How We Test Hardware at TweakTown

We've been covering computer hardware and technology since 1999, and our reviews are written by editors who specialize in their respective categories. This page reflects our current testing approach and will be updated as our methods, platforms, software, games, and benchmark suites evolve.

Last updated: March 2026

Different product categories require different test methods. Some are more benchmark-heavy and data-driven, while others rely more on structured hands-on evaluation and real-world use. In every case, the goal is the same: fair, useful, and transparent testing that helps readers understand how a product actually performs.

Where appropriate, we use defined test systems, repeatable workloads, and controlled conditions so that comparisons remain as fair and consistent as possible. Supporting hardware, software, drivers, and test environments are selected to avoid obvious bottlenecks or skewed results. Not every product category can be tested in the same way, but every review is built around the same core principle: reaching a clear, honest verdict based on meaningful testing and real-world experience. As test suites, software, drivers, games, and platforms change, older comparisons and methodologies may also be refreshed where appropriate.

TweakTown is also clear about editorial independence. We are advertising-supported, but sponsored content is labeled clearly and kept separate from editorial coverage. We may receive review samples from manufacturers, brands, or PR agencies, and we may earn affiliate commissions from some retailer links, but those factors do not determine our opinions, ratings, or recommendations. When needed, TweakTown purchases hardware and components directly to ensure fair, complete, and timely testing and coverage. TweakTown has not and will never accept payment for favorable reviews, awards, articles, roundups, or reporting. For more on our broader standards, disclosures, and editorial policies, see our Editorial & Ethics Policy.

How TweakTown Awards Work

TweakTown awards are designed to highlight products that stand out for performance, quality, value, design, features, and overall impact. Current awards include Editor's Choice, Recommended, Best Quality, Best Features, Best Overclocking, Best Performance, Best Value, Recommended Game, and Recommended Movie, with the full descriptions available on our Awards and Ratings page.

As a general editorial rule, a product will usually need to score an overall rating of 85% or higher before it is considered for an award. Awards are solely editorial decisions, not paid placements. Strong benchmark results alone do not guarantee an award. We have never accepted and will never accept payment for positive reviews, favorable coverage, or awards. Sponsored content is labeled clearly and kept separate from editorial reviews, and receiving a review sample does not guarantee coverage, a positive score, or an award.

Why Readers Can Trust Our Reviews

Different products demand different test methods, but the goal stays the same. We put products in the hands of experienced editors who specialize in their categories, allowing them to build deep, practical knowledge through ongoing testing and extensive hands-on time with the products they review most often. Many of our editors also have 10 years or more of experience in the PC, tech, and gaming fields.

We test products fully in ways that make sense for the hardware, publish clear ratings, pros and cons, and verdicts, and keep editorial work separate from sponsored content. A final score reflects the reviewer's overall judgment of the product, based on the full testing and usage experience, including performance, features, quality, design, usability, and value, not just one chart or one standout result. That is how we think hardware reviews should be done, and that is the standard we hold ourselves to.

CPUs

The CPU has always been a key component of a modern PC. Often described as the brain, the CPU handles a wide range of workloads and is relied upon for multitasking in an operating system, running applications, managing system resources, and even handling complex calculations and data associated with gaming. With various CPU architectures, x86 and ARM, mobile and desktop, APUs and processors built for workstations, our reviews cover the entire CPU spectrum.

When it comes to testing and evaluating performance, our reviews take the entire user experience into account rather than presenting numbers without context. And with that, no matter the vendor, our reviews include a deep dive into a CPU's architecture, as the underlying technology powers graphics, multithreading, and I/O, while defining memory and storage capabilities. This not only establishes a baseline for which specific benchmarks and tests need to be run, but also clarifies a CPU's design goals, where it fits in the consumer market, and its overall potential.

Our CPU reviews include several benchmark results and tests to gauge and compare performance across a wide range of processor offerings, past and present, with every processor tested on the same vendor-specific test system. To test single-core and multicore performance, we run Cinebench 2024, a 3D rendering benchmark designed for heavy workloads. The single-core test offers insight into daily computing tasks, while the multi-core test gauges how the CPU performs under load when handling complex tasks. Blender 4.2, another rendering benchmark, tests highly intensive CPU workloads and is run as a companion test to Cinebench, using the Whitelands demo.

