How to Choose the Right SSD?

How to Choose the Right SSD?

Solid State Drives (SSDs) are popular and preferred these days. The prominent reason behind their popularity is speed. They have interconnected flash memory chips for storage that reduce delays and increase speed to a magnificent level.

Due to high speed, SSDs are preferred for heavy computing tasks, such as heavy applications and games that require too much memory. These start the apps and boot your computer much quicker than HDDs. The file transfer rate is commendable as the bandwidth ranges from 500MB/s to 7000 MB/s.

If you are thinking about an SSD upgrade in Singapore, you should know how to select the right SSD for your computer. You need to understand the factors that should be considered before buying an SSD or having an SSD upgrade in Singapore.

Whether you are thinking about switching from HDD to SSD or you want to upgrade your existing SSD, you are in the right place. We will help you select the right SSD according to your needs.

How to Select the Right SSD for the Upgrade?

The factors that you need to see while buying an SSD depend on the use. If the SSD will be used in a data center, there is a need to discuss every detail and nitty-gritty. However, in the case of laptops and desktops, a few things must be considered, and we are going to focus on those things only.

1) Capacity  

The first thing that you need to decide is the capacity of the SSD. SSDs are pretty expensive, and you need to decide the capacity before you upgrade. If you want to upgrade your old SSD, you might be looking for more capacity.

The capacity requirement depends on your needs. If you are going to use an SSD as the only storage drive on your desktop or laptop, you need a high-capacity drive. It is better to select 500GB or 1TB; however, 1TB drives are more popular and commonly used.

If you need more storage space, you can buy a 2TB drive or more. However, it will be very costly. You also need to make sure your computer can support this high-capacity drive.

Some people also use SSDs along with HDDs. They use SSD for the operating system and heavy computing tasks and HDD for regular storage, such as videos, images, and other data. In this case, you can go for a 250GB SSD. It will be a good choice. Avoid buying SSDs lower than 250GB as they do not have much space, and there is a slight difference between the costs of these drives.

Once you decide the capacity, you are ready to move to the next step. You can easily get an SSD upgrade in Singapore and buy all SSDs in all capacities from the nearest computer repair shop, but it is better to look for reliable options.

2) Quality

The quality of the SSD matters a lot. First, make sure it is from a reliable company. Many popular companies make SSDs, including Intel, Samsung, and ADATA. You can check the specifications of the SSD before buying it.

The quality of the SSD depends on an important factor which is TBW Rating. This rating shows the number of terabytes that can be written on the SSD over its entire life. If the rating of a 1TB drive is 100TBW, it means you can write 100TBs on the drive in its entire life. The rating gives an idea of the life of the SSD, the quality of the memory cell, and the technology used to make it.

Manufacturers also give an estimated warranty period, and this period is also based on the TBW rating. The more the warranty period and TBW rating, the better it is, but it comes at a cost.

3) Form Factor 

SSDs are available in three types of form factors. Add-in Card (AIC) SSDs are used on desktop computers. They are much faster and used for high processing requirements.

The next option is the 2.5-inch SSD which is commonly used in laptops. It is compact and can be used instead of HDD. If you want to switch to SSD, you can use a 2.5 inch SSD on your laptop but make sure your laptop can support it. You can contact SSD upgrade Singapore service providers and get to know whether your laptop can support a specific SSD or not.

The last common form factor is M.2 SSD. It is a very compact SSD and is like a chip. It can be used on laptops and desktops.

4) Hardware Interface and Bus

The interface refers to the connections on the SSD that connect the drive to the laptop or computer. There are commonly three types of interfaces. 2.5-inch SDDs have Serial ATA (SATA) interface, Add-in Card (AIC) SSDs have PCI Express interface, and M.2 SSDs have a bladed connector that can be connected to the motherboard of the desktop or laptop.

Bus refers to the path that connects the SSD to the system. 2.5-inch SSDs work on the SATA bus, which is the same as its interface. Add-in Card SSDs work on the PCI Express bus. M.2 SSDs can work on SATA or PCI Express buses.

You need to know about the interface and the bus to select the right SSD for your laptop or desktop.

Get a Quote for SSD Upgrade Singapore—Star Shield

Star Shield is the largest network for repair services in Singapore. We have been serving for 13 years and have a total of eleven (11) store outlets in the whole of Singapore.

We can make the SSD upgrade easier for you. Our highly-skilled professionals recommend compatible SSDs according to your computer and fix it with perfection. We have SSDs from reliable manufacturers, and we offer a workmanship guarantee.

Visit our nearest store or contact us via our email or over a call to get an instant quote for SSD upgrade in Singapore. For the ease of customers, we also offer pickup and delivery services from home.

