Tech News
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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.
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ASUS GeForce RTX 5090 Astral Liquid OC @ TechPowerUp
ThinkComputers made a review article of the ASUS GeForce RTX 5090 Astral Liquid OC, highlighting it as ASUS's flagship graphics card built on NVIDIA's top-tier RTX 5090 GPU. Designed for maximum gaming performance, overclocking, and AI acceleration, this card features a 360 mm all-in-one liquid cooling solution that efficiently manages the substantial heat output of the RTX 5090. The cooling system includes a pump and water block for the GPU and memory, complemented by a single fan for the VRM, ensuring optimal thermal performance. The card's design is more compact than its air-cooled counterparts, making it suitable for various PC builds.
The $3400 ASUS GeForce RTX 5090 Astral Liquid OC is the company's flagship RTX 5090 model. It uses a 360 mm liquid cooling solution to handle the 600 W heat output of the RTX 5090 GPU. Testing in our review confirms: it's the fastest RTX 5090, with lowest temps and best thermals, but also with the highest price.
Performance-wise, the RTX 5090 Astral Liquid OC excels in 4K Ultra HD gaming with ray tracing enabled, delivering smooth and immersive experiences. The card's advanced features, such as DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation and Neural Rendering, leverage AI to enhance graphics quality and performance. With 21,760 CUDA cores, 32 GB of GDDR7 memory, and a 512-bit memory interface, it offers exceptional bandwidth and processing power. While its $3,400 price tag positions it as a premium option, the card's unparalleled performance and innovative features make it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking the best in gaming and AI workloads.
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TRYX PANORAMA SE ARGB 360 Liquid Cooler Review @ ThinkComputers
ThinkComputers made a review article of the TRYX Panorama SE ARGB 360, a 360mm all-in-one liquid CPU cooler that blends high-performance cooling with standout visual design. Its most eye-catching feature is a 6.5-inch curved AMOLED screen integrated into the pump block, offering a 2K resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. This screen can display system stats, animations, or even full videos, all customizable via TRYX’s KANALI software. The cooler uses Asetek’s Adela solution with a micro-convex copper base and thicker tubing, achieving up to 280W TDP. It also includes three 120mm ROTA ARGB fans, delivering strong airflow with minimal noise, staying under 28 dBA.
"TRYX is a brand that has somewhat recently entered the enthusiast PC market, and with quite the splash. In this review we are taking a look at on of their 360mm AIOs, the PANORAMA SE ARGB 360. Available in both black and white colorways, the PANORAMA SE's flagship feature is the 6.5″ curved AMOLED display on the pump housing. While certainly impressive in its own regard, there is more to this cooler than a flashy LCD, including ARGB lighting and some pretty good performance to back up the good looks."
In testing, the TRYX Panorama SE ARGB 360 performed well, keeping CPUs cool even under load while remaining quiet. ThinkComputers noted that its visual appeal—especially the AMOLED screen—adds a premium touch to any build, making it a great centerpiece for showpiece systems. While it may be more expensive than traditional AIO coolers, the performance, customizability, and aesthetics justify the price for users seeking both form and function. Overall, it stands out as an innovative option in the AIO market for PC enthusiasts.
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Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5070 EAGLE OC ICE SFF 12G Graphics Card @ Funky Kit
FunkyKit published a review of the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5070 EAGLE OC ICE SFF 12G, a compact graphics card designed for small form factor (SFF) PC builds. The card features 6,144 CUDA cores, 12GB of GDDR7 memory, and a factory overclocked boost clock of 2.587 GHz. Built on NVIDIA's Blackwell architecture, it supports the latest 4th Gen ray tracing and 5th Gen Tensor cores, along with DLSS 4. The ICE SFF model is equipped with a refined Windforce cooling system and a sleek white shroud, making it not only thermally efficient but also visually appealing for compact rigs. The card supports DisplayPort 2.1b and HDMI 2.1b outputs, with the ability to drive displays up to 8K at 165Hz using DSC.
" If Gigabyte can keep this graphics card as close to MSRP as possible, then it's definitely worth a look ... It offers great aesthetics, a Small Form Factor size, and provides decent 1440p gaming performance that's on par with the RTX 4070 Ti thanks to its overclocked GPU. "
In real-world performance, the RTX 5070 ICE SFF shines in 1440p gaming, offering excellent frame rates and support for modern rendering features. It fits easily in mini-ITX or other SFF enclosures without sacrificing much in terms of thermal headroom or noise levels. While the 12GB VRAM is suitable for most current games, it may become a limitation in future AAA titles at higher resolutions. Overall, FunkyKit awarded the card a score of 8.2 out of 10, praising its compact size, good thermal design, and solid performance, though they noted its premium pricing and limited VRAM could be drawbacks for some users.
