Lynx Computer Repairs

03/03/2026

WE'RE BACK!

Today's article is a basic overview on processors, what they do and what might work best for you!

The processor is the beating heart of your machine and does all the calculations that make the machine function. It is made up of the Control unit (CU), the arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), and the memory unit. These three parts all work together to keep your computer running as efficiently as possible - But what are they?

The Control Unit (CU) is a bit like the manager that all the other modules listen to. It ensures that all of the components work together to complete the task given by the hard drive or ram (See our other article on RAM to learn more about RAM speed).

The arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) is the part that crunches the numbers and does all manner of calculation! It is what makes the computer actually compute!

The Memory Unit is an interesting thing in my opinion. Your RAM is already very fast but the signal would have to travel backwards and forwards on the board which actually makes it slower for short equations. This is where the memory unit comes in! It's a very small amount of memory that is a part of the CPU and actually has a tiny distance to travel. For a large amount of smaller processes this saves a lot of time!

So what are cores?

Calling something a core is a fancy way to say multiple processors are shared within one chip. Having multiple cores often means that you can do more tasks at the same time. So are more cores better? Not always.

For gaming, less cores that are more efficient used to be ideal because they were more responsive. This reduces input lag, increases the frames per second and helps keep the cost down. However this isn't always the case! With the development of the newest generation of games, the games are able to take advantage of far more cores so in the future we're likely to see more cores being of benefit in gaming systems.

When it comes to productivity however, having more cores starts to show a much bigger advantage. Musicians can play more tracks at the same time with more effects since they're not as time sensitive. Video editing is easier since it can render more tracks in real time. Even basic office tasks benefit from having more cores since you can have multiple applications running at the same time.

Would you use more cores and do everything at once? Or would you rather have less cores and have a snappy and responsive system? Let us know below!

Sources:
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/computer-science-fundamentals/central-processing-unit-cpu/

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/cpu-cores-how-many-do-i-need

Understand what CPU cores are, their impact on performance, and how to determine the ideal core count for your computing needs. Learn about core vs CPU differences.

17/02/2026

Evening all! Just as a heads up - I'll be going away from 19th February and will be back on 2nd March. Hope you're having an excellent week!

13/02/2026

We glanced over Linux in one of our recent posts. So today it's all about different kinds of linux, where it came from and the penguin mascot - Tux!

This year is quickly becoming known as the year of the penguin! Since launch Windows 11 has had more than its' fair share of issues and each update seems to bring more problems than the last. Rolling back to Windows 10 is insecure since support has been withdrawn and Mac OSX is only designed to go on one type of hardware.

Many users including myself have made the switch over to Linux since it has most of the same functionality but with much improved stability. Almost all software developed for Linux is free and most Windows applications can be run using a program that translates Windows programs into a suitable format for Linux. The program that allows this is called WINE (Wine. Is. Not. an Emulator).

Another useful tool is Proton which is a compatibility layer. Proton takes Directx signals and translates them into Vulkan so that Linux can understand them. This is essential for gaming and is also how the Steam deck is able to run windows games inside a Linux device.

Linux has its' own app store and in there you can find open source programs totally free of charge. There's office applications, video editing, photo editing and all kinds of useful tools that you can download at the drop of a (red)hat!

But Kit! There's so many different kinds of Linux- How can I choose?!

I would ask you three questions:
1. What do you want to use it for?
If you're planning on using it for gaming, I'd suggest something that has the most up to date kernel (The code that links software to hardware) and has proton pre-installed for maximum performance. If it's for office work and browsing the internet, I'd look for something that uses older kernels which is tried and tested.

2. How much experience do you have with Linux?
For new users, something that has a a program dedicated to updates is essential. Learning to use the terminal to fix issues takes time and in my opinion it's better to start with an all in one program that does it all for you when you first begin. People with more experience usually already have a preferred distribution and will install that themselves.

3. What are you planning to install it on?
Sometimes your hardware can narrow down what kind of Linux you should use. Just like Windows, different versions perform better on different hardware. Older devices with less powerful processors would benefit from a lightweight and minimalist version of Linux, while others are suited to bleeding edge kernels and software!

For gamers I'd probably suggest Pop OS for older hardware, Cachy OS for users who have used Linux before, and Bazzite for modern computers for new users.

For everyday use I'd suggest Linux mint, Debian or Fedora for most computers since they all come with an in built app store and updater. For older systems I suggest xubuntu, or fedora xfce for more advanced users.

The creator of the first Linux kernel, Linus Torvalds, still uses Linux to this day. He uses Fedora because he likes to have the option to tweak the kernel to his liking.

Linux is known by its signature penguin mascot called Tux! Tux was originally drawn by Larry Ewing in 1996 inside the program GIMP as an entry for a Linux logo competition. It was based on Linus Torvalds obsession with penguins!