When testing a CPU's capabilities under sustained load, we use Handbrake as a stress test to gauge not only its video encoding and rendering performance but also whether there's any throttling or issues when running at 100% load for an extended period. In addition to rendering and encoding, CPUs are the key components that power file compression and decompression. Our reviews also include benchmark results for 7-Zip, which offer insight into how the processor interacts with memory and test compression speed. In addition, we run the AIDA64 Memory Latency test to gauge memory performance and capabilities.

Although GPUs are the primary hardware that drives gaming performance, CPU capabilities also factor in, with the most notable differences evident at lower resolutions. To test a CPU's gaming performance and capabilities, we run multiple 3DMark synthetic benchmarks, including Speed Way and Steel Nomad, as well as multiple games, including Cyberpunk 2077 and F1 22. Rounding out our CPU reviews, we also run multiple tests to gauge thermal performance, power usage, and overall power efficiency. CPU reviews are handled by Chris Szewczyk, who joined TweakTown in September 2024.

Motherboards

Motherboards are the connective tissue that connects every major PC component, while also facilitating communication and power delivery. Motherboards vary in scope, design, and intent, and are tailored to CPU sockets and vendors. However, when it comes to motherboards designed for both AMD and Intel processors, there are many similarities in their overall design and features. As storage, memory, expansion, networking, and other capabilities vary from board to board, our reviews clearly lay out the specifications of each motherboard we review, alongside offering analysis of its potential use and place in the market.

Our reviews also take a closer look at a motherboard's layout, cooling, power delivery, and physical design, while also considering installation and support for the DIY market. Many modern motherboards now include features to facilitate tool-free installation/replacement of components, which is important for a device that serves as the foundation of a full PC. This also includes coverage and evaluation of USB headers, USB ports, PCIe expansion, on-board NVMe SSD capacity, SATA ports, and on-board LAN, WiFi, and audio, all of which are valuable pieces of information for readers.

As motherboards dictate memory capacity and speed, this is another key area that we extensively detail and test in our motherboard reviews. When testing a motherboard's features, such as CPU and memory profiles and overclocking, we take a deep dive into the BIOS to gauge usability and the features on offer. Given the motherboard's critical role in CPU and memory performance and overclocking support, our reviews include extensive benchmarking results and tests similar to those in our CPU reviews. This includes Cinebench, Blender, Handbrake, 7-Zip, AIDA64, PCMark 10, 3DMark, and even gaming workloads, all run to compare results across a wide range of motherboard offerings. And when it comes to overall component performance, such as storage, we also look at SSD temperatures on boards with active or passive cooling and monitor overall VRM temperatures. Motherboard reviews are handled by Chris Szewczyk.

GPUs

Thanks to the arrival and widespread adoption of neural rendering technologies like NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS, reviewing a modern GPU for PC gaming requires considering a variety of capabilities and features that go beyond raw rendering performance, traditionally referred to as rasterization, to provide a comprehensive review.

And with the maturity of real-time ray tracing and the emergence of complex path tracing, which has led to new technologies like Frame Generation, these cinematic visuals can often require a combination of raw performance and neural rendering to deliver a playable experience. PC gaming is also diverse, so the needs of competitive gamers playing today's most popular titles could be very different from those of those looking toward the bleeding edge of visual technology. This is all factored into our graphics card reviews.

All reviews are conducted on a single system designed to represent a modern real-world gaming PC setup. This means a standard chassis, cooling, and a closed-case environment with full specs provided in each review. To cover the wide range of genres and styles, from competitive shooters to cinematic ray-traced adventures and fast-paced racing games, we benchmark over a dozen games using the same sequence at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolution, capturing the average frame rate and 1% low frame rate, along with GPU and GPU power usage.

