Blog
Tests
Guides for testing your keyboard, mouse, screen, sound, network and other hardware, and for fixing what the tests find.
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Tests
How to compare CPU performance on two laptops
Run the same browser CPU test on both laptops, compare single-core and all-core scores, and spot differences caused by power, heat, or background apps.
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Tests
MIDI knob sends erratic values? How to test it
Test a MIDI knob in your browser, separate normal value steps from glitches, and check the controller, USB connection, and receiving app.
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Tests
Speakers cut out at a certain volume? What to check
Test whether speakers cut out at a repeatable volume, isolate the channel or tone, and narrow the cause to settings, power, cable, or hardware.
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Tests
How to check ambient light changes under a desk lamp
Use the Sensors Test to see whether your device's ambient light reading changes under a desk lamp, and what to check if it stays flat.
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Tests
GPU benchmark stutters after waking from sleep
A GPU benchmark that stutters after sleep may point to a browser, driver, or power-state issue. Compare fresh runs and try these fixes.
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Tests
Why webcam preview quality differs from recordings
Learn why a webcam preview can look sharper than a saved video, how to compare them fairly, and which camera and recording settings to check.
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Tests
How to test a mouse used with a KVM switch
Test clicks, scrolling, and pointer response on each computer connected to a KVM, then isolate whether the mouse, its USB connection, or the switch is at fault.
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Tests
Speaker cable touching a radiator: what to check
Find out whether a speaker cable, radiator, or speaker is causing a buzz, then isolate the rattle safely with a gentle bass sweep.
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Tests
SD card fails near its advertised capacity
Learn why an SD card stops accepting files near its stated size, how to verify its real capacity safely, and what to do with the result.
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Tests
Pixel flickering on screen? How to check it
Check whether a flickering pixel comes from the panel, cable, refresh setting, or graphics, and learn when a pixel-fixing pattern is worth trying.
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Tests
How to compare keyboard switch sounds at the same distance
Compare keyboard switch sounds fairly by keeping the microphone distance, typing pattern, and room conditions consistent, then compare Noise Meter readings.
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Tests
Why screenshots have unexpected dimensions on Retina
Find out why a Retina screenshot is larger or smaller than expected, how display scaling and capture methods affect its pixel dimensions, and what to check.