Tech News
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ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Hero @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp's review of the ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Hero motherboard highlights its premium design and extensive feature set tailored for Intel's Arrow Lake CPUs. The board boasts a robust 22-phase power delivery system, six M.2 slots (including three PCIe Gen 5), dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and Wi-Fi 7 support. Its comprehensive cooling solutions, including substantial VRM and M.2 heatsinks, ensure optimal thermal performance. The BIOS is user-friendly, offering both manual and AI-driven overclocking options, catering to enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Hero is dripping with features and an edgy, head-turning design, but for once the fault lays not with the board or manufacturer, but with the lack of attractive CPU options, although as usual this high-end ASUS board is still prohibitively expensive for most.
However, the review notes that the $700 price tag positions the Z890 Hero in a niche market, especially given the lukewarm reception of Intel's Arrow Lake CPUs and the impending socket transition. While the motherboard excels in build quality and features, it lacks 10 Gbps Ethernet—a surprising omission at this price point. Additionally, some design choices, like the non-tool-free lower M.2 heatsink and the PCIe Slot Q-Release mechanism, received criticism. Overall, the Z890 Hero is deemed a top-tier motherboard for those with ample budgets seeking a feature-rich platform, but it may not offer the best value for most users.
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Balanced Performance and Aesthetics with LIAN LI LANCOOL 217
- Contemporary design with real wood accents in dark walnut or light beech
- Dual modes: CPU airflow focused and balanced airflow for CPU and GPU
- Five pre-installed fans: two 170mm front fans, two 120mm reversed fans above the PSU shroud, and one 140mm fan at the rear
- Toolless mounting for front and PSU shroud fans for quick adjustment
- Top, front, and PSU shroud mesh panels for great airflow
- Supports two PSU mounting orientations
- Supports, back-connect ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards, and up to SSI-EEB motherboards
Taipei, Taiwan – LIAN LI Industrial Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of chassis and PC accessories, introduces the LANCOOL 217, the successor to the popular LANCOOL 216. This mid-tower case merges high performance with elegance. It features real wood accents (walnut on black, beech on white), five pre-installed fans, including dual 170mm front fans. The front fans are pre-installed in balanced mode for CPU and GPU cooling but can be switched to CPU mode, thanks to a tool-less design that facilitates easy adjustments. The LANCOOL 217 is the first of the LANCOOL series to introduce back-connect motherboard support, along with an innovative dual mounting position for the PSU (standard or rotated). The LANCOOL 217 is available in black and white at MSRP prices of $119.99 and $124.99, respectively.
Real Wood Accents
?Available in dark walnut for black and light beech for white, the real wood accents bring warmth and elegance, making the LANCOOL 217 an ideal choice for setups that blend with contemporary or minimalist spaces. With the thoughtful positioning of wood elements, there is no compromise on performance, allowing for efficient cooling while elevating the case’s visual appeal.Airflow Powerhouse
The LANCOOL 217 is designed for optimal thermal performance right out of the box, featuring five pre-installed PBT fans, including two unique 170mm front fans that can be set up in two modes: balanced CPU and GPU cooling (default), and another that directs airflow specifically towards the CPU. The front fans, along with the two 120mm reversed-blade fans above the PSU chamber, utilize a tool-free mounting system with sliding mounts and rubber inserts for quick and easy adjustments. Together with the rear 140mm fan, the case provides superb airflow throughout. The embossed mesh design on the front, top, and shroud further improves ventilation, allowing for maximum heat dissipation and maintaining consistent performance under demanding workloads.Regular or 90-degree PSU Mounting
?The LANCOOL 217 offers remarkable flexibility for PSU mounting. Builders can choose the standard setup, which accommodates ATX PSUs up to 220mm in length with ports facing the front. Alternatively, rotating the PSU 90 degrees with ports oriented to the side not only allows direct access to the CPU 8-pin and motherboard 24-pin ports but also enhances hard drive support by permitting the installation of a second hard drive cage in the PSU chamber. An included extension cable supports this configuration, enabling users to select the most suitable layout based on their PSU dimensions and cable management preferences.Impressive Hardware Compatibility ?
