Tech News
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KRK V Series Five Redefines Pro Studio Monitoring
KRK’s next-generation studio monitoring platform features KRK Mesh® connectivity technology and delivers a new standard in accuracy, control, and mix translation for critical listening applications.
NASHVILLE, TN – KRK, a Gibson brand and leader in professional studio monitoring for nearly four decades, launches its new V Series Five Studio Monitors, the latest evolution of the company’s flagship professional reference monitor line. Building on more than four decades of innovation, this fifth-generation V Series combines KRK’s renowned accuracy and translation with powerful new wireless control capabilities and advanced acoustic tuning tools designed for today’s production environments.
“The V Series has long been KRK’s flagship studio monitor, trusted by engineers and producers around the world for its precision and reliability,” says Andrew Ladner, KRK Marketing Manager. “V Series Five builds on that legacy, delivering the sonic accuracy for which the V Series is known, while evolving to meet the demands of today’s modern workflows. The latest generation represents a significant leap forward in both performance and functionality.”
Engineered for professional recording, mixing, and immersive audio applications, the V Series Five lineup introduces KRK Mesh® technology, enabling wireless control of the monitors via the KRK Control App®. This gives professionals the ability to wirelessly manage monitor settings directly from a mobile device, including adjusting system settings, comparing EQ profiles, managing levels, and optimizing performance after installation without physically accessing the speaker. Whether configured as a stereo pair or as part of a larger Dolby Atmos® system, the monitors can be controlled individually or grouped together.
“With the addition of the Control App and KRK Mesh, V Series Five expands beyond exceptional monitoring into a more connected, intelligent studio ecosystem,” adds Ladner. “For more than 40 years, KRK has earned the trust of everyone from first-time mixers to GRAMMY®-winning professionals. We’re proud to carry that legacy forward with V Series Five, setting a new benchmark for the performance, innovation, and sonic accuracy that define the KRK name.”
Every component of the V Series Five was purpose-built by KRK engineers to deliver precise, transparent monitoring. The series features custom-designed transducers, including woven Kevlar® woofers housed in cast aluminum frames and optimized for low distortion and linear low-frequency performance. Additionally, a specially engineered one-inch silk dome tweeter provides detailed high-frequency reproduction, while an integrated waveguide enhances off-axis consistency and imaging.
At the core of the system is a premium electronics platform that incorporates ESS converters, Analog Devices DSPs, and Pascal Class D amplifier modules. Each monitor delivers 280 watts of power to the low-frequency driver and 175 watts to the high-frequency driver, which ensures exceptional headroom, dynamic response, and faithful reproduction across a wide range of production scenarios.
The V Series Five also provides extensive room- optimization capabilities. Users can access 49 preset Boundary EQ combinations and seven fully parametric PRO EQ filters to tailor performance to virtually any acoustic environment. Three user presets can be stored and instantly recalled, which makes it easy to compare tuning profiles or adapt to different production needs.
The series is available in three models. The compact V4 features a four-inch woofer and frequency response extending from 48 Hz to 40 kHz, with a maximum SPL of 113 dB. The V6 incorporates a 6.5-inch woofer, extends low-frequency performance to 40 Hz, and delivers up to 118 dB SPL. The largest model, the V8, has an eight-inch woofer, frequency response down to 32 Hz, and peak output of 121 dB SPL, making it ideal for demanding mixing and mastering environments.
Additional professional features include an optimized front-ported bass- reflex enclosure design, NEUTRIK® combo XLR/TRS connectivity, support for both analog and AES3 digital inputs, user control over standby mode, ground lift, input sensitivity, and an illuminated logo indicating that the device is powered on. Each monitor also has a removable protective grille and integrated mounting points for installation applications.
The KRK V Series Five Studio Monitors are designed to provide producers, engineers, and content creators with a highly accurate monitoring platform that adapts to evolving workflows while preserving the sonic integrity required for critical listening.
For more information, visit KRK Systems at www.krkmusic.com.
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STORMCRAFT PC Launches Valkyrie Series Gaming Desktops, Now Available Across Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg and STORMCRAFTPC
Expanded lineup combines NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series and select Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics with AMD Ryzen X3D and Intel Core Ultra 7 processors, 360 mm liquid cooling and a customizable panoramic display chassis
CHINO, Calif., July 30, 2026 -- STORMCRAFT PC, a California gaming PC brand founded by gamers and engineers, today announced the launch and multi-channel availability of new Valkyrie Series gaming desktops through Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg and the official STORMCRAFT PC webstore. The expanded lineup features NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series and AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics, paired with AMD Ryzen 7 X3D and Intel Core Ultra 7 processors.
image.pngThe four featured configurations span AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Ryzen 7 9800X3D processors, the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus, AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 and RTX 5080 graphics. Each featured system includes DDR5 6000 MHz RGB memory, PCIe Gen 4 NVMe storage, a 360 mm liquid CPU cooler, an 850-watt 80 Plus Gold power supply and seven ARGB chassis fans.
