Tech News
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LevelPlay Releases Combat Liquid HUD and Combat Liquid SE All-in-One Coolers
Taipei, February 3rd, 2026 – Levelplay is proud to announce the launch of its latest all-in-one (AIO) CPU cooling solutions, the Combat Liquid HUD and Combat Liquid SE, expanding the Combat Liquid family with performance-driven cooling and real-time system visibility. Designed for gamers and PC enthusiasts who demand immediate access to live CPU data, the Combat Liquid 360 HUD features an integrated digital display on the pump cap that presents critical system information at a glance, while delivering high-efficiency thermal performance for modern high-core processors.
More Than Just a Display
The Combat Liquid 360 HUD is more than a high-performance CPU cooler — it’s a real-time command center for your system. At the heart of the cooler is a 2.6″ circular digital display, transforming the pump cap into a mission-ready HUD that delivers live system intelligence at a glance. The display provides real-time readouts including CPU temperature, usage rate, power draw, and clock speeds, allowing users to monitor performance instantly without relying on on-screen software overlays. Simply update the driver from https://levelplaytech.com/drivers-manuals/ and unlock full access to the HUD’s real-time system monitoring features.
Combat Liquid SE Series
Building on Combat’s core cooling architecture, the Combat Liquid 240 SE and 360 SE models offer the same proven pump and radiator performance in a streamlined design, delivering reliable thermal headroom with a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Together, the Combat Liquid HUD and SE series provide scalable cooling solutions for a wide range of PC builds, from performance-focused gaming systems to high-end content creation rigs.
Precision Cooling, Simplified
Both the Combat Liquid HUD and Combat Liquid SE coolers feature a rigid all-in-one fan design that integrates three 120mm cooling fans into a single unified frame. Pre-installed from the factory, this design minimizes cable clutter, simplifies installation, and ensures maximum airflow is directed precisely where it matters most, through the radiator. Paired with synchronized ARGB lighting, the integrated fan assembly delivers consistent cooling performance while keeping your build clean, organized, and visually striking.
Designed for modern platforms, the Combat Liquid HUD and SE series support the latest processors, including Intel® LGA 1700 and LGA 1851 CPUs, as well as AMD® AM4 and AM5 sockets. Each cooler ships with all required mounting hardware for straightforward installation, allowing users to get up and running quickly. Whether you choose the data-driven Combat Liquid HUD or the streamlined Combat Liquid SE, both solutions deliver reliable thermal performance, reduced noise, and a refined build experience for high-performance PC systems.
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HYTE X50 PC Case Review @ ThinkComputers
ThinkComputers comes away very impressed with the HYTE X50 PC case, calling it one of their favorite enclosures reviewed in recent memory. True to HYTE’s design language, the X50 stands out visually while remaining highly functional. Its rounded exterior eliminates sharp angles, and the curved glass side panel gives the case a distinctive look that feels both retro and futuristic at the same time. Internally, HYTE makes a bold choice by mounting the power supply at the top of the case, a layout rarely seen today. While unconventional, it works well here and even turns the PSU into a visual element through the curved glass, though it does slightly limit graphics card power cable routing flexibility.
"It seems each time HYTE comes out with a product we are impressed. These products always stand out from everything that is out there, but at the same time just make sense and makes you wonder why no one had come out with them previously. Today's product is very much the same. Today we are taking a look at the HYTE X50, which is the company's latest PC case. It features a unique design with its rounded edges (including rounded glass), micro-mesh on the front for proper airflow, what some would call an "old school" interior design, room inside for 10 fans and the latest hardware, and of course this case is available in some pretty wild colors! Let's take a look and see if this is the case you should be considering for your next build!"
