Tech News
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Borderlands 4 Handheld Performance @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp put Borderlands 4 through its paces on both devices, delivering a detailed look at how the game runs and what settings are achievable. The reviewer found that while Borderlands 4 is a visually impressive title, it's also quite demanding, requiring some compromises to achieve smooth gameplay on the handhelds. The ROG Ally X consistently outperformed the Steam Deck, offering higher frame rates and the ability to run at higher graphical settings. However, even the Ally X required some tweaking to maintain a consistently enjoyable experience, particularly in more intense combat scenarios.
Borderlands 4 arrives six years after the last game in the series. Bigger and better, it's much more demanding on your hardware, especially when it comes to PC gaming handhelds. How does Borderlands 4 run on the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally X? Find out in our Borderlands 4 handheld performance review.
Beyond the raw performance numbers, TechPowerUp provided valuable insights into the game's optimization and the various settings that impact performance. They highlighted the importance of adjusting resolution and shadow quality to balance visual fidelity and frame rates. The review also offered practical recommendations for achieving the best possible experience on each device, including suggested graphics presets and performance monitoring tips. Overall, TechPowerUp concluded that Borderlands 4 is playable on both the Steam Deck and ROG Ally X, but the Ally X provides a noticeably superior experience, especially for those prioritizing higher frame rates and more detailed visuals.
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SilverStone Lucid 05 Computer Case Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks, known for their thorough and systematic reviews, found the SilverStone Lucid 05 to be a compelling option for those seeking a compact and versatile Mini-ITX case. The reviewer was particularly impressed by the case's innovative design, which allows for both air and liquid cooling solutions, a rare feat in such a small form factor. They highlighted the case's ability to accommodate relatively large graphics cards and CPU coolers, expanding the range of components that can be used in a Mini-ITX build. The reviewer also praised the case's clean and minimalist aesthetic, which blends seamlessly into a variety of setups.
The SilverStone Lucid 05 is a well-priced midrange ATX mid-tower computer case that comes with a surprising list of premium features.
Beyond the core functionality, APH Networks commended the case's build quality, noting the sturdy steel construction and well-engineered cable management system. They also appreciated the inclusion of tempered glass side panels, which showcase the internal components. While the reviewer did mention that the tight confines could make building a bit challenging, especially for first-time builders, they ultimately concluded that the SilverStone Lucid 05 offers an excellent balance of size, features, and aesthetics. For those looking to build a compact and powerful Mini-ITX system, this case is definitely worth a serious look. -
ASRock Phantom Gaming X870 NOVA WiFi Motherboard Review @ Funky Kit
FunkyKit, known for their detailed and often humorous reviews, delivered a largely positive assessment of this AMD X870 motherboard. The reviewer was impressed by the board's strong feature set, particularly its robust power delivery system designed to handle the latest Ryzen 7000 series processors. They highlighted the inclusion of PCIe 5.0 support for both graphics cards and NVMe SSDs, as well as a generous array of USB ports, including USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode. The reviewer also appreciated the board's well-designed VRM heatsinks, which effectively kept temperatures in check even under heavy load.
... The X870 NOVA WIFI is yet another great motherboard from ASRock, which we can easily recommend due to its high performance, compatibility, modern controllers, and gaming features — you get all that at a reasonable price, which gamers should find affordable.
Beyond the core specifications, FunkyKit praised the board's aesthetic appeal, noting its sleek black and silver color scheme and subtle RGB lighting. They also commended ASRock's BIOS, which they found to be user-friendly and packed with customization options. While the reviewer did mention a few minor quirks, such as the placement of a couple of USB ports, they ultimately concluded that the ASRock Phantom Gaming X870 Nova WiFi represents an excellent value proposition for gamers and enthusiasts looking to build a high-performance AMD-based system. For those seeking a feature-rich and reliable motherboard without breaking the bank, this board is definitely worth considering. -
Cooler Master MasterFrame 600 Computer Case Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks praised the MasterFrame 600 as a modular, premium mid-tower case that delivers both aesthetic appeal and strong functional design. It supports a broad range of motherboard sizes from Mini-ITX up to conditional E-ATX or SSI-CEB, and allows for large graphics cards and substantial thermal hardware. The case includes strong build materials like steel, aluminum, and tempered glass, with magnetic panels for easy removal. Front-panel cooling is well thought out, and the black version includes high-quality non-ARGB Mobius fans, while the silver version swaps in ARGB SickleFlow fans for visual flair. There is ample clearance for CPU coolers, radiators, and long GPUs, and the case includes flexible mounting points and cable routing features such as rear space and rubber grommets to help tidy up the internals.
"The MasterFrame 600 is Cooler Master's first modern attempt of a modular computer case, but it comes with several growing pains for the designers to improve upon."