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Oblivion Remastered Handheld Performance @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp reviewed the performance of Oblivion Remastered on handheld gaming devices, specifically the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. Built with Unreal Engine 5 for visuals while retaining the original gameplay engine, the remaster brings modern graphics like Lumen lighting and supports DLSS, FSR, and XeSS. However, performance on handhelds is a mixed bag. On the Steam Deck, the game struggles to maintain 30 FPS even at low settings, with stuttering and noticeable visual downgrades. The ROG Ally offers slightly better results, handling medium settings in some areas, though it too requires compromises in draw distance and texture quality.
Oblivion Remastered came out of nowhere and made quite an impact. The game is Steam Deck Verified but can it indeed achieve playable performance on Valve's handheld PC, or on the ASUS ROG Ally for that matter? Find out in our handheld performance review.
While this remaster is designed with handheld gaming in mind, players must accept trade-offs in visual fidelity and performance to make it playable. Despite the technical limitations, the core Oblivion experience remains intact, enhanced with modern lighting and UI tweaks. For fans of the original game eager to explore Cyrodiil on the go, Oblivion Remastered offers a nostalgic and portable journey—just don’t expect flawless performance on current handheld hardware.
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Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5-8400 2x24GB DDR5 RAM Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks reviewed the Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5-8400 2x24GB memory kit, highlighting it as a premium offering for high-performance PC builds. Featuring a sleek aluminum heatspreader, medium-height profile, and SK hynix M-die ICs, this CUDIMM kit delivers exceptional stability and bandwidth, particularly on Intel platforms. Running at 8400 MT/s with CL40 latency and 1.45V, it comes in both black and white variants, with a clean design and solid thermal management to match. Benchmarks in AIDA64, PCMark 10, and 3DMark confirmed its strong memory performance across productivity and content creation workloads.
"The Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5-8400 2x24GB CUDIMMs deliver top-tier performance to make the most of the latest Intel CPUs."
While overclocking beyond its rated speed proved limited, the kit performed excellently out-of-the-box and is competitively priced at around $340, with an optional RGB version available. APH Networks praised the Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5-8400 for its combination of aesthetics, stability, and performance, recommending it as a worthwhile upgrade for enthusiasts looking to push the limits of DDR5 without compromise.
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Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Gaming Keyboard Review @ Madshrimps.be
Madshrimps recently reviewed the ASUS ProArt X870E Creator WiFi motherboard, highlighting its impressive features and performance. The review emphasizes the board’s robust VRM design, which ensures stable power delivery even under heavy workloads. This stability is particularly beneficial for demanding creative applications such as video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design. Additionally, the ProArt X870E Creator WiFi boasts an array of connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6E, making it ideal for seamless data transfers and high-speed wireless connections.
" As the SteelSeries Apex PRO Gen 3, Huntsman V3 Pro is the ultimate keyboard for competitive gamers, integrating the latest technologies such as adjustable actuation, Razer Snap Tap, Rapid Trigger Mode and direct integration with controller buttons. The actuation force is lighter than with the well-known CHERRY MX Reds for a faster reaction speed, while the PBT Double-Shot keycaps are made to withstand intensive use. "The cooling solution is also noteworthy. The board’s advanced heatsinks and fan design effectively manage temperatures even when the system is pushed to its limits, ensuring optimal performance without thermal throttling. Madshrimps points out that while the motherboard comes with a relatively high price tag, its comprehensive feature set and reliability make it a worthy investment for professionals and enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance in their creative workflows. The review concludes by recommending this motherboard for those who prioritize stability, advanced features, and seamless connectivity.
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Crucial CUDIMM DDR5-6400 128GB CL52 @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp published a review of Crucial’s 128GB DDR5-6400 CL52 (CUDIMM) memory kit.
This kit targets users requiring extremely high memory capacity, such as for workstations and professional content creation. Running at DDR5-6400 speeds with CL52 timings, the modules are non-ECC and unbuffered, focusing on stability and compatibility rather than pure overclocking performance.
Crucial has taken a significant step forward with its Classic Series by introducing 64 GB DIMM sizes. The DDR5-6400 JEDEC 128 GB (2x 64 GB) memory kit featured in this review is specifically designed for content creators, data scientists, and individuals requiring large amounts of system memory for local processing. In this review, we'll delve into the benefits of this memory kit and explore how you can harness its potential to enhance your productivity and workflow.
