Tech News
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NVIDIA and Nokia to Pioneer the AI Platform for 6G — Powering America’s Return to Telecommunications Leadership
NVIDIA to Invest $1 Billion in Nokia to Accelerate AI-RAN Innovation and Lead Transition from 5G to 6G
GTC Washington, D.C. -- NVIDIA and Nokia today announced a strategic partnership to add NVIDIA-powered, commercial-grade AI-RAN products to Nokia’s industry-leading RAN portfolio, enabling communication service providers to launch AI-native 5G-Advanced and 6G networks on NVIDIA platforms. NVIDIA will also invest $1 billion in Nokia at a subscription price of $6.01 per share. The investment is subject to customary closing conditions.
The partnership marks the beginning of the AI-native wireless era, providing the foundation to support AI-powered consumer experiences and enterprise services at the edge.
In addition, the partnership addresses the fast-growing AI-RAN market, representing a significant opportunity within the RAN market that is expected to exceed a cumulative $200 billion by 2030, according to analyst firm Omdia.
Together, NVIDIA and Nokia are also laying the strategic infrastructure and opening up a new high-growth frontier for telecom providers by delivering distributed edge AI inferencing at scale.
T-Mobile U.S. will collaborate with Nokia and NVIDIA to drive and test AI-RAN technologies as a part of the 6G innovation and development process, reinforcing its global leadership in driving wireless innovation. Trials are expected to begin in 2026, focused on field validation of performance and efficiency gains for customers.
The move will enable massive improvements in performance and efficiency, helping ensure that consumers using generative, agentic and physical AI applications on their devices will have seamless network experiences. It will also support future AI-native devices, such as drones or augmented- and virtual-reality glasses, while being ready for 6G applications such as integrated sensing and communications.
“Telecommunications is a critical national infrastructure — the digital nervous system of our economy and security,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “Built on NVIDIA CUDA and AI, AI-RAN will revolutionize telecommunications — a generational platform shift that empowers the United States to regain global leadership in this vital infrastructure technology. Together with Nokia and America’s telecom ecosystem, we’re igniting this revolution, equipping operators to build intelligent, adaptive networks that will define the next generation of global connectivity.”
“The next leap in telecom isn’t just from 5G to 6G — it’s a fundamental redesign of the network to deliver AI-powered connectivity, capable of processing intelligence from the data center all the way to the edge. Our partnership with NVIDIA, and their investment in Nokia, will accelerate AI-RAN innovation to put an AI data center into everyone’s pocket,” said Justin Hotard, President and CEO of Nokia. “We’re proud to drive this industry transformation with NVIDIA, Dell Technologies, and T-Mobile U.S., our first AI-RAN deployments in T-Mobile’s network will ensure America leads in the advanced connectivity that AI needs.”
Supporting Exponential Growth in AI traffic
Growth in AI traffic is exploding. For example, almost 50% of ChatGPT’s 800 million weekly active users access the site via mobile devices, and its monthly mobile app downloads exceed 40 million.With Nokia and NVIDIA-powered AI-RAN systems, mobile operators can improve performance and efficiency as well as enhance network experiences for future generative and agentic AI applications and experiences. They will be able to introduce new AI services for 6G with the same infrastructure, powering billions of new connections for drones, cars, robots and augmented- and virtual-reality glasses that demand connectivity, computing and sensing at the edge.
Seamless Transition to AI-Native Networks
NVIDIA is introducing Aerial RAN Computer Pro (ARC-Pro), a 6G-ready accelerated computing platform that combines connectivity, computing and sensing capabilities, enabling telcos to move from 5G-Advanced to 6G through software upgrades.The NVIDIA ARC-Pro reference design is available for manufacturers and network equipment providers to build commercial-off-the-shelf-based or proprietary AI-RAN products, supporting both new buildouts and expansions to existing base stations.
Nokia will accelerate the availability of its 5G and 6G RAN software on the NVIDIA CUDA® platform and expand its RAN portfolio by embedding NVIDIA ARC-Pro at the heart of the new AI-RAN solution. This partnership will enable Nokia’s mobile network customers to transition seamlessly from today’s RAN networks to future AI-RAN networks.
