How to Guide                                                    

Most motherboards on the market come with four RAM slots, but that doesn't mean filling all four is the best option. The optimal number of RAM sticks depends on the balance between stability and performance you're aiming for.

Recommended Setup: Two Sticks in Dual-Channel

If your motherboard has four slots, the best configuration is usually 

While filling all four slots might look visually pleasing, it doesn’t necessarily mean better performance—and may even cause problems:

Key Things to Keep in Mind When Installing RAM:

To maximize performance, install the RAM in the 

Mixing RAM sticks with different brands or frequencies can lead to compatibility issues or prevent your system from booting properly.





Most motherboards on the market come with four RAM slots, but that doesn't mean filling all four is the best option. The optimal number of RAM sticks depends on the balance between stability and performance you're aiming for.



Recommended Setup: Two Sticks in Dual-Channel

If your motherboard has four slots, the best configuration is usually two RAM sticks. Here’s why:





Maximum RAM performance: Two sticks allow for dual-channel memory, significantly boosting speed compared to a single stick.



Faster boot times: With only two sticks, the system performs fewer checks during startup.



Dual-channel advantages: The CPU can access two RAM modules simultaneously, increasing data transfer speed dramatically.



Room for future upgrades: You still have two empty slots for easy expansion down the line.







What Happens If You Use Four Sticks?

While filling all four slots might look visually pleasing, it doesn’t necessarily mean better performance—and may even cause problems:





Slower boot times: The system takes longer to check all four modules during startup.



Compatibility issues: All four sticks must have identical specs (capacity, speed, etc.) or performance could suffer.



Reduced stability: Due to motherboard wiring design, having four sticks can cause latency issues that affect performance and stability.







Key Things to Keep in Mind When Installing RAM:

1. Correct Slot Placement

To maximize performance, install the RAM in the 2nd and 4th slots from the left (usually labeled DIMM A2 and B2).







2. Avoid Mixing Brands or Speeds

Mixing RAM sticks with different brands or frequencies can lead to compatibility issues or prevent your system from booting properly.





Here's what you need to know about how many RAM sticks to install for optimal performance — and key tips to watch out for.

RAM Demystified: How Many Sticks Are Best for Your PC?

Should you buy a prebuilt computer or choose your own components online and assemble it yourself at home? The answer depends on your needs, brand preferences, and personal habits. Both options have their pros and cons—let’s break down how to decide between a prebuilt PC and a DIY one.

If you’re a beginner, don’t want the hassle of building a PC, or just need a reliable computer for office tasks, a prebuilt PC is a solid choice. You’ll pay a bit more, but save a lot of time and avoid technical complications, especially when it comes to warranty and support.

If you’re knowledgeable about computer components, value performance for your money, and enjoy DIY projects, building your own PC is the way to go. Not only will you better understand your system, but you’ll also save money. Just make sure to research 

 before buying parts to avoid any major setbacks.





Should you buy a prebuilt computer or choose your own components online and assemble it yourself at home? The answer depends on your needs, brand preferences, and personal habits. Both options have their pros and cons—let’s break down how to decide between a prebuilt PC and a DIY one.



Option 1｜Prebuilt PC

Pros of Prebuilt PC:





Extremely Convenient: No need to choose individual components. Simply select a model that fits your budget and requirements, place the order, and use it right out of the box once it arrives.



Unified Warranty: Since all components are provided by the same brand, after-sales support tends to be more comprehensive. If an issue arises, you can deal directly with the brand.



Higher Stability: Internal components are carefully matched by the manufacturer, so hardware compatibility issues are rare.

Cons of Prebuilt PC:





Higher Cost: For the same specifications, a prebuilt PC typically costs around 20% more than a DIY one.



Limited Component Options: The parts are pre-selected by the manufacturer, leaving little room for customization.



Limited Upgrade Potential: Prebuilt systems often use proprietary motherboard or power supply designs to fit their cases, making future upgrades more difficult.







