Huge list of Computer Hardware Links

Online Magazines

• BootNet - Boot Net online hardware performance reviews. Subscription required.
• Computer Reseller News - Computer industry news and articles.
• c't - c't english pages. Indepth views on the computer industry.
  • c't Magazine - German magazine. Use the link below to translate.
  • Altavista Web Page Translation - Translates pages into many different languages. Not perfect, but not bad at all. Now includes Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese and Russian.
  • Altavista Babelfish Translator - Alternate site.
  • Go Translator Service - Translate pages into various languages.
• Electronic Buyers' News - Computer industry news and articles.
• Electronic News - Computer industry news and articles.
• EE Times - Electronic Engineering Times.
  • EE Times Semi-con - Semiconductor-specific news
• Electronics Times - Semiconductor-specific news.
• The Inquirer - Computer industry news and articles.
• MicroDesign Resources - Articles and information concerning computer processors.
  • Articles - Main articles page.
  • Articles - Main articles page (subscription required).
• News.com - Computer industry news and articles.
• PC Watch - Links to computer industry news and articles.
• The Register - Computer industry news and articles.
• Silicon Strategies - Semi-con industry news.
• Tech News World - Links to today's tech news.
• Tech Web - Articles and news on the technical side of the computer industry.
• Yahoo HiTech News - News updates.

Assembling / Upgrading a PC

• About.com's Build Your PC System - Illustrated assembly instructions and numerous links to part reference guides.
• AMD's Guide to Building a System - Good overview of assembling an Athlon system (includes many pictures).
• AnandTech: How to Build a Computer - Overview of steps involved in assembling a PC.
• AnandTech: Setting up the PC - Booting a newly assembled machine, preparing the hard drive, and software setup.
• Ars Technica Complete System Building Guide - Good detailed instructions on putting together a system.
• Assembling a PC - ComputerCraft's illustrated guide to buying components and assembling a PC.
• Build a PC Today! - Water Wheel's illustrated guide to building a PC.
• Building a Computer: A PC Building Tutorial - A guide to selecting components and building a PC.
• Building a PC: the Illustrated Guide - Dan's Data's illustrated PC assembly guide.
• Building a Fresh New Win95 Machine - Good fundamentals in preparing for and executing an upgrade by TroubleShooters.
• Building Your Own PC - PC Mechanic's step-by-step guide to assembling a computer.
• Cheap Linux Box - Building a cheap Linux PC.
• Dave's Guide to Buying a Home Computer - Dave's buying guide and assembly instructions.
• Dr. Bob's: Rolling Your Own - Good overall view on building a PC.
• Dux Computer Digest How-To Page - Illustrated how-to's on building Super-7, Pentium II, Pentium III, and Athlon systems.
• Epigamer: Building and Upgrading your Computer - Illustrated guide to choosing parts and assembling a machine.
• Gamespot's PC Workshop 5 - Good overview of PC assembly from Gamespot.
• Hard Disk Partitioning: Why and How? - Stan Brown's page on partitioning a hard drive.
• Hardware Central's Build Your Own PC - Tutorials including step-by-step instructions on building a PC.
• How to Build a PC - Motherboard Homeworld's thorough step-by-step guide to building a PC.
• Intel OverDrive Upgrade Page - Large list of OverDrive compatible motherboards.
  • Installing an Interposer on 486 Systems - Interposer for the Pentium OverDrive for 486 (P24T).
  • Installing an Interposer on Pentium Systems - Interposer for the 120/133 Pentium OverDrive.
• My Super PC - Specific product recommendations and where to get it for a good price along with links to product reviews and some assembly instructions.
• Open Systems - Rather detailed general overview of components that go in a home-built machine.
• PC Analysis - Computer Craft's guide on things to check on a non-functioning computer.
• PC-Clone UNIX Hardware Buyer's Guide - Tips on purchasing a PC for use with UNIX/Linux.
• The PC Guide's Procedure Guide - Step-by-step instructions on assembling and installing various components.
  • New PC Assembly Procedure - Putting together a new computer from scratch.
  • Configuration Procedures - Configuring hardware components.
  • Installation Procedures - Installing various hardware components.
  • Identification Procedures - How to identify hardware components.
  • Software Procedures - Tweaks and tips for software and operating systems.
• The PC Guide's Troubleshooting and Repair Guide - Flow chart style Yes/No questions for diagnosing PC troubles.
  • Troubleshooting Boot Time Error Messages - Lots of boot error messages explained.
  • Troubleshooting Run-Time Error Messages - Many run-time error messages explained.
  • Troubleshooting System Instability - Good suggestions on some of the more likely causes of crashes.
• Processor Upgrading FAQ - Answers to many of the frequently asked questions about CPU upgrades.
• Sharky's Guide to Building a PC - Building a computer step by step.
• SysOpt's How to Build Your Own PC - Good info on rolling your own.
• Tech Angel Build Your Own PC - Illustrated guide to assembling a PC.
• The Dead PC - ComputerCraft's overview of things to try when investigating a non-functioning computer.
• The Hand-Me-Down PC - Lots of general information about hardware components.
• The Tech Zone Build it Yourself - Illustrated guide to building your own computer.
• This Old 486 - ComputerCraft's illustrated guide to upgrading that old 486. Also has processor socket chart.
• The Truth About Buying a Computer - Gamecenter article with general computer buying tips. [Aug 97]
• Tweak 3D's How to Build a PC - Tweak 3D's step-by-step installation guide.
• UGeek's PC System Builder Recommendations - Suggestions on what to look for when building a new machine.
• Webtech Online How to Build a PC - Overview of assembling a PC.
  
  Newsgroups
• alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt - Newsgroup on rolling your own PC.
  • The PC Guide - Closest thing to a FAQ for alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt newsgroup. Excellent resource.

