’s get started!

What is NVIDIA DLSS?

DLSS is a video rendering technology featured by NVIDIA that aims to increase framerates and video quality by drawing frames at a lower resolution than projected.

It utilizes element deep learning (a sort of artificial intelligence) to elevate the frames to seem as crisp as anticipated at the native resolution. For instance, with DLSS, a game’s frames might be produced at 1080p resolution, allowing for greater framerates, then upscaled and delivered at 4K resolution, resulting in crisper visual quality than 1080p.

Image Source: NVIDIA

NVIDIA DLSS is an alternative to other rendering approaches that need an RTX graphics card and game support, such as temporal anti-aliasing (TAA), a post-processing algorithm. DLSS is mainly beneficial to games that operate at lower frame rates or at higher resolutions.

AI rendering on dedicated Tensor Cores provides exceptional performance, allowing you to increase frame rates and maximum graphical settings and resolutions up to 8K.

Here you can see the graph showing the gaming performance with RTX 3080 at 3840 x 2160, Max Graphics settings, DLSS Performance Mode, and Ray Tracing enabled.

Image Source: NVIDIA

DLSS is available in a variety of tastes. However, depending on how DLSS is implemented, this will vary between games. To achieve the greatest outcome, it’s always worth experimenting with different combinations of DLSS and other graphics parameters.

How does the NVIDIA DLSS Work?

NVIDIA’s DLSS instructs a specialized section of your RTX graphics card (20-series and higher) to process a picture and scale it up to your desired resolution. For example, a video game is rendered at a lower resolution (usually 1440p) and then employs its AI algorithm to guess what it would look like if it were rendered at a higher resolution (typically 4K).

This is accomplished through the use of anti-aliasing effects and automatic sharpening. Visual artifacts that would not be seen at higher resolutions are also removed, and the features that should be there in a picture are inferred.

In this way, DLSS relieves your graphic card and CPU of the burden of producing a high-resolution visual with features like ray-tracing enabled. By utilizing DLSS, you may potentially increase all of your graphics settings to their utmost without sacrificing performance.

Many gamers like using super-resolution tools and taking in artifacts. It does, however, allow for the development of a whole image while simultaneously acknowledging that there are several flaws and improvements in the form and aesthetic of that image.

The aforementioned system does not represent a significant advancement. NVIDIA promises that DLSS will improve in the months and years ahead. Still, in the right situations, it may provide a significant performance boost without making the game unplayable.

How to Enable NVIDIA DLSS?

It’s simple to enable NVIDIA DLSS in a game that supports it. Simply launch your game of choice, go to the options menu, and select the graphics settings, assuming your NVIDIA drivers are up to date in GeForce Experience. It’s sometimes referred to as video settings.

After this, you may choose between DLSS and RTX. In this case, select DLSS if the game supports it and your GPU is a GeForce RTX 20 or GeForce RTX 30 or higher from NVIDIA.

The DLSS setting may be found in the Graphics tab of the in-game settings in a game like Escape from Tarkov.

Image Source: Devon Ledohowski

Jumping into NVIDIA GeForce Experience is the other way to test if your machine and game can run DLSS. Once you are in, go to the top-left corner of the app, and select the Home tab. Then look for Escape from Tarkov (or any other game) in the Games & Apps section. There’s a selection of several graphics options when you click on the game.

Image Source: Devon Ledohowski

You may pick between Optimize and a small settings tool symbol from the top right corner. You may move a scale between performance and quality if you pick the tool. Experimenting around with these parameters, as well as DLSS, will have an effect on what your graphic card settings do.

NVIDIA DLSS Available in Over 150 Games

NVIDIA DLSS is not supported by all games! Only 150 games as of Feb 2022 support it. However, its inclusion in many of these games improves performance and graphic quality significantly, especially when DLSS 2.0 or newer is used.

Enabling ray-tracing in compatible games even helps alleviate some of the speed loss. The best DLSS implementations we’ve seen so far are found in the following games (among others):

• Martha Is Dead
• Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis
• Death Stranding
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Control
• SCP: Pandemic
• Shadow Warrior 3
• Sifu

Valve Corporation is slowly but steadily enhancing the quality of Linux gaming, years after its disastrous Steam Machines by bringing NVIDIA DLSS to Linux.

