Tech News
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Fractal Design North Momentum Edition Computer Case Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks reviews the Fractal Design North Momentum Edition as a refined take on the already popular North chassis, focusing on improved airflow and a more complete out-of-the-box experience. The case keeps the minimalist Scandinavian-inspired design, complete with its distinctive wood-accented front panel, while adding three pre-installed Momentum 12 fans to enhance cooling performance without sacrificing acoustics. Internally, the layout remains builder-friendly with ample space for ATX, micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards, support for large graphics cards, and flexible radiator mounting options. Cable management is straightforward thanks to generous routing space, reusable straps, and well-placed grommets, reinforcing the North’s reputation as both stylish and practical.
The Fractal Design North Momentum Edition is a computer case that offers an updated stealthy appearance, upgraded fans, and an easy installation process.
Rather than reinventing the platform, the Momentum Edition focuses on refinement. Build quality remains excellent, panels are easy to remove, and airflow is strong enough to support modern high-performance components with minimal fuss. While it does not introduce radical new features such as native vertical GPU mounting, the inclusion of quality fans and the polished execution make it a more compelling package than the original for users starting a fresh build. APH Networks positions the North Momentum Edition as an ideal choice for builders who value clean aesthetics, strong airflow, and ease of assembly, offering a balanced mid-tower case that prioritizes thoughtful design over unnecessary complexity. -
Alphacool Apex Thermal Putty X1
Alphacool International GmbH from Braunschweig is a pioneer in PC water cooling technology. With one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry and over 20 years of experience, Alphacool now expands its lineup with the Apex Thermal Putty X1.
The Alphacool Apex Thermal Putty X1 is a high-performance alternative to conventional thermal pads. As a non-curing, electrically non-conductive silicone gel, it adapts perfectly to uneven surfaces and varying gap heights with minimal contact pressure. No need to choose pad thickness, no compromises, lower temperatures.
A key advantage of the Apex Thermal Putty lies in its optimal consistency for handling and shape stability. Under light pressure, the material adapts ideally to different gap heights while remaining dimensionally stable. This reliably compensates for unevenness and tolerances between the cooler and the component, ensuring optimal contact between the heat source and the heatsink at all times. This is especially important for modern graphics cards and other sensitive electronic components, as delicate parts such as memory chips or voltage regulators are effectively protected from damage.
At the same time, its high vertical stability and long-term stable material properties ensure lasting material integrity without sagging, cracking, or contamination of adjacent components, making the product ideal for professional applications.
Features:
- Replaces conventional thermal pads
- High thermal conductivity with reduced BLT
- Adapts to manufacturing tolerances and surface irregularities
- Stable under heat and in vertical mounting positions
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Grow Lights on Your Desk: The Best Desktop Hydroponic Systems on Amazon in 2026
Every spring the same thing happens. You look at a wilted supermarket basil plant on the counter and think, “There has to be a better way.” Desktop hydroponic systems are basically the tech upgrade to that moment. Instead of soil bags and guesswork, you get a compact appliance that handles light cycles, water circulation, and nutrients so you can grow herbs and greens on autopilot. From a tech editor’s point of view, these systems are small, purpose-built ecosystems. A full spectrum LED panel replaces the sun. A low noise pump keeps water and nutrients moving so roots do not suffocate. A timer or mode button stands in for the part of your brain that normally forgets to water for three days straight. The result is not just a gimmick on the counter. When done well, a desktop hydroponic kit behaves like a repeatable platform for growing basil, lettuce, dwarf tomatoes, and flowers in any apartment that has a wall outlet.
For this roundup, the focus is on four desktop hydroponic systems that are actively available on Amazon US with a track record of buyers actually using them. URUQ and hdroor cover the high-capacity 12-pod category with larger tanks and stronger lights. Ahopegarden layers in environmental data and a more vertical footprint. Yadoker brings a smaller, design forward eight pod system that still behaves like real hardware instead of decor.
The 4 best desktop hydroponic picks on Amazon
1) URUQ 12 Pods Indoor Hydroponics Growing System
Why this pick
If you want a system that is clearly built to grow more than three sprigs of basil, URUQ’s 12 pod kit is the workhorse choice. It uses a 24 watt full spectrum LED panel that simulates sunlight and is set to run roughly 14 to 16 hours on and 8 to 10 hours off, so you get consistent growth cycles without touching a timer. URUQ also claims up to five times faster growth compared with soil under that light schedule, and the 6.5 liter style water tank plus circulation pump keep roots oxygenated instead of sitting in stagnant water.
The lamp post can be raised up to about 21 inches and rotated to 180 degrees, which matters once the plants get tall. There are also tailored modes for leafy greens, herb growth, and flowers or fruits, so you are not stuck with one generic setting.