Nokia’s unique anyRAN approach simplifies the introduction of the ARC-Pro platform by establishing software-defined RAN evolution for both Cloud RAN and purpose-built RAN. AirScale baseband is a modular architecture in which new cards can coexist with previously deployed cards. Nokia aims to expand and evolve its AirScale baseband into the 5G-Advanced and 6G era with new AI-RAN capabilities.
Dell Technologies is driving innovation in Nokia’s AI-RAN solution with its state-of-the-art Dell PowerEdge servers. Engineered for seamless scalability, these servers enable no-touch software upgrades and low-touch silicon upgrades, ensuring a smooth evolution from 5G to 5G-Advanced and 6G. With their robust, high-performance infrastructure, Dell PowerEdge servers are the ultimate compute platform for operators deploying AI-RAN solutions.
Future-Proofed for 6G
Nokia and NVIDIA’s AI-RAN platform unifies AI and radio access workloads on a software-defined, accelerated infrastructure, boosting performance, efficiency and monetization while enabling a smooth, cost-effective path to 6G.New capabilities are added through software updates, future-proofing investments for 6G and beyond, while enabling rapid innovation cycles at the pace of AI. It serves growing generative AI and agentic AI traffic on the same sites as RAN functions, applying AI algorithms to improve spectral and energy efficiency, as well as overall network performance, and by tapping into underutilized RAN assets to host edge AI services and maximize return on investment.
“With America’s best network, T-Mobile remains committed to advancing next-generation technologies that redefine the customer experience,” said John Saw, president of technology and chief technology officer at T-Mobile. “Our collaboration with industry leaders Nokia and NVIDIA marks an important step toward shaping the future of connectivity as we develop the innovations that will power the 6G era. Building on the foundation established by the AI-RAN Innovation Center in 2024, this strategic initiative reinforces T-Mobile’s leadership in driving the U.S. wireless industry forward. Beginning in 2026, T-Mobile will conduct field evaluations and testing of advanced AI-RAN technologies to ensure they meet the evolving needs of our customers as we move toward 6G.”
“The telecommunications industry owns the most valuable real estate for AI — the edge, where data is created,” said Michael Dell, chairman and chief executive officer of Dell Technologies. “This AI-RAN collaboration with Nokia and NVIDIA makes that potential real. We’ve built some of the world’s largest AI clusters with 100,000+ GPUs. Now we’re applying that expertise to distribute intelligence across millions of edge nodes. The operators who modernize their infrastructure today won’t just carry AI traffic — they’ll be the distributed AI grid factories that process it at the source, where latency matters and data sovereignty is critical.”
Additional AI Networking Solutions Cooperation
Nokia and NVIDIA will also collaborate on AI networking solutions, including data center switching with Nokia’s SR Linux software for the NVIDIA Spectrum-X™ Ethernet networking platform and the application of Nokia’s telemetry and fabric management platform on NVIDIA AI infrastructure.The companies will also explore the use of Nokia’s optical technologies and capabilities as part of future NVIDIA AI infrastructure architecture.
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Best Budget 512GB A2 V30 microSD Cards for Phones, Drones, and Switch
Storage is the quiet MVP of any mobile workflow. Choose the right card and handheld gaming feels snappier, phone apps launch faster, action-cam footage records without dropped frames, and drone flights get longer continuous takes. For that mix of speed and reliability, the badges matter. A2 is tuned for app performance with higher random IOPS, which helps with game assets and texture streaming. V30 certifies a sustained 30 MB/s write floor, which is the difference between clean 4K clips and corrupted files when the scene gets busy.
This roundup zeroes in on 512 GB cards that hit the A2 and V30 marks and are widely compatible with phones, tablets, action cams, drones, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally. All four are UHS I U3 models from trusted brands, chosen for consistent real-world behavior, not just headline numbers. Match the pick to your primary use. If you mostly shoot videos, favor sustained writes. If you live in apps and games, prioritize A2 responsiveness and warranty support.