The LANCOOL 217 provides exceptional hardware compatibility for high-performance components. It supports SSI-EEB motherboards (up to 330mm wide) and E-ATX motherboards (up to 280mm wide), offering plenty of space for demanding builds. For cooling, the case accommodates CPU coolers up to 180mm in height and GPUs up to 380mm in length. It also supports a wide range of radiator configurations, including up to 360mm and 280mm on top, ensuring comprehensive cooling options. This versatility allows enthusiasts to build powerful and efficient systems tailored to their specific needs.Availability
?The LANCOOL 217 is available on May 2nd, 2025, at an MSRP of $119.99 for the black, and $124.99 for the white version. -
Lexar PLAY 2280 4TB Solid State Drive Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks reviewed the Lexar PLAY 2280 4TB SSD, highlighting its impressive storage capacity and solid build quality. The drive features a MaxioTech MAP1602A controller paired with YMTC 232-layer TLC NAND flash, and it utilizes Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology instead of onboard DRAM. With sequential read and write speeds rated at 7400MB/s and 6500MB/s respectively, and an endurance rating of 3200TBW, the SSD is designed for high-performance tasks and comes with a five-year warranty.
The Lexar PLAY 2280 4TB is a capacity-laden NVMe SSD that would benefit from several improvements in its medium workload performance, real-world simulations, and random reads...
In performance benchmarks, the Lexar PLAY 2280 4TB delivered solid sequential read and write speeds, placing it mid-pack among competitors. However, it showed weaker performance in real-world simulations and random read/write tests, particularly in file transfer and application loading scenarios. APH Networks concluded that while the SSD offers substantial storage and decent performance for its price point, it may not be the best choice for users with demanding workloads that require consistent high-speed performance.
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ASUS Radeon RX 9070 XT TUF OC @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp's review of the ASUS Radeon RX 9070 XT TUF OC highlights it as a robust and well-engineered graphics card built on AMD's RDNA 4 architecture. Featuring 4,096 stream processors, 16 GB of GDDR6 memory, and a 256-bit memory interface, it delivers performance comparable to NVIDIA's RTX 5070 Ti, with notable improvements in ray tracing capabilities over previous AMD generations. The card's substantial cooler ensures excellent thermal performance and low noise levels, especially when using the quiet BIOS mode. Additionally, the inclusion of FSR 4 enhances upscaling quality, bringing it closer to NVIDIA's DLSS, although DLSS still holds an edge in frame generation.
The ASUS Radeon RX 9070 XT TUF OC is the company's flagship model. It comes with a thick, metal cooler frame that looks fantastic. Our testing confirms, that this is the most powerful cooler of all the cards tested so far, and noise levels with the quiet BIOS are excellent, too.
Despite its strengths, the card's pricing is a point of contention. With an MSRP of $800, it sits significantly above AMD's suggested $600 baseline for the RX 9070 XT, potentially impacting its value proposition. Nevertheless, for gamers seeking a high-performance 1440p experience with the flexibility to venture into 4K gaming, the ASUS TUF OC variant stands out as a compelling option, offering a blend of power, efficiency, and advanced features.
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Silicon Power DS72 2TB Portable SSD @ Funky Kit
Funky Kit reviewed the Silicon Power DS72 2TB Portable SSD and highlighted its versatility, compact design, and solid performance. The drive supports both USB Type-A and Type-C connections, making it compatible with a wide range of devices including PCs, Macs, gaming consoles, and mobile phones. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, it delivers read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds around 850 MB/s, which are ideal for transferring large files quickly. Its small, thumb-drive-like form factor, combined with a matte black metal casing and protective end caps, offers durability and ease of portability.