Safety, Care, and Maintenance

• CERT.org - Virus alerts and information.
• ComputerCraft's The Secret Guide to Computers - Many good maintenance tips.
• Datafellows (F-Prot) Virus Information Centre - Info on computer virii and hoaxes.
  • F-Prot Download - Free DOS-based virus scanner.
• Dr. Solomon's Virus Central - Info and alerts on various virii.
• Network Associates Incorporated Virus Info - Info on various virii including hoaxes.
• The PC Guide: Safety Warnings - Good tips on safety for you and your computer.
• The PC Guide: System Care Guide - Good tips on care and maintenance for your computer. Staying out of trouble can be half the battle.
• sci.electronics.repair FAQ: Safety - Safety guidelines.
• SimTelNet Anti-Virus - Many DOS-based anti-virus utilities.
• The Truth About Owning a Computer - Gamecenter article on basic computer upkeep. [Sep 97]
  
  Newsgroups
• alt.comp.virus - Newsgroup on computer virii.

Hardware Pricing

• Bizrate - BizRate.
• CompareBay - CompareBay.
• Computers Canada - Computers Canada.
• iBuyer.net - iBuyer.
• Lower Prices - Lower Prices.
• Price Combat - Price Combat.
• Price Network - Price Network (Canadian).
• Price Scan - Price Scan.
• Price Watch - Price Watch.
• Tech Bargains - Listings of hot deals and rebates on computer hardware.
  
  Newsgroups
• alt.ads.forsale.computers Forsale newsgroup.
• biz.comp.hardware - Forsale newsgroup.
• biz.marketplace.pc-clone - Forsale newsgroup for x86 personal computers.
• misc.forsale.computers.pc-specific.systems Forsale newsgroup for x86 PC systems.
  • misc.forsale.* FAQ - biz.marketplace.* and misc.forsale.* newsgroups FAQ.

Consumer Links

• Better Business Bureau - Better Business Bureau (USA and Canada).
• Computer Hardware Vendor Guide - Small list of vendor ratings.
• Consumer Information Center - Pueblo Colorado's well known governmental consumer publications.
  • Consumer Resource Handbook - Advice on smart shopping, consumer resources, and government agencies.
• Consumer World - Links to numerous consumer-oriented sites.
  • Consumer Resources - Huge list of links to consumer resources.
• Dean Kent's Articles - Articles covering various hardware-related subjects.
  • Observations About Overclocking - The impact of overclocking on reseller RMAs.
  • Some Remarks About Remarks - Article on remarked processors.
  • Stupid Vendor Tricks - Top ten list of things vendors try to pull.
• Dejanews - Search old newsgroup posts for a company name to see what others think about them. Be careful: people are often much more critical on usenet than at other sources.
• ESmarts - Reviews of online mail order companies.
• National Fraud Information Center - Place to report cases of serious fraud.
• NICE - National Institute for Consumer Education.
  • Comparison Shopping - Some simple guidelines on comparison shopping.
  • How To Complain and Get Results - Some simple lessons on complaining effectively.
• The PC Guide: Buyer's Guide - Extensive look at computer hardware purchasing. Includes guides on criteria for choosing hardware components, how to evaluate and deal with hardware vendors, and avoiding and solving hardware buying problems.
  • Understanding PC Sources, Vendors, and Prices - Large section on where to buy computer hardware, who may best fit your needs, and common vedor practices (both good and bad).
• The PC Guide: Repairs, Returns, Refunds - Some guidelines on what to look for when having a repair done or when exercising the warranty.
• PC World Articles
  • The ABC's of Mail-Order Shopping [Jul 96].
  • Find a Great PC Deal on the Web [Jul 97].
  • Shopping: What's Up With Warranties? [Apr 97].
• Reseller Ratings - Mail order survey
  • Reseller Ratings - Google cache of Reseller Ratings mail order survey.
  • Reseller Ratings - Web Archive of Reseller Ratings pages.

