Tech News
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ASUS ROG STRIX B850-F Gaming WIFI motherboard @ Guru3D
Guru3D praised the ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi for delivering a feature-rich AM5 experience at a more accessible price. Based on the AMD B850 chipset, this ATX board supports Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series processors and accommodates up to 256 GB of DDR5 memory running beyond 8000 MT/s. The board offers robust power delivery with a 16 + 2 + 2 phase VRM design rated at 80 A per stage, making it capable of handling high-end CPUs. Expansion options include a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for the GPU, a second PCIe 5.0 slot (runs at x4 on Ryzen 8000 series), PCIe 4.0 x16 from the chipset, and four M.2 slots (two PCIe 5.0 x4 and two PCIe 4.0 x4). Networking and I/O are well covered with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5 Gb Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, and a rich collection of USB ports.
"If you're building a gaming PC and want a motherboard that offers great features without breaking the bank, the ASUS ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi is a solid option. This board is built for gamers, offering support for the latest tech, like PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and Wi-Fi 7. It works with AMD’s AM5 processors and is compatible with chips from the 7000, 8000, and 9000 series. You can even install up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM for maximum performance. Even though it’s packed with high-end features, the ASUS ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi is pretty affordable. The design includes RGB lighting, which can add a bit of flair to your build, and the layout is simple and straightforward, making installation easy. Plus, it has HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, so you can use the integrated GPU if you’re not using a dedicated graphics card right away."
Performance and cooling impressed during testing. Guru3D confirmed stable operation under load, with the VRMs maintaining safe temperatures thanks to effective heatsinks and BIOS tuning. TechPowerUp noted that the top M.2 heatsink managed Gen 5 SSD temperatures well, keeping them around 70 °C—roughly 10 °C below throttling thresholds—but saw a notable temperature rise on the bottom slot, pointing to better thermal contact on the top slot. In-game benchmarks delivered reliable frame rates across titles, and overclocking tests showed the board maintained strong voltages and thermals. With its broad feature set, solid performance, and competitive positioning, Guru3D recommends the ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi to gamers seeking a future-proof AM5 build without breaking the bank -
Noctua introduces NF-A12x25 G2 next-generation 120mm fan
Noctua today introduced its next-generation flagship 120mm fan, the NF-A12x25 G2. Building upon the success of the original NF-A12x25, the G2 version introduces a refined blade geometry and a novel motor design. These advancements lead to a significant boost in performance-to-noise efficiency, allowing the NF-A12x25 G2 to achieve superior results across various applications, including water cooling radiators, heatsinks, and case fan setups.
“The first-generation NF-A12x25 set a new benchmark for 120mm fans and has become one of the most successful Noctua fans of all time, so we’re excited to be able to offer another significant performance boost over this renowned model,” says Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). “Using the same motor and aerodynamic design approach as the 14cm G2 model, the new NF-A12x25 G2 has been further refined in virtually all respects, which enables it to further push the envelope in terms of performance-to-noise efficiency.“
The NF-A12x25 G2 is the second-generation, further improved successor to the groundbreaking NF-A12x25 and 120mm sister model to the award-winning 140mm NF-A14x25 G2: Like its much-acclaimed predecessor, it is made from Sterrox® LCP and features an extremely tight tip-clearance of only 0.5mm. At the same time, its further optimised Progressive Bend impeller with winglets, Flow Acceleration Channels and the new Centrifugal Turbulator Hub enable the G2 version to surpass the original NF-A12x25’s performance, making it Noctua’s undisputed new flagship in the 120mm range.
Just like its predecessor and the 140mm version, the NF-A12x25 G2 is a true all-rounder that yields superb results in all types of usage, regardless of whether it’s in low-impedance, airflow-oriented applications such as case cooling, or high-impedance, static pressure demanding scenarios such as on heatsinks and water cooling radiators. For application-specific optimisation, the NF-A12x25 G2’s AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimisation) frame can be combined with the included NA-AVG1 anti-vibration gasket for a tighter seal on radiators or the optional, separately sold, NA-IS1-12 inlet side spacer frame, which can help to achieve superior suction acoustics and improved flow rates in challenging “pull” configurations.