"... The Silicon Power DS72 2TB SSD combines high performance, good compatibility, high quality build, and an extended warranty. If we're all about fast, small, portable SSDs, then we can probably ignore some of the minor issues, and enjoy one of the best portable SSDs that you can carry in a pocket without needing cables or adapters. "
In performance tests, the DS72 SSD showed impressive results in sequential and random read/write speeds. However, Funky Kit did note that the wide protective caps might block adjacent ports, and under heavy usage, thermal throttling could slightly affect speed. Despite these minor drawbacks, the DS72 was praised for offering great value and convenience at a competitive price point (about CAD $120 for the 2TB model). Overall, it earned a solid score of 8.2 out of 10 for being a dependable and portable storage solution.
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InWin Launches PRISM, a Stunning, Translucent PC Chassis
Get a new perspective with panoramic views of all the epic hardware inside
In Win Development Inc. (InWin), renowned for its brand philosophy of ?Contemporary and Innovative?and a recipient of numerous international design awards, proudly introduces the PRISM — a premium mid-tower ATX chassis. Building upon the iconic design language of its signature “tou” series, PRISM elevates both aesthetics and functionality with enhanced cooling performance, improved assembly convenience, and full compatibility with the latest high-end hardware. With its expansive glass panels, support for vertical GPU installation, and hidden cable motherboards, PRISM is crafted for PC enthusiasts who demand both style and performance.
Redefining Angles
The PRISM features a seamless, three-piece spliced glass panel that creates a stunning frameless glass wall, offering a panoramic view. Its geometric aesthetics, combined with two-way mirror effect, provide a unique perspective from every angle. This mid-tower chassis redefines PC builds with its innovative design, making it ideal for any hardware setup. Suitable for enthusiasts, gamers, creatives, AI workstations, or simply to make a bold statement and capture attention in the home or office. Additionally, the subtly designed, rear wing-inspired handle allows users to easily lift and carry it to a new location.
Unbox Elegance
The large, fine-mesh filters are designed for easy, toolless removal, ensuring the interior remains dust-free while allowing optimal airflow across the ten fan placements. InWin has preinstalled four of its VORTEX fans, featuring PWM control and ARGB lighting. Users can also purchase additional VORTEX standard or reverse blade variants from the InWin eStore (USA/EU).
InWin further enhances the overall aesthetic with preinstalled LED strips at the top, bottom, and front, providing an impressive look right out of the box. The fans and interior lighting can easily be managed through the included 6-channel ARGB hub, offering 19 distinct, synced lighting effects activated with a simple press of a button on the front I/O.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5000 Series and AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series Ready
The chassis accommodates graphics cards up to 435 mm, including the latest RTX 5090 and RX 9700 series GPUs in the primary slot, without compromising the use of front fans. GPUs can be mounted horizontally or vertically thanks to the innovative modular dual PCI-E slot bracket.
Clean, Pristine, and Serene
Up to ATX motherboards are supported, including those with backside connectors from top brands, ensuring builds look clean and visually cable-free. The PRISM accommodates CPU coolers with a height of up to 175 mm, providing ample space for even the largest air coolers. Additionally, it supports multiple radiators of 240 mm, 280 mm, and 360 mm for liquid cooling solutions. To maintain a tidy interior, two 2.5-inch SSD slots are discreetly positioned behind the motherboard tray. The front I/O panel features USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (40Gbps) Type-C, two USB 3.2 Gen-1 ports, and a 3.5 mm HD audio combo jack.
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Montech HS02 PRO Review @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp's review of the Montech HS02 Pro highlights it as a standout full-tower PC case that blends aesthetic appeal with functional design. Priced at $139.99 USD, the HS02 Pro comes equipped with five pre-installed ARGB fans, a PWM/ARGB controller, and an embedded ARGB strip along the bottom edge. Its unique reversible design allows users to flip the case orientation, offering flexibility in setup. The case supports up to ATX motherboards with back-connect compatibility, 420 mm GPUs, 360 mm top-mounted radiators, and includes a magnetic top cover for easy access. The interior is designed for clean cable management, featuring a recessed motherboard tray and internal covers to conceal wiring.
