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A Guide for Gamers: Two GPUs VS a Single High-End GPU 

Does the age-old saying, “Two heads are better than one,” ring true when it comes to your gaming GPUs? If you’re an avid gamer, you might have asked yourself,  “Are two GPUs better than a single high-end GPU?”

While dual-graphics cards do have significant benefits, opting for two cards also comes with a few negatives. So, if you are wondering if two GPUs are better than a single high-end GPU, we’re here to help. Below, we take a closer look and explore the pros and cons. 

What is a GPU?

Before we dive in, let’s do a little refresher. Also known as a graphics or video card, a graphics processing unit (GPU) is a single-chip processor that’s used to manage and enhance videos and graphics. As you can imagine, a GPU is a critical component of your gaming system.

There are two types of GPUs: 

Type 1: This is an integrated or embedded GPU that lives directly on your machines’ processor.

Type 2: The second type of GPU is a separate GPU with its own card and memory.

It’s important to note that not all gaming PCs can actually run two cards in an SLI setup. In order for your PC to run multiple cards, you need specific software from either AMD or NVIDIA. AMD’s graphic solution is CrossFire, and NVIDIA’s graphic solution is SLI. Until you have installed one of these software programs, your PC will not be able to run multiple cards.

To run SLI or CrossFire on your PC, you need: 

An SLI compatible motherboard

Two of the same compatible video cards

A bridge that connects the two cards together –these usually come with your motherboard or video cards

When it comes to SLI, you need two cards with the same GPU, but they don’t have to be the same brand. (Two GTX 780 Tis.) Meanwhile, with CrossFire you can pair some GPUs with other similar cards. (Radeon 7950 with a Radeon 7900.) If you need further help with which cards are compatible, both websites have detailed information on this.

Once you have installed both cards and the bridge, you can open your drivers’ control panel and enable SLI or CrossFire. Make sure your drivers are up to date (you can do this by downloading Driver Support) and test it by playing one of your favorite games that you are very familiar with. You should notice a significant performance boost. 

The Pros and Cons of Two GPU SLI Setups

The Pros 

There are a few main benefits of running multiple video cards, which include:

Multiple graphics cards can offer an enhanced 3D gaming experience.

Two GPUs are ideal for multi-monitor gaming.

Dual cards can share the workload and provide better frame rates, higher resolutions, and extra filters. 

Additional cards can make it possible to take advantage of newer technologies such as 4K Displays.

Depending on the make, running two mid-range cards is likely to be slightly cheaper than running one comparable high-end card.

It can be cheaper to buy a second of your current card than upgrading to a newer model

The Cons 

As with anything, there are a few disadvantages that come with running multiple GPU cards over one. These include:

Running two cards requires both significant power and storage from your PC. So, be sure your gaming PC has enough wattage before purchasing multiple cards.

Not all games perform well with multiple cards, and some games may run even slower.

Two video cards running in close proximity will produce more heat and additional noise.

SLI and CrossFire can sometimes cause a glitch called micro stuttering that makes the video look choppy.

Not every game supports SLI and CrossFire. This often depends on your video driver, not the game itself. So, you might have to tweak your driver settings to get the game working yourself.

So, What’s the Best Option?

As you can see, investing in two GPUs has both advantages and disadvantages. And, of course, it all depends on your budget, storage, and personal requirements. 

For the Average Gamer

For the average gamer, we think two graphics cards is unnecessary. If you’re not after extreme graphics performance, have multi 4k monitor setups, a singular high-end graphics card will be more than enough. Some new graphics cards don’t even have SLI support.

For Hardcore Frame Chasers

However, if you know that you’ll benefit hugely from an enhanced 3D performance that multiple cards offer, go for it. Just remember, you’ll need a motherboard, extra storage space, and might have to tweak your drivers, and only certain games even support it or benefit from it.

For Streamers

The biggest advantage gamers can look forward to in an SLI setup is when it comes to streaming. Having a dedicated card for the game to run on, and one dedicated card for rendering a stream for Twitch, Youtube, or Facebook can help keep your game from having frame drops when you hit the “go live” button.

For Multimedia Experts

The Adobe Suite has select SLI support, and it can help when you use software like Adobe Premiere or Adobe Lightroom. Make sure you’ve enabled GPU Acceleration and your exports may take up less of your computer’s resources.

For Everyone Else

There’s a good chance you don’t need to buy a second card to upgrade your computer’s performance. Consider a faster GPU, or checking to see if other components in your machine are holding you back first. Use a tool like UserBenchmark to see how your components compare to other builds.

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A Guide for Gamers: Two GPUs VS a Single High-End GPU 

Does the age-old saying, “Two heads are better than one,” ring true when it comes to your gaming GPUs? If you’re an avid gamer, you might have asked yourself,  “Are two GPUs better than a single high-end GPU?”

While dual-graphics cards do have significant benefits, opting for two cards also comes with a few negatives. So, if you are wondering if two GPUs are better than a single high-end GPU, we’re here to help. Below, we take a closer look and explore the pros and cons. 

What is a GPU?

Before we dive in, let’s do a little refresher. Also known as a graphics or video card, a graphics processing unit (GPU) is a single-chip processor that’s used to manage and enhance videos and graphics. As you can imagine, a GPU is a critical component of your gaming system.

There are two types of GPUs: 

Type 1: This is an integrated or embedded GPU that lives directly on your machines’ processor.

Type 2: The second type of GPU is a separate GPU with its own card and memory.

It’s important to note that not all gaming PCs can actually run two cards in an SLI setup. In order for your PC to run multiple cards, you need specific software from either AMD or NVIDIA. AMD’s graphic solution is CrossFire, and NVIDIA’s graphic solution is SLI. Until you have installed one of these software programs, your PC will not be able to run multiple cards.

To run SLI or CrossFire on your PC, you need: 

An SLI compatible motherboard

Two of the same compatible video cards

A bridge that connects the two cards together –these usually come with your motherboard or video cards

When it comes to SLI, you need two cards with the same GPU, but they don’t have to be the same brand. (Two GTX 780 Tis.) Meanwhile, with CrossFire you can pair some GPUs with other similar cards. (Radeon 7950 with a Radeon 7900.) If you need further help with which cards are compatible, both websites have detailed information on this.

Once you have installed both cards and the bridge, you can open your drivers’ control panel and enable SLI or CrossFire. Make sure your drivers are up to date (you can do this by downloading Driver Support) and test it by playing one of your favorite games that you are very familiar with. You should notice a significant performance boost. 

The Pros and Cons of Two GPU SLI Setups

The Pros 

There are a few main benefits of running multiple video cards, which include:

Multiple graphics cards can offer an enhanced 3D gaming experience.

Two GPUs are ideal for multi-monitor gaming.

Dual cards can share the workload and provide better frame rates, higher resolutions, and extra filters. 

Additional cards can make it possible to take advantage of newer technologies such as 4K Displays.

Depending on the make, running two mid-range cards is likely to be slightly cheaper than running one comparable high-end card.

It can be cheaper to buy a second of your current card than upgrading to a newer model

The Cons 

As with anything, there are a few disadvantages that come with running multiple GPU cards over one. These include:

Running two cards requires both significant power and storage from your PC. So, be sure your gaming PC has enough wattage before purchasing multiple cards.

Not all games perform well with multiple cards, and some games may run even slower.

Two video cards running in close proximity will produce more heat and additional noise.

SLI and CrossFire can sometimes cause a glitch called micro stuttering that makes the video look choppy.

Not every game supports SLI and CrossFire. This often depends on your video driver, not the game itself. So, you might have to tweak your driver settings to get the game working yourself.

