Boards & Bits Hardware deep dives for makers and tinkerers

Boards & Bits

Hardware deep dives for makers and tinkerers

Latest Articles

RISC-V Is No Longer a Science Experiment: The Open Processor Revolution Hits the Workbench
Hardware Reviews & Comparisons

RISC-V Is No Longer a Science Experiment: The Open Processor Revolution Hits the Workbench

RISC-V development boards have quietly crossed the threshold from academic curiosity to genuinely useful maker hardware. We dig into the best boards available right now, where the ecosystem still has gaps, and why 2024-2025 might be the moment you actually want to spend your project budget on open silicon.

USB-C, Thunderbolt, PCIe: Cutting Through the Cable Chaos on Your Next Custom Build
DIY & Making

USB-C, Thunderbolt, PCIe: Cutting Through the Cable Chaos on Your Next Custom Build

You've got a USB-C cable, a Thunderbolt dock, and a PCIe expansion card all trying to coexist in your latest build — and something isn't working right. Understanding what's actually happening at the protocol level can save you hours of troubleshooting and bad purchasing decisions. Here's the practical breakdown makers actually need.

Stop Prototyping Forever: How to Graduate From Breadboards to Your Own Custom PCB
DIY & Making

Stop Prototyping Forever: How to Graduate From Breadboards to Your Own Custom PCB

Every maker hits that moment when a tangled breadboard just isn't cutting it anymore. Designing your first custom PCB feels intimidating, but with the right tools and a little know-how, it's more achievable than you think. Here's everything you need to make the leap.

CPU, GPU, or NPU: Picking the Right Silicon for Your Home AI Projects in 2024
Hardware Reviews & Comparisons

CPU, GPU, or NPU: Picking the Right Silicon for Your Home AI Projects in 2024

The AI hardware landscape has exploded in the past two years, and makers building machine learning projects at home now have more processing options than ever — which honestly makes the choice harder. We break down CPUs, GPUs, and the new wave of NPUs so you can spend your money on the right chip for the job.