Tech News
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Beyerdynamic MMX 150 Wireless Gaming Headset Review @ Madshrimps.be
Madshrimps sees the Beyerdynamic MMX 150 Wireless as a very successful all-round gaming headset that also works great for general entertainment. In games like DOOM: The Dark Ages, Wreckreation, Stellar Blade and Resident Evil 2, they highlight clear detail across lows, mids and highs with bass that is present but not overdone, plus a wide soundstage that makes it easy to pinpoint enemies and enjoy rich environmental sounds like crashes and engine noise. The tuning works just as well for vlogs and TV shows, with EQ settings easily adjusted on the fly in the mobile app and changes being immediately audible. They are also very positive about the microphone: voice quality is clean for conference calls and recordings, and although some users have reported low mic volume, the sample they tested behaved fine, likely thanks to a newer firmware that can be updated through the app.
MMX 150 Wireless is a plug-and-play headset from the well-known audio company Beyerdynamic, which can deliver great sound quality, a clear microphone for conferences during heated gaming sessions, while the internal battery can deliver up to 68 hours of use from a single charge. The product is compatible with many devices since it does sport Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4GHz wireless and analog 3.5mm connectivity, the velour ear pads offer great comfort during long sessions and can be picked up in with two different color schemes.
Build and everyday usability are praised too. The materials feel premium, the color scheme is appealing, and the controls on both earcups are easy to reach and handle multiple functions depending on mode. Bluetooth 5.3 pairing is straightforward, and support for LC3 and SBC codecs helps keep call quality and wireless audio solid for a gaming focused headset. Battery life is another strong point, with up to about 68 hours from the internal 850 mAh Li-Ion battery on a single charge. Taken together with the sound quality, comfort and ease of use, the reviewer considers the street price of roughly 179 euros including tax to be justified for what you get. -
SilverStone Lucid 05 @ TechPowerUp
APH Networks sees the SilverStone Lucid 05 as a budget friendly midrange ATX mid tower that still manages to pack in a surprising number of premium touches. Its headline feature is the 270 degree tempered glass panoramic view, paired with three 120 mm ARGB PWM fans (including reverse blade units at the front) and an 8 channel PWM and ARGB hub that keeps both the preinstalled fans and additional units synchronized. The case is straightforward to build in for a standard mid tower: installation is smooth, fan cabling is already centralized, and the fans themselves are described as reasonably quiet with smooth running motors. At full speed they land around a 3.5 out of 10 subjective noise rating, dropping to roughly 1.0 when slowed, making the Lucid 05 generally suitable even for users who care about noise, as long as they remember there is no additional sound dampening built into the chassis.
The SilverStone Lucid 05 is a bigger brother to the Lucid 04, being able to fit an ATX board vs. MicroATX, besides more potent liquid cooling. As such it is better suited for a larger target audience, while also improving on some functional aspects. While losing the small-form-factor appeal, these advantages make the Lucid 05 not just better value, but also more useful.
Those premium elements come with clear cost cutting measures to keep the MSRP at about 86 US dollars. The steel panels are quite thin, making the case light but also easier to bend; one of the mesh panels even arrived slightly bent from the factory. There are no cable guides, tie points or Velcro straps behind the motherboard tray, and the rear expansion slots use old style break off covers instead of reusable, bridgeless slots. All dust filters are frameless magnetic sheets that work but feel flimsy, and the reviewer would have preferred a single combo audio jack rather than separate 3.5 mm jacks for modern headsets. Taking everything together, APH Networks gives the Lucid 05 a 7.0 out of 10 and concludes that it is a well priced midrange case with an attractive glass presentation and real premium features, as long as buyers accept the structural and convenience compromises needed to hit this price. -
Epomaker Split70 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks describes the Epomaker Split70 as an interesting first step into split ergonomic layouts, offering a good mix of comfort, features and build quality without going too wild. The 71-key board is built from a full plastic body and backplate but still feels solid, and it comes well equipped with hot-swappable mechanical switches, RGB backlighting, a volume wheel and a dedicated macro column. Dye-sublimation PBT keycaps are praised for their quality even if they are not double-shot. Typing feel with the factory Wisteria Linear V2 switches is a clear positive, helped by multiple internal damping layers that give each keypress a satisfying, muted sound and feel. Connectivity is also a strong point, with tri-mode wireless that matches the quoted battery life figures and full VIA support for easy remapping and macros.
