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Upgrade Your Laptop And Extend Its Lifespan

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Whether for gaming or office use: the notebook is a popular utensil in every situation in life. Not only does it now have a lot of performance and can definitely compete with the desktop PC, it is also mobile and versatile. The only shortcoming for many: the service life. This seems limited, but does it always have to be? Find out here how you can upgrade your laptop and thus extend its life !

Upgrade Your Laptop And Extend Its Lifespan

Why you should upgrade your laptop

As a rule, it is said that a good laptop should last at least 2 years in constant use without showing a defect. Exceptions are, of course, personal mishaps such as spilling liquids on the device. However, there are now many models on the market that you will have fun with for 3 to 5 years! In order to reach or even exceed this time, it can often be useful to upgrade the laptop. There are also some factors that have a positive effect on the service life.

Basically, the rule here is that a more expensive laptop will last longer. Here you can assume that higher quality components have been installed, which in themselves have a higher life expectancy. In addition, it can be very helpful if the individual parts are not firmly soldered, but can easily be replaced in the event of a defect. Above all, the gaming laptop manufacturer Alienware became known for this principle. However, it is now being implemented by many others.

It is also good if you can remove the battery from your new laptop. This also means that you can completely spare it in network operation by expanding it. But that doesn’t mean that a completely permanently installed model doesn’t also have its advantages. Because here the risk of breaking something while doing handicrafts is very low. In addition, this often significantly minimizes the risk of damage from the ingress of liquids and dust.

Gaming Screen | A Guide From Resolution To Accessories

Our 8 tips: How to extend the life of your laptop

Now that we have generally shown what you can look out for when buying a laptop, we would also like to give you some tips on how you can easily improve the service life of your device. First of all, we want to make suggestions that really anyone can implement. Then we will also go into the topic of tuning laptops.

  1. Battery : Do not charge the battery all the time. If it is permanently installed, use the device between charges in battery mode (best to reconnect at 10 to 20% residual charge and fully charge). If it can be removed, only charge it when you need it and otherwise use the laptop in mains operation. Then store the battery in a cool place (around 16 to 20 ° C).
  2. Hardware : Especially with gaming laptops, the hardware may simply no longer match current games. Make sure to choose new components as possible in order to have fun with them for a long time. Alternatively, models in which the parts can be exchanged also make sense here.
  3. External components : If you connect external hardware to your notebook, this protects the built-in components.
  4. Predetermined breaking points: Some manufacturers are known to use these. Find out in advance and take a look at long-term tests.
  5. Transport : A laptop should always be transported carefully. Be careful not to squeeze it, as this will quickly damage the screen. In addition, a laptop bag is a must to keep away from a small fall or downpour.
  6. Cleaning : If possible, you should regularly remove dust from the fans and other components. Otherwise, this ensures that the notebook heats up excessively
  7. Saving electricity : Do you just need your laptop for office use at the moment? Then turn on the energy saving mode. In addition, you can often do without the keyboard lighting and turn the screen brightness down a little. In this way, you not only save the battery, but also the built-in lighting components.
  8. Temperature : Don’t let the laptop overheat. Due to the small amount of space in the housing, the components get very hot and are subject to greater wear.

Upgrading the laptop: this is how it works

Just because the notebook slows down over time or maybe even starts to jerk, it doesn’t mean that you have to get a new model. Instead, you can upgrade your laptop with a few simple steps and components and give it a new freshness.

Step 1: the basic cleaning

Before you get any new components, a thorough cleaning is the right step. Because it is not uncommon for a laptop to become slow because it is simply dusty. If a lot of dirt collects in the fan , it can no longer provide an effective air supply. On the hard drive, mainboard, etc., on the other hand, it looks like a thick winter coat: the components heat up much faster than before.

Simply unscrew the notebook to clean it. Ideally, you can vacuum the whole thing with a gentle vacuum cleaner with a brush brush head. The fan should not turn while doing this, otherwise it could be damaged. Above all, the cooling fins should be cleaned in this way.

By the way: the basic cleaning does not only have to concern the hardware . Rather, it is also important that you remove your junk data. Old documents, images and installation files that we no longer need quickly accumulate on our computer. Sort out here every now and then. It can also be very useful to set up the operating system again.