Designed for enthusiast gamers, creators and streamers, the Valkyrie Series combines current-generation gaming hardware, advanced cooling and a panoramic showcase chassis. With the back-to-school season approaching, the lineup provides performance-focused desktop options for gaming, content creation, streaming and everyday computing.
“Valkyrie was developed for gamers who want their PC to deliver powerful performance while becoming a distinctive part of their setup. The customizable display stage and modular chassis let users personalize their system without compromising cooling or performance,” said Frank Lee, Founder and CEO of STORMCRAFT PC. “With the series now available through Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg and our official webstore, customers can select the performance configuration and shopping channel that best fit their gaming, content-creation and everyday computing needs.”
STORMCRAFT Valkyrie VA780XDCB-97BN1
Available Now at Newegg | MSRP: $2,099.99
Designed for gamers seeking an AMD-powered performance platform, the VA780XDCB-97BN1 combines an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor with AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics.Key features include:
- AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D gaming processor with boost speeds up to 5.0 GHz
- AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics with 16 GB GDDR6 memory
- 32 GB DDR5 6000 MHz RGB memory
- 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe solid-state drive
- 360 mm ARGB liquid CPU cooling with seven ARGB system fans
Additional specifications include an AMD B850 motherboard, an 850-watt 80 Plus Gold power supply, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, Windows 11 Home, and an included keyboard-and-mouse combination.
STORMCRAFT Valkyrie VA980XDCC-97BB1
Available Now at Best Buy | MSRP: $2,499.99
The VA980XDCC-97BB1 pairs AMD’s gaming-focused Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor with Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics for high-performance gaming, content creation and demanding multitasking.Key features include:
- AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D gaming processor with boost speeds up to 5.2 GHz
- AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics with 16 GB GDDR6 memory
- 32 GB DDR5 6000 MHz RGB memory
- 2 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe solid-state drive
- 360 mm ARGB liquid CPU cooler in a panoramic Valkyrie gaming chassis
The system also includes an AMD B850 motherboard, an 850-watt 80 Plus Gold power supply, seven ARGB system fans, Windows 11 Home and wireless connectivity.
STORMCRAFT Valkyrie VA980XDCB-570S1
Available Now at Amazon | MSRP: $2,199.99
Designed for hardcore gamers seeking AMD Ryzen X3D processing with NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, the VA980XDCB-570S1 combines an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 graphics.Key features include:
- AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D gaming processor with boost speeds up to 5.2 GHz
- AI-powered NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 graphics with 12 GB GDDR7 memory
- 32 GB DDR5 6000 MHz RGB memory
- 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe solid-state drive
- 360 mm ARGB liquid CPU cooling with seven ARGB system fans
Additional specifications include an AMD B850 chipset motherboard, an 850-watt 80 Plus Gold power supply, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity, 2.5 Gb Ethernet, Windows 11 Home, and an included gaming keyboard-and-mouse combination.
STORMCRAFT Valkyrie VA270K0CC-580W1
Available Now at STORMCRAFTPC.com | MSRP: $3,099.99
The VA270K0CC-580W1 represents the featured Intel and NVIDIA configuration in the launch, pairing an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics.Key features include:
- Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 270K Plus with boost speeds up to 5.5 GHz
- AI-powered NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics with 16 GB GDDR7 memory
- MSI PRO Z890-S WIFI motherboard
- 32 GB DDR5 6000 MHz RGB memory and 2 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe storage
- 360 mm ARGB liquid CPU cooling with seven ARGB chassis fans
The system also includes an 850-watt 80 Plus Gold power supply, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Windows 11 Home, and an included keyboard-and-mouse combination.
Valkyrie Chassis Combines Personalization with Practical System Design
The Valkyrie Series features a panoramic dual-glass chassis designed to showcase internal components, coordinated ARGB lighting and collectible displays. Seven ARGB fans and a 360 mm liquid CPU cooler support airflow and thermal management during gaming, streaming and content-creation workloads.
Additional chassis features include:
- Quick-Swap Figure Panel: Provides convenient access for changing collectible figures.
- Dedicated Figure Display Stage: Features an adjustable spotlight that highlights collectibles alongside the system’s internal components.