The Epomaker Split70 is a good starting ergonomic mechanical keyboard that offers a bit more flexibility to reduce upper-body fatigue
after prolonged use.
There are still caveats to consider. The compact format forces layout changes in the number row and on the right side, including a smaller right Shift and a relocated Delete key, which may disrupt daily typing until you adapt or remap. The reviewer also wishes for a way to prop up or tent the board from the back or middle to better support neutral wrist and arm positions, since there is no built-in kickstand. Even so, they are generally pleased with the design and value. With an MSRP under 120 US dollars and lower prices during sales, the Split70 is judged a decent option if you want a compact mechanical that offers more placement flexibility and some ergonomic benefit without sacrificing sound and feel. APH Networks assigns it a 7.1 out of 10 and calls it a good starting ergonomic mechanical keyboard for reducing upper body fatigue over long sessions. -
ECS LIVA Z11 Plus @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp positions the ECS LIVA Z11 Plus as a compact, productivity-first Mini PC built around Intel’s Core Ultra H-series, with options like the Core Ultra 7 255H delivering snappy everyday performance and solid benchmark results. In practice it feels fast and responsive for typical desktop workloads, and holds up under heavier tasks such as video encoding, code compilation and multitasking without major throttling, which suggests the cooling system is tuned for sustained load. Intel’s Arc 140T integrated graphics turns in respectable gaming results for its class, keeping titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 playable at reduced resolutions and settings, while esports games such as Dota 2 and Counter Strike 2 run comfortably above 60 FPS at 1080p. This is clearly not a replacement for a discrete GPU, but more than adequate for light gaming, older titles and casual play alongside office work.
With Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, the ECS LIVA Z11 Plus delivers great performance, supports up to four displays, and includes nice extras like dual USB4 and Ethernet. You can do some light gaming, despite being noisy under load and offering limited storage options, but the system is optimal for productivity and multi-monitor setups.
The platform really distinguishes itself on I/O and connectivity rather than raw GPU power. Dual USB4 ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode, two HDMI outputs and dual Ethernet, including 2.5 GbE, allow up to four displays and flexible networking in office, lab or multi-monitor setups. Build quality is described as solid thanks to the metal case and reasonably serviceable internals, although the blower-style cooler tends to spin up quickly and can get loud under load, trading acoustic comfort for stable performance. The main functional downside is storage flexibility: despite the spec sheet mentioning two M.2 slots, the 2242 slot is occupied by the Wi-Fi module, leaving only a single usable M.2 2280 SSD slot unless you sacrifice wireless. Priced around the 1,000 US dollar mark and competing with systems that offer stronger integrated graphics, the Z11 Plus makes the most sense for users who prioritize connectivity, multi-monitor capability and desktop responsiveness over maximum iGPU performance. -
ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero BTF @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp presents the ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero BTF as the current flagship statement piece for rear connector AM5 builds. By bringing one of its top Crosshair boards into the BTF family, ASUS is clearly signaling that rear connector layouts are not just a niche experiment but a direction it intends to push hard, especially when paired with BTF 2.0 and GC HPWR for power cable free graphics cards. In terms of positioning, this board and its Z890 BTF counterpart sit at the very top of the rear connector ecosystem with almost no true high end competition. There are cheaper reverse connector alternatives such as MSI’s MAG X870E Tomahawk Max WiFi PZ, Gigabyte’s X870 Aorus Stealth Ice, and even ASUS’ own TUF Gaming B850 BTF WiFi W, all of which cost roughly half as much while still offering features like WiFi 7, 5 Gb Ethernet, dual PCIe Gen 5 SSD support and tool free M.2 heatsinks. However, the Hero BTF adds the GC HPWR connector, the BTF 2.0 and 2.5 ecosystem and Crosshair level fit and finish, and its aesthetics and feel are described as every bit worthy of its price if you specifically want a showcase BTF system.
