Tech News
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Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5090 / 5080 EPIC-X GPU Cooler with Backplate
Published: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | By: EddieAlphacool International GmbH, based in Braunschweig, has been a pioneer in PC water cooling technology for over 20 years. With one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry and over 20 years of experience, Alphacool is now expanding its portfolio with the new Core Geforce RTX 5090 EPIC-X with Backplate and Core Geforce RTX 5080 EPIC-X with Backplate graphics card water coolers.
The GPU water coolers have been completely redesigned. Precise adjustments to the spacing between the cooler and the PCB, along with optimized water flow simulations and extensive practical testing, have resulted in significant improvements to the cooler base and jetplate. These enhancements ensure maximum cooling performance for the newest Nvidia Geforce RTX generation. The GPU water coolers feature a precisely machined copper base with high-quality chrome plating for exceptional durability and a smooth surface. The design is further complemented by robust brass fittings with a nylon cover, ensuring maximum safety and reliability.
Compatibility:
14739 - Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5090 EPIC-X with Backplate
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
14740 - Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5080 EPIC-X with Backplate
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5080 Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5080 Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5080 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5080 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
The Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5090 and 5080 EPIC-X GPU Coolers with Backplate can now be ordered in the Alphacool Shop.
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Lexar NM790 4TB M.2 SSD review @ Guru 3D
Published: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | By: EddieGuru3D reviewed the Lexar NM790 4TB PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe SSD recently and found it to be a strong performer at an affordable price point. Powered by the Maxio MAP1602A controller and YMTC 232-layer TLC NAND, the DRAM-less drive delivers impressive sequential read and write speeds of up to 7,400 MB/s and 6,500 MB/s, respectively. Despite the absence of a DRAM cache, its real-world performance in daily tasks and gaming loads remains solid. The SSD is also compatible with a wide range of devices, including desktops, laptops, and even PlayStation 5 systems, thanks to its single-sided M.2 2280 design.
The Lexar NM790 offers a different take on the 4TB SSD design. Also priced near €225 (about $250 USD), this model skips the Micron memory and Phison controller in favor of a Maxio controller and TLC memory from Longsys, presented in a 232-layer format. This setup is engineered to provide better endurance and higher write performance, which might be critical for gurus seeking a more robust solution. The NM790 does not include a DRAM cache, meaning that its performance benchmarks reflect the SSD’s core capabilities without additional buffering. This approach offers a transparent view of the drive’s intrinsic performance under various conditions.
Thermal performance is efficient, averaging around 39°C and peaking at about 60°C under sustained load—manageable with a motherboard heatsink. The NM790 also proves to be power-efficient, drawing as little as 0.04W at idle and about 4W during heavy operation. With an endurance rating of 3,000 TBW and a 5-year warranty, it offers a solid balance of capacity, speed, and value. Guru3D concludes that the Lexar NM790 is an excellent choice for users looking to expand high-speed storage without overspending.
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Top-Rated 144Hz+ Gaming Monitors for Competitive Gaming Available on Amazon
Published: Monday, May 5, 2025 | By: EddieWhen it comes to competitive gaming, a high refresh rate monitor is no longer just a luxury, it's a necessity. Modern gaming monitors with 144Hz refresh rates and above deliver significantly smoother motion, faster response times, and an overall more immersive experience that traditional 60Hz or 75Hz displays simply can't match.
But not all gaming monitors are created equal.
These top-rated gaming monitors offer lightning-fast refresh rates combined with high-resolution panels and adaptive sync technology (G-SYNC or FreeSync) for low input lag, and vibrant color reproduction. Whether you're a competitive esports player chasing every frame advantage, a next-gen console gamer seeking stunning 4K clarity, or a casual gamer wanting buttery-smooth gameplay, there’s an ideal monitor tailored to your needs.
With so many options flooding the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
To make it easier, we’ve rounded up five of the best gaming monitors available now on Amazon, each delivering a winning combination of speed, quality, and value.Here are our Top 5 Gaming Monitor Picks (144Hz and above) that deserve a spot in your setup!
