Is your PC slow, programs start sluggishly, and current games stutter? This does not automatically mean that you need a new computer. Targeted upgrades are often enough to significantly improve performance. In this guide, you’ll find out which components are really worthwhile – from SSD and RAM, to graphics cards and processors, through to coolers, fans, and peripherals. SSD: Faster storage for everyone An SSD (Solid State Drive) is the simplest and most worthwhile upgrade of all and provides the biggest performance boost per dollar invested in everyday use. Anyone still working with an old hard disk drive (HDD) is wasting time unnecessarily. However, SSDs differ in terms of design and technology. Classic 2.5-inch models use the older SATA interface and achieve up to 550 MB/s, while modern flash memory in M.2 plug-in card format can be plugged directly into the mainboard and deliver data rates of several thousand megabytes per second via PCI Express (via the NVMe protocol). These NVMe drives are therefore significantly faster, but require a corresponding M.2 slot on the motherboard. Our article“SATA, PCIe, and M.2: The slots on your motherboard, explained” also provides clarity here. Corsair PCIe 4.0 models such as the Crucial P310 or WD Black SN7100 offer up to 7,000 MB/s, making them ideal for gaming or video editing. Even faster are PCIe 5.0 models such as the Kingston Fury Renegade G5 or Crucial T710, which achieve transfer rates almost twice as high at over 12,000 MB/s. However, these high-end models are primarily worthwhile for professional applications, large video files, or particularly demanding users, as they generate more heat and are significantly more expensive. If you have an older system that can only boast SATA connections, you will still benefit enormously: A 2.5-inch SSD (such as the Crucial BX500) for around $60 will get even old PCs up and running again. It’s important that the motherboard supports the appropriate connection, i.e. M.2 for NVMe or SATA ports for 2.5-inch SSDs. Kingston Tip: Cloning old systems saves you time as you take over Windows and programs. However, this method uses a little more storage space because old system files, temporary data and possibly faulty structures are also copied. A new installation takes longer, but ensures a tidier system with a little more free memory. Be sure to check out our list of the best SSDs for even more great upgrade options. Working memory (RAM): More room for multitasking If Chrome has 20 tabs open and Excel reacts sluggishly, more RAM is usually the easiest solution. And upgrading is also less complicated than many people think: open the housing, release the side clips on the slots, remove the old latches, and insert the new modules firmly. Then after switching your computer on, usually the system will recognize the memory automatically. G.Skill Today, 16GB is standard for office users, 32GB is worthwhile for gamers and creative types, and those who regularly work with large photos, videos, or music projects will even benefit from 64GB. Currently, 16GB DDR4 can cost less that $50; kits such as the Kingston Fury Beast or Corsair Vengeance LPX are good options. DDR5 RAM, such as the G.Skill Ripjaws S5 kit, offers higher clock rates, lower power consumption and more bandwidth. However, this requires an up-to-date motherboard and modern processors: DDR5 is supported by Intel from the 12th Core generation (Alder Lake) with chipsets such as Z690, B660, and newer, and by AMD from the Ryzen 7000 series (AM5 platform) with B650, X670, or X670E boards. DDR4 therefore remains the first choice for older systems, while DDR5 is the future-proof option for new PCs. Above all, gamers should consider which DDR5 RAM is currently the best choice. Dual-channel operation is also important: If two identical modules run in parallel, the memory controller can process twice as much data at the same time, which can increase performance by up to 15 percent depending on the application. It’s therefore worthwhile to always install RAM in pairs and make sure there are free slots for both. Swapping out smaller modules pairs can maximize performance, stability, and value for money. Graphics card (GPU): The biggest upgrade for gamers If you want to enjoy games in high quality, there’s no getting round an up-to-date graphics card (GPU). The AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT with 16GB or Nvidia Geforce RTX 5060 Ti with 16GB offer sufficient performance for Full HD resolution (1080p). If you want to play in WQHD (1440p), you should opt for a graphics card such as the Radeon RX 9070 or Nvidia Geforce RTX 5070. For 4K gaming, cards like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT or Nvidia Geforce RTX 5070 Ti are the minimum required to deliver smooth results. Video memory (VRAM) is just as important as pure performance. Today, it should be at least 12 GB so that modern games have sufficient buffer for textures and effects. Cards with less memory are increasingly reaching their limits, especially at high resolutions. Before buying, you should check whether the power supply delivers enough power (at least 550 watts) and whether the correct connections are available: PCIe power connectors are the cables used to supply the graphics card with power in addition to the mainboard. Older power supplies often only have 6- or 8-pin connectors, while new GPUs sometimes require special 12VHPWR connectors. Also, make sure there is enough space in the case: many modern graphics cards are long and occupy up to three slots. Mifcom If you don’t game, you can save yourself the GPU upgrade. This is because the integrated graphics solutions of modern processors (such as Intel UHD or AMD Radeon Graphics) are completely sufficient for office, streaming, or everyday tasks. Processor (CPU): Computing power for those who need it A CPU upgrade is only worthwhile if the processor really slows things down – and if the new CPU is a good technical fit for the system. Compatibility with the socket and chipset as well as support for the existing RAM are important. Depending on the age of the PC, it may also make sense to change the motherboard so that you can