You can also cover your laptop, desktop, and notebooks through our extended warranty. The warranty covers labor charges, parts replacements, cleaning services, diagnostic services, and a lot more. In case of any problem with the device, the warranty will help you get the problem solved without any hassle.

For more information and details, feel free to contact us at 6586 7788 or repair-services@starshield.sg

Contact us at 6586 7788 or email us at repair-services@starshield.sg

How to Get iPhone Screen Repair in Singapore?

How to Get iPhone Screen Repair in Singapore?

Did you accidentally break your iPhone screen? Can’t your iPhone recognize the touch?

If your answer is “YES”, you are in the right place. We are here with a comprehensive guide to tell you how you can get the best iPhone screen repair in Singapore. If you are facing any problem related to your iPhone’s screen, don’t worry; you will get your questions and queries answered in this post. 

We understand the problems you face when the iPhone screen is cracked or not functional. You want to get it repaired as soon as possible. However, not everyone knows how to do it the right way. If you contact the wrong service provider, you might end up losing money or wasting your precious time.

In this post, we will try to guide you on how to get the iPhone screen fixed or replaced. We will share different ways and highlight their pros and cons.

Let’s begin!

1) Look for iPhone Screen Repair Shops  

When you have a cracked iPhone screen, you look for iPhone repair shops. You can also search “iPhone repair shop near me” on Google. You will have many iPhone repair shops in Singapore and nearby your residence.

Looking for a repair shop is easy, and you will easily find one, but you cannot trust most of the local repair shop workers and owners. They usually take more time to repair your device, and they might not have adequate repair training. They might overcharge you for the repair.

Often local technicians point out more problems with your device. They point out unnecessary problems and issues to increase the bill.

In addition, some repair shops use fake replacement parts or counterfeit parts that do not work for the expected time. Usually, you face more problems in the future, which will ultimately increase the expense. The worst part is that there is no or a few days’ workmanship guarantee, so you cannot claim later on.

In the worst case, local repair shops also replace some original parts with counterfeit parts to make extra profit. Even if that part is sound, they will replace it with another.

Therefore, it is better to look for a trusted option rather than going to a local repair shop. If you know a trusted person who can repair your iPhone screen, you can try that. Otherwise, local iPhone repair shops are not recommended.

2) iPhone Screen Repair Singapore Online Services  

You will find dozens of online repair services in Singapore. They will ask you to dispatch your phone, and then they will try to repair it.

Like local shops, you cannot trust all online services. If any service has good reviews or someone in your gathering has tried the service before, then you can try the online service. But beware, website reviews are usually fake.

Most of the online service providers are scammers. They might replace some of the non-faulty parts of your device with counterfeit parts. They can do anything with your device, and you will have no idea. They can replace your broken iPhone screen with a counterfeit screen and charge you for the original iPhone screen.

Another problem with online service providers is that they take more time than expected. They usually say one or three days, but they take several weeks. The worst part is that you cannot do anything in this case. All you can do is try their phone number or send a few emails. In return, you will hear random excuses. In simple words, they have your phone, and they can take more than the expected time to repair it.

3) Star Shield iPhone Screen Repair Services

Star Shield is the largest network of repair service providers in Singapore. With over 13 years in the business, we have built trust among customers. There are over 600 promising reviews on Google, and you will hear about us from your friends or coworkers.

Our technicians are highly skilled and certified. They quickly diagnose the problem and offer a reasonable quote for the service. The quote of the services remains the same, so there is no need to worry about unexpected or hidden charges. We give customer service the utmost priority and ensure customer satisfaction.

We use quality parts and products. We have replacement screens for almost all iPhones, including the latest ones. After repairing the device, we do a quality check and offer a 90 to 180 days workmanship guarantee. Thus, customers can claim if the problem exists in the device, and we will repair it for free.

Customers can either drop off their iPhone at any Star Shield stores or 25 Participating Challenger stores. In addition, we also offer on-site pickup and return service island-wide.

Along with the iPhone screen repair, we offer other repair services for smartphones, laptops, desktops, notebooks, and tablets. We also offer a premium extended warranty in Singapore. The warranty covers various services, including replacement of parts, labor charges, diagnostic services, cleaning services, 1-to-1 exchange, 1-time cracked screen replacement, and 1-time theft & flood replacement.

Why Are Apple Authorized Service Providers Avoided?

Apple authorized services providers are usually avoided because they charge too much. You can easily get your iPhone screen repaired at a lower price than these service providers. They charge too much for all services. Thus, if you want to save money, it is better to select an independent and reliable service provider.

You also need to leave your device at the nearest center. The center could be far from your place, and there is no way you can get your iPhone pickup up and delivered to your doorstep.

