Blog
Short, practical guides for checking your hardware and fixing what the tests find.
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Tests
What to look for in a refurbished OLED panel
Check a refurbished OLED for burn-in, pixel faults and uneven gray shading, then rule out display settings before your return window closes.
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Tests
How to test an SD card for counterfeit storage
Check whether an SD card holds the capacity on its label with a write-and-read test, and learn how to protect your files before testing it.
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Tests
Why disabling extensions can improve a graphics test
Learn why browser extensions can change a graphics test score, how to compare runs fairly, and how to tell whether an extension is the cause.
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Tools
Image has color compression noise? What to do
Learn how to spot color compression noise, check whether it is in the image or on your screen, and avoid making artifacts worse.
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Tests
Ping spikes during photo backups: what to check
Find out whether photo uploads are filling your connection, stressing Wi-Fi, or exposing a router issue, then test fixes without guessing.
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Tests
What a 100-point GPU score does not prove about gaming
Learn what a 100-point browser GPU score can and cannot tell you about game performance, then check settings that may change your results.
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Tests
How to print a test page for faded printer colors
Print a browser test page to spot faded printer colors, missing ink, streaks, or bad settings, then try the right fix for inkjet or laser.
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Tests
Can faster broadband make bufferbloat worse?
A faster plan should add capacity, but loaded ping can still rise. Learn how to test the change fairly, find where queues build, and fix bufferbloat.
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Tools
How to compare numeral styles across installed fonts
Compare numerals in your installed fonts with the same sample, then choose styles that stay clear in tables, labels, prices, and reports.
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Tests
Random tiny dots on screen: GPU artifacts or pixels?
Learn how to tell random colored dots from a stuck pixel, check when GPU artifacts point to graphics trouble, and choose the next test.
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Tests
Why a cooling pad adds noise without improving speed
A cooling pad can make your laptop louder without fixing throttling. Compare performance safely and see when the extra airflow is helping.
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Tests
What to check when only one laptop has slow uploads
Compare upload speeds on the same network, then check Wi-Fi, VPN, background transfers, and adapter settings on the laptop that is slow.