The HS02 is Montech's latest flagship case, offering plenty of glass, features, USPs and functionality while still sporting a surprisingly affordable price tag. This makes it an excellent choice for budget minded as well as high-end builds alike. Those who are really wanting to minimize cost also have the non-Pro or HS01 variants to pick from.
While the HS02 Pro offers numerous advantages, the review notes some minor drawbacks. The flip feature's feet may not stay securely in place when inverted, and the GPU support bracket could interfere with larger triple-fan graphics cards. Additionally, the tight fit for 3.5" HDDs on the PSU cover and the lack of clear labeling on audio ports are mentioned. Despite these issues, the HS02 Pro is praised for its value, clean aesthetics, and thoughtful features, making it a compelling choice for both budget-conscious and high-end PC builders.
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Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5090 / 5080 EPIC-X GPU Cooler with Backplate
Alphacool International GmbH, based in Braunschweig, has been a pioneer in PC water cooling technology for over 20 years. With one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry and over 20 years of experience, Alphacool is now expanding its portfolio with the new Core Geforce RTX 5090 EPIC-X with Backplate and Core Geforce RTX 5080 EPIC-X with Backplate graphics card water coolers.
The GPU water coolers have been completely redesigned. Precise adjustments to the spacing between the cooler and the PCB, along with optimized water flow simulations and extensive practical testing, have resulted in significant improvements to the cooler base and jetplate. These enhancements ensure maximum cooling performance for the newest Nvidia Geforce RTX generation. The GPU water coolers feature a precisely machined copper base with high-quality chrome plating for exceptional durability and a smooth surface. The design is further complemented by robust brass fittings with a nylon cover, ensuring maximum safety and reliability.
Compatibility:
14739 - Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5090 EPIC-X with Backplate
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
14740 - Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5080 EPIC-X with Backplate
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5080 Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5080 Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5080 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5080 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
The Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5090 and 5080 EPIC-X GPU Coolers with Backplate can now be ordered in the Alphacool Shop.
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Lexar NM790 4TB M.2 SSD review @ Guru 3D
Guru3D reviewed the Lexar NM790 4TB PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe SSD recently and found it to be a strong performer at an affordable price point. Powered by the Maxio MAP1602A controller and YMTC 232-layer TLC NAND, the DRAM-less drive delivers impressive sequential read and write speeds of up to 7,400 MB/s and 6,500 MB/s, respectively. Despite the absence of a DRAM cache, its real-world performance in daily tasks and gaming loads remains solid. The SSD is also compatible with a wide range of devices, including desktops, laptops, and even PlayStation 5 systems, thanks to its single-sided M.2 2280 design.
The Lexar NM790 offers a different take on the 4TB SSD design. Also priced near €225 (about $250 USD), this model skips the Micron memory and Phison controller in favor of a Maxio controller and TLC memory from Longsys, presented in a 232-layer format. This setup is engineered to provide better endurance and higher write performance, which might be critical for gurus seeking a more robust solution. The NM790 does not include a DRAM cache, meaning that its performance benchmarks reflect the SSD’s core capabilities without additional buffering. This approach offers a transparent view of the drive’s intrinsic performance under various conditions.
Thermal performance is efficient, averaging around 39°C and peaking at about 60°C under sustained load—manageable with a motherboard heatsink. The NM790 also proves to be power-efficient, drawing as little as 0.04W at idle and about 4W during heavy operation. With an endurance rating of 3,000 TBW and a 5-year warranty, it offers a solid balance of capacity, speed, and value. Guru3D concludes that the Lexar NM790 is an excellent choice for users looking to expand high-speed storage without overspending.
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Top-Rated 144Hz+ Gaming Monitors for Competitive Gaming Available on Amazon
When it comes to competitive gaming, a high refresh rate monitor is no longer just a luxury, it's a necessity. Modern gaming monitors with 144Hz refresh rates and above deliver significantly smoother motion, faster response times, and an overall more immersive experience that traditional 60Hz or 75Hz displays simply can't match.
But not all gaming monitors are created equal.