Option 2｜DIY PC

Pros of DIY PC:





Better Price-to-Performance Ratio: You can tailor your build to your specific needs and allocate your budget to the components that matter most to you.



Highly Customizable: Mix and match components from different brands to get the performance and aesthetics you prefer.



User-Friendly Installation: Most modern components are designed for easy installation, and following manuals usually gets the job done without issues.

Cons of DIY PC:





More Time-Consuming: Researching, selecting compatible parts, and assembling the PC all take considerable time and effort.



Scattered Warranties: Each part comes with its own warranty from a different manufacturer. If something breaks, you’ll need to contact the specific brand for service.



Greater Risk for Beginners: Even though installation is simpler than before, cable management—especially for the motherboard—can still be tricky. Incorrect wiring can lead to boot failure or even hardware damage.







So, Which Should You Choose?

Best for Prebuilt PC Users:

If you’re a beginner, don’t want the hassle of building a PC, or just need a reliable computer for office tasks, a prebuilt PC is a solid choice. You’ll pay a bit more, but save a lot of time and avoid technical complications, especially when it comes to warranty and support.







Best for DIY PC Users:

If you’re knowledgeable about computer components, value performance for your money, and enjoy DIY projects, building your own PC is the way to go. Not only will you better understand your system, but you’ll also save money. Just make sure to research compatibility issues and best practices before buying parts to avoid any major setbacks.





Prebuilt PCs are more suitable for office work or general use, while DIY PCs are better for gamers seeking the best value for performance.

Prebuilt PC vs. DIY PC: Which Is the Smarter Choice?

When manufacturers produce keyboards, the mainstream keycap production methods currently include laser engraving, dye-sublimation, and double-shot molding. So, what are the differences between them?

 Uses a laser to etch onto the surface of pre-made keycaps.

 Budget keyboards, office membrane keyboards

 Uses high heat to vaporize dye, which then penetrates the PBT keycap material.

 Mid-range keyboards, PBT keycap keyboards

 Commonly known as molded keycaps, where two types of plastic are injected together to form a single piece. The legend is a separate colored plastic, not printed or engraved.

 High-end keyboards, backlit gaming keyboards

Affordable Double-Shot Keyboards – GD Series Mechanical Keyboards

 mechanical keyboards from darkFlash offer top-tier PBT material and premium double-shot molded keycaps. Who says a budget-friendly keyboard can’t also be durable? On top of that, the GD Series features both 2.4G wireless and wired connections. One keyboard is all you need for both work and play.





When manufacturers produce keyboards, the mainstream keycap production methods currently include laser engraving, dye-sublimation, and double-shot molding. So, what are the differences between them?



Production Method｜Laser Engraving

Process: Uses a laser to etch onto the surface of pre-made keycaps.

Pros of Laser Engraving:





Lower price point and shorter production time



Low technical barrier; users can pay extra to have laser engraving added after purchase

Cons of Laser Engraving:





Legends may fade after extended use



Engraved areas can feel rough to the touch



Light-colored symbols make it harder to use in low-light conditions

Typical Usage: Budget keyboards, office membrane keyboards







Production Method｜Dye-Sublimation

Process: Uses high heat to vaporize dye, which then penetrates the PBT keycap material.

Pros of Dye-Sublimation





Finer and more delicate font appearance



Mainly used with PBT keycaps, which retain their durability, resistance to wear, and oil resistance

Cons of Dye-Sublimation





Cannot be used for transparent keycaps



Less effective on dark-colored keycaps

Typical Usage: Mid-range keyboards, PBT keycap keyboards







Production Method｜Double-Shot Molding

Process: Commonly known as molded keycaps, where two types of plastic are injected together to form a single piece. The legend is a separate colored plastic, not printed or engraved.