Its ultra-low-loss etaPERF™ motor with Smooth Commutation Drive 2 technology doesn’t only provide unprecedented energy efficiency and running smoothness, but thanks to the new SupraTorque™ feature, it can also leverage extra torque headroom to keep the fan at its desired speed when working against back pressure, thereby ensuring even better performance on heatsinks and radiators.
The fan is available in a standard PWM version with 1800rpm maximum speed, an ultra-quiet LS-PWM version with up to 1100rpm, as well as in an Sx2-PP set that contains two fans that are offset in speed by +/- ~50rpm. This speed offset can be beneficial in push-pull operation as well as in situations where two or more fans are operating side by side, such as in case cooling applications or on water cooling radiators, in order to avoid periodic humming or other undesired acoustic interaction phenomena.
Topped off with Noctua’s reference-class SSO2 bearing, a rich bundle of accessories and 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, the NF-A12x25 G2 is a premium-quality product through and through. Its superior performance, comprehensive feature set, cutting-edge construction and state-of-the-art materials set a new standard within Noctua’s portfolio and make it an elite choice for the most discerning demands. -
Anker Solix EverFrost 2 40L Electric Cooler @ LANOC Review
LanOC Reviews recently reviewed and found the EverFrost 240L electric cooler to be a significant upgrade over the original design. The build quality felt sturdier with no molding flaws, the button mechanics were improved, and the new lid fan ensured more even cooling throughout. A handy feature allows you to pre-cool the interior for 15 minutes before loading contents. Its ability to cool down to near freezing without ice, coupled with a user-friendly temperature control and an interior light, makes it a genuinely portable electric fridge that functions seamlessly as a reliable backup during power interruptions.
"Two years ago Anker expanded their already wide range of products with their first battery-powered cooler, the EverFrost Powered Cooler, and I took a look at it. It had its issues, but it was useful and over the last two years I’ve been using it on trips and in between trips we keep it running in our basement to have a few cool drinks there and as a backup if the power goes out or if our refrigerator has any issues. Well, Anker hasn’t left things alone, this spring they introduced the EverFrost 2 lineup and I was able to take the EverFrost 2 40L along with us on our most recent drive to Florida and today I’m going to take a closer look at their new design to see what has changed and talk about what the experience has been like."
LanOC Review’s real-world testing included a road trip and basement use, where the cooler doubled as both refrigerator and freezer. Charging options include AC, car USB-C, and even solar panels. While it operates quietly most of the time, occasional compressor noise is expected. Optional accessories—such as trays, wheels, and spare batteries—offer versatility, though each adds significant cost. With a street price sitting around $799 to $899 for this 40 L size, the EverFrost 2 stands tall among battery-powered coolers, earning praise as both a versatile travel fridge and a ready power backup option.
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SCHENKER KEY 18 Pro (E25) Laptop Review @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp praised the Schenker KEY 18 Pro as a powerhouse for desktop-grade gaming in a portable form. It comes equipped with Nvidia’s RTX 5090 Mobile GPU and a stunning 200 Hz 4K+ display, delivering high frame rates in demanding titles like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077. Under the hood, the laptop includes an advanced cooling system that keeps CPU and GPU temperatures under control during intense workloads. It also features a full keyboard, robust audio with dual tweeters, bottom-firing speakers and a subwoofer, and a solid port selection that supports a range of peripherals .
"The Schenker KEY 18 Pro is a huge high-end 18" gaming powerhouse. Thanks to the GeForce RTX 5090 Mobile GPU and the 200 Hz 4K+ display, this is what you want for gaming. Although it weighs nearly 4 kg, its larger size allows for better cooling, which helps maintain top performance."
During performance testing, the KEY 18 Pro delivered consistently high frame rates across multiple AAA titles and maintained stable thermals without excessive noise. Battery life was modest, especially under load, and reviewers noted only two USB Type-A ports and a bulky chassis limit portability. Despite these trade-offs, the laptop stood out as an excellent choice for gamers and power users who want desktop-level performance on the go and can handle the size and battery compromises. -
MSI MPG VELOX 300R AIRFLOW PZ Chassis @ Funky Kit
FunkyKit reviewed MSI’s MPG VELOX 300R Airflow PZ mid-tower, calling it a feature-rich case that focuses squarely on cooling capacity and easy assembly. The steel-and-mesh chassis measures 485 × 235 × 518 mm and supports ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, E-ATX, and new reverse-connector boards like MSI Project ZERO. Out of the box, it includes two 160 mm ARGB front intakes with a dual-layer blade design, plus a rear 120 mm exhaust. Builders can fit up to thirteen 120 mm fans or three 360 mm radiators. Convenience touches abound: an EZ bracket system for AIOs and fans, a snap-and-lock PSU shroud, a pre-installed GPU support arm, and full-length dust filters. FunkyKit lists the street price between 149 and 199 US dollars, placing it in the mid-range for airflow-oriented enclosures.