So, What’s the Best Option?

As you can see, investing in two GPUs has both advantages and disadvantages. And, of course, it all depends on your budget, storage, and personal requirements. 

For the Average Gamer

For the average gamer, we think two graphics cards is unnecessary. If you’re not after extreme graphics performance, have multi 4k monitor setups, a singular high-end graphics card will be more than enough. Some new graphics cards don’t even have SLI support.

For Hardcore Frame Chasers

However, if you know that you’ll benefit hugely from an enhanced 3D performance that multiple cards offer, go for it. Just remember, you’ll need a motherboard, extra storage space, and might have to tweak your drivers, and only certain games even support it or benefit from it.

For Streamers

The biggest advantage gamers can look forward to in an SLI setup is when it comes to streaming. Having a dedicated card for the game to run on, and one dedicated card for rendering a stream for Twitch, Youtube, or Facebook can help keep your game from having frame drops when you hit the “go live” button.

For Multimedia Experts

The Adobe Suite has select SLI support, and it can help when you use software like Adobe Premiere or Adobe Lightroom. Make sure you’ve enabled GPU Acceleration and your exports may take up less of your computer’s resources.

For Everyone Else

There’s a good chance you don’t need to buy a second card to upgrade your computer’s performance. Consider a faster GPU, or checking to see if other components in your machine are holding you back first. Use a tool like UserBenchmark to see how your components compare to other builds.

.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link) , .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):before, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):after {color: #1e73be;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):hover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):hover:before, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 a:not(.fusion-button):not(.fusion-builder-module-control):not(.fusion-social-network-icon):not(.fb-icon-element):not(.fusion-countdown-link):not(.fusion-rollover-link):not(.fusion-rollover-gallery):not(.add_to_cart_button):not(.show_details_button):not(.product_type_external):not(.fusion-quick-view):not(.fusion-rollover-title-link):hover:after {color: #1a80b6;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .pagination a.inactive:hover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-filters .fusion-filter.fusion-active a {border-color: #1a80b6;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .pagination .current {border-color: #1a80b6; background-color: #1a80b6;}.fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-filters .fusion-filter.fusion-active a, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-date-and-formats .fusion-format-box, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .fusion-popover, .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .tooltip-shortcode {color: #1a80b6;}#main .fusion-fullwidth.fusion-builder-row-1 .post .blog-shortcode-post-title a:hover {color: #1a80b6;}

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Do Chromebooks Still Have a Place in 2021?

The Chromebook is a fast and secure alternative to other, often more expensive, laptops. Featuring Google’s Chrome OS, the Chromebook represents the company’s personal computing efforts, which have been traditionally centered around web browsing. Chromebooks are built with portability and accessibility in mind, making them an excellent option for education, work, and travel.

However, with the growing adoption of personal laptops for gaming, alongside a global movement towards tablets, will Chromebooks still have a place in 2021?

How Chromebooks Differ From Other Laptops

Chromebooks were developed primarily for simplicity. Google adopted a cloud-based approach when building Chrome OS, which utilizes the Chrome browser to perform most of its tasks. In doing so, they created a fast and efficient system that can perform well on a budget.

One of the most compelling reasons to use a Chromebook over other laptops is the availability of Google’s apps and services. While there are no applications to install as in Windows or Mac OS, there are a variety of available web apps that allow users access to common features – such as editing documents, watching videos, and accessing files even when offline. This approach also means that updates will happen less often and take less time to complete.

While these differences might not mean much to everybody, those used to certain applications might have difficulty transitioning to a Chromebook.

So How Do Chromebooks Work?

Chromebook functionality is designed for online use and works best when connected to the internet.

1. A Powerful Browsing Experience

Chrome OS was made to take advantage of Google’s well-established web browser – Chrome. By building out its menus and interface, using this software as a backend, the underlying system benefits from its stability and long-term development. This also means that Chrome OS is able to utilize the user ecosystem that the browser has established over the years.

2. Leveraging Web Applications

One of the most powerful aspects of the Chrome browser is the ability for users and other third parties to create web apps and plugins that extend and expand on the capabilities of the software. Because it is built on top of the browser framework, Chrome OS can also take advantage of this flexible system, which ensures that users are able to benefit from the enhancements made by others. Applications offered by Google – including G-Mail, YouTube, and Google Play – are all made available, which allows users to easily access their personal accounts right from the desktop.

3. Cloud Computing For Today’s Needs

Chrome OS offers users a simplified computing experience by leveraging the power of cloud computing. By centering the user experience around online tools, syncing data between devices, and providing personalized support for clients, Google’s Chromebook is designed to take advantage of the increasingly interconnected technologies of our modern world.

Chromebooks can be useful devices in both learning and business, providing users with easy access to their documents, videos, and other important files. These are fundamental components of the system’s design and are important factors to examine when considering whether Chromebooks will continue to have a place in the modern world.

Pros and Cons of Using a Chromebook

Chromebooks present a unique option for individuals looking to purchase a laptop in 2021. However, because of their uniqueness, some might find that they lack the functionality that they have come to expect.

Some pros of using a Chromebook include:

Price: Cheaper Chromebooks can be purchased for less than $200.

Speed: Chromebooks are known for their speed, utilizing solid-state drives (SSDs) to achieve faster loading and boot times.

Security: With a small, simple, and up-to-date system, Chromebooks boast some of the best security.

Despite these benefits, some people might have trouble with some aspects of the Chromebook’s design.

Some cons of using a Chromebook include:

Compatibility: Because they are locked into the Google ecosystem, Chromebooks lack cross-platform compatibility with many popular applications, as well as basic driver support for some peripheries.

Storage: While Chromebooks use SSDs for a more responsive system, this also means that there is less space for local storage.

Gaming: Chromebooks are not made with a powerful performance in mind. Couple this with their lack of compatibility with some programs, and you may experience limitations in gaming options.

Are Chromebooks Still Worth Buying?

We think it is safe to say that Chromebooks are still worth buying in 2021, depending on the user’s needs. While there are benefits in prices, speed, and security, the lack of compatibility, storage, and gaming support are all important limitations to take into account.

For those who just want a simple, fast, and cheap means to access the internet, the Chromebook is an excellent option as it performs this at a pace faster than its competition.

The post Do Chromebooks Still Have a Place in 2021? appeared first on Driver Support.

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Do Chromebooks Still Have a Place in 2021?

The Chromebook is a fast and secure alternative to other, often more expensive, laptops. Featuring Google’s Chrome OS, the Chromebook represents the company’s personal computing efforts, which have been traditionally centered around web browsing. Chromebooks are built with portability and accessibility in mind, making them an excellent option for education, work, and travel.

However, with the growing adoption of personal laptops for gaming, alongside a global movement towards tablets, will Chromebooks still have a place in 2021?

How Chromebooks Differ From Other Laptops

Chromebooks were developed primarily for simplicity. Google adopted a cloud-based approach when building Chrome OS, which utilizes the Chrome browser to perform most of its tasks. In doing so, they created a fast and efficient system that can perform well on a budget.

One of the most compelling reasons to use a Chromebook over other laptops is the availability of Google’s apps and services. While there are no applications to install as in Windows or Mac OS, there are a variety of available web apps that allow users access to common features – such as editing documents, watching videos, and accessing files even when offline. This approach also means that updates will happen less often and take less time to complete.

While these differences might not mean much to everybody, those used to certain applications might have difficulty transitioning to a Chromebook.

So How Do Chromebooks Work?

Chromebook functionality is designed for online use and works best when connected to the internet.

