Quiet components guide

There are various components that are dedicated to creating a PC that's as quiet as possible, here are some of the options.

One of the best ways to keep noise down in your system is to work preventatively. Although it's possible to locate and eliminate excess noise once you've got a PC you want, it's preferable to build a PC that has quietness in mind from day one. Everything from PSUs to hard drives are available with 'silent' variants that make less noise than a standard version, though they usually trade off something in terms of price or performance to do so. The upshot is that no silent PC will ever be the fastest you can get for your money - but if you're sensitive to the noise your PC makes, it'll definitely be the least irritating.

So, if you're looking to choose some quiet components for your next PC build, this guide has everything you need to make the right decision.

9 reasons to use a system builder

Building a system for yourself has a lot going for it, but there are many convincing reasons to call upon a professional too.

If you've ever put together your own PC, you're probably wondering what system builders can offer you. But don't be too hasty to think you'll be able to save a few quid by shopping around for components and assembling the computer yourself. There are plenty of good reasons to use a system builder even if you consider yourself a confident handler of hardware. To prove it, we've come up with nine reasons to buy a prebuilt system instead of doing it yourself.

Why an iPad Pro really does make sense

Why bigger iPad should be widely welcomed.

Rumored larger device could be very good news

Looking at the Apple product range right now, including both the devices presently available and those in the pipeline for the coming months, you'd be forgiven for thinking that there's not much more the Cupertino firm could do. However, there must certainly is one more product in the offing for early next year, at least if widespread reports are to be believed: an iPad Pro.

The most recent October keynote was a big one for all admirers of Apple's wellestablished tablet, with a lithe iPad Air 2 breaking cover alongside the iPad mini 3. Indeed, the use of the term 'Air' mimics the naming conventions applied to the MacBook Air and Pro laptops, which begs the question... will we get a more professional or educationally-oriented larger version of the tablet, bearing the name 'iPad Pro'?

The 'professionals' tablet' is certainly one category with growth potential, with Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 being an obvious rival for any offering from the Cupertino stable.