Our Top picks
1) SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC UHS I
Results Provided by Amazon
Brief introduction: The do-everything default for phones, handhelds, action cams, and drones, with broad device support and a strong warranty record.Key specs:
- Speed class: UHS I U3, V30, A2
- Rated speeds: up to 160 MB/s read
- Includes full-size SD adapter
- Capacity: 512 GB
Why this pick: SanDisk Extreme remains the safe bet when you want one card to handle 4K capture and gaming without fuss. It balances speed, reliability, and availability better than most alternatives at this capacity.
2) Samsung PRO Plus 512GB microSDXC + Adapter
Results Provided by AmazonBrief introduction: Samsung’s performance-forward option with excellent rated reads and writes for long 4K clips and fast transfers.
Key specs:
- Speed class: UHS I U3, V30, A2
- Rated speeds: up to 180 MB/s read and 130 MB/s write
- SD adapter included
- Capacity: 512 GB
Why this pick: If you shoot a lot of high-bitrate 4K or burst photos, PRO Plus is a standout for sustained performance. It also works great as high-capacity storage for Switch, Steam Deck, and Android.
3) Lexar 512GB Blue microSDXC UHS I
Results Provided by Amazon
Brief introduction: A value-friendly card with quick reads and solid A2 behavior, ideal for expanding handhelds and Android devices.Key specs:
- Speed class: UHS I U3, V30, A2
- Rated speeds: up to 160 MB/s read
- SD adapter included
- Capacity: 512 GB
Why this pick: Lexar Blue hits a sweet spot on price while keeping app performance responsive. It is a smart choice for game libraries and everyday phone storage without compromising reliability.
4) Kingston Canvas Go Plus 512GB microSDXC
Results Provided by AmazonBrief introduction: Built for creators and mobile gamers who bounce between filming and play, with strong transfer rates and V30 capture.
Key specs:
- Speed class: UHS I U3, V30, A2
- Rated speeds: up to 200 MB/s read
- Optimized for mobile gaming and 4K video
- Capacity: 512 GB
Why this pick: Canvas Go Plus offers a flexible mix of speed and durability. It handles 4K action-cam footage reliably and keeps game installs and app launches feeling snappy.
Final thoughtsAll four cards check the A2 and V30 boxes, so pick based on your primary workload. For a dependable all-rounder, go with SanDisk Extreme. If sustained writes are your pain point, Samsung PRO Plus is the move. For a budget-friendly expansion that still feels quick in apps, Lexar Blue delivers. If your week swings between filming and gaming, Kingston Canvas Go Plus covers both.
A few quick tips to help readers succeed. Format the card in the device that will use it. Keep a spare if you shoot events or travel. Offload and verify footage regularly, especially after long 4K sessions. If you share a single card between camera and console, organize with clear folders and back up to a PC or NAS on a schedule. Finally, Amazon pricing and availability change fast, so verify each ASIN before you publish.
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The Outer Worlds 2 Performance Benchmark @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp tested The Outer Worlds 2 across a wide range of modern GPUs and hardware configurations to evaluate how well the game performs on PC. They discovered that the game places significant demands on both GPU memory (VRAM) and the CPU, especially when ray tracing is enabled and higher resolutions or ultra settings are used. On 1080p and 1440p settings the frame rates were smooth for many recent cards, but when stepping up to 4K or deploying demanding effects the performance dropped quickly unless upscaling or more powerful hardware was used.
The Outer Worlds 2 continues Obsidian’s sci-fi RPG series with its characteristic humor and satirical tone. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the requirements are high and there are several technical issues. In our performance review, we examine its graphical fidelity, VRAM usage, and how well it runs on a variety of modern GPUs.
In their conclusion, TechPowerUp found that The Outer Worlds 2 is well optimized for a new-generation RPG and delivers a solid experience for players with capable PCs. However, they stressed that to fully benefit from its visual quality and smooth performance, gamers should consider hardware with ample VRAM and strong cooling, avoid older or low-VRAM GPUs, and use appropriate resolution or settings for their system. For the vast majority of modern mid to high-end machines the game is both playable and impressive, though budget or aging systems may struggle without compromise. -
Game Review: “No, I’m Not a Human” turns suspicion into a compelling nightly stress test
Platform: PC
Developer: Trioskaz
Publisher: Critical Reflex
Release date: September 15, 2025
Price at review: 14.99 USD
remise and loop
No, I’m Not a Human is a first-person paranoia horror built around a simple idea that hits harder than most jump scares. The sun has become lethal during the day, forcing society to operate at night. Strangers knock on your door after dark asking for shelter. Some are human. Some are “Visitors.” Your job is to interview each person, spot the tells, and decide who gets in. One mistake can end your run or worse. The loop is compact and brutal: learn, judge, live with the outcome, and wake up to a new rule the next day.