install a modern processor. For many users, a current six-core processor such as the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is completely sufficient. If you absolutely need an Intel CPU, then the Intel Core i5-14600K is similar to the AMD CPU in terms of performance, but is typically more expensive. Nevertheless, both offer enough power for gaming, office, and multimedia, but both require motherboards with suitable sockets: Intel’s 14600K relies on an LGA1700 socket with a Z690, B660, or Z790 chipset, while the AMD Ryzen 5 7500F requires an AM5 motherboard with a B650 or X670 chipset and DDR5 RAM. More demanding users opt for eight-cores such as the Ryzen 7 7800X or Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, which deliver more performance in computing-intensive applications, but also require up-to-date platforms. Anyone coming from an older platform (e.g. Intel’s eighth Core generation or the Ryzen 1000 series) almost always has to change the motherboard and RAM as well. Although this increases the effort and costs, it also brings greater efficiency, better energy management, and future-proofing. A CPU replacement is rarely worthwhile for pure office computers. An SSD instead provides a more noticeable improvement here. If you need a lot of CPU performance, you should go straight for a modern 12- or 16-core processor such as the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X or AMD Ryzen 9 9950X. Intel currently isn’t competitive in this area, so we cannot make a recommendation here. Aorus Motherboard: A centerpiece for future upgrades A motherboard change usually goes hand in hand with a new CPU, as sockets and chipsets often change. This makes the replacement more complex than a RAM or SSD upgrade, for example, as the CPU, cooler, RAM, and cabling usually have to be completely reassembled during the upgrade. This can quickly become a challenge for beginners, as many sensitive components are affected. Anyone who dares to take this step should therefore prepare well or seek expert help. Whether the effort is worth it depends on how old the system is and which interfaces are required. As a rule of thumb, if your computer is more than five years old, a motherboard upgrade is usually worthwhile. Modern motherboards differ significantly in terms of size, connectivity, and features. The form factor determines the size of the board and therefore what the housing can be: ATX offers the most slots and expansion options, Micro-ATX is more compact and a good mid-range option, while Mini-ITX is primarily intended for small, space-saving systems. Aorus Technical features such as PCIe 5.0 slots for graphics cards and fast SSDs, several M.2 slots for additional memory, and sufficient RAM banks are important. A good power supply (VRMs) ensures stable performance, especially with powerful CPUs. Integrated functions such as Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB-C also increase convenience and future-proofing. A solid mid-range board typically costs around $200. Those who upgrade frequently or plan for the long term should invest a little more, as the motherboard forms the foundation of every system. CPU cooler: Targeted upgrading instead of overcooling A cooler upgrade is particularly worthwhile when new processors are installed or older systems are subjected to higher loads. Boxed coolers quickly reach their limits. Anyone switching from a Core i5 to a Ryzen 7, for example, should immediately plan for a more efficient cooler. Models such as the Arctic Freezer 36 or the Bequiet Pure Rock Pro 3 offer significantly more cooling reserve for $50 to $60 and remain whisper-quiet. For applications where CPUs get particularly hot – such as rendering or overclocking – AiO (all-in-one) water cooling systems from $100 are a good choice. However, AiO cooling is not automatically always the best choice. Phanteks However, it’s important to check whether the new cooler physically fits into the case before buying: For air coolers, the height is the most important factor, so that the cooler does not hit the side panel. For water coolers, there must be sufficient space for the radiator and the mounted fans – often at the top or front of the housing. Socket compatibility and housing size are equally important. A targeted cooler upgrade can improve stability, volume, and service life without breaking the budget. Case fans: Airflow efficiency for old and new systems Many PCs run too hot because the case ventilation is inadequate. Especially after a CPU or GPU upgrade, better airflow can be crucial. Two 120mm fans – one blowing in at the front, one blowing out at the back – significantly improve the cooling performance and cost less than $30. Models from Arctic or Noctua combine efficiency with low noise output. It’s worth cleaning or replacing the fans when upgrading. Dust filters, PWM control, and the correct air flow direction are more beneficial than additional fans alone. RGB light remains a matter of taste, the decisive factor is the temperature advantage. Bequiet Peripherals: The finishing touches An upgrade can also make sense outside the case as well. Those who work a lot will benefit from an ergonomic setup with a good monitor arm and flicker-free display. There are many good 27-inch 1440p monitors with 144 Hz that can be had for under $400 which are equally beneficial for gaming and working from home. The best mechanical keyboards with linear switches or quiet buttons offer more precision when typing or gaming. While a high-quality mouse with a low weight and precise sensor ensures control and comfort. Asus In general, the upgrades mentioned cost comparatively little, but increase productivity and well-being – the ideal finishing touch after a successful PC upgrade. Conclusion A targeted upgrade is almost always worthwhile. SSD, RAM, and graphics card deliver the greatest performance per dollar right off the bat, while CPU and motherboard upgrades can payoff in the long term. If you look after your PC regularly, keeping your components clean and upgrading wisely can keep your system running at peak performance for many years without having to buy a completely new one. Read...

