The best budget CPU coolers, and when the cheap one is enough
Budget CPU coolers that fit: a dual tower for most builds, a slim single tower, and a short 100 mm cooler for small cases and older boards, with socket checks. Keep reading »
Ananya Kulkarni
Ananya writes about builds and upgrades: power supplies, storage, memory and the order to do things in. She has a soft spot for reviving family PCs and a firm view that the cheapest upgrade is the one you can return.
Articles by Ananya
CPU coolers that still fit LGA 775
LGA 775 uses 72 mm hole spacing, not the 75 mm of later Intel sockets. How to read socket lists, push pins versus backplates, and height and RAM clearance. Keep reading »
Cleaning dust out of an old PC without breaking anything
Clear dust from an old desktop safely: power and static first, fans held still, heatsinks and PSU vents blown out, no vacuum inside, and what to inspect. Keep reading »
Anti-static basics for home builders: what actually protects your parts
How much static it takes to hurt a PC part, what wrist straps, mats and bags really do, the plugged-in PSU debate, and a short checklist before every build. Keep reading »
Choosing a power supply for an older PC: wattage, rails and connectors
Work out what an old desktop really draws, read 80 PLUS ratings and 12 V rail labels, match 20+4, EPS and PCIe plugs, and know when an aging PSU should retire. Keep reading »
The SATA SSD upgrade for old desktops, done properly
Why an SSD transforms an old desktop even on a SATA 3 Gb/s port, plus AHCI mode, cloning vs a clean install, TRIM, mounting, power adapters and checks. Keep reading »