PC Tech Vault is an independent PC hardware reference and editorial site. This page explains what the site collects, why, how to reach the site operator about personal data, and what choices visitors have.
The short version
PC Tech Vault runs self-hosted analytics and is preparing to introduce Google AdSense advertising. A cookie consent tool is in place to manage that transition. Analytics visit records now include the visitor’s IP address rather than an anonymized form of it. Where a cookie or script is not strictly necessary for the site to function, it will only be set after the visitor has given consent through the banner.
Server logs
Like any web server, the host records each request: the visitor’s IP address, browser user agent, the page requested, and a timestamp. These logs are used for security, abuse prevention (including blocking automated and abusive traffic), and diagnosing faults. They are kept for a short period and then rotated out.
Usage analytics
The site uses WP Statistics, a self-hosted analytics tool. It runs on this server and sends nothing to any outside analytics company. It records page views and stores the visitor’s IP address, which is used to derive the visitor’s approximate country and region and to help identify abusive or automated traffic. Analytics data is automatically cleared after 180 days. The legal basis is legitimate interest in understanding how the site is used and in keeping it secure from automated abuse.
Advertising
PC Tech Vault is preparing to display Google AdSense advertising. Once active, AdSense may set advertising and measurement cookies and use device data to select and measure ads, and Google acts as an independent data controller for that processing under its own privacy policy. Advertising and measurement cookies will only be set for a visitor after they consent through the cookie banner described below; visitors who decline will not receive personalized ads. This section will be updated with Google’s data-sharing details when advertising goes live.
Contact and correction forms
If a visitor uses the general contact form or submits a technical correction, the site receives what the visitor enters. The contact form collects a name, email address, subject or reason, message, and an optional page URL. The structured correction form collects the affected entry, correction type, details, source URL when supplied, and contact information. The correction workflow covers GPU and CPU Wiki reference records, while the contact form accepts broader site and editorial messages. Submissions are used only to review the message and reply. Correction submissions may be kept with the affected record so the change has a documented reason.
Forum accounts
The forums run on wpForo. If a visitor registers an account, the site stores the chosen username, email address, a hashed password, posts, and the IP address recorded when posting. This is what an account and a public discussion need to function. Login uses a session cookie that is removed on logout.
Cookies and consent
The site uses a cookie consent tool to categorize cookies and record visitor choices, and to signal those choices to Google Consent Mode. Essential cookies, such as the login session cookie for registered users and forum members and the cookie that records consent choices itself, are set regardless of consent because the site cannot function without them. Advertising and any other non-essential cookies are only set after the visitor consents through the banner, and a visitor can change their choice at any time through the consent settings link in the site footer.
Who the data reaches
The hosting provider stores the site and its database and processes server logs on the operator’s behalf; hosting is located in the United States. The cookie consent tool stores a record of each visitor’s consent choice so it can be honored on later visits. Email delivery is used to send replies to submitted messages. Once AdSense is active, Google will process advertising-related data as described in the Advertising section above. Data is never sold, rented, or shared for marketing beyond what is described in this policy. There are no affiliate or data-broker relationships.
Affiliate links
The site does not currently use affiliate or referral links. If that changes, affected links will be labeled on the page where they appear, as stated on the About page, and this policy will be updated.
Your choices and rights
The entire site can be browsed without an account and without submitting a form. Advertising cookies are optional; declining them does not restrict access to any content.
Visitors in the EU, the UK, or another region with equivalent law have the right to ask for a copy of the personal data the site holds about them, to have it corrected or deleted, to object to a particular use, and to complain to their local data protection authority. To make a request, use the contact page or the corrections page. Requests are answered within a reasonable time and at no charge.
Children
PC Tech Vault is a technical reference aimed at adults and is not directed at children under 16. The site does not knowingly collect data from children.
Changes
This policy was last updated on 22 September 2026, to reflect the move to full IP logging in site analytics and preparation for Google AdSense advertising, including the addition of a cookie consent tool. Material changes will be noted here with a new date.