• The best silent mouse of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed
    on March 29, 2024 at 3:44 pm

    We tested some of the top silent mouse options from brands like Logitech, Razer, and more, so you can work and still keep your surroundings peaceful.

  • I found the most customizable smart home accessory ever, and it’s quite the looker
    on March 29, 2024 at 3:42 pm

    Govee’s new Neon Rope Light 2 makes it easy to decorate your home and has quickly become a staple in my household.

  • The best live TV streaming services of 2024: Expert tested
    on March 29, 2024 at 3:31 pm

    We tested the best live TV streaming services that let you watch your favorite shows, news, and sports in real time. Here’s how to choose between Sling TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, YouTubeTV, and more.

  • I found the easiest way to automate window blinds, and it’s solar powered
    on March 29, 2024 at 2:38 pm

    The SwitchBot Blind Tilt turns your old blinds into smart blinds, and its ingenious design means you’ll never have to charge it.

  • Edifier’s newest computer speakers look as good as they sound
    on March 29, 2024 at 2:34 pm

    Edifier is a popular speaker choice among desktop PC enthusiasts. Its R1280T bookshelf speakers are a staple on /r/battlestations and the top of Amazon’s best-seller list, and there’s a pair sitting a couple of feet away on my own desk. But the company’s new QR65 design might just be a new favorite, especially if you like a bit of RGB with your audio tech. The Edifier QR65 includes a laundry list of audiophile goodies for direct, USB, and Bluetooth wireless audio, with roomy 2.75-inch primary drivers, 1.25-inch silk diaphragm tweeters, and MazeTube reflex channels for a bit of thumping bass despite their small size and lack of subwoofer. There’s a sub-out port in the rear if you want to add one yourself. Further reading: The best computer speakers under $100 Edifier claims that its “dual TI Class-D digital audio amplifiers provide the precise two-way active crossover, magnify high frequency signals and mid-low frequency signals separately, and manage DRC effectively.” I’m sure that means something cool to people who know more than me about audio. But it’s the many extras provided by these speakers that might turn the heads of PC enthusiasts. Take the mirrored “infinity effect” front baffle. It’s surrounded by a thin line of RGB lighting that can be adjusted via a smartphone app, with plenty of animations on offer. It’s a nice bit of extra bling for your desktop, without going full Razer, as it were. Edifier Edifier Edifier The speakers aren’t all show. They include a built-in Gallium Nitride (GaN) charger in the housing, with up to 65 watts of power output over two USB-C and one USB-A ports. So these things can charge most laptops and smartphones at their maximum rate. They even include some stylish but functional aluminum speaker stands in the box for both black and white versions. Naturally, the QR65 won’t be the same bargain-hunting favorite as the R1280T. The speakers have yet to get a US store listing, but KitGuru spotted them for sale in the UK at £329.99. Speakers

  • Can you play Dragon’s Dogma 2 on Steam Deck?
    on March 29, 2024 at 2:30 pm

    Capcom’s Dragon’s Dogma 2 is the kind of game you’re going to want to sink many hours into. I’ve already settled well into my role as the Arisen in the sequel, and I’m having a blast battling hordes of grotesque denizens. That said, I found myself stuck playing DD2 on my desktop PC for the simple reason that it’s not rated or optimized for Steam Deck by Valve. Fans who have taken the plunge and installed it on Steam Deck to play natively are reporting frame rates around the 10 to15 frames-per-second (fps) mark, which isn’t great. It means the game is virtually unplayable. That’s with the game dropped to the lowest settings, too. It’s no wonder considering how hard the game hits your CPU. But it’s not a hopeless case. Indeed, if you’re not one to stand for dodgy frame rates on Valve’s handheld (and let’s face it, what kind of gamer would you be if you did?), you might want to try one of the workarounds which do offer a more optimized gameplay experience for DD2 on Steam Deck. Dragon’s Dogma 2 can run smoothly when streamed onto Steam Deck.  Dragon’s Dogma 2 can run smoothly when streamed onto Steam Deck.  Capcom Dragon’s Dogma 2 can run smoothly when streamed onto Steam Deck.  Capcom Capcom One way is a subscription to Nvidia GeForce Now. The game streaming service’s Ultimate tier is the one to choose for streaming DD2 on Steam Deck. It utilizes RTX 4080 SuperPODs which can stream more than 64 teraflops of graphics horsepower to your Steam Deck, after installing GeForce Now. The reality of that is a little easier to understand: Subscribers have reported clocking between 50 to 60fps in Dragon’s Dogma 2 with only occasional dips on the service, which is essentially smooth gameplay. To utilize the service, you’ll need to own a copy of DD2 on Steam. GeForce Now’s Ultimate tier subscription costs you $19.99 a month, with lesser-powered options also available (including a free tier). GeForce Now Read our review Price When Reviewed: Free tier I Priority tier ($9.99/mo or $49.99/6 mo) I Ultimate tier ($19.99/mo or $99.99/6 mo) Best Prices Today: 9.99 at Nvidia Alternatively, the open-source app Moonlight is a great option that won’t cost you a dime. Moonlight used to work with Nvidia’s GameStream software before the graphics card company removed it from the Nvidia Experience game client. But, you can still use it with another client, Sunshine. In fact, Sunshine lets you stream to AMD devices too, so it’s the more versatile option. Moonlight is favored by many gamers over Steam’s own streaming client, Remote Play, because of its very low latency. Moonlight devs promise you can get up to 120fps in games, but you could expect less with a game like DD2. It also allows you to disable V-Sync, so it’s a great option for games as large as DD2. To use Moonlight to stream DD2, you’ll have to download and install both Moonlight and Sunshine. Finally, if you own a PlayStation 5 you can also stream directly from your console to your Steam Deck using the Chiaki4deck app. Once again, you’ll need to own a copy of the game. This app can also stream at a comfortable 60fps for a much smoother-than-native gameplay experience for DD2 on Steam Deck. Gaming

  • Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses review: The best AI-powered AR glasses to buy right now
    on March 29, 2024 at 2:14 pm

    Why the Meta smart glasses have gotten so good that I’ve replaced my prescription lenses with these AI wearables.

  • How I turned an old, dumb Mercedes into a smarter car on a budget
    on March 29, 2024 at 2:04 pm

    Older cars might have more personality than today’s shiny, modern vehicles, but they tend to lack the tech we know and love. Here’s how to bridge the gap without breaking the bank.

  • Try These 8 Yoga Poses for the Ultimate Night’s Sleep – CNET
    by Caroline Igo on March 29, 2024 at 2:00 pm

    If you’ve been having trouble sleeping lately, calming yoga stretches can help you find relief. These are the top eight to try.

  • Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover Review: The Coolest Accessory for Hot Sleepers – CNET
    by Caroline Igo on March 29, 2024 at 2:00 pm

    My Eight Sleep Pod Cover cooled me down, tracked my health vitals and improved my sleep quality. Here’s why I think hot sleepers will find this bedding accessory worth it.

  • Best Dog Beds of 2024 – CNET
    by Caroline Igo on March 29, 2024 at 2:00 pm

    Your dog deserves the best bed to rest in after a long day. Here are the best dog beds, tested by my own dog.

  • Best Savings Rates Today — Maximize Your Interest Earnings With One of These Top Savings Accounts, March 29, 2024  – CNET
    by Liliana Hall on March 29, 2024 at 2:00 pm

    The clock is ticking on high savings rates, so take advantage of these top accounts before rates drop later this year.

  • Windows 11 power tip: How to use the old task manager
    on March 29, 2024 at 1:56 pm

    Every Windows user should know how to start the Windows 11 task manager: Press the CTRL + SHIFT + ESC keys simultaneously (there are also other options — for example, right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager” from the menu that then opens). Or press CTRL + ALT + DEL and then select Task Manager). You will then see the Task Manager in its current form, as it has been since Windows 11 22H2 . get windows 11 pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro Price When Reviewed: 199.99 Best Prices Today: $59 at PCWorld Store – Win 11 Pro Upgrade Only | $79.99 at PCWorld Software Store This current Windows 11 task manager is clearly organized: At the top left, you can minimize and maximize the left-hand menu using the burger icon. And on the right, you can see the actual contents, for example under “Processes” the running “Tasks.” If you want to end a program immediately — for example, because it froze — select it in the list and then click on the menu item “End task” at the top. The current task manager also supports the dark mode of Windows 11. How to start the old task manager in Windows 11 But what about the old Windows task manager? It still exists, but you no longer start it using the key combination CTRL + SHIFT + ESC. Instead, open File Explorer and enter C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Taskmgr.exe in the address bar. The old task manager starts immediately. It offers you the familiar view, so the burger symbol and the left selection menu are missing. Instead, it displays the running tasks centrally. The selection through the areas “Processes,” “Performance,” etc. is still made via the top menu bar. So overall less clear and visually less appealing, but just as useful. Ultimately, it’s a matter of taste which view you like better. Did you know that you can open Task Manager without the new XAML/WinUI frame by running “taskmgr -d”? pic.twitter.com/iZ2ycsIDvE— λlbacore 🥝 (@thebookisclosed) March 25, 2024 Important: You cannot use the new and the old task manager at the same time. So if the current task manager is already running, you cannot also start the old one (and vice versa). This article was translated from German to English and originally appeared on pcwelt.de. Windows