The structure is closer to a judgment sim than a traditional survival game. You do not roam or craft. You interrogate, observe, and commit. New heuristics arrive each morning which then get subverted by edge cases that make you question your gut. That push and pull between confidence and doubt is where the game finds its teeth.
Presentation and tone
Trioskaz leans into lo-fi tension rather than photorealism. Stark lighting, tight framing, and audio that weaponizes silence to build a steady feeling of unease. Dialogue reads like a community fraying at the edges, and perspective shifts to keep you guessing. The result is an atmosphere that works because it is restrained, not because it is loud.
On PC, the game is lightweight and stable, with a visual style that favors mood over bloom effects. Steam Deck testing from third-party outlets reports solid playability, which tracks with our experience that this is more about mental load than GPU load.
What works
- The interrogation design is ruthless but fair. The game gives you rules, then forces you to test them under pressure. Contradictions and plausible excuses make every decision feel consequential, and the short nightly cadence keeps tension high.
- Replay value is real. Multiple endings and branching consequences encourage a second or third run to chase different outcomes, and the price makes that proposition easy to justify. Community reception has been notably positive since launch.
- Strong thematic cohesion. Art, audio, and writing point at the same idea: certainty is a luxury. The game keeps its scope tight and benefits from that discipline.
Where it stumbles
- Save flexibility is limited. If you are experimenting to see alternate outcomes, the lack of granular saves can feel like friction. This design choice preserves tension, but it also discourages surgical do-overs.
- Narrow mechanics may not land for everyone. If you want exploration or combat systems to grow over time, this is not that game. The core loop is conversation, observation, and consequence.
- Pacing dips exist. When a night offers fewer surprises or when new rules slow down, urgency can flatten until the next spike. Community feedback has echoed the request for more save options and a bit more variability late game.
These critiques are tradeoffs rather than outright flaws. The core experience does what it sets out to do, and it sticks to that mission.
Price and content
At 14.99 USD, No, I’m Not a Human sits in the sweet spot for a short, replayable indie horror. You can see credits in a single sitting, then return to probe different branches without feeling like you are re-grinding the same scenes. The current Steam listing confirms the price and Windows platform focus.
Verdict
No, I’m Not a Human succeeds because it turns every knock at the door into a moral stress test. Trioskaz builds tension out of second-guessing, not shock value, and that makes the fear linger. It will not appeal to players who crave systemic complexity or action. For anyone who enjoys judgment-driven design and psychological horror, this is one of the year’s more memorable indie releases at a fair price.
Recommended for: fans of Papers, Please-style decision loops, players who like short narrative horrors with multiple endings, and anyone who believes a conversation can be scarier than a monster.
Pros
- Tense interrogation gameplay that rewards attention
- Cohesive atmosphere with strong audio cues
- Real replay value with multiple endings
- Reasonable runtime and price point
Cons
- Limited save options reduce flexibility
- Narrow mechanics can feel restrictive
Occasional pacing lulls late game
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KLEVV Expands Urbane V RGB DDR5 Gaming/OC Memory Series with an all-new Jet Black Edition
DELIVERING ELITE PERFORMANCE FOR GAMERS AND ENTHUSIASTS
KLEVV, the leading consumer memory and storage brand introduced by Essencore, proudly unveils a striking new colorway for its award-winning URBANE V RGB DDR5 Gaming/OC memory. The sleek new Jet Black Edition joins the popular Brilliant White, broadening the lineup and giving enthusiasts more freedom to personalize their setups without compromise.
