Skip to main content
Jacob Roach

Jacob Roach

Senior Staff Writer, Computing

Jacob Roach is a writer covering computing and gaming at Digital Trends. After realizing Crysis wouldn't run on a laptop, he started building his own gaming PCs and hasn't looked back since. Before Digital Trends, he contributed content to Forbes Advisor, Business Insider, and PC Invasion, covering PC components, monitors, and peripherals.

Outside of tinkering with his PC and tracking down every achievement in the latest games, Jacob spends his time playing and recording music. Before switching to writing full time, he worked as a recording engineer in St. Louis, Missouri.

Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i desktop showing an HDR demo.

Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i review: an iMac killer in the making

With its price and features, Lenovo's Yoga AIO 9i is squarely targeted at the iMac, but it still stumbles in a few areas.
Computing Reviews
A man walking into a dusty town on another planet in starfield.

AMD’s FSR 3 will finally get a chance to shine in Starfield

After two months of speculation, Bethesda has confirmed its PC partnership with AMD is paying off in the form of FSR 3 support.
Computing News
Asus ROG Ally with the Windows lock screen.

‘Compact Mode’ can’t fix the Xbox app. Here’s what could

Microsoft revealed a new Compact Mode to enhance the Xbox app on Windows, but the app's problems run much deeper.
Computing Features
Two MacBooks Pro renders side by side against a black backround.

MacBook Pro M3: Should you choose the M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max?

Apple finally revealed its range of MacBook Pro M3 models, and we have the scoop on all of the configuration options.
Computing Guides
Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart on the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8.

MSI has some massive QD-OLED monitor news in the works

MSI revealed a slate of QD-OLED monitors that it will showcase at CES 2024, setting the tone for what we can expect from other brands at the show.
Computing News
Apple revealing the M3 Max processor.

Apple M3: explaining the next generation of Apple silicon

Apple finally revealed all of the details about its M3 family of chips. Here's everything you need to know about the next generation of Apple silicon.
Computing Guides
A slide from an Apple presentation saying "Dynamic Caching."

Nobody knows exactly how the M3’s Dynamic Caching works, but I have a theory

Apple's Dynamic Caching is one of the most technically dense features the company has ever revealed. Here's our best understanding of it.
Computing Features
A 24-inch iMac with Civilization VI running on it.

Apple has everything it needs to dominate gaming — except games

Apple's M3 could be a gaming powerhouse with its redesigned GPU, but there's just one problem: there aren't a ton of games on Mac.
Computing Features
Apple's M3 chip family.

The M3 is the most important chip Apple has ever made

We expected for Apple to release the M3 during its "Scary Fast" event, but there's a lot more riding on it than raw performance.
Computing Features
Apple revealing new Macs at an event.

Everything announced at Apple’s ‘Scary Fast’ event: iMac, M3, and more

Apple's unexpected fall event is over, and it was packed with announcements centered around the M3 chip and new Macs. Here's everything that was revealed.
Computing News
Logos for Apple's M3 chips.

Apple’s new M3 looks fast, but will it really be worth the upgrade?

Apple finally debuted the M3 processor after months of rumors, but how does it hold up to the M2? We break down all of the details.
Computing Guides
Cyberpunk 2077 running on the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 review: I want to buy it

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 provides the most immersive gaming experience money can buy, even if that means dealing with a few strange quirks along the way.
Computing Reviews
Alan Wake 2 running on the Samsung Odyssey OELD G9.

Alan Wake 2 is proof that more PC games need a potato mode

Alan Wake 2 is one of the most demanding games out right now, and it's a testament to the fact that more PC games need a cutback graphics mode.
Computing Features
Intel Core i5-13600K installed in a motherboard.

I tested Intel’s Core i5-14600K against its cheaper sibling. Don’t waste your money

Intel's new Core i5-14600K is positioned as a midrange champ, but it can best last-gen's Core i5-13600K? We put them head-to-head.
Computing Guides
Alan drenched in green light in Alan Wake 2.

Alan Wake 2 on PC is an embarrassment of riches

Alan Wake 2 is finally out on PC, and for as much of a PC tech showcase as the game is, it still carries a handful of issues.
Computing Features
Steam Deck with the Dbrand Killswitch case.

This is the one accessory every Steam Deck owner should buy

There are dozens of accessories to customize your Steam Deck, but if you're going to buy one, it should be Dbrand's Killswitch.
Computing Features
Qualcomm representative unveiling a new chipset.