  • Nab this spacious SteelSeries gaming keyboard for just $35
    on March 29, 2024 at 1:54 pm

    A full-sized keyboard can really make or break your gaming experience, especially if you normally intensive first-person-shooters in which every second matters. A numeric keypad, for example, is nice to have because you can use it as a game pad for your right hand. And today you can get one without breaking the bank. The SteelSeries Apex 3 is on sale for $34.99 at Best Buy, good for $15 off the usual price. It’s a membrane keyboard, which means it doesn’t make much noise due to the rubber domes underneath the keys. Although you won’t hear the satisfying click-clack noise that comes from typing on a mechanical keyboard, it’s still a good keyboard, especially if you prefer a quieter typing experience. The SteelSeries Apex 3 has 104 keys, 10 different zones of RGB backlighting (if you like that sort of thing!), and a spill-resistant design. It’s a wired keyboard, so it connects to your computer via USB Type C. It’s also compatible with Windows or Mac. This keyboard is well-reviewed on Best Buy as well, with one person saying the keys “do not merely type, they glide with the grace of a seasoned ballerina.” Regardless of the flowery language, that’s some high praise right there. If you’re looking for a quiet yet roomy keyboard, the Apex 3 is a great choice. Get it now before it’s gone forever — at least at this price. Get the SteelSeries Apex 3 keyboard for $34.99 at Best Buy Keyboards

  • Audio-Technica’s Sound Burger curbed my vinyl craving with a game-changing audio feature
    on March 29, 2024 at 1:50 pm

    The Sound Burger is back from the ’80s to bring portability and a new listening experience to vinyl records.

  • Nearly Every Tolkien Book is On Sale Today, Here are my Favorites – CNET
    by Russell Holly on March 29, 2024 at 1:49 pm

    Every Tolkien fan wants these books in their collection, and today you can get basically all of them at a great discount.

  • Women’s March Madness 2024: How to Watch, Stream Caitlin Clark and the Sweet 16 – CNET
    by Matt Elliott on March 29, 2024 at 1:34 pm

    Up next for Iowa is Colorado on Saturday on ABC, but the Sweet 16 starts today with South Carolina, Texas, Notre Dame and Stanford all in action on ESPN.

  • Best CD Rates Today – Act Now to Lock in an APY up to 5.4%, March 29, 2024 – CNET
    by Kelly Ernst on March 29, 2024 at 1:30 pm

    With rates on the way down, now’s the time to secure a still-high APY.

  • Five Days Left to Snag Microsoft Visio Professional 2021 for Just $25 – CNET
    by Max McHone on March 29, 2024 at 1:24 pm

    Now you can save 90% on Visio Professional, helping make complex data easier to manage and understand.

  • Best laptop deals today: Home use laptops, gaming laptops and more
    on March 29, 2024 at 1:03 pm