Refined Design, Proven Excellence
The URBANE V RGB Gaming/OC series is designed with both style and function in mind, featuring a 2mm-thick aluminum heatsink with refined, curved edges and precision linear grooves that ensure durability and efficient cooling. With a low-profile height of just 42.5mm, the modules fit seamlessly into diverse builds while maintaining optimal thermal performance. A distinctive dual-beam RGB light guide delivers smooth, customizable illumination across 16 million colors, fully compatible with major motherboard lighting software. This proven design, recognized with the prestigious iF Design Award, is now available in an elegant Jet Black finish that complements today’s modern gaming and creator setups.
Proven Performance and Broad Compatibility
The URBANE V RGB DDR5 delivers overclocked speeds of up to 8400 MT/s with low-latency timings and comes in dual-channel kits of up to 64GB. Built on a high-quality 10-layer PCB with on-die ECC and PMIC support, it ensures strong signal integrity and stable performance under demanding workloads. KLEVV offers an Optimized for AMD version designed exclusively for AMD platforms, alongside a Universal edition that supports both Intel’s 15th Gen processors and AMD’s Ryzen™ 9000 series. Fully QVL-tested, it remains a trusted choice for users who demand cutting-edge performance with sleek, refined aesthetics.
Driven by Innovation, Defined by Quality
KLEVV is committed to delivering high-quality memory products across its entire lineup, consistently introducing bold new designs and advancing overclocking performance with higher speeds, greater capacities, and lower latencies. With a focus on innovation, reliability, and distinctive style, every KLEVV product is meticulously engineered to meet the needs of gamers, creators, and PC enthusiasts while delivering an exceptional user experience across all applications.
Warranty and Availability
Designed for gamers, PC builders, and performance enthusiasts, KLEVV’s URBANE V RGB series including the new Jet Black Edition are backed by a limited lifetime warranty and will be available starting Q4 2025.
KLEVV products are distributed by Integral Memory plc and M2M Direct in the United Kingdom and neighboring European countries. In Australia, distribution is handled by Com1 International. For U.S. consumers, KLEVV products are available directly through Amazon US platform.
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Noctua celebrates 20-year anniversary with new website and desk mat
Vienna, October 23rd 2025 – Noctua today celebrated its 20-year brand anniversary with a fresh, completely revamped website as well as the new NP-DM3 desk mat that commemorates key milestones in Noctua’s history of innovation – from the first NH-U heatsinks and NF-S12 fans to landmark products like the NF-P12 or NH-D14 all the way to the latest G2 models.
“Things have come a long way since we’ve launched our very first CPU coolers 20 years ago. When you look at them next to today’s NH-D15 G2, it’s obvious how the research, materials and manufacturing have evolved”, says Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). “We’re incredibly grateful that so many customers have turned out to share our passion for performance, quietness and quality. It’s this shared passion that has enabled Noctua’s evolution, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their continued trust.”To celebrate its 20-year anniversary, Noctua is introducing the NP-DM3, a premium-grade desk mat with a distinctive timeline design that commemorates key milestones in the brand’s history of innovation. The theme spans from the very first Noctua heatsink and fan all the way to the latest G2 series models. It also highlights some of the Austrian’ brands most iconic models along the way, such as the NF-P12, NF-F12 or NH-D14; and it’s guaranteed to bring back fond memories of your favourite Noctua products.
Measuring 90x40cm, the NP-DM3 nicely fits common desk setups and provides ample space for your keyboard and mouse. Thanks to its rubberised anti-slip bottom and smooth, low-friction top fabric, it’s equally suited to ambitious gamers and professional content creators. Combining premium quality materials, stitched edges and highly wearproof sublimation printing, the NP-DM3 is manufactured to the same standards as Noctua’s regular products and will feel right at home next to Noctua-cooled premium builds.In addition to the NP-DM3, Noctua has just released its new, completely revamped website – exactly 20 years after Noctua.at went live for the first time. The new web presence has been developed and carefully optimised for easier navigation, responsive design and a more streamlined user experience: From comprehensive filter options in product listings and interactive buying guides to integrated FAQs and compatibility data to simplified mounting upgrade kit ordering as well as a sophisticated search function.In addition, its much improved ease-of-navigation and quicker loading times, the new website now provides more in-depth product specifications as well as a dedicated archive of expertise articles that range from technical background information and case studies to detailed guides and tutorials. In true Noctua fashion, the new website will continue to evolve over the next months and years with further refinements and feature updates. In sum, it will offer the perfect platform for users to discover, learn about, and make the most of Noctua’s products as the brand moves into its third decade.