The planned Steam Deck portable is based on Linux, and its ProtonDB compatibility layer allows it — and other PCs — to play Windows games.

Valve has now officially integrated support for NVIDIA’s DLSS machine learning temporal upscaling algorithm to ProtonDB, which might result in significant FPS gains and less flicker in videogames that support it.

DLSS Gets Better Over Time

NVIDIA DLSS has the potential to facilitate players who are unable to achieve acceptable frame rates at resolutions higher than 1080p to do so using inference.

DLSS might become the most important feature of NVIDIA’s RTX GPUs in the future. They aren’t quite as strong as we had anticipated, and the ray-tracing effects are nice but have a significant performance impact, but DLSS provides us the best of all worlds: better-looking video games that also perform much better than before.

RAM is a device’s second engine. Higher the RAM, the higher its performance. This is extremely important for users who want to play games with high graphics or execute high-end tasks like editing videos or images.

However, RAM is a costly component of a PC or a laptop, and high-performance RAM with the latest tech will set you back several dollars. But did you realize there’s a clever method to save this cost by just utilizing a USB drive as RAM on a Windows laptop or PC?

The tech world is moving forward fast with innovations. You can keep up by following the methods in this article to use a USB flash drive as RAM.

How to use a USB drive as RAM

It is simple to use a USB flash drive as RAM; all you need is a USB flash drive, and the crucial thing to remember is that a single file larger than 4 GB cannot be stored on a FAT32-formatted USB device. If you want to save data larger than 4GB on this USB flash drive, you must format it using the NTFS file system.

In this next section, we will look at two ways to use a USB device as RAM. Adhere to the standards listed below.

Virtual RAM Method

The first method is the Virtual RAM method. Virtual RAM, often known as virtual memory, is a built-in feature of the Windows PC. To begin, perform the instructions below:

• Plug your USB flash drive into any available USB port.
• After that, Right-click on the My Computer or This PC icon (depending on the OS).
• Then, choose Properties from the drop-down menu.
• Next, From the left side of the Properties box, select Advanced system settings as shown in the image below.
  
• At the top of the System Properties window, select the Advanced option.
• Underneath the Performance tab, click the Settings option.
• At the Performance Options box, select the Advanced option once more.
  
• Under the Virtual memory area, click the Change button.
• Then, Uncheck Manage the paging file size for all drives probably automatically, and then pick your USB stick from the device list displayed.
• Under the Custom Size option, enter the value in MB. This number must be at least 200 MB smaller than the value displayed against available space.
  
• Finally, restart your computer or laptop. You will notice the effects of more RAM in demanding tasks.

Ready Boost Method

The second method is the ready boost method to use a USB flash drive as RAM. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Format the USB Flash Drive

• Attach the USB flash drive to your system.
• Launch the File Explorer program on your PC.
• Next, here on the left-hand side of the File Explorer window, click on “This PC.”
• Then, right-click on the USB drive and choose Properties. Then, select “Format” to begin formatting the drive.
• When the Format box displays, select the File system option.
• Then, click “Start” to begin the formatting process. The formatting procedure will take some time to complete.
• Once formatted, proceed to the Step 2 given below:

Step 2: Use ReadyBoost to increase the RAM

After formatting your USB drive, it’s time to ready boost your USB flash drive. Follow the below steps to do it.

• To begin, press the Windows key and E key at the same time.
• Next, to see all of your laptop’s discs, click on “This PC.”
• When you find your USB device, right-click it and select “Properties.”
• Just go to the “ReadyBoost” option in the Properties box.
• Choose the “Use this device” option.
  
• You can now tweak the slider to increase or reduce the quantity of RAM (For example– the maximum limit for this computer is 4094 MB).
• To save the changes, click “Apply” and then “OK.” And restart your PC.

