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When buying a PC, it can make sense to save money in certain areas. However, when it comes to core components, choosing the cheapest option rarely pays off. Here, quality is not only a factor in performance, but also in stability, durability, and everyday convenience. A high-quality power supply, for example, is the foundation for a reliable system. Cutting costs here can lead to unstable voltages, system crashes, or (in the worst case) damaged hardware. Good power supplies deliver clean voltages, operate quietly and efficiently, and have protective circuits. This is especially important with power-hungry graphics cards and processors; a certified model (e.g. according to 80-Plus or Cybenetics standards) with sufficient power reserves is a must. When building your own PC, the following applies: if you cut corners on essential components such as RAM or SSD mass storage, you risk stability problems and a shorter service life for your assembled computer. HP It also makes sense to invest more in a monitor. Cheap displays often skimp on resolution, refresh rate, or color representation. Anyone who works, plays games, or edits images will benefit from a higher-quality panel, such as IPS or OLED. This forms the basis for a sharp display, smooth playback, and accurate colors. In addition, a good monitor will usually last for several PC generations, making it a long-term purchase. When it comes to power supplies, cooling and graphics cards, you shouldn’t cut corners: quality is key to stability and longevity. Cooler Master When it comes to RAM, you should opt for proven modules with good compatibility–meaning tested support for your motherboard and CPU, as well as solid timings such as CL16 or CL18. In practical terms, this means checking whether the modules are approved via the motherboard manufacturer’s QVL (Qualified Vendor List). At the same time, look for low latencies to achieve noticeably better performance in games and applications. No-name offers are often risky, as modern platforms react noticeably to RAM speed–both in gaming and in productive workloads. Here, quality directly translates to performance and stability. A high-quality monitor is ahead in terms of image sharpness, response time and colour fidelity. You can see the advantages every day. It’s worth spending a little more money. Viewsonic Mass storage also deserves attention, as SSDs significantly speed up the entire system. However, cheaper models often offer lower durability and poorer write speeds. A solid NVMe SSD with a reliable controller is the better choice and helps ensure a fast and responsive system in the long term. You should also pay attention to the PCI Express connection–at least PCIe 3.0, preferably PCIe 4.0 or 5.0–and the M.2 form factor. This allows higher speeds than SATA and integrates the flash memory directly into the motherboard in a space-saving way. It is better to save on easily replaceable components such as the case or optical extras. When it comes to the power supply, monitor, RAM, and storage, however, you should focus on quality, as these components determine how stable, powerful, and future-proof your PC really is. Read...

If you’re going to buy a gaming laptop right now, then it might as well be one that’s future-proof, right? This powerful HP Omen Slim 16 model is not only $661 off at B&H right now—bringing its price down to $1,449 (was $2,110)—but it also has one heck of a configuration. Seriously, if you want a banger laptop, you shouldn’t skip this one. View this gaming laptop deal This top-tier laptop isn’t one you’ll have to upgrade anytime soon because the hardware within is more than enough to have you playing all the latest triple-A 3D games for years to come. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a massive 2TB SSD, this laptop is everything you could possibly want for Windows 11, apps, browser tabs, and super-quick system startups and app launches. But the kicker here is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU with 8GB of VRAM, which is significantly better than the 5050 and 5060 that are more common in gaming laptops. This is a graphics card that can handle all the games you love, providing excellent frame rates and access to Nvidia’s latest DLSS 4 features like multi-frame generation. Throw in the 16-inch IPS display with a crisp resolution of 2560×1600 and 240Hz refresh rate and you have a fantastic gaming rig. B&H has this marked as a sale with “limited supply at this price,” and what an excellent price it is. With the RAM shortage causing prices to skyrocket all over the place, you may not find a deal this good again in a long, long time—so get it for $1,449 while you still can. Or check out our picks for the best overall gaming laptops right now. Save $661 on this HP RTX 5070 laptop with 32GB RAM (31% off)Buy this gaming laptop via B&H Read...