Pros of Double-Shot Molding





Legends don’t wear off over time



Best color and backlight compatibility



Premium production method that results in precise and durable keycaps

Cons of Double-Shot Molding





Requires custom molds, which increases development cost



Higher product price

Typical Usage: High-end keyboards, backlit gaming keyboards







Affordable Double-Shot Keyboards – GD Series Mechanical Keyboards



The GD Series mechanical keyboards from darkFlash offer top-tier PBT material and premium double-shot molded keycaps. Who says a budget-friendly keyboard can’t also be durable? On top of that, the GD Series features both 2.4G wireless and wired connections. One keyboard is all you need for both work and play.





Keycap manufacturing processes are generally divided into three types: laser engraving, dye sublimation, and double-shot molding.

Keycap Craftsmanship Revealed: Laser Engraving, Dye Sublimation, and Double-Shot Molding

Your PC works hard—whether it’s powering through work tasks, running games, or keeping you connected. But while we rely on our computers every day, cleaning and maintaining them is often overlooked. 

One of the biggest hidden threats? Dust. It builds up over time and can seriously impact performance and even damage your hardware. Let’s break down why regular cleaning is important, how often you should do it, and the best way to safely clean your PC.

Dust might not seem like a big deal, but inside your PC, it’s a different story. Dust buildup can block airflow, causing your system to overheat. When that happens, your CPU and GPU may throttle their performance to stay safe—meaning slower speeds for you. In extreme cases, it can even damage parts permanently.

Performance Drops, Hardware Risk, and a Shorter Lifespan

When fans and vents get clogged with dust, cooling becomes much less efficient. That means higher temperatures, louder fan noise, and increased wear on components. Plus, dust on the motherboard, graphics card, or RAM can lead to static discharge, corrosion, or even short circuits.

Shut down your PC and switch off the power supply. Unplug everything before you open the case.

Most cases have dust filters on the front, top, or bottom. These are easy to remove—some slide out, others are magnetic. You can rinse them with water or wipe them with a damp cloth. Just make sure they’re completely dry before reinstalling.

Remove the side panel carefully. With your compressed air can held upright, blow short bursts of air to clear dust from top to bottom. Focus on fans, heat sinks, and vents.

Use a soft brush to get stubborn dust off fan blades and heatsinks. It helps to hold the fan blades in place while using compressed air so they don’t spin wildly.

5. Be Gentle with the Motherboard and RAM

These parts are delicate. Use short bursts of air only—don’t brush them directly.

A microfiber cloth is perfect for wiping your hard drives, SSDs, and any other visible areas. Use compressed air to clean the PSU vents too.

It depends on your environment and how heavily you use your computer, but here are some general guidelines:

Keeping your PC clean isn’t just about looks—it makes a real difference:





Your PC works hard—whether it’s powering through work tasks, running games, or keeping you connected. But while we rely on our computers every day, cleaning and maintaining them is often overlooked. 



One of the biggest hidden threats? Dust. It builds up over time and can seriously impact performance and even damage your hardware. Let’s break down why regular cleaning is important, how often you should do it, and the best way to safely clean your PC.



Why Dust Is Bad for Your PC

Dust might not seem like a big deal, but inside your PC, it’s a different story. Dust buildup can block airflow, causing your system to overheat. When that happens, your CPU and GPU may throttle their performance to stay safe—meaning slower speeds for you. In extreme cases, it can even damage parts permanently.







Performance Drops, Hardware Risk, and a Shorter Lifespan

When fans and vents get clogged with dust, cooling becomes much less efficient. That means higher temperatures, louder fan noise, and increased wear on components. Plus, dust on the motherboard, graphics card, or RAM can lead to static discharge, corrosion, or even short circuits.



What You’ll Need





Compressed Air – This is your go-to tool. It blows dust out of tight spots without you needing to touch anything.



Soft Brushes – Great for gently loosening dust in fans or corners.



Microfiber Cloths – Ideal for wiping off surfaces without scratching them.







Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your PC

1. Turn Everything Off

Shut down your PC and switch off the power supply. Unplug everything before you open the case.



