Tech News
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Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM Fan @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp introduced the NF-A12x25 G2 PWM as Noctua’s new flagship 120 mm fan, building on its predecessor’s strengths by incorporating refined blade geometry, enhanced flow acceleration channels, and a new high-performance motor design. The fan features an ultra-tight 0.5 mm tip clearance and a frame made with Sterrox LCP for reduced vibration and better rigidity. The included Low Noise Adapter reduces maximum speed from 1800 to 1500 rpm for quieter operation, while the PWM interface supports fully automated speed control. Its sturdy build and premium materials deliver both aesthetic consistency and reliability.
"Noctua releases its long awaited successor to the popular NF-A12x25 fan! The new G2 version comes in a variety of options, including a novel 2-pack that is offset by RPM for better sonics, and boasts several innovations inside and out to give better cooling performance irrespective of the desired application."
When tested across airflow and static pressure scenarios, the NF-A12x25 G2 surpassed its predecessor and outperformed many competitor models at equivalent RPMs. It maintained low noise levels even at maximum speed, posting among the quietest acoustical profiles in the mid-to-low speed ranges. TechPowerUp found it particularly effective when used with liquid cooling radiators or densely packed cases. -
Phison PS5028-E28 Reference Design Gen5 Solid State Drive Review @ ThinkComputers
ThinkComputers highlighted the Phison PS5028-E28 as a significant improvement over its predecessor, the E26, particularly in terms of power efficiency and thermal management. Earlier E26-based Gen5 SSDs often required noisy active cooling solutions, but the E28 now offers a cooler and more efficient design. This improvement opens the door for non-heatsink variants and greater compatibility with motherboard M.2 heatsinks. Even drives that include heatsinks should no longer require small fans, making the E28 a more appealing option for users seeking quiet, high-performance storage.
"When it comes to PCI-Express 5.0 or Gen5 NVMe solid state drives a considerable amount of them over the past couple of years have been powered by Phison's E26 controller. While this controller was quite good, like many other Gen5 solutions there were power concerns, which of course led to quite a lot of heat as well. This meant for many of the drives you needed an active cooling solution. Phison has worked on many of these concerns and they are now releasing their E28 controller, which you'll see powering many partner drives over the next couple of years. They sent us over a 2TB reference drive, which features their E28 controller teamed with KIOXIA BiCS8 218-layer TLC 3D NAND flash. Let's take a look and see what you can expect from drives based on this controller!"
Performance-wise, the reference drive equipped with KIOXIA BiCS8 218-layer TLC NAND came very close to its rated specifications, despite using pre-release firmware. ThinkComputers noted that future updates are likely to improve results further. Depending on the platform, performance can vary, with Intel systems favoring random IO and AMD systems excelling in sequential speeds. The review concluded that Phison has effectively addressed the concerns surrounding the E26, and the E28 looks promising as a widely adopted controller for upcoming PCIe Gen5 SSDs. It's a strong recommendation for anyone shopping for next-gen storage this year. -
Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 1000W Gold TT Premium Edition PSU Review @ Funky Kit
FunkyKit reviewed the Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 1000W Gold TT Premium Edition and highlighted its impressive performance in a compact SFX-L form factor. Designed for high-end small form factor builds, this unit is 80 Plus Gold certified and meets Intel ATX 3.0 standards. It delivers 1000 watts of continuous power through a single 12V rail rated at 83.3A. The PSU includes a native 16-pin 12VHPWR connector for next-gen GPUs, along with dual EPS CPU connectors and fully modular, low-profile flat cables. Built with premium Japanese 105°C capacitors and industrial-grade protections, it also comes with a generous 10-year warranty, reinforcing its status as a premium power supply for compact systems.
" ... I have to say the Thermaltake Toughpower SFX 1000W Gold TT Premium Edition PSU is genuinely impressive. It’s rare to find a power supply this compact that delivers such consistent voltage stability and handles demanding components without a problem. From its precise regulation under load to the quiet cooling and top-tier build quality, it feels like Thermaltake packed all the right features into a small form factor without cutting corners. For anyone building a high-performance SFF rig and wanting peace of mind with future upgrades, this PSU ticks all the boxes. "
During testing, the Toughpower SFX 1000W demonstrated excellent voltage stability, low ripple, and efficient thermal management. The 120 mm FDB fan remained completely off under low to moderate loads thanks to the Smart Zero Fan mode, resulting in silent operation in typical daily use. Even under heavier loads, fan noise stayed low and performance remained consistent. Efficiency hovered around 90 percent or better across most power levels. FunkyKit praised its build quality, strong cable design, and future-ready connectivity, recommending it as an outstanding choice for users building powerful mini-ITX or SFF PCs that demand quiet operation and dependable power delivery. -
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Pro CPU Cooler Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks described the Hyper 212 Pro as the latest update to Cooler Master’s iconic Hyper 212 series, delivering reliable thermal performance with a refreshed look. The cooler features a single 120 mm SickleFlow Edge ARGB fan, four direct-contact copper heat pipes, and a dense aluminum fin stack all housed in a clean black design. It ships with mounting hardware compatible with Intel LGA 1851, 1700, and 1200, as well as AMD AM5 and AM4 sockets. The included CryoFuze thermal paste and relatively low 152 mm height make it suitable for most modern cases while still allowing adequate RAM clearance.