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If you have multiple drives on your PC and they’re smaller than you would like, you can combine or merge two drives in Windows to create one larger drive. It only takes a minute and can result in you having a tidier, more coherent drive structure. But be sure to back up your drives before you do it, because you have to delete the contents of one drive before it’ll work. What to do: In your Search bar type “partition” and click the search result Create and format hard disk partitions. A disk management window will open up that will show you all the drives you have. Say you want to merge drives E and F. Now would be a good time to back up drive F because you’ll need to delete the contents. Once your back up of F has been done, right click on drive F and select Delete volume then click Yes. The contents will be deleted, and the drive will become unallocated. Right click drive E and select Extend volume and hit Next. You will see in the highlighted box the unallocated space. Just click Next and then Finish. Dominic Bayley / Foundry That’s all there is to it. The unallocated space that was formerly drive F has now been merged onto drive E. You can check the drive in File explorer. You should just see drive E with more available space than before and no drive F. That’s a wrap for this Try This. For more PC tips and tricks, be sure to subscribe to our PCWorld Try This newsletter. Read...

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Using an encrypted email service is one of the most effective ways to reclaim your digital privacy. While standard providers like Gmail or Outlook protect your email in transit using TLS (Transport Layer Security) they still hold the master keys to your data. Here is why switching to a dedicated encrypted service (like Proton, Tuta, or Skiff) is a game-changer for your security. 1. Enhanced data protection and privacy Email remains the primary communication channel in today’s digital landscape. However, traditional email systems are inherently vulnerable to interception and unauthorized access. This is where encrypted email comes in, offering a first line of defense against malicious actors. Encrypted email provides security by transforming readable text into an uninterpretable code. This ensures that your private messages remain confidential even if they are intercepted. Only the intended recipient possessing the correct decryption key can unlock and read the message. Standard email providers can technically read your emails. They may scan them to serve ads, build smart features, or comply with government data requests. But encrypted email services use zero-access encryption. Your emails are encrypted with your password before they even reach the provider’s servers. The result is even if the company is subpoenaed or hacked, your data remains unreadable gibberish to them. 2. Protection against cyber threats One of the most compelling benefits of encrypted email is the defense it offers against a range of cyber threats. Encrypted email acts to provide a layer of security protecting against man-in-the-middle attacks, email interception, phishing attempts, and malware distribution. By encrypting your email you make it virtually impossible for cybercriminals to read and manipulate your messages during transmission or while the emails are stored on servers. This significantly reduces the risk of data breaches, protects your privacy, and maintains the integrity of your communications. Encrypted emails often include Digital Signatures. This ensures that the message you received hasn’t been altered by a third party during its journey. It verifies that the sender is exactly who they say they are, which is a strong defense against sophisticated phishing attacks. 3. Protection against data breaches Large email providers are big targets for hackers wanting to cause data breaches. If a central server is compromised, millions of emails could be exposed. Encrypted services ensure that even if a hacker gains physical access to the server they cannot read the messages because they lack your private decryption key. This means your privacy is locked down and your emails are not likely to be subject to data breaches. Pexels : Luis Gomes 4. Legal compliance for professionals If you handle sensitive data like (medical, legal, or financial records) using standard email might actually be a liability. Many encrypted services are built to meet strict privacy regulations, helping professionals protect their clients and avoid heavy fines for data leaks. By encrypting sensitive information sent by email, you can demonstrate due diligence and a commitment to data protection best practices as mandated by industry standards and government regulations. This proactive approach not only reduces the risk of costly fines and legal repercussions it also helps foster trust among clients and partners. Related content The FBI says you should use encrypted messaging. But do you need to? What is masked email? This new spin on an old practice supercharges security I switched from Gmail to Proton mail: 5 deeply refreshing takeaways Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Good features Two 2.5 Gbit Ethernet ports, lots of USB ports Support for up to four displays (up to 8K) Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 Upgradable DDR5 RAM