External hardware to relieve the notebook

In order to minimize wear of your components , you can also use external hardware. This then takes the load off the built-in parts and instead performs the tasks outside of the limited space of the notebook. You should decide for yourself what you really need – that is, which functions you really need. We have compiled a list of optional parts you can use to upgrade your laptop:

  • Keyboard & mouse . Probably the most famous components. In addition to reduced wear and tear, they often also have extended functions (such as the NUM block).
  • Monitor . Often gives you a larger or extended screen, which can also be very useful when gaming.
  • Hard drive . The hard drive installed in the notebook in particular quickly becomes slow. An external model keeps data ready when you need it and ensures a clean laptop (by the way: use an SSD if possible, especially if you want to start games from the hard drive).
  • Graphics card . External graphics cards bring the flagships of major brand manufacturers to your gaming notebook. Simply connected via USB, they supply it with full power – so you can also play AAA titles.
  • Fan . There are also external fans. These usually act at the same time as a kind of laptop stand and transport the hot, escaping air away.

So that you can upgrade your laptop and add the appropriate external components, it is also important that it has the appropriate connections. In the best case, this includes at least one USB 3.0 port .

What else you can do: Internal measures

In addition to the external components, there are also some measures that you can carry out internally in the device . So you can tune your laptop and get a little more performance out of it. On the one hand, this includes a new main memory. The RAM is often very tight, which means that jerking is quickly noticeable, especially with more demanding programs. Changing the main memory is particularly easy and can actually be problem-free with any notebook.

In addition, this is thermal throttling often a big problem. This phenomenon refers to the process in which the performance of a computer is reduced because the components overheat. In order to protect them and prevent damage, the performance is reduced. Unfortunately, this often occurs especially in the limited space of the laptop, because there is simply not enough cool air supply here.

However, you should upgrade your laptop so that the existing air can develop its effect accordingly . For this it can be very useful to renew the thermal paste between the CPU and the mainboard. Particularly ingenious: A paste made of liquid metal, because it conducts heat faster and achieves significantly better results.

Upgrade your laptop – no rocket science!

You have seen – even a somewhat aging laptop can experience a second spring again. With our tips and tricks, you can tease a few sparks of life out of most models . And the nice thing about it: Most of our ideas can really be implemented yourself with a little technical know-how.

Gaming Screen | A Guide From Resolution To Accessories

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Are you looking for a new gaming screen that is precisely tailored to your hobby? But you are not quite sure which qualities it should bring with it? Which stats are really crucial? Then we want to give you a helping hand and help you find the right monitor. Find out more here!

Gaming Screen

Gaming monitor: what to watch out for

If you want to buy a new gaming screen, you are often literally showered with facts. The manufacturers advertise with high-resolution, large displays, with fast response times and curved monitors. What you really need from it is usually determined by your style of play . Do you love the responsive online shooters and battle royale games? Or do you prefer to wander through lovingly and detailed landscapes in (MMO) RPGs?

But not only your game selection is decisive, but also your rest of the setup . Because if your graphics card does not yet support 4K, a corresponding screen will not help you. But before we dive deeper into the matter, we want to give you a rough overview. So these factors are important for your selection:

  • Size : Most gaming screens measure at least 24 inches diagonally. With MMO RPGs, but also with some shooters, a larger monitor can be an advantage.
  • Resolution : The conventional gaming monitor has at least a full HD resolution, especially for graphics nerds. Many story-based games such as The Witcher 3 or Black Desert Online, on the other hand, seem almost lifelike on 4K.
  • Format : By default, screens are now made in 16: 9 format. The ultra-wide picture (21: 9) is also gaining ground more and more. This is especially true for curved versions.
  • Response time : Anyone who wants to play fast games (such as shooters or MOBAs) depends on the fastest possible response time in order to react as quickly as possible to new events.
  • Frame rate : Higher frame rates promise a smoother picture, which in turn influences the response time, but also the overall gaming experience. A gaming screen should have at least 60 Hz.

About Cores, Clock & Brands | Find The Right Gaming CPU

The outer values: size, format and resolution

Let’s start with the easy-to-see features of the gaming monitor first. For most gamers, the first thing that matters is how big the new screen is and how well it displays a picture. While there are quite a few 4K models, these are only worthwhile from a size of at least 27 inches , because otherwise the difference in the pixel density is barely noticeable.