That’s all there is to it! You’ve successfully upgraded the RAM on your laptop or PC. This will significantly accelerate the system and boost its performance.

Disconnect your USB Flash Drive

Remove the USB flash drive only after you’ve removed the Ready Boost settings. Because if you remove your USB drive and your system shuts down directly, it can corrupt your Windows because there are cache files in the flash drive, so do not eject the flash drive directly.

If you want not to use the flash drive as extra RAM, perform the following methods to eject your USB drive safely.

• Launch File Explorer & navigate to “This PC.”
• Then right-click on the flash drive.
• Then, select “Properties.”
• Then, select the “ReadyBoost” tab.
• You must choose “Do not use this device” here, and ReadyBoost will not utilize this device.
• To save these updated modifications, click “Apply” and then “OK.”
• You can now remove the USB from your laptop or PC and use it as a standard drive on other PCs.

Conclusion

Generally, using a USB flash drive as RAM on Windows is simple. However, you must disconnect your flash drive carefully, or the device may be damaged. Create a system restore point from a safety standpoint as well.

Remember that you can only use a USB drive as RAM in Hard Disk Drive (HDD). If the above steps are not working in your system, then you have a Solid-State Drive (SSD) in your PC or Laptop, or you may have no more RAM capacity in your system.

There are a few methods to do a memory test and verify the health of RAM. Still, as is frequently the case, 3rd-party tools are likely to provide more information than Windows’ convenient but rather easy in-house techniques.

This article will teach you how to check the health of your RAM in several ways. But first, let us review some quick indicators of RAM problems.

RAM Problems Indications

Before you can do anything, you’ll like to be sure you’re howling up the correct tree, so these are a few clear symptoms that your RAM isn’t working properly like:

• PC beeps one or even more times when it boots up.
• PC processing slows down the longer you leave it on.
• Have trouble loading files.
• In System Info, the PC shows less RAM than what you have installed.

Now we can discuss the best methods to check RAM health on Windows.

Health Check by Windows Memory Diagnostic

The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool is the easiest but least comprehensive way to check your RAM.

• Click Start
• Type in the search bar “mdsched.exe.”
• When requested, restart the computer.
• A diagnostic tool will be launched.

Click F1, then select whether you want to run the Basic, Standard, or Extended tests. This might take some time. During this procedure, you will see a progress bar and a “Status” message informing you whether any errors were discovered.

However, you are not required to watch the process; you may leave your computer and return later to get the results.

Your computer will restart and back to the Desktop when it’s finished. The result will show after you log in. To begin,

• Launch the Event Viewer.
• Select “Event Viewer” from the menu that appears when you right-click the Start button. In Windows 7, enter Windows Key+R,
• then type “eventvwr.msc” into the Run dialogue and hit Enter.
• Go to Windows Logs > System.
• You’ll notice a long list of upcoming events. In the right pane, click “Find.”
  
• Enter “MemoryDiagnostic” into the search box and press “Find Next.”

At the bottom of the window, you’ll see the result as well as extra information about your RAM.

Boot and Run MemTest86

MemTest86 is a great testing tool that you may download and use if you’re seeking the finest one. It runs a broader range of tests and may uncover flaws that the bundled Windows test does not.

The most recent versions of this utility include a premium edition with additional functionality, albeit the free version should suffice. MemTest86 is Microsoft-signed; thus, it will run even on computers with Secure Boot activated.

You might also use the free and open-source MemTest86+ if you’re seeking another choice. We are, however, using MemTest86.

Both are self-contained, bootable gadgets. MemTest86 comes with a USB image that you may copy to a USB drive. To make a bootable USB drive, just execute the EXE file provided with the download as well as provide a spare USB drive.

Please be aware that copying the MemTest86 image to a USB device would delete its contents. Make a backup of any vital files on the disc first.

After you’ve made bootable discs, reboot your pc and instruct it to load from the USB device where you copied the memory test program.

The application will start up and begin analyzing your storage, running via test after test & notifying you if there is a problem. It will continue to conduct tests until you disable it, enabling you to check how memory operates over a longer duration.