DLSS, FSR, and XeSS data are also captured at their respective highest-quality settings at each resolution, with performance data across all games (as an average) and individual games analyzed. Performance data is provided alongside a wide range of GPUs to provide context, with all data sorted by raw rendering performance as the primary metric. Synthetic benchmark results covering a range of DirectX 12 and real-time ray-tracing 3DMark tests (Steel Nomad, Steel Nomad Light, and Port Royal) are also included.

Neural or AI-powered technologies like Frame Generation, alongside path tracing performance, are also benchmarked and analyzed separately from core gaming performance. Beyond the numbers on charts, our GPU reviews also include a detailed breakdown and analysis of a GPU's physical and thermal design, including temperatures, noise levels, and power consumption. Finally, our GPU reviews also assess overclocking capabilities to determine whether there is any headroom for additional performance. GPU reviews are handled by Kosta Andreadis, who joined TweakTown in August 2022.

Displays

Display or monitor technology, like other PC hardware, has been evolving at an accelerated pace. Whether it's a display built for competitive gaming or one designed for portability and productivity, our reviews thoroughly test each display in real-world scenarios, focusing on performance, features, and capabilities. At the core of every display sits the panel, and with various panel technologies like OLED, IPS, TN, and VA, this often serves as the foundation for technical evaluation, as each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Our reviews include a detailed breakdown of the specific panel technology, including its specifications and capabilities.

The panel also defines things like resolution, aspect ratio, refresh rate, response time, and color depth and tuning. When testing resolution, the overall panel and display size determine pixel density, which affects image clarity and overall perceived sharpness. Our reviews always make it clear what the display size means, not only for real-world usage like gaming, productivity, or entertainment, but also how it relates to resolution.

Likewise, when testing a display's refresh rate capabilities, motion clarity, ghosting, and VRR technology all play important roles in the overall image quality. In our display reviews, especially those for gaming displays, we use real-world scenarios by playing multiple titles across a wide range of genres, including (but not limited to): League of Legends, Apex Legends, Overwatch 2, Black Myth: Wukong, Cyberpunk 2077, The Witcher 3, God of War Ragnarok, Valorant, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Age of Mythology: Retold, Borderlands 4, Counter-Strike, and Battlefield 6. This is to gauge motion clarity at high refresh rates, response times, color accuracy, brightness uniformity, contrast levels, and additional features like HDR.

Our display reviews also provide an analysis of a display's physical design, including the overall look, stand design, component durability, and on-board controls. We also extensively test the usability of each display, as integrated OSD controls are often the only way to adjust picture settings or access features like OLED Care. How easy these are to engage with, and the level of customization and features on offer, can, at times, be what gives one display the edge over another. Display reviews are handled by Jak Connor, who joined TweakTown in November 2017.

Gaming Hardware

Peripherals live or die on feel, response, software, and day-to-day usability, so our reviews include information after extensive hands-on time. For mice, we assess the sensor's capabilities, including speed, latency, and tracking across a wide range of surfaces. In addition, we also look at the switch technology for the main buttons, the number of buttons, the quality and style of the control wheel, and the mouse's overall shape, ergonomics, and grip-style support. We also take a deep dive into a mouse's configuration, from what's available to how intuitive the app or interface is to work with. For all mice, we test all of the above while playing games and during general PC use.

For keyboards, we look at size, construction quality, keycap and case materials, and the underlying hardware, which often includes multiple layers of components such as sound-damping foam, stabilizers, and more. We test the performance and responsiveness of mechanical switches as well as the various adjustable options available on keyboards with magnetic or Hall-effect switches. We also test real-world gaming and productivity, which means an in-depth look at customization options, additional features like dedicated media controls and macro keys, and how an included wrist rest improves overall ergonomics. We also test the overall loudness and acoustic quality of keyboards, as this varies considerably from product to product.

The same methodology and focus on hardware, responsiveness, and customization in real-world scenarios apply to game controllers and other peripherals we cover. This category is primarily handled by Kosta Andreadis.