From a building and cooling perspective, the X50 is thoughtfully designed and easy to work with. It supports up to ten fans and 360 mm radiators, offering plenty of airflow potential, although the case does not include any fans out of the box. Cable management is a highlight thanks to well-placed routing holes, unique grommets, and integrated Velcro tie-downs that make organizing cables straightforward. While back-connect motherboard support is absent and would have introduced complications with the storage bracket, the overall execution leaves little to complain about. ThinkComputers ultimately awards the HYTE X50 a strong recommendation, praising its unique design, build friendliness, and flexibility, while noting that a fan-included version would make an already excellent case even more appealing. -
SilverStone MS12-40G SSD Enclosure @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp’s review of the SilverStone MS12-40G SSD enclosure highlights it as a USB4-capable external solution for M.2 NVMe drives with support for up to 40 Gbps theoretical bandwidth. The enclosure uses an ASMedia ASM2464PD controller that enables USB4 and Thunderbolt tunneling and PCIe 4×4 support on the downstream port, and its aluminum body doubles as a heatsink with an embedded 30 × 30 mm fan for active cooling. In performance testing, the MS12-40G consistently approaches the limits of USB4, delivering sequential speeds near the 40 Gbps mark, making it a strong performer for high-speed external storage when connected to compatible USB4 ports on modern motherboards. The bundle includes thermal pads, a USB-C cable and a screwdriver, and installation is straightforward though it requires unscrewing the top cover rather than sliding the enclosure open.
The new SilverStone MS12-40G is a compact and lightweight M.2 SSD enclosure featuring a 40 Gbps USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 interface with fan-based active cooling, letting you give an unused M.2 NVMe SSD a new lease of life as a formidable portable SSD.
However, the review also notes that the enclosure’s cooling is not entirely sufficient under sustained heavy loads. During prolonged stress testing with sequential reads and writes, the SSD inside reached temperatures around 85 °C and thermal throttling occurred on writes despite the fan and aluminum body, and the enclosure surface itself reached around 57 °C, indicating that heat management could have been better. The MS12-40G’s requirement to undo four screws for drive installation is a minor usability downside compared to tool-less designs on some competitors. Given its price point of around 119.90 USD, the reviewer suggests it is somewhat steep relative to other USB4 enclosures on the market, but concedes that its strong raw transfer rates are close to the interface’s limits, and SilverStone’s build quality remains respectable overall. The review ultimately sees the MS12-40G as a capable enclosure for users who want the fastest possible external NVMe performance, tempered by concerns about sustained thermals and value at its price. -
Funky Kit Review - AULA F108 Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Funky Kit presents the AULA F108 Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard as a well-rounded full-size mechanical keyboard that balances productivity features with gaming performance. Its 108-key layout keeps the numpad and extra function keys, making it especially useful for work, data entry and multitasking, while still delivering the responsiveness expected from a gaming-focused board. The Black Blue colorway gives it a distinctive look without being overbearing, and the overall build feels solid and stable on the desk. Wireless performance is reliable across daily use and gaming, supporting a clean setup without noticeable latency, while the mechanical switches provide consistent feedback that remains comfortable during long typing sessions.
“ … In final words, the AULA F108 Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard delivers a reliable full-size experience with a strong balance of performance, comfort, and design. It is a great choice for users who want a wireless mechanical keyboard that works equally well for productivity and gaming. ”
In real-world use, the F108 Pro proves to be a dependable all-rounder. Typing is controlled and accurate over extended periods, and gaming benefits from responsive key presses and a chassis that stays firmly in place even during intense play. RGB lighting adds visual flair without becoming distracting, and the large internal battery supports long wireless sessions. Optional software allows for key remapping, macros and deeper RGB control on Windows, though it is not essential, as most functions are accessible directly from the keyboard. While the software experience is basic and limited to Windows, Funky Kit concludes that the overall package delivers strong value, making the AULA F108 Pro a compelling choice for users who want a traditional full-size wireless mechanical keyboard that performs well for both productivity and gaming. -
ASRock B850 LiveMixer Wi-Fi Motherboard Review @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp positions the ASRock B850 LiveMixer Wi-Fi as one of the strongest value picks in the B850 lineup, especially for builders trying to rein in costs while memory prices remain high. Aimed squarely at the sub-200 to sub-250 US dollar segment, it manages to offer features that many more expensive boards lack. Standout highlights include a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20 Gbps Type-C front panel header, Wi-Fi 7, a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, strong VRM thermals, and generous USB connectivity. The primary M.2 slot cools SSDs on both sides, adding flexibility for different drive designs, and extras like a thermistor header, tool-free M.2 heatsink and capable fan headers reinforce its focus on cooling and practicality. Compared to similarly priced boards from ASUS, Gigabyte, NZXT and others, the LiveMixer often offers better I/O, stronger thermals and more modern connectivity, making it a very compelling option for budget-conscious builders who still want a well rounded feature set.