Analysis - Headline writers have had their fun calling it `Coster`s Last Stand`, and like the general`s doomed battle, it ended with a crushing fall, writes Craig McCulloch. Read...

Google has fixed 13 vulnerabilities in Chrome versions 143.0.7499.40/41 for Windows and macOS and 143.0.7499.40 for Linux. According to Google, none of these vulnerabilities have been exploited for attacks in the wild. This major update brings Chrome up to version 143 and comes one week late with no reason given by Google for the delay. In the Chrome Releases blog post, Srinivas Sista lists the security vulnerabilities that have been fixed, all of which were reported to Google by external researchers. Google classifies four vulnerabilities as high risk, including a new incarnation of the type confusion issue in the JavaScript V8 engine (CVE-2025-13630). Three other vulnerabilities are classified as medium risk, the rest as low risk. What’s new in Chrome 143? Google is promoting Chrome’s new ability to read web text aloud. To do this, you have to first activate reading mode using the right-click menu and selecting “Open in reading mode,” which opens in a sidebar. At the top of that panel, you’ll now also see options for reading aloud: Play, Voice speed, Voice selection, and Voice highlight. Google is also integrating more “AI” features into Chrome. You can now access the so-called “AI Mode” of Google Search directly via the address bar and the New Tab page. Gemini in Chrome—the “AI” support that’s now baked into the browser—is designed to summarize text, explain concepts, and answer questions. Gemini in Chrome will initially be introduced for Windows and Mac users in the US who use English as their default language. Other languages are to come and will be added gradually. Security fixes in Chrome 143 On November 17th, Google released an emergency update to Chrome 142.0.7444.176 to close a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-13223). On November 20th, Google delivered Chrome 143.0.7499.40/41 for Windows and macOS and 143.0.7499.34 for Android as an early stable update to 0.5 percent of existing Chrome users, but with a one-day delay likely due to the aftermath of the emergency update. Since then, the release blog and update channels have been quiet. According to schedule, the general release of Chrome 143 would have taken place on November 25th. However, Google did not release Chrome 143 until a week later on December 2nd. Google has not yet given a reason for this. It likely wasn’t due to serious problems with the version distributed with the Early Stable Update, as this is exactly the same version that was previously released to everyone. Chrome usually updates itself automatically when a new version is available. You can trigger the update check manually using the menu item Help > About Google Chrome. The Extended Stable Channel for Windows and macOS now contains Chromium version 142.0.7499.226. Google does not plan to release Chrome 144 until January 2026. Other Chromium-based browsers The makers of other Chromium-based browsers are now required to follow suit with updates. Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi are currently at the security level following the emergency update a fortnight ago. Opera has temporarily reduced its backlog with browser version 124 based on Chromium version 140, which was released on October 13th. The developers have backported additional security patches, namely the fix for the zero-day vulnerability CVE-2025-13223, but overall haven’t come any closer to the desired parity with other manufacturers. Read...