RAM

System memory, or RAM, serves as high-speed temporary storage that accelerates PC performance and is often a key component for enhancing multitasking speed, application performance, and more. Whether it's DDR4 or DDR5, UDIMM or CUDIMM, evaluating memory involves much more than just capacity and speed. Our RAM reviews always begin with a closer look at the memory technology, including form factor, the RAM ICs used, and the physical design, including cooling and features like lighting. This includes a full teardown to analyze and showcase the internal components and configuration.

As modern PC RAM supports vendor-specific overclocking, most commonly Intel XMP and AMD EXPO, our analysis and testing include looking at the RAM configuration, from timings to voltage, and then various overclocking profiles that alter these settings. From stability to power delivery to performance, seeing how memory performs with both stock settings and various speed, timing, and voltage adjustments is key in determining both capabilities and how a particular memory kit or module might suit a reader's needs.

Our reviews use motherboard tools to monitor full memory settings, including timings and voltages, to tune memory. To ensure consistency across multiple reviews, we aim to use the same hardware configuration for each class of memory product to facilitate consistency in analysis and comparisons. Our reviews also focus on the overclocking capabilities of memory, using similar tools like CPU-Z to get a detailed picture of full timing settings and voltages to see how far a memory kit or module can be safely pushed.

As RAM and a PC's CPU work in tandem, we use AIDA64's Cache and Memory Benchmark to measure memory speed and latency, gauge overall performance, and compare these results with a wide range of similar-class memory products. We also run the popular Super Pi benchmark, which leverages memory for mathematical operations, and PCMark 10, which focuses on multitasking and overall PC performance. And since memory is a key component of file compression and decompression, video rendering, and other intensive CPU tasks, we also run 7-Zip compression tests alongside Handbrake video transcoding, using the same workloads across all RAM reviews. RAM reviews are handled by Chad Sebring, who joined TweakTown in 2009.

Consumer Storage

Consumer storage covers a wide range of products from traditional HDDs to dedicated SSDs, external drives, portable attachable storage devices, and on-board NVMe SSDs. When it comes to the overall storage requirements of readers and PC enthusiasts, the two main features are storage capacity and speed. However, when evaluating consumer SSDs, the underlying hardware, technology, durability, efficiency, thermal performance, and real-world read and write performance are key metrics for comparison with similar storage solutions.

Our storage reviews all offer in-depth analysis of the technologies and components that make up a particular device, from controllers to on-board memory and the physical design, power usage, and cooling. All consumer storage is tested using industry-standard benchmark tools and practices, alongside real-world application performance, on custom test systems built for both Intel and AMD-based PC builds. By utilizing the same core hardware and test system configuration across all reviews, performance analysis and results can be accurately compared to a wide range of storage options. Our reviews also factor in console compatibility, specifically with the PlayStation 5, where we benchmark sequential read performance. Uniquely, TweakTown tests consumer SSDs as the System Disk (Disk C) with 150GB of data on board. Testing in this manner is far more realistic than most other review sites that test as empty secondary devices.

On the PC side, we use CrystalDiskMark to measure sequential read and write performance, QD1 random read performance, and maximum IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) for both reads and writes. We also leverage the ATTO HDD and SSD benchmark tool to assess QD4 sequential single-thread read and write performance across various file sizes in each review. In addition to synthetic tests and simulations, we conduct extensive real-world testing, including DiskBench, to measure performance when transferring large 100GB files. The write transfer portion of this includes over 62,000 files transferred to and from the test subject itself. We also use DiskBench to gauge read transfer performance with a smaller 13GB transfer to the host.

For PC gaming performance, we use 3DMark's SSD Gaming Test, which measures load times for popular game franchises such as Battlefield, Call of Duty, Overwatch, and others. It also measures installation speeds from platforms like the Epic Games Store, as well as the time it takes to copy game folders and save progress in The Outer Worlds. For general productivity performance, we use the PCMark 10 platform to run storage-specific benchmarks, including a full-system storage benchmark that writes 204GB of data and covers a broad range of common consumer tasks, including booting Windows 10, file transfers, Adobe and Office applications, and startup times for games. We also test with the PCMark 10 Quick System Drive Benchmark, which writes 23GB of data over the duration of the test, and of all the benchmarks we run, it can be argued that this one offers the best reflection of a typical consumer use case scenario.