1. A Powerful Browsing Experience

Chrome OS was made to take advantage of Google’s well-established web browser – Chrome. By building out its menus and interface, using this software as a backend, the underlying system benefits from its stability and long-term development. This also means that Chrome OS is able to utilize the user ecosystem that the browser has established over the years.

2. Leveraging Web Applications

One of the most powerful aspects of the Chrome browser is the ability for users and other third parties to create web apps and plugins that extend and expand on the capabilities of the software. Because it is built on top of the browser framework, Chrome OS can also take advantage of this flexible system, which ensures that users are able to benefit from the enhancements made by others. Applications offered by Google – including G-Mail, YouTube, and Google Play – are all made available, which allows users to easily access their personal accounts right from the desktop.

3. Cloud Computing For Today’s Needs

Chrome OS offers users a simplified computing experience by leveraging the power of cloud computing. By centering the user experience around online tools, syncing data between devices, and providing personalized support for clients, Google’s Chromebook is designed to take advantage of the increasingly interconnected technologies of our modern world.

Chromebooks can be useful devices in both learning and business, providing users with easy access to their documents, videos, and other important files. These are fundamental components of the system’s design and are important factors to examine when considering whether Chromebooks will continue to have a place in the modern world.

Pros and Cons of Using a Chromebook

Chromebooks present a unique option for individuals looking to purchase a laptop in 2021. However, because of their uniqueness, some might find that they lack the functionality that they have come to expect.

Some pros of using a Chromebook include:

Price: Cheaper Chromebooks can be purchased for less than $200.

Speed: Chromebooks are known for their speed, utilizing solid-state drives (SSDs) to achieve faster loading and boot times.

Security: With a small, simple, and up-to-date system, Chromebooks boast some of the best security.

Despite these benefits, some people might have trouble with some aspects of the Chromebook’s design.

Some cons of using a Chromebook include:

Compatibility: Because they are locked into the Google ecosystem, Chromebooks lack cross-platform compatibility with many popular applications, as well as basic driver support for some peripheries.

Storage: While Chromebooks use SSDs for a more responsive system, this also means that there is less space for local storage.

Gaming: Chromebooks are not made with a powerful performance in mind. Couple this with their lack of compatibility with some programs, and you may experience limitations in gaming options.

Are Chromebooks Still Worth Buying?

We think it is safe to say that Chromebooks are still worth buying in 2021, depending on the user’s needs. While there are benefits in prices, speed, and security, the lack of compatibility, storage, and gaming support are all important limitations to take into account.

For those who just want a simple, fast, and cheap means to access the internet, the Chromebook is an excellent option as it performs this at a pace faster than its competition.

The post Do Chromebooks Still Have a Place in 2021? appeared first on Driver Support.

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Postponed Your Wedding To 2021? Here’s What To Expect https://ift.tt/31CkZ2v

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How to Decide What GPU to Get

When you want to boost the graphics on your personal computer, it’s time to consider a more powerful graphics processing unit (GPU). This means purchasing a new graphics card for your PC. This can be an expensive purchase, so here’s some advice on how to choose a graphics card.

How Do You Use Your Computer?

The first consideration for how to decide what GPU to get is how you use your computer. The more graphics-intensive your computing activities, the more likely you’ll want a higher-end graphics card.

pc on table isolated on white background with clipping path

Gaming

The most graphics-intensive activity you can do on your computer plays the latest, greatest PC games. If you’re a serious gamer, you’ll need a more powerful GPU to smoothly reproduce your games’ realistic graphics.

Today’s sophisticated PC games require a high-performance GPU that can render realistic and fast moving on-screen graphics. In fact, many serious gamers consider the GPU as the most important component in their gaming PCs. A high-powered graphics card makes gaming a joy; an underpowered graphics card can result in lagging performance and disappointing graphics.

Know, however, that not all games have the same graphics requirements. Some less realistic games don’t need the same powerful GPUs required by today’s state-of-the-art games. Check your most played games’ specs and make sure the GPU you choose matches or exceeds these requirements.

Video Editing and CAD

Video editing and computer-aided design (CAD) are both graphics-intensive applications that require powerful graphics cards. This is especially true when editing large video projects at 4K resolution or rendering 3D designs in AutoCAD. A “workstation” GPU optimized for these creative applications can speed up processing and rendering and make for a more efficient workflow.

Normal Use

If you’re not a serious gamer or professional video editor/designer, you probably don’t need a high-powered graphics card. Normal office work, web browsing, and the like are not very demanding in terms of graphics. Even watching videos doesn’t use a lot of graphics processing power. So if your computer usage is more mundane, you’re probably fine with the graphics built into your system’s motherboard. You won’t gain much if anything by upgrading to a higher-end graphics card.

How Much Money Can You Spend?

For many users, price is a big factor in choosing a graphics card. Low-end cards can be found for less than $100, but they probably won’t be adequate for today’s cutting-edge PC games. The most expensive cads run well over $1,000 (some as high as $2,500), but you may not need that amount of graphic processing power. Set your budget and then choose the most appropriate card in that price range.

AMD or Nvidia?

Two companies make all the GPUs used in high-end graphics cards today. AMD and Nvidia are the names to choose from, whether you’re looking at their own branded graphics cards or third-party cards that use their GPUs.

Which company has the best GPUs? They’re both good but tend to specialize at different levels. AMD is strong with budget and mid-range GPUs. Nvidia is more dominant at the higher end of the market.

Also important is which graphics technology your monitor supports, AMD’s FreeSync or Nvidia’s G-Sync. Both technologies synchronize the refresh rate between the monitor and the graphics card for better performance. (If your monitor doesn’t support either technology, then you can go with either brand.)

What’s Your Monitor Resolution and Refresh Rate?

Digital black computer monitor screen on white background

You’ll want to make sure that the graphics card you choose matches the resolution of your video monitor. This is especially important if your monitor supports the 4K resolution and triple-digit refresh rates used in today’s most demanding PC games. However, if your monitor is only capable of 1080p resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate, you don’t need a higher-powered GPU.

Do You Have Room in Your System Case?

This may seem like a blatantly obvious consideration, but you have to make sure that the graphics card you choose actually fits in your computer’s system case. While graphics cards come in all shapes and sizes, most cards for gamers are dual-slot and full-height – although some high-powered cards occupy three slots in your PC!

The space issue goes beyond how many slots you need. If a graphics card has a big heatsink and fan, it can block the space above adjacent slots. Consider how much available space you need and how much you have.

Is Your Power Supply Big Enough?

It takes a lot of juice to power today’s high-performance GPUs. You’ll want to make sure your PC’s power supply is big enough to handle the needs of the graphics card you choose.

In this matter, look for the card’s Thermal Design Power (TDP) spec. TDP measures how well the card dissipates heat and provides an estimate of how many watts of power you need. For example, a card with a 200-watt TDP will pull 200 watts from your power supply – in addition to whatever else in your unit that’s drawing power. If you choose a graphics card with a high TDP rating, you may need to upgrade your PC’s power supply to compensate.

What Connections Do You Need?

Make sure your graphics card has the type of output that matches your monitor’s input. Most modern monitors have HDMI inputs, as do most modern graphics cards. Older monitors may have DVI or DisplayPort inputs, which may require an adapter if your graphic card only has an HDMI output. If you’re running output to multiple monitors, make sure your card has multiple ports of the proper types.

How Much Graphics Memory Do You Need?

Rear panel video card of PC isolated on white background

All graphics cards have some amount of random access memory (RAM) onboard. For general gaming purposes, look for a card with 3G-4G graphics RAM. For higher-resolution games, you may need 8G or more RAM.