A 24-inch FullHD screen is cheaper and absolutely sufficient for most games to play them with the best graphic quality . At 27 “, however, WQHD is appropriate. By the way: bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. While the individual objects are displayed larger on a 35 “screen, you have a much better overview with a 24” model. This is often an advantage, especially with shooters.

Speaking of 35 inches: this size is now the standard for curved gaming monitors . These also bring a new format: 21: 9 in contrast to the familiar 16: 9. If you mainly play role-playing games, but also racing or strategy games, these variants are definitely recommended. Because with them you can enjoy the full gaming experience and have even more the feeling of immersion through the slight all-round view and feel like you are in the play area.

The inner values: response time & frame rate

We have already mentioned it a few times: For fast games you need the appropriate reaction speed, otherwise frustration quickly arises. So while 60 Hz is still sufficient for a single-player RPG, it looks quite different with shooters and battle royale games. Here you should set at least a transfer rate of 144 Hz. Of course, 240 Hz are also possible.

However, it should be said that 144 Hz variants are still affordable for a FullHD resolution, but are much more expensive with WQHD. In the 4K range, you are already in the highest price segment. As a small consolation, it should be mentioned at this point that there are currently hardly any graphics cards on the market that can manage 144 Hz in 4K for AAA titles.

The response time, however, depends on the type of display . TN panels (twisted nematic) have the fastest times (around 1 ms). However, their color and contrast display is clearly limited and is only played out well if you look directly at the screen. The IPS panel, on the other hand, has better options here, but has to deal with response times of between 5 and 9 ms. This is often too slow for shooters. VA panels promise something in between, but in reality only rarely achieve 1 ms response time.

G-Sync or Freesync for the gaming screen?

Nowadays you see more and more monitors that are advertised with Free- or G-Sync. But what does that actually mean? These technologies are intended to ensure that the images are displayed more smoothly. In addition, they should minimize the effect of tearing (i.e. the image tearing due to fluctuating FPS). They do this by adapting the frame rate of the gaming screen to the graphics card depending on the situation.

The difference between the two variants is that G-Sync is offered by Nvidia and has to be built into the monitor as a hardware component. Freesync, on the other hand, is software from AMD that is freely available to manufacturers. Your choice may also depend on the manufacturer of your graphics card. 

In general, the decision again depends on your own gaming behavior . These technologies are particularly worthwhile for shooters, as the image display is a little smoother, which in turn can influence the reaction time. If you play more occasionally, you will hardly notice the difference between switched on and off Adaptive-Sync. Our recommendation: Don’t necessarily base your decision on this factor alone.

Connections on the gaming screen

A screen usually has a large selection of connections . To know which ones you really need, you should take a close look at your setup. The most important thing here is of course the video input. Most graphics cards have at least one HDMI and one DVI input. If, on the other hand, you want to connect your gaming monitor to the laptop, it often looks different. Here you usually only have one output, on which you should make the choice of your screen dependent.

It is also important that the connection is also suitable for the corresponding power that you want to transfer. For example, if you value a 144 Hz refresh rate, this will be difficult to implement with an HDMI cable. Because even the 2.0 version manages a maximum of 120 Hz. For 144 Hz, on the other hand, we recommend a DVI-D or a DisplayPort cable.

What else does the monitor have to be able to do?

In addition to the functions already mentioned, there are many more on the market that are repeatedly advertised. We have listed the most important ones here. While they all certainly make sense for certain types of players , you definitely don’t need them all:

  • Black eQualizer: Lighten dark areas in games. Useful for everything in the competitive area in shooters, as you can quickly identify campers even in dark areas. With RPGs, however, it is usually relatively useless and, on the contrary, makes the black look dirty.
  • Flicker-free: Reduces the flickering of the screen. However, this can only be perceived with the naked eye for very sensitive people.
  • Low Blue Light Mode: Filters the eye-tiring blue light out of the monitor and should therefore be gentler.
  • LED lighting on the monitor: For many it is part of the gaming screen, but it is only an optical gimmick and does not have any advantages.
  • Ergonomics: Good monitors can be tilted, rotated and adjusted in height. This means that they can be easily adapted to personal needs and are particularly ergonomic.