1. Gigabyte M27Q 27” QHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Results Provided by Amazon- Size: 27-inch
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 0.5ms (MPRT)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Features: FreeSync Premium, Built-in KVM Switch
Brief:
The Gigabyte M27Q is a versatile 27-inch gaming monitor featuring a 1440p IPS panel with a blazing 170Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time. It offers stunning color accuracy, FreeSync Premium support, and even includes a built-in KVM switch for seamless device swapping. A true all-rounder for PC gamers and multitaskers.2. ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27” QHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Results Provided by Amazon- Size: 27-inch
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz (overclocked)
- Response Time: 1ms (MPRT)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Features: G-SYNC Compatible, ELMB Sync (blur reduction)
Brief:
The ASUS TUF VG27AQ delivers smooth 1440p gaming with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. Featuring ELMB Sync technology to reduce motion blur and G-SYNC compatibility for tear-free gameplay, it's an excellent choice for competitive gamers who want a durable, high-performing monitor without breaking the bank.3. Acer Nitro XV272U Vbmiiprx 27” QHD 170Hz Gaming Monitor
Results Provided by Amazon- Size: 27-inch
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 170Hz
- Response Time: 1ms (VRB)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Features: FreeSync Premium, VESA DisplayHDR 400
Brief:
The Acer Nitro XV272U offers exceptional value with a QHD resolution, fast 170Hz refresh rate, and vivid IPS panel. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA DisplayHDR 400 for a more vibrant gaming experience. This monitor stands out as an affordable yet powerful upgrade for serious gamers.4. MSI G273QPF 27” QHD 165Hz Rapid IPS Gaming Monitor
Results Provided by Amazon- Size: 27-inch
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms (GtG)
- Panel Type: Rapid IPS
- Features: G-SYNC Compatible, DisplayHDR 400
Brief:
MSI’s G273QPF boasts a Rapid IPS panel delivering a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for ultra-smooth, responsive gaming. G-SYNC compatibility ensures tear-free visuals, while the monitor’s color vibrancy and DisplayHDR 400 support make it a solid pick for gamers who also enjoy high-quality media content.5. LG UltraGear 32GN650-B 32” QHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Results Provided by Amazon- Size: 32-inch
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms (MBR)
- Panel Type: VA
- Features: FreeSync Premium, HDR10 support
Brief:
The LG UltraGear 32GN650-B features a larger 32-inch VA panel with 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms MBR technology. Perfect for immersive gaming, it offers FreeSync Premium support and HDR10 compatibility. It's an excellent choice for players wanting a bigger, smoother QHD gaming experience at an affordable price point.Final Thoughts
2K (QHD) gaming monitors continue to hit the sweet spot for modern gamers — offering a noticeable upgrade in clarity over 1080p while maintaining high frame rates that are competitive across the gamespace. These five models deliver exceptional refresh rates, vivid color reproduction, and fast response times, while staying under a $400 budget.
From esports enthusiasts to AAA gamers, there’s a lot of value packed into this tier of monitor which can blend smooth gameplay with detailed visuals without the heavier demands of 4K setups. Hardware Asylum believes these monitors represent excellent upgrade paths for gamers seeking serious performance improvements without venturing into ultra-premium pricing territory. Whether you prioritize immersive experiences, competitive advantages, or future-proofing your setup, these monitors stand out as smart, cost-effective choices.
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ASUS GeForce RTX 5090 Astral Liquid OC @ TechPowerUp
Published: Sunday, May 4, 2025 | By: EddieThinkComputers made a review article of the ASUS GeForce RTX 5090 Astral Liquid OC, highlighting it as ASUS's flagship graphics card built on NVIDIA's top-tier RTX 5090 GPU. Designed for maximum gaming performance, overclocking, and AI acceleration, this card features a 360 mm all-in-one liquid cooling solution that efficiently manages the substantial heat output of the RTX 5090. The cooling system includes a pump and water block for the GPU and memory, complemented by a single fan for the VRM, ensuring optimal thermal performance. The card's design is more compact than its air-cooled counterparts, making it suitable for various PC builds.
The $3400 ASUS GeForce RTX 5090 Astral Liquid OC is the company's flagship RTX 5090 model. It uses a 360 mm liquid cooling solution to handle the 600 W heat output of the RTX 5090 GPU. Testing in our review confirms: it's the fastest RTX 5090, with lowest temps and best thermals, but also with the highest price.
Performance-wise, the RTX 5090 Astral Liquid OC excels in 4K Ultra HD gaming with ray tracing enabled, delivering smooth and immersive experiences. The card's advanced features, such as DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation and Neural Rendering, leverage AI to enhance graphics quality and performance. With 21,760 CUDA cores, 32 GB of GDDR7 memory, and a 512-bit memory interface, it offers exceptional bandwidth and processing power. While its $3,400 price tag positions it as a premium option, the card's unparalleled performance and innovative features make it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking the best in gaming and AI workloads.
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Top Five 4K Streaming Sticks for 2025
Published: Saturday, April 19, 2025 | By: EddieLooking for the best 4K streaming stick to upgrade your home entertainment experience? With more households embracing cord-cutting and moving toward smart TV streaming, having a reliable streaming device is more important than ever. These compact yet powerful gadgets give you instant access to platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, and more—all in stunning 4K resolution with HDR support. Whether you’re after ultra-fast performance, voice control features, or seamless smart home integration, we’ve curated the top streaming devices for 4K in 2025, all available now on Amazon US. Here are our five top picks, ranked for performance, value, and usability.
1. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) – Best Overall Streaming Stick
Results Provided by AmazonKey Features:
- 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+ support
- Latest Wi-Fi 6E compatibility for faster connections
- Alexa Voice Remote for hands-free control
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is one of the most powerful and feature-rich Amazon streaming devices. Thanks to its upgraded processor and faster Wi-Fi, users enjoy lightning-fast streaming and smoother navigation.
2. Roku Streaming Stick 4K – Best for Simplicity & Interface
Results Provided by AmazonKey Features:
- 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision streaming
- Long-range Wi-Fi performance
- Voice remote with built-in TV controls
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is known for its intuitive interface and wide streaming app availability. It’s perfect for users who want a simple, plug-and-play experience with crisp 4K streaming performance.
3. Chromecast with Google TV (4K) – Best for Google Ecosystem
Results Provided by AmazonKey Features:
- Supports 4K HDR, Dolby Vision
- Personalized Google TV interface
- Voice remote with Google Assistant
Why It’s a Top Pick:
For Android and Google Assistant users, Chromecast with Google TV 4K offers seamless content discovery and smart voice control. It’s an ideal choice for personalized entertainment and Google smart home integration.
4. Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) – Best for Apple Users
Results Provided by AmazonKey Features:
- 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+
- Powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip
- Perfect integration with Apple services (iCloud, Arcade, Fitness+)
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) offers a premium experience for Apple ecosystem fans. With powerful hardware and seamless syncing, it’s one of the best streaming devices for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.
5. NVIDIA Shield TV Pro – Best for Gamers and Power Users
Results Provided by AmazonKey Features:
- 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Powered by NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor
- Smart home control with Google Assistant and Alexa support
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro stands out as the most versatile 4K streaming device on Amazon. It’s perfect for gamers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone needing robust performance and Plex server capability.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prioritize affordability, performance, or brand integration, these are the best 4K streaming sticks on Amazon for 2025. From budget-friendly Fire TV Stick 4K Max to the powerful NVIDIA Shield, there’s a perfect pick for every living room. Be sure to check the latest prices and availability on Amazon before purchasing.
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TRYX PANORAMA SE ARGB 360 Liquid Cooler Review @ ThinkComputers
Published: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | By: EddieThinkComputers made a review article of the TRYX Panorama SE ARGB 360, a 360mm all-in-one liquid CPU cooler that blends high-performance cooling with standout visual design. Its most eye-catching feature is a 6.5-inch curved AMOLED screen integrated into the pump block, offering a 2K resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. This screen can display system stats, animations, or even full videos, all customizable via TRYX’s KANALI software. The cooler uses Asetek’s Adela solution with a micro-convex copper base and thicker tubing, achieving up to 280W TDP. It also includes three 120mm ROTA ARGB fans, delivering strong airflow with minimal noise, staying under 28 dBA.
"TRYX is a brand that has somewhat recently entered the enthusiast PC market, and with quite the splash. In this review we are taking a look at on of their 360mm AIOs, the PANORAMA SE ARGB 360. Available in both black and white colorways, the PANORAMA SE's flagship feature is the 6.5″ curved AMOLED display on the pump housing. While certainly impressive in its own regard, there is more to this cooler than a flashy LCD, including ARGB lighting and some pretty good performance to back up the good looks."
In testing, the TRYX Panorama SE ARGB 360 performed well, keeping CPUs cool even under load while remaining quiet. ThinkComputers noted that its visual appeal—especially the AMOLED screen—adds a premium touch to any build, making it a great centerpiece for showpiece systems. While it may be more expensive than traditional AIO coolers, the performance, customizability, and aesthetics justify the price for users seeking both form and function. Overall, it stands out as an innovative option in the AIO market for PC enthusiasts.
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Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5070 EAGLE OC ICE SFF 12G Graphics Card @ Funky Kit
Published: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | By: EddieFunkyKit published a review of the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5070 EAGLE OC ICE SFF 12G, a compact graphics card designed for small form factor (SFF) PC builds. The card features 6,144 CUDA cores, 12GB of GDDR7 memory, and a factory overclocked boost clock of 2.587 GHz. Built on NVIDIA's Blackwell architecture, it supports the latest 4th Gen ray tracing and 5th Gen Tensor cores, along with DLSS 4. The ICE SFF model is equipped with a refined Windforce cooling system and a sleek white shroud, making it not only thermally efficient but also visually appealing for compact rigs. The card supports DisplayPort 2.1b and HDMI 2.1b outputs, with the ability to drive displays up to 8K at 165Hz using DSC.