Another ASRock motherboard that packs in a generous set of hardware features despite a sub-$200 price tag. It also offers impressive VRM and SSD cooling. The Livemixer is not without its niggles, but you do get an awful lot of motherboard for the money.
The main compromises show up in firmware and software rather than hardware. The EFI and accompanying utilities are described as dated and inconsistent, particularly on the AMD side, with fan control lacking some basic quality-of-life features found on competing boards. Despite including a thermistor probe, the EFI does not allow easy assignment of that sensor to fan curves in the main control page, and options like PWM versus voltage switching and spin-up or spin-down timing are either missing or buried. There are also only two SATA ports, which could be limiting for users migrating older storage heavy systems. That said, once the system is set up and running, most of these issues fade into the background unless you are particularly focused on fine-tuning cooling or coming from a more polished EFI environment. Overall, TechPowerUp concludes that ASRock has largely hit the mark again, delivering a motherboard that offers excellent hardware value and modern features at a very competitive price, earning a strong recommendation despite its software shortcomings. -
SilverStone Extreme 650Rz Gold 650W Power Supply Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks evaluates the SilverStone Extreme 650Rz Gold 650W as a compact SFX power supply designed for modern small form factor systems, and finds it to be a well-balanced option when used within realistic power budgets. The unit carries an 80 PLUS Gold efficiency rating and supports current standards such as SFX12V 4.1 and PCIe Gen5, making it ready for newer graphics cards that use the 12V-2x6 connector. It offers a fully modular cable design, includes an SFX-to-ATX adapter bracket, and uses a 92 mm fluid dynamic bearing fan with semi-fanless behavior to keep noise low under light loads. These features make it easy to integrate into compact builds where airflow, cable management and acoustics matter.
The SilverStone Extreme 650Rz Gold 650W is a well-built and thoughtfully designed SFXV12 4.1 and PCIe Gen 5-compliant SFX power supply aimed at compact PCs.
One area where the Extreme 650Rz Gold feels less competitive is warranty coverage. At three years, it is noticeably shorter than many competing Gold-rated SFX power supplies that often offer five years or more. That said, overall electrical performance, protection features and modern connector support still make it a sensible choice for contemporary SFF systems running mid-range to upper-mid-range hardware. APH Networks positions it as a capable, modern SFX PSU that prioritizes compatibility and efficiency, provided buyers are comfortable with the shorter warranty and do not plan to push power demands beyond what a 650 W unit is designed to handle. -
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D Review @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp positions the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D as a refined evolution of what is already considered the gold standard for gaming CPUs. Built on the same Zen 5 architecture as the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, it retains the single-CCD design with full 3D V-Cache coverage on all eight cores, avoiding the complexity and latency penalties seen on dual-CCD X3D parts. From a technology standpoint, nothing fundamental has changed: fabrication, cache structure and platform are identical, with the real difference coming from improved binning and a more aggressive boost algorithm. That small tweak is enough to let AMD reclaim the “best gaming processor” crown for 2026, delivering modest but measurable gains while keeping the design simple, efficient and gamer-focused.
The AMD Ryzen 9850X3D builds on the already excellent 9800X3D without trying to shake up the market. Instead, it focuses on refining what already works. AMD delivers modest improvements with smarter tuning, and the same cache magic that gamers love. Thanks to a reasonable price increase, this processor will be a no-brainer pick for future high-end gaming rigs.