With all this data, our storage reviews provide an overall score that reflects the user experience and present a clear, succinct summary of our findings. Our consumer storage reviews are handled by Jon Coulter, who joined TweakTown in 2013.

Enterprise Storage

When it comes to reviewing SSD and HDD storage designed and built for enterprise and data center workloads, our benchmarks, tests, analysis, and in-depth breakdowns of the technology that powers each device differ considerably from those for consumer-facing storage solutions, as their needs and use cases differ. Even though key features like speed and capacity are as important here as in the consumer space, 24/7 reliability, thermal performance, power efficiency, latency, and metrics like Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) add to the complexity and detailed analysis required when evaluating storage solutions for the enterprise, workstation, AI, and data center markets.

As form factors and storage technologies vary across products, our enterprise storage reviews include full spec breakdowns for each device, covering features such as DRAM, form factor, NAND type, capacity, and thermal performance. All enterprise storage tests are conducted on a purpose-built enterprise SSD test system running on Linux OS to ensure accuracy and consistency across evaluations and comparisons.

Our testing begins with a secure erase; from there, we write the entire capacity of the drive twice, with 128K sequential write data. We then precondition the drive by filling it twice (2 loops) with 4K, 8K, or IU (Indirection Unit) of the SSD and run custom workloads with a 30-second ramp up, running for 5 minutes to measure average performance at various Queue Depths. This provides a detailed look at read and write performance and latency across a wide range of workloads. This data also provides insight into steady-state performance, which reflects the important long-term operational speed of a drive. This category is primarily handled by Jon Coulter.

Cases

The modern PC case has evolved from the era of beige boxes, reflecting not only advancements in hardware and performance but also the rise of aesthetics, from RGB lighting to panoramic views via tempered glass panels. Although the visual presentation of a case is the first thing you see, it's the underlying design, build quality, thermal performance, airflow design, and DIY features that support various hardware configurations that form the basis of our case reviews.

Ultimately, as cases come in various sizes and form factors to suit everything from high-end hardware paired with large-scale liquid cooling through to compact gaming PCs that are all about efficiency and performance, real-world testing is key. In addition to providing a full overview, teardown, and analysis of a case's construction, build quality, and features like integrated cooling solutions, ARG hubs, I/O panels, and cable routing, every case we review includes a full system build and test using attainable hardware and components to reflect real-world conditions. And where possible, we use the same or similar components across multiple cases to ensure test repeatability and maintain consistency across reviews.

When it comes to testing, thermal performance is a key focus for a case review because one of the main functions of a modern case - especially those aimed at the PC gaming market - is to facilitate and keep key hardware like graphics cards and CPUs as cool as possible when under load. To gauge a case's overall thermal performance and heat dissipation, we use AIDA64 Engineer, a full-system diagnostic and benchmarking tool, to stress-test the case, components, and the system as a whole for several hours. When paired with monitoring tools like HWiNFO, GPU-Z, and CPU-Z, we get a detailed picture of thermal performance, including temperatures, fan speeds, CPU and GPU behaviour, power consumption, and more. This means that even if temperatures look good on paper, we can see whether fans and coolers are working overtime to compensate.

Measuring thermal performance under load only tells half the story; we also capture the same data to get a picture of the case's ambient performance. Our reviews also take into account all aspects of the building process, from evaluating the included documentation through to installation, cable management, power supply positioning and access, and ARGB management, if available. By combining hands-on building and controlled thermal testing, our reviews aim to provide a complete picture of how a case performs - not just how it looks. This approach helps readers assess airflow design, component clearance, cable routing options, and overall usability, giving them the information needed to choose a case that suits both their hardware and build style.

An in-depth case review goes beyond a simple walk-around and specs list. While build quality, materials, and accessories matter, our process focuses on real-world case performance. Each chassis receives both external and internal walk-arounds to highlight key features and show product details. We cover what we like and note what we don't, what needs improvement, and what we could suggest to the manufacturer. We build a full system in each chassis to evaluate installation, layout, compatibility, and cable management as readers would. Our test systems use attainable hardware, not extreme components, reflecting real-world conditions. We document hardware configurations closely and, where possible, use consistent components to ensure transparency and repeatability of reviews.