    If you’re looking to score a fast laptop at a killer price, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re on the hunt for a blazing fast gaming rig, a lightweight 2-in-1, or an everyday Chromebook, we’ve assembled a list of the best laptop deals available right now, using our finely honed editorial judgement to only recommend truly compelling deals on worthwhile notebooks. For more notebook options, check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops available right now. We’ve got can’t-miss picks for every use case and budget, putting our thousands of hours of hands-on testing to work for you. The best laptop deals today Everyday laptops Sometimes all you need is an everyday, no-frills laptop for browsing the web and checking e-mail. If you’re in the market for such a machine, check out our picks below. Lenovo IdeaPad 1, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U CPU/AMD Radeon Vega 7 graphics/8GB RAM/256GB SSD/14-inch 1080p display, $249.99 ($170 off at Microcenter) Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, Intel Core i3-1315U CPU/Intel UHD graphics/8GB RAM/256GB SSD/15.6-inch 1080p display, $299 ($230 off at B&H) HP 17-cp0007 (refurb), AMD Ryzen 3 5300U CPU/AMD Radeon graphics/12GB RAM/256GB SSD + 1TB HDD/17.3-inch 1080p display, $399.99 ($449.01 off at Adorama) HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, Intel Core i3-1215U CPU/Intel Iris Xe graphics/8GB RAM/128GB SSD/13.5-inch 1504p touch display, $1,099 ($220 off at HP) HP Pavilion Plus 14, AMD Ryzen 5 7540U CPU/AMD Radeon graphics/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/14-inch 1200p display, $549.99 ($250 off at Best Buy) Dell XPS 13 Laptop, Intel Core i7-1250U CPU/Intel Iris Xe graphics/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/13.4-inch 1200p display, $799 ($300 off at Dell) Acer Aspire 3, AMD Ryzen 5 7520U CPU/AMD Radeon graphics/8GB RAM/512GB SSD/15.6-inch 1080p display, $329.99 ($270 off at Best Buy) Asus Zenbook 14X, Intel Core i5-13500H CPU/Intel Iris Xe graphics/8GB RAM/512GB SSD/14.5-inch 1800p touch display, $499.99 ($300 off at Best Buy) Dell Inspiron 14 Laptop, Intel Core i7-1360P CPU/Intel Iris Xe graphics/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/14-inch 1200p display, $729.99 ($120 off at Dell) My top pick: Lenovo’s IdeaPad Slim 3 offers reliable performance, a lightweight form factor, and a spacious display–all at an affordable price point. When it comes to price and features, it checks off all the right boxes, making it a great everyday machine for most people. Gaming laptops Whether you’re looking to catch up on some gaming after work or between classes, we’ve got a pretty solid list of gaming laptop recommendations below. The refresh rates on these machines are absolutely bananas and I mean that in the best way possible. XPS Xenia 15G, Intel Core i7-13700H CPU/Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/15.6-inch 1080p display, $999 ($700.99 off at Walmart) Lenovo Legion Pro 5i, Intel Core 7-13700HX CPU/Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU/32GB RAM/1TB SSD/16-inch 1600p display, $1,184.95 ($614.05 off at B&H) Lenovo Legion Pro 7i, Intel Core i9-13900HX CPU/Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU/32GB RAM/1TB SSD/16-inch 1600p display, $2,129 ($620 off at B&H) Acer Predator Helios Neo, Intel Core i5-13500HX CPU/Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/16-inch 1200p display, $899.99 ($300 off at Best Buy) MSI Crosshair 16, Intel Core i7-13620H CPU/Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/16-inch 1200p display, $1,199.99 ($200 off at Best Buy) MSI Stealth, Intel Core i7-13620H CPU/Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU/32GB RAM/TB SSD/16-inch 1200p display, $1,599.99 ($250 off at Best Buy) Asus TUF Gaming F15, Intel Core i9-13900H CPU/Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU/32GB RAM/1TB SSD/15.6-inch 1080p display, $1,149 ($250 off at B&H) Lenovo LOQ 15IRH8, Intel Core i7-13700H CPU/Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/15.6-inch 1080p display, $799 ($510 off at B&H) Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU/Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/14-inch 1440p display, $999.99 ($600 off at Best Buy) My top pick: If you’re looking for the ultimate gaming experience, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i will certainly deliver. The Intel Core 9-13900HX CPU and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU