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Matthew Connatser

Matthew Connatser

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Matthew Connatser is a freelance writer who works on writing and updating PC guides at Digital Trends. He first got into PCs in 2015, the year he built his first desktop (which didn't even have a graphics card), and has been freelancing for various publications such as Tom's Hardware since 2018. Outside of the PC and tech scene, he's nearing graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in history and linguistics. Aside from English, he knows Classical Latin, some French, and a little Spanish.

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D chip.

When should you upgrade your CPU?

The CPU is arguably the most important component in a computer, but how do you know when you to upgrade? Here's how to tell whether it's time for a new chip.
Computing Guides
A pair of G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5 RAM modules.

How to test RAM: troubleshooting to find bad RAM

RAM is one of the key components of any computer. If you're diagnosing a problem with your PC, it's a good idea to check your RAM.
Computing Guides
Installing RAM sticks in a motherboard.

Does RAM speed matter for PC performance?

Frequency, latency, and memory channels impact the speed of RAM, but should you care how fast your RAM is? The short answer: Yes, but not too much.
Computing Guides
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D chip.

What is CPU cache, and why is it so important for gaming?

CPU cache can have a big effect on processor and system performance. But what is cache, and what does it do? Read on to find out.
Computing Guides
Product image of the Viotek GFI27DBXA 27-inch 180Hz gaming monitor

IPS vs. VA displays: Which is best for your monitor or TV?

If you're looking to buy an affordable monitor or TV for gaming or watching content, there's one question you need to ask yourself: Should you buy IPS or VA?
Computing Guides
Three graphics cards on a gray background.

The best GPUs for 4K to make your games look awesome

Gaming at 4K might look amazing, but it sure is demanding on your PC. Here are the best graphics cards to make the most of your 4K gaming experience.
Computing Best Ofs
Nvidia GPU core.

How much GPU memory do I need?

Figuring out how much VRAM you need depends on how much VRAM you have, and the games and apps you want to run. Here's how to figure it all out.
Computing Guides
Fans on the Nvidia RTX 3080.

The 5 worst Nvidia GPUs of all time

Although Nvidia has made plenty of great GPUs over the years, it's also made some less than great cards as well. Here are some of the most infamous Nvidia GPUs.
Computing Features
The Powercolor Radeon RX 6400.

Why I bought one of AMD’s worst GPUs

The RX 6400 is infamous for its unimpressive performance and high price, but is it really as bad as we all assumed?
Computing Features
The Elgato Stream Deck +.

Elgato Stream Deck + review: the analog experience gets even better

Elgato's new Stream Deck + brings more than buttons to the table: it comes with dials and a touchscreen, enhancing the analog experience even further.
Computing Reviews
AMD Radeon RX 6500XT graphics cards stacked on top of each other.

The 6 worst AMD GPUs of all time

We're looking back at some of AMD's worst GPUs, ones that really should have been better but weren't or straight up shouldn't have existed at all.
Computing Features
The Elgato Facecam Pro.

Elgato Facecam Pro review: unbeatable quality and smoothness

Capable of 4K60 image capture, Elgato's Facecam Pro is a strong contender for the best webcam for content creators.
Computing Reviews
A group shot of Ryzen 7000 CPUs.

AMD Ryzen 7000 vs. Intel Raptor Lake

AMD Ryzen 7000 and Intel's Raptor Lake are finally available, and the race for first place is tighter than ever before.
Computing Best Ofs
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD being installed in a PC.

The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is built for PS5 and DirectStorage

The launch of PCIe 5.0 devices doesn't mean PCIe 4.0 SSDs are old hat now, as Samsung is launching its new 990 Pro SSD with PCIe 4.0 and better performance.
Computing News
The Ryzen 9 7950X socketed into a motherboard.

It looks like Ryzen 7000 isn’t getting much cheaper for PC builders

AM5 motherboards with midrange B650 and B650E chipsets are finally available, but the affordability many were hoping for hasn't materialized.
Computing Features
The RTX 4090 and RTX 3090 sitting on a table side-by-side.

What power supply do you need for the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080?

The RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 are fast but require lots of power. Here's what kind of PSU you'll need if you want one of Nvidia's top-end 40 series cards.
Computing Guides
A Core i9-12900KS processor sits on its box.

The 6 best Intel CPUs of all time

Although it can be hard getting excited about Intel, the company has launched several CPUs that are worthy of being called the best of all time.
Computing Features
The backs of the Arc A770 and Arc A750 graphics cards.