Another problem with authorized services providers is that they only repair the latest and recent models. If you take an older version to them, they might not repair it. For instance, if you have an iPhone 6 Plus, these service providers will not repair it.

Got an iPhone with a Cracked Screen? Contact Star Shield

For iPhone screen repair or any other repair service, you can contact us anytime. Our representatives will guide you and help you out. Our professional technicians will diagnose the pest and repair your device quickly.

Contact us at 6586 7788 or email us at repair-services@starshield.sg

Beginner’s guide to Budget Gaming PCs

Beginner’s guide to Budget Gaming PCs

Being new to the PC world can be quite daunting. There are many components of a PC that you’d have to consider when choosing a gaming PC and there’s more limitations when it’s on a budget. Hence, we’ve created this beginner guide to teach you on what you should or should not do when choosing a budget gaming PC. 

1. Consider your Budget

First of all, have you decided on how much you’re going to spend on your gaming pc? If you haven’t, you should begin setting a budget. It helps to determine the level of specifications you’re getting while ensuring you are spending within your limits. The main question is “how much budget is enough?”. To obtain a brand-new entry-level gaming PC (without any peripheral like monitor or keyboard or mouse or other accessories), you’d need at least $600. If you want higher specifications in your PC, you’re looking at prices that are close to $1000 or more. 

2. PC Components: Splurge or not?

Now that you’ve established a budget, it’s time for you to allocate it among the 7 main components of a PC – Central Processing Unit (CPU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Motherboard, Random Access Memory (RAM), Storage, Power Supply Unit (PSU) and your PC casing. Here’s a guide on where to allocate your gaming PC budget, whether you should splurge or not: 

CPU & CPU – Splurge

You should splurge on both these components as they are the core of your PC gaming experience. Question is which should you splurge more on? Check if your games are CPU or GPU intensive and allocate accordingly. 

CPU intensive: AI and Mechanical Games.  

GPU intensive: Heavy Texture and Graphics Games. 

Motherboard – Splurge Moderately

Motherboards don’t have to be over complicated. Consider things like: Is an overclocking motherboard really necessary if you aren’t planning on doing it? & etc. when selecting. A simple motherboard with basic features that supports your CPU and GPU will suffice. However, you should get a bigger motherboard with more slots if you’re planning on future upgrading.

RAM – Don’t Splurge

Get a compatible and affordable RAM with the highest or suitable speed from trusted brands. Make sure to check the RAM required for your games. Usually, 8GB is adequate but if you’re playing the latest modern game and are willing to spend more, go for 16GB! 

Storage – Don’t Splurge

Solid State Drive (SSD) or Hard Disk Drive (HDD)? If you want more bang for buck, go for HDD! HDD maybe slower but it offers more storage space at lower prices. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and only require small amount of storage, go for a simple and basic SSD to save your money. 

PSU – Splurge Moderately

Don’t skimp on a PSU, it’s a vital part of your PC. When choosing a PSU, spend a little more and make sure it is safe to use by going for brands that have been in the market for years and are trusted by gamers. As for capacity, know that having high amount becomes excessive when it’s not in use, so why waste your money? Go for those with sufficient head room above your PC’s power consumption. What about efficiency? For budget gaming PCs, we’d recommend going with 80plus bronze

Consider this: Is the expensive 80plus gold really required to power your PC?  

Case – Don’t Splurge

The main purpose of a case is to place all your PC components. A plain and simple case works but if you really want it to be aesthetically pleasing and have more budget for it, go ahead! 

3. Our recommendation

Too much information to process? No worries, you can always get a pre-built budget gaming PC. Here’s our Pre-built budget gaming PC which you can get in 2-5 days (subjected to availability) that’s going at promotional price of $699: 

Images are for illustrative proposes

Royal PC

  • AMD Ryzen 3 3200G | 3.6GHz | 4 Cores 4 Threads 
  • Radeon Vega 8 Graphics 
  • Gigabyte B450 AORUS Pro WIFI Motherboard 
  • Intel Dual Band (WIFI + Bluetooth) 
  • AMD stock cooling fan 
  • 250GB 2.5” SATA SSD 
  • 8GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM 
  • Corsair CV550 550Watt 80+ Bronze 
  • Tecware Nexus Air Mesh TG ATX 
  • Microsoft Window 10 Home (Not Activated) 
  • 3 Years Part Warranty* 

                                                                                    SRP: $899 

                                                                            PROMO: $699

If you’re planning to splurge more for a higher end PC, check out our Knight PC! 