Qualcomm says Oryon chips are faster than Macs’, but we’ve been here before

Qualcomm finally debuted its first Oryon chip for Windows laptops after two years of waiting, but we've been down this road before.
Computing News
Man using a 24-inch M1 iMac.

Apple’s next Mac event promises ‘scary fast’ reveals

Apple has finally confirmed its fall event, where we believe the company will launch new Macs. Here's what we know so far.
Computing News
The Hyte Y70 PC case with a touchscreen.

This PC case has a touchscreen, but it’s way more than a gimmick

Hyte's new Y70 Touch includes a 10-point touchscreen, but its advancements in case design are what make it truly shine.
Computing Features
An HDR demo on the LG OLED 27 gaming monitor.

9 best monitors for 2023: tested and reviewed

There are only a select few displays worthy of making it among the best monitors in 2023. Here are the screens worth your time and money.
Computing Products
Alan looks surprised in Alan Wake 2.

23% of PC gamers probably can’t play Alan Wake 2. Here’s why

Alan Wake 2 looks like a demanding game, but new details reveal just how taxing the upcoming Remedy title could be.
Computing News
The ultrawide Alienware 34 QD-OLED against a backdrop.

Alienware is playing coy with its two new QD-OLED monitors

Alienware teased two new QD-OLED gaming monitors, which should launch in January of next year. Here's what we know about them so far.
Computing News
An AMD Radeon RX 6500XT placed on a motherboard.

GPU prices and availability (Q4 2023): How much are GPUs today?

You can finally buy a graphics card thanks to falling GPU prices. Here's how Nvidia, AMD, and Intel GPU pricing look in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Computing Guides
windows isnt future of handheld gaming pcs dt respec

Windows is holding back the future of handheld gaming

Handheld gaming PCs are getting increasingly popular, and although some rely on Windows 11, that OS isn't the future for this form factor.
Computing Features
Nvidia's RTX 4070 graphics cards over a pink background.

This underrated Nvidia GPU is still the one to buy

We have full product lineups from AMD and Nvidia now, and with the launches behind us, there's one clear GPU that stands above others.
Computing Features
Razer Core X Chrome next to a MacBook.

The best external GPUs for your laptop in 2022

The best external GPUs offer the power you need to turn your laptop into a full-fledged desktop. Here are the top five options.
Computing Products
A person holding the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X.

AMD’s new CPUs decisively end the high-performance battle with Intel

AMD revealed that it's bringing Threadripper CPUs back to high-end desktops, and Intel still doesn't have a way to compete.
Computing News
An AMD GPU and CPU, sharing power while gaming.

AMD finally announced the GPU I’ve waited months for

After several quiet months, AMD is stepping up to the plate with a new laptop graphics card that squarely targets the RTX 4080.
Computing News
Intel Core i9-13900K held between fingertips.

I tested the Intel Core i9-14900K against the Core i9-13900K, and it’s not pretty

Intel's new Core i9-14900K is the fastest desktop CPU from Team Blue, but is it worth upgrading from the Core i9-13900K? We break down the differences.
Computing Products
Intel Core i5-14600K processor inside its socket.

It’s the end of an era for Intel

After 15 years with the same branding, the launch of the Core i9-14900K and Core i5-14600K mark the end of an era for Intel.
Computing News
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D installed in a motherboard.

The best processors in 2023: AMD and Intel CPUs duke it out

The best processors include options from AMD and Intel, but only a select few are worth your time. Here are the best CPUs to consider for your next build.
Computing Products
Intel Core i5-13600K installed in a motherboard.

The best Intel processors for 2023

Now that the Raptor Lake refresh is here, it's time to revisit the best Intel processors on the market. And buyers are spoiled with options right now.
Computing Products
Intel Core i5-14600K processor inside its socket.

Intel Core i9-14900K and Core i5-14600K review: a solid stopgap

Intel's new Core i9-14900K and Core i5-14600K close the gap with the competition from AMD, but they provide little reason to jump ship.
Computing Reviews
The AI features in Windows 11 for Teams

In the year of AI, is background blur really the best we can do?

2023 has definitively been the year of AI, but with a new generation of hardware promising AI accelerators, what will we actually use them for?
Computing Features
1234567
Next