Conclusion: individually find the best gaming screen

You have probably already noticed, but it can be very difficult to find your way around in the technical jargon of the manufacturers. In addition, factors are repeatedly advertised that do not necessarily make sense for every player. Above all, it is important that you adapt your new gaming screen to your setup , but also to your own gaming behavior.

Specifically, this means: In shooters, Battle Royal and other fast-paced games, a fast response time and, in connection with this, a high frame rate is important. However, you can do without large formats and high resolutions here. If, on the other hand, you want to play scenic, imaginatively designed games, the opposite is the case. Even a curved screen can be great here to delve deeper into the world.

About Cores, Clock & Brands | Find The Right Gaming CPU

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The processor is essential for the functioning of a computer. And while you will probably find relatively cheap versions for a pure office PC, almost every gaming CPU is in the three-digit range. But is that really necessary? Which performance do you actually need and which values ​​need to be considered? We will address these and other questions in this article. Find out how to find your perfect gaming CPU here!

The processor – but: what is it actually?

The processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) is basically the central control unit of every computer. This means that it controls all inputs, inquiries, processes and outputs that are made on it. First of all, it is a relatively small (about 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm) component, but it can contain a lot of power, which is not only necessary for gaming. But what exactly are its tasks?

Broken down, the CPU constantly carries out new calculations. You may know that a computer’s programs are basically a binary code of 0 and 1. So in order to implement them, the different numbers must be brought together. A simple command is to add two numbers. This also means that every input you make – regardless of whether you are saving a document or just activating the trigger – must first be converted into this language that the processor can understand before it can be processed.

The better the clock speed of a gaming CPU, the more commands per second it can implement. For example, a 3.5 GHz processor should be able to execute 336,000 instructions per second. Such a high rate can be very important for gaming because the input and output are particularly large. By the way, you can check the load in the Task Manager. Here you can also see which programs are particularly demanding.

Cyberpunk 2077: System Requirements & Everything You Need To Know!

The gaming CPU: what is important?

Now that we have clarified the basic task of the processor in the computer, let’s take a look at which values ​​are decisive for a purchase. Because, as with most components, you are literally showered with a flood of information. Looking through here is not always easy. We want to help you choose your gaming CPU!

A machine with Her (t) z

Have you ever heard the statement: “The processor is the heart of the computer”? Of course, this relates to its essential task in the overall system, but it can also be related to its clock rate and thus its performance . Because this is given in Hertz (Hz) or Megahertz (MHZ) or Gigahertz (GHz).

In addition to the cores, which we will discuss in more detail in a moment, the Hertz specification is decisive for ensuring that inputs are carried out quickly. So if you want to play action-packed games , you will probably prefer a very powerful processor. To illustrate this: A CPU with 1 GHz performance can process around 1 billion current pulses per second. Different tasks require a different number of these. Particularly complex tasks, such as playing AAA titles, can easily consume several thousand.

The following applies to your gaming CPU: It should have at least 3 GHz , better 4 GHz. Because with these frequencies you can be sure that you can really play every game smoothly and that you don’t have to compromise on the graphics, for example.

Overclock the gaming CPU

If you’ve dealt with your gaming PC, you’ve probably heard of overclocking or overclocking . This allows you to get even more out of your processor. We already explained earlier that the frequency specification in Hertz is decisive for the performance of a computer. Wouldn’t it be great if you can always get exactly what you need from your CPU?

Many models from well-known manufacturers allow you to overclock in this case. This means that even more performance can be extracted from these under the right circumstances . Correct cooling is particularly important for this. Because the higher the clock rate, the more the gaming CPU works and the warmer it also gets.

Are you interested in such a model? Then be sure to take a look at the description of your CPU. Incidentally, Intel marks such models with a “K” at the end of the name. The manufacturer’s Extreme Editions can also be overclocked. The same applies to the Ryzen series from AMD.

Left, right, up, down: speed through cores

Current game titles usually rely on incredible graphics . It is then just annoying for you when you cannot draw on the full and – in extreme terms – only recognize pixels. Just as exhausting: You are playing a fast shooter or are in a duel in battle royale, which lets your adrenaline flow, and suddenly your picture tears. While memory and graphics card are also critical to these phenomena , a good gaming CPU is just as important in fixing them.