Time and again, hackers infect other people’s computers as well as routers or other network devices in order to misuse them for their botnet. What’s a botnet, you ask? Simply put, it’s a collection of computers and other devices that have been infected with malware. From such a botnet, cybercriminals launch attacks on websites or servers. For example, DDoS attacks or they send spam and phishing emails. The owners of the hijacked computers and network devices are unaware of this unless they check the traffic coming from their machines. However, this requires experience in using network analysis tools such as Wireshark or Nmap. But there is an easier way that doesn’t require any prior technical knowledge. The security company GreyNoise has provided a free online tool called GreyNoise IP Check on its website, with which you can immediately check whether your network’s IP is connected to a botnet. The check takes barely a second, and you will immediately know whether there are hijacked or remotely controlled computers or other network devices in your network. You don’t have to log in to use it, and you don’t even have to enter an email address. According to Bleepingcomputer, three classifications are possible: Clean: No malicious scanning activity has been detected. Malicious/Suspicious: The IP address has shown scanning activity. Users should check the devices in their network. General corporate service: The IP address belongs to a VPN, a corporate network, or a cloud provider, and the scan activity is normal for these environments. Restriction: Of course, the result only applies to the current IP address of your computer. However, this changes regularly for private users (albeit after different periods of time), unless they have a fixed IP address, which is the exception for private users. If the classification is malicious/suspicious, you should immediately scan all of your computers with an up-to-date virus scanner. The manufacturer writes: “The tool shows you when the activity was first and last observed, what types of scanning behavior were detected and advises you of the next steps.” Install the latest available firmware on all network-enabled devices (including smart TVs or network cameras, etc.) to close any newly discovered security gaps. Next, change all access data/passwords on the affected devices and switch off remote access functions if you do not need them. More information on the free GreyNoise IP Check scan tool is available from the manufacturer here. Read...

A special general meeting has been called within the Waikato Bay of Plenty zone over frustrations with Netball New Zealand and its leadership. Read...

Almost two weeks after Tonga`s general election, four MPs - including two former prime ministers and a former speaker - are being floated as potential candidates for the top job. Read...

Every Google user automatically gets 15GB of free Google Photos storage when they create a Google account. You can store your smartphone photos, videos, and screenshots in this space–either manually or through the automatic syncing from your phone. Each uploaded file can be labeled with keywords and descriptions, and you can combine multiple photos into albums or collections, and even create photo books. You can access your online photo library on your PC at photos.google.com or on your smartphone through the Google Photos app. Just make sure you’re logged in to your Google account. However, Google Photos is much more than just an online photo album. The service also includes numerous tools for editing photos, some of which even use artificial intelligence. In this guide, we’ll show you where AI comes into play during the editing process, how to use it on your PC and smartphone, and what kind of results you can expect. Editing photos with AI in your browser In the main view of Google Photos, you can see all your saved photos along with the date and place they were taken. To scroll quickly, move the mouse to the right edge of the screen to display the timeline, then click any date to jump to it. Clicking a photo opens it in full view. If you want to edit an image, click on the icon in the top-right corner of the full view. This opens a toolbar with editing options. Click the three stars to access “Suggestions,” the automatic editing feature, which includes various presets such as “Dynamic,” “Warm,” “Cold,” or “Vivid,” as well as the “Optimize” option. With this option, the AI applies the corrections independently. Note: Exactly which presets are offered to you for a photo depends on the image in question! However, the “Optimize” option is always available and, in our tests, consistently produced the best results. The edited images show noticeably more detail and depth than the alternatives. Foundry Google Photos offers further editing options in the “Tools” menu, which you can open by clicking the tool icon. However, not all options are available for every image. In general, Google Photos offers five functions here: Portrait lighting lets you adjust the exposure of a photo retrospectively by digitally changing the position of the light source. To do this, simply move the displayed circle with your finger and/or add additional light sources using additional markers. The slider regulates the