Pricing and availability -
Gigabyte X870 AORUS STEALTH ICE Motherboard Review @ Funky Kit
FunkyKit characterized the X870 AORUS STEALTH ICE as a standout AM5 board that blends high performance with a sleek, reverse-connector layout tailored for clean-build aesthetics. The motherboard features a robust 16+2+2 phase VRM, a 6-layer 2× copper PCB, full support for Ryzen 7000/8000/9000 series processors, and high-speed memory up to DDR5-8200 OC. Connectivity is strong: dual USB4 ports, Wi-Fi 7, 5 Gb Ethernet, 18 USB ports in total, and expansion slots including PCIe Gen 5 x16 and PCIe Gen4 x4 make it future-proof for high-end systems.
... If you’re after a reverse-connection motherboard for a clean and aesthetic PC build, then the Gigabyte X870 AORUS STEALTH ICE is your answer. It looks absolutely stunning with its all-white design, and offers excellent performance, plus it comes packed with some amazing features.
Despite its rich feature set, the review noted that the price is higher than more modest boards and the reverse-connector layout requires a compatible chassis, which may limit its appeal to some users. Additionally, while it delivers excellent results in performance and build quality, the value proposition depends on whether you truly need the premium features on offer. FunkyKit concluded that for builders prioritizing top-tier aesthetics, high-end CPU support, and cable-free presentation in a white or minimal build, the X870 AORUS STEALTH ICE is a compelling choice, so long as cost and case compatibility are acceptable trade-offs. -
Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD @ FunkyKit
FunkyKit reviewed the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE 4 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD and found it to offer great value, especially for gamers upgrading the PlayStation 5 or looking for a high-capacity PC drive. The drive supports up to 7,000 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds, and comes with a stylish heatsink and five-year warranty. Its compatibility across both PC and PS5 platforms adds to the appeal, and the massive 4 TB capacity allows users to store a large number of AAA titles without needing to shuffle files or delete games. FunkyKit pointed out that while the SE version lacks DRAM or HMB (Host Memory Buffer) compared to the original PLAY 2280 drive, the trade-off helps bring the cost down without significantly hurting typical console or consumer PC workloads.
... Even though the Lexar PLAY 2280 SE lacks DRAM cache and HBM, it still offers plenty of storage with fast read/write speeds and will work on both PC or PS5. With a storage capacity of 4TB, you'll never have to worry about storage space. It's slightly cheaper than the original PLAY 2280 and comes with a unique and stylish heatsink for enhanced cooling, plus you get an impressive 5-year warranty too.
In terms of drawbacks FunkyKit noted relatively few. The absence of HMB or DRAM means it may not perform at the very top of the PC SSD hierarchy in all random I/O or workstation scenarios, but for gaming storage its performance is more than sufficient. Also, while the heatsink style and design are praised, it’s still based on a “single-sided” M.2 format which may require adequate board cooling in tightly packed builds. Nevertheless, the review concluded that for the price and capacity, the PLAY 2280 SE delivers a compelling, balanced package and earns an average score of 8.6 out of 10. -
Crucial Unleashes Its Most Powerful Gaming Memory Yet: DDR5 Pro OC 6400 CL32
Featuring a refined heatspreader, our newest high-performance low-latency memory is
built for serious gamers who demand speed, style and reliability.
BOISE, Idaho — [Oct. 21, 2025] — Crucial®, a brand of Micron Technology, Inc., is
deepening its commitment to gamers with the debut of Crucial DDR5 Pro Overclocking
(OC) 6400 CL32 Gaming DRAM. Engineered for tech enthusiasts and offered in 32GB kits or
16GB single modules, this new memory delivers faster speeds, lower latency and a bold
new design that looks as good as it performs. This launch cements Crucial’s commitment
to PC gamers with new 10-nanosecond/CL32-class latency and delivers on feedback
related to aesthetics, now with a new elevated heatspreader design.
