~ Early Web Links ~

Benchtest.Com is a detailed technical resource dedicated to testing and comparing CPU cooler software programs like CpuIdle, Rain, Waterfall Pro, and VCool, measuring their impact on processor temperatures and system performance. Created by Jim, the site also covers hardware projects including heat pipes, water cooling builds, heat sink reviews, and overclocking experiments on Celeron and Pentium II processors.

Thomas Brand's Egg Freckles is a focused notes-style blog covering Apple hardware, software, and accessories with entries on MacBook Air, iPads, M2 displays, music ripping, and retro Mac topics. The site is a tidy, minimal log of Apple-centric observations and reviews that appeals to Mac enthusiasts and Apple history buffs alike.

Maintained by John D. McCalpin (aka 'Dr. Bandwidth'), this site hosts the definitive STREAM benchmark results measuring sustainable memory bandwidth across a wide variety of computer systems. It includes performance tables, source code, raw data files, FAQ, and commentary spanning decades of high-performance computing hardware.

Sprite_tm's personal hacking lab documents deep-dive hardware modifications and firmware exploits across a wild variety of devices, from hard disk JTAG hacking to converting dumb switches to managed ones. Each project is a multi-page technical walkthrough with real code, PCB analysis, and hands-on experimentation that makes it a goldmine for hardware hackers and embedded engineers.

Neil Brown's personal tech blog documents a fun budget laptop challenge, sourcing and refurbishing a ThinkPad L380 for under £50 while running a current, supported OS. The site is packed with practical Linux and hardware tinkering posts covering everything from ThinkPad mods to Debian configuration tips.