intensity of the lighting. Blur softens the background, and you can set the intensity with the slider. The main subject is automatically detected and kept sharp in the foreground. Sky offers presets such as “Radiant” and “Stormy,” along with a slider to control intensity and adjust the sky’s appearance with a single click. Color focus reduces color saturation of the background while keeping the main subject in color. A slider is also available here to adjust the intensity. Finally, the HDR effect increases the brightness and contrast of a photo. Foundry Using AI-powered image editing on smartphones As we’ve shown, some of Google Photos’ AI features are also available in the browser. However, smartphones and tablets offer more functionality. The availability of specific tools depends not only on your device’s hardware but also on the subject of the photo. To access the AI tools, open the detailed view of a photo, and scroll until you find “Tools.” Depending on the subject, you’ll find options such as “Portrait lighting,” “Blur background,” “Sharpen,” “Zoom optimization,” “Magic eraser,” and “Color focus.” “Portrait lighting,” “Blur background,” and “Color focus,” work similarly to their desktop counterparts. However, with “Blur background,” you can also adjust the focus range in addition to the level of blurring, while “Portrait lighting” lets you equalize the lighting or add additional light sources to brighten a subject. “Sharpen,” on the other hand, is a function that’s only available in the Google Photos app. It helps improve images that are blurry due to motion or background depth. You can adjust the sharpness with a slider. The “Zoom optimization” feature is also exclusive to the app. It lets you crop images with your fingers, and Google Photos then automatically enhances the enlarged sections for improved sharpness. Foundry Using Magic Eraser and AI filters in the Photos app The magic eraser, introduced in the Google Photos app in 2023, is the service’s most impressive AI feature. It removes unwanted elements from your images. After selecting a photo and starting the Magic Eraser, Google first analyzes the image. You can then mark the unwanted area with your finger. You now have two options: You can leave the marked area “Erased,” and Google Photos will automatically fill the gap using the surrounding parts of the image. You can also “Hide” the selection. In this mode, the Magic Eraser changes the color of the selected area to make it less noticeable. If you’re happy with the result, save your changes. If not, repeat the process as often as necessary. Foundry Another AI-powered feature in Google Photos can be found in the detailed view of an image under “Edit.” This tool can be used not only to remove selected areas, but also to enlarge, reduce, move, or copy them to another part of the image. You can access the feature by tapping the color-changing icon in the bottom left corner of the “Edit” menu. Mark the desired image area by circling it, swiping over it, or tapping on it. You can then resize or reposition the selected area by spreading or pinching two fingers. Once it’s placed correctly, tap the arrow at the bottom right corner and Google Photos will start processing. Tick the box to save the result. Foundry If you tap the color-changing icon again in the same menu, Google Photos will display various AI filters. The available filters depend on the subject of the photo. For example, we applied “Golden Hour” for a warm, dramatic effect, and “Sky” to brighten it and add extra clouds. “Portrait,” on the other hand, blurs the background in various gradations. Another AI filter, called “Stylized,” transforms the photo into a drawing or painting. The results vary with each use. The AI generates up to four versions per filter, and you can request more with a single tap. Foundry Generative AI features: Remix and Reimagine Artificial intelligence is currently used in Google Photos mainly for image editing. However, the company has announced plans to add generative AI to future versions of the app. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case until recently, and we haven’t been able to test the revised editor announced in June 2025, which will include all tools under a new “Actions” menu. Still, we’d like to take this opportunity to introduce the upcoming AI features, which will be bundled under the “Create” menu. For example, you’ll soon be able to use the “Remix” feature to turn your photos into a 3D animation, an anime-style image, a sketch, or a comic. On the other hand, “Video from photo” will create six-second video clips from your photos, with options like “Subtle effect” (e.g., a smile) or “Good luck,” which adds more movement. Foundry With the “Reimagine” feature, you can use a text prompt to add new elements to an existing photo, such as “yellow flower meadow” or “stormy sky.” “Auto Frame,” found in the crop menu, lets you replace or extend a photo’s background if it’s been cropped too much. No more bad pictures Google Photos already offers a range of AI-powered image editing features that deliver impressive results. However, once generative AI is fully integrated and further developed, it won’t matter how well a photo was originally taken. AI will handle the rest. Read...