is a powerful combination, so it should blitz right through most games on the High or Ultra graphics preset. Plus, the display is a roomy 16-inches with a ridiculously high refresh rate of 240Hz. 2-in-1 laptops 2-in-1 laptops (aka convertibles) are great because they’re so lightweight and versatile. All you have to do is swing the screen around 360 degrees and boom! You’ve got a tablet. If you’re on the hunt for a super portable laptop, then check out the carefully curated list below. Dell Inspiron 2-in-1, Intel Core i7-1260P CPU/Intel Iris Xe graphics/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/16-inch 1200p touch display, $899.99 ($350 off at Best Buy) Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5, Intel Core i7-1355U CPU/Intel Iris Xe graphics/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/16-inch 1200p touch display, $599 ($400 off at B&H) HP Envy x360, AMD Ryzen 7 5825U CPU/AMD Radeon graphics/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/15.6-inch touch 1080p display, $569.99 ($379.01 off at Adorama) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 3, Intel Core i7-1265U CPU/Intel Iris Xe graphics/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/13.3-inch 1200p touch display, $1,154 ($865 off at Adorama) Lenovo Flex 7, Intel Core Evo i7-1355U CPU/Intel Iris Xe graphics/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/14-inch 1400p touch display, $1,039.99 ($220 off at Adorama) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6, Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU/Intel Iris Xe graphics/8GB RAM/256GB SSD/14-inch 1200p touch display, $704.99 ($724.01 off at Adorama) Lenovo Yoga 7i, Intel Core i5-1340P CPU/Intel Iris Xe graphics/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/16-inch 1600p touch display, $839.99 ($300 off at Lenovo) Lenovo Yoga 6, AMD Ryzen 5 7530U CPU/AMD Radeon graphics/8GB RAM/512GB SSD/13.3-inch 1200p touch display, $549.99 ($310 off at Lenovo) Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Laptop, Intel Core i7-1250U CPU/Intel Iris Xe graphics/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/13-inch 1920p touch display, $1,249 ($510 off at Dell) My top pick: The Lenovo Flex 7 is a fantastic pick because it’s powerful enough for day-to-day productivity and the 1400p display is both vibrant and touch-enabled. Laptop deal buying tips If you’ve shopped online before for laptop deals you’re probably aware that there’s a vast range of laptop configurations available. A good place to start is with the processor. Buy laptops with Intel 12-series Core chips or higher, such as the Core i5-12510U, or the Core i7-13800H; or go with an AMD Ryzen processor (but not an AMD Athlon or A-series chip). Avoid laptops with Pentium or Celeron processors unless it’s a Chromebook (running Chrome OS). You’re going to need to pay attention with gaming laptops, too, as some GPUs, like the RTX 4050 Ti, don’t offer much boost over their RTX 3xxx-series cousins, and Nvidia has dropped the Max-Q designation on certain low-power options. Display resolution is a gotcha. If you see a laptop labeled as “HD” resolution that means 1366-by-768 and often isn’t worth your time for a laptop under 13 inches unless the deal is absolutely standout. What you want is “Full HD” or “FHD,” which means 1080p. Don’t buy laptops with under 4GB of RAM or 128GB of SSD storage—though on a Chromebook, this configuration is acceptable. We have more explanation in our laptops versus Chromebooks buying guide, as well as in our primer on how to buy a budget laptop without getting screwed. Also watch out for eMMC storage, which is something we don’t recommend for a Windows laptop but works fine for a Chromebook. Reviews can be helpful. Even if you can’t find a review of a specific configuration, try related models. They’ll often give you a good idea of the build quality and performance. Also buy from brands you trust. Amazon’s daily laptop deals right now are full of brands we’ve never tested or talked to (Broage, Teclast, DaySky, Jumper) and it’s just a good idea to be wary. Most older laptops will run Windows 10, and that’s fine—there’s no rush to upgrade. Windows 10 in S Mode, though annoying, can be switched out of easily if you find it on a budget laptop. If you want to buy a Windows 10 PC with the intent of upgrading it to Windows 11, we recommend you start here with a list of older laptops that are Windows 11-eligible. Read our round-up of the best laptop chargers. Laptops