In testing, the Crucial kit delivered reliable results with good bandwidth and latency figures relative to its rated specifications. TechPowerUp emphasized that while these modules are not intended for enthusiasts chasing extreme memory overclocking, they offer a strong balance of performance, capacity, and cost-effectiveness for mainstream platforms supporting large memory footprints. Overall, the review praised Crucial's DDR5-6400 CUDIMM kit for its solid stability, plug-and-play operation, and practicality for users who prioritize memory capacity and reliability over aggressive tuning.
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Intel Core Ultra 9 285H in the ASUS 15 Pro Plus NUC Mini PC Review @ Guru 3D
Guru3D recently published a review of the ASUS 15 Pro Plus NUC Mini PC, featuring Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285H processor. The compact system showcases impressive capabilities for a device of its size, leveraging Intel’s Meteor Lake architecture with integrated Arc graphics. In testing, the Core Ultra 9 285H delivered solid multi-core performance and notable improvements in AI-related tasks, thanks to its integrated NPU (Neural Processing Unit). The built-in Arc GPU, while capable for light gaming and multimedia, still falls behind discrete GPU options for more demanding workloads.
"The Asus NUC 15 Pro Plus is a compact mini PC designed to meet technical demands with a focus on efficient processing and AI performance. The system integrates a range of Intel Core Ultra processors, including the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, along with several alternatives such as the Intel Core Ultra 7 265H, Ultra 5 235H, 255H, and 225H."
Guru3D highlighted the NUC's excellent build quality, efficient thermal management, and strong connectivity options, making it a compelling choice for professionals seeking a powerful, compact workstation. However, the review also pointed out that under sustained heavy loads, the NUC's thermal constraints could impact CPU boost behavior slightly. Overall, the ASUS 15 Pro Plus NUC with Core Ultra 9 285H is seen as a strong step forward for compact PCs, especially for productivity and AI-driven tasks, though it may not fully satisfy users seeking high-end gaming performance.
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Lexar Launches New Line of PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 SSDs Designed to Enhance Gameplay and Professional Applications
Built to accelerate performance and reduce lag and load times for gamers and creative professionals
San Jose, CA, USA, April 24, 2025—Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory solutions, is excited to announce the NQ780 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD and the Professional NM1090 PRO PCIe 5.0 SSD, designed to provide the peak performance needed to keep every game running smoothly.
The Professional NM1090 PRO PCIe 5.0 SSD delivers speeds up to 14,000MB/s read and 13,000MB/s write1 to provide superior performance for professional-grade systems. Its 6nm controller optimizes heat control for more efficient performance and customers can pair it with an AMD Ryzen or Intel i9 processor for a next-level game experience. The drive features DRAM Cache and SLC dynamic cache to greatly enhance data transfer speeds to reduce wait times and improve system responsiveness.
The NQ780 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD is designed with premium technologies to deliver read/write speeds up to 7000/6000MB/s and to prevent system lags for both games and work applications. A single-sided design and Intelligent Power Control make it perfect for laptops. Plus, the drive comes with the Lexar DiskMaster SSD management tool so users can perform firmware updates and monitor drive health.
“If you’re a casual gamer looking for an upgrade, or a creative professional who needs serious speeds to power through projects, Lexar SSDs are able to deliver the performance to improve any system,” said Joey Lopez, Director of Marketing. “We’re excited to see our range of PCIe storage solutions optimize the systems of students, gamers, professionals, and everyone in between.”
The NQ780 M.2 2290 PCIe Gen 4.4 NVMe SSD is available in 1TB for an MSRP of $79.99, 2TB for an MSRP of $149.99, and 4TB for an MSRP of $289.99.
The Professional NM1090 PRO PCIe 5.0 is available in 1TB for $179.99, 2TB for an MSRP of $269.99, and 4TB coming this summer.Key Features of Professional NM1090 PRO PCIe 5.0 SSD- Provides speeds up to 14,000MB/s read, 13,000MB/s write
- A powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for efficient performance
- DRAM-based with SLC dynamic cache to improve performance and reduce latency
Key Features of NQ780 PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD- High performance meets exceptional value
- Delivers read/write speeds up to 7000/6000MB/s
- HMB and SLC cache technologies improve performance and user experience and reduce latency
Availability
Lexar NQ780 M.2 PCIe Gen 4.4: Amazon
Lexar Professional NM1090 PRO PCIe 5.0 SSD: Amazon