At a glance Top mini PC deal picks Acemagician S3A — $429 (20% off on Amazon, was $539) Kamrui Hyper H2 — $418 (45% off on Amazon, was $760) It’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday season! Some of the best discounts I’m seeing have been for mini PCs, and that’s perfectly fine with me because I absolutely love these tiny computers. They take up very little space on the desk, they offer excellent performance for the price, and they don’t cost too much. Did I mention they’re super easy to upgrade and they usually support at least three 4K displays? Now that’s a fantastic way to increase your workstation productivity without breaking the bank! Finding the right deals can be tricky, however, because there are so many things to consider from the configuration to the price. Fear not! I’ve been covering mini PC deals for a long time — and PCWorld has tested thousands of PCs over four decades — so let me help you out. I select our favorite deals by thoroughly examining the list of specs, overall design, user feedback, and general value. The RAM, SSD, and CPU all matter significantly in mini PCs, and if you’re not careful, you may select a “bare bones” rig that makes you bring your own memory and storage. None of our picks below will leave you in the lurch! Updated November 30, 2025 to reflect the latest deals and prices. Best Black Friday deals on Ryzen mini PCs Acemagician S3A, AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD, Radeon 780M iGPU, triple 4K support — $429 (20% off on Amazon, was $539) Beelink SER5, AMD Ryzen 5 6800U, 32GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, triple 4K support — $369 (20% off on Amazon, was $459) Acemagician Kron K1, AMD Ryzen 5 7430U, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, triple 4K support — $256 (20% off on Amazon, was $319) Bosgame P3, AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, triple 4K support — $440 (20% off on Amazon, was $550) Bosgame P3 Lite, AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, 24GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, Radeon 680M, triple 4K support — $386.66 (19% off on Amazon, was $479.95) Geekom A6, AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, quad 4K support — $423.20 (20% off on Amazon, was $529) Geekom A5, AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, quad 4K support — $331 (17% off on Amazon, was $399) GMKtec M7, AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, quad 4K support, Oculink — $395 (29% off on Amazon, was $560) GMKtec M5 Ultra, AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 32GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, triple 4K support — $380 (24% of on Amazon) Geekom A9 Max, AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD, quad 4K support — $949 (21% off on Amazon, was $1,199) Geekom A9, AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD, Radeon 780M, quad 4K support — $679.20 (20% off on Amazon, was $849) Top pick: These are all amazing discounts for excellent mini PCs at every budget, but if I were to pick a single deal, I’d go for the Acemagician S3A for $399 because that’s a great price for the specs. It’s more than capable of handling your daily workload, browsing, streaming, and even gaming thanks to the Radeon 780M integrated graphics. If you’re willing to spend an extra hundred, the Geekom AX8 Max is even better with twice the memory and storage for greater performance. Best Black Friday deals on Intel mini PCs Acemagic V1, Intel N150, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, dual 4K support — $187.24 (41% off on Amazon, was $319) HP Elite 805, Intel Core i5, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, dual 4K support — $480 (20% off on Amazon, was $600) Acemagic M1, Intel Core i9 11900H, 32GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, triple 4K support — $460 (43% off on Amazon, was $800) Kamrui Hyper H2, Intel Core i9-11900H, 32GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, triple 4K support — $418 (45% off on Amazon, was $760) Geekom GT2 Mega, Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD, Intel Arc 140T iGPU, quad 4K support — $949 (27% off on Amazon, was $1,299) Top pick: If you’re looking for a mini PC you’ll use for years to come that can handle all your tasks and then some, the Kamrui Hyper H2 has the absolute best price-performance among these deals with that 45% discount. If you don’t want to spend a ton of money and just need a simple machine for browsing and email, the Acemagic V1 gives you 1TB of storage space and enough RAM to run Windows 11 without choking. Other best Black Friday tech deals Check out our other roundups for the best PC-related Black Friday deals going on in a wide span of categories! LIVE real-time Black Friday deals, picked by PCWorld’s experts Best Amazon Black Friday tech deals Best Buy’s best Black Friday tech deals Best Black Friday laptop deals Best Black Friday Chromebook deals Best Black Friday desktop computer deals Best Black Friday monitor deals Best Black Friday USB flash drive deals Best Black Friday SSD and storage deals Best Black Friday Thunderbolt dock deals Best Black Friday power bank deals Best Black Friday office chair and desk deals Best Black Friday VPN deals FAQ 1. When is Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025? This year, Black Friday lands on November 28th. Cyber Monday is December 1. 2. What are some things you need to consider when getting a mini PC? The first thing you have to check off your list is just what configuration you need to get your job done. Are you going to use your new mini PC for browsing only? Do you want it to be able to juggle a bunch of apps and not choke on 50 browser tabs? Do you want to do some light gaming in your downtime? There are devices for each and every one of these scenarios, and they’re all quite affordable. The best part is that mini PCs are… well, small, and that they support multiple monitors out of the box, so you won’t need to pay for extra hubs. 3. Can a mini PC replace a desktop computer? For most people, the answer is “yes”! Mini PCs are definitely powerful enough to replace desktops for most users, especially if you’re going to use it for work, browsing, or streaming movies. If you want something for photo and video editing, or even gaming, there are models that allow you to do that, but they’ll cost a bit more. If you’re into proper gaming, however, you’re still better off with a gaming PC or laptop. Read...

The auditor-general said its recent audit concluded the ministry`s handling of the contract was sound. Read...

The auditor-general now says the contract is being managed properly and in line with good practice. Read...