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

With so many factors to consider, choosing a motherboard can be a bewildering exercise. We put 11 models through their pace to find the ultimate in performance, flexibility and value

AMD’s next generation of CPUs brings 45nm technology and higher clock speeds - but is that enough to compete with Intel’s latest and greatest?

Nvidia’s remix of the popular netbook platform lends Intel’s stripped-down Atom some added Graphical clout. We test the technology to see how it performs

This motherboard is a promising appetiser – although the real meal is yet to come.

Plenty of connectors, but not much pizzazz

Stack your system full of software without paying a penny, with our guide to essential downloads

Will splashing out on expensive RAM make a real difference to PC performance? And if so, how much should you buy? We supply the benchmarks and lay the details bare

A cheap, lightweight choice for single-core applications, but you get the performance you pay for.

The move to a new platform brings credible new challengers to Intel’s Core 2 processors

As you can see from the performance table, Core i7 is still a safe bet in terms of sheer speed, though the case for AMD is not as simple as that.

More approachable than ever, with excellent malware detection in an affordable package

Intel’s three new CPUs promise Core i7 power in an economical and efficient package. We put them through their paces to see whether small really is beautiful

Intel’s new range of desktop processors has been a long time coming, but at last it’s arrived - and it leaves all others in the dust

All the options you could want, although it’s pricey

A slightly bare but affordable media-centre board

Cheap, but there’s not much here to cheer about

A great combination of features at an excellent price makes this our new A-List board - suitable for just about everyone.

If you're a gamer or enthusiast, the trusty conventional PC is still your friend, not the shiny new all-in-one PCs hitting the market

Still not sure whether it's worth upgrading to Vista? We put XP and Vista through the ultimate face-off.