" ... The MSI MPG VELOX 300R AIRFLOW PZ chassis offers plenty of cooling options and effortless assembly. Thanks to its 2 x pre-installed 160mm ARG fans with a dual blade design, it’s perfect for system builders and enthusiasts who wants to build powerful gaming rigs with good thermal performance.. "
During hands-on building and thermal testing, the VELOX 300R maintained low component temperatures while remaining pleasantly quiet, thanks to its high-flow front panel and spacious interior. Cable management proved straightforward, and the included hardware sped up installation. FunkyKit’s only real criticism was that the PCI-e slot bracket can be awkward to reach once a large GPU is in place. Overall, the reviewer concluded that the case delivers excellent cooling potential, solid build quality, and thoughtful quality-of-life features at a price most enthusiasts will consider fair -
Cooler Master Hyper 612 Apex CPU Cooler Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks took an in-depth look at Cooler Master’s Hyper 612 Apex air cooler, finding plenty to like in both design and presentation. The single-tower heatsink relies on six copper heat pipes and a pair of 120 mm Mobius PWM fans tucked under a magnetic top cover. At 127 × 114 × 159 mm it clears most RAM slots, and the bundle includes a tidy cardboard tool kit, CyroFuze thermal paste, and brackets for all current Intel LGA 1851/1700/1200/115x and AMD AM5/AM4 sockets. A five-year warranty rounds out the premium feel of what APH Networks describes as a surprisingly refined unboxing experience.
The Cooler Master Hyper 612 Apex air cooler offers high performance with sleek aesthetics at a very good price.
During hands-on testing the Hyper 612 Apex kept a Ryzen 5 5600X idling at 25 °C and topped out at 48 °C after 20 minutes of Prime95, matching the larger dual-tower be quiet Pure Rock Pro 3 while staying impressively quiet. APH Networks rated noise just 1 on a 0-10 scale at idle and about 3.5 at maximum fan speed, noting the sound remained a gentle whisper even up close. With cooling that rivals bigger, pricier heat sinks and acoustics that stay civil under load, the Hyper 612 Apex came away recommended as an effective, well-built option for mid-range and enthusiast systems alike. -
ASRock Phantom Gamming B850I Lightning WiFi motherboard Review @ Funky Kit
FunkyKit reviewed the ASRock Phantom Gaming B850I Lightning WiFi motherboard, highlighting its strong feature set in a compact Mini-ITX form factor. Designed for AMD’s AM5 platform, it supports Ryzen 7000, 8000, and upcoming 9000 series processors. The board features a 10+1+1 power phase design with 110A power stages and large aluminum heatsinks for effective thermal control. It also offers support for DDR5 memory up to 8200 MHz, one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, and dual M.2 slots including one PCIe 5.0 and one PCIe 4.0 at the rear. Connectivity is well-rounded with Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 GbE LAN, USB-C with DisplayPort, 13 USB ports in total, RGB headers, and BIOS Flashback functionality.
"... If you love Mini-ITX motherboards like me, and you want to build a mini PC powered by a Ryzen 9000 series processor, then the ASRock Phantom Gaming B850I Lightning WiFi motherboard is your answer. It's packed with features and offers good performance, plus you can get it at an extremely affordable price too. "
In performance testing, FunkyKit found the B850I Lightning WiFi to be stable, power efficient, and capable of handling high-end components without issue. It delivered consistent results with no throttling, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity. The cooling solution proved effective during extended use, although users with Gen5 SSDs may need to monitor temperatures closely. Overall, the board was praised for offering premium-level performance and connectivity at a competitive price point, making it a smart choice for small form factor builds using the latest AMD CPUs. -
2025 Summer Buying Guide - The Best Bluetooth Speakers under $150
The sub-$150 Bluetooth speaker market has grown increasingly competitive, with brands pushing the limits of what compact, wireless audio can deliver. Whether for immersive gaming, backyard parties, podcast listening, or just filling a room with rich sound, today’s best Bluetooth speakers offer a compelling mix of portability, durability, and well-balanced audio fidelity.