ASUS shows off the most high-end BTF reverse connector motherboard on Socket AM5 yet, featuring its unique cable-free GC-HPWR GPU power connector too. But do these and its other features justify its sizable price tag this late into the motherboard life cycle?
That price is the main barrier. TechPowerUp expects very little change from 700 US dollars for the BTF model, while the standard Crosshair X870E Hero is now around 600, making this version an expensive indulgence and pushing it out of reach for many builders, especially given the limited number of compatible BTF cases. Compared to the original Hero, SSD temperatures appear improved, likely due to heatsink tweaks, and overall performance remains excellent. At the same time, some features you might reasonably expect at this level are missing: no 10 Gb Ethernet, no Slim SAS, and the enhanced front panel Type C power delivery seen on the regular Hero is gone, while rivals from MSI and Gigabyte can offer dual PCIe Gen 5 SSDs without sacrificing GPU lanes by trading off USB4 instead. The conclusion is that the ROG Crosshair X870E Hero BTF is the only ultra high end rear connector option for AMD owners who want the cleanest possible BTF system and are willing to pay a premium and accept limited case choices. For everyone else, far cheaper reverse connector boards with many of the same core features will make more practical sense. -
Top-Rated Network Attached Storage (NAS) Solutions on Amazon
Why a NAS matters more than ever
One failed hard drive is all it takes to wipe out years of photos, documents, and creative work. Cloud services can help, but they come with trade-offs: recurring fees, changing terms of service, and the uncomfortable reality that “your” data lives on someone else’s infrastructure. Lose access to your account, miss a payment, or have a phone stolen, and those backups are no longer fully under your control.
A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a small, always-on storage server that sits on the local network. It can run scheduled PC backups, sync folders between laptops, and automatically ingest photos and videos from iOS and Android using first-party apps from Synology, QNAP, ASUSTOR, and TerraMaster. On top of simple backup, modern NAS platforms can also act as private app servers for Plex, WordPress, photo galleries, download clients, and more, with web-based interfaces that are far easier to live with than rolling your own home server.
For this guide, the focus is on top-rated NAS enclosures that are currently sold on Amazon US, roughly between US$200 and US$600. These are not the cheapest boxes on the site; they are the models that repeatedly show up in “best NAS” and Plex-ready roundups and have the right mix of hardware, software, and long-term support.
1) Synology DiskStation DS224+ (2-Bay, Diskless) – Best overall home NAS
Why this pick
If you ask most people in the NAS space for a default home recommendation, DS224+ is what they mean. It’s a compact 2-bay system built around an Intel Celeron J4125 CPU and Synology’s DSM 7 operating system. Reviews and buying guides consistently call it one of the best all-around home NAS options thanks to its balance of performance, power efficiency, and software maturity.DSM includes Synology Photos for phone-camera backup, Synology Drive for PC file sync, and Active Backup tools that can protect entire PCs, Macs, and even some cloud accounts. For a lot of households, this becomes the primary place where everything important eventually lands.
Key specs (high level)
- CPU: Intel Celeron J4125, 4-core 2.0–2.7 GHz
- Bays: 2 × 3.5"/2.5" SATA (diskless)
- RAM: 2 GB DDR4 (user-expandable to 6 GB)
- Network: 2 × 1 GbE with link aggregation
- Software: DSM 7 with packages for backups, Plex, Docker, photo management, surveillance, and more
Best for:
Users who want a “no drama” first NAS for centralized backups, photo archiving, and light media serving, with a very polished OS and strong vendor ecosystem.
2) QNAP TS-464-8G-US (4-Bay, Diskless, 2.5GbE) – Power user / small office pick
Why this pick
TS-464-8G is the “do everything” 4-bay box for power users. It uses an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core CPU with 8 GB DDR4 RAM, dual 2.5GbE ports, M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching, and even HDMI 2.0 for direct-attach display options.QNAP’s QTS OS targets more advanced users: it supports Plex, containers, virtual machines, snapshot-based backup, and a wide range of sync tools, while still behaving like a storage appliance rather than a DIY server. This is the pick that can start life as a basic backup box and grow into a small lab or Plex machine without feeling under-specced.