CPUs

• 2CPU.com - News and information on Symmetric Multi-Processing.
• The 3DNow! NOW Page - News and information on AMD's 3DNow! technology.
• 3DNow! UK - News and info on AMD chips.
• 3DNow.org - Organization dedicated to propagating the use of 3DNow! extensions.
• A1 Electronics - Contains CPU and chipset info as well as roadmaps.
• AlphaPowered - Page dedicated to the Digital Alpha processor.
• Alternative CPU - Bryan Davis' excellent pages full of information on non-Intel processors.
• AMD 5x86-133 Upgrade Info - Page with some good specifics on upgrading to a 5x86-133.
• AMD Appreciation Site - Site dedicated to AMD processors.
• AMD Insider - News and info site on AMD processors.
• AMD Official Site - AMD's processors (486, Nx586, 5x86, K5, K6, K6-2, K6-III, Athlon, Duron).
  • Athlon XP - AMD Official Athlon XP Site
• AMD MB - Hardware news and reviews focusing on AMD-based motherboards.
• AMD Power - News and reviews of AMD CPUs.
• AMD Town - Hardware news, reviews, and articles.
• AMD Xtreme - News, reviews, and information on AMD chips.
• AMD Zone - News and info relating to AMD processors.
• AnandTech CPU Reviews - Anand's CPU reviews.
• Athlon MB - Reviews and information on Athlon-based motherboards.
• Athlon Planet - News and reviews focusing on Athlon-related hardware.
• Bill's AL440LX Slocket 2 Guide - Upgrading the Intel AL440LX motherboard.
• Centaur Technology - Old Centaur/IDT Winchip processors (Winchip, Winchip-2, Winchip-2A, Winchip-2B, Winchip-3).
• Chip Architect - Some news and analysis of x86 CPUs.
• Chip Directory - Alphabetically listed chip information. Extensive lists.
• Chip Geek - UGeek's listing of processor specifications.
• Chip Shots - Cool pictures of processors.
• Clive Turvey's Homepage - Highly technical information on Intel processors.
• CPU Central - Information on various processors. Includes CPU disassembly page (not for the faint of heart! ;)).
• CPU Chip List - Aad Offerman's huge list of CPUs. Did I say huge? I meant HUGE.
• CPU Database - Links to hardware reviews.
• The CPU Guide - Information and recommendations on many processors.
• CPUID - Information on Intel and AMD's x86 instruction sets.
• CPU Information Center - History of microprocessors. Includes large chart of CPU information.
  • CPU Information Center - CIC mirror site.
• CPU Review - News and information on various processors.
• CPU Scorecard - CPU benchmarks, news, prices, and reviews.
• CPU Site - News and information on various microprocessors.
• Cyrix Official Site - Cyrix processors (CX-486, 486DX2, 5x86, MediaGX, 6x86, 6x86L, 6x86MX, M-II).
• Dell Dimension Processor Upgrade FAQ - Really good info on upgrading Dell systems.
• Digital Equipment Official Site - Digital processors (Alpha). Note: The Alpha is not natively x86 compatible.
  • Alpha Documentation - PDF files on Alpha processors.
• Doctor Dobb's Microprocessor Center - Robert Collins' site on x86 processors. Data sheets, motherboard manuals and general x86 news and commentary.
  • Hot News - DDJ Microprocessor Center's links to articles on the CPU industry.
• EPIC Home Page - Indepth info on Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing.
• Evergreen Official Site - CPU adapters (586, PR166, MxPro, Eclipse PCI, Eclipse Super-7 PCI, Spectra).
• Generation AMD - News about AMD processors.
• GBM x86 Stuff - Grzegorz Mazur's undocumented info on the K5 and 6x86 chips.
• GiZzO's Fans - Specs for a wide variety of CPU and case fans.
• Hardware and Chip Fabrication - Information on non-Intel chips and CPU manufacture.
• High Performance Microprocessors - Brief descriptions and direct links to info on various microprocessors (not just x86).
• Hypertransport.org - Hypertransport consortium website.
• HP IA64 - Hewlett-Packard's page on IA64 (Merced, etc.).
• IBM Official Site - IBM processors. (6x86, 6x86L, 6x86MX).
• Intel Official Site - Intel processors (486, OverDrive, Pentium, Pentium Pro, Pentium MMX, Pentium II, Pentium III, Celeron, Xeon, Pentium 4, Itanium).
  • Future of Intel Processors - Intel's page on upcoming chips.
  • How to Contact Intel - Phone numbers and addresses for contacting Intel.
  • IA64 - Intel's page on their 64-bit Merced chips.
  • Installing an Interposer on 486 Systems - Interposer for the Pentium OverDrive for 486 (P24T).
  • Installing an Interposer on Pentium Systems - Interposer for the Pentium OverDrive 120/133.
  • Intel Architecture FAQs - FAQ about Intel processors. Includes link to History of Intel processors.
  • Intel Developer Main Page - Technical information on Intel's processors.
  • Intel Literature Center - PDF files on Intel processors.
  • Intel OverDrive BIOS Update Tool - Test whether your computer can take the OverDrive with MMX.
  • Intel OverDrive Processor Sockets for 486 Systems - Socket sketches and processor information.
  • Intel OverDrive Processor Sockets for Pentium Systems - Socket sketches and processor information.
  • Intel OverDrive Upgrades - Intel Overdrive cpu information and jumpers settings for various motherboards.
  • Intel OverDrive w/ MMX Upgrades - OverDrive w/ MMX info.
  • Intel OverDrive for Pentium Pro Systems - Pentium II OverDrive for Pentium Pro (Socket 8).
  • Intel Processor Roadmap - CPU roadmaps.