Thermal performance is a key focus. We conduct repeatable stress testing to evaluate airflow efficiency and heat dissipation. The current testing methodology uses AIDA64 Engineer for extended stability and thermal load testing, ensuring consistent, sustained stress on CPU and system components. Hardware monitoring is handled by HWiNFO64, GPU-Z, and CPU-Z, which provide detailed telemetry, including temperatures, fan speeds, clock speeds, and power consumption throughout testing. Ambient temperature is also recorded, along with actual temperatures; the delta is then used to provide accurate, side-by-side comparison figures. Case reviews are managed by Ryan Gendreau, who joined TweakTown in 2022, and Kris Butterill, who joined in 2025, each specializing in specific areas.

Power Supplies

Power Supplies, or PSUs, are a critical component of any PC, as they serve as the main hub for delivering clean, consistent power to all devices and components, from motherboards to CPUs and GPUs. When it comes to reviewing PSUs, there are many factors to consider, test, and benchmark that go beyond checking for ATX 3.1 compliance, energy ratings, and overall power capacity. PSUs also vary in form factor, cooling, and protection standards, so our review provides a detailed look at specifications such as dimensions, integrated fans, and protections like OVP, UVP, SCP, OTP, OPP, and OCP, as well as energy efficiency certifications such as 80 PLUS and Cybenetics.

Our reviews also include a closer look at the available power connections, covering ATX, CPU, PCIe, SATA, and modern GPU-specific connections such as 12V-2x6 PCIe. Our reviews provide information on whether a PSU is modular, its energy efficiency and noise ratings, the types of capacitors used, its AC input and DC output, and its maximum load capabilities. Our reviews also look at the physical design of a PSU, including construction, connection layout, cable quality, and cooling. This includes taking a look inside each power supply to provide a detailed analysis of components such as fans, specific capacitors, and other components used to build the PSU.

To measure power delivery, noise, efficiency, and performance, we test each PSU on a dedicated PSU test bench. This allows us to test power delivery to overclocked and voltage-tuned components, such as the CPU, memory, and GPU. When it comes to GPU power delivery, we power-limit this component to measure peak power draw and total system power to assess power efficiency and compare it to certifications like 80 PLUS Gold, which denotes a specific level of efficiency a particular power supply offers.

We also stress-test each power supply using the AIDA64 Engineer system stability test, running it for over 18 hours to measure thermal performance and efficiency, and utilize monitoring tools like HWiNFO64, GPU-Z, and CPU-Z for measurements. We also measure wall or power socket draw using a Killawatt P3 to ensure end-to-end accuracy. This category is primarily handled by Ryan Gendreau.

Coolers

When it comes to dedicated cooling in a modern PC build, our reviews cover both air and all-in-one liquid CPU coolers, as well as fans. Cooling is also one of the most visible components of a modern PC, especially in cases with tempered glass or mesh panels and RGB lighting. Take a quick look at any DIY or pre-built PC for gaming and general at-home use, and you'll immediately notice the CPU cooler and system fans.

This means that before readers and potential buyers look at cooling specs, performance, reliability, and durability, aesthetics play a major role in the decision-making process. Although aesthetic flourishes aren't the main driver in evaluating the cooling products we review, we ensure we cover aspects like looks and lighting in full, with imagery to showcase how a cooling product looks in a real-world build.

For all-in-one liquid coolers, we provide an in-depth breakdown of the specs, distilling information to present an overview of compatibility across vendors, size, radiator length, tubing, pump capabilities, fan speeds, mounting brackets and connections, noise levels under load, lighting, and more. For air coolers, we also provide an in-depth look at specs and features, including physical dimensions, construction materials, fans, and other details. All CPU coolers are tested on a purpose-built test bench and use ID Cooling's FROST X45 thermal paste to ensure consistency in our analysis and comparisons.

