How to Guide                                                    

In recent years, a familiar yet reinvented product category has been quietly reshaping the gaming landscape: handheld gaming PCs. Devices like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and MSI Claw are gaining traction, capturing the attention of gamers who seek portability without compromising power.

But why are these devices suddenly so popular? How do they differ? And what lies ahead for this growing market? Let’s break it all down.

Unlike traditional handheld consoles like the PSP or Nintendo DS, today’s handheld gaming devices are essentially 

In short, these devices let you play full-fledged PC games anywhere, not just mobile versions or indie titles.

Why Are Handheld Gaming PCs Changing the Game?

Handheld PCs strike a rare balance between mobility and power. Gamers no longer have to choose between being tied to a desk or sacrificing quality. Now, they can enjoy AAA titles on the subway, at a café, or even on a plane.

For PC gamers, these devices offer a smooth transition. You can log in to your existing accounts and 

—no platform switching or re-purchasing required.

With support for services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce NOW, players can even stream games without installing them, making these devices more flexible than ever.

ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck vs. MSI Claw | Comparisons

What’s Next for the Handheld Gaming Market?

ASUS, Valve, and MSI are just the beginning. Rumors suggest brands like Lenovo, Gigabyte, and even Acer are developing their own handheld gaming devices. Expect more competition, innovation, and potentially lower prices.

With the integration of newer AMD and Intel chips, handhelds are approaching 

With better Wi-Fi (and upcoming Wi-Fi 7), handhelds could become true hybrid gaming machines—stream games on the go, and plug into docks at home for full 4K play.

Handheld gaming PCs aren’t just a nostalgic comeback. They represent a new era of mobile-first, PC-level gaming. For players who are always on the move—or who just want a more flexible gaming lifestyle—these devices offer freedom like never before.

Whether you’re a casual gamer, a PC enthusiast, or someone tired of sitting at a desk, your next gaming rig might just fit in your hands.





In recent years, a familiar yet reinvented product category has been quietly reshaping the gaming landscape: handheld gaming PCs. Devices like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and MSI Claw are gaining traction, capturing the attention of gamers who seek portability without compromising power.



But why are these devices suddenly so popular? How do they differ? And what lies ahead for this growing market? Let’s break it all down.



What Are Handheld Gaming PCs?

Unlike traditional handheld consoles like the PSP or Nintendo DS, today’s handheld gaming devices are essentially mini gaming laptops in disguise.



They typically feature:





Windows or Linux operating systems



x86-based CPUs, often from AMD or Intel



Access to full PC game libraries like Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and Epic Games



Built-in gamepad controls, mimicking Xbox-style layouts



In short, these devices let you play full-fledged PC games anywhere, not just mobile versions or indie titles.







Why Are Handheld Gaming PCs Changing the Game?

Portability Meets Performance

Handheld PCs strike a rare balance between mobility and power. Gamers no longer have to choose between being tied to a desk or sacrificing quality. Now, they can enjoy AAA titles on the subway, at a café, or even on a plane.



Seamless Game Library Integration

For PC gamers, these devices offer a smooth transition. You can log in to your existing accounts and continue your game progress on the go—no platform switching or re-purchasing required.



Cloud Gaming and Instant Access

With support for services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce NOW, players can even stream games without installing them, making these devices more flexible than ever.







ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck vs. MSI Claw | Comparisons







What’s Next for the Handheld Gaming Market?

More Brands Are Joining In

ASUS, Valve, and MSI are just the beginning. Rumors suggest brands like Lenovo, Gigabyte, and even Acer are developing their own handheld gaming devices. Expect more competition, innovation, and potentially lower prices.



Laptop-Level Performance, Pocket Size

With the integration of newer AMD and Intel chips, handhelds are approaching laptop-grade performance in palm-sized devices.



Hybrid Local & Cloud Gaming

With better Wi-Fi (and upcoming Wi-Fi 7), handhelds could become true hybrid gaming machines—stream games on the go, and plug into docks at home for full 4K play.







Conclusion

Handheld gaming PCs aren’t just a nostalgic comeback. They represent a new era of mobile-first, PC-level gaming. For players who are always on the move—or who just want a more flexible gaming lifestyle—these devices offer freedom like never before.



Whether you’re a casual gamer, a PC enthusiast, or someone tired of sitting at a desk, your next gaming rig might just fit in your hands.

In recent years, a familiar yet reinvented product category has been quietly reshaping the gaming landscape: handheld gaming PCs.

The Rise of Handheld Gaming PCs and Future Trends

If you want to play video games, aside from the simple and convenient home consoles like the PS5 or Xbox, you also have the option of choosing between a gaming desktop or a gaming laptop. So, should you build a gaming PC or buy a gaming laptop? The answer depends on several factors:

Some people, due to work or personal reasons, need to travel frequently or can't stay in the same place for long. In this case, a gaming laptop is definitely the more convenient choice. It’s easy to carry around, and it can serve both work and gaming purposes, making it a very practical option.