In real-world results, application performance improves only slightly, averaging about a 2 percent uplift over the 9800X3D, with larger gains of up to 5 to 7 percent appearing mainly in single-threaded workloads. Heavily multi-threaded applications see virtually no change, reinforcing the idea that this is not a productivity-first CPU and that buyers focused on content creation are better served by higher core-count models like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D or Intel’s Arrow Lake offerings. Gaming, however, is where the 9850X3D clearly shines. It outperforms every other processor tested, including the 9800X3D, even if the margin is small, topping out at around 2.5 percent at lower resolutions and shrinking further at 4K where the GPU becomes the bottleneck. Power consumption rises slightly due to higher boost clocks, especially in gaming and lightly threaded workloads, but overall efficiency remains excellent and cooling requirements are modest, with a decent air cooler being sufficient. At an asking price of around 500 US dollars, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D is judged a sensible choice for new high-end gaming builds, though an upgrade from a 9800X3D is not recommended given the small gains. -
Stop Killing Your Wrists: The Best Ergonomic Keyboards on Amazon Right Now
Why ergonomic keyboards are worth the upgrade
If you spend all day at a desk, a “normal” flat keyboard is basically a slow, quiet way to annoy your wrists, forearms, and shoulders. Ergonomic boards try to fix that by reshaping the key layout, adding proper palm support, and changing the typing angle so your hands sit in a more neutral position. The idea is simple: instead of forcing your body to adapt to the keyboard, you bring the keyboard closer to how your body actually wants to sit.
On Amazon, though, “ergonomic” can mean anything from a real split, curved design to a standard, cheap board with a marketing sticker. This roundup focuses on four ergonomic keyboards that actually change your posture: a modern wave-style mainstream pick, a cushy split wireless board, a serious mechanical option from a true ergo brand, and a budget-friendly wireless design for everyday PC use. At the time of writing, all four are actively sold on Amazon US with normal purchase options; as always, it’s smart to re-check price and stock right before you publish.
The 4 best ergonomic keyboards on Amazon
1) Logitech Wave Keys Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard – Best mainstream “safe pick”
Why this pick
Wave Keys is the “stop hurting, start typing” choice for most people. It keeps a familiar, full-width layout but gently curves the keyframe and adds a thick, memory-foam palm rest, so your hands and wrists naturally fall into a more relaxed position. You don’t have to relearn a weird layout; it just quietly feels better than the flat plank that came with the PC. Logitech also gives it proper multi-device support, so one keyboard can follow you between desktop, laptop, and tablet.Key specs & features (high level)
- Wave-style curved keyframe designed to promote a more natural wrist and forearm angle
- Integrated memory-foam palm rest for better long-session comfort
- Wireless via Bluetooth or Logi Bolt USB receiver; easy switching between up to 3 devices
- Works with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and more
- Long battery life from standard AAA cells, so you’re not constantly hunting a charging cable
Best for:
Office and home users who want a modern, ergonomic keyboard that still feels “normal” on day one, with a great wrist rest and simple multi-device wireless.
2) Nulea Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard – Best cushy split wireless option
Why this pick
Nulea’s board steps things up with a split, curved layout and a seriously plush wrist rest, but still lives firmly in the “office-friendly” camp. The key zones are separated and angled to reduce the inward twist of your wrists, while the big cushioned rest takes pressure off the heels of your hands. Dual wireless modes (Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz) plus USB-C charging make it easy to drop into any desk setup without fiddling with cables.Key specs & features (high level)
- Split ergonomic layout with gently sculpted key arcs
- Oversized cushioned wrist rest with soft-touch surface
- Dual wireless: Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz (USB-A dongle)
- USB-C rechargeable battery, with runtime measured in weeks not hours
- Adjustable tilt feet so you can fine-tune the typing angle
Best for:
People who want a true split feel and very soft wrist support without diving into hardcore programmable boards. Great for hybrid work setups where you bounce between laptop and desktop.