That said, there are compromises that reflect its price and design ambitions. Cable management behind the motherboard tray is generous but can be challenging given certain layout choices, such as tight openings and limited mounting hooks. The power supply mounts high, requiring careful handling during installation. Noise levels remain reasonable, especially at lower fan speeds, but high airflow demands will naturally push noise upward. The case lacks some premium tool-free conveniences and might be overkill for simpler builds. Overall, APH Networks found that the MasterFrame 600 offers excellent value for users who want a stylish, modular case capable of high performance and flexible cooling, provided they accept its few trade-offs in convenience and layout. -
Top 4 Best Value Portable Power Stations Under $300 on Amazon US
Reliable portable power has become an essential part of modern life. From camping trips and outdoor work to unexpected blackouts at home, more people are looking for compact power stations to keep their devices running and their lives uninterrupted. Just a few years ago, models with dependable watt-hour capacity, pure sine wave AC output, and fast recharging easily cost hundreds more. Now, these features have moved into the sub-$300 range, making them far more accessible to everyday users.
These compact stations offer the flexibility to power everything from phones, laptops, and routers to lights, fans, and CPAP machines. They’re also lightweight and small enough to carry easily, which makes them ideal for travelers, remote workers, and anyone who wants a practical emergency backup without investing in a full home generator. In this guide, we’ve picked four highly rated models currently in stock on Amazon US, each chosen for its balance of power, portability, safety features, and real-world usability.
Our Top Picks
1. ENOFLO 300W Portable Power StationResults Provided by Amazon- Key Specs:
• 228 Wh battery capacity
• 300 W AC output (pure sine wave), surge up to 600 W
• 2 AC outlets, USB-A, USB-C, DC ports, and wireless charging
• Multiple recharge options (wall AC, car, solar)
• LED screen, built-in MPPT controller, full safety system - Why Pick This:
The ENOFLO unit combines solid capacity with a broad port selection, making it well-suited for powering multiple small devices at once. Its pure sine wave output ensures clean, stable power for sensitive electronics, and its versatile recharging options let you keep it ready for use anywhere. It’s a strong choice for users who want a dependable and well-rounded backup solution.
2. ALLWEI 300W Portable Power StationResults Provided by Amazon- Key Specs:
• Approximately 280 Wh lithium battery
• 300 W AC output (pure sine wave)
• Multiple ports including AC, USB-A, USB-C, and DC
• Compact size and carry handle for portability
• Rechargeable via AC wall, car adapter, or solar - Why Pick This:
If you want more runtime without carrying a heavy unit, this ALLWEI model strikes an ideal balance. It can handle several hours of power for essentials such as laptops, LED lights, or small appliances, which makes it useful for both short outages and weekend camping trips. Its stable performance and good build quality also give it a reliability edge at this price point.
3. ZeroKor 300W Portable Solar Power Station
Results Provided by Amazon- Key Specs:
• 280 Wh battery capacity
• 300 W AC output (pure sine wave)
• Includes foldable 60 W solar panel
• USB-A, USB-C, DC, and AC outputs
• Lightweight design at just over 5 lbs - Why Pick This:
This ZeroKor bundle is ideal for users who want the added independence of solar charging. The included panel makes it easy to keep topped up off-grid, and the 300 W AC output is powerful enough for lights, routers, and other small essentials. It’s a smart choice for campers, RV users, or anyone who wants a greener backup solution without adding extra cost.
4. Jackery Explorer 240Results Provided by Amazon- Key Specs:
• 293 Wh battery capacity
• 300 W AC output (pure sine wave), 500 W surge
• AC outlets, USB-A, and DC outputs
• About 7 lbs with solid carry handle
• Compatible with Jackery SolarSaga panels - Why Pick This:
The Explorer 240 from Jackery is one of the most proven names in this category. It delivers reliable power in a rugged and portable form, ideal for emergency backup or off-grid travel. Its clean output makes it safe for sensitive electronics, and the brand’s strong reputation for quality and support adds confidence for long-term use.
Final Thoughts
Portable power stations have evolved into must-have gear for modern households, and these four models show just how much performance you can get without overspending. They offer dependable capacity, clean power, and versatile charging methods at a price that fits most budgets. Whether you’re planning a camping trip, preparing for weather-related blackouts, or just want a safety net during travel, having one of these units can keep your essential devices running when it matters most.
When choosing your ideal model, consider your priorities. If you want all-around flexibility and a broad port selection, the ENOFLO is a versatile pick. The ALLWEI is ideal if you want longer runtime in a portable package, while the ZeroKor shines for off-grid use with its included solar panel. And for a proven brand name with excellent reliability, the Jackery Explorer 240 remains a top contender.
All four are available on Amazon US as of now and offer strong performance for their price. A small power station can make a big difference in convenience and peace of mind, and these models prove you don’t need to spend more than $300 to get dependable, real-world backup power.