We also discuss the ease of installation for any cooler we review, as the user experience before and after installation is important. For CPU coolers of all kinds, we gauge thermal performance by measuring idle and load temperatures with AIDA64 System Stability Test and CPU-Z. But before that, we ensure system stability by verifying that CPU and memory settings are as expected. As CPU coolers can have a flow-on effect on other components in a build, we also measure VRM temperatures, while also monitoring fan speeds and noise levels.

As our cooling reviews have expanded to include simpler offerings like system fans, our methodology remains focused on real-world use and in-depth analysis, examining noise levels at various speeds, airflow, fan materials, motor technology, and power consumption. This category is primarily handled by Chad Sebring.

Laptops and PCs

Whether it's an all-in-one system built for entry-level gaming performance, a productivity laptop aimed at the creator market, a mini or SFF PC designed for the modern modular office, or a high-end gaming laptop that offers real-time ray-traced visuals in a package built for performance over efficiency, our laptop and PC reviews vary to focus on real-world scenarios and testing that makes sense for each device. However, no matter the device, a full, detailed breakdown of specs, components, features, build, and aesthetics is provided.

When it comes to laptops built for productivity, business, and creation, real-world use is the foundation of our reviews. In this space form factor, weight, noise levels, and power efficiency (aka battery life) are important for portability and on-the-go use, which we test utilizing the PCMark 10 Modern Office and PCMark 10 Applications battery benchmarks. And when it comes to weight and physical layout, we also consider the quality of construction, the materials used, and the overall usability of integrated input devices such as keyboards and mice. We also take an in-depth look at the display and test its features, capabilities, color accuracy, and overall brightness in real-world scenarios.

To test the hardware performance of CPUs, APUs, and other components, we run trusted tools and synthetic benchmarks such as CrystalDiskMark, Cinebench, UL Procyon AI (for NPU testing), and UL Procyon Image Editing for Adobe Creative Cloud testing. Results are primarily measured against the capabilities of the internal components, competing products, and the device's general goals as a productivity or creativity-focused machine.

And as modern APUs with integrated graphics are more capable than ever, we also run various 3DMark synthetic benchmarks (Speed Way, Steel Nomad, Solar Bay, and others) to gauge gaming performance. We also test Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Black Myth: Wukong at Full HD (1080p). And since laptops are all-in-one devices, for all tests we provide feedback on cooling and noise levels, while also considering how "warm" a device gets under load.

When it comes to gaming laptops, gaming performance is a core focus; however, numerous factors and considerations go into the evaluation. This includes the physical design, build quality, cooling, noise levels, battery life during gaming, the quality of input devices such as the keyboard, and the display's capabilities. The display, alongside the CPU and GPU, is a critical component of a modern gaming laptop, as the requirements for things you'd like to see differ compared to other laptops. Our reviews take an in-depth look at resolution, aspect ratio, panel technology, color accuracy, contrast ratio, response times, refresh rate, and support for gaming-focused technologies such as VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).

In gaming, the CPU, GPU, and display work together on a gaming laptop to define the overall experience. When it comes to testing gaming performance, we leverage a mix of synthetic 3DMark benchmarks such as TimeSpy and Steel Nomad, along with real-world gaming tests across various genres and technologies. The list of games we test here includes Cyberpunk 2077, Forza Horizon 5, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. On the laptop, we test at various resolutions like 1080p, 1440p, and 4K to get a clear picture of the maximum gaming performance on offer. In addition, we test storage and CPU performance with CrystalDiskMark and Cinebench. Our gaming laptop reviews also take an in-depth look at all I/O ports and expansion features.

When it comes to reviewing Mini PCs and compact SFF all-in-one PCs, we focus on real-world performance and capabilities, while also noting reliability, build quality, and features that support all-day or 24/7 use. This includes a full breakdown of the physical design, durability, internal components, power efficiency, thermal design, and portability. And as networking is a key component of modern office or productivity devices, we look at LAN, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth hardware and performance, along with the number of USB ports and features such as support for multiple displays. And since these devices are often purpose-built for businesses, we also look at security features such as Kensington Lock support and in-depth BIOS-level customization options.