  • Master S-Spec Table - S-Specs for Pentium Pro, Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium 4, Celeron, and Xeon chips.
  • Microprocessor Quick Reference - List of Intel chips since 4004.
  • Product Change Notification - Announcements of discontinued Intel products.
  • Pentium Processor Markings - Reading the markings on a Pentium processor.
  • Pentium and Pentium MMX Quick Reference Guide - P54C and P55C sSpec Reference guide.
  • Pentium Pro Quick Reference Guide - Pentium Pro sSpec Reference Guide.
  • Pentium II Quick Reference Guide - Pentium II sSpec Reference Guide.
  • Pentium III Quick Reference Guide - Pentium III sSpec Reference Guide.
  • Celeron Quick Reference Chart - Celeron sSpec Reference Guide (PDF file).
  • Xeon Quick Reference Chart - Xeon sSpec Reference Guide.
  • Pentium III Xeon Quick Reference Chart - Pentium III Xeon sSpec Reference Guide.
  • Processor Performance - Performance comparisons between Intel processors.
  • Processor Hall of Fame - Intel's overview of past and present processors.
  • Sand to Silicon - Intel's overview of how processors are made.
• Intel Processor Price Chart - List of prices for Intel chips over time.
• The Intel Roadmap - Information gathered from various news sources on upcoming CPU, chipset, and graphics products.
  • Kenneth's Old Site - Old Intel roadmap updates.
  • The Old Tech Roadmap - Old Non-Intel roadmap updates.
• Intel Zone - News and reviews focusing on Intel-related hardware.
• Jason's Unofficial Celeron Page - Photos and some information on the Celeron chip.
• JC's PC News'n'Links - Collection of PC news and news updates from CPU and other hardware-oriented sites.
• The K6 Quake/FPU Issue - Interesting reading concerning AMD's K6 processor running Quake.
• Kingston Official Site - CPU adapters (Turbochip-133, 233, and 333) and memory.
• Kim Noer's Electrical Stuff - Electrical specs on various Alpha, x86, and PowerPC chips.
• MicroDesign Resources - In-depth articles on computer processors.
• Mike's Hardware - Roadmap info on upcoming CPUs, chipsets, and graphic cards.
• National Semiconductor Official Site - Cyrix processors. (MediaGX, 6x86MX, M-II).
• Net Express CPU - Pricing, performance, and future of CPUs.
• Notes on Pentium and Compatible CPUs - CPU voltages, bus speeds, multipliers, and sockets.
• Paul Hsieh's Homepage - Interesting CPU articles and other stuff.
  • Paul Hsieh's 6th Generation x86 CPU Comparisons - Look at the differing architectures in the AMD K6, Intel Pentium-II, and Cyrix 6x86MX.
  • Paul Hsieh's 7th Generation x86 CPU Comparisons - Look at the differing architectures in the AMD Athlon, Alpha 21264, and Intel Pentium-III.
• PC 80x86 Processors - Old (1995) but informative overview on the evolution of the 80x86 processor.
• The PC Guide: Processors - Very detailed look at the various x86 processors. Includes details on voltages, multipliers, cooling requirements, sockets types, and more.
• The PC Technology Guide: Intel Processors - General overview of the history of Intel procs and architecture of Pentium and later CPUs.
• The PC Technology Guide: Non-Intel CPUs - Discussion of the architectural differences of non-Intel processors.
• Plasma Online - Listing of codenames and identifying numbers for most every CPU, chipset, etc.
  • Intel CPU Almanac - List of Intel processors since 4004.
• PNY Official Site - CPU adapters (Quickchip-133 and 200).
• Power Leap Official Site - CPU adapters (PL/586-133, PL/54C, PL/OD54C, PL/54CMMX, PL/ProMMX, PL/K6-III, PL/PII, PL/Renaissance/AT).
  • FriendTech's Home Page - Has pictures and more info on PowerLeap adapters.
• Processor Emporium - News and lots of information on various x86 processors.
• Processor Guide - Sys Opt's processor reviews, specifications, and utilities.
• Processor Information - Info on Intel processors including the instruction set and opcodes.
  • MMX Instructions - List and short descriptions of the MMX instructions.
• Processor Upgrading FAQ - Answers to many of the frequently asked questions about CPU upgrades.
• Red Hill Guide to CPUs - An excellent overview of the evolution of the microprocessor.
• Rise Official Site - Rise processors (mP6).
• Sandpile.org - Christian Ludluff's processor site with technical information and discussion about CPUs.
• SGS Thomson Official Site - SGS Thomson's processors (486, 6x86).
• Shannon Knows Compaq - Terry Shannon's newsletter dedicated to info on Compaq (formerly DEC) enterprise systems.
• The Silicon Zoo - Some interesting silicon doodles that were included on various CPUs. :-)
• Techfest Processors - Good list of direct links to info on various CPUs.
• Tech Specs: PCs - Detailed information on computers including info on Math-Co and OverDrive CPUs.
• Timeline of Microcomputers - Very thorough timeline on the evolution of computers.
• Transmeta Official Site - Transmeta processors (Crusoe).
  • Crusoe.com - Alternate site.
• Transmeta Zone - News and information site on Transmeta processors.
• Unofficial Case and Cooling Fetish FAQ - Lots of info and recommendations for heatsinks and CPU/case fans.
• VIA Official Site - Cyrix and VIA processors. (M-II, Cyrix III, C3).
• Winchip Official Site - Centaur/IDT processors (Winchip, Winchip-2).
• x86-64 - AMD's support site for porting Linux to x86-64.
  