So that your game runs smoothly and the processor can process your information at an appropriate speed, it needs cores . The control unit and the arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) are located in these real components. These ensure that he can execute more commands per second. Nowadays, octa-core processors are the preferred choice for gaming PCs. However, there is still room at the top. For example, AMD has a 32-core CPU on the market.

How useful this really is depends entirely on the games you want to play. However, most of them still get by with a quad to a maximum of octa-core. By the way: So-called multicore or multi-core processors always distribute the tasks evenly across all available cores.

Our CPU comparison: which is now the best?

Of course, there is no general answer to the question of which processor is the best for you . That depends largely on your own preferences. Because depending on the performance your games need, a model with more or fewer cores and a higher or lower clock rate can be useful.

Most current games require a multi-core processor. However, it differs how many there really have to be and which clock rate makes sense. While you can of course always turn down the graphics settings, that’s certainly not the dream. We have therefore put together a brief overview of some popular games that shows which specifications are given by the manufacturer as optimal:

  • APEX Legends: 4 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • ARK: Survival Evolved: 4 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Battlefield 1: 8 cores, 4.00 GHz
  • Battlefield 3: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Battlefield 5: 8 cores, 4.00 GHz
  • Call od Duty: Modern Warfare: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Call of Duty: Warzone: 4 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • Counter Strike: Global Offensive: 2 cores, 2 GHz
  • Death Stranding: 8 cores, 4 GHz
  • Escape from Tarkov: 4 cores, 3.20 GHz
  • Far Cry 5: 8 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • Fortnite: 2 cores, 2.80 GHz
  • GTA V: 6 cores, 4 GHz
  • League of Legends: 2 cores, 3.00 GHz
  • Metro Exodus: 8 cores, 4.00 GHz
  • Minecraft: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds: 4 cores, 3.50 GHz
  • Red Dead Redemption 2: 8 cores, 4 GHz
  • Rust: 8 cores, 4.00 GHz
  • The Witcher III: 8 cores, 3.40 GHz
  • Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege: 4 cores, 3.3 GHz
  • Valorant: 2 cores, 3 GHz

Some of this information may seem daunting at first. However, you should always make sure that these are almost the optimal settings . This means that a game is definitely still playable even with less powerful processors. You may then only have to make some compromises in terms of graphics.

The eternal question: AMD vs. Intel

Finally, we want to take a quick look at the two market leaders. Because the question of whether one should choose a processor from Intel or AMD seems to be a fundamental discussion . Some swear by Intel’s high-end technology, while others prefer AMD because of the lower-priced models.

Basically, we want to state that AMD actually has the edge in terms of price in actually all CPU categories. However, the Intel models have higher clock rates and thus convince with better overall performance. So if you are looking for an absolute high-end processor, you will probably find it at Intel.

On the other hand, you will more likely find an inexpensive, yet absolutely sufficient variant for most games at AMD. Above all, the Ryzen Threadripper can definitely keep up with the top models from Intel . So it is important to know what your gaming CPU must be able to do. And that is derived individually from your favorite games.

Cyberpunk 2077: System Requirements & Everything You Need To Know!

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Anyone who deals with PC games in 2020 will hardly be able to avoid Cyberpunk 2077. The futuristic world, a dark story and one of our favorite Reddit stars – this is how you could roughly summarize the new game from the Polish development studio CD Project RED. We’ll tell you what exactly to expect and what the Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements look like here!

Cyberpunk 2077:

Cyberpunk 2077: The Hype Explained

You may have already noticed that the game communities have simply not been able to sit still since 2018 at the latest. Everything now revolves around one game: Cyberpunk 2077. But why? What makes this title so special? And what is the RPG actually about? We clarify!

Under Power | Find The Right Pc Power Supply

A true classic in a new format

Did you know that the story of the new computer game actually began over 30 years ago ? This is based on the Neuromancer trilogy, a book series by the author William Gibson. Based on this, the pen and paper “Cyberpunk 2013” ​​appeared in 1988. The story is considered to be the basis of today’s cyberpunk genre and is now finally being brought to the PC.