2. Start with the Dust Filters

Most cases have dust filters on the front, top, or bottom. These are easy to remove—some slide out, others are magnetic. You can rinse them with water or wipe them with a damp cloth. Just make sure they’re completely dry before reinstalling.



3. Open the Case

Remove the side panel carefully. With your compressed air can held upright, blow short bursts of air to clear dust from top to bottom. Focus on fans, heat sinks, and vents.



4. Use Brushes and Cloths

Use a soft brush to get stubborn dust off fan blades and heatsinks. It helps to hold the fan blades in place while using compressed air so they don’t spin wildly.



5. Be Gentle with the Motherboard and RAM

These parts are delicate. Use short bursts of air only—don’t brush them directly.



6. Wipe Down Other Parts

A microfiber cloth is perfect for wiping your hard drives, SSDs, and any other visible areas. Use compressed air to clean the PSU vents too.





Bottom dust filters on DY470.



How Often Should You Clean Your PC?

It depends on your environment and how heavily you use your computer, but here are some general guidelines:







Every 3 to 6 Months is a good rule of thumb for most users.



If you have pets, smoke indoors, or live in a dusty area, aim for every 2 to 3 months.



If you’re a heavy gamer or use your PC for demanding tasks, clean it more often due to higher heat output.



For light users in clean environments, cleaning twice a year is usually fine.







Why It’s Worth It

Keeping your PC clean isn’t just about looks—it makes a real difference:





Better Performance – Lower temps mean your system can run faster and more efficiently.



Longer Lifespan – Less heat and dust stress mean your parts will last longer.



Quieter Operation – Clean fans don’t have to work as hard, which cuts down on noise.

A little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your system running smoothly, quietly, and for years to come.

Keeping Your PC Clean: How and When to Do It

When using the latest ATX 3.1 power supply, the most important thing to be aware of is the 12V 2x6 connector used for GPU power cables. Although this revised connector has significantly reduced the risk of connector burnouts, improper handling can still cause damage. Please pay special attention to the following points:

Connection Status Between Power Cable and GPU Connector

When connecting the GPU, ensure the direction of the cable and GPU connector matches. Also, confirm that the latch is fully engaged and locked in place.

Avoid Bending the Cable Within 35mm of the Connector

Whether installing the GPU horizontally or vertically, you'll likely need to bend the power cable. If the cable is bent too close to the connector, it can cause the plastic sheath near the connector to peel off, potentially leading to short circuits. It is recommended to bend the cable only after at least 35mm of straight length from the connector.

Do Not Force or Repeatedly Bend the Cable

While modern power cables are built to be durable, excessive force or repeated bending can still damage them, increasing the risk of electrical issues.





When using the latest ATX 3.1 power supply, the most important thing to be aware of is the 12V 2x6 connector used for GPU power cables. Although this revised connector has significantly reduced the risk of connector burnouts, improper handling can still cause damage. Please pay special attention to the following points:



Connection Status Between Power Cable and GPU Connector

When connecting the GPU, ensure the direction of the cable and GPU connector matches. Also, confirm that the latch is fully engaged and locked in place.







Avoid Bending the Cable Within 35mm of the Connector

Whether installing the GPU horizontally or vertically, you'll likely need to bend the power cable. If the cable is bent too close to the connector, it can cause the plastic sheath near the connector to peel off, potentially leading to short circuits. It is recommended to bend the cable only after at least 35mm of straight length from the connector.







Do Not Force or Repeatedly Bend the Cable

While modern power cables are built to be durable, excessive force or repeated bending can still damage them, increasing the risk of electrical issues.





When using the latest 12V-2x6 GPU power cable, please pay attention to the following points.

Precautions When Using the Latest ATX 3.1 Power Supply GPU Cables

Have you bought a Mac Mini or MacBook but don't want to use the thin membrane keyboard or pay for the expensive official keyboards? 

Found a mechanical keyboard you love but noticed it doesn’t come with a dedicated Mac layout? No worries! As long as it’s a keyboard, it can generally be used with a Mac — you just need a few settings adjustments to make everything run smoothly.