Can You Accept Slightly Lower Performance?

Even if both systems are equipped with an RTX 5080 graphics card, there is still a noticeable difference in performance between a desktop and a laptop. Desktops are larger in size and draw power directly from a wall outlet, so they’re not limited by power constraints. 

Laptops, on the other hand, rely on power adapters and have more compact designs. Without effective power and thermal management, laptops can overheat, which may shorten their lifespan. If high performance is a top priority, a gaming desktop is the better choice.

Laptops take up less space, combining the monitor, keyboard, and main components into a single unit. Desktops, in contrast, require space for the case itself and additional room for peripherals like a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Compared to laptops, desktops definitely require more space for setup.

For the same specifications, a gaming laptop will generally be more expensive than a desktop PC. If you don’t need portability and have enough space, building a gaming desktop will offer the best value for money.





If you want to play video games, aside from the simple and convenient home consoles like the PS5 or Xbox, you also have the option of choosing between a gaming desktop or a gaming laptop. So, should you build a gaming PC or buy a gaming laptop? The answer depends on several factors:



Do You Need Portability?

Some people, due to work or personal reasons, need to travel frequently or can't stay in the same place for long. In this case, a gaming laptop is definitely the more convenient choice. It’s easy to carry around, and it can serve both work and gaming purposes, making it a very practical option.







Can You Accept Slightly Lower Performance?

Even if both systems are equipped with an RTX 5080 graphics card, there is still a noticeable difference in performance between a desktop and a laptop. Desktops are larger in size and draw power directly from a wall outlet, so they’re not limited by power constraints. 



Laptops, on the other hand, rely on power adapters and have more compact designs. Without effective power and thermal management, laptops can overheat, which may shorten their lifespan. If high performance is a top priority, a gaming desktop is the better choice.







How Much Space Do You Have?

Laptops take up less space, combining the monitor, keyboard, and main components into a single unit. Desktops, in contrast, require space for the case itself and additional room for peripherals like a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Compared to laptops, desktops definitely require more space for setup.







What About the Price?

For the same specifications, a gaming laptop will generally be more expensive than a desktop PC. If you don’t need portability and have enough space, building a gaming desktop will offer the best value for money.





"Let’s conduct an in-depth analysis for you based on usage needs, performance requirements, environment, and budget considerations.

Gaming PC vs. Gaming Laptop: Which One Is Better?

The two major GPU manufacturers both released their next-generation graphics cards in 2025, along with their latest AI-based image upscaling technologies — 

 are advanced AI-based image upscaling technologies designed to boost gaming performance while preserving visual quality.

These technologies allow games to be rendered at a lower resolution internally and then upscaled to higher resolutions using artificial intelligence. The result is higher frame rates and smoother gameplay — without significantly sacrificing image clarity.

FSR 4 is AMD’s first version to adopt machine learning techniques, likely using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to enhance image quality.

It upscales lower-resolution frames to higher resolutions and can generate intermediate frames to increase frame rate.

FSR 4 AI-Enhanced Upscaling plus Frame Generation

FSR 4 not only upscales low-resolution images to high resolution but also inserts intermediate frames to boost frame rates.

Offers multiple quality presets — Performance, Balanced, and Quality — to give users control over performance vs. image clarity.

, with AMD aiming to reach over 75 supported titles by the end of 2025.

DLSS 4 uses NVIDIA’s advanced deep learning model, powered by Tensor Cores, which are dedicated AI processing units on RTX 50 series GPUs.

One of DLSS 4’s biggest strengths is its ability to generate entirely new frames, dramatically increasing FPS without overloading the GPU.

DLSS 4 works with NVIDIA Reflex to reduce latency, keeping gameplay responsive even at high frame rates.

, making it more broadly available than FSR 4.

As FSR continues to evolve and potentially adds multi-frame generation in future updates, the gap between AMD and NVIDIA is narrowing — making this an exciting time for PC gamers and developers alike.





The two major GPU manufacturers both released their next-generation graphics cards in 2025, along with their latest AI-based image upscaling technologies — FSR 4 and DLSS 4.



FSR 4 (FidelityFX Super Resolution 4) by AMD and DLSS 4 (Deep Learning Super Sampling 4) by NVIDIA are advanced AI-based image upscaling technologies designed to boost gaming performance while preserving visual quality.







These technologies allow games to be rendered at a lower resolution internally and then upscaled to higher resolutions using artificial intelligence. The result is higher frame rates and smoother gameplay — without significantly sacrificing image clarity.



FSR 4 – AMD’s Approach







Machine Learning Upgrade

FSR 4 is AMD’s first version to adopt machine learning techniques, likely using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to enhance image quality.







Upscaling + Frame Interpolation

It upscales lower-resolution frames to higher resolutions and can generate intermediate frames to increase frame rate.