  CPU Cooling Info
• 2CoolTek - News and in-depth cooling info and comparisons.
• Aavid Technical Papers - Technical papers on heat transfer. Includes articles on selecting a heatsink.
• Benchtest - Information and articles on system cooling.
  • CPU Cooler Programs - Comparison of CPU Idle, Waterfall, and Rain programs.
  • Way2Cool - One guy's attempts to cool his processor and case.
• Celeron Cooling - Cooling an overclocked Celeron.
• Flotherm Examples - Interesting info about heatflow and cooling options for various electronic devices.
• The Heatsink Guide - Tillmann Steinbrecher's Heatsink Guide.
• How to Select a Heatsink - Old Electronics Cooling article on the technical aspects of heatsinks.
• Make-It-Simple Projects - Some home-brew cooling and noise reduction projects.
• Mike's Water-Cooled CPU - Taking CPU cooling just a bit too far. :-)
• Overclockers.com Heatsink Reviews - Loads of heatsink reviews and cooling info.
• PC Cooling Project - Fast Graphics' system cooling information.
• Peltier Effect - Commercial page with info on how peltier coolers work.
• System Cooling - Anand's cooling guide.
• Tweakit CPU Cooling - Some hard numbers on heatsink effectiveness.
  
  Benchmark Comparisons
• Ace's Hardware: The Best CPU for Your Software - Various CPUs. [Jun 99]
• AnandTech - Various. [Index of reviews]
• Ars Technica - Various. [Index of reviews]
• Benchmarks: Fact, Fiction, or Fantasy? - A critical look at benchmarking practices. [Mar 98]
• Berkley - Most chips. [Continuous]
• c't Magazine - Pentium vs. Pentium MMX vs. Pentium Pro vs. Pentium II. [Feb 97]
• c't Magazine - K6 vs. Pentium MMX vs. Pentium Pro vs. Pentium II. [Apr 97]
• Chris' Lightwave Benchmark - Various chips. [Continuous]
• CPU Review - Various. [Index of reviews]
• The CPU Site - K6 vs. K6-2 vs. MII vs. Pentium MMX vs. Pentium II. [Jul 98]
• HW Upgrade CPU Comparison - K6-2 vs. 6x86MX vs. C6 vs. Pentium MMX vs. Pentium II vs. Celeron. [Dec 98]
• InQuest Market Research - Bert McComas' benchmark analyses.
• JC's Athlon Reviews - Index of Athlon (K7) reviews from different websites. [Index of reviews]
• John Howland Specialty Tech - K6 vs. K6-2 vs. 6x86 vs. 6x86MX vs. Pentium MMX vs. Celeron vs. Pentium II vs. mP6. [Continuous]
• Linux Benchmarking HOWTO - Some good tips for benchmarking (particularly Linux).
• Maximum Hardware 3D Bench Center - Various gaming benchmarks. [Index of reviews]
• Olaf Corten's Pro/Engineer CAD Benchmarks - Various CPUs.
• Passmark CPU Evaluation - K6 vs. K6-2 vs. Athlon vs. 486 vs. Pentium vs. Pentium MMX vs. Celeron vs. Pentium II vs. Pentium III. [Continuous]
• PC Techware
  • Slot 1 vs. Socket 7 - K6-2 vs. Celeron A. [Nov 98]
  • K6-2 vs. Celeron - K6-2 vs. Celeron A. [Dec 98]
• Performance Database Server - Collection of benchmark results for various CPUs. [Continuous]
• POV Bench - POVRay raytracing benchmark.
• The Redhill Guide
  • CPU Performance - Relative scores among various chips. [Continuous]
  • CPU Costs - Relative cost of various chips at different times. [Continuous]
  • CPU Value for Money - Price/Performance of various chips. [Continuous]
• Sharky Extreme - Various. [Index of reviews]
• SPEC Benchmark Results - Various chips. [Continuous]
• SysOpt K6 - K6 vs. Pentium vs. Pentium MMX vs. Pentium Pro vs. Pentium II. [May 97]
• Tom's Hardware - Various. [Index of reviews]
  • Celeron A - K6-2 vs. 6x86MX vs. Pentium MMX vs. Pentium II vs. Celeron vs. Celeron A. [Aug 98]
  • Celeron Performance Overview - K6-2 vs. Pentium II vs. Celeron A. [Jan 99]
  • CPU Perf. from Socket 7 to Slot 1 - K6 vs. K6-2 vs. 6x86MX vs. Pentium MMX vs. Pentium II vs. Celeron. [Apr 98]
  • New CPUs from AMD and Intel - Various chips. [Feb 99]
  • K6 - K6 vs. Pentium MMX vs. Pentium Pro. [Early 1997]
  • 6x86MX (M2) - K6 vs. 6x86MX vs. Pentium MMX vs. Pentium Pro vs. Pentium II. [May 97]
  • C6 - K6 vs. 6x86MX vs. C6 vs. Pentium MMX. [Oct 97]
  • Klamath redux - K6 vs. Pentium MMX vs. Pentium Pro vs. Pentium II. [Apr 97]
  
  
  Overclocking
• Athlon Overclocking - Reviews and articles focusing on getting the most out of an Athlon system.
• Athlon Overclocking FAQ - Tech Report's Athlon overclocking FAQ.
• BXBoards - Much dealing with overclocking Pentium II and Celeron systems.
• Celeron Overclocking FAQ - Info on overclocking a Celeron.
• Club Overclocker - Hardware news and reviews.
• Disabled Multipliers on Intel CPUs - List of Intel processors that have disabled multipliers.
• DOA (Degenerate Overclockers Anonymous) - Humorous view of some extreme overclocking.
• Extreme Overclocking - Overclocking articles and links to product reviews.
• Hard OCP - Much overclocking info.
• Mike's Water Cooled CPU - Overclocking run amok!
• OC Addiction - Hardware news, reviews, and articles.
• OC AthlonXP - Overclocking info (including explanation of Athlon bridges) on AMD CPUs.
• OC Power - Overclocking Athlon processors.
• OC Prices - Hardware news, reviews, and prices.
• OC Shoot - Hardware news and guides.
• OC Tools - Overclocking resources.
• Overclock Intelligence Agency - Overclocking news, reviews, mods, and articles.
• Overclockable - News and reviews oriented towards overclocking hardware.
• Overclocked Cafe - News and reviews.
• Overclocker Cafe - PC hardware news, reviews, and articles.
• Overclocked Inside - Articles on overclocking as well as downloadable utilities.
• Overclockers.com - Very good indepth articles on overclocking a PC along with news and general hardware reviews.
• Overclockers Australia - Hardware news, reviews, and articles.
• Overclocker's Club - Hardware, tech news, reviews, benchmarks, and overclocking.
• Overclockers Online - PC hardware news and articles.
• Overclockers RIP - Links to reviews on other hardware sites.
• Overclockers Online - PC hardware news and articles.
• Overclocker's Workbench - Site with tips on getting the most out of overclocking.
• Overclockin'.com - Information and tips on overclocking your PC.
• Overclocking FAQ - Anand's general guide to overclocking a CPU.
• The Overclocking Guide - Tom Pabst's aging guide to overclocking. Discusses heat and reliability issues as well as system performance benefits. Includes an extensive survey.
• Overclocking Information - System Optimization's guide to overclocking. Includes overclocking FAQ.
• Overclocking Survey - Listing of overclocking successes.
• Overclocking: A Dissenting Opinion - Overclocking isn't all peaches and cream.
• TweakMax - Overclocking and optimizing performance. Includes an overclocked database as well as hardware news.
• United Overclockers - News, forums, and information on overclocking.
  
  Newsgroups
• alt.comp.hardware.amd.thunderbird - AMD Thunderbird (Athlon) newsgroup.
• alt.comp.hardware.overclocking - Overclocking newsgroup.
• alt.comp.hardware.overclocking.amd - AMD Overclocking newsgroup.
• comp.arch - Computer architecture newsgroup.
• comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips - Processors newsgroup.
  • comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware FAQ - FAQ for comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.chips newsgroup.
• comp.sys.intel - General CPU industry discussion newsgroup.
• cs.amd - General discussion group about AMD products.