How Much Speed Do You Need?

graphic card isolated on white background

A GPU is a microprocessor, just like your computer’s central processing unit (CPU), and its speed is measured in a similar fashion. The faster the GPU, the more smoothly it will render fast-moving on-screen action. Some GPUs are overclocked to achieve higher speeds, which can both improve performance and increase internal heat.

Some GPUs utilize multiple cores, which effectively makes a single GPU act like multiple GPUs. In general, a GPU with multiple cores will increase graphics performance.

Do You Need Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing is the newest technology for reproducing realistic on-screen graphics. This technology creates lighting effects that simulate how light works in the real world. It works by “tracing” the path that light would follow if it were to travel from your eyes (in the real world) through the virtual scene on the computer screen. With ray tracing, light can reflect off objects, be blocked and create shadows, or even be refracted as it passes through transparent or translucent objects.

Some newer games are beginning to incorporate ray tracing technology, enhancing the reality of gameplay. To play these games, you’ll need a GPU that can handle the demands of ray tracing, which means a more expensive graphics card. While there aren’t a lot of games that currently incorporate ray tracing, it is the future of PC gaming. If you want your system to be future proof in this regard, invest in a GPU that supports ray tracing technology.

Do You Need It to Support Virtual Reality?

Finally, if you play virtual reality (VR) games or use VR apps, you’ll want a graphics card that supports VR technology. The two leading VR platforms for the PC are HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, and you’ll need at least a mid-range graphics card to work with either. Higher-end cards will produce optimal performance with VR games and apps.

Driver Support Can Keep Your Graphics Drivers Up to Date

When you invest in an expensive graphics card, you want to maintain optimal performance by keeping your graphics drivers up to date. You can use Driver Support to keep all the drivers on your computer, including your graphics drivers, current and in prime operating condition.

Driver Support scours your system for all active device types supported. When you fully register the service, it automatically updates any drivers that are missing or out of date. Contact us today for further assistance.

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How to Decide What GPU to Get

When you want to boost the graphics on your personal computer, it’s time to consider a more powerful graphics processing unit (GPU). This means purchasing a new graphics card for your PC. This can be an expensive purchase, so here’s some advice on how to choose a graphics card.

How Do You Use Your Computer?

The first consideration for how to decide what GPU to get is how you use your computer. The more graphics-intensive your computing activities, the more likely you’ll want a higher-end graphics card.

pc on table isolated on white background with clipping path

Gaming

The most graphics-intensive activity you can do on your computer plays the latest, greatest PC games. If you’re a serious gamer, you’ll need a more powerful GPU to smoothly reproduce your games’ realistic graphics.

Today’s sophisticated PC games require a high-performance GPU that can render realistic and fast moving on-screen graphics. In fact, many serious gamers consider the GPU as the most important component in their gaming PCs. A high-powered graphics card makes gaming a joy; an underpowered graphics card can result in lagging performance and disappointing graphics.

Know, however, that not all games have the same graphics requirements. Some less realistic games don’t need the same powerful GPUs required by today’s state-of-the-art games. Check your most played games’ specs and make sure the GPU you choose matches or exceeds these requirements.

Video Editing and CAD

Video editing and computer-aided design (CAD) are both graphics-intensive applications that require powerful graphics cards. This is especially true when editing large video projects at 4K resolution or rendering 3D designs in AutoCAD. A “workstation” GPU optimized for these creative applications can speed up processing and rendering and make for a more efficient workflow.

Normal Use

If you’re not a serious gamer or professional video editor/designer, you probably don’t need a high-powered graphics card. Normal office work, web browsing, and the like are not very demanding in terms of graphics. Even watching videos doesn’t use a lot of graphics processing power. So if your computer usage is more mundane, you’re probably fine with the graphics built into your system’s motherboard. You won’t gain much if anything by upgrading to a higher-end graphics card.

How Much Money Can You Spend?

For many users, price is a big factor in choosing a graphics card. Low-end cards can be found for less than $100, but they probably won’t be adequate for today’s cutting-edge PC games. The most expensive cads run well over $1,000 (some as high as $2,500), but you may not need that amount of graphic processing power. Set your budget and then choose the most appropriate card in that price range.

AMD or Nvidia?

Two companies make all the GPUs used in high-end graphics cards today. AMD and Nvidia are the names to choose from, whether you’re looking at their own branded graphics cards or third-party cards that use their GPUs.

Which company has the best GPUs? They’re both good but tend to specialize at different levels. AMD is strong with budget and mid-range GPUs. Nvidia is more dominant at the higher end of the market.

Also important is which graphics technology your monitor supports, AMD’s FreeSync or Nvidia’s G-Sync. Both technologies synchronize the refresh rate between the monitor and the graphics card for better performance. (If your monitor doesn’t support either technology, then you can go with either brand.)

What’s Your Monitor Resolution and Refresh Rate?

Digital black computer monitor screen on white background

You’ll want to make sure that the graphics card you choose matches the resolution of your video monitor. This is especially important if your monitor supports the 4K resolution and triple-digit refresh rates used in today’s most demanding PC games. However, if your monitor is only capable of 1080p resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate, you don’t need a higher-powered GPU.

Do You Have Room in Your System Case?

This may seem like a blatantly obvious consideration, but you have to make sure that the graphics card you choose actually fits in your computer’s system case. While graphics cards come in all shapes and sizes, most cards for gamers are dual-slot and full-height – although some high-powered cards occupy three slots in your PC!

The space issue goes beyond how many slots you need. If a graphics card has a big heatsink and fan, it can block the space above adjacent slots. Consider how much available space you need and how much you have.

Is Your Power Supply Big Enough?

It takes a lot of juice to power today’s high-performance GPUs. You’ll want to make sure your PC’s power supply is big enough to handle the needs of the graphics card you choose.

In this matter, look for the card’s Thermal Design Power (TDP) spec. TDP measures how well the card dissipates heat and provides an estimate of how many watts of power you need. For example, a card with a 200-watt TDP will pull 200 watts from your power supply – in addition to whatever else in your unit that’s drawing power. If you choose a graphics card with a high TDP rating, you may need to upgrade your PC’s power supply to compensate.

What Connections Do You Need?

Make sure your graphics card has the type of output that matches your monitor’s input. Most modern monitors have HDMI inputs, as do most modern graphics cards. Older monitors may have DVI or DisplayPort inputs, which may require an adapter if your graphic card only has an HDMI output. If you’re running output to multiple monitors, make sure your card has multiple ports of the proper types.

How Much Graphics Memory Do You Need?

Rear panel video card of PC isolated on white background

All graphics cards have some amount of random access memory (RAM) onboard. For general gaming purposes, look for a card with 3G-4G graphics RAM. For higher-resolution games, you may need 8G or more RAM.

How Much Speed Do You Need?

graphic card isolated on white background

A GPU is a microprocessor, just like your computer’s central processing unit (CPU), and its speed is measured in a similar fashion. The faster the GPU, the more smoothly it will render fast-moving on-screen action. Some GPUs are overclocked to achieve higher speeds, which can both improve performance and increase internal heat.

Some GPUs utilize multiple cores, which effectively makes a single GPU act like multiple GPUs. In general, a GPU with multiple cores will increase graphics performance.

Do You Need Ray Tracing?

Ray tracing is the newest technology for reproducing realistic on-screen graphics. This technology creates lighting effects that simulate how light works in the real world. It works by “tracing” the path that light would follow if it were to travel from your eyes (in the real world) through the virtual scene on the computer screen. With ray tracing, light can reflect off objects, be blocked and create shadows, or even be refracted as it passes through transparent or translucent objects.

