What is ray tracing in gaming and does it really make a difference?
Ray tracing makes light's behavior more realistic in supported games, but your PC has to use a lot of horsepower to make that happen.
Read MoreDave Meikleham
Engadget Editorial Policies
The unique content on Engadget is a result of skilled collaboration between writers and editors with broad journalistic, academic, and practical expertise.
In pursuit of our mission to provide accurate and ethical coverage, the Engadget editorial team consistently fact-checks and reviews site content to provide readers with an informative, entertaining, and engaging experience. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
Stories By Dave Meikleham
-
-
How long have wireless gaming controllers been around for?
Game controllers have experimented with losing the cords for longer than you'd think, but early attempts didn't have much success.
Read More -
4 simple benchmarks to test your PC's performance
PC benchmarks let you figure out exactly how your GPU, CPU and other components are performing so you don't have to guess.
Read More -
The reason why prebuilt PCs might be a better buy in 2026
Building a PC has long provided a better value while letting you get exactly what you want. But off-the-shelf PCs can be more affordable in today's climate.
Read More -
How to improve your FPS for better gaming (without buying new hardware)
Frame rates and graphical fidelity have an inverse relationship, so making your games look a little less beautiful runs them much better.
Read More -
How to set up 5.1 surround sound system for your Xbox
Your Xbox is surround-sound capable, and it's easy to enjoy 5.1 or even 7.1 immersive sound for your favorite titles.
Read More -
Why is your laptop fan so loud?
Laptop fans do an important job, but sometimes they get annoyingly loud. Here's what it might mean and whether you should be concerned.
Read More -
What's the 30-degree rule for TVs?
The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers has a simple method for calculating the ideal viewing distance based on your TV size.
Read More -
How to set up your Sonos speakers using the app
Whether you just got a Sonos speaker or you're adding one to your current setup, you'll need to use the app.
Read More -
Why is your iPad not charging (and how to fix it)
You probably don't think about your iPad charging until it runs into trouble. When plugging it in doesn't work, you'll need to check its port and charger.
Read More -
Eyeing a curved monitor? Here are the pros and cons to consider
Curved monitors are fabulous for immersive gaming, usually, but there are some situations where a flat panel is best.
Read More -
What was the PSX? The souped-up PS2 rarely sold outside of Japan
The PSX isn't just an alternative name for the first PlayStation. It was also a failed Sony console that never got a release outside Japan.
Read More -
Steam Deck vs. Switch 2 — which gaming handheld is more powerful?
The Switch 2 is newer and more affordable than the Steam Deck, but Valve's console still has serious power to draw on.
Read More -
PS2 or GameCube: Which retro console emulates better?
The GameCube and PS2 both have mature emulation ecosystems. If you're new to the scene, here's the one that's easier to emulate and why.
Read More -
How long can you expect a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller to last?
The PS5 controller has various longevity concerns to consider, including its battery life and overall useful lifespan.
Read More -
Skip the 5K monitor for gaming and go with a 4K instead — here's why
5K is even sharper than 4K UHD, but it's for a specific audience. As a gamer, you won't be able to get as much use out of it as you might think.
Read More -
What is Dolby Atmos for Headphones and is it worth it for gamers?
A look into whether Dolby Atmos for Headphones — with its free trial on both PC and Xbox — can unlock spatial audio on a normal pair of stereo headphones.
Read More -
What free gifts does Xbox give you on your birthday?
During your birthday week, you can claim a special gift from Xbox. Let's see what it is and how to claim it.
Read More -
20+ things you may have missed in the GTA 6 extended look
The GTA VI extended-look trailer is full of clues, if you know where to look.
Read More -
How Xbox controllers have changed in the last 25 years
Every Xbox controller has the familiar ABXY buttons and offset thumbsticks. But Microsoft has slowly evolved the controller over its quarter-century life.
Read More -
Is a liquid-cooled PC worth it?
Air cooling is reliable, while liquid cooling is visually slick. Which one you should use depends on how heavy you game on your system.
Read More -
Nintendo GameCube discs were small for a reason
The format remains unique in console history.
Read More -
USB4 Vs USB-C: What's the difference between them?
There's a pretty major difference between USB-C and USB4. We'll dive into the details and how to tell them apart.
Read More -
How to fix stick drift on PS5 and Xbox controllers
Giving your controllers a good clean can help with stick drift.
Read More -
How to connect Bluetooth headphones to your PS5
The PS5 may not support Bluetooth audio directly, but there are workarounds.
Read More -
What are the differences between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 2.4G wireless devices?
Wireless connectivity comes in many different flavors, here's how they differ.
Read More -
The world's smallest USB drive has more storage than an iPhone 17
At a time when storage space commands a premium price, SanDisk's Extreme Fit drive is worth a look.
Read More