These top-rated gaming monitors offer lightning-fast refresh rates combined with high-resolution panels and adaptive sync technology (G-SYNC or FreeSync) for low input lag, and vibrant color reproduction. Whether you're a competitive esports player chasing every frame advantage, a next-gen console gamer seeking stunning 4K clarity, or a casual gamer wanting buttery-smooth gameplay, there’s an ideal monitor tailored to your needs.
With so many options flooding the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
To make it easier, we’ve rounded up five of the best gaming monitors available now on Amazon, each delivering a winning combination of speed, quality, and value.Here are our Top 5 Gaming Monitor Picks (144Hz and above) that deserve a spot in your setup!
1. Gigabyte M27Q 27” QHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Results Provided by Amazon- Size: 27-inch
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 0.5ms (MPRT)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Features: FreeSync Premium, Built-in KVM Switch
Brief:
The Gigabyte M27Q is a versatile 27-inch gaming monitor featuring a 1440p IPS panel with a blazing 170Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time. It offers stunning color accuracy, FreeSync Premium support, and even includes a built-in KVM switch for seamless device swapping. A true all-rounder for PC gamers and multitaskers.2. ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27” QHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Results Provided by Amazon- Size: 27-inch
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz (overclocked)
- Response Time: 1ms (MPRT)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Features: G-SYNC Compatible, ELMB Sync (blur reduction)
Brief:
The ASUS TUF VG27AQ delivers smooth 1440p gaming with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. Featuring ELMB Sync technology to reduce motion blur and G-SYNC compatibility for tear-free gameplay, it's an excellent choice for competitive gamers who want a durable, high-performing monitor without breaking the bank.3. Acer Nitro XV272U Vbmiiprx 27” QHD 170Hz Gaming Monitor
Results Provided by Amazon- Size: 27-inch
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 170Hz
- Response Time: 1ms (VRB)
- Panel Type: IPS
- Features: FreeSync Premium, VESA DisplayHDR 400
Brief:
The Acer Nitro XV272U offers exceptional value with a QHD resolution, fast 170Hz refresh rate, and vivid IPS panel. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA DisplayHDR 400 for a more vibrant gaming experience. This monitor stands out as an affordable yet powerful upgrade for serious gamers.4. MSI G273QPF 27” QHD 165Hz Rapid IPS Gaming Monitor
Results Provided by Amazon- Size: 27-inch
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms (GtG)
- Panel Type: Rapid IPS
- Features: G-SYNC Compatible, DisplayHDR 400
Brief:
MSI’s G273QPF boasts a Rapid IPS panel delivering a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for ultra-smooth, responsive gaming. G-SYNC compatibility ensures tear-free visuals, while the monitor’s color vibrancy and DisplayHDR 400 support make it a solid pick for gamers who also enjoy high-quality media content.5. LG UltraGear 32GN650-B 32” QHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Results Provided by Amazon- Size: 32-inch
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms (MBR)
- Panel Type: VA
- Features: FreeSync Premium, HDR10 support
Brief:
The LG UltraGear 32GN650-B features a larger 32-inch VA panel with 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms MBR technology. Perfect for immersive gaming, it offers FreeSync Premium support and HDR10 compatibility. It's an excellent choice for players wanting a bigger, smoother QHD gaming experience at an affordable price point.Final Thoughts
2K (QHD) gaming monitors continue to hit the sweet spot for modern gamers — offering a noticeable upgrade in clarity over 1080p while maintaining high frame rates that are competitive across the gamespace. These five models deliver exceptional refresh rates, vivid color reproduction, and fast response times, while staying under a $400 budget.
From esports enthusiasts to AAA gamers, there’s a lot of value packed into this tier of monitor which can blend smooth gameplay with detailed visuals without the heavier demands of 4K setups. Hardware Asylum believes these monitors represent excellent upgrade paths for gamers seeking serious performance improvements without venturing into ultra-premium pricing territory. Whether you prioritize immersive experiences, competitive advantages, or future-proofing your setup, these monitors stand out as smart, cost-effective choices.