Are you making the move to Linux?

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tux_(mascot)

https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-is-wine/

12/02/2026

Today's topic is RAM!

What is RAM? RAM stands for "Random Access Memory" and is used as a temporary storage space for data. The processor and the graphics card both have their own RAM and on the graphics card this is known as VRAM (Video Random Access Memory).

The processor needs fast storage for it to be able to complete calculations on the fly as does the graphics card. If the processing module on either has to wait for the data to load from the RAM or VRAM, it usually ends in a very short pause while the data is loaded. The speed of RAM is measured in MT/S (Mega transfers per second) and it is a measurement of how much data can be accessed every second. One megatransfer per second is equal to 8 Megabytes per second.

Another measurement of speed is the CL rating. The CL is the shorthand name for CAS latency and is the delay experienced between the computer asking for the data and the start of the memory supplying it. This is measured in clock cycles and is usually measured with a figure like CL16, CL18 or CL32. The higher this number is, the more clock cycles need to go by before the memory starts to be read - But this doesn't mean you should always sacrifice MT/S for a lower CL number.

Here are a couple of examples of the formula used to calculate latency:

CL16 x (2000 ÷ 3200MT/S) = 8.88 nanoseconds

CL32 x (2000 ÷ 7600MT/S) = 8.42 nanoseconds

As you can see, the CL16 RAM reacts more slowly than the CL32 in this case. But why? Clock cycles rely on the overall speed of the RAM. A higher clock speed will result in the clock cycles going much faster (The CL is latency measured in clock cycles). Since our CL16 is only 3200MT/S and the CL32 is 7600MT/S, the rate that the clock cycles go by is more than twice as fast on the CL32. The result of that is that the 16 clock cycles of CL16 will take longer to pass than the CL32 by a small margin.

For gaming, this is more important since the hardware needs to be as responsive as possible to improve FPS, but MT/S is also important since it helps with loading in textures.

For the workplace and in data centres - MT/S is far more important because crunching raw numbers is more important than how quickly the system can respond.

This brings me to the last point - Why is RAM so expensive?

Last year RAM was one of the cheapest components for a computer. Since then, AI has become the major focus for the large corporations and with that comes a lot of hardware demand. AI relies heavily on GPU processing since the architecture of a GPU is more suited for that purpose. On the other hand, RAM is needed for training large language models. Because of the volume of data centres opening and the demand for new hardware to run them, AI has become a priority for manufacturers. Companies like NVIDIA and Crucial have pulled out of the consumer market. The drop in available products has driven up demand causing the price of products available to us consumers have gone up in price exponentially.

Do you think AI is the future? Has it effected you in any way?

Sources:
https://www.kingston.com/unitedkingdom/en/blog/gaming/cas-latency-cl-ram-timing-explained

https://investors.micron.com/news-releases/news-release-details/micron-announces-exit-crucial-consumer-business

https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/graphics-cards/nvidia-is-reportedly-looking-to-cut-gaming-gpu-production-by-up-to-40-percent-in-2026-due-to-vram-supply-issues-but-its-not-as-bad-news-as-you-might-think-not-yet-at-least/

Learn what CAS latency means, how it affects computer performance and how to pick the right memory for your PC build or upgrade.

11/02/2026

Yesterday we posted about microcode issues on Intel 13th and 14th generation computers and how a BIOS update could extend the life of your CPU. So today we're talking about what a BIOS is, what it does and how you can access it!

BIOS stands for "Basic Input/Output System". It's a small chip which is a part of the main circuit board of your computer (known as the motherboard) and its purpose is to manage the very basic functions of your motherboard. Some of the things it is responsible for are:

⬤ Checking that the RAM, hard drives and CPU are not malfunctioning (Otherwise known as POST or "Power-On Self Test")

⬤ The time and date

⬤ CPU and RAM configurations

⬤ Boot priority (Whether the device boots from USB device or hard drive for example)

Since the BIOS is controlled using software, it can be updated and often it fixes system bugs and improves stability on the board itself which will often improve performance when you load up your operating system (Windows, Linux).

On modern systems, this software is called UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). This took over from the previous BIOS interface and allowed for advanced features such as Secure boot, the TPM and a graphical interface which is easier to navigate.

To access the BIOS or more often the UEFI system, you need to press the correct button while the computer is doing its' self testing (POST). This is usually when you see the manufacturer's logo.

Below are the usual keys that you should press for most manufacturers as well as a few articles containing useful information!