- Adjustable GPU Support Bracket: Accommodates various graphics card sizes while helping reduce GPU sag.
- Hidden Storage Vault: Conceals cables and supports up to three additional drives and power supplies measuring up to 200 mm.
Depending on the selected configuration, the lineup also includes Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth connectivity, DDR5 6000 MHz RGB memory and up to 2 TB of PCIe Gen 4 NVMe storage.
Each featured Valkyrie desktop is built and tested in California and backed by STORMCRAFT PC's standard warranty, including three-year labor coverage, two-year parts coverage and lifetime technical support. Optional extended warranty plans are also available.
Shop the Valkyrie Series
- Amazon Brand Store: Shop the Valkyrie Series at Amazon
- Best Buy: Shop the Valkyrie Series at Best Buy
- Newegg: Shop the Valkyrie Series at Newegg
- STORMCRAFT PC: Shop the Valkyrie Collection at STORMCRAFTPC.com
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Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Elite Duo X @ TechPowerUp
Storage has always been a bottleneck for motherboards and while NVME SSDs are still slow by comparison they are no longer a limiting factor when it comes to overall system performance. CPU Boost has removed the overclocking headroom that hardware enthusiasts strived for leaving DRAM as the sole holdout in the quest for speed.
The Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Elite Duo X impresses with CQDIMM support for ultra-high capacity DDR5 memory, reaching speeds of up to DDR5-8000 MT/s. With PCIe Gen 5 and Wi-Fi 7, this motherboard delivers solid performance for under $300, making it a standout choice for Intel enthusiasts seeking value and innovation.
CQDIMM, or Clocked Quad Rank memory is a viable way to add more memory to a single DIMM allowing desktop systems to scale available system memory by double. The Aorus Elite Duo X is one of the first motherboards to support Quad Rank memory, and yet looks like every other motherboard on the market.
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Keychron R5 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Review @ APH Networks
This might be one of the best retro keyboards I have ever seen. From a design standpoint the color is spot on along with the keycap color changes and only starts to fall apart with the attempt to make the keyboard smaller by moving the arrow keys down slightly.
The Keychron R5 is a retro-styled wireless mechanical keyboard that brings nostalgia and modern comforts into one package.
The keyboard is fully mechanical with three switch choices and supports all of the major connection options from Bluetooth, Wireless and the old reliable USB cable.
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Lexar Products Now Available at Best Buy
Consumers can now shop Lexar's high-performance memory storage solutions in-store and online at Best Buy.
San Jose, Calif. – July 16, 2026 – Lexar, a global leader in memory and storage solutions, today announced the availability of its products at Best Buy.
Consumers can now purchase a broad assortment of Lexar products at Best Buy, BestBuy.com and through the Best Buy app. The launch marks Lexar’s largest U.S. retail expansion to date and represents a significant milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to serving the needs of U.S. consumers.
For 30 years, Lexar has helped capture, create and preserve what matters most,” said Van Baer, Lexar’s general manager for the Americas. “As demand for high-performance storage continues to grow, expanding into Best Buy significantly strengthens our ability to reach consumers wherever they choose to shop.
Lexar offers a wide range of products geared toward different users including:
- Photographers and content creators:Professional GOLD Series CFexpress™ 4.0 Type A and Type B Cards; Professional 2000x V90 SD Card; Professional 1667x V60 SD Card SILVER Series; Professional SILVER PLUS V30 microSDXC™ UHS-I Card.
- Gamers:PLAY PRO microSDXC™ Express Card, including the world’s first 1TB microSD Express card.
- Everyday consumers and laptop users:Lexar portable SSD solutions, including the SL500 Portable SSD; SL300 Portable SSD; DDR4 and DDR5 SODIMM laptop memory
- Custom PC builders:NM790 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 SSD; THOR 2nd Gen DDR5 Desktop Memory in both RGB and non-RGB options.
To browse Lexar products currently available at Best Buy, click here.
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Game preservation leader agrees that piracy is the only preservation option for a discless future
I remember a time when software developers encouraged people to make backups of the software you bought to ensure that you always had access. This was during the early years of home computers before widespread Hard drive availability and the 5.25" and 3.5" floppy disks were known to become corrupted after repeated use.
The solution, make a copy of that floppy.
It is funny how something innocent as making a personal backup would trigger a worldwide software piracy problem because society can no longer trust individuals to do reasonable things. Honestly, I blame leaded gasoline along with a great number of socioeconomic factors in the modern world.
Sony sees things differently and was one a pioneer in the physical media space and created some of the greats. Remember the Compact Disk? Sony did that, Remember the DVD? yep, Sony did that too. Blu-ray, the beloved optical storage system for the modern world? Yep, Sony created that. Well, now Sony is pushing to kill these inventions and has created some backlash in the process.