Does ray tracing work on the Intel Arc GPUs?

Arc Alchemist is Intel's first attempt at gaming graphics, and if you're wondering about ray tracing, here's a quick rundown about support and performance.
Computing Guides
Intel Arc A770 GPU installed in a test bench.

Intel Arc A750 vs. Nvidia RTX 3060

Intel is taking direct aim at Nvidia's midrange cards, and the Arc A750 is poised to strike at one of Nvidia's most popular GPUs, the RTX 3060.
Computing Best Ofs
intel unison integrates your pc with phone image ui

Intel Unison is yet another attempt to make PCs and phones work together

Intel promises to unite your PC, phone, and other devices seamlessly with Intel Unison.
Computing News
A hand holding the Ryzen 9 7950X in front of a green light.

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X vs. Intel Core i9-12900K: Two flagships face off

Now that the Ryzen 9 7950X is here, it's time to put it up against the CPU that's dominated the market for nearly a year: Intel's Core i9-12900K.
Computing Guides
AMD RX 6950 XT installed in a PC.

Why I’m almost ready to switch to AMD GPUs for streaming

AMD has finally caught up with Nvidia on streaming thanks to the introduction of two new features: the new AMD encoder and AMD Noise Suppression.
Computing Features
The Intel Core i9-12900KS box sitting in front of a gaming PC.

How to watch Intel’s 13th-gen Raptor Lake launch today (and what to expect)

Intel is set to announce its next-generation Raptor Lake CPUs in just a few short days. Here's how you can watch Intel's event live and what to expect.
Computing Guides
The top of the Nvidia RTX 4080 cooler.

How much does the RTX 4090 cost? RTX 40-series buying guide

Nvidia has finally announced the RTX 40 series, and alongside higher performance, these new GPUs come with high price tags.
Computing Guides
New Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU over a black and green background.

Even without the RTX 4090, Nvidia is making building a PC much more expensive

Though RTX 40 could be fast, Nvidia's new GPUs are yet another round of price increases for GPUs, one that makes building a PC more expensive than ever before.
Computing Features
The RTX 3060 installed in a computer.

EVGA is done making GPUs, and reports say it’s because of Nvidia

The decades long partnership between Nvidia and EVGA is now over, and not only will EVGA stop making Nvidia GPUs, it has no plans on making any GPUs ever again.
Computing News
An Intel Alder Lake Core i5-12600K CPU and its packaging.

Ryzen 5 7600X vs. Intel Core i5-12600K

The AMD Ryzen 7600X is one of the most exciting chips to debut this year, but how does it stand up to Intel's killer 12600K CPU?
Computing Best Ofs
AMD Ryzen processor chip render.

The 6 best AMD CPUs of all time

Going through many highs and lows over the years, AMD has made six CPUs that have pushed technology and the world forward.
Computing Features
Intel Alder Lake mobility chip.

3 reasons why I’m worried about Intel’s upcoming Meteor Lake chips

Intel recently unveiled its upcoming Meteor Lake CPU, and while it looks technologically impressive, I'm not confident that Intel's strategy is the right one.
Computing Features
AMD RX 6950 XT installed in a PC.

Here’s everything you need to build a great gaming PC in 2022

While building a PC is fairly straightforward, you need to be prepared before you build. Here's everything you need to do before assembling your shiny new PC.
Computing Guides
nvidia amd gpu shortage 2021 rtx 3080 07

The 6 best Nvidia GPUs of all time

Nvidia sets a very high standard for what truly is a great GPU. Here are the 6 best cards they've made since the very beginning.
Computing Features
The CLX Scarab on a wooden table.

CLX Scarab review (2022): High-end PC gaming at its finest

Equipped with up to a Core i9-12900KS and an RTX 3090 Ti and retailing for about $5000, the Scarab is worth considering if you're after high-end performance.
Computing Reviews
Graphics card going into motherboard slot.

Why now is actually a great time to build a new PC

Current gen CPUs and GPUs have never been cheaper, and passing up this opportunity to wait for the next generation might be a bad idea.
Computing Features
An individual building a desktop PC.

Why I don’t upgrade my CPU for higher frame rates anymore

Over the years as I've upgraded my desktop for better performance, I've come to realize that my CPU is either good enough for games or just isn't.
Computing Features
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