Key specs (high level)
- CPU: Intel Celeron N5105/N5095, 4-core (burst up to ~2.9 GHz)
- Bays: 4 × 3.5"/2.5" SATA (diskless)
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4 (expandable)
- Network: 2 × 2.5GbE (up to 5 Gbps aggregated)
- Expansion: 2 × M.2 NVMe slots, PCIe slot, HDMI 2.0
- Software: QTS with Plex, Qsync, Container Station, hybrid backup, and more
Best for:
Power users and small home/offices that want 4 bays, multi-gig networking, and room to experiment with Plex, containers, and light virtualization.
3) ASUSTOR AS5402T (2-Bay, Diskless, 2.5GbE + HDMI) – Media-centric 2-bay NAS
Why this pick
AS5402T is a modern 2-bay NAS that leans heavily into speed and media features. It uses an Intel Celeron N5105 CPU, includes dual 2.5GbE, four M.2 NVMe slots, three USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, and HDMI 2.0b for 4K output to a TV.ASUSTOR’s ADM OS comes with a broad app store (Plex, Docker, backup tools, surveillance) and a suite of mobile apps like AiFoto and AiMaster that let owners initialize the NAS from a phone and push mobile photos/videos directly into private storage.
Key specs (high level)
- CPU: Intel Celeron N5105, quad-core 2.0 GHz
- Bays: 2 × 3.5"/2.5" SATA (diskless) + 4 × M.2 NVMe
- RAM: 4 GB DDR4 (up to 16 GB)
- Network: 2 × 2.5GbE; 3 × USB 3.2 Gen2
- Video: HDMI 2.0b with 4K support
- Software: ADM OS with App Central, media, backup, and container apps
Best for:
Users who want a compact but high-end 2-bay NAS that can back up devices and act as a serious Plex / media hub, including direct HDMI output to the living-room TV.
4) TerraMaster F4-423 (4-Bay, Diskless, 2.5GbE) – Value 4-bay multi-gig NAS
Why this pick
F4-423 is the value-driven 4-bay choice that still brings modern hardware. It uses an Intel Celeron N5095 quad-core CPU, comes with 4 GB DDR4 RAM (expandable to 32 GB), and includes dual 2.5GbE ports for faster network throughput when paired with a multi-gig switch or router.TerraMaster’s TOS platform supports multiple backup schemes (Centralized Backup, Duple Backup, snapshots, CloudSync) and common media apps including Plex. Reviews often position the F4-423 as one of the most affordable “media-class” 4-bay NAS units on the market at around the US$500 mark.
Key specs (high level)
- CPU: Intel Celeron N5095, quad-core 2.0 GHz (burst higher)
- Bays: 4 × 3.5"/2.5" SATA (diskless)
- RAM: 4 GB DDR4 (expandable up to 32 GB)
- Network: 2 × 2.5GbE (up to 5 Gbps aggregated)
- Software: TOS with backup, snapshot, CloudSync, and media apps
Best for:
Buyers who want 4 bays, multi-gig networking, and aggressive pricing, and don’t mind a slightly more “enthusiast” OS compared to Synology.Quick buying tips
- 2 bays vs. 4 bays
- 2-bay models (Synology DS224+, ASUSTOR AS5402T) are ideal for mirrored RAID1 plus optional SSD cache.
- 4-bay models (QNAP TS-464, TerraMaster F4-423) allow RAID5, higher total capacity, and mixing HDDs with SSDs for caching.
- Network speed
- DS224+ sticks with dual 1 GbE, which is fine for backups and light streaming.
- The other three all step up to dual 2.5GbE, which is worth it if there’s already (or soon will be) a 2.5GbE router/switch at home or in a small office.
- Mobile device backup
- Synology Photos / Drive, QNAP’s Qfile/Qsync, ASUSTOR’s AiFoto, and TerraMaster’s TNAS Mobile all support backing up photos and videos from phones directly to the NAS — perfect for the “protect your mobile memories without trusting a third-party cloud” story.