For performance testing, we run several benchmarks, including Geekbench 6, Cinebench, and OpenCL, which test single- and multi-core CPU performance. As Mini and SFF PCs often rely on integrated or entry-level dedicated graphics, we also test GPU performance using 3DMark benchmarks such as Time Spy and Fire Strike. We also leverage 3DMark to test CPU performance for multi-threaded graphics and to stress-test storage.

Laptop and PC coverage is split by product type. Business and productivity laptops are handled by Nick Ross, who joined TweakTown in September 2025 and brings extensive experience in technology journalism and publishing. Gaming laptops are handled by Anthony Garreffa, who joined TweakTown in 2010. Mini PCs are handled by Ryan Gendreau.

Audio

When it comes to gaming and entertainment, audio is often as integral to the experience as what's being displayed on a screen. And when it comes to multiplayer gaming, communities, and the modern mobile office, clear communication capabilities are equally important.

Modern headsets, for gaming and general PC use, feature two critical hardware components: the integrated speaker drivers in the earcups and the microphone for voice chat, whether that's in-game or via Discord or Zoom. We test a headset's speaker drivers through extensive in-game testing, listening to lossless music, and watching media. We analyze the default tuning or sound profile, channel separation or stereo width, bit depth for HD audio, and overall frequency response and accuracy across the main low, mid, and high categories. We also test various audio presets, from custom to those available, alongside spatial audio solutions such as Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone:X, and Sony's Tempest 3D Audio, to assess the driver's ability to present varied sonic profiles and immersive surround sound.

For a headset's integrated microphone, we test vocal quality, clarity, and depth against a broadcast-quality microphone, which typically offers a full-fat frequency response of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. In addition, we test the passive and active noise-cancellation features of both the speaker drivers and the microphone. For dedicated microphones, we test all of the above while also testing and analyzing the directional pattern, sensitivity, and the differences between USB and XLR designs.

Beyond the audio hardware, we test comfort, the durability of the physical design, form, weight distribution, and build quality to form a complete picture. Customization and tweaking are key components of all audio hardware, and with that, we look at the versatility of hardware (usually on-ear) controls, software support, and other features. This category is primarily handled by Kosta Andreadis.

Networking

In the modern era of wireless connectivity, with IoT devices in just about every household and both businesses and at-home residents relying on network technology for day-to-day productivity, communication, entertainment, and gaming, choosing the right router can be the difference between a smooth online experience and a frustrating one. And with networking extending to dedicated devices like switches and NAS (Network Attached Storage), our reviews offer in-depth analysis of the technologies that power each device, along with all-important feedback on how they perform in real-world scenarios.

When it comes to networking devices, although synthetic benchmarks can offer valid information, real-world scenarios and usage offer a broader, more useful picture of expected performance. For routers, mesh systems, and other networking products, this includes setup in a standard large home environment, noting any installation issues, quirks, or benefits to a given vendor's approach. Wireless networks are then tested with signal strength measurements to provide a broader picture across close, mid-range, and far distances.

Our far-distance test specifically selects an area with significant interference factors (including a hidden internal brick wall) to stress a router or networking device's capabilities. For readers and potential buyers simply looking at a manufacturer's wireless network range claims, our test is also designed to put those claims to the test. For routers and networking devices, internet performance is also tested across all three testing zones based on the network's wired speeds at the time of testing.

For NAS products, usability and the ease of setup can often be as important as CPU specs, onboard storage capabilities for apps, and other hardware components. Our reviews cover the setup process, including the physical installation and software setup. Our NAS reviews also take a closer look at the capabilities of each NAS system, including RAID support, SSD or HDD capacities and slots, memory expansion, and wired and wireless network support and performance. As a NAS is both a storage solution and a networking device, our reviews also measure transfer and read speeds to assess throughput, while factoring in the RAID setup and any SSD caching. To ensure accurate comparisons, we use the same drives and settings across devices where possible. Networking gear and NAS reviews are handled by Alex Kidman, who joined TweakTown in September 2025.