“Today’s AAA games are more immersive, fast paced and demanding than ever. They push
systems to their limits with real-time action, intense multitasking and ultra-high frame
rates,” said Dinesh Bahal, corporate vice president and general manager of Micron’s
Commercial Products Group. “Gamers need memory that can keep up. Crucial DDR5 Pro
OC 6400 CL32 is designed for those who want to win on both performance and style. It
helps players load games faster, react instantly and stay ahead of the competition. It’s fast,
reliable and looks incredible inside your rig.”
Performance and specs:Delivering meaningful performance gains in memory-sensitive games like Watch Dogs:
Legion and Red Dead Redemption, Crucial DDR5 Pro OC 6400 CL32 offers average frame
rate improvements of up to 25%, for smoother gameplay. While performance gains vary by
title and hardware configuration, the most significant improvements are typically seen in
games and applications that are memory-intensive.Key features:
• Faster than ever: Up to 6400MT/s speed and CL32 latency means quicker reactions
and smoother gameplay: More than 14% faster than standard 5600 DRAM.• Micron-powered performance: Backed by Micron’s trusted memory technology for
long-term reliability and energy efficiency.• Multitask like a pro: Perfect for gaming, livestreaming, 3D rendering and content
creation, making it ideal for custom builds or for anyone who uses data-intensive
applications like AI and machine learning.Engineered to win, styled to stand out
With a camo-inspired pattern, available in stealth matte black or snow fox white, Crucial’s
refined heatspreader combines function with standout aesthetics. A diamond-cut Crucial
logo and bold “Crucial Pro” spine branding introduce a refined, tactical look. Designed for
durability, the new heatspreader delivers reliable cooling performance and a clean,
modern finish that complements high-performance builds. Crucial DDR5 Pro OC 6400 CL32 Gaming DRAM will be available starting October 21, through e-tailers, retailers and channel partners. Visit Crucial.com for more information on where to purchase. -
Top 5 M.2 2280 SSD Coolers for PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 Drives on Amazon
Modern NVMe drives are blisteringly fast, but heat can become a big problem on high performance PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 drives. Under real workloads, an M.2 controller can hit its thermal limits within seconds and clamp down performance to protect itself. That drop is noticeable in the places where gamers and content creators feel most. Just using the drive!
Much like a CPU heatsink a M.2 SSD cooler reduces controller hotspots and works to dissipate heat so that clocks stay high and transfers stay smooth.
Motherboard heatsinks help, but they are not magic. Many M.2 slots sit directly under the GPU or near a warm chipset in zones where airflow is often poor. These heat spreaders quickly saturate and will often remain extremely hot. That is where a purpose-built cooler earns its keep. Even a slim passive heatsink can shave 8 to 15 °C off peak controller temps in a well-ventilated case, while active designs with tiny PWM fans or micro blowers add headroom for long, sustained transfers. For gamers, that means fewer hitchy installs, faster level loads, and more consistent DirectStorage behavior. For content creators, it means steadier scratch-disk performance, fewer thermal slowdowns during long transfers and less time waiting on disk I/O as deadlines loom.
Below are five M.2 2280 coolers that work in real builds. You will see a mix between compact active coolers, heat-pipe towers, and low-profile passive options. Before you buy, check clearance under your GPU, confirm whether the drive is single- or double-sided. This will ensure that you pick the right pad thickness and ensure that the cooler will actually fit in your system. For active coolers make sure you have a spare 3-pin or 4-pin header nearby.
Our Top 5 picks:
1) Thermaltake MS-1 M.2 2280 SSD Cooler
Results Provided by AmazonBrief introduction: Compact active cooler for hot Gen4 and Gen5 drives, using a direct-touch heat pipe, dense fin stack, and an 8,000 RPM micro blower.