The biggest is PlayStation.
Sony drove another nail into the coffin of physical videogames today, announcing that it'd cease production of PS5 discs in 2028. The future of the leading videogame console is total digital licensing, and according to the director of the Video Game History Foundation, that means the future of preservation, for the moment, must be piracy.
In addition, Sony announced earlier that they would stop releasing movies on Blu-ray, which hit me especially hard given that I prefer a physical copy of the movies I watch, no need to have Internet access, picture and sound quality is better and I don't need to be concerned if a streaming service has it available.
It would seem that we all might need to embrace the ways of the software pirate if we want to preserve the things we love.
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Colorful iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W Review @ Vortez
This Z890 motherboard from Colorful is actually rather unique both in style and color. Most major motherboard vendors have chosen either white or black but the Colorful iGame Ultra-S is a solid silver with some pink/red accent colors.
The Colorful iGame Z890 ULTRA-S W arrives as the latest flagship entry in the company's distinctive ULTRA series, combining high-end Intel Z890 platform capabilities with a striking white aesthetic inspired by the brand's popular ULTRA W graphics cards. Designed to support Intel Core Ultra 200S Series processors, the ATX motherboard targets enthusiasts, gamers, and content creators looking for a premium platform that balances performance, visual appeal, and modern connectivity.
According to the review, this is an incremental upgrade over a previous edition with a grip of new features and performance enhancements.
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DeltaMate CPU Block - MPII CPU Waterblocks
Thermal Grizzly is introducing the DeltaMate MPII series, a new line of premium water coolers for AMD and Intel processors. The version optimized for AMD’s AM5 socket is available now, and the Intel LGA1851 version will follow shortly. Both coolers are backwards compatible (the AM5 version with AM4, and the LGA1851 version with LGA1700). The design of the CPU water coolers is visually coordinated with other DeltaMate products, complementing them to form a stylistic ecosystem.
DeltaMate-MPII-Series
The premium CPU water blocks of the DeltaMate MPII series have been designed to the highest standards and are manufactured and assembled under strict quality controls. Only high-quality materials are used in production to meet the demands of hardware enthusiasts and set new industry standards:
- The nickel-plated Ultra-High-Performance cold plate is milled from copper.
- The solid nickel-plated housing with G1/4-inch ports is made of brass.
- The viewing window is made of borosilicate glass, whose edges are sanded after cutting.
- The cover is made of anodized aluminum.
Stylish RGB LED lighting highlights the elegant design of the water block when illumination is desired. The RGB LEDs can be controlled via a 3-pin ARGB header (+5V/DATA/GND) through the motherboard.
DeltaMate CPU Block - MPII AM5 Black
The Thermal Grizzly DeltaMate CPU Block - MPII AM5 Black is optimized for AMD’s AM5 socket. The cooler is also backward compatible with socket AM4. The hybrid structure on the nickel-plated copper cooling plate consists above the CCDs, meaning the Core Complex Dies with high heat output, of 25 microfins with a slot width and fin width of 0.2 mm each. This high number of thin fins provides a very large surface area on which the coolant can dissipate heat quickly and efficiently. In the upper area above the I/O die, 29 fins with a width of 0.4 mm are used for optimized flow distribution.
The features of the DeltaMate CPU Block - MPII AM5 Black:
- Ultra-High-Performance premium CPU water block for AMD socket AM5
- Nickel-plated copper cooling plate with Ultra-High-Performance CCD microfins (0.2 mm)
- Optimized flow distribution through I/O die microfins (0.4 mm)
- Full-metal housing with an RGB-illuminated viewing window made of borosilicate glass
- Particularly durable brass threaded inserts, including standard G1/4" ports
- Included cover for optionally concealing all screws and the mounting system
DeltaMate CPU Block - MPII Intel 1851 Black
The Thermal Grizzly DeltaMate CPU Block - MPII Intel 1851 Black is optimized for Intel’s LGA1851 socket and is backward compatible with socket LGA1700. The microfins on the nickel-plated copper cooling plate are manufactured with a hybrid structure. Above the CPU tiles, the slot width and fin width of the 40 fins measure 0.2 mm each. This high number of thin fins provides a very large surface area on which the coolant can dissipate heat quickly and efficiently. Above and below the CPU tile area, a total of 30 fins with a width of 0.3 mm are used for optimized flow distribution.
