AMD vs Intel 13th‑Gen CPUs: Best Performance‑Price for UK Gamers in 2026
We compare AMD’s 3D‑V‑Cache chips with Intel’s 13th‑Gen lineup to find the sweet‑spot CPU that delivers top gaming performance without breaking the...
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Welcome to the PC Power Up Blog — your go‑to resource for guides, tips, and insights on building, upgrading, and maintaining systems.
Whether you’re troubleshooting RAM issues, exploring budget‑friendly upgrades, or learning how to get the most out of pre‑owned hardware, our collection of articles is designed to help you make smart, reliable choices.
Dive in and discover practical advice, detailed walkthroughs, and expert knowledge to keep your PC running smoothly.
Top 5 Gaming Chairs on Amazon in 2026 – Pros, Cons & Buying Guide
We break down five highly-rated gaming chairs on Amazon for 2026, weighing comfort, adjustability and build quality so you can pick the perfect sea...
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Where to Buy Cheap Used PC Parts in the UK – 2026 Guide
Explore the safest and most cost‑effective places to source used GPUs, CPUs, RAM and more in the UK, with a detailed look at CEX, Facebook Marketpl...
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Top Gaming Mice for 2026 – Best Picks for Every Play Style
From ultra‑light shooters to ergonomic marathon sessions, discover the best gaming mice of 2026 with expert reviews.
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Top Gaming Keyboards 2026: Best Picks for Performance and Style
Discover the 2026 gaming keyboard roundup – from premium aluminium builds to wireless low‑latency options, with Amazon links for the best deals.
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Top PC Peripherals to Upgrade Your Setup (Amazon Picks for 2026)
Explore the hottest keyboards, mice, headsets, controllers, microphones and audio gear you won’t find on PC PowerUp, with Amazon links and expert b...
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Q4 2026 PC Hardware: CPUs, GPUs & Peripherals Enthusiasts Must Watch
The final quarter of 2026 brings a wave of new CPUs, GPUs and high‑refresh peripherals for UK builders. Here’s what to expect, where the performanc...
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DDR5 RAM Crisis 2026: Prices, CXMT’s Arrival and What It Means for Builders
DDR5 memory prices have surged over 200% since 2025. We break down the causes, the likely timeline for relief, and how CXMT’s new production could ...
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AMD AM4 Socket Pinout Diagram & Specs Guide
An AM4 Pin Diagram with complete technical breakdown of AMD's Socket AM4 — mechanical specs, power delivery, chipset comparisons across the 300/400...
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What Power Supply Do I Need for My PC?
Cheap out on your power supply, and you aren’t just saving a few quid—you’re gambling with every component in your PC. From power surges frying exp...
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Which Gaming Headset Has the Best Sound Quality? SteelSeries Nova Pro vs Logitech G PRO X 2
Sound quality is everything in gaming. We analyse driver technology, distortion, parametric EQ control, and footstep clarity between the SteelSerie...
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The Best Value OLED Gaming Monitors of 2026 (Alienware AW2725DF vs. ASUS XG27AQDMG)
Upgrading to a 1440p OLED is the single biggest visual upgrade you can make to your setup. We compare two of the best value OLED monitors on the ma...
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AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D vs 5700X3D: Which AM4 X3D CPU Should You Buy?
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D and 5700X3D both feature 8 cores, 16 threads and the same massive 96 MB of 3D V-Cache that made them legendary for gaming on AM...
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AMD Ryzen 9 9950X vs Ryzen 9 7950X3D: Is the Zen 5 Upgrade Worth It?
The Ryzen 9 9950X brings Zen 5 architecture and stronger productivity performance, while the older Ryzen 9 7950X3D still shines in gaming thanks to...
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AMD Ryzen 9 9950X vs Ryzen 9 9950X3D: Which Flagship Zen 5 CPU Should You Buy in 2026?
Choosing between AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the key decision for many ultra-high-end AM5 builds. Both offer 16 cores, 32 threads an...
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Star Wars Zero Company System Requirements; is your PC good enough to run it?
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Why Is My Laptop Fan So Loud? How to Diagnose & Fix It
There is nothing more distracting than your laptop fan sounding like a jet engine taking off. While a spinning fan is normal, one that constantly s...
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Laptop Turns on but Screen is Black: How to Fix
Press the power button, hear the fans, but see nothing on screen? Don’t panic—a blank display doesn’t always mean your laptop is dead. From static ...
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Why Does My PC Keep Crashing? Common Causes & How to Fix It
Is your PC randomly crashing, freezing, or restarting with no clear reason? Crashes are rarely random — they usually point to overheating, faulty R...
