CPU Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Is it safe to ‘Undervolt’ a PC to make it run cooler?

Posted on April 8, 2024

Question from Cory: I have a laptop with Windows 10 on it and it always runs hot. And it’s been that way since day one.

I’ve researched things I can do to make it run cooler but nothing I’ve tried has really helped.

The fan still runs constantly and the CPU temperature is running higher than it should according to the Core Temp app.

A guy I know who does IT work for our local hospital said I should try “Undervolting” the laptop to make it run cooler. He said it’s safe but I’m a little leery because I’ve heard that overclocking a computer can damage it.

I have several questions about this: [Read more…]

Q&A: I ordered a new CPU but they sent a used one. What should I do?

Posted on March 27, 2023

Question from Chris: I saw a brand new CPU that sells elsewhere online for around $500 for sale on Ebay for only $285. That’s a lot less that what I’d have to pay elsewhere so I ordered one.

The sales page said the CPU was brand new in the box and it had never been opened, but that’s not what they sent me.

When the package arrived the box had been opened and taped back shut and some of the pins on the CPU were bent. I can also see traces of thermal paste on the top of the chip.

It’s pretty obvious that they sent me a used CPU instead of a brand new one. I could always install the CPU in my rig and see if it works but I’m afraid they’ll try to say I damaged it myself while installing it.

How would be the best way to handle this? [Read more…]

Q&A: What exactly is ‘shared graphics memory’?

Posted on March 16, 2023

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Melvin: I need to buy a new computer because my 6 year old desktop has started giving me all kinds of problems.

I want to buy a machine that’ll last for several years and I’ve always had good luck with buying the more expensive Dells.

I’ve been looking at the Dell desktops on Amazon and this one caught my attention.

I’m fairly computer savvy but this line in the computer’s description confuses me: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I find out which processor my Mac has in it?

Posted on May 23, 2022

Question from Michelle: I bought a new MacBook in December 2020 and I’m curious about which type of processor it has in it.

I recently found out that Apple started putting different processors in their machines around that same time and that some programs won’t work with the new processors.

How can I find out whether my MacBook has the older processor or the new one? [Read more…]

Q&A: Can ‘Download MORE GHz’ really speed up my computer?

Posted on February 11, 2022

Question from Sue: This morning someone told me about a website called Download MORE GHz that claims to speed up your computer by making the CPU run faster.

I Googled it and checked out the website, and they have a good sales pitch (even though the service is supposedly free).

The problem is I’ve learned to be skeptical about things like this on the Internet.

I was wondering if you recommend them or not. Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]