From an audiophile’s perspective, the sweet spot for sound quality and cost-performance now lies between $80 and $150. At this price point, speakers are expected to deliver crisp highs, balanced mids, and punchy but not overpowering bass, all while packing smart design features like waterproofing, stereo pairing, and extended battery life. This guide highlights five of the most popular and well-reviewed options on Amazon US, each with a unique edge and from a different brand to help you diversify your shortlist.
Top 5 Bluetooth Speakers Under $150:
1) JBL Clip 5 – Ultra Portable Rugged Sound
Results Provided by Amazon- Key Specs:
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof
- 12-hour battery life
- Integrated carabiner clip
- Overview: The JBL Clip 5 packs signature JBL Pro Sound into a compact, go-anywhere design. It’s built for those who need durable portability without compromising audio clarity. With over 3,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, it's a top choice for outdoor adventurers and daily commuters alike.
2) Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 – 360-Degree Sound in a Pocket
Results Provided by Amazon- Key Specs:
- IP67 waterproof, dustproof, and floatable
- 13-hour battery life
- 360-degree soundstage with podcast mode
- Overview: Delivering impressive volume and clarity for its size, the Wonderboom 4 is praised by RTINGS and audiophiles alike for its well-balanced sound and immersive output. A favorite for poolside listening, its rugged build and floating capability make it ideal for active lifestyles.
3) Sony SRS-XB100 – Compact Bass Enhanced Performer
Results Provided by Amazon- Key Specs:
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof
- Up to 16-hour battery life
- Passive radiator for enhanced low-end response
- Overview: Don’t be fooled by the small form factor. The XB100 delivers tight bass and clean vocals, making it a standout for value. Its minimalist design hides serious engineering, including a passive radiator and sound diffusion processor. It’s a go-to for casual listeners who appreciate deeper audio texture.
4) Anker Soundcore Flare 2 – Customizable Party Audio
Results Provided by Amazon- Key Specs:
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- 12-hour playtime
- 360-degree sound with BassUp technology and dual LED rings
- App-controlled EQ and lighting modes
- Overview: The Flare 2 caters to those who want more control over their listening experience. With user-customizable EQ, strong stereo imaging, and a vibrant LED light show, it’s perfect for home use or casual parties. It supports stereo pairing, making it ideal for creating a wireless mini soundstage.
5) Tribit StormBox 2 – Outdoor-Friendly 360° Sound Champion
Results Provided by Amazon- Key Specs:
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Up to 24-hour battery life
- 34 W peak power with 360° sound
- Bluetooth 5.3, TWS stereo pairing, and app-based EQ
- Overview: The Tribit StormBox 2 punches above its price class with immersive surround sound, strong bass via XBass tech, and a full day of playback. Users praise its durability and performance, especially outdoors. TechRadar and Tom’s Guide recognize its value in rugged, outdoor settings.
Conclusion
Choosing a Bluetooth speaker today means balancing audio performance, portability, and durability while staying within a reasonable budget. The five picks featured above are not only Amazon best-sellers but also smart investments in sound quality and long-term reliability.
Whether you're upgrading your home setup, prepping for a weekend trip, or just want better music on the go, these speakers will deliver clear highs, confident mids, and satisfying bass, all under $150. Each brings something different to the table, and all are worthy companions for tech-savvy listeners who appreciate quality without overspending.
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BIOSTAR LAUNCHED AI-NONXS, NVIDIA BASED EDGE AI DEVELOPER KIT
Powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX/Nano with Super Mode for Up to 2.5X AI Inference Performance
Taipei, Taiwan – BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of edge computing solutions, motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices, is excited to introduce the AI-NONXS Developer Kit, a high-performance edge AI development platform engineered to accelerate edge AI deployment for system integrators and AI software developers.