3) KINESIS mWave Ergonomic Keyboard – Best mechanical ergonomic option
Why this pick
Kinesis has been doing ergonomics longer than most brands have existed, and the mWave is their “approachable but serious” option. You get a wave-shaped ergonomic layout with a cushioned palm support, but under the hood it’s a mechanical keyboard with low-profile switches and full programmability. If you care about both comfort and key feel, this is where things start to get interesting.Key specs & features (high level)
- Wave-style ergonomic layout with padded palm support
- Low-profile mechanical switches (tactile/quiet options depending on variant)
- Wired USB-C and Bluetooth wireless, with multi-device pairing
- Deep programmability via Kinesis software (remaps, macros, layers) stored on the board
- Compact footprint with an embedded numpad accessible via function layer
- Optional tilt feet to add a bit of negative tilt and reduce wrist extension
Best for:
Developers, writers, and power users who basically live on their keyboard and want a proper mechanical ergo board from a specialist brand, not just a comfort label on a generic slab.
4) X9 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard with Cushioned Wrist Rest – Best budget-friendly full-size split
Why this pick
The X9 board is the “I want something better than the stock keyboard, but I don’t want to overthink it” option. It uses a split, wave-style layout and an integrated cushioned wrist rest, but keeps everything simple on the tech side: a single 2.4 GHz wireless dongle and a rechargeable internal battery. It’s a full-size 110-key layout, so you get your numpad and function row without needing to juggle layers.Key specs & features (high level)
- Split, wave-style key layout aimed at more natural wrist positioning
- Integrated soft wrist rest designed for long typing sessions
- 2.4 GHz wireless with a USB-A dongle for plug-and-play PC/Chromebook use
- Internal rechargeable battery (via USB) so you’re not burning through disposables
- Full-size 110-key layout with function keys and numpad
Best for:
Anyone who wants a straightforward ergonomic upgrade for a home or office PC: full-size layout, cushioned rest, no software required, and one simple wireless connection.
Quick buying tipsThe first question with ergonomic keyboards is how big of a jump you’re ready to make. Wave-style boards like Logitech Wave Keys and Kinesis mWave keep everything attached and visually familiar; they gently guide your wrists and shoulders into a healthier position without triggering a huge learning curve. Split designs like Nulea and X9 go further by separating the key zones, which does more to reduce that “hands turned inward” posture, but may take a few days of typos before your fingers fully adapt.
Wireless options also differ in how they fit into your setup. If you frequently move between devices, look for Bluetooth plus a 2.4 GHz dongle so you can pair to a laptop, desktop, and tablet without re-plugging cables. If you mostly work on a single PC, a simple RF dongle and a rechargeable battery are perfectly fine and easier to manage. Finally, pay attention to palm support and tilt: a good wrist rest and a slight negative tilt often make just as much difference as the curve of the keys themselves.
Final thoughtsErgonomic keyboards are one of those upgrades you don’t fully appreciate until you go back to a flat board and wonder why your wrists feel like they’re negotiating a new contract. In this lineup, Logitech Wave Keys is the mainstream hero: a wave-style board with a great palm rest and multi-device wireless that fits into almost any workspace. Nulea’s split wireless keyboard leans into plush comfort and flexibility, perfect for long sessions where your wrists need a break. Kinesis mWave brings mechanical switches and serious programmability from a brand that treats ergonomics as its main business, not a side project. And X9’s wireless split design delivers a full-size layout, a cushioned rest, and rechargeable convenience at a more approachable price.
All four are available through Amazon US at the time of writing; pricing and promos will move around, but together they give your readers a realistic short list of ergonomic options that actually help their bodies, not just their desk aesthetics. If your current keyboard feels like it’s slowly trying to sabotage your wrists, any one of these is a much better teammate.