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Pro is a simple and sleek CPU air cooler with great performance for the price, now with ARGB LEDs for the masses.
In testing, the Hyper 212 Pro performed well, keeping a Ryzen 5 5600X at 51 degrees Celsius under sustained load, only a few degrees behind more expensive dual-fan coolers. Idle temperatures were steady around 26 degrees Celsius. Noise levels were measured at 32.8 dBA at full speed, but the fan remained quiet and unobtrusive during typical use. APH Networks concluded that while the ARGB lighting and updated styling are appreciated, the Hyper 212 Pro stands out for its consistent performance, low noise, and great value, making it an excellent choice for users building a midrange PC on a budget. -
Cougar OmnyX PC Case Review @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp presented the Cougar OmnyX as a uniquely flexible chassis designed to allow placement on either side of a desk with minimal effort. It includes a sliding I/O panel that supports repositioning the enclosure while keeping USB ports and power buttons accessible. The design prioritizes a sleek, modern aesthetic with integrated cable routing and optional glass or solid front panels. Despite its compact footprint, the OmnyX accommodates a standard ATX board, up to a 360 mm radiator, full-sized GPUs and PSUs, making it suitable for setups where unconventional orientation is desired. USB port count is effectively doubled through the movable I/O bracket, giving great convenience during reorientation.
The Cougar OmnyX aims to be the perfect chassis for flexible desk placement, whether on the left or right side. Thanks to a smart, functional design and the unique Omnidirectional Dynamic Flow System (ODF), positioning on either side of the desk is both simple and versatile.
During testing, the chassis proved easy to work with. Airflow remained good even when placed vertically due to generous venting across the top and bottom. Optional side-mounted thermal probes and configurable alerts were highlighted as helpful extras for builders monitoring temperature performance. Overall TechPowerUp described it as an affordable chassis that brings true placement flexibility, clever layout design, and strong component compatibility for custom desk-side builds. -
Lexar NQ780 4TB Solid State Drive Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks reviewed the Lexar NQ780 4TB as a budget-friendly PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD that delivers solid performance with impressive endurance for a QLC-based drive. It uses the Innogrit IG5236 controller and four 1TB Intel 144-layer QLC NAND chips, relying on host memory buffer instead of onboard DRAM. Despite being a QLC drive, it is rated for 2,400 terabytes written, which is quite generous at 600 TBW per terabyte. The packaging was simple but effective, and the drive includes a five-year warranty, making it a practical option for users who prioritize storage volume and value.
The Lexar NQ780 4TB is a QLC-based NVMe SSD with a surprisingly good write endurance, but has performance that matches its budget price.
In testing, the NQ780 reached sequential read speeds close to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds around 6,000 MB/s under synthetic benchmarks. Performance during random access tasks and real-world file transfers was strong while the SLC cache was active. As expected with QLC NAND, write speeds dropped after the cache was exhausted, but the drive remained responsive for most tasks. APH Networks concluded that while it may not be the fastest or most feature-rich SSD, the NQ780 offers great capacity, good endurance, and reliable performance for budget-conscious users who need a high-capacity solution without breaking the bank.
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The Best Home Theater Soundbars Available on Amazon for less than $300
In this 2025 Amazon buying guide, we’ve handpicked five of the best home theater soundbars available on Amazon US. Each model comes from a different brand, was launched within the past three years, and stands out for its excellent cost-to-performance ratio, strong user feedback, and proven audio quality in real-world living room setups.
The days of relying on bulky AV receivers and multiple wired speakers to achieve theater-style audio are long gone. Today’s soundbars offer powerful, immersive sound in sleek, space-saving designs. With modern features like Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and wireless connectivity, even midrange models now deliver a cinematic experience that rivals more complex systems.
For shoppers with a budget between $150 and $300, this category offers outstanding value. Many of the latest models include high-efficiency wireless subwoofers, refined center-channel tuning for clearer dialogue, and HDMI eARC for seamless TV connections. Whether you're upgrading your movie nights, enhancing your gaming audio, or replacing underpowered built-in TV speakers, these soundbars offer a meaningful step up in both performance and convenience.