Motherboards

• ALi Chipsets - Chipset manufacturer.
• Anand's Reviews - Reviews of motherboards from Anand's Hardware tech page.
  • Anand's Chipset Guide - Chipset features guide.
• ATI - Chipset manufacturer.
• Bus Mastering Drivers - Site on bus mastering drivers for various chipsets. Includes tips on installing and uninstalling.
• Chipsets: The Most Important Components - Excellent discussion of motherboard chipsets.
• Dick Perron's Motherboard Web List - Links to many motherboard manufacturer websites.
• Hardware/Software Technical links - Tips on identifying and upgrading a motherboard. Many links to motherboard manuals.
• Identify Intel Chipsets - Listing of existing and upcoming Intel Chipsets
• Intel's Motherboard Pages
  • Intel Chipsets - Intel's page on their chipsets.
  • Intel Chipsets - Older AGP/PCI Intel chipsets.
  • Intel Chipsets - Older PCI Intel chipsets.
  • Intel Chipsets Chart - Comparison chart of Intel chipsets.
  • Intel Motherboard FAQs - Information, BIOS upgrades, form factors, and the ISA configuration utility.
  • Intel Motherboard Information - Intel's info on various motherboards. Including BIOS updates.
• Intel Motherboard Specs - Specs on numerous Intel-made motherboards.
• Intel Motherboard Manuals - x86.org's list of Intel motherboard manuals.
• Intel PCI Motherboard Chipsets - Details on the various Intel chipsets.
• The Mainboard Guide - Tom's Motherboard evaluations, specifications, and recommendations.
• Motherboard Database - Large listing of motherboards including jumper settings.
• Motherboard Sites - Unofficial sites on one motherboard.
  • ABit BE6 Unofficial FAQ - Page on the ABit BE6 motherboard. (P-II)
  • BP6.com - Page on the ABit BP6 motherboard. (Celeron)
  • Unofficial ABit BX6 Page - Page on the ABit BX6 motherboard. (P-II)
  • Paul's Unofficial ABit KG7/KR7 FAQ - Page on ABit KG7 Raid and KR7 Raid motherboards. (Athlon)
  • KT7 FAQ - Page on ABit KT7 motherboard (also includes info on KA7). (Athlon)
  • VP6.com - Page on ABit VP6 motherboard. (P-II)
  • Hacked Up AP5T - Page on altering the AOpen AP5T for use with newer CPUs (not for the faint of heart). (586)
  • CUSL2.com - Page on the Asus CUSL2 motherboard. (P-II)
  • Asus K7M - Page on the Asus K7M motherboard. (Athlon)
  • ASUS P/I-P55T2P4 FAQ - Page on the Asus motherboard. (586)
  • Unofficial Asus P5A Page - Page on the Asus P5A. (586)
  • Asus P3V4X-fest - Unofficial page on the Asus P3V4X motherboard. (P-II)
  • Biostar MB-8433UUD - Page on the Biostar 8433UUD motherboard. (486 PCI)
  • Biostar Motherboards - Pages on Biostar boards (8500 series). (586)
  • FIC PA-2007 Technical Reference - Page on the FIC PA-2007. (586)
  • FIC VA503+ - Settings for the VA503+. (586)
  • FIC VA503+ FAQ - Unofficial FAQ for FIC VA503+ motherboard.
  • Bill's AL440LX Slocket 2 Guide - Page on using a Slocket 2 with the Intel AL440LX motherboard. (Celeron)
  • Hacked Up GA586HX - Page on altering the Gigabyte GA586HX for use with newer CPUs (not for the faint of heart). (586)
  • Unofficial GA586HX - Page on reworking the Gigabyte GA586HX for use with newer CPUs (not for the faint of heart). (586)
  • Gigabyte TX/TX2/TX3 - Page on various Gigabyte motherboards. (586)
  • Bill's AL440LX Installation Guide - Page on upgrading the Intel AL440LX board. Includes info on Slotket adapters. (P-II)
  • PCChips Lottery - Helpful page for figuring out what type of PCChips board you have.
  • PCChips TXPro - Page on the PC Chips TXPro motherboard (586)
  • Skinned Knuckles (PCChips VXPro) - Pages on modifying a VX-Pro for use with newer chips. (586)
  • Shuttle HOT-569 - My page on the Shuttle HOT-569. (586)
  • Brett's Shuttle HOT-603 Page - Page on the Shuttle HOT-603. (586)
  • VIP M919 - Page on the VIP M919 motherboard. (486 VLB/PCI)
• Motherboard Homeworld - Billy Newsom's motherboard page. CPU and chipset information. Assembling a PC. Motherboard search engine.
• Motherboard Information - SysOpt's Motherboard manuals, specifications, and reviews.
• The Motherboard Proxy - Kevin Speaks' motherboard comparison database. Find and compare a variety of motherboards based on it's features.
• Net Express Motherboards - Commercial site with info on compatibility and chipsets.
• The PC Guide: Motherboards - Very thorough overview of the single most important component inside a computer. Form factors, chipsets, L2 cache, IRQ's, BIOS configurations, etc.
• PCI Chipset List - List of PCI-compliant chipsets (486, 586, and 686 compatibles).
• The PC Technology Guide: Motherboards - Overview of the components that make up a motherboard. Including mobo form factors.
• Pentium CPU Sockets - PowerLeap's overview of the capabilities of Sockets 4, 5, and 7.
• Server Works - Chipset manufacturer.
• SiS Chipsets - Chipset manufacturer.
• Slot A.com - Information and reviews focusing on Athlon-compatible motherboards.
  • Socket A - Same site as Slot-A.com.
• SMP Motherboards - List of dual-capable motherboards.
• Super 7 Hardware Guide - Information on 100MHz Socket 7 motherboards and components.
• Super 7 Motherboard Specs - Motherboard specs for many Super 7 boards.
• Tweak It - Antiquated, yet thorough, motherboard benchmark tests along with motherboard specs.
• Upgrading with the AMD K6 - c't article on the AMD K6. Contains a list of K6-compatible motherboards. Also has info on typical clock frequencies, voltages, and BF jumpers for Pentium MMX (P55C) and K6.
• VIA Chipsets - Chipset/CPU manufacturer.
  • VIA Chipsets - Alternate site.
  • VIA Arena - Support, downloads, and FAQs on VIA products.
  