Key specs:
- Form factor: 2280, low-profile top-flow shroud
- Cooling: copper heat pipe with aluminum heatsink, 8,000 RPM micro fan, rated about 16 dB
- Power: 12 V, 3-pin fan header required
- Design goal: sustain high read and write throughput on next-gen NVMe when case airflow is modest
Why this pick: The MS-1 targets the controller hot spot with focused airflow while the heat pipe spreads heat into the fins. It is small enough for most x16 GPU clearances and is a strong fix when a motherboard shield is not keeping up during big installs or long captures.
2) Thermalright M.2 2280 Heatsink Cooler
Results Provided by Amazon
Brief introduction: A tidy, clamp-on passive sink from a respected cooler brand. Great when you want zero noise and reliable mounting pressure.
Key specs:- Size: roughly 70 × 24 × 12 mm for 2280 modules
- Construction: aluminum body with double-sided clips and screws for firm contact
- Accessories: thermal pads for controller and NAND
Why this pick: If your case has decent airflow, this sink is a set-and-forget upgrade. The screw clamp compresses pads evenly for better thermal transfer than peel-and-stick plates, and the low profile avoids GPU interference in tight builds.
3) ElecGear EL-80X Aluminum Heatsink with PWM Fan
Results Provided by AmazonBrief introduction: Active fin-stack cooler with 2 × 4 mm copper heat pipes and a 30 mm PWM fan to keep PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 NVMe drives in the fast lane.
Key specs:- 2280 form factor; double-deck aluminum heatsink with heat pipes 30 × 30 × 7 mm PWM fan up to 9300 RPM, 12 V, ~60 mA; 4-pin connector
- Airflow spec about 3.16 CFM; pads for controller, NAND, and back side included
- Dimensions approx. L80.5 × W24.1 × H45 mm
Why this pick: When you push sustained writes or game installs, the extra heat-pipe mass and fast PWM fan add real headroom. Confirm vertical clearance if the slot sits under a GPU.
4) SABRENT Rocket M.2 2280 SSD Heatsink
Results Provided by AmazonBrief introduction: A well-known passive cooler that uses copper + aluminum to pull heat from the controller into a grooved fin body.
Key specs:- 2280 fit; includes thermal pad and mounting bracket
- Materials: copper heat spreader with aluminum finned shell
- Approx. size 3.1 × 1.0 × 0.9 in on the silver variant
Why this pick: If you want silent cooling from a storage brand builders trust, Rocket Heatsink is a tidy solution that fits most boards and avoids fan power cables.
5) SilverStone TP05 Slim-Profile M.2 Heatsink
Results Provided by AmazonBrief introduction: A slim, double-layer aluminum kit with quality pads that improves heat spread while keeping a very low Z-height for tight slots.
Key specs:- Slim aluminum heatsink with top and bottom plates
- Efficient thermal pads included; designed for M.2 2280
- Low-profile design to reduce GPU-backplate conflicts
Why this pick: Ideal when you need better thermals but only have a few millimeters of clearance. Easy to install, silent in operation, and from a trusted chassis and cooling brand.
Quick fit and power reminders
- Length: All picks fit M.2 2280 drives.
- Height: Measure the space under a GPU backplate or chipset heatsink before choosing taller fin stacks.
- Fan headers: Active models need an open 3-pin or 4-pin header.
- Pad thickness: Match to single- or double-sided SSDs; replace pads if you remount.
Final thoughtsFor gamers, an M.2 cooler is cheap insurance against stutter during installs, shader compilation, and asset streaming. For creators, it keeps scratch disks and render caches humming during long exports so CPU and GPU work is not bottlenecked by disk I/O. Motherboard shields are fine for light loads, but when you push PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 hard, an aftermarket cooler preserves top speed and reduces thermal cycling that can hurt longevity over time.
If you want a compact active fix tuned for next-gen heat, Thermaltake’s MS-1 is a strong first choice. Prefer silent operation in a case with good airflow? Thermalright’s clamp-on sink is low profile and effective. Need maximum headroom for sustained transfers? Titanium Micro’s heat-pipe design with PWM is the brute-force option. For balanced active cooling that stays tidy in cramped builds, GRAUGEAR and ineo round out the list. Confirm clearance, pick the pad thickness that matches your SSD, and your NVMe drive will run cooler, faster, and longer.