  • Get 55% Off a Lifetime Subscription to Curiosity Stream – CNET
    by Amber Guetebier on March 29, 2024 at 1:01 pm

    For a limited time only, you can sign up to watch ad-free documentaries for a lifetime at a very discounted rate.

  • The Best Horror Movies on Max Right Now – CNET
    by Meara Isenberg on March 29, 2024 at 1:00 pm

    Line up some scary movies to watch this weekend.

  • When should you upgrade your PC’s motherboard?
    on March 29, 2024 at 1:00 pm

    If you realize that your system is falling short of expectations, a new motherboard could be the solution. This is particularly necessary if you are due for a processor upgrade that requires a new socket type that your current motherboard does not support. The latest Intel or AMD chipsets require specific sockets that are usually incompatible with older CPU generations. A switch to the new DDR5 RAM, which offers higher bandwidth and improved energy efficiency, also requires a motherboard with corresponding RAM slots and suitable CPU support. The compatibility of the RAM is always an important point to consider. Motherboards are often limited to certain RAM types and speeds. For example, if your system is designed for DDR4 RAM, you cannot simply switch to DDR5 without replacing the motherboard. This is because the physical shape, speed, and signal integrity of the memory are different. Motherboards are usually one of the last components to be replaced on a PC, even for experienced DIY enthusiasts. However, compelling reasons such as a RAM upgrade can make replacement unavoidable. Motherboards are usually one of the last components to be replaced on a PC, even for experienced DIY enthusiasts. However, compelling reasons such as a RAM upgrade can make replacement unavoidable. Mifcom Motherboards are usually one of the last components to be replaced on a PC, even for experienced DIY enthusiasts. However, compelling reasons such as a RAM upgrade can make replacement unavoidable. Mifcom Mifcom Upgrading graphics cards also presents challenges. A new GPU may require a powerful power supply beyond what your current motherboard model can deliver. In addition, modern graphics cards are often designed for PCIe 4.0 or even 5.0 to utilize the maximum bandwidth for games and applications. If your motherboard only supports PCIe 3.0, you won’t be able to utilize the full power of the latest graphics cards. Reading tip: Should you upgrade your PC or buy a new computer? A motherboard change is necessary if you want to upgrade to the new RAM standard DDR5. A motherboard change is necessary if you want to upgrade to the new RAM standard DDR5. IDG A motherboard change is necessary if you want to upgrade to the new RAM standard DDR5. IDG IDG When upgrading memory, you should also make sure that your motherboard has enough M.2 ports and that they support the latest NVMe SSDs, which are significantly faster than their SATA-based counterparts. Equally important is the number and type of ports available. A motherboard should have enough USB ports for peripherals. If you need advanced ports such as USB-C or Thunderbolt, this may also be an issue that requires a motherboard upgrade. The CPU socket is important when choosing a motherboard. A processor change often means that a new motherboard type has to be purchased. The CPU socket is important when choosing a motherboard. A processor change often means that a new motherboard type has to be purchased. Asus The CPU socket is important when choosing a motherboard. A processor change often means that a new motherboard type has to be purchased. Asus Asus Power supply compatibility is usually less of a problem, as most power supplies use standardized ATX connectors. However, if you need a power supply unit with additional power connections for a new GPU or for additional PCIe slots, then you should also take this into account when considering a motherboard change. A hardware upgrade can also lead to a chain reaction of further upgrades, which requires careful planning. A new motherboard may therefore also require new RAM modules or a more powerful power supply unit. It is important to take this into account when planning your budget and system configuration. This is the only way to ensure that every component is optimally utilized and no bottlenecks occur. This article was translated from German to English and originally appeared on pcwelt.de. Desktop PCs, Gaming, Gaming Desktop PCs

  • Our Favorite Budget Phone Costs Just $374 for a Limited Time Only – CNET
    by Adam Oram on March 29, 2024 at 12:56 pm

    The already affordable Google Pixel 7A is now at an all-time low price of only $374.

  • Best VPN for Netflix – CNET
    by Moe Long on March 29, 2024 at 12:30 pm

    These VPNs let you stream your home country’s Netflix library from abroad or unblock foreign Netflix content for a greater variety of movies and TV shows.

  • Best Satellite Internet Providers for 2024 – CNET
    by Trey Paul on March 29, 2024 at 12:30 pm

    In rural and remote areas, broadband providers are often limited. Learn how to stay connected when satellite internet is your only option.

  • FAFSA Delays Leave Students in Limbo. What to Know About This Year’s Financial Aid Deadlines – CNET
    by Kaz Weida on March 29, 2024 at 12:28 pm

    Deadlines have changed — and keep changing. Here’s what you need to know if you need help paying for college

  • You’ve Clogged a Toilet With No Plunger. Don’t Panic and Do This Instead – CNET
    by Dale Smith on March 29, 2024 at 12:15 pm

    It’s possible to extract yourself from a difficult situation with your dignity intact.

  • The best robot mops for 2024: Expert tested
    on March 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm

    Ditch the mop and bucket this spring cleaning season. I’ve tested the best robot mops from iRobot, Dreame, and more.

  • Upgrading to the iPhone 15? Here’s How It Compares to Older iPhones – CNET
    by Lisa Eadicicco on March 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm

    The iPhone 15 will feel like a big upgrade to those coming from a model that’s several years old.

  • What Samsung’s Galaxy Ring Needs to Woo Smartwatch Haters Like Me – CNET
    by Patrick Holland on March 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm

    Commentary: After years of brushing off smartwatches and fitness trackers, I just may cave in and get a smart ring. Thanks, Samsung.

  • Apple’s Vision Pro (and All of Mixed Reality) Needs to Keep Rethinking Our Hands – CNET
    by Scott Stein on March 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm

    Version one of Vision Pro has solved scrolling and pinching, but how will things evolve next? The maker of some of VR’s classic games (coming to Vision Pro soon) has some ideas.

  • Here’s How Long Your HVAC System Should Last – CNET
    by Alexandra Jones on March 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm

    Furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps might have different lifespans but one thing is certain: Maintenance makes your HVAC system last longer.

  • Apple to Talk AI in June: This WWDC Is a Big Deal video – CNET
    by Bridget Carey on March 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm

    Apple’s WWDC 24 is set for June 10. CNET’s Bridget Carey explains what to expect — and why this developers conference might be one of the most interesting presentations to watch.

  • iPhone Storage: Don’t Delete Any Photos or Videos Before Checking These Two iOS Settings – CNET
    by Nelson Aguilar on March 29, 2024 at 11:55 am

    Getting iPhone messages about low storage? Before you start deleting files, try this first.