  
  Newsgroups
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.abit - ABit newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.aopen - AOpen newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus - Asus newsgroup.
  • ASUS Newsgroups Server - Product-specific newsgroups run by Asus.
  • ASUS Tech Ref Guide - Reference page to Asus products.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.chaintech - Chaintech newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.elitegroup - Elitegroup newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.epox - Epox newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.fic - FIC newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.giga-byte - Giga-Byte newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.msi-microstar - MSI newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.m-tech - M-Tech newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.octek - Octek newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.qdi - QDI newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.shuttle - Shuttle newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.soyo - Soyo newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.supermicro - Super Micro newsgroup.
• alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.tyan - Tyan newsgroup.

BIOS

• Adrian's Rojak Pot's BIOS Guide - Explanation of most all BIOS settings.
• All BIOS - Links to BIOS updates and manuals for most motherboards.
• BIOS Beep Codes - BIOS beep codes by ComputerCraft. AMI, Phoenix, and IBM beep codes.
• BIOS Survival Guide - Mirror of old BIOS Survival Guide.
• Lost Circuits BIOS Guide - Explanation of the various BIOS settings.
• The PC Guide: BIOS - Good in-depth overview of system BIOS functions and settings.
• The PC Guide: BIOS Beep Codes - Diagnose a variety of problems with the motherboard.
• PCMech BIOS - BIOS info.
• Phoenix Technologies Technical Specs - Various tech specs for BIOSes. Includes multiple-boot BIOS select, CD-ROM boot, Enhanced Disk Drive (Int13 Extensions), and USB specs.
• TweakBIOS - Cool utility for tweaking a computer's BIOS settings.
• Wim's BIOS Page - Huge list of computer BIOS information.
  
  Newsgroups
  • comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware FAQ - FAQ for comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* newsgroups. Some BIOS info.

RAM and Cache

• The ChipWork's RAM Page - Identifying DRAM and SRAM modules.
• DDR Memory - Site with a bit of info on DDR PCs.
• Dean Kent's Memory Guides - Links to Dean's various memory guides across the internet.
• Diagnosing Problems with Memory Chips - Instructions on using various DOS tools to find bad memory chips.
• The Fake Cache Page - Some info and good links concerning fake L2 (secondary) cache chips.
• Kingston Memory Primer - General information on memory chips and how they work.
  • Kingston Memory Bits - Some bits of info on system RAM.
  • Memory Bits: The Fuss about the Bus - Kingston's overview of 100MHz capable RAM.
• Memory Specifications - Intel's page of memory specs including a PC100 SDRAM vendor evaluation.
• Micron (Crucial) Memory FAQ - Lots of answers to common question including registered vs. buffered vs. unbuffered, Windows memory limits, etc.
• Micron (Crucial) Tech Data - Lots of good info on system memory.
• SDRAM vs. EDO - Some benchmarks between the two DRAM technologies.
• The PC Guide: System Cache - Overview of what caches exist within a computer and their function.
  • The PC Guide: System Cache Characteristics - An explanation of L2 (secondary) cache and cacheable RAM.
• The PC Guide: System Memory - Overview and explanation of different types of memory.
  • The PC Guide: Memory Packaging - Lots of good info on memory packages and things to look out for when buying RAM.
• The PC Technology Guide: Memory - Overview of the function of memory and different memory types.
• Quad Band Memory - Info page on QBM.
• Tom's RAM Guide - Tom's guide to main system memory.
• Rambus - Rambus official page.
  • http://www.rdram.com/ - Rambus page with specifications.
• Sharky Extreme Memory Guide - Dean Kent's memory guide.
• SIMM Tester's Memory FAQ - Good Q & A of commonly asked RAM questions.
• SLDRAM.com - SyncLink DRAM organization.
• Understanding DRAM Chip Numbers - Identifying DRAM modules.
• VisionTek SDRAM White Paper - Info on a variety of DRAM types.

Storage

• ATA-ATAPI.com - Hale's how it works documents on the ATA standard.
• Dave's SCSI School - Information on the inner workings of SCSI systems.
• Device Bay Official Page - Device Bay storage platform.
• Firmware Support Documents - Mostly BIOS upgrades, but some commentary on cable select jumpers, cluster size, Disk Manager and EZ Drive, LBA, drives bigger than 4GB, and the new partition type.
• Gibson Research - Spinrite home and some info on the Iomega Zip and Jaz Click-of Death^TM.
• GSI Cable Select - Information on cable select feature for ATA/IDE drives.
• Hard Drive Related Terms and Tricks - Erik van Straten's hard drive info page. Lots of issues concerning hard drives (LBA, DMA, PIO, FAT32, partitions, and much much more).
• Hard Drive Related Tools - Erik van Straten's list of diagnostic and benchmark tools for hard drives.
• Hard Drive Search - Search for info on hundreds of hard drives.
• Hard Disk Partitioning: Why and How? - Stan Brown's page on partitioning a hard drive.
• Installing a Hard Drive - ComputerCraft's guide to installing a hard drive.
• Jan's PC Upgrade Problems Page - Some good info on common hard drive problems. Includes util to detect BIOS Int13h Extensions for hard drives greater than 8.4GB.
• Net Express Hard Drives - Commercial site with some technical info (including SCSI).
• OSR2 FAQ - Sean Erwin's excellent OSR2 (Win95b) FAQ. Includes lengthy discussion on FAT32.
• PC Disk - Specs on thousands of hard drives.
• The PC Guide: Floppy Disk Drives - Info on floppy drive construction as well as disk capacities.
• The PC Guide: Hard Disk Drives - Overview of the history of hard drives and their construction. Discussion on drive geometries and the many problems with BIOS limitations and large hard drives.
  • The PC Guide: RAID - Indepth look at RAID systems and their configuration.
• The PC Technology Guide: Storage - Good detailed info on various types of data storage.
• Peter den Haan's EIDE Storage Page - Lots of information about IDE storage devices including the EIDE FAQ. Also has links to basic storage information, the 504MB barrier, Ultra ATA, and FAT32.
• Ranish's Partitioning Primer - Good info and links on partitioning a hard drive.
• SCSI Support - Adaptec's page on SCSI peripherals. Installation, general issues with cables, etc.
• Storage Review - Indepth information and reviews on storage products.
• Storage Search - Links to many different manufacturers of storage devices.
• The Ref - Huge resource of specs and info on hard drives, floppy drives, other storage devices and their adapters.
• The Tech Page Hard Drives - Huge listing of old and new hard drives with specs and jumper settings.
• Tom's Hardware: Storage Guide - General information about hard drives. Includes Intel Triton Bus Master drivers.
• US Byte - Loads of information about hard drives and other storage devices.
• Western Digital Software Library - WD's downloadable drivers and utilities (EZ-Drive, WDBench, etc.).
  