How to Set Up Windows Layout Function Keys on a Mac

 | Open the Settings menu, select "Keyboard," and then click "Keyboard Shortcuts."

 | Scroll down to find "Modifier Keys" and choose the name of the keyboard you want to modify.

 | Click "Done" and test if everything works correctly.

When connecting an external keyboard to a Mac for the first time, the Command and Option keys may behave differently, so you’ll need to remap them.

The DF98 mechanical keyboards also support key customization, allowing seamless switching between Windows and Mac systems, truly delivering a one-key dual-system experience!





Have you bought a Mac Mini or MacBook but don't want to use the thin membrane keyboard or pay for the expensive official keyboards? 



Found a mechanical keyboard you love but noticed it doesn’t come with a dedicated Mac layout? No worries! As long as it’s a keyboard, it can generally be used with a Mac — you just need a few settings adjustments to make everything run smoothly.



How to Set Up Windows Layout Function Keys on a Mac

Step 1 | Open the Settings menu, select "Keyboard," and then click "Keyboard Shortcuts."







Step 2 | Scroll down to find "Modifier Keys" and choose the name of the keyboard you want to modify.







Step 3 | Change the key assignments:





Change the Option key to act as the Command key.



Change the Command key to act as the Option key.







Step 4 | Click "Done" and test if everything works correctly.


When connecting an external keyboard to a Mac for the first time, the Command and Option keys may behave differently, so you’ll need to remap them.







Recommended Mechanical Keyboard: DF98

The DF98 mechanical keyboards also support key customization, allowing seamless switching between Windows and Mac systems, truly delivering a one-key dual-system experience!





Here's how to switch to Mac key layout and quickly toggle between dual systems!

A Must-Read for Mac Users: How to Remap a Regular Keyboard to Mac Layout

Vertical GPU mounting certainly looks more aesthetically pleasing in a build, but since it requires the use of a riser cable, some worry that it might prevent the graphics card from performing at its best. So, how much performance loss does it actually cause? Will it significantly impact gaming performance?

In this test, we also examined performance differences when using PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0, and PCIe 5.0 riser cables.

Using the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark, the results all fell within the margin of error. Surprisingly, the theoretical scores with PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0, and PCIe 5.0 riser cables were even slightly higher than when the GPU was plugged directly into the motherboard.

Rather than synthetic benchmarks, gamers care more about real-world performance in games. So we tested three currently popular games using their built-in benchmarking tools.

 showed that using a PCIe 5.0 riser cable yielded similar average FPS to direct motherboard installation. However, using PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 riser cables resulted in a 12% and 32% FPS drop respectively.

 uses the latest Unreal Engine 5, which places high demands on bandwidth, making lower-speed riser cables a bottleneck.

, PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 riser cables resulted in 4% and 12% performance loss respectively, which is less severe than in 

, only the PCIe 3.0 riser cable showed about 5% performance loss, and the overall gameplay experience wasn’t noticeably affected.

Is It Worth Using a Riser Cable for Vertical GPU Mounting?

Based on the benchmark and game test results, if you want to squeeze out every last bit of performance from your GPU, plugging it directly into the motherboard is the best choice.

However, if you prioritize aesthetics and are willing to sacrifice a bit of gaming performance, make sure to use a PCIe 4.0 or higher riser cable to minimize performance loss.





Vertical GPU mounting certainly looks more aesthetically pleasing in a build, but since it requires the use of a riser cable, some worry that it might prevent the graphics card from performing at its best. So, how much performance loss does it actually cause? Will it significantly impact gaming performance?



In this test, we also examined performance differences when using PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0, and PCIe 5.0 riser cables.



Test Setup





CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D



Motherboard: ASUS PRIME X670E-PRO



Graphics Card: GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER 32G







Benchmark Results

Using the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark, the results all fell within the margin of error. Surprisingly, the theoretical scores with PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0, and PCIe 5.0 riser cables were even slightly higher than when the GPU was plugged directly into the motherboard.