Any mistakes will be shown on your screen. When you’re finished, just hit the “Esc” key to quit it and reboot your system.

If tests return errors, it’s very likely that the RAM—at least one of several sticks—is not healthy and is defective and must be replaced.

Physically Checking the RAM

Now, how would you deal with the faults that were discovered during the RAM checkup on your Windows system? Changing the RAM is the last resort, but it’s also worth double-checking that it’s correctly seated in your computer.

Remove the RAM sticks from the Computer one at a time, running the MemTest every session to check if the issues go away. That way, you’ll be able to determine which stick (or slot) was producing the issues.

If you notice that problems appear whenever you insert a particular stick, there is an issue with that stick. If there are issues every time a RAM stick is inserted into a specific slot, that slot may be the root of the issue, and you may need to repair the motherboard.

Conclusion: What If your RAM Is Bad?

If your RAM looks to be faulty, you would need to purchase a new RAM module & update your old one. Until then, you might attempt underclocking your RAM to temporarily make your system a bit more stable.

If the diagnostic methods reveal no faults or a clocking-related error, you should examine your RAM’s clock and speed parameters and overclock it to maximize its performance.

If that does not address your problem, the problem you are attempting to identify on your PC may be caused by a failure in another system part, and the RAM might not have been the source of the problem.

When users have difficulties with their PCs, they frequently blame a defective motherboard. But how do you know it’s a motherboard problem and not something else?

How to check the health of my motherboard? This will be the subject of our discussion. Make sure you go through this post to avoid misdiagnosing an issue.

Importance Of Motherboard

We can’t overlook the reality that the motherboard is the most crucial part of a PC since it connects numerous other components such as the central processing unit (CPU), RAM, and input and output devices.

By using the human brain as an example, you can see how vital the motherboard is because, just as the brain maintains balance, the motherboard does the same. That’s why it is essential to check motherboard health.

Ways To Check Health Of Motherboard

The major topic we’re talking about today is how to check motherboard health. Let’s move on to the symptoms of a faulty motherboard.

PCI-E Ports

This is a difficult one to narrow down. If your GPU ceases operating or you see unusual visual abnormalities on the screen (especially when gaming), it might be a defective PCI-E slot or even the GPU itself.

To begin, you should upgrade your GPU drivers & reinstall them if needed to ensure that the issue isn’t simply a software issue with the graphics card. If it fails, try inserting the GPU into a different slot to see whether the issue resurfaces.

If this doesn’t fix the issue, then it is clear that the slot from which you removed it is most likely defective. You might try upgrading your motherboard BIOS to see if that fixes the issue, but if that doesn’t work, you might have to check into a replacement.

RAM Slots

If your system beeps when you switch it on and slows down with time, you might have a RAM issue. However, it is possible that the issue is not with the RAM itself but with the RAM slots.

To test this, open your PC, remove a stick of RAM, and then turn it again on to check whether it functions properly. Continue doing so till your computer fails again. If this happens, try placing the RAM in some other RAM slot.

If the computer starts acting up once more, you realize that the problem is in the RAM stick. If the PC functions normally, you know it’s the RAM slot, and the motherboard is not working properly.

Power Supply Unit

The power supply unit (PSU) is equally critical as the motherboard. Despite this, many users pay little attention to it, even when their machine dies.

Fundamentally, a PSU gives electricity to your computer. If it fails to do so or is out of specification, it can cause lasting system damage. If the load is too large for the PSU, the system’s power supply will be inadequate, causing serious damage to other components.

As a result, you must utilize a high-quality power supply. Consult your motherboard documentation for instructions on how to check the PSU voltage using the BIOS menu. There are additional software utilities available from motherboard makers that can do this function.

If you have another PSU that is known to operate, try it in your system to check if the present PSU is just dead or malfunctioning. Several connected peripherals might cause the system to overload, so detach non-essential components like the optical drive or video card to verify if the computer works smoothly.

If it does work smoothly, then the problem is with the PSU. Alternatively, if it does not work, the motherboard can be at fault.