The features of the DeltaMate CPU Block - MPII Intel 1851 Black:
- Ultra-High-Performance premium CPU water block for Intel socket LGA1851
- Nickel-plated copper cooling plate with Ultra-High-Performance CCD microfins (0.2 mm)
- Optimized flow distribution through CPU tile microfins (0.3 mm)
- Full-metal housing with an RGB-illuminated viewing window made of borosilicate glass
- Particularly durable brass threaded inserts, including standard G1/4" ports
- Included cover for optionally concealing all screws and the mounting system
Editor Note: This CPU waterblock was CLEARLY designed by a car guy, specifically one who either drives a GTR or AUDI given the design similarities between the water channel and the various engine covers. I guess we have finally run out of innovative designs.
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Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Elite Wi-Fi7 Plus @ TechPowerUp
Some would say that the Z890 was a failure, and from a performance and overclocking standpoint you would be right. It still is a very strong platform for memory overclocking but, most gamers have migrated to the Ryzen platform for a better bang for their buck.
I still believe in the Z890 and it pains me to say that many of the lower end motherboards are actually better than the unicorns and ultra high end that I love so much.
The Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Elite Wi-Fi7 Plus is a budget-friendly motherboard for Intel's latest CPUs, priced under $300. It features PCIe Gen 5 support, no bandwidth sharing for smooth performance, tool-free M.2 heatsinks, and plenty of USB ports, making it a great choice for a high-performance build.
The only thing you need to watch out for is onboard features and making sure they match your target build.
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Lexar Delivers Prime Day Savings of up to 50% on Popular Memory Cards, Flash Drives, and Portable SSDs
SAN JOSE, Calif., USA, June 22, 2026—Lexar, a global leader in memory and storage solutions, today announced it will participate in one of retail’s most famous sales events – Amazon Prime Day. From June 23-26, Prime members can save up to 50% on select Lexar memory cards, flash drives, and portable SSDs – making it the perfect time to stock up on storage for gaming, content creation, work, and everyday use.
Key Features
- PLAY BLUE microSD Card offers up to 2TB of storage for Nintendo Switch [1], smartphones, and tablets.
- JumpDrive® M400 USB Flash Drive features a compact design and convenient keyring loop for everyday portability.
- Solid State Dual Drive D500 combines USB Type-C® and USB Type-A connectivity for easy file transfers across devices.
- Professional Go Portable SSD delivers high-speed performance and ample 2TB capacity in a compact, travel-friendly design.
- High-Performance 800x PRO SD Card provides reliable performance for capturing and transferring photos and video.
"At Lexar, we understand the importance of celebrating Amazon Prime Day with the best of the best in top tech deals,” said Lizette Lynch, Director of Brand Marketing at Lexar. "We’ve gone all out this year to provide the industry’s top offers – using this as an opportunity to give back to our most loyal customers.”
Lexar’s Prime Day deals include:
Lexar PLAY BLUE microSD Card: Designed specifically for Nintendo Switch [1], smartphones, and tablets, the PLAY BLUE microSD card provides up to 2TB of storage capacity for game libraries, downloadable content, videos, photos, and apps. With fast transfer speeds and reliable performance, users can spend less time waiting and more time playing, making it an ideal storage upgrade for gamers who need additional space without sacrificing performance.
Lexar JumpDrive M400 USB Flash Drive: Combining portability with convenience, the JumpDrive M400 features a compact, low-profile design that easily fits on a keychain, in a pocket, or attached to a laptop bag. With up to 256GB of storage, it provides ample room for documents, photos, videos, and presentations, making it a practical everyday solution for students, professionals, and anyone who needs quick access to files on the go.
Lexar Solid State Dual Drive D500: Built for today's multi-device workflows, the Solid State Dual Drive D500 is 4x faster than USB 3.01 and features both USB-C® and USB-A connectors, allowing users to seamlessly transfer files between smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. The solid-state design delivers fast performance and durability, while generous capacities provide convenient storage expansion and efficient file management across devices.
Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD: Engineered for content creators, photographers, videographers, and mobile professionals, the Professional Go Portable SSD combines high-speed performance with a compact, lightweight design. Its 2TB capacity provides substantial room for large photo libraries, video footage, and project files, while its portable form factor makes it easy to take professional-grade storage wherever creativity happens.
Lexar High-Performance 800x PRO SD Card: Designed for DSLR, mirrorless, and HD video cameras, the High-Performance 800x PRO SD cards deliver the speed and reliability needed to capture high-resolution photos and Full-HD video.
Prime Day deals will be available from June 23 through June 26, while supplies last. Customers can visit the Lexar brandstore on Amazon to view all eligible products and pricing.
For more information about Lexar products, visit Lexar.com.