Game Test Results

Rather than synthetic benchmarks, gamers care more about real-world performance in games. So we tested three currently popular games using their built-in benchmarking tools.



Game Test: Black Myth: Wukong

The results for Black Myth: Wukong showed that using a PCIe 5.0 riser cable yielded similar average FPS to direct motherboard installation. However, using PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 riser cables resulted in a 12% and 32% FPS drop respectively.



The likely reason is that Black Myth: Wukong uses the latest Unreal Engine 5, which places high demands on bandwidth, making lower-speed riser cables a bottleneck.







Game Test: Forza Horizon 5

In Forza Horizon 5, PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 riser cables resulted in 4% and 12% performance loss respectively, which is less severe than in Black Myth: Wukong.







Game Test: Red Dead Redemption II

In Red Dead Redemption 2, only the PCIe 3.0 riser cable showed about 5% performance loss, and the overall gameplay experience wasn’t noticeably affected.







Is It Worth Using a Riser Cable for Vertical GPU Mounting?

Based on the benchmark and game test results, if you want to squeeze out every last bit of performance from your GPU, plugging it directly into the motherboard is the best choice.



However, if you prioritize aesthetics and are willing to sacrifice a bit of gaming performance, make sure to use a PCIe 4.0 or higher riser cable to minimize performance loss.





If you're aiming for both aesthetics and performance, it's recommended to use a PCIe 4.0 or higher riser cable. However, if performance is your top priority, installing the GPU directly is the best choice.

How Much Performance Loss is Caused by Using a GPU Riser Cable?

Before understanding the differences between USB and WiFi 2.4G, it's important to know what 2.4G is.

2.4G refers to the 2.4 GHz wireless frequency band, which is a commonly used range for wireless communication. It's mainly used in WiFi, Bluetooth, wireless mice and keyboards, wireless headsets, and other devices.

Differences Between USB 2.4GHz and WiFi 2.4GHz

Difference 2｜Different Communication Technologies

Difference 3｜Connection Range and Interference

USB 2.4GHz vs. WiFi 2.4GHz Comparison Table

While USB 2.4GHz has a dedicated connection channel with lower chances of interference, having too many USB 2.4G devices nearby can still cause interference.





Before understanding the differences between USB and WiFi 2.4G, it's important to know what 2.4G is.

2.4G refers to the 2.4 GHz wireless frequency band, which is a commonly used range for wireless communication. It's mainly used in WiFi, Bluetooth, wireless mice and keyboards, wireless headsets, and other devices.



What are the characteristics of 2.4GHz?







Strong signal penetration: Compared to 5GHz, 2.4G signals can better penetrate walls and obstacles, making it more suitable for long-distance transmission.



Longer transmission range: Under the same power, 2.4G can reach farther distances, which is ideal for larger spaces.



Widespread usage: Many wireless technologies like Bluetooth and WiFi operate on the 2.4G band, so interference is something to watch out for.



Differences Between USB 2.4GHz and WiFi 2.4GHz

Difference 1｜Different Uses







USB 2.4GHz: Mainly used for wireless connections to devices like mice, keyboards, and headsets. It uses the 2.4GHz band for low-latency, high-stability wireless transmission.



WiFi 2.4GHz: Used for internet connectivity. It also uses the 2.4GHz band to provide wireless networking over longer distances, though it's more prone to interference.







Difference 2｜Different Communication Technologies







USB 2.4GHz: Uses RF (radio frequency) wireless technology to create a dedicated channel between the USB receiver and the device, resulting in a more stable connection that’s less affected by WiFi interference.



WiFi 2.4GHz: Supports multiple device connections, but too many devices on the same frequency can cause slower speeds and less stability.







Difference 3｜Connection Range and Interference







USB 2.4GHz: Typically supports a range of about 5–10 meters. Since it uses a dedicated channel, interference is relatively low, making it great for gaming and other demanding uses.