  Newsgroups
• alt.comp.periphs.hdd - Hard disk drive newsgroup.
• alt.iomega.zip.jazz - Iomega Zip and Jaz drives newsgroup.
• comp.arch.storage - Storage devices newsgroup.
  • comp.arch.storage FAQ - FAQ for comp.arch.storage newsgroup.
• comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage - Fixed and removable storage devices newsgroup.
  • E-IDE FAQ - FAQ for E-IDE/Fast-ATA drives.
• comp.periphs.scsi - SCSI peripherals newsgroup.
  • comp.periphs.scsi FAQ - FAQ for comp.periphs.scsi newsgroup.

Video / Monitors

• 3D Accelerated Gaming - News and some hardware reviews.
• 3D Alpha - PC hardware reviews and articles.
• 3D Chipset - Web site dedicated to 3D video accelerators.
• 3D Gameman - Hardware news and reviews.
• 3DGPU.com - News and info on NVidia GeForce256-based video cards.
• 3D Graphics Card and OpenGL - Explanations of what goes into making up a 3D scene.
• 3D Hardware.net - Reviews and information on various PC components.
• 3D Power.net - News, reviews, and editorials on PC hardware.
• 3D Spotlight - News and reviews on 3D hardware and games.
• 3D Unlimited - Gaming-oriented hardware news and reviews.
• 3D Velocity - Gaming-oriented hardware news and reviews.
• 3dXtreme - Hardware news, reviews, and articles.
• 8 Dimensional - Links to many hardware reviews, particularly video cards.
• Anand's Video Card Reviews - Various reviews of video cards.
• AVS Forum - Site with loads of informative posts about home audio and video.
• Beyond 3D - News, reviews, and previews of PC hardware focusing on video cards.
  • Beyond 3D - Alternate URL.
• Bjorn's 3D World - News and information on NVidia and Rendition-based video cards.
• Carl's Graphics Primer - Some good information on how 3D graphics cards work.
• Digital Television - Site with HDTV news and info.
• Dimension 128 - Riva 128 and TNT news and information.
• DTV Web - Site with info and news on HDTV.
• Fast Graphics Site - Video card hardware reviews. Includes FastVid stuff.
• Fixed Frequency Video FAQ - Short FAQ on fixed frequency monitors and video cards.
• FPS 3D - Gaming hardware news site.
• G256 - Hardware news and review news mostly concerning NVidia-based cards.
• GeForce FAQ - FAQ for NVidia GeForce-based cards.
• Guru 3D - Gaming hardware and software site.
• Jon Peddie Associates - Video industry weekly journal.
• Mac Monitor Database - Extensive information on tons of monitors. Including many PC monitors.
• Matrox Users - Lots of news, information, and drivers for Matrox video cards.
• Maximum3D - Video card news and hardware reviews.
• Modifying NVidia Video Cards - Increasing picture quality on NVidia cards and other serious mods.
• Monitor Reviews
  • Cadalyst Monitor Reviews. [March 1999]
  • Cadalyst Monitor Reviews. [June 2001]
  • Cadalyst: Big Monitors that won't Blow your Budget. [July 2002]
  • Computers.com Monitor Reviews. [Continuous]
  • Review Finder Monitor Links. [Various]
  • Sharky Extreme. [October 1998]
  • Note: Because reviews only sample one monitor of each type, you really can't get an overall view of the quality of a particular model. Compile multiple reviews of the same monitor to get a better idea of its quality. And be wary of ratings that include price as an important factor. This can often artificially inflate the 'quality' of an average or below-average monitor. Also follow comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.video for real life comparisons.
• Monitors Direct Monitor Analysis Toolkit - Online CRT/LCD quality analysis tool.
• MPEG.org - MPEG pointers and resources.
• Multi-Monitor - Information on using two monitors on one PC.
• Net Express Video - Commercial site with video card terms and definitions.
• NV News - News on NVidia-based video cards.
• ParaKnowYa - 3D hardware news and articles.
• The PC Guide: Monitors - Overview of the inner workings of a monitor. Discusses refresh rates, image quality, CRT sizes, etc.
• The PC Guide: Video Cards - Various info on the workings of graphics adapters. Video modes, memory types, and display standards are covered.
• The PC Technology Guide: Multimedia - Detailed info on graphics cards and monitors.
• Planet GeForce - News, reviews, and articles mostly focusing on NVidia's GeForce.
• Plasma Online - Listing of codenames and identifying numbers for most every CPU, chipset, etc.
• PowerVR Network - Website for Power VR boards.
• Rage 3D - News, reviews, and articles on ATI-based video cards.
• Rage Underground - News, drivers, and info on ATI-based video cards.
• Reactor Critical - Loads of info and analysis on video chipsets. Includes up-to-date drivers for most every card.
• Reducing Eyestrain - Instructions on adjusting your monitor to reduce eyestrain.
• Reverend's 3D Pulpit - 3D hardware news and very indepth articles.
• Riva 3D - GeForce-related news, drivers, a