Designed to support NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX and Orin Nano series modules, the AI-NONXS Developer Kit empowers users to efficiently build and deploy AI-powered solutions across a broad range of real-world applications. From smart manufacture, smart retail, and automated warehouses to smart cities, transportation, and smart agriculture, the AI-NONXS provides the computing power, flexibility, and reliability required for advanced edge systems.The AI-NONXS Developer Kit comes with a comprehensive set of industrial-grade interfaces, including 4 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, 1 Micro-USB port, dual Gigabit Ethernet (1 x 1GbE and 1 x 2.5GbE with optional Power over Ethernet), and RS232/422/485, CANBUS, TPM (opt.), audio Line-Out/MIC-In and Speaker out. It operates within a wide temperature range of –20°C to 60°C and supports a flexible power input range of 12V to 20V, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments. For visual input and expansion capabilities, the kit includes HDMI 2.1 (for Orin NX) or HDMI 1.4 (for Orin Nano), dual MIPI CSI connectors, and three M.2 slots (Key-M, Key-E, and Key-B) for storage, wireless communication, and modular upgrades.
With full support for Linux and NVIDIA JetPack 6.2 including its Super Mode performance profile, the platform enables on-device inference for modern AI workloads, such as large language models (LLMs), small language models (SLMs), vision-language models (VLMs), vision transformers (ViT), Stable Diffusion (text-to-image) and DeepSeek R1 etc.With Super Mode enabled, the AI-NONXS unlocks significant performance gains for advanced vision-based and multimodal applications. It offers full support for Vision Transformers (ViT), delivering up to 2X faster performance for improved image recognition accuracy, accelerated inference, and responsive real-time visual processing. Vision-Language Models (VLMs) also benefit from up to a 2.5X performance boost, enabling faster visual understanding, efficient multimodal integration, and real-time decision-making at the edge, making the AI-NONXS Developer Kit exceptionally well-suited for intelligent perception tasks across industrial and embedded environments.
The AI-NONXS Developer Kit delivers the intelligence and performance needed to drive next-generation edge AI solutions across a wide range of industries. In smart retail, it powers technologies such as automated checkout, real-time inventory management, in-store traffic analytics, and shopper behavior analysis. In smart manufacturing settings, it enables advanced visual inspection, predictive maintenance, and perceptive robotics.
For smart city infrastructure, the platform supports traffic flow optimization, number plate recognition, perimeter protection, and sensor fusion for real-time monitoring and control. Within transportation and logistics, it facilitates efficient fleet management, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and intelligent cargo inspection. In agriculture, the AI-NONXS empowers applications like autonomous tractors, AI-powered harvesting, robotic pollinators, livestock health monitoring, and precision spraying, bringing powerful AI capabilities directly to the field.
With its compact industrial design, AI model versatility, and robust connectivity, BIOSTAR AI-NONXS Developer Kit is the ideal foundation for edge AI systems that require reliable, low-latency performance and maximum deployment flexibility.
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Lexar NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe 2TB SSD Review @ Funky Kit
FunkyKit reviewed the Lexar NM1090 Pro PCIe Gen5 NVMe 2TB SSD, showcasing it as one of the fastest consumer SSDs currently available. Built with the Silicon Motion SM2508 controller and 232-layer 3D TLC NAND flash, the drive offers impressive performance, reaching up to 14,000 MB/s read and 13,000 MB/s write speeds. It also includes a 2GB DRAM cache and SLC dynamic caching to maintain consistent throughput. The included aluminum heatsink with integrated fan proved effective in cooling, preventing thermal throttling during extended workloads and helping the drive maintain peak performance even under stress.
" ... The Lexar NM1090 PRO PCIE Gen5 NVMe 2TB SSD is yet another great product in Lexar's ever expanding storage lineup. It offers phenomenal read/write performance, plus you get a large 2TB storage capacity, with an impressive 5-year warranty too. "
In the benchmark testing, FunkyKit found the NM1090 Pro delivered top-tier results across both synthetic and real-world scenarios. Random read performance reached up to 2.1 million IOPS, which is ideal for multitasking, gaming, and creative applications. The drive also comes with a five-year warranty and is competitively priced at around 225 US dollars for the 2TB model. Overall, FunkyKit praised it as an excellent choice for power users looking to take full advantage of the Gen5 platform with strong thermal management and reliable high-speed storage.