ASRock: F2 or DEL
ASUS: F2 for all PCs, F2 or DEL for Motherboards
Acer: F2 or DEL
Dell: F2 or F12
ECS: DEL
Gigabyte / Aorus: F2 or DEL
HP: F10
Lenovo (Consumer Laptops): F2 or Fn + F2
Lenovo (Desktops): F1
Lenovo (ThinkPads): Enter then F1.
MSI: DEL for motherboards and PCs
Microsoft Surface Tablets: Press and hold volume up button.
Origin PC: F2
Samsung: F2
Toshiba: F2
Zotac: DEL

Sources:
https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-to-enter-bios-setup-windows-pcs

https://premioinc.com/blogs/blog/what-is-bios-basic-input-output-system-bios-vs-uefi #:~:text=FAQs-,What's%20a%20BIOS?,a%20computer%20is%20turned%20on

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/bios-keys-to-access-your-firmware,5732.html

In this blog, we'll take a closer look at BIOS, understanding its importance and how it serves as the backbone of every computer startup.

10/02/2026

Did you know that 13th and 14th generation Intel CPU have microcode issues?

Older BIOS updates on the motherboard for these generations had a problem where instabilities caused the voltage to increase leading to degradation of the CPU over time. This was patched in the newer BIOS updates leading to improved stability and reliability.

If you're on one of these platforms, we highly suggest checking if your BIOS version is up to date and if not - it's well worth looking into.

Sources:
https://support.hp.com/emea_middle_east-en/document/ish_11349067-11349049-16

https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/intel-rolls-out-linux-kernel-microcode-fix-for-affected-13th-14th-generation-processors

Users can update to the latest microcode through Linux's package management system without dabbling in the BIOS.

09/02/2026

It's well known that Microsoft has discontinued support for Windows 10 - but what about your computer? It's perfectly good isn't it? Not according to Microsoft.

Restrictions added during the installation process will render over 400 million computers ineligible to upgrade to Windows 11. This leaves these devices insecure and more susceptible to botnet attacks and exploits.

There are workarounds to force Windows 11 to install on devices that don't meet the requirements, but the average user doesn't know how to do this or want to learn about it. This becomes especially apparent when Windows 11 is already known to be buggy after a large portion (Over 30%) of its code was developed using AI and a large user base doesn't want or need the AI features embedded in the system.

Since the computers are ineligible to upgrade, many people have decided that now is the time to upgrade their computer. Because of this, most of those computers are thrown away and it's estimated that it will create 700,000 tonnes of e waste. For perspective, that's approximately 650,000 Ford Fiestas!

What can you do to help reduce the waste?

The easiest thing you can do is take the computer to your local professional who will be able to bypass these requirements whilst keeping the computer secure. This will keep the computer running for much longer and makes sure that you're safe from the security flaws that are developing in Windows 10.

Alternatively, this may be the time to start learning about Linux. Linux has developed into a much more stable and user friendly platform in recent years. It's only growing in popularity as support for windows applications is getting better by the day. There's a steep learning curve since you have to use things differently - But it's free and opens up a whole world of possibilities for incompatible hardware.

Are you upgrading to Windows 11? Are you staying on Windows 10? Or even switching to Linux?

Let us know in the comments!

Sources:
https://repair.eu/news/four-weeks-to-go-microsoft-to-make-400-million-pcs-obsolete-on-international-e-waste-day/ #:~:text=Ugo%20Vallauri%2C%20Co%2DDirector%2C,before%20they%20are%20even%20used.

https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/29/microsoft-ceo-says-up-to-30-of-the-companys-code-was-written-by-ai/ #:~:text=During%20a%20fireside%20chat%20with%20Meta%20CEO,was%20%E2%80%9Cwritten%20by%20software%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%94%20meaning%20AI.

03/02/2026

Don't smoke next to your pc! It ruins your components!

Today we refurbished a GTX 980 TI that needed a bit of love. It had clearly not been cleaned in a very long time. The thing smelled of smoke and the thermal pads had dry rot because they'd not been changed since the day the card was manufactured - It even had the warranty sticker on!

It's now had a fresh lease of life with new thermal paste, new thermal pads and a thorough clean inside and out! Check out the photos for an in depth view of the process!

29/01/2026

We're still open any are actively looking for opportunities around Ilfracombe!

25/01/2026

We are an inclusive service and trans owned! Whether you're a person of colour, in the LGBT community or any other minority - it doesn't matter. Everyone is welcome here!

23/01/2026

Remember to check your cables before plugging them in!

We received an external hard drive that wasn't spinning up. The power port was smashed and pushed inside, the main plug that goes into the outlet was corroded and it was FULL of dust!

We repaired the power socket with some new plastic, tidied up the plug and it spun right up! A quick dust and it's working perfectly. Since the cable is nicked but still working, I've suggested that the customer replace the cable at their earliest convenience.

A full backup was made to the customer's SD card.

Have a great weekend everyone!