But let’s stay a few moments in the past for now. Because in order to understand the hype surrounding the PC game, we should deal with the original story . Even then you could really feel the dark mood while reading. The main characters were all figures from the underworld: a hacker who can no longer dive into the online world, a hit man and an ex-special forces officer to be precise.

If you combine that with various body modifications, cyborgs and technology that will be centuries away, you get a story that is absolutely gripping. But what makes it all more exciting? Immerse yourself in this fascinating world and become part of it! The author initially achieved this with the pen & paper role-playing games “Cyberpunk 2013” ​​and “Cyberpunk 2020”. It can only get more realistic with a computer game and it will finally be released – hopefully – on November 19, 2020.

A ticket to the future, please: Cyberpunk 2077

But let’s now turn to the story of the new game. “Cyberpunk 2077” takes place 57 years after the last pen and paper. As in the expansion of the game at the time, we dive into Night City, a futuristic, fictional city in California. There is constant unrest in the metropolis, because the law has long ceased to be in power here.

Instead, it’s big collaborations and gangs that control life and the streets. No wonder that the residents hardly ever leave the house unarmed – after all , danger lurks around every corner. You yourself will slip into the role of mercenary V. Once you’ve chosen your backstory and customized your character the way you want them, your adventure begins.

In the course of the game you embark on different missions, explore the black markets and take on the military. The gangs are not safe from you either – your mission is only one: immortality. Because this promises a special implant that you are looking for. Various modifications, accessories and items will help you achieve your goal. But in the end it is up to you as a player whether V achieves his goal!

A closer look at the gameplay

While the story is undoubtedly an important part of the game and contributes significantly to its success, there is a lot more behind Cyberpunk 2077. Because PC Project RED seems to have understood the success concept and has designed a game that shines with a truly unique gameplay .

Basically, this is first of all an RPG that you can play in single-player as well as online in multiplayer. All doors of the Night City open world are open to you. You can explore a total of six different regions and constantly meet new characters. According to The Witcher 3 principle, you can even enter into relationships with the NPCs and write your own stories.

Speaking of The Witcher: The ultra-popular video game series actually comes from the same company. You may already know the unbeatable graphics , the detailed textures and the unique overall gaming experience – the new game should be based on it and improve it even further. So it’s no wonder that the community can hardly wait for the release, but at the same time fears the Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements!

Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements

The way the game is programmed, you can certainly imagine that it will not make low demands on the computer. The worst fears that circulated in the room after E3 2019 have now been refuted. So you can take a deep breath before we want to take a closer look at the Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements together. Then we will also tell you which hardware you really need.

The non-plus-ultra of the demo version

The new game was shown for the first time as a demo version at E3 2019. While many players’ hearts beat faster at the pure sight, other dreams seem to burst. Because this version of the game ran on an absolutely high-end computer , as was later leaked by an employee of the project. Specifically, this means:

  • Mainboard: ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-I Gaming
  • CPU: Intel i7-8700 K (3.7 GHz)
  • RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws V, 2x 16 GB (3,000 MHz)
  • GPU: Nvidia TITAN RTX
  • Hard drive: Samsung SSD 960 Pro (512 GB)
  • Power supply: Corsair SF600 (600W)

This setup would cost a good 3,600 euros according to current standards (as of September 2020) . The graphics card alone accounts for around two thirds of the price. There is no question that the average Otto can or will hardly afford this. It’s good that the actual Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements have now been announced. You will see that thanks to the staggering, the parts can be quite affordable.

HD to Ultra HD: The budget variant

Of course, it’s hard to give you recommendations for your actual build before the game is even available on the market. But according to the specs that we have so far and what the manufacturer has already announced, we can at least give you any guideline values . The Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements for 1080p to 1440p are around:

  • Processor: at least 3.3 GHz – e.g. Intel Core i5-97400 to i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 2600X to 5 3600X
  • RAM: at least 8 GB, better 16 GB
  • Graphics card: at least 2 GB RAM – between NVIDIA GTX 1660 and AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT

With these specs you should easily get under 1000, – € for a new computer . But if you have the budget, we would always recommend future-proofing. This also means choosing the newer generations, especially for these three components. So you can safely play the successor to Cyberpunk 2077 without any problems.