Top 5 Home Theater Soundbars Under $300
1. Samsung HW-B550D – 3.1 Channel Immersive Sound with Game Mode
Results Provided by Amazon- Key Specs:
- 5.1 channel audio
- Wireless subwoofer
- DTS Virtual:X
- Game Mode, Adaptive Sound Lite
- Why This Pick:
- Samsung’s HW?-B550D is one of the newest additions to their soundbar lineup and offers excellent performance at its price point. The wireless subwoofer delivers punchy bass, while DTS Virtual:X simulates surround sound for a cinematic experience. With Game Mode and Adaptive Sound Lite, it automatically optimizes audio depending on content type, making it a versatile pick for TV, film, and gaming alike.
2. Vizio SV510X-08 – True 5.1 Dolby Atmos SystemResults Provided by Amazon- Key Specs:
- 5.1.2-channel audio
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- Wireless subwoofer and satellite speakers for real surround sound
- HDMI eARC
- Why This Pick:
- One of the few true 5.1 systems under $300, the Vizio SV510X delivers impressive spatial performance thanks to upfiring height speakers and immersive surround output. It includes full-size rear satellites, making it a complete home theater system for small and mid-size rooms. It is also one of the newest releases in Vizio’s QuickFit line, launched in 2024.
3. Majority Sierra 2.1.2 – Dolby Atmos Audiophile Value
Results Provided by Amazon- Key Specs:
- 2.1.2 channels
- Dolby Atmos
- wireless subwoofer
- 400 W total output
- Bluetooth and HDMI ARC
- USB, AUX, Optical, RCA
- Why Pick This:
- The Sierra delivers true Dolby Atmos performance with up-firing drivers and a robust wireless subwoofer—rare at this price. Reviewers call its “room-filling volume” and “crisp highs with rich lows” impressive for a budget model
4. Bose TV Speaker – Voice Clarity in a Compact Design
Results Provided by Amazon- Retail Price: Around $279
- Key Specs:
- 2.0 channel audio
- Dialogue mode for voice clarity
- Bluetooth and HDMI ARC
- Optical and AUX inputs
- Why This Pick:
- While it doesn’t include a subwoofer, the Bose TV Speaker focuses on what matters most for everyday viewing: clear speech and compact form. This is a great option for those in smaller spaces or who want a no-fuss, plug-and-play sound upgrade. Dialogue mode enhances vocal frequencies, making it especially helpful for movies and news content.
5. Sony HT-S400 – Solid 2.1 System with Wireless SubwooferResults Provided by Amazon- Key Specs:
- 2.1 channel audio with 160-watt wireless subwoofer
- S-Force PRO Front Surround
- 330 watts total output
- HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth connectivity
- Why This Pick:
- Sony’s HT-S400 is a reliable midrange performer that offers excellent audio clarity, respectable bass, and a simplified setup. S-Force PRO virtual surround creates a wider soundstage without the need for rear speakers. It’s an ideal upgrade for users who want better cinematic sound without a complex multi-speaker setup.
ConclusionHigh-performance home theater audio no longer requires a premium investment or complicated setup. Today’s best soundbars under $300 deliver impressive features such as Dolby Atmos, wireless subwoofers, HDMI ARC connectivity, and user-friendly controls. This carefully selected lineup showcases five standout models, each offering excellent real-world performance and value for the price.
For immersive surround sound, both the Samsung HW-B550D and Vizio SV510X-08 stand out. Samsung’s 5.1-channel system brings cinematic clarity and bass, along with gaming-focused features like Game Mode. Vizio’s 5.1 setup takes it a step further with true Dolby Atmos and rear satellite speakers for expansive room-filling audio. The Majority Sierra 2.1.2 is an exceptional option for those who want upward-firing Atmos effects and full-bodied audio from a sleek and affordable system.
If space-saving simplicity and vocal clarity are your top priorities, the Bose TV Speaker and Sony HT-S400 are excellent choices. Bose offers enhanced dialogue in a minimalist package ideal for small living rooms or bedrooms. Sony combines strong bass, virtual surround, and effortless setup for a reliable daily listening experience. Whichever model you choose, these soundbars represent the best balance of performance, features, and price currently available on Amazon US. Let your home entertainment system sound as good as it looks.
- Key Specs:
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SilverStone SETA H2 @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp reviewed the SilverStone SETA H2 and described it as a full-tower case designed with maximum storage and cooling flexibility in mind. Built with a solid steel exterior and a clean, understated look, the chassis supports a wide range of motherboard sizes from Mini-ITX to SSI-EEB. The standout feature is its ability to house up to fifteen drives, including eleven 3.5-inch and four 2.5-inch units, making it ideal for storage-focused systems or workstation builds. The SETA H2 also supports large components like 428 mm GPUs, 220 mm power supplies, and radiators up to 420 mm in both the front and top sections. Multiple fan mounts and full-length dust filters round out the case’s extensive cooling options.