WiFi 2.4GHz: Can reach over 30 meters, but is easily affected by other 2.4G devices, which can weaken the signal and reduce internet speed.







USB 2.4GHz vs. WiFi 2.4GHz Comparison Table







While USB 2.4GHz has a dedicated connection channel with lower chances of interference, having too many USB 2.4G devices nearby can still cause interference.

2.4G is widely used in everyday life, but it's mainly applied in USB and WiFi connections—here’s everything you need to know in one go!

Differences Between Wireless 2.4G via USB and WiFi

Choosing between building a gaming PC or purchasing a PS5 console has always been a hot topic. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it ultimately depends on your personal needs, budget, and preferences. Here are a few key points to help you make the right decision:

Key Point 1｜Hardware Flexibility & Upgrade Convenience

Components like the graphics card and RAM can be upgraded freely. As games become more demanding, you can gradually enhance your system.

Besides gaming, it can also be used for work, content creation, and more.

Since a PC is made up of various components, the upfront cost tends to be higher, and high-performance parts are even more expensive.

Building and maintaining a PC requires a certain level of technical knowledge, which can be a barrier for players who just want to game.

Hardware is designed specifically for gaming—no need for assembly or component selection. Games on consoles are optimized for the system.

Fixed hardware costs with no need to worry about upgrades or compatibility issues.

Limited upgrade potential—primarily limited to expanding storage.

Once a new console generation is released, the older generation can quickly become obsolete.

Huge game library available through platforms like Steam and Epic Games. You can also install user-created mods for unique gameplay experiences.

Supports higher graphics quality and frame rates, and you can connect multiple monitors for gaming.

Access to platform-exclusive titles, often available before other systems. The gaming experience is optimized for controller users.

A user interface and features built specifically for gaming, making it easy to learn and use.

You can customize your build according to your budget.

If a component fails, it can be replaced individually without needing to swap out the whole system.

For similar gaming performance, consoles tend to be more cost-effective.

Online services (like multiplayer) require additional subscription fees.

PC or Console – Which One’s Right for Me?

If you're aiming for high-quality graphics, high frame rates, a stylish setup, and multi-purpose usage—and you’ve got the budget for it—a gaming PC is a solid choice.

If you prefer a simple, plug-and-play experience without the hassle, and don't necessarily need ultra-high graphics quality, the PS5 is a better fit for you.





Choosing between building a gaming PC or purchasing a PS5 console has always been a hot topic. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it ultimately depends on your personal needs, budget, and preferences. Here are a few key points to help you make the right decision:



Key Point 1｜Hardware Flexibility & Upgrade Convenience

Pros of PC:

Components like the graphics card and RAM can be upgraded freely. As games become more demanding, you can gradually enhance your system.

Besides gaming, it can also be used for work, content creation, and more.



Cons of PC:

Since a PC is made up of various components, the upfront cost tends to be higher, and high-performance parts are even more expensive.

Building and maintaining a PC requires a certain level of technical knowledge, which can be a barrier for players who just want to game.







Pros of Console:

Hardware is designed specifically for gaming—no need for assembly or component selection. Games on consoles are optimized for the system.

Fixed hardware costs with no need to worry about upgrades or compatibility issues.



Cons of Console:

Limited upgrade potential—primarily limited to expanding storage.

Once a new console generation is released, the older generation can quickly become obsolete.







Key Point 2｜Game Experience & Content

🖥️ PC:

Huge game library available through platforms like Steam and Epic Games. You can also install user-created mods for unique gameplay experiences.

Supports higher graphics quality and frame rates, and you can connect multiple monitors for gaming.







🎮 PS5 Console:

Access to platform-exclusive titles, often available before other systems. The gaming experience is optimized for controller users.

A user interface and features built specifically for gaming, making it easy to learn and use.





↑ PS5 UI Interface (Image from Polygon)



Key Point 3｜Budget & Running Costs

🖥️ PC:

You can customize your build according to your budget.