High-end gaming: Cyberpunk 2077 in 4K

Do you want to play cyberpunk with the best graphics ever? Do you want to completely immerse yourself in the gaming experience and enjoy the new world to the fullest? Then it is time to upgrade. You don’t have to recreate the setup of the E3 to do this – although that’s always an option, of course – but it can be a little cheaper.

It is best to use a processor of the latest generation to meet the Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements for the ultra settings . Specifically, this means the Intel i9-9900K or the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X. 16 GB should still be absolutely sufficient as RAM, but you can of course also install four 8 GB bars or two 16 GB versions.

Instead of the graphics card, which costs more than € 2000, we would recommend the NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti. This monster brings an absolute top performance and will surely be more than enough for the new game. With this you are without question future-proof.

What else do you need

Cyberpunk 2077 brings with it a new standard for the gaming industry, that much is already clear. The ultra-realistic graphics, the detailed artwork and the unique concept naturally also require the appropriate performance. While a large part of this is covered by the processor, graphics card and RAM, the other components must also be coordinated with them.

For example, the first fear was that the game would require 200 GB of storage space if it was reinstalled. This rumor has since been refuted by PC Project RED. Instead, you should calculate with around 70 GB . In addition, at least Windows 7 is required, but it is actually designed for the current Windows 10. The mainboard and power supply must of course also be coordinated with the remaining components. But as I said: If you don’t necessarily want to play the game in 4K, your current setup will definitely not be a problem!

Under Power | Find The Right Pc Power Supply

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Whether you want to assemble your PC yourself or just want to give the old one a little more power: sooner or later you will need a new PC power supply unit. But which one is actually suitable for you? Does it really need 1200 watts to gamble? And what data can be used to determine this value? We address these and many other questions here. So read our little guide carefully and choose a power source that really fits your computer!

How does a PC power supply actually work?

In order to know which power supply you actually need for your PC, it is crucial to understand its function in the overall system . Basically, this component is one of the most essential. Because it supplies all other components – such as the mainboard, the graphics card and the CPU – with enough power so that they work at all.

But to do this, the PC power supply must first make the power from the conventional socket processable for the computer. Because originally this is direct current . But your components need alternating current. Accordingly, the power supply unit is actually a transformer. The same principle is also used for laptop power supplies.

But let’s get back to the computer itself. Because in order to supply the graphics card and Co. with power , you still need the appropriate cables. You may have noticed that the connections are designed completely differently depending on the component. That’s a good thing, because each of them requires a different amount of electricity. Accordingly, only the necessary power flows through the associated cables of the power supply unit.

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But: which PC power supply do I need now?

Which is the best PC power supply for you depends on a wide variety of factors . Because depending on what you use your PC for and which components are installed, you will have different demands on your power supply. In order to make a decision here, we have put together a small guide to the most important properties for you.

The performance: How many watts does my PC need?

The most important point when choosing your PC power supply should without question be the performance behind it. Now of course you can just buy the most powerful model you can find. You’re basically not doing anything wrong with this because it will provide enough power to all of your components. However, it is an investment that in most cases, even for a high-end gaming machine, is simply not necessary.

A question of the overall system

Instead, you can make a calculated investment in your new power supply. The performance requirements depend on various aspects. We have roughly summarized these here:

  • Processor : Newer CPUs are usually more energy-efficient, but especially for a gaming computer you need one with the appropriate performance – the more power it has, the more power it needs.
  • Graphics card : Similar to the CPU, it is the case here that higher quality GPUs simply need more power. A high level of performance is required, especially for 3D representations.
  • RAM bar : The number of bars has a small influence on the required wattage.
  • Hard drives : In general, SSDs require less power than HDDs, but the amount still makes a difference here.
  • Fan : The more fans are operated, the more power you need.
  • Overclocking : If you intend to overclock your PC in the future, you should allow for a buffer when choosing your power supply.

On each of these components it should be noted individually how much power it requires. The best thing to do is to roughly add up these numbers. It is also important for you to know that a PC power supply works best with a load of 45 to 75% . The calculated value should therefore be in this range. It is best if you also allow for some additional buffer – so you can be sure that newer, possibly upgraded parts will also be adequately supplied with it.