"The SETA H2 may look like a larger variant of the SETA H2M on the ouside, but its interior has as little in common as its exterior does to the H1. Offering a whopping 15 storage bays, good cooling potential and eight expansion slots, the SETA H2 is hyper-focused as the go-to chassis for storage servers or AI workstations."
During testing, TechPowerUp found the case easy to work with, thanks to its spacious interior and well-planned layout. While the chassis does not include pre-installed fans, its open airflow design and full dust filtering helped maintain solid thermal performance. Cable management was straightforward, and the tool-less drive mounting system was convenient for high-capacity setups. Although it lacks visual extras like tempered glass panels or RGB lighting, the SETA H2 delivers on function and expandability. TechPowerUp concluded that it is a strong choice for users building powerful storage-heavy systems or workstations where airflow, drive support, and practical design take priority over flashy aesthetics.
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ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar Review @ ThinkComputers
ThinkComputers reviewed the ASUS ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar and praised it for its sleek design and practical front-facing illumination. The main light offers excellent brightness and adjustability, including control over both brightness levels and color temperature. It provides a soft, focused down-glow that is ideal for reading, working, or general desk lighting without causing any glare on the monitor. Installation is simple, and the bar fits comfortably on both flat and curved monitors. The included DisplayWidget software is lightweight and user-friendly, offering convenient customization options, while Armoury Crate can be used to sync the RGB effects with other ASUS components.
"One thing that I always suggest to people once they have their system built and their setup complete is some type of light. That either ends up being a desk light or a light bar. I am a bigger fan of light bars as they easily sit on top of your monitor and give you that nice down-glow. ASUS has recently introduced their ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar (ALB01). This asymmetrical lighting bar features your normal normal desk lighting, but also rear-facing RGB lighting to give your setup that nice back glow. It also has a patented clamp and magnetic buckle so this light bar will work with both flat and curved monitors. Let's take a look and see how this light bar is different from others that are out there!"
However, the review found the rear-facing RGB lighting to be underwhelming. It lacked brightness and did not include any manual control for adjusting its intensity. While the main light performs very well, the $199 price tag felt hard to justify, especially considering other competitive light bars on the market offer similar or better value at nearly half the cost. The inability to manage all functions through Armoury Crate was also seen as a missed opportunity for users already invested in the ASUS ecosystem. Ultimately, ThinkComputers gave the ROG Aura Monitor Light Bar a score of 7 out of 10, highlighting it as a solid but overpriced choice for users seeking premium desk lighting with limited RGB appeal. -
NZXT Kraken Elite 420 RGB (2025 model): Super Cool and Unique LCS cooler Review @ Guru3D
Guru3D reviewed the NZXT Kraken Elite 420 RGB and positioned it as the new premium offering in NZXT’s all-in-one liquid cooler lineup. This model features a large 420 mm radiator paired with NZXT’s upgraded Turbine pump and a striking 70 mm circular IPS LCD on the pump block, which can display system stats or custom graphics. Surrounding the screen is an RGB ring that enhances visual appeal. The cooler includes pre-applied thermal paste, tool-free brackets, and braided tubes with swivel fittings, all contributing to an easy installation experience. It also features a streamlined single-cable setup and comes in both white and black finishes, launching at around 335 US dollars.
The 2025 addition to NZXT’s Kraken Elite series is the 420 mm liquid cooler, offered exclusively in an RGB configuration. This flagship cooler features a matte-white or matte-black finish, with no non-RGB alternative for this size. It extends the existing Elite V2 lineup, which already includes 240 mm, 280 mm, and 360 mm variants, positioning the 420 mm model as the top-tier option for users seeking maximum radiator surface area.
In performance testing, the Kraken Elite 420 RGB showed strong cooling efficiency and quiet operation. Under a sustained workload at 21 degrees Celsius ambient temperature, it kept CPU temperatures around 60 degrees, which Guru3D considered solid for a cooler of this size. Noise levels stayed under 30 decibels in silent mode, and thermal performance outpaced many 360 mm models. The cooler integrates with NZXT’s CAM software, allowing users to customize the display, RGB lighting, and fan profiles, although it requires staying within the NZXT ecosystem. Guru3D concluded that while the Kraken Elite 420 RGB comes at a premium price, it delivers excellent thermal performance, aesthetic refinement, and an impressive display that make it ideal for high-end, visually-focused PC builds.