Some newer games are beginning to incorporate ray tracing technology, enhancing the reality of gameplay. To play these games, you’ll need a GPU that can handle the demands of ray tracing, which means a more expensive graphics card. While there aren’t a lot of games that currently incorporate ray tracing, it is the future of PC gaming. If you want your system to be future proof in this regard, invest in a GPU that supports ray tracing technology.

Do You Need It to Support Virtual Reality?

Finally, if you play virtual reality (VR) games or use VR apps, you’ll want a graphics card that supports VR technology. The two leading VR platforms for the PC are HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, and you’ll need at least a mid-range graphics card to work with either. Higher-end cards will produce optimal performance with VR games and apps.

Driver Support Can Keep Your Graphics Drivers Up to Date

When you invest in an expensive graphics card, you want to maintain optimal performance by keeping your graphics drivers up to date. You can use Driver Support to keep all the drivers on your computer, including your graphics drivers, current and in prime operating condition.

Driver Support scours your system for all active device types supported. When you fully register the service, it automatically updates any drivers that are missing or out of date. Contact us today for further assistance.

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Logitech G Expands Gamers Choices with New PRO X Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

For professional gamers and e-sports enthusiasts, the difference between keyboards can make or break your performance. As your gaming style develops and improves, you’ll need a rig that you can customize for different games or strategies. The Logitech G range of computer peripherals is a family of products specifically designed with professional gaming in mind.

Although users were already satisfied with the G Range of products, the release of the PRO X Mechanical Keyboard provides a travel-friendly, reliable, and customizable platform for pro-gamers. With a host of features (and switchable keys), the new Logitech G PRO X mechanical gaming keyboard will improve your performance when you need it most.

Logitech G PRO X Keyboard

Logitech G PRO X Keyboard Features and Specifications

The PRO X Keyboard comes packed with features that help improve your performance. As a Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard, its size will suit any gaming desk or setup with a small physical footprint. With ROMER-G mechanical switches, it comes with improved key registration that is 1.7 milliseconds quicker than the standard mechanical switching of previous models. Keystrokes also only require 1.5 mm for actuation, giving you a 25% faster response time than other competitive mechanical switch keyboards.

Every key in the Logitech G PRO X uses dual contact points on the switches to reduce errors such as double-click registration. This makes it one of the most reliable gaming keyboards available and you can ensure it will continue giving you the best performance as its reliability is tested for up to 70 million keystrokes.

PRO X Layout

Logitech built the PRO X on the back of the already successful G PRO space-saving TKL platform’s design. Making it easier for gamers to pack up the keyboard and take it to and from tournaments while providing more space for low-sensitivity mouse settings. With onboard RGB lighting profiles included and a detachable micro-USB connector, the PRO X delivers greater reliability and you can adapt the switches to your own unique requirements.

Additional Features include:

A 26-Key rollover design for fast and accurate move actuation.

Keystroke Signal Processing (KSP) with 10 milliseconds faster response times than competitors.

LIGTHSYNCH RGB technology for next-gen lighting synchronization customizable for different content and games.

Full key assignment customization to disable unused keys that reduce typing errors.

Button macros for F1 to F12 keys where you can assign complex moves using G HUB profile manager.

For a reliable connection, the detachable USB uses a three-pronged design that includes support arms to maintain a clear connection between the keyboard and PC. The base comes with three different angle settings for the perfect setup and uses rubber feet to provide complete stability during gaming sessions.

Angle and USB Connection

Detailed Specifications for the Logitech G Pro X Mechanical Keyboard

As Logitech specifically designed this keyboard for professional gamers, knowing the exact specifications is vital before you decide to use this platform. The keyboard comes with a two-year warranty and support for Windows 7 or later, as well as Mac OS X or later. To set up the G HUB software and drivers, you’ll need an internet connection to download the latest version from the Logitech website.

The entire keyboard weighs only 980g and has a total depth of only 34.3mm. The actuation distance of 1.5mm and a full travel distance of 3.4mm provides for the quickest response time of any Logitech keyboard. Each key-press also only requires 45 grams of pressure, ensuring you won’t get tired during your next E-Sports competition.

Height and Width

There are also a wide variety of switch sets to choose from with different feedback types and actuation depths. Designing your custom keyboard rig with the Logitech G PRO X mechanical keyboard is now easier than ever before, giving you greater control over response times and the audio feedback required during your professional gaming sessions.

Downloading and Installing Logitech G HUB Software

To take full advantage of the PRO X keyboard, you’ll need to install the G HUB software from Logitech’s website. On the keyboard’s page of the site, you can click on the Support link to access all the latest software, guides, and product information.

Downloading G HUB software from Logitech Website

On the Logitech website, click on the Support link.

Access Support Page

On the Support page, click on the Downloads section to see the latest available software.

Access Downloads Section

Now select the latest installer package and start the download by clicking on the link.

Start G HUB Download

Note that the website will automatically detect your current Operating System (OS) and provide you with the appropriate download link. If you need to change the OS for another PC, you can scroll down and select another version of G HUB.

Select Different OS

Start the G HUB Software Installer

Wait for the download to complete, then access the file from your download folder. You can now double-click on the installer to start the installation process.

Start G HUB Installer

On the End User License Agreement (EULA) screen, click Install to continue.

Install G HUB Software

Note, if you would like to read the EULA, just click on the End User License Agreement link. That will open up a tab in your internet browser and provide you with the EULA in a variety of different languages.

Read EULA

Once you click on Install, the software will download the entire G HUB package from Logitech’s servers and you can track the progress on the screen.

Track Installation Progress

After downloading and installing the software, you can select Install and Launch to finish the installation process.

Install and Launch

Once the software launches, you may receive a prompt about your firewall blocking access to certain features. Select the appropriate option to create an exception rule for your Windows firewall.

Create Firewall Exception

Note that it is not considered as good practice to allow firewall exceptions on Public Networks. If you chose this option, ensure you understand the risks involved.

Click Allow Access once you’ve made the necessary selection.

Grant Firewall Access to G HUB Agent

Troubleshooting Your Logitech G PRO X Keyboard

Once you’ve successfully installed the software, follow the on-screen prompts to start configuring your Logitech gear. If you’ve installed the software previously and only recently purchased your Logitech G PRO X mechanical keyboard, you’ll need to update the software to the latest version.

If you face any issues with G HUB not recognizing your keyboard, you may need to update the driver from your device manager.

To open Device Manager, hit the Windows Key and type Device Manager into the search bar. From the results, select Device Manager.

Open Device Manager

Locate the Keyboard section and expand it by clicking on the arrow.

Expand Keyboard Devices

Select the LG Keyboard from the list and click the Right Hand Mouse Button to open the Context Menu. Select the Update Driver option from the list.

Update Keyboard Driver

Select Update Driver Automatically to let Windows search for updated drivers and install the latest driver update.

Update Logitech Keyboard Driver Automatically

If Windows finds updated drivers, it will download and install them for you. However, if you’re already using the latest drivers from Logitech you’ll be notified that there are no updated drivers available.

Latest Driver Installed

Using Driver Support to Manage All Your Gaming Gear Drivers

Instead of manually checking for the latest device drivers from your Device Manager, you can use Driver Support to manage all your drivers for you. Driver Support creates a detailed inventory of your PC’s devices and downloads the latest drivers as the OEM releases updates. Once you’ve installed and registered the application, it will ensure you always use the latest secure drivers for all your devices.