But why not count on 100%? The reason lies in the conversion process. Because here – depending on the material used – around 80% of the electricity is usually lost . When buying your power supply, make sure that it has an 80-plus certificate. Because this guarantees you that at least 80% of the actual performance actually reaches your components.

What does it mean exactly?

Do you no longer have the packaging or is it just too time-consuming and fragmented to add up? Then best make your power supply selection based on how you use your PC . Because, as you can probably already imagine, an office computer needs significantly less power than a hardcore gaming computer. Here are some guidelines:

  • Office computer : is mostly only used for documents, e-mail traffic and as a multimedia player – usually does not require more than 300 W
  • Mid-range gaming PC : relies on components in the stable mid-range (e.g. NVIDIA GTX 1060, Intel i5 processor) – gets by with 400 to 500 W.
  • A high-end gaming computer with powerful components (such as Intel i7 to i9, NVIDIA RTX 2080) needs around 600 to 750 W.
  • Overclocked gaming computer : with components that run overclocked (often indicated by an OC in their name) – uses up to 1000 W.

So you see: To be on the safe side with your gaming PC and benefit from your power supply for a long time, a power supply with 500 to 700 W is usually sufficient. If you are not planning huge upgrades, but rather always look at current, but roughly equivalent parts, your power supply should also be a loyal companion to you.

By the way: Are you wondering what happens if the PC power supply is too weak? In this case, your components simply cannot be supplied with enough power. This in turn means that the computer will simply shut down, maybe restart again and again or not start up at all. However, it can also happen that your graphics card simply slows down – i.e. not performing at its maximum . If you experience these errors, it may well be that it is time for a new power supply.

For maximum performance: the power supply fan

In order to fully utilize the power of your power supply, you also have to make sure that it does not overheat . For this purpose, high-performance cooling systems are built into good products. A basic distinction is made here between the active, semi-passive and passive variants. A heat conducting material is used with the active, which leads the waste heat to a fan.

The sleeve bearing is particularly inexpensive – and quiet . Oils should dissipate the excess heat. However, it only works if the operating temperature remains consistently low. Such an option is not recommended for high-performance and gaming PCs.

In the case of a completely passive design, on the other hand, the PC power supply unit is prevented by the materials used from producing too much heat in the first place. The whole thing is useful when it comes to background noise, but it quickly becomes very costly. If you are looking for a solution in the mid-price segment and value a quiet environment, you should take a look at our blog post about water cooling .

Modular vs. non-modular: connections & cable management

As we look at it in another post, the case modding is no longer a rarity among gamers. More and more computers are pimped up with cool LEDs behind a plexiglass pane. But for the end product to be right, one keyword is particularly crucial: cable management! And as you know by now, a large part of this comes from the power supply.

So wouldn’t it be great if you could just take off the cables that you don’t need right now? This works out! With a modular power supply . Here you can easily unplug and plug in cables. This makes tidying up the computer a lot easier, because you can always fit the appropriate lengths and only use the cables that you need. This not only makes the inside of your computer look nicer, it also favors the flow of air. After all, nothing hangs in the way unnecessarily.

Nonetheless, non-modular PC power supplies also have their right to exist. Above all, they are still significantly cheaper . In addition, you hardly need any previous knowledge to use it and you don’t have to do a lot of research to find out which cables you actually need to connect. In computers, the insides of which cannot be seen anyway, the cables do not interfere with any further. So the decision is always a matter of personal feeling.

Conclusion: Your PC power supply has to be able to do that

If you now want to specifically decide on a power supply unit, we would like to summarize the most important facts for you here . It is crucial that your power supply is matched to the components. The more your computer is supposed to do, the more watts it needs. In order to get the maximum out of your power supply, a sophisticated ventilation system is essential. Because if this component overheats, it often means that your PC crashes. In the middle of an online game, that’s probably not what you want.

Finally, you should think about whether you want to invest a few more euros in a modular PC power supply. If you only work with standard components and only use one graphics card, this is not absolutely necessary. For a clean cable management or an absolute high-end computer, on the other hand, this investment often makes perfect sense. No matter how you decide, we wish you a lot of fun while playing!