What job involves acid baths, robots and space suits? Read about the fascinating world of computer chip fabrication, with PC Authority’s exclusive imagery and insights.

This first of a new generation is only a little faster than the old, but its potential is clearly huge

We've put AMD and Intel’s new processors to the test, and there's one clear winner.

The latest iteration of the Pentium 4, code named Prescott, is an interesting development for a few reasons. First off, it represents Intel's entry to the world of 90nm (90 nanometre, or 0.09 micron) fabrication for processors. For the uninitiated, all this means is the size of individual components on the processor core have been shrunk to even smaller levels. It's a natural part of processor evolution to shrink the size of components, as it allows more transistors to be packed into a smaller space, reduces heat and resistance, and this all leads to faster CPUs.

A nanotechnology design breakthrough could make faster, cheaper processors through the use of DNA structures.

First working silicon promised for late 2007.

'Computational scaling' will allow future production of 22nm circuits.

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

We test AMD’s first quad-core processor for both speed and power efficiency

Chip giant shrinks a bit more in effort to contain costs.

All hail the successor to the mighty mid-range 6600!

Impressive and free antivirus and antispyware package

ATI’s 40nm GPU is an exciting development and takes over from the 4850 as the best mid-range card.

A step behind ATI’s HD 4870 on price and performance.

Hard to find, and not worth the typical price at all.

Administrators dismiss it as ‘napkin drawing’.

Sony has confirmed that the next batch of its Darth Vader's toaster for joypad jigglers will be slimmed down in a number of ways.

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

Samsung ups the ante in the HD TV battle, turning on 240Hz Blue Phase LCDs. Read on for the lowdown on Blue Phase.