FSR 4 AI-Enhanced Upscaling plus Frame Generation

FSR 4 not only upscales low-resolution images to high resolution but also inserts intermediate frames to boost frame rates.







Modes

Offers multiple quality presets — Performance, Balanced, and Quality — to give users control over performance vs. image clarity.







Hardware Support

Currently limited to AMD’s Radeon RX 9000 series.



Game Support

Works only with games that support FSR 3.1, with AMD aiming to reach over 75 supported titles by the end of 2025.







DLSS 4 – NVIDIA’s Latest Evolution







Deep Learning Core

DLSS 4 uses NVIDIA’s advanced deep learning model, powered by Tensor Cores, which are dedicated AI processing units on RTX 50 series GPUs.



Multi-Frame Generation

One of DLSS 4’s biggest strengths is its ability to generate entirely new frames, dramatically increasing FPS without overloading the GPU.







Reflex Integration

DLSS 4 works with NVIDIA Reflex to reduce latency, keeping gameplay responsive even at high frame rates.







Wider Adoption

Already supported by over 100 games, making it more broadly available than FSR 4.



Key Differences at a Glance

As FSR continues to evolve and potentially adds multi-frame generation in future updates, the gap between AMD and NVIDIA is narrowing — making this an exciting time for PC gamers and developers alike.





AI-based image upscaling technologies developed by AMD and NVIDIA to improve gaming performance while maintaining image quality close to native resolution.

FSR 4 vs. DLSS 4 - AI-based Image Upscaling Technology

While many modern games come with built-in benchmarks to help you instantly assess whether your system runs the game smoothly or if settings are too high or too low, not everyone buys a PC just for gaming. For productivity or professional use, third-party benchmarking tools are a better way to measure your system's performance through detailed data.

Developed by Maxon, Cinebench R23 is a free CPU benchmarking tool that evaluates both single-core and multi-core performance using the Cinema 4D rendering engine to simulate real 3D scene rendering. It’s one of the most widely used benchmarking standards in the industry and among DIY enthusiasts. Bonus: It also supports macOS!

Created by CPUID, CPU-Z is a popular tool for viewing detailed hardware information. It also includes a built-in benchmark module that tests both single-core and multi-core performance using compute-heavy tasks. Unlike Cinebench, it doesn’t simulate real-world scenarios but provides quick and simple performance data.

3DMark is a professional-grade benchmarking tool for testing GPU and overall system performance. It can simulate gaming scenarios, heavy graphics rendering, ray tracing, and more—providing a performance score based on your hardware.In addition to GPU tests (like ray tracing and DirectX 12), it can also evaluate CPU performance. 3DMark is an all-in-one solution, but it comes with a price tag.

FurMark is a stress-testing tool specifically for GPUs. It pushes your graphics card to its limits with a highly demanding "furry donut" rendering, helping you test stability, temperature, and cooling efficiency. This type of testing is often referred to as a “burn-in test.” Thanks to its signature rotating donut graphics, FurMark is jokingly nicknamed "the donut test."





While many modern games come with built-in benchmarks to help you instantly assess whether your system runs the game smoothly or if settings are too high or too low, not everyone buys a PC just for gaming. For productivity or professional use, third-party benchmarking tools are a better way to measure your system's performance through detailed data.



Recommended CPU Benchmark Tools

Cinebench R23 – Free

Developed by Maxon, Cinebench R23 is a free CPU benchmarking tool that evaluates both single-core and multi-core performance using the Cinema 4D rendering engine to simulate real 3D scene rendering. It’s one of the most widely used benchmarking standards in the industry and among DIY enthusiasts. Bonus: It also supports macOS!







CPU-Z Benchmark – Free

Created by CPUID, CPU-Z is a popular tool for viewing detailed hardware information. It also includes a built-in benchmark module that tests both single-core and multi-core performance using compute-heavy tasks. Unlike Cinebench, it doesn’t simulate real-world scenarios but provides quick and simple performance data.







Recommended GPU Benchmark Tools

3DMark Benchmark – Paid

3DMark is a professional-grade benchmarking tool for testing GPU and overall system performance. It can simulate gaming scenarios, heavy graphics rendering, ray tracing, and more—providing a performance score based on your hardware.In addition to GPU tests (like ray tracing and DirectX 12), it can also evaluate CPU performance. 3DMark is an all-in-one solution, but it comes with a price tag.







FurMark Benchmark – Free

FurMark is a stress-testing tool specifically for GPUs. It pushes your graphics card to its limits with a highly demanding "furry donut" rendering, helping you test stability, temperature, and cooling efficiency. This type of testing is often referred to as a “burn-in test.” Thanks to its signature rotating donut graphics, FurMark is jokingly nicknamed "the donut test."





Get to Know the 4 Most Popular Benchmarking Tools for Testing CPUs and GPUs Today.

Recommended Software for Testing CPU and GPU Performance

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

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.