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Why Is My PC Lagging So Much? Common Causes & How to Fix It
A slow, stuck‑feeling PC usually comes down to low RAM, slow or full storage, an ageing CPU, or overheating. If clicks feel delayed, apps take ages...
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Why are my PC Fans So Loud? Common Causes & How to Fix It
Is your PC sounding like a jet engine even during light use? Loud fans, rattling, or constant whirring is a common issue — and it’s usually a sign ...
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Why Is My PC Stuttering? Common Causes & How to Fix It
Is your PC hitching, freezing, or dropping frames during games and everyday use? Stuttering is one of the most common performance complaints we see...
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Common Reasons Used CPUs Fail Testing (And Why It Matters)
Buying a used CPU can save serious money — but only if it’s actually healthy. At PC Power Up we put every processor through strict multi-stage test...
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Why Is My CPU Overheating? (4 Causes & How to Fix High Temps)
Is your CPU reaching 90°C+ or thermal throttling? Don't let heat ruin your performance. Use our diagnostic guide to fix dried thermal paste, dead A...
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How to Build a PC: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to build your own computer but don't know where to start? Cut through the confusion. Use our foolproof hardware checklist to install your CPU...
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How to Check Your CPU Temperature (And What It Should Be)
Is your PC running loud, stuttering, or crashing? Your processor might be overheating. Learn how to check your CPU temperature in under two minutes...
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Why Is My Laptop So Slow? How to Diagnose & Fix It
Is your laptop lagging, freezing, or making a loud fan noise? Cut through the frustration. Use our quick hardware diagnostic guide to clear startup...
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Why Is My PC So Slow? How to Tell If It’s a Quick Fix or Time for an Upgrade
Is your PC lagging, stuttering, or taking forever to boot? Before you spend a thousand dollars on a brand-new system, run these quick diagnostics. ...
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Why Is My Laptop Not Charging? How to Diagnose & Fix It
Seeing the dreaded "Plugged in, not charging" message on your taskbar? Before you panic, use our step-by-step troubleshooting guide to isolate the ...
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How to Tell If Your RAM is Failing: Bad RAM Symptoms & Testing Guide
Getting random game crashes to desktop, blue screens, or browser tab errors? Use our comprehensive memory diagnostic guide to isolate your hardware...
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How to Tell if your CPU is Failing? Signs, Symptoms, and How to Test Your Processor
Getting random blue screens, weird freezes, or instant crashes under heavy loads? Before you rip apart your system, use our comprehensive diagnosti...
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How to Tell If Your Graphics Card is Failing: GPU Artifacts & Stress Test Guide
Experiencing sudden screen freezes, random black screens, or bizarre visual glitches while gaming? Before you panic, use our comprehensive diagnost...
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Steam Machine vs. Custom Gaming PC: Is Living-Room Comfort Worth the Premium?
Real-World Realities: The Component & Benchmark Comparison To see how a custom-built machine outpaces a compact, power-restricted "Steam Machin...
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How Much VRAM Do You Actually Need for Gaming? (8GB vs 12GB vs 16GB)
VRAM matters — but not in the dramatic, Reddit-fuelled way it’s often portrayed. While 8GB isn’t ideal for modern AAA titles at ultra settings, it’...
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How to Tell Which Component Is Bottlenecking Your PC
Is Your PC Slowing You Down? Stutters, slow load times, and weird FPS drops are usually caused by one thing: a bottleneck. At PC Power Up, we diagn...
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PC Troubleshooting Guide: CPU & GPU Issues
PC issues can look dramatic — crashes, no display, random restarts, or a system that suddenly refuses to boot — but most problems come down to a ha...
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How We Test Our PC Components
Our testing process is built to make used PC parts feel as safe and reliable as buying new. Every component we sell goes through a strict, multi‑st...
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DDR4 vs DDR5 RAM for Gaming: Is DDR5 Worth the Extra Cost?
In late 2025, DDR5 systems deliver slightly higher frame rates, but the steep rise in DDR5 RAM prices makes their price-per-frame worse than DDR4 ...
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DDR5 RAM Timings Explained: What Do The Numbers Mean?
DDR5 memory isn’t just about headline speeds—those strings of numbers like CL36‑38‑38‑80 reveal how responsive your RAM really is. With today’s glo...
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How to Use MemTest86 to Test Your RAM
Unstable systems, blue screens, and random crashes are often caused by memory issues. MemTest86 is the industry standard for detecting RAM issues. ...
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