Driver Support also uses patented Active Optimization technology and Machine Matching to ensure your PC continues to run at optimal performance levels. By drilling down to the device-specific settings, Driver Support will eliminate any performance issues, ensure you use the latest drivers with OEM security patches and provide you with peace of mind during your gaming and streaming sessions.

Improve your gaming experiences and ensure your Logitech G PRO X mechanical keyboard operates at optimal performance levels by downloading and installing Driver Support today.

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Selecting the Desktop That’s Right for You

Buying a brand-new desktop computer can be a little daunting, especially after you see the price tag. Even in the age of smartphones and tablets, desktop computers still cost a great deal. If you’re going to buy one, you might as well make sure it’s perfect for you and your needs. Selecting the desktop that’s right for you doesn’t have to be difficult. All you have to do is break down the pieces and figure out what you need.

How Will the Desktop be Used?

How you plan to use the desktop can drastically change your decision-making process. Not every desktop is the same. Some of them are wildly different from what you would find in an average office. So, your first decision is to figure out what you want the desktop to do for you. Selecting the desktop that’s right for you starts with what you need from the device.

If you’re looking for a desktop computer that can run games without any problems, then you’re going to want a high-frequency CPU. Basically, the more cores your CPU has, the better. This guide will explain more about CPUs and cores later. However, if you’re a professional looking for a new computer for work, you’re going to want a high-frequency CPU and a lot of memory storage. This guide is going to help you make sure you know what you’re looking for when buying a desktop, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Choosing the Operating System

The operating system is the program the computer runs on, making it functional for anyone to use. There are four popular operating systems you’ve probably heard of: Windows, Mac, Linux and Chrome OS. Chrome OS is fairly new and based on Linux, which remains open-source and incredibly efficient if still not as common as the first two.

Mac, created by Apple and formally known as macOS, is excellent for protection and safety considering it works in a closed environment. However, this situation has a serious pitfall, wherein if your Mac does get infected with something, self-repairs and updates aren’t easy to do. The lifespan on Macs are also pretty great if you’re willing to pay the usually high price.

The most popular operating system is by far Microsoft’s Windows. Since all of the latest PC games are only available for Windows, this is the best operating system if you’re interested in gaming. The latest version is Windows 10, and it comes with two different releases: Pro and Home. The Pro version is excellent for business professionals as it comes with remote desktop, policy management and IT business support.

If you already find that you’re used to a particular operating system but aren’t sure which one it is, there are multiple ways to check. The most effective is to go to the About section of your PC. Every PC works in similar ways, but this example is going to be performed on an HP laptop using Windows 10.

First, you have to go to Settings. There are two ways to find it. The first way is to use the search function in the toolbar at the bottom of your screen.

Type in Settings and the option should appear. Another way is to use the Start Menu.

Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner on your screen (an already clear indicator that you’re using Windows), and find the gear icon in the available options. Both of these ways will take you to the Settings.

Once you’re in the Settings window, click on System in the top left corner. This will take you to the System window.

On the left-hand pane, you’ll find a list of options to view in separate windows. Scroll all the way down and click on About. The About window will show you all the information about the computer you’ll need.

The third section in the window will show you what kind of operating system is running on the computer you’re using. This particular example shows that the computer is using Windows 10 Home Version 1903.

Choosing the CPU

The operating system is the first thing you should consider when selecting the desktop that’s right for you. Next on that list should be the CPU. CPU stands for central processing unit and is the part of the computer that carries out instructions of programs, like a brain telling a body what to do. A single CPU on a chip is a core, and multiple CPUs on one chip is referred to as a multi-core processor. The more cores your computer has, the smoother it runs.

There are two major brands that make CPUs: Intel and AMD. Intel has been a popular brand for a long time that’s known for its efficiency, but AMD is a rising star that’s beginning to pass Intel in technology.

In the About window, you can see what kind of CPU your current computer uses.

In the Device Specifications section, you’ll find the name of your computer and all of the important hardware on your device. For the CPU, you’ll want to focus on the part labeled Processor.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what the example above means. The computer in the example has an Intel CPU with a three-core processor, meaning there are three CPUs on a single chip. The three-core Intel CPU runs at 2.20 gigahertz, meaning the internal clock of the CPU beats 2.2 billion times a second. The higher this number is, the faster and better your computer runs.

Choosing the RAM

RAM stands for Random-Access-Memory and is the main storage space of the computer. The CPU works directly with the RAM, and the RAM is able to pull up multiple bits of information at any given moment as needed, hence the “random” in its name. Information about the RAM can be found in the About window in the Device Specifications section.

The RAM on the computer in the example has eight gigabytes of storage space available. The operating system software takes much of this space, but this information gives you an idea of how much information (like videos or games) your device can hold. Eight gigabytes is not a lot of space, so buying a separate hard-drive with the device is a preferable option.

Choosing HDD or SSD

Computers have a secondary storage space in the computer that’s not the RAM, allowing you to access often unused or unnecessary files easily, like a new game. This secondary storage will either by an HDD or SSD.

HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive and is the older form of secondary memory. The HDD is a magnetic storage device that uses rotating disks that spin quickly (and loudly) to access memory. The SSD or Solid-State Drive is a newer form of secondary memory that uses integrated circuits with no need for spinning disks. In terms of speed, the SSD is almost always faster.

To find out what kind of drive your current computer uses, go again to the System Settings.

Instead of About, find Storage in the list of options on the left-hand pane.

On the right-hand pane in the Storage window, scroll down to the More Storage Settings section and click on Optimize Drives.

The Optimize Drives window will tell you the current state of your secondary storage options. In this example, only one drive appears in the list.

The current example uses an SSD that hasn’t been used in 23 days, showcasing how often the secondary storage is used and yet how crucial it is for operation.

Taking Care of Your New Desktop Computer

Once you’re done selecting the desktop that’s right for you, also taking ports and graphic cards into account if needed, you need to be able to take care of your new PC. One of the best ways you can defend your computer from bugs and malware, beyond getting decent anti-virus software, is always to make sure your device is up to date in every aspect. Services like Driver Support can help your computer out with this problem.

Driver Support has been helping desktop owner since 1996 by offering free software to keep your drivers updated. Their paid option also gives you a detailed list of all drivers on your desktop computer, allowing you to keep them as safe as possible by always keeping an inventory and providing missing drivers. With this support and knowledge at your back, you can keep your new desktop around for many years to come.

Download Driver Support now to get a full inventory of all the devices and drivers on your desktop computer. If you choose to register their service, Driver Support will always keep your devices updated with no hassle. You’ll never have to find drivers manually or try to remember scheduling updates with Driver Support.

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Logitech G Expands Gamers Choices with New PRO X Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

For professional gamers and e-sports enthusiasts, the difference between keyboards can make or break your performance. As your gaming style develops and improves, you’ll need a rig that you can customize for different games or strategies. The Logitech G range of computer peripherals is a family of products specifically designed with professional gaming in mind.

Although users were already satisfied with the G Range of products, the release of the PRO X Mechanical Keyboard provides a travel-friendly, reliable, and customizable platform for pro-gamers. With a host of features (and switchable keys), the new Logitech G PRO X mechanical gaming keyboard will improve your performance when you need it most.

Logitech G PRO X Keyboard

Logitech G PRO X Keyboard Features and Specifications

The PRO X Keyboard comes packed with features that help improve your performance. As a Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard, its size will suit any gaming desk or setup with a small physical footprint. With ROMER-G mechanical switches, it comes with improved key registration that is 1.7 milliseconds quicker than the standard mechanical switching of previous models. Keystrokes also only require 1.5 mm for actuation, giving you a 25% faster response time than other competitive mechanical switch keyboards.

