Matthew Connatser

Former Computing Writer

Matthew Connatser is a freelance writer who works on writing and updating PC guides at Digital Trends. He first got into PCs in 2015, the year he built his first desktop (which didn't even have a graphics card), and has been freelancing for various publications such as Tom's Hardware since 2018. Outside of the PC and tech scene, he's nearing graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in history and linguistics. Aside from English, he knows Classical Latin, some French, and a little Spanish.

When should you upgrade your CPU?

The CPU is arguably the most important component in a computer, but how do you know when you to upgrade? Here's how to tell whether it's time for a new chip.

Guides         October 1, 2024

How to test RAM: troubleshooting to find bad RAM

RAM is one of the key components of any computer. If you're diagnosing a problem with your PC, it's a good idea to check your RAM.

Guides         August 6, 2024

Does RAM speed matter for PC performance?

Frequency, latency, and memory channels impact the speed of RAM, but should you care how fast your RAM is? The short answer: Yes, but not too much.

Guides         August 6, 2024

What is CPU cache, and why is it so important for gaming?

CPU cache can have a big effect on processor and system performance. But what is cache, and what does it do? Read on to find out.

Guides         April 26, 2024

IPS vs. VA displays: Which is best for your monitor or TV?

If you're looking to buy an affordable monitor or TV for gaming or watching content, there's one question you need to ask yourself: Should you buy IPS or VA?

Guides         April 14, 2024

The best GPUs for 4K to make your games look awesome

Gaming at 4K might look amazing, but it sure is demanding on your PC. Here are the best graphics cards to make the most of your 4K gaming experience.

Best Ofs         February 16, 2024

How much GPU memory do I need?

Figuring out how much VRAM you need depends on how much VRAM you have, and the games and apps you want to run. Here's how to figure it all out.

Guides         July 7, 2023

AMD Ryzen 7000 vs. Intel Raptor Lake

AMD Ryzen 7000 and Intel's Raptor Lake are finally available, and the race for first place is tighter than ever before.

Best Ofs         October 20, 2022

The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is built for PS5 and DirectStorage

The launch of PCIe 5.0 devices doesn't mean PCIe 4.0 SSDs are old hat now, as Samsung is launching its new 990 Pro SSD with PCIe 4.0 and better performance.

News         October 18, 2022

What power supply do you need for the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080?

The RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 are fast but require lots of power. Here's what kind of PSU you'll need if you want one of Nvidia's top-end 40 series cards.

Guides         October 12, 2022

Intel Arc A750 vs. Nvidia RTX 3060

Intel is taking direct aim at Nvidia's midrange cards, and the Arc A750 is poised to strike at one of Nvidia's most popular GPUs, the RTX 3060.

Best Ofs         October 11, 2022

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X vs. Intel Core i9-12900K: Two flagships face off

Now that the Ryzen 9 7950X is here, it's time to put it up against the CPU that's dominated the market for nearly a year: Intel's Core i9-12900K.

Guides         October 3, 2022

Intel Unison is yet another attempt to make PCs and phones work together

Intel promises to unite your PC, phone, and other devices seamlessly with Intel Unison.

News         September 27, 2022

How to watch Intel’s 13th-gen Raptor Lake launch today (and what to expect)

Intel is set to announce its next-generation Raptor Lake CPUs in just a few short days. Here's how you can watch Intel's event live and what to expect.

Guides         September 27, 2022

How much does the RTX 4090 cost? RTX 40-series buying guide

Nvidia has finally announced the RTX 40 series, and alongside higher performance, these new GPUs come with high price tags.

Guides         September 21, 2022

EVGA is done making GPUs, and reports say it’s because of Nvidia

The decades long partnership between Nvidia and EVGA is now over, and not only will EVGA stop making Nvidia GPUs, it has no plans on making any GPUs ever again.

News         September 16, 2022

Ryzen 5 7600X vs. Intel Core i5-12600K

The AMD Ryzen 7600X is one of the most exciting chips to debut this year, but how does it stand up to Intel's killer 12600K CPU?

Best Ofs         September 11, 2022