instead of soldered LPDDR Cons Fan spins up abruptly under load and becomes clearly audible No USB-C port on the front Second SSD only possible in M.2-2230 format No Thunderbolt (USB4 available, but without TB certification) Our Verdict The Geekom A7 Max builds on the proven concept of the A9 Max, but with a different technical focus. Instead of maximum AI acceleration, the focus is on high classic CPU performance, fast integrated graphics and an overall balanced platform. For users who do not require special AI functions, the A7 Max is a powerful mini PC for productivity, multimedia and demanding all-round tasks. Price when reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Geekom A7 Max Retailer Price $698.99 View Deal Geekom $699 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Technical specs Dimensions: 135 × 132 × 46.9 mm (W × D × H) Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS GPU: AMD Radeon 780M Ram: 1× 16 GB Micron DDR5 5600MHz Internal storage: 1 TB from Wooposit Technology WPBSN4M8, M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 ×4 NVMe SSD SSD upgradeability: 1 × M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 ×4 NVMe, up to 4 TB Rear ports: 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 × USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 × USB 4.0 Type-C DP-Alt-Mode / PD-In, 1 × USB 4.0 Type-C DP-Alt-Mode, 2 × Ethernet RJ45 2.5 Gbit/s, 2 × HDMI 2.1 FRL, 1 × DC-In Front ports: 3 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Always On, 1 × 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1 × SD card reader 4.0 Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Operating system: Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 (64-bit) Accessories: VESA mount (121.8 × 116.5 × 1.0 mm) Geekom has been pursuing a clearly recognizable product strategy for some time: instead of a single top-of-the-range model, the manufacturer is launching several mini PCs that are almost identical in appearance but have different processor platforms. The differences are not so much in the case, connections or cooling, but primarily in the CPU—and thus in the intended use. We have already tested the Geekom A9 Max, and now its technically different sibling, the A7 Max, is put to the test. With the A7 Max, Geekom is adding a model to its Max series that deliberately foregoes maximum AI performance and instead focuses on classic strengths. Geekom A7 Max: Design For the Max series, Geekom has opted for a consistent design concept with a solid metal housing and clean, functional lines. The chassis looks high-quality and also impresses with its stability. Christoph Hoffmann Although we have not carried out any explicit endurance tests, the mini PC still gives a very robust impression in everyday use. Neither pressure nor slight attempts at twisting lead to creaking noises or noticeable yielding—an indication of a torsion-resistant and durable construction. Christoph Hoffmann With its compact dimensions of 135 × 132 × 46.9 millimeters (W × D × H), the A7 Max remains pleasantly space-saving despite its powerful hardware. It takes up hardly any space on the desk and blends inconspicuously into different working environments. Alternatively, the mini PC can be mounted directly on the back of a monitor using the included VESA mount. This allows the system to disappear almost completely from view without compromising on accessibility to the ports or adequate cooling. Geekom A7 Max: Features At the heart of the Geekom A7 Max is the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS. The powerful eight-core processor belongs to the Ryzen 7040 HS series and was originally designed for high-performance notebooks, but is now increasingly being used in compact desktop systems. It offers 8 cores and 16 threads based on the Zen 4 architecture and achieves boost clock speeds of up to 5.2 GHz. Christoph Hoffmann The integrated graphics unit is the Radeon 780M based on RDNA 3, which delivers very high graphics performance for an iGPU. In addition, the processor has an integrated NPU based on AMD’s XDNA architecture. However, at around 10 TOPS, this is significantly weaker than current Ryzen AI processors and is primarily suitable for simple AI acceleration. In our test model, the processor is supported by 16GB of DDR5 RAM with 5,600 MT/s. Geekom doesn’t provide detailed information about the memory manufacturer but a 16GB module from Micron is installed. Important: The memory is not soldered and can therefore be upgraded—a clear advantage over many competing models. The A7 Max has an NVMe SSD with 1TB capacity as its mass storage device. Depending on the batch, different manufacturers may be used here. We cannot immediately assign the model name “WPBSN4M8” displayed in Crystal Disk Info to any manufacturer. A quick search reveals that it is an OEM model from Wooposit Technology that is not sold as a retail product. As is customary in this device class, Geekom reserves the right to use equivalent SSDs from other manufacturers. Christoph Hoffmann An additional M.2-2230 slot (PCIe 4.0 × 4) is available for expansions. Due to the form factor, the selection is limited though. Typical for a mini PC, Geekom distributes the ports across the front and back, allowing for flexible orientation on the desk. The power button, which clearly marks the front, provides orientation. The