USB Ports

Examine the gadgets in various ports to determine if they function appropriately. If they do, you realize there’s a problem with the USB slot. You can check for keyboards and mice in multiple ports prior to being discarded.

But don’t start blaming your motherboard yet. Go to Device Manager on your PC, keep scrolling to “Universal Serial Bus controllers,” and see which ports have exclamation marks beside them.

If this is the case, right-click it and select Update Driver.

Although if there’s not an exclamation point (like in the image above), you should attempt the Upgrade Drivers option to be sure. Alternatively, you may right-click each one of the USB port drivers individually and select “Scan for Hardware Changes.”

Lastly, you might try removing each USB driver individually then rebooting your PC to compel it to reinstall them.

If any of these do not help, the issue is most likely with your motherboard’s hardware.

Video Ports (HDMI, VGI, DVI) Not Working

Suppose the multimedia outcomes are also not operating when connected to your motherboard. In that case, the very first thing to keep in mind is that if you’ve got a GPU within your PC, neither of that will work. That’s because, by default, your computer turns off its motherboard access points if there are GPU slots accessible. (This parameter may be changed in the BIOS).

If the problem persists, go to Device Manager, under Monitors, right-click “Nonexclusive PnP Monitor,” and carefully try every option, including “Output for equipment changes, too,” “Update driver software,” and simply “Uninstall gadget.”

Furthermore, when you do uninstall your display, restart the computer to enable it to reload, and then test it to see if it performs. If none of this functions, you’re looking at a damaged motherboard, and it’s a good opportunity to start looking for that assured data.

Blue/Black Screen

The Blue/Black Screen of Death (BSoD) indicates that there is indeed trouble with the mobo, which might be already dead. It’s a malfunction that indicates that your windows have been paused, but the system has a flaw.

In almost all of the cases, it signals an issue with the hardware or the driver, but it might also be the motherboard, so keep that in mind as well.

Burning Smell

If your system frequently gives a burning smell, this might signify a motherboard breakdown.

This smell is recognized when there is excessive overheating, which can be caused by any unsuitable part of the board.

Conclusion

Motherboards are complex, but all these measures will help to check motherboard health. Open your computer to determine whether the problem is with the board or other PC components.

When you do access your system, make certain that all wires, cards, and so on are correctly plugged in since a loose connection causes most issues.

Though a standard mouse is much more comfortable to use and provides higher accuracy & control, a trackball gives extra efficiency and accessibility.

There are several valid reasons for this affection! If you’re curious to know if you want a trackball mouse, here is why it’s the best tool for you.

Who is a Trackball Mouse Ideal For?

A trackball mouse is perfect not just for professional workers sitting in front of a computer for long periods and general consumers who want a more relaxed alternative, but also for individuals who have mobility or skill challenges gripping and using a mouse.

Trackballs provide enhanced availability and ease of use for such people who may have difficulty handling and using a mouse in a conventional manner.

Because a trackball is a fixed peripheral, it can aid by enabling you to spin the ball and click keys in whatever way you feel fits. All you want to do is choose a form and size that works for you.

Now, we move on to the reasons to buy a trackball mouse. Let’s find out!

Design and Build Quality

Ordinary mice exist in a variety of styles but always have the same fundamental layout: right-click, middle-click/scroll wheel, and left-click. Some may add extra buttons, although they seldom deviate from the standard three-button configuration.

However, Trackball mice are available in several different layouts depending on the size and position of the trackball.

Trackballs that move with your thumb typically have a more traditional layout of left, middle, and right clicks. Trackballs with a bigger, finger-operated core ball are more inventive in their designs. Some even employ a scroll ring instead of a clickable wheel.

Trackballs rely on several ball bearings beneath the globe to ensure the ball moves smoothly and effortlessly. These bearings might become dusty or gunked up over time and may need to be cleaned with a Q-tip.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Due to long hours of sitting each day, the discourse regarding good ergonomics in the workplace has expanded in recent years.

Although standing up is good for your health, using more ergonomic input gadgets can help you avoid repetitive strain injury (RSI). These problems are generated by stressing your muscles in almost a similar way over and over again.