Image Credit: Tecware

Knight PC

  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600G | 3.9GHz | 6 Cores 12 Threads 
  • MSI MAG B550M Mortar WIFI Motherboard 
  • Intel Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 
  • MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R Liquid Cooler [2x ARGB fans] 
  • MSI RTX3060Ti Gaming X 8GB OC LHR DDR6 Graphics 
  • Crucial Ballistx 3600Mhz 16GB Kit RGB [8×2] 
  • PCIe GEN3 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD 
  • MSI MPG A650GF-650Watt 80+ Gold 
  • Tecware Forge M ARGB mATX Chassis [4x ARGB fans]  
  • Flex PSU Sleeve Extension (Black/White) 
  • Microsoft Window 10 Home (Not Activated) 
  • 3 Years Part Warranty*

                                                                               

SRP: $3699 

                                                                          PROMO: $2699

Custom PCs are available too! Click here to write in your specifications and get a quotation. 

Should you go for Customised PC?

Should you go for Customised PC?

Is PC customization the way to go? That’s a question we all want answered but first, let’s go ahead and assess and compare the pros and cons of pre-built PCs and DIY PC. 

DIY PC 

DIY PCs allows you to customize all your specifications to your liking, granted that you understand the technicality behind it. DIY PC also saves you the service costs that would be incurred when purchasing pre-built and it can be cheaper if you’re able to haggle. 

However, sourcing parts is getting harder these days as the demand for PC keeps increasing. The parts sourced may not even include warranties, which would cost you to replace in the future. For those who are unfamiliar with the technical jargons and have limited PC knowledge, DIY PCs can be daunting and complicated. Especially when the the PC does not work. Determining the issue can be twice as hard. 

Pre-built PC 

Pre-built PCs are convenient, you can simply head down to the store and bring it back immediately after purchase. Best of all you don’t have to worry about its compatibility, it is guaranteed to work after being tested by its manufacturers. Even if it malfunctions, a Pre-built PC comes with a manufacturer’s warranty to help you resolve your issue or even replace your broken parts at low or even no costs. At times, Pre-built PC can be cheaper compared to DIY. All the components you require are now sold as a bundle, even those that are in high demand e.g., Graphic Cards which prices are rising in the market. If you think about it, you’ll actually be saving money in both the long and short run by purchasing a pre-built PC.  

There’s a downside to Pre-built PC, its specifications are fixed. You don’t have the same flexibility as DIY to mix and match your component. You’d have to compromise on its specifications and you may not achieve your desired results. 

Customised PC 

What if you can have the best of both worlds? The flexibility of DIY and the benefits of Pre-built PC. Customized PC allows you to either select your parts from scratch or modify an existing Pre-built PC to your preference. You don’t have to worry about its compatibility since the manufacturer will be there to guide you with their technical knowledge. Neither do you have to worry about future malfunctions since warranty is included too. You can get your Customized PC within a few day or even the day of purchase itself!

To answer the question: Yes! Customized PC is the way to go! It’s convenient and tailored to you needs, a perfect combination when getting a PC. 

Has this article got you interested in getting a Pre-built or Custom PC? We’ve got some Pre-built PC for you to purchase and get it within 2 – 5 days (subjected to availability) in Singapore! For Custom PCs, click here to write in your specifications! 

Images are for illustrative proposes

Royal PC

  • AMD Ryzen 3 3200G | 3.6GHz | 4 Cores 4 Threads 
  • Radeon Vega 8 Graphics 
  • Gigabyte B450 AORUS Pro WIFI Motherboard 
  • Intel Dual Band (WIFI + Bluetooth) 
  • AMD stock cooling fan 
  • 250GB 2.5” SATA SSD 
  • 8GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM 
  • Corsair CV550 550Watt 80+ Bronze 
  • Tecware Nexus Air Mesh TG ATX 
  • Microsoft Window 10 Home (Not Activated) 
  • 3 Years Part Warranty* 

                                                                                    SRP: $899 

                                                                            PROMO: $699

If you’re planning to splurge more for a higher end PC, check out our Knight PC! 

Image Credit: Tecware

Knight PC

  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600G | 3.9GHz | 6 Cores 12 Threads 
  • MSI MAG B550M Mortar WIFI Motherboard 
  • Intel Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 
  • MSI MAG CORELIQUID 240R Liquid Cooler [2x ARGB fans] 
  • MSI RTX3060Ti Gaming X 8GB OC LHR DDR6 Graphics 
  • Crucial Ballistx 3600Mhz 16GB Kit RGB [8×2] 
  • PCIe GEN3 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD 
  • MSI MPG A650GF-650Watt 80+ Gold 
  • Tecware Forge M ARGB mATX Chassis [4x ARGB fans]  
  • Flex PSU Sleeve Extension (Black/White) 
  • Microsoft Window 10 Home (Not Activated) 
  • 3 Years Part Warranty*

                                                                               

SRP: $3699 

                                                                          PROMO: $2699

Custom PCs are available too! Click here to write in your specifications and get a quotation.