  • Rates Fall for Prospective Buyers: Today’s Mortgage Rates on March 29, 2024 – CNET
    by Katherine Watt on March 29, 2024 at 11:52 am

    A couple of major mortgage rates moved down. Here’s what to know if you’re in the market for a home loan.

  • Refi Rates Are Easing for Homeowners: Mortgage Refinance Rates on March 29, 2024 – CNET
    by Katherine Watt on March 29, 2024 at 11:50 am

    Multiple benchmark refinance rates have decreased. If you’re shopping for the best refinance rate, keep an eye out for lower rates.

  • Pay Just $29 for Soundpeats RunFree, Some of Our Favorite Running Headphones – CNET
    by Oliver Haslam on March 29, 2024 at 11:35 am

    You can now pick up some of our favorite running headphones for the low, low price of just $29 for a limited time.

  • I’m a Tax Editor. These Are the 7 Filing Questions People Ask Me the Most – CNET
    by Danni Santana on March 29, 2024 at 11:30 am

    No, I won’t file your tax return for you.

  • R-Drive Image review: Our favorite backup gets even better
    on March 29, 2024 at 10:30 am

    At a glanceExpert’s Rating ProsSuper-reliable, fast, disk and partition imaging with replicationFile and folder backup with differential copiesDropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive supportLean-and-mean Linux and WinPE boot mediaConsMinor interface quirksNo support for S3-compatible online storageOur VerdictFast and reliable, version 7.2 of R-Drive Image adds online storage support and the ability to replicate images across multiple destinations to an already vast array of features. Our recommended backup and disaster recovery solution. Best Prices Today: R-Drive Image 7 Retailer Price R-tools Technology $44.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Face it, no one really needs to pay for backup these days, yet I recommend that you plop down the $45 that will get you R-Drive Image. Why? Because it’s the only Windows backup solution that I’ve ever tried that hasn’t let me down in one way or another. In fact, I use R-Drive Image for backing up my backups. Additionally, if there’s failing media involved, R-Drive is definitely what I reach for. If you’re already familiar with R-Drive Image and only want details about version 7.2’s new features, skip down to the “What’s new….” section. Further reading: See our roundup of the best backup software to learn about competing products. What are R-Drive Image’s features? R-Drive Image’s bread and butter is creating drive and partition images — i.e. copies of everything contained on a disk or one of its subdivisions, including boot records. It creates full (all data), incremental (all data changed since the last image), or differential (all data changed since the original full image) types. The resulting images can be in R-Drive Image’s own format as well as the more common Microsoft VHD/VHDX formats. Pricier versions support VMDK. The program will also verify said images, restore them whole, copy disk-to-disk (cloning), and mount its proprietary images as virtual disks that you can browse and recover individual files and folders using Windows Explorer. Note that Windows itself can mount VHD/VHDX formats, but R-Drive will mount those as well. Most users only need to image an entire drive or partition once in a while for disaster recovery. Hence, R-Drive Image will also create the same type of image container from selected groups of files or folders. You can’t use file and folder images for disaster recovery as they don’t contain all the partition and boot information, but they do allow for fast backup of your essential data, reducing storage requirements and backup times drastically. Note that any task can be saved and reused. As far as drive file formats, R-Drive Image understands Microsoft’s FAT (16/32), NTFS, and exFAT; Apple’s HFS/HFS+, and APFS; as well as the Little and Big Endian variants of UFS1/UFS2 and Ext2/Ext3/Ext4 FS (Linux), and ReFS. Other file systems are supported on a byte-by-byte (all sectors are backed up — containing data or not) basis with no preview or file-level access from within the program, only wholesale restore. R-Drive Image also supports hardware RAID (as single volumes) and software RAID: Windows, Apple, and Linux mdadm. For disaster recovery, R-Drive Image creates WindowsPE (Windows 10 Pre-install Environment) and/or Linux-based boot discs. The former lets you boot on some systems with Secure Boot enabled in the BIOS. R-Drive supports optical for both boot media and backup. That’s becoming rare outside of enterprise. R-Drive supports optical for both boot media and backup. That’s becoming rare outside of enterprise. R-Drive supports optical for both boot media and backup. That’s becoming rare outside of enterprise. Both the Windows-style GUI and the old-school DOS-like (see the image below) interfaces are available from the Linux boot disc, however the WinPE version offers only the modern GUI. R-Drive Image character interface. Call me crazy, but this is what I use whenever I can. Yes, nostalgia. R-Drive Image character interface. Call me crazy, but this is what I use whenever I can. Yes, nostalgia. Jon L. Jacobi R-Drive Image character interface. Call me crazy, but this is what I use whenever I can. Yes, nostalgia. Jon L. Jacobi Jon L. Jacobi You can save your images to local drives, network locations, as well as online (new) and to just about any media. The program even burns CDs and DVDs (for boot and backup) on its own. Don’t laugh — optical media is still in widespread use for corporate