Because of the trackball’s secure location, trackball mice might be a godsend for professionals suffering from wrist-based RSI.

Whereas a standard mouse requires you to rotate your arm and wrist, a trackball merely requires you to move your fingers. Your wrist will be at a healthy angle if you utilize a wrist-rest on your trackball. This relieves it of the strain caused by swiping your mouse around.

Efficiency

It may take some time to get used to using a trackball. However, after a week or so of getting used to it, your cursor’s accuracy can improve significantly.

That’s also especially important for small, precise control that trackballs are more responsive to. Trackballs also make it much easier to whip the cursor from one side of the working space to another.

Durability

A mouse is among the few PC parts that still have spinning parts, and these parts wear down and break over time. Inexpensive mice fail the most rapidly, but high-quality mice also age out.

Because trackball mice are immobile, they are not subjected to the stress of violent situations or falls. A trackball may outlive a high-quality office chair if the buttons are kept in good condition. A well-cared-for mouse may live just as long, although they appear to break down a bit more often compared to trackball mice.

Great Alternative to the Travel Mouse

Travel mice are useful, but they need enough space to move around. Trackballs are ideal for accurate work, even when traveling. As such, it might be better for people short on space (such as those who use a lot of tiny motel room desks).

Conclusion

Essentially, if you suffer wrist or forearm pain from using a mouse or touchpad, it is strongly recommended to check out a trackball mouse. The ergonomics are a significant advantage of utilizing this as your primary cursor control.

The trackball is a strong, classic option, even though it is misinterpreted and underestimated. The trackball is a smart alternative for experts and regular users, with a broad range of styles and advantages extending from ergonomics & RSI avoidance to speed and accessibility.

Of course, it goes without saying that gamers have no need for a trackball mouse and should stick to what they are using right now.

Some PC users prefer to use a separate wireless mouse to handle a multimedia PC. Others may be like to keep one arm on an additional keyboard for fast access to commands.

Whichever your reason, this post will explain to you the benefits of utilizing several mouses and keyboards, as well as how to install them.

How to Install Multiple Mice and Keyboards?

Having multiple mice and keyboards is a configuration with several fascinating applications. After attaching numerous peripherals to your PC, there are multiple ways you can use to set them up.

The Basic Way: Connect Both Keyboards or Mice Directly

Simply connect your additional mouse or keyboard through Bluetooth or put it into a USB port. When Windows has finished installing the appropriate drivers, you may type with either keyboard and control the cursor with both mice.

To view anything you presently have connected:

• Step 1: Go to Settings
• Step 2: Click on Devices
  
• Step 3: Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
  

You may fine-tune how your mouse functions underneath the Mouse, keyboard & pen option. However, these choices will apply to all linked mice. Based on how varied your mice are, one may feel too sensitive or underly sensitive, so make adjustments accordingly.

Unifying Receiver

A unifying receiver is included with modern Logitech mice and keyboards. This little dongle connects up to six Logitech gadgets to your PC through a USB connection. As a result, if you wish to utilize numerous Logitech keyboards or mice, you may save a few USB ports.

Work Simultaneously on Multiple Monitors

Suppose you have numerous displays and separate apps operating over each. In that case, you may set two (or even more) keyboard/mouse pairs to simply transition between the display and task.

Many software can assist Windows in distinguishing between several mice and keyboards, permitting you to utilize several cursors and enter information at the same time.

Pluralinput is one such piece of open-source that performs a good job at multitasking. Because it is in beta, you may encounter some issues. These are the steps involved to set it up:

• Install and run Pluralinput, then select “Set up a new device option” from the left menu.
• A list of all linked keyboards and mice will be shown. Simply tick the box next to each mouse or keyboard you wish to be used as Pluralinput and then click the “Apply changes to devices” button.
• The application will install new drivers and display a new configurable cursor (orange by default). This cursor, however, will have limited control. It can only be used within apps like Word, Notepad, browsers, and others.

If Pluralinput isn’t for you, TeamPlayer is a far more robust alternative. It also includes an old free version that is remarkably enough for essential use.