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Borderlands 4 Performance Benchmark @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp reviewed Borderlands 4, highlighting how it evolves the series with its first truly open-world design on the planet Kairos. The game offers varied regions, side quests, and new traversal tools like grappling hooks, gliders, double jumps, dashes, and swimming, which make exploration more fluid and combat feel tighter and more responsive. It keeps the series’ trademark humor and over-the-top loot system while introducing a fresh cast of Vault Hunters. While the main storyline remains mostly linear, side quests stand out for their engaging writing and dark humor. The game is built on Unreal Engine 5, delivering the best visuals in the series to date, with richer geometry, lighting, and textures while retaining the signature cel-shaded style. However, cutscenes are capped at 30 FPS, which makes them feel stuttery, and some texture pop-in still occurs.
Borderlands 4 brings major improvements to gameplay, gunplay, character progression, and finally delivers a true open-world experience. Hardware requirements are steep, though. In our performance review, we examine its graphical fidelity, VRAM usage, and how well it runs on a variety of modern GPUs.
Performance-wise, the game is very demanding. Achieving 60 FPS at 1080p on max settings requires a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti or better, with 1440p needing a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090, and even those GPUs struggle at 4K. Upscaling is well implemented, with support for NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS, alongside frame generation, though each GPU brand is locked to its own frame-gen tech. VRAM usage is high, hitting about 14 GB at 4K max settings, which puts 8 GB cards at a disadvantage. Still, using upscaling, frame generation, and lowering from “Badass” to “High” or “Medium” settings can greatly improve performance while preserving visual quality. Despite its heavy hardware requirements and $70 price tag, the game delivers a highly addictive looter-shooter experience, with responsive controls, impressive visuals, and over 40 hours of content for those who dial in the right settings. -
COUGAR Unveils New CFV235 PC Cases
COUGAR, a global leader in PC cases, gaming furniture, peripherals, tech lifestyle, and esports solutions, proudly unveils its Cooling Evolved lineup: the CFV235 Series, This launch advances COUGAR’s vision of high-performance PC Gaming:
The CFV235 Series - Float in Form. Flow in Function
The CFV235 Series exemplifies next-level airflow, consisting of 4 models: CFV235, CFV235 Mesh, CFV235 Vision and CFV235 Mesh Vision. At its heart is the Central Floating Ventilation (CFV) structure—an open, suspended space between the PSU and main chamber that turns empty volume into active ventilation. This re-engineered layout boosts cooling performance by giving heat more paths to escape and fresh air more room to move; the Aurora RGB strip highlights the floating ventilation zone from within, illuminating functional design as the rainbow in between. With native support for reverse connector motherboards, GPUs up to 438mm, and a universal fan hub for no-software RGB sync, the series is future-forward and built for elite airflow.The CFV235 presents a build in all its glory through a glass front panel, with Unity 240 single-frame PWM ARGB cooling fans preinstalled on the motherboard side. The CVF235 Mesh comes equipped with a 3-in-1 front panel module—pre-assembled with dust filter, dual 160mm ARGB PWM fans, mesh panel, and pogo pin connector— bringing smart design and immediate cooling performance in one streamlined package.
The CFV235 Vision and CFV235 Mesh Vision take airflow innovation one step further by adding real-time system visualization. A 9.16-inch IPS TFT LCD panel, brings system monitoring into full view, delivering crisp 1920 × 462 resolution at 60Hz. From temperatures to fan speeds, every critical detail is displayed in motion, while users can personalize the screen with images, GIFs, or video for a setup that is as expressive as it is functional. The CFV235 Vision frames both the build and the system display in one uninterrupted showcase by adding the LCD panel to the unparalleled visibility afforded by the front glass panel. The CFV235 Mesh Vision pairs it with the 3-in-1 front panel module and Unity 360 single-frame PWM ARGB cooling fans preinstalled on the bottom side, combining visual command with immediate airflow.The 9.16-inch LCD panel and housing, along with Unity single-frame PWM ARGB fans, are also available as standalone components, fully compatible with the base CFV235 and CFV235 Mesh models, allowing users to upgrade and personalize their build. (Please note that cooling fans cannot be installed on the motherboard side of the CFV235 Mesh and CFV235 Mesh Vision due to the additional depth of the 3-in-1 front panel module.)
The CFV235 Series come in Black and White, and will be available starting in November at the following prices:
CFV235 (Black/White) - $139
CFV235 Mesh (Black/White) - $149
CFV235 Vision (Black/White) - $219
CFV235 Mesh Vision (Black/White) - $229
CFV235 LCD Monitor (Black/White) - $89
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ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27ACDNG Gaming Monitor Review @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp just put it through its paces, and the results are seriously impressive. This 27-inch OLED monitor isn't messing around; it's delivering the kind of picture quality you just can't get from traditional displays. Think perfect blacks, incredible contrast, and colors that practically pop off the screen. TechPowerUp was particularly blown away by how well it handles HDR games and movies, creating a truly cinematic and immersive experience. And for gamers? Forget about lag, this thing is lightning fast, with incredibly low input lag and a super-responsive feel.
The ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27ACDNG delivers elite motion clarity, ultra-low input lag, and vibrant SDR image quality along with well integrated HDR. With a 27-inch 360 Hz QD-OLED panel and features that extend into productivity, it's a gaming monitor well worth shortlisting.
Beyond the stunning visuals, this monitor is packed with features. It plays nice with both AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards thanks to its adaptive sync tech, and the on-screen menus are easy to navigate and customize. Sure, OLED panels always come with a little bit of burn-in worry, and it’s a bit pricier than some other options out there. But overall, TechPowerUp concluded that the ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27ACDN is a top-of-the-line choice for anyone who wants the absolute best in gaming display technology. If you're looking to upgrade your setup and want a truly breathtaking visual experience, this monitor is definitely worth a serious look. -
ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme Gaming Keyboard Review @ ThinkComputers
ThinkComputers, known for their practical and user-focused reviews, found the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme to be a genuinely impressive custom mechanical keyboard that caters beautifully to enthusiasts. The reviewer was immediately struck by the keyboard's incredible versatility, a key selling point thanks to its hot-swappable design allowing for effortless switch changes without soldering. The sheer number of included keycaps – multiple profiles (ASA, Cherry, OEM) and a wide array of colors – further expands customization possibilities, allowing users to tailor the look and feel to their exact preferences. They highlighted the excellent build quality, noting the sturdy aluminum frame and the satisfying feel of the included ROG NX Snow switches
"When it comes to keyboards you can spend as little as $50 and as much as $1000. The latter tends to come from custom shops or boutique brands. We really haven't seen a mainstream brand have a super-expensive keyboard. Well enter the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme with its $499 price tag. That is quite a lot to ask your average gamer to pay for a keyboard, but could this be the best keyboard ASUS has ever made? This 75% keyboard is made up of a aluminum alloy chassis, carbon fiber positioning plate, 3 layers of sound dampening, an adjustable gasket mount, full-color OLED touchscreen, ASUS's hot-swappable ROG NX mechanical key switches, an included wrist rest, tri-mode connectivity up to 8000 Hz with the included ROG polling rate booster, PBT double-shot keycaps, and so much more. It seems as if ASUS has poured everything into this keyboard, but is it worth the price? Read on as we find out!"
Beyond the impressive hardware, ThinkComputers praised the Azoth Extreme's thoughtful design and feature set. The integrated, detachable wrist rest provides exceptional comfort during extended use, while the robust Armoury Crate software suite offers granular control over RGB lighting, key mapping, and macro creation. While the price point is certainly premium, reflecting the high-quality components and extensive features, the reviewer concluded that the keyboard overwhelmingly justifies the cost. For enthusiasts and those seeking a truly personalized mechanical keyboard experience – one that balances performance, aesthetics, and user-friendliness – the ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme emerges as a top contender, offering a level of customization and build quality rarely seen in this category. -
Crucial Pro Overclocking 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6400 Black Kit Review @ Madshrimps
Mad Shrimps review of the Crucial Pro Overclocking 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6400 kit. Mad Shrimps, known for their incredibly thorough and technically deep memory testing, put this kit through its paces, and the verdict is largely positive. They found the kit to be a strong performer, especially considering its relatively accessible price point. While it didn't quite reach the absolute peak performance of some of the top-tier, ultra-expensive kits, it consistently delivered excellent results in both stock and overclocked scenarios, showcasing impressive stability and headroom. The reviewer particularly highlighted the kit's ability to maintain solid performance even under heavy loads, making it a compelling option for demanding workloads like gaming and content creation.
"Crucial have made available their DDR5-6400 kits with capacities of up to 64GB, to allow usage in more scenarios than only gaming. The larger capacity allows running even more instances of different productivity tools at once, while offering good performance. Compatibility is assured for both Intel and AMD systems thanks to the four preloaded profiles."
Beyond the raw numbers, Mad Shrimps praised the kit's ease of overclocking and the generally good quality of the ICs used. They managed to push the timings down significantly, further boosting performance. While the aesthetics are fairly understated – a simple black heat spreader, it's the performance and value that truly shine here. For enthusiasts looking for a high-capacity, reliable, and overclockable DDR5 kit without breaking the bank, the Crucial Pro Overclocking 64GB 6400 CL32 kit is a seriously attractive option. It’s a solid choice for anyone building a high-end system and wanting to maximize their memory performance.