archiving. Related features include email notifications on job completion; running programs based on the success or failure of the process; the ability to bypass file or disk errors and continue the job (great for recovering data); using Windows or its own proprietary shadow service (flushing and locking data); as well as task throttling (reduced CPU usage). Scheduling is supported, and I like that it leverages the existing Windows task scheduler. Too many vendors add their own for no good reason. It’s also nice reassurance that there’s no ongoing telemetry (communications between the program and the company) in play. Not to be paranoid (who me?), but that’s something you might want to consider when providing low-level access to your data. R-Drive Image also features a partition manager so you can delete, secure wipe, create, and re-size partitions without leaving the R-Drive Image interface. As mentioned, it’s available only from the graphic interfaces (Windows native and Linux/WinPE boot disks). There’s an option to convert partition layouts from MBR (Master Boot Record) to GPT (GUID Partition Table) and vice versa. I’ve never had the need, but some systems boot more reliably using one or the other. AES-XTS image encryption is supported and you can also resize the C: (OS) partition without having to reboot afterwards. What’s new in R-Drive Image 7.2? The most salient new R-Drive feature for most users will be the ability to write images directly to OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive. Connecting requires that R-Drive Image and you log on to the service, as is the case with all programs with this capability. My only minor gripe is that adding online service destinations is done while defining a task. As the definitions are persistent across tasks, defining them should be done from the main page or the preferences dialog. Personally, as I use a cloud storage manager to make my cloud storage appear local, the new R-Drive feature that has me most excited is replication — i.e., the ability to copy the image post-creation to multiple secondary locations. One thing that’s always set R-Drive Image above the other imaging programs is that it can skip bad sectors and copy what remains. Two replications destinations defined for an R-Drive Imaging task. Two replications destinations defined for an R-Drive Imaging task. Two replications destinations defined for an R-Drive Imaging task. You might ask, “But what if the initial image destination is online? Do you have to download it again for replication, wasting precious bandwidth?” I inquired about this, largely because I had some issues with online imaging using the initial 7200 build that R-Tools sent me. (If you look at the screen captures, you’ll notice that they’re from build 7201). Fear not, the initial image is always created locally even if the primary destination is online. Both for replication and so that R-Drive Image knows it won’t exceed available storage. Images are shotgunned to any online destinations to maximize performance if you choose more than one. Another welcome new feature for version 7.2 is differential file and folder backup — R-Drive Image will copy only new files (since the original image creation) to your image. How does R-Drive Image perform? Aside from some initial glitches with build 7200, R-Drive Image remains perfect in my testing, and is still my first (and only, really) choice for imaging and disaster recovery. As to the glitches, build 7200 failed in my attempts to back up online. Apparently, my unique talent for breaking things was at work and there were too many timeouts in my broadband connection for the initial release build to cope with. Everything was right as rain with the subsequent 7201 build. c, though this can take an exceedingly long time if your drive throws a lot of read failures. Most programs throw up their hands and just tell you you’re SOL. This is the reason R-Drive Image is my go-to for failing media. R-Drive Image 7.2 remains my stalwart imaging and disaster recovery utility. R-Drive Image is quite fast, though it still plays Scotty (the Star Trek engineer) by consistently overstating backup times. Transfer rates are of course dependent upon the media and pipeline to it, but all were on par or better for the amount of bandwidth available. I used a 5GB image for online, and a 450GB image for local jobs. Another great thing about R-Drive Image is that it doesn’t consume a lot of resources and still runs on legacy hardware. The minimum system requirement is only that the CPU be Intel-compatible. If you’re using older hardware, R-Drive Image is by far the best thing going. Should you buy R-Drive Image 7.2? As I’ve said several times already, R-Drive Image 7.2 remains my stalwart imaging and disaster recovery utility, and as such, my top recommendation. I love the new multiple destination replication feature — something I think all backup programs should have. As R-Tools addressed the glitches I experienced in record time, I’ll chalk those up to a slightly optimistic release date. Still the best. Note. If you already have a version of R-Drive Image that you’re happy with, you can leverage a cloud storage manager such as CloudMounter or Mountain Duck and image to just about any online service. Editor’s note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, this review is subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the service. Any changes to text or our final review verdict will be noted at the top of this article. Backup Software