Every key in the Logitech G PRO X uses dual contact points on the switches to reduce errors such as double-click registration. This makes it one of the most reliable gaming keyboards available and you can ensure it will continue giving you the best performance as its reliability is tested for up to 70 million keystrokes.

PRO X Layout

Logitech built the PRO X on the back of the already successful G PRO space-saving TKL platform’s design. Making it easier for gamers to pack up the keyboard and take it to and from tournaments while providing more space for low-sensitivity mouse settings. With onboard RGB lighting profiles included and a detachable micro-USB connector, the PRO X delivers greater reliability and you can adapt the switches to your own unique requirements.

Additional Features include:

A 26-Key rollover design for fast and accurate move actuation.

Keystroke Signal Processing (KSP) with 10 milliseconds faster response times than competitors.

LIGTHSYNCH RGB technology for next-gen lighting synchronization customizable for different content and games.

Full key assignment customization to disable unused keys that reduce typing errors.

Button macros for F1 to F12 keys where you can assign complex moves using G HUB profile manager.

For a reliable connection, the detachable USB uses a three-pronged design that includes support arms to maintain a clear connection between the keyboard and PC. The base comes with three different angle settings for the perfect setup and uses rubber feet to provide complete stability during gaming sessions.

Angle and USB Connection

Detailed Specifications for the Logitech G Pro X Mechanical Keyboard

As Logitech specifically designed this keyboard for professional gamers, knowing the exact specifications is vital before you decide to use this platform. The keyboard comes with a two-year warranty and support for Windows 7 or later, as well as Mac OS X or later. To set up the G HUB software and drivers, you’ll need an internet connection to download the latest version from the Logitech website.

The entire keyboard weighs only 980g and has a total depth of only 34.3mm. The actuation distance of 1.5mm and a full travel distance of 3.4mm provides for the quickest response time of any Logitech keyboard. Each key-press also only requires 45 grams of pressure, ensuring you won’t get tired during your next E-Sports competition.

Height and Width

There are also a wide variety of switch sets to choose from with different feedback types and actuation depths. Designing your custom keyboard rig with the Logitech G PRO X mechanical keyboard is now easier than ever before, giving you greater control over response times and the audio feedback required during your professional gaming sessions.

Downloading and Installing Logitech G HUB Software

To take full advantage of the PRO X keyboard, you’ll need to install the G HUB software from Logitech’s website. On the keyboard’s page of the site, you can click on the Support link to access all the latest software, guides, and product information.

Downloading G HUB software from Logitech Website

On the Logitech website, click on the Support link.

Access Support Page

On the Support page, click on the Downloads section to see the latest available software.

Access Downloads Section

Now select the latest installer package and start the download by clicking on the link.

Start G HUB Download

Note that the website will automatically detect your current Operating System (OS) and provide you with the appropriate download link. If you need to change the OS for another PC, you can scroll down and select another version of G HUB.

Select Different OS

Start the G HUB Software Installer

Wait for the download to complete, then access the file from your download folder. You can now double-click on the installer to start the installation process.

Start G HUB Installer

On the End User License Agreement (EULA) screen, click Install to continue.

Install G HUB Software

Note, if you would like to read the EULA, just click on the End User License Agreement link. That will open up a tab in your internet browser and provide you with the EULA in a variety of different languages.

Read EULA

Once you click on Install, the software will download the entire G HUB package from Logitech’s servers and you can track the progress on the screen.

Track Installation Progress

After downloading and installing the software, you can select Install and Launch to finish the installation process.

Install and Launch

Once the software launches, you may receive a prompt about your firewall blocking access to certain features. Select the appropriate option to create an exception rule for your Windows firewall.

Create Firewall Exception

Note that it is not considered as good practice to allow firewall exceptions on Public Networks. If you chose this option, ensure you understand the risks involved.

Click Allow Access once you’ve made the necessary selection.

Grant Firewall Access to G HUB Agent

Troubleshooting Your Logitech G PRO X Keyboard

Once you’ve successfully installed the software, follow the on-screen prompts to start configuring your Logitech gear. If you’ve installed the software previously and only recently purchased your Logitech G PRO X mechanical keyboard, you’ll need to update the software to the latest version.

If you face any issues with G HUB not recognizing your keyboard, you may need to update the driver from your device manager.

To open Device Manager, hit the Windows Key and type Device Manager into the search bar. From the results, select Device Manager.

Open Device Manager

Locate the Keyboard section and expand it by clicking on the arrow.

Expand Keyboard Devices

Select the LG Keyboard from the list and click the Right Hand Mouse Button to open the Context Menu. Select the Update Driver option from the list.

Update Keyboard Driver

Select Update Driver Automatically to let Windows search for updated drivers and install the latest driver update.

Update Logitech Keyboard Driver Automatically

If Windows finds updated drivers, it will download and install them for you. However, if you’re already using the latest drivers from Logitech you’ll be notified that there are no updated drivers available.

Latest Driver Installed

Using Driver Support to Manage All Your Gaming Gear Drivers

Instead of manually checking for the latest device drivers from your Device Manager, you can use Driver Support to manage all your drivers for you. Driver Support creates a detailed inventory of your PC’s devices and downloads the latest drivers as the OEM releases updates. Once you’ve installed and registered the application, it will ensure you always use the latest secure drivers for all your devices.

Driver Support also uses patented Active Optimization technology and Machine Matching to ensure your PC continues to run at optimal performance levels. By drilling down to the device-specific settings, Driver Support will eliminate any performance issues, ensure you use the latest drivers with OEM security patches and provide you with peace of mind during your gaming and streaming sessions.

Improve your gaming experiences and ensure your Logitech G PRO X mechanical keyboard operates at optimal performance levels by downloading and installing Driver Support today.

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Selecting the Desktop That’s Right for You

Buying a brand-new desktop computer can be a little daunting, especially after you see the price tag. Even in the age of smartphones and tablets, desktop computers still cost a great deal. If you’re going to buy one, you might as well make sure it’s perfect for you and your needs. Selecting the desktop that’s right for you doesn’t have to be difficult. All you have to do is break down the pieces and figure out what you need.

How Will the Desktop be Used?

How you plan to use the desktop can drastically change your decision-making process. Not every desktop is the same. Some of them are wildly different from what you would find in an average office. So, your first decision is to figure out what you want the desktop to do for you. Selecting the desktop that’s right for you starts with what you need from the device.

If you’re looking for a desktop computer that can run games without any problems, then you’re going to want a high-frequency CPU. Basically, the more cores your CPU has, the better. This guide will explain more about CPUs and cores later. However, if you’re a professional looking for a new computer for work, you’re going to want a high-frequency CPU and a lot of memory storage. This guide is going to help you make sure you know what you’re looking for when buying a desktop, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Choosing the Operating System

The operating system is the program the computer runs on, making it functional for anyone to use. There are four popular operating systems you’ve probably heard of: Windows, Mac, Linux and Chrome OS. Chrome OS is fairly new and based on Linux, which remains open-source and incredibly efficient if still not as common as the first two.

Mac, created by Apple and formally known as macOS, is excellent for protection and safety considering it works in a closed environment. However, this situation has a serious pitfall, wherein if your Mac does get infected with something, self-repairs and updates aren’t easy to do. The lifespan on Macs are also pretty great if you’re willing to pay the usually high price.

The most popular operating system is by far Microsoft’s Windows. Since all of the latest PC games are only available for Windows, this is the best operating system if you’re interested in gaming. The latest version is Windows 10, and it comes with two different releases: Pro and Home. The Pro version is excellent for business professionals as it comes with remote desktop, policy management and IT business support.