Now, what are the benefits of having multiple mice and keyboards? Read on to find out!

Benefits of Multiple Mice and Keyboards

There are two major advantages of using multiple mice and keyboards. Let’s take a look!

Control Your PC from Different Locations

Two keyboards/mice would be useful if you want to operate your PC from different locations.

But, for this to function, you must have a wireless keyboard/mouse or a keyboard/mouse with an extremely long cord.

Even when a cable keyboard/mouse is attached, the wireless mouse or keyboard will effortlessly link to your computer. After that, you can control your PC from anywhere in the house. If your PC is streaming to a wireless display, having another keyboard and mouse that can connect to your PC wirelessly will be a huge help.

Use Multiple Keyboards for Multi-Key Functions

A membrane keyboard (which we usually use) enables four keypresses together or simultaneously. In most circumstances, this is adequate. Nevertheless, if you are playing a multiplayer game (a split-screen game where both players are using the same keyboard), one keyboard will not suffice.

Luckily, if each person connects a keyboard, the PC will receive up to 4 key pushes from each participant. As a result, you’ll be capable of playing any game without stuttering or button collisions. You will not have an issue playing Tekken or Fifa with your friends while using multiple keyboards.

But, do remember that the computer cannot tell which keyboard is sending the information. To avoid this, just assign distinct command keys to each participant within the game.

Times are changing rapidly and although it seems that external hard drives have come to the market just recently, fact is that they are already surpassed by the best external SSD drives that are pulling the shots nowadays. In other words, if you are after a drive that allows storing editable high-resolution content or high-performance external libraries for your games that will perfectly match the latest graphics cards and hardware in general, the best portable SSDs are certainly your best option. Of course, they are not all born equal, and finding the best one might come as a challenge; nonetheless, with a little bit of guidance, everything is achievable.

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How to Choose the Best External SSDs

When choosing the best external SSD drive, you should pay attention to a few details:

Sequential Read/Write Speed

One of the most importantly aspects of an SSD is its sequential read/write speed that. Depending on the drive, can go from 300MBps, in the case of standard SSDs, up to 3500MBps or above in the case of NVMe-based drives. Fact remains that even the slowest ones will give you satisfying results for mainstream use, while external NVMe drives with 2000MBps read/write sequential speeds are certainly a much better option for high-resolution content creation and high-end gaming.

Connectivity

You can get yourself the best external SSD drive possible; however, if you cannot physically connect it to your device, all that has no purpose. Have in mind that today’s external SSD drives usually have USB Type-C and/or USB Type-A connections. In other words, be sure that the desired drive can be connected to your Mac or PC.

Also, keep in mind that USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports support maximum data transfer speeds of 625MBps, USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports support speeds of around 1250MBps, while USB 3.2 2×2 ports offer speeds of 2500MBps and Thunderbolt 3 ports can deliver 5000MBps data transfer speeds.

Capacity

Along with the data transfer speeds, capacity is another very important aspect of external SSD drives. The larger the capacity, the higher the number of files and data you can store on it. Therefore, be realistic about your needs and choose the drive with the capacity that will be enough for your needs at least for a year.

Also, if you are seeking a better price-per-gigabyte ratio, the best external hard drives are probably a better choice. However, keep in mind that they are more volatile and that better performance is certainly in the hands of the best external SSDs.

Size and portability

SSD drives are generally compact devices; nonetheless, they are still different in size and you can find really tiny ones. In other words, find one that will suit you.

Encryption

If you are a regular home or office user, this feature probably doesn’t play a huge role for you. Nevertheless, if you want to keep some precious information on the drive, such as private photos, classified data, or the things you don’t want others to see, the existence of some sort of protection, such as 256-bit AES hardware encryption, will be more than beneficial.

Price

Price is always an important factor, whether you are buying a car or toothpaste. The price plays an important role; therefore, never spend more money than you have to. If you are seeking a better performing drive, price must be higher, yet be reasonable and realistic in your demands and the final result will be the best external SSD drive possible.

Best External SSD