- Drives to pair with these
- All four are diskless enclosures. For most home users, NAS-rated HDDs such as Seagate IronWolf or WD Red Plus in the 4–8 TB range per drive hit a good balance of cost, performance, and reliability.
Final thoughtsFrom a “data insurance” perspective, a good NAS is simply a quiet guardian in the background, taking care of backups for PCs and phones without the privacy trade-offs and long-term uncertainty of a pure cloud strategy. In this lineup, Synology’s DS224+ naturally serves as the baseline recommendation: a user-friendly first NAS that makes centralizing backups and photo libraries feel approachable rather than intimidating. QNAP’s TS-464-8G-US then steps in for power users and small offices that want four bays, 2.5GbE, and the headroom to layer on Plex, containers, and more demanding workloads over time. ASUSTOR’s AS5402T leans into the media angle with HDMI, multi-gig networking, and strong app support, making it especially appealing as a living-room or creator-focused NAS that can double as a media hub. TerraMaster’s F4-423 rounds out the group as the value-driven 4-bay multi-gig option, offering plenty of capacity and speed at a more aggressive price point for buyers who are comfortable with a slightly more enthusiast-oriented interface. Taken together, these four systems give Amazon shoppers a clear short list: decide how many bays are really needed, whether multi-gig and HDMI matter, and then use the ASINs and links to confirm the current price and availability before committing to the box that will safeguard their data for the next several years.
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Funky Kit Review - ADATA XPG PYMCORE 850W SFX PSU
Funky Kit describes the ADATA XPG Pymcore 850W SFX as a compact but genuinely high-end SFX power supply aimed at small yet powerful gaming PCs. In testing it delivers the performance and efficiency that the marketing promises, running very efficiently, staying surprisingly quiet for its size, and handling modern high-power GPUs and CPUs without drama. It is ATX 3.1 compliant, uses a high-duty capacitor array of Japanese capacitors, and supports massive short-term power excursions up to about 235 percent of its rated output, which puts it in the same class as many new 1 kW ATX 3.1 units despite the tiny SFX footprint.
" ... The XPG PYMCORE 850W power supply is highly recommended if you have plans for a small yet powerful gaming PC. The PSU performs well, is quiet, has high wattage, and is designed to protect our PC in the best possible way. The XPG PYMCORE is definitely an answer if you're looking for a high-power SFX PSU for your daily challenges! "
The review notes that availability is still limited and there was no firm MSRP at review time, but ADATA PSUs of this class typically land in the roughly 120 to 160 US dollar range, which would make the Pymcore 850W a strong value if that holds true. Officially it carries a 7-year warranty, with some indications it may be sold in certain regions with up to a 10-year warranty, reinforcing the impression of good build quality and long-term reliability. Overall scoring is 8.4 out of 10, and Funky Kit gives it an Editor’s Choice award, recommending it strongly for anyone planning a compact gaming build who needs high wattage, low noise and proper support for next-gen GPUs via a full 600 W 12V-2x6 connector, while accepting that the exterior styling is quite plain and that buyers may have to wait for stock to appear. -
Endorfy Stratus 120 White PWM ARGB Fans Review @ Funky Kit
Funky Kit presents the Endorfy Stratus 120 White PWM ARGB as a set of case fans that are all about combining clean aesthetics with genuinely solid cooling. The all-white look is aimed at modern, minimalist builds, while the ARGB lighting adds color without looking gaudy. PWM control lets the fans ramp up only when needed, giving quiet operation at light loads and strong airflow when gaming or rendering. Funky Kit highlights the optimized blade design, easy installation and broad case and motherboard compatibility, and scores the fans 8 for features, 9 for cooling performance, 9 for aesthetics, 9 for compatibility and 9 for price, for an average of 8.8 out of 10.
" ... The Endorfy Stratus 120 White PWM ARGB Fans deliver a winning combination of cooling efficiency and modern design. They stand out as a smart choice for builders who want reliable performance with a touch of customizable style."