If you already find that you’re used to a particular operating system but aren’t sure which one it is, there are multiple ways to check. The most effective is to go to the About section of your PC. Every PC works in similar ways, but this example is going to be performed on an HP laptop using Windows 10.

First, you have to go to Settings. There are two ways to find it. The first way is to use the search function in the toolbar at the bottom of your screen.

Type in Settings and the option should appear. Another way is to use the Start Menu.

Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner on your screen (an already clear indicator that you’re using Windows), and find the gear icon in the available options. Both of these ways will take you to the Settings.

Once you’re in the Settings window, click on System in the top left corner. This will take you to the System window.

On the left-hand pane, you’ll find a list of options to view in separate windows. Scroll all the way down and click on About. The About window will show you all the information about the computer you’ll need.

The third section in the window will show you what kind of operating system is running on the computer you’re using. This particular example shows that the computer is using Windows 10 Home Version 1903.

Choosing the CPU

The operating system is the first thing you should consider when selecting the desktop that’s right for you. Next on that list should be the CPU. CPU stands for central processing unit and is the part of the computer that carries out instructions of programs, like a brain telling a body what to do. A single CPU on a chip is a core, and multiple CPUs on one chip is referred to as a multi-core processor. The more cores your computer has, the smoother it runs.

There are two major brands that make CPUs: Intel and AMD. Intel has been a popular brand for a long time that’s known for its efficiency, but AMD is a rising star that’s beginning to pass Intel in technology.

In the About window, you can see what kind of CPU your current computer uses.

In the Device Specifications section, you’ll find the name of your computer and all of the important hardware on your device. For the CPU, you’ll want to focus on the part labeled Processor.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what the example above means. The computer in the example has an Intel CPU with a three-core processor, meaning there are three CPUs on a single chip. The three-core Intel CPU runs at 2.20 gigahertz, meaning the internal clock of the CPU beats 2.2 billion times a second. The higher this number is, the faster and better your computer runs.

Choosing the RAM

RAM stands for Random-Access-Memory and is the main storage space of the computer. The CPU works directly with the RAM, and the RAM is able to pull up multiple bits of information at any given moment as needed, hence the “random” in its name. Information about the RAM can be found in the About window in the Device Specifications section.

The RAM on the computer in the example has eight gigabytes of storage space available. The operating system software takes much of this space, but this information gives you an idea of how much information (like videos or games) your device can hold. Eight gigabytes is not a lot of space, so buying a separate hard-drive with the device is a preferable option.

Choosing HDD or SSD

Computers have a secondary storage space in the computer that’s not the RAM, allowing you to access often unused or unnecessary files easily, like a new game. This secondary storage will either by an HDD or SSD.

HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive and is the older form of secondary memory. The HDD is a magnetic storage device that uses rotating disks that spin quickly (and loudly) to access memory. The SSD or Solid-State Drive is a newer form of secondary memory that uses integrated circuits with no need for spinning disks. In terms of speed, the SSD is almost always faster.

To find out what kind of drive your current computer uses, go again to the System Settings.

Instead of About, find Storage in the list of options on the left-hand pane.

On the right-hand pane in the Storage window, scroll down to the More Storage Settings section and click on Optimize Drives.

The Optimize Drives window will tell you the current state of your secondary storage options. In this example, only one drive appears in the list.

The current example uses an SSD that hasn’t been used in 23 days, showcasing how often the secondary storage is used and yet how crucial it is for operation.

Taking Care of Your New Desktop Computer

Once you’re done selecting the desktop that’s right for you, also taking ports and graphic cards into account if needed, you need to be able to take care of your new PC. One of the best ways you can defend your computer from bugs and malware, beyond getting decent anti-virus software, is always to make sure your device is up to date in every aspect. Services like Driver Support can help your computer out with this problem.

Driver Support has been helping desktop owner since 1996 by offering free software to keep your drivers updated. Their paid option also gives you a detailed list of all drivers on your desktop computer, allowing you to keep them as safe as possible by always keeping an inventory and providing missing drivers. With this support and knowledge at your back, you can keep your new desktop around for many years to come.

Download Driver Support now to get a full inventory of all the devices and drivers on your desktop computer. If you choose to register their service, Driver Support will always keep your devices updated with no hassle. You’ll never have to find drivers manually or try to remember scheduling updates with Driver Support.

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Moving to Remote Work During COVID-19

In light of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, many companies have either frozen, furloughed employees, laid employees off, or sent their employees home to work remote. If you’re new to managing a remote workforce, here’s some of the software, hardware, and practices you’ll need to deploy to successfully manage your remote workers.

Hardware for Working Remote

If you’re fortunate enough to have employees that have their own dedicated work laptops, then adapting to remote work will be much simpler. However, if your employees don’t have their own computers, you may have to rely on them to have their own. If they don’t, you may need to buy them some computers.

Windows PCs are usually cheaper than Macbooks, so if you need to buy some laptops, you can look for cheaper workstation laptops to be able to let your employees use. Depending on your needs, you can be cheap on storage or the video card to save some cash, and you can let them use it in the cases of family illnesses or extended absences in the future.

Your workforce will need to have access to webcams, microphones, and headphones. You’ll need to be able to see and speak to each other during the time that you’re working remote. If your employees have their own computers at home but don’t have their own headsets and webcams, you may need to pick them out and send them to them. Make sure they’re compatible with their devices before purchasing it for them. Alternatively, you can have them pick their own out.

With your workforce using new devices, new software, and new potentials for problems, make sure you and all your employee’s computers’ drivers are up-to-date. Click to Download Driver Support and sign up to have your remote workforce’s computers running smooth during the pandemic to minimize technical problems in conference calls.

Software for Working Remote

The most important thing for remote workers is their software. You’ll likely need to pick out a few, if you don’t already have them. Of course, it could change from industry to industry, but the basic ones will be:

Conferencing Software

Task Management / Project Management Software

Time Tracking Software (optional)

Conferencing Software

There are some conferencing softwares that are free, there are some conference softwares that are paid. You’ll need to analyze what your company needs, based on company size, conferencing needs, and calendar integrations. If you use Gmail for Companies, you can use Google Chat and Hangouts. Slack has some free 1 on 1 call options. Other popular softwares are join.me, Zoom, and Skype. Research your options, based on company needs. Some are even offering a free or extended trial during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you and your team is getting web conferencing software, you’ll need to make sure that all your devices are up-to-date and that you have the correct drivers for all your devices to make sure you don’t have technical problems while setting up a conference call.

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  Task Management Software & Project Management Software

A lot of companies are already using project management software or task management software, but if you aren’t, it’s almost a necessity for remote work. If you need some simple task management software, most people use something like Trello or ClickUp. Much like the web conferencing software, your company’s needs will change what you’ll need out of task management software.

Most of them are cloud-based, and they’ll usually have web apps and mobile apps. Some of them will include many features, some are simpler.

Time Tracking Software

This may be optional, but for employers who want to keep track of what their employees are working on, you may want to use time tracking software. This allows your employees to make their timecards and show what time was spent on what projects. Some project and task management software has time tracking built in, but if you use something that doesn’t, there’s plenty of software that you can use to track time, even something as simple as an end of day email or spreadsheet.

Best Remote Management Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Leading and inspiring your employees during this pandemic can be very difficult. Keeping people focused on their tasks, and helping them achieve their goals during this time is very important for people. Make sure you work together with your team and helping them stay aware of their health, wellbeing, and making sure they feel secure.

Talk with your team to see what they need from software, ask in groups or individually what their concerns are, and pay attention to their wellbeing, as well as productivity.

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