" If Gigabyte can keep this graphics card as close to MSRP as possible, then it's definitely worth a look ... It offers great aesthetics, a Small Form Factor size, and provides decent 1440p gaming performance that's on par with the RTX 4070 Ti thanks to its overclocked GPU. "
In real-world performance, the RTX 5070 ICE SFF shines in 1440p gaming, offering excellent frame rates and support for modern rendering features. It fits easily in mini-ITX or other SFF enclosures without sacrificing much in terms of thermal headroom or noise levels. While the 12GB VRAM is suitable for most current games, it may become a limitation in future AAA titles at higher resolutions. Overall, FunkyKit awarded the card a score of 8.2 out of 10, praising its compact size, good thermal design, and solid performance, though they noted its premium pricing and limited VRAM could be drawbacks for some users.
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Oblivion Remastered Handheld Performance @ TechPowerUp
Published: Friday, May 2, 2025 | By: EddieTechPowerUp reviewed the performance of Oblivion Remastered on handheld gaming devices, specifically the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. Built with Unreal Engine 5 for visuals while retaining the original gameplay engine, the remaster brings modern graphics like Lumen lighting and supports DLSS, FSR, and XeSS. However, performance on handhelds is a mixed bag. On the Steam Deck, the game struggles to maintain 30 FPS even at low settings, with stuttering and noticeable visual downgrades. The ROG Ally offers slightly better results, handling medium settings in some areas, though it too requires compromises in draw distance and texture quality.
Oblivion Remastered came out of nowhere and made quite an impact. The game is Steam Deck Verified but can it indeed achieve playable performance on Valve's handheld PC, or on the ASUS ROG Ally for that matter? Find out in our handheld performance review.
While this remaster is designed with handheld gaming in mind, players must accept trade-offs in visual fidelity and performance to make it playable. Despite the technical limitations, the core Oblivion experience remains intact, enhanced with modern lighting and UI tweaks. For fans of the original game eager to explore Cyrodiil on the go, Oblivion Remastered offers a nostalgic and portable journey—just don’t expect flawless performance on current handheld hardware.
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Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Gaming Keyboard Review @ Madshrimps.be
Published: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | By: EddieMadshrimps recently reviewed the ASUS ProArt X870E Creator WiFi motherboard, highlighting its impressive features and performance. The review emphasizes the board’s robust VRM design, which ensures stable power delivery even under heavy workloads. This stability is particularly beneficial for demanding creative applications such as video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design. Additionally, the ProArt X870E Creator WiFi boasts an array of connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6E, making it ideal for seamless data transfers and high-speed wireless connections.
" As the SteelSeries Apex PRO Gen 3, Huntsman V3 Pro is the ultimate keyboard for competitive gamers, integrating the latest technologies such as adjustable actuation, Razer Snap Tap, Rapid Trigger Mode and direct integration with controller buttons. The actuation force is lighter than with the well-known CHERRY MX Reds for a faster reaction speed, while the PBT Double-Shot keycaps are made to withstand intensive use. "The cooling solution is also noteworthy. The board’s advanced heatsinks and fan design effectively manage temperatures even when the system is pushed to its limits, ensuring optimal performance without thermal throttling. Madshrimps points out that while the motherboard comes with a relatively high price tag, its comprehensive feature set and reliability make it a worthy investment for professionals and enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance in their creative workflows. The review concludes by recommending this motherboard for those who prioritize stability, advanced features, and seamless connectivity.
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Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5-8400 2x24GB DDR5 RAM Review @ APH Networks
Published: Thursday, May 1, 2025 | By: EddieAPH Networks reviewed the Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5-8400 2x24GB memory kit, highlighting it as a premium offering for high-performance PC builds. Featuring a sleek aluminum heatspreader, medium-height profile, and SK hynix M-die ICs, this CUDIMM kit delivers exceptional stability and bandwidth, particularly on Intel platforms. Running at 8400 MT/s with CL40 latency and 1.45V, it comes in both black and white variants, with a clean design and solid thermal management to match. Benchmarks in AIDA64, PCMark 10, and 3DMark confirmed its strong memory performance across productivity and content creation workloads.
"The Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5-8400 2x24GB CUDIMMs deliver top-tier performance to make the most of the latest Intel CPUs."
While overclocking beyond its rated speed proved limited, the kit performed excellently out-of-the-box and is competitively priced at around $340, with an optional RGB version available. APH Networks praised the Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5-8400 for its combination of aesthetics, stability, and performance, recommending it as a worthwhile upgrade for enthusiasts looking to push the limits of DDR5 without compromise.
