There may be two main CPU manufacturers, but picking the right processor is anything but simple. We put 51 CPUs through their paces

A range of cut-down Core 2 Duo processors that are fine for everyday tasks.

All the current chipsets from both the big gaming guns – ATi and Nvidia – tested, reviewed and rated.

It’s incredibly powerful, but recent releases offer similar performance for significantly less money.

A popular and fast top-end option, but it’s losing its grip to new competition from both sides.

Great performance at an appealing price, although the 9600 GT encroaches on its turf

Impressive performance for an affordable card, but the 9600 GT treads on its toes.

It had little competition at this price, and it knocks Nvidia 8600 cards out of the race, but Nvidia’s 9600 GT trumps it.

Superseded by both Nvidia’s new 9600 card and ATi’s excellent HD 3800 series

Disappointing gaming ability and a higher price than media-centre cards rule this one out of contention

Stunning image quality and every feature imaginable on a LCD, and the price is just about affordable too

Great picture and an impressively high resolution at a good price, but with few features

Another minor revision, but the addition of privacy functions further extends its impressively wide focus

A great media-centre card with some nice features – and at an affordable price

Takes the crown as today’s fastest graphics architecture, but you’ll have to pay for it

Hugely powerful for such a reasonable price, it’s far more appealing than a GTX or an Ultra

Buying the right case is highly important when building a new PC. We put five through our checks

Portability is key for these light laptops. We test six featherweights from just $1486 to more than $2500.

Powerful and well featured, but the ergonomics and battery life let it down.

Fast, stylish and crammed with features, but you’ll need a fat wallet to afford it