DropReference Blog
Guides, in-depth analyses, and the latest price trends for PC gaming hardware enthusiasts - curated by the DropReference team.
Latest Article
Optimizing Crimson Desert on PC: the best graphic settings in 2026
Crimson Desert PC graphics settings updated after patches 2.04.x and the Charting the Unknown DLC: presets by GPU, DLSS, FSR 4.1, XeSS 3.0 and up to 18% more FPS.
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.
View All ArticlesOptimizing Crimson Desert on PC: the best graphic settings in 2026
Crimson Desert PC graphics settings updated after patches 2.04.x and the Charting the Unknown DLC: presets by GPU, DLSS, FSR 4.1, XeSS 3.0 and up to 18% more FPS.
Which RAM for a Ryzen 7 9800X3D in 2026? DDR5-6000 CL30 EXPO, 32GB or 64GB, and kits that just work
DDR5-6000 CL30 EXPO in a two-stick kit: the pick for a 9800X3D, 32GB or 64GB depending on how you use the PC, and concrete kits that just work.
Crimson Desert coop: no, the game is still solo in 2026
No, Crimson Desert still has no co-op mode in November 2026. Here is the official solo status, the DLC, the ByJunter mod, and what Pearl Abyss has said.
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.
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RTX 5090: the graphics card of all excesses in 2026
Launched on January 30, 2025, the RTX 5090 is still, as of November 2026, the most powerful consumer graphics card on the market. Nvidia has not shipped a successor, nor a Super refresh. What has changed is the street price, which now sits far above the original launch MSRP. This update finally adds the missing specs table, sourced benchmark ranges, the status of DLSS 4 and DLSS 5, and a November 2026 market check.
RX 9060 XT 16GB or 8GB: Which One to Buy in 2026? Verdict, Models and Segments
RX 9060 XT 8GB or 16GB in November 2026: buying verdict, TechSpot 1440p results, a segment table (8GB, compact 16GB, triple-fan 16GB) and models to consider for your case.
2TB NVMe SSD in 2026: PCIe 4 vs PCIe 5 while prices spike
Best 2TB NVMe SSD in 2026: PCIe 4.0 (990 PRO, SN850X, NM790) is enough for gaming. The Crucial T700 PCIe 5 only makes sense if the premium is worth it. DropReference catalogue prices on 3 October 2026, converted to dollars.
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.
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DDR5 RAM price chart 2026: how far prices have risen since 2025
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.
RTX 5090 discontinued? The reported end of production, what is confirmed (or not) and why Nvidia would drop its flagship
Nvidia has reportedly stopped making the RTX 5090 to reserve the GB202 chip for RTX PRO cards. No official announcement yet: we separate facts from leaks, explain the reasons (AI, GDDR7, RTX 50 SUPER) and tell you what to buy instead.
SSD prices 2026: price chart, current US prices and why NAND is still rising
SSD prices as of October 11, 2026 (1TB, 2TB, Gen4 and Gen5), the price chart since 2025, TrendForce’s late-2026 forecast and our advice: buy now or wait.