On value, the review notes that these white ARGB models are newly released with no firm MSRP yet, but points to the similar black non-ARGB Stratus 120 PWM at roughly 15 to 20 US dollars as a reference, which suggests the white ARGB version should land in a very competitive bracket once widely available. Availability is currently listed as limited, but in terms of user experience Funky Kit explicitly calls out no real downsides and lists “none I can think of” under the cons section. The overall impression is that Endorfy has delivered a nicely balanced fan that looks premium in a white-themed build, moves plenty of air and stays reasonably priced, making it an easy recommendation if you like the style. -
CHERRY KW 300 MX Compact Hot-Swap Wireless Keyboard Review @ Madshrimps.be
The Cherry KW 300 MX Compact hot-swap wireless keyboard is positioned as a quiet, office-friendly mechanical board that borrows a lot of ideas from the custom and gaming world. It uses Cherry’s new MX2A switches, which are designed for smoother travel, improved acoustics and a very long rated lifespan, and they sit in hot-swap sockets so you can pull them with the included tool and drop in other MX-compatible switches without any soldering. The compact 75 percent layout saves desk space by dropping the numpad while keeping the function keys and arrows, and the case is lined with multiple foam layers plus sound-dampened construction to produce a soft, subdued typing sound that suits shared offices or home workspaces. Double-shot PBT keycaps, white LED backlighting and a simple volume/brightness dial give it a clean, professional look rather than a gamer aesthetic.
CHERRY KW 300 MX is an interesting wireless office keyboard since it borrows a very useful feature from the gaming models: replaceable switches. It comes equipped with the latest MX2A Silent Red switches, which are smoother versus the original and the overall bottom-out noise is minimized thanks to the integrated dampening layers. You also do not need to worry about the keycaps durability since these are PBT doubles-shot, and the compactness of the footprint will allow you to dedicate more space for the mouse movements.
Connectivity and day-to-day usability are also a big part of the package. The keyboard supports both Bluetooth 5.2 and wired USB-C, can be paired with up to four devices and switched between them using the F1–F4 keys, and adds AES-128 encryption on the wireless link for office use. The built-in rechargeable battery is quoted for up to several weeks of use, especially with the backlight dimmed or off, and full key rollover plus anti-ghosting make it responsive enough for light gaming or fast typing. In reviews and product write-ups it comes across as a well-rounded compact board if you want a quiet mechanical for productivity, with hot-swap flexibility and strong build quality, though the price sits in the upper mainstream bracket and the single-color backlight and plain styling may feel a bit basic next to flashier enthusiast boards. -
Patriot Viper Elite 5 Ultra RGB DDR5-6000 2x24GB DDR5 RAM Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks frames the Patriot Viper Elite 5 Ultra RGB DDR5-6000 2x24GB as a solid high-end DDR5 kit built around SK hynix M-die that already performs well at its rated speed. In their testing, the kit delivers strong, consistent results for its speed class, and the medium-profile heatspreaders are unlikely to interfere with most modern CPU coolers. The design and RGB implementation follow Patriot’s usual Viper style, and the kit is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, which the reviewer notes as part of Patriot’s positive track record in memory. With pricing around the premium segment, it sits in line with other M-die performance kits.
The Patriot Viper Elite 5 Ultra RGB DDR5-6000 2x24GB memory kit featuring SK hynix's legendary M-die chips delivers good performance at stock and packs insane overclocking potential.
Where this kit really stands out is overclocking headroom. The reviewer was able to push the Viper Elite 5 Ultra RGB DDR5-6000 2x24GB from its stock DDR5-6000 all the way up to DDR5-8400 at the same 1.40 V, Prime95-stable, effectively matching Patriot’s own 8400 MT/s models despite this being a lower-binned SKU. That represents an enormous 40 percent frequency increase, which they describe as “insane” overclocking potential, while still cautioning that results will vary by sample and platform. It is not a CUDIMM design, so there is no separate clock driver to further boost stability at extreme speeds, but in practice the kit behaves very well in their charts and earns an APH Renewal Award, making it an easy recommendation for enthusiasts who want both strong stock performance and serious tuning headroom.
