Editorial Team

Senior Hardware Editor

Marcus Holt

CPUs, Motherboards & Performance

At Zyrox, our CPU and platform coverage is led by an editor who has spent more than a decade building, benchmarking, and stress-testing PCs. Coverage focuses on real-world performance rather than marketing claims, with an emphasis on giving readers the information they need to make confident decisions about their next platform. Articles in this department are produced with a standard test methodology: identical memory timings, fresh Windows installations, current chipset drivers, and at least three runs per benchmark to filter out single-run noise. Where manufacturer claims do not match observed results, the difference is called out in the article.

CPUsMotherboardsMemoryOverclockingSystem Performance

17 articles published

Articles by Marcus Holt

Why High-End Gaming PCs Keep Stuttering on Windows 11: The Default Security Feature Silently Killing Your 1% Lows

Your $2,000 gaming rig stutters every 15 seconds and you can't figure out why. We traced it to a Windows 11 default setting that tanks 1% lows while barely touching average FPS.

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Best Motherboard for RTX 4070: What Matters Most

Choose the best motherboard for an RTX 4070 build by focusing on PCIe bandwidth, VRM quality, connectivity, and upgrade flexibility.

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What Does RAM Actually Do in a Computer?

A clear, non-technical explanation of what RAM (Random Access Memory) actually does, why your computer needs it, and how much you really need.

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Best RAM for Ryzen 7000: Speeds, Timings, EXPO, and Architecture Explained

The complete guide to choosing the best RAM for AMD Ryzen 7000 and 9000 AM5 processors. Covers 6000 CL30 sweet spot, UCLK 1:1 ratio, Memory Context Restore, and top kits.

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Best GPU for 1440p Gaming: What to Buy in 2026

Find the best GPU for 1440p gaming in 2026. A practical guide to performance tiers, price-to-FPS value, and smart upgrade decisions.

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What Is the Best Motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D?

Find the best motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D by comparing chipset features, VRM quality, connectivity options, and real-world gaming value.

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How to Spot Fake or Misleading Hardware Reviews

Learn how to separate genuine hardware testing from marketing language, cherry-picked benchmarks, paid promotions, and weak comparisons.

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How to Build a Budget Gaming PC That Still Feels Fast (2026 Guide)

Step-by-step guide to building a high-FPS budget gaming PC under $600 and $800. Part lists, real 1080p benchmarks, used GPU tips, and where to never cut corners.

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The Best Way to Plan a PC Upgrade Cycle

A simple PC upgrade plan helps you improve your system steadily instead of overspending on components that do not matter yet.

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When to Upgrade Your GPU vs. Your CPU: The Data-Driven Decision Guide

Stop guessing whether your PC needs a GPU or CPU upgrade. Real MSI Afterburner diagnostics, online bottleneck calculator debunking, resolution matrices, and drop-in AM4 upgrade paths.

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The BIOS Settings That Matter Most for a Stable Overclock

Learn the BIOS settings that affect CPU voltage, memory stability, power limits, and safe overclock tuning. Includes XMP/EXPO, LLC, and thermal limit tips.

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How to Spot a Good Used GPU Deal

Use these practical checks to spot a good used GPU deal and avoid mining-worn cards, thermal damage, and misleading marketplace listings.

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How to Choose a Motherboard for a New PC Build Without Overpaying

Learn how to choose the right motherboard for your PC build without overpaying. Covers ATX vs mATX, AM5 vs LGA1700/1851 chipsets, VRM power stages, and BIOS Flashback.

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Why RAM Speed Matters Less Than People Think (And What to Buy Instead)

Why paying for 7200MHz+ DDR5 is a waste of money for gaming and productivity. Real DDR5 gaming benchmarks, 1% low frame times, 4-DIMM stability traps, and sweet-spot recommendations.

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What Actually Matters in a Gaming PC Build

Cut through PC marketing and learn which components actually affect frame rates, smoothness, and long-term upgrade value in gaming.

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The Best Way to Upgrade a PC Without Replacing Everything

Upgrade your PC intelligently by targeting the components that actually improve speed, stability, and value without a full rebuild.

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BIOS Tuning Basics for Stable Overnight Overclocking and Undervolting

A master guide to BIOS tuning for true overnight CPU and RAM stability. Covers Load Line Calibration (LLC), AMD Curve Optimizer per-core tuning, WHEA Event 18 diagnostics, and stress testing.

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