DropReference Blog
Guides, in-depth analyses, and the latest price trends for PC gaming hardware enthusiasts - curated by the DropReference team.
Latest Article
Increase in DDR5 RAM prices in December 2025: shortage sets in
The prices of DDR5 RAM have surged by +80% to +130% since September 2025, driven by the global shortage linked to AI. Here are the figures and brand comparisons to support this.
Guide
Building your first gaming PC? Or maybe you're looking to upgrade your rig without making mistakes? Welcome to the “Guides” section of DropReference – the perfect place to learn, compare, and choose the best components for your setup. We know diving into PC hardware can quickly turn into a headache: graphics card, CPU, case, RAM, SSD, power supply... there are tons of options – and just as many traps. That’s why we created these complete, up-to-date guides made for gamers, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced. We help you understand what really matters for gaming, avoid the classic mistakes (yes, case/motherboard compatibility is often overlooked), and find the best performance-to-price ratios available right now. In each guide, you’ll find: - clear, beginner-friendly explanations; - detailed comparisons based on your budget (entry-level, mid-range, high-end); - concrete product recommendations in stock and at the best price thanks to our integrated price comparison tool.
Comparison of AIO: which watercooling to choose for your PC in 2026?
Between marketing promises, sometimes contradictory watercooling tests, and the dozens of available references, creating a clear AIO comparison has become essential. In this article, we will compare the most popular PC AIOs, explain how to choose them, and help you find the best watercooling according to your usage, budget, and processor.
Gamer PC Watercooling: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Liquid Cooling (2026)
You are starting to build a water-cooled gaming PC or just want to understand if it's really worth it? Then take two minutes: I'll explain everything to you. Today, AIO water coolers have become super accessible and easy to install. Gone are the days when you had to be a thermodynamics engineer to put a water block on your CPU. Now it's plug-and-play, efficient... and frankly stylish (especially if you're into RGB setups or the LCD screen that displays the CPU temperature). And you'll see: depending on your budget, your case, and your usage, a liquid cooling system for a gaming PC can really make a difference, both in performance and in silence.
WQHD: what is it exactly and why is everyone talking about it?
If you've been looking at PC screens for a while, you've inevitably come across this term: WQHD. And as is often the case in hardware, we love to use acronyms, to the point where you start to wonder if it's a revolution or just a new name for an old resolution. In reality, WQHD has established itself as a modern standard, especially among gamers and those looking for a versatile screen. And you'll see that understanding what it means - and especially if it's right for you - is much simpler than it seems.
Component
All About Gaming PC Components – Smart Choices for Powerful Play Whether you're building your PC from scratch or upgrading one part at a time, this section is for you. CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, SSD, PSU, CPU cooler, monitor, or even mechanical keyboard – we cover all the must-have components and peripherals for a solid gaming setup. At DropReference, we go beyond confusing tech specs. We break down what each part does, how to choose the right one based on your needs (AAA gaming, esports, content creation, etc.), and how to spend your money wisely. With our in-depth articles and built-in price comparison tool, you’ll: - spot the best products in stock and at the right price; - understand key compatibilities (CPU socket, RAM type, PSU specs…); - know exactly where to invest to maximize your performance per dollar.
AMD Ryzen 5 5 7500X3D: the new gaming processor that really needs to be watched
If you are looking for a processor capable of boosting your FPS without blowing your budget, the AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D is probably one of the most interesting models at the moment. This CPU is designed primarily for gaming, and frankly... it does the job better than what one would expect from a "mid-range" model. With its gaming performance, ultra-low power consumption, and huge 3D V-Cache, it stands out as one of the best options for building a powerful and balanced gaming PC in 2025. In this article, I clearly explain its worth, why it excels in games, what its limitations are, and whether it is really the processor you should choose for your setup.
RTX 5080: the new high-end reference you've been waiting for!
You've been waiting for it eagerly? Well, here it is, the RTX 5080 has officially been released, and it does not disappoint. Presented as the new balance point between raw performance and (relative) price, the Nvidia RTX 5080 directly replaces the RTX 4080 Super while also encroaching on the territory of the RTX 4090. A beast designed for 4K, the most demanding games of the moment, and above all... for longevity. So, what does this RTX 5080 really bring? Does it live up to its price? Is it a good foundation for building a gaming PC with an RTX 5080? And how can you really buy it at the best price in 2025? We explain everything to you, and we equip you.
SSD NVMe 2TB: the complete guide to boosting your PC
The 2TB NVMe SSD is now a must-have for anyone looking to boost their PC. It's the perfect balance point: not too small, not too expensive, and spacious enough to accommodate both your operating system, your software, and a good portion of your gaming library or multimedia projects. Still hesitating between a 2TB M.2 SSD, a 2TB NVMe SSD, or a traditional SATA SSD? Don't worry: we will compare the formats, explain the differences, and most importantly, provide you with the best current references.
News
All the latest updates from the world of hardware. From rumors and official announcements to trend analyses, this section keeps you informed about the newest developments and insights in the tech market.
Increase in DDR5 RAM prices in December 2025: shortage sets in
The prices of DDR5 RAM have surged by +80% to +130% since September 2025, driven by the global shortage linked to AI. Here are the figures and brand comparisons to support this.
WhereIsMyRam: finding your DDR5 RAM at a glance
Today, buying DDR5 RAM shouldn't be complicated. However, in reality, it is often one of the most difficult components to compare. Same capacity, same frequency, same latency... and yet huge price differences, references that are impossible to find, different sellers depending on the day. In the end, we spend more time trying to understand the market than actually choosing our RAM.
Crucial disappears: why it's a huge earthquake for RAM and SSDs... and why prices will continue to rise
It's official: Micron is putting an end to the Crucial brand, one of the historical pillars of RAM and SSD for almost 30 years. If you have ever built a PC in your life, you have surely come across their green sticks, their affordable BX SSDs, or the MX500 still used in thousands of setups. Well, all of that... is over. Unfortunately, the impact is going to be much more severe than just a logo change on the shelves. We are talking about a major domino effect on memory and storage prices in 2026. Let's dive into what is really happening — and especially into what it will change for you, for your future setup, and for gamers in general.