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Aspen Transformation Inc. Establishes Regional Headquarters in Boise, Idaho and Expands Leadership Development Portfolio
Boise, ID – January 26, 2026 – Aspen Transformation Inc., a professional training and consulting firm specializing in organizational transformation, today announced the opening of its new regional headquarters in Boise, Idaho. The company also unveiled an expanded portfolio of leadership development and team-building courses designed to help organizations navigate accelerating change in the age of AI, hybrid work, and digital transformation.
Founded in 2017, Aspen Transformation is built on the belief that sustainable transformation begins with learning. As organizations face unprecedented disruption driven by emerging technologies, evolving workforce models, and increasing service expectations, Aspen Transformation equips leaders and teams with the skills, frameworks, and practical tools needed to adapt and succeed—today and in the future.
“Our mission is to bring people, process, and technology together in ways that build resilient leadership, enable service excellence, and drive measurable organizational success,” said Leslie Landry, Founder and Principal Consultant of Aspen Transformation Inc. “The Boise headquarters reflects both our growth and our continued commitment to serving clients across North America with high-impact, results-driven learning experiences.”
Aspen Transformation offers a comprehensive range of certification and non-certification programs, including the full suite of ITIL® courses, PRINCE2® Project Management, Root Cause Analysis, and Organizational Change Management. The firm also delivers highly immersive simulations focused on IT Service Management, Project Management, and DevOps, enabling participants to apply concepts in real-world scenarios.
All courses and workshops are available in virtual or onsite formats, providing flexibility for distributed and hybrid teams. While headquartered in the Boise area, Aspen Transformation serves organizations throughout North America and selectively supports clients in other global regions.
Aspen Transformation was founded by Leslie Landry, an ITIL Expert, PRINCE2 Practitioner Instructor, and certified Maxwell Leadership Coach with more than 20 years of hands-on experience in IT Service Management, organizational change, and leadership development.
Aspen Transformation’s training and coaching programs are widely recognized for their practical application, high engagement, and measurable outcomes, with certification exam pass rates consistently ranging from 85 to 95 percent, and in some cases achieving 100 percent.
The firm has partnered with a diverse range of organizations, including Microsoft, Siemens, Boeing, the Federal Reserve Bank, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Blue Shield of California, and multiple state governments, including New Jersey, California, Arizona, Colorado, and Washington. Aspen Transformation has also supported higher education institutions such as Louisiana State University and Oklahoma State University.
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Cooler Master MasterFrame 360 Panorama Computer Case Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks describes the Cooler Master MasterFrame 360 Panorama as a big, striking showcase chassis that clearly prioritizes visuals and customization over practicality. With tempered glass wrapping around the system and an illuminated front stage for collectibles, it is designed to be looked at from multiple angles and to encourage creative display builds. Inside, there is support for a vertical graphics card, plenty of fan and radiator mounting options and several metal panels that help hide cables so the visible side stays clean. In practice, though, the reviewer found the building experience more cumbersome than usual, with a strict recommended installation order, a smaller than ideal motherboard cutout and the need to pre-mount the CPU cooler before installing the board.
The Cooler Master MasterFrame 360 Panorama is a big and beautiful computer case that prioritizes form over function.
The tradeoffs show up most clearly in compatibility and usability. Internal storage support is sparse, installation of 2.5 inch or 3.5 inch drives is fiddly, and the alternative tool free SSD mounting method is not very secure. Only one expansion card is supported and it cannot be much thicker than a typical triple slot GPU, although that is still fine for most modern graphics cards. CPU cooling is heavily biased toward liquid cooling or short air coolers, since the 145 mm height limit will not accommodate many standard 120 mm tower coolers without touching the glass. The case does not include any fans, and the open design means noise control depends entirely on the components you choose. With an expected MSRP around 200 US dollars and a final score of 6.5 out of 10, APH Networks concludes that the MasterFrame 360 Panorama is a beautiful, form first case best suited for experienced builders who know exactly what they want to showcase, rather than novices looking for an easy, forgiving chassis.