If a component fails, it can be replaced individually without needing to swap out the whole system.







🎮 PS5 Console:

For similar gaming performance, consoles tend to be more cost-effective.

Online services (like multiplayer) require additional subscription fees.





↑ PS Plus Membership



PC or Console – Which One’s Right for Me?

If you're aiming for high-quality graphics, high frame rates, a stylish setup, and multi-purpose usage—and you’ve got the budget for it—a gaming PC is a solid choice.

If you prefer a simple, plug-and-play experience without the hassle, and don't necessarily need ultra-high graphics quality, the PS5 is a better fit for you.







Still Hesitating? Let’s walk you through the differences and help you choose what suits you best!

Gaming PC vs. PS5: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

After installing the CPU, the correct installation of the cooler also affects the processor's cooling efficiency and system stability. If installed improperly, it may cause various issues when using the computer. This article will help new DIY users understand the situation and learn how to troubleshoot problems.

What Happens if the CPU Cooler is Not Installed Properly?

If the CPU cooler is not installed correctly during computer assembly, the following issues may occur:

How to Confirm if the CPU Cooler is Properly Installed

If the CPU cooler is not installed properly, it can lead to overheating, automatic shutdowns, throttling, and other issues. By checking the mounting clips, testing stability, verifying thermal paste application, and monitoring temperatures, you can ensure that the cooler is correctly installed and keep your computer running stably!





After installing the CPU, the correct installation of the cooler also affects the processor's cooling efficiency and system stability. If installed improperly, it may cause various issues when using the computer. This article will help new DIY users understand the situation and learn how to troubleshoot problems.



What Happens if the CPU Cooler is Not Installed Properly?

If the CPU cooler is not installed correctly during computer assembly, the following issues may occur:





CPU Overheating: If the cooler is not properly secured, it may fail to dissipate heat effectively, causing the CPU temperature to rise excessively.



System Instability: When the CPU temperature is too high, it will trigger automatic protection mechanisms, leading to shutdowns, frequent blue screens, or crashes.



Automatic Throttling: The CPU will automatically reduce its clock speed due to excessive heat, affecting overall performance.



Risk of Damage: Prolonged CPU overheating may significantly shorten its lifespan.







How to Confirm if the CPU Cooler is Properly Installed

Physical Inspection





Check if the cooler is properly attached to the CPU: Observe from the side to ensure there are no visible gaps between the cooler and the CPU.



Verify if the mounting clips are securely fastened: Follow the instructions provided with the cooler to confirm that all mounting points are tightened and evenly secured.



Test for movement: Gently shake the cooler to check if it moves easily. If it does, the installation is unstable and needs to be reinstalled.







Check Thermal Paste Application





Ensure thermal paste is applied: When installing the cooler, you may forget to apply thermal paste to the processor surface or to remove the protective film from the base of a liquid cooler.



Confirm correct thermal paste application: The application method may vary, so refer to a thermal paste application guide.







Check CPU Temperature





Enter BIOS after booting (press F2 or DEL repeatedly during startup) to check the CPU temperature.



Use third-party software like CPU-Z or other monitoring tools to check the CPU's idle temperature (a normal idle temperature should be below 45°C).



Monitoring Tools



If the CPU cooler is not installed properly, it can lead to overheating, automatic shutdowns, throttling, and other issues. By checking the mounting clips, testing stability, verifying thermal paste application, and monitoring temperatures, you can ensure that the cooler is correctly installed and keep your computer running stably!

CPU Cooler is a crucial component, and improper installation may lead to a series of issues.

How to Confirm If the CPU Cooler is Installed Correctly

As an enthusiast of games and computer DIY in this age, we, darkFlash, feel proud and grateful for keep thinking how to develop impressive and extraordinary products with high-end facilities by assembling and using the PC cases, CPU coolers, case fans, and even gaming chairs and tables in person.

Our goal is to create products that could extremely exert its effect by every user.