manufacturer is generous when it comes to connectivity: the mini PC supports up to four high-resolution displays and provides two USB4 interfaces with DisplayPort 1.4 support and two HDMI 2.1 outputs for this purpose. Christoph Hoffmann One feature that is not a given in this device class is the two 2.5 Gbit Ethernet ports. In conjunction with a suitable router or switch and an NAS, fast network and storage solutions can be implemented. The range of connections is complemented by additional USB ports. A total of eight USB interfaces are available in various designs – from USB 2.0 to USB 3.2 Gen 2 to USB4 Type-C. This allows fast external SSDs and other peripheral devices to be connected without restrictions. Christoph Hoffmann One minor criticism is that Geekom has omitted a USB-C port on the front, meaning that corresponding devices can only be connected via the rear ports. Geekom A7 Max: Operating system The A7 Max comes with a hardware-bound licence for Windows 11. The Windows installation begins after the mini PC is booted for the first time. Updates are downloaded during setup, but Windows will offer further updates later on. Important note: After the initial installation of Windows 11, numerous drivers are required, most notably the AMD drivers for the Radeon graphics card and the chipset. This ensures that the mini PC runs under optimal conditions and that all components can deliver their full performance. Geekom A7 Max: Performance The Geekom A7 Max features an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS with eight cores and 16 threads based on the Zen 4 architecture. The processor achieves clock speeds of up to 5.2 GHz and is supported by the integrated Radeon 780M graphics unit. We determined the actual performance using the PCMark 10 benchmark test. This software gives us realistic values by working through everyday tasks one after the other. In the default setting, the system achieves a total of 6,853 points (A9 Max: 8,953 points), with 10,505 in “Essentials”, 9,620 in “Productivity” and 8,641 in “Digital Content Creation”. By comparison, the A9 Max achieves 11,559 points in “Essentials”, 10,853 points in “Productivity” and 15,527 points in “Digital Content Creation”. Christoph Hoffmann The CPU profile from 3DMark shows decent scaling across all thread levels and delivers strong multicore performance – Max. threads: 7,718, 16 threads: 7,765, 8 threads: 6,640, 4 threads: 3,883, 2 threads: 2,002 and 1 thread: 1,024. The A7 Max benefits from the eight physical cores, especially in parallelized applications. Christoph Hoffmann With 9,528 points at full capacity, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is more than 23 percent above the determined values. The gaming graphics performance of the Geekom A7 Max is determined by 3DMark Steel Nomad Light with a result of 1,607 points. This is below average and less than half the performance of the A9 Max with 3,279 points. The Time Spy benchmark delivers 1,866 to 3,701 points. This makes the A7 Max suitable for simple games, older titles and eSports games, but not for current AAA titles with high settings. Compared to the A9 Max, the AI performance is lower. The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS has an integrated NPU based on AMD’s XDNA architecture. However, at around 10 TOPS, this is significantly weaker than current Ryzen AI processors. In the Geekbench AI Pro benchmark, the Geekom A7 Max achieved the following results: 3,053 for “Single Precision”, 1,674 for “Half Precision” and 7,365 for “Quantized”. The performance is sufficient for simple AI applications, but specialised AI workloads benefit more from the A9 Max model. Christoph Hoffmann The M.2 NVMe SSD delivers a read performance of 6,895 MB/s and a write rate of 6,098 MB/s in Crystal Disk Mark. This is an above-average value for a PCIe 4.0 SSD. By comparison, the Lexar from the A9 Max is significantly lower at 6,242 MB/s for reading and 5,423 MB/s for writing. Christoph Hoffmann Is the Geekom A7 Max worth it? With the A7 Max, Geekom is adding a model to its Max series that deliberately foregoes maximum AI performance and instead focuses on classic strengths. The focus is clearly on high CPU performance, a very powerful integrated GPU and an overall balanced platform that proves to be extremely practical in everyday use. The A7 Max offers more than enough performance for productivity tasks, multitasking, multimedia applications and creative workloads. The Radeon 780M graphics also enable easy gaming and smooth 8K playback. Added to this are a fast PCIe 4.0 SSD, upgradeable DDR5 RAM and an unusually extensive range of connections for this class, including USB4, four display outputs and two 2.5 Gbit Ethernet ports. Mentioned in this article Geekom A9 Max Read our review Criticisms such as the fan, which is audible under load, the lack of a USB-C port on the front and the second SSD slot limited to M.2-2230 only slightly detract from the overall appeal. Also, the integrated NPU is only suitable for simple AI tasks. All in all, the Geekom A7 Max is a very powerful and versatile mini PC. Those who want to accelerate specific local AI workloads are still better off with the A9 Max, while the A7 Max plays to its strengths in classic computing power and versatile everyday and productive use. Read...

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