Key specs and features
- 12 pod capacity with a large reservoir in the six liter class
- 24 watt full spectrum LED grow light with automatic on and off cycle
- Quiet recirculation pump that runs on a repeating on and off schedule to oxygenate roots
- Adjustable lamp height up to about 21 inches with 180 degree rotation for taller plants
- Multiple light modes tuned for vegetables, herbs, and flowers or fruiting plants
Best for: Home cooks and small families who want a bigger harvest and less refilling, and who actually plan to eat salads and herbs every week, not just grow a single basil plant for show.
2) Ahopegarden Hydroponics Growing System Kit, 12 Pods
Why this pick
Ahopegarden’s 12 pod kit is the more data friendly option. It adds an LCD screen with real time temperature and humidity readouts, which might be overkill for casual users but is very satisfying if you are the type of person who likes to know what is happening in your little indoor greenhouse. The system runs a 16 hour on and 8 hour off light cycle using a full spectrum LED array, and the brand claims around 300 percent faster growth compared with soil under ideal conditions.
The design leans vertical to save counter space. The 5 liter water tank has a transparent window so you can see water level at a glance. The light post can be raised up to about 17.3 inches, which is enough clearance for leafy greens, dwarf tomatoes, and compact flowers. Two distinct light modes bias the spectrum toward leafy vegetables or fruits and flowers, so you can tune the system toward whatever you actually plant.
Key specs and features
- 12 pod capacity with a 5 liter tank and visible water level window
- Full spectrum LED grow light with 16 hour on and 8 hour off cycle
- Blue leaning mode for greens and red leaning mode for fruiting plants
- LCD screen with real time temperature and humidity data
- Quiet pump that runs in 30 minute intervals plus low water indicator
Best for: Users who want a compact but capable vertical garden and who like having environmental data on the front panel instead of treating the whole system as a black box.
3) hdroor Hydroponics Growing System Kit, 12 Pods
Why this pick
hdroor’s 12 pod kit is the practical choice that still checks all the right boxes. It uses a large six liter class tank with a deep design that makes it easier to lift and refill, and it has a full spectrum LED light that is configured for a simple 16 hour on and 8 hour off schedule. The brand highlights up to five times faster growth than soil in its product description when combined with their pump cycle, which runs 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off.
The system focuses more on function than flash. You get two main modes that bias light and timing toward leafy greens or flowering and fruiting plants, adjustable lamp height in the roughly 17 inch range, and enough included pods and accessories to get multiple rounds of planting out of the box. A visible coupon on the Amazon page at the moment usually keeps the real world price in a very reasonable range for a 12 pod system.
Key specs and features
- 12 pod indoor garden with a large six liter water reservoir
- Full spectrum LED grow light with 16 hour on and 8 hour off cycle
- Quiet pump with 30 minute on and off circulation pattern
- Two grow modes for vegetables and for flowers or fruits
- Adjustable lamp height up to about 17 inches
Best for: First time hydroponic users who want a straightforward, all in one kit that prioritizes growth speed and tank size over decorative finishes or extra sensors.
4) Yadoker Indoor Hydroponic Garden System, 8 Pods
Why this pick
Yadoker’s system is the stylish one in the group. It is a smaller eight pod garden with a bamboo style base and a slim aluminum light arm, so it looks more like a piece of decor on a desk or kitchen counter than a pure gadget. Underneath that design, however, you still get a 24 watt full spectrum LED panel, a 3.5 liter water tank, and an automatic pump system that circulates water and nutrients on a timer.
A key detail is the lighting control. The panel supports three timing cycles where the light can be on for 8, 12, or 18 hours and off for the complementary 16, 12, or 6 hours. That gives you flexibility to balance plant needs with your own preferences for how bright the room is at night. The footprint is compact but still has room for a good mix of herbs and small greens.
Key specs and features
- Eight pod capacity with a 3.5 liter water tank
- 24 watt full spectrum LED with three selectable timing cycles
- Built in circulation pump with automated cycling
- Bamboo look base and slim metal arm for a cleaner aesthetic
- Ideal for herbs, small leafy greens, and compact flowers
Best for: Anyone who wants a good looking, smaller system that fits on a counter, shelf, or work desk without dominating the space, while still delivering real hydroponic performance.
Quick buying tipsIf you are used to thinking about tech specs, shopping for a hydroponic system is not that different from shopping for a monitor or a speaker. Start with capacity and tank size. If you want frequent salads or cook a lot, a 12 pod system with a 5 to 6.5 liter tank, such as URUQ, Ahopegarden, or hdroor, makes more sense than a tiny three pod gift kit. A smaller eight pod system like Yadoker is better when space and aesthetics matter more than output.
Next, look at light power and timing. All four of these systems use full spectrum LED panels and run long on cycles, usually in the 14 to 18 hour range, to mimic a long growing day and accelerate photosynthesis. Systems that handle timing for you reduce the chance you accidentally leave the light off for two days and stall growth. URUQ, hdroor, and Ahopegarden all provide fixed or mode based schedules, while Yadoker gives three selectable cycles so you can match your daily rhythm.
Finally, think about noise and maintenance. Every kit here uses a quiet pump that runs in cycles instead of constantly, which is important if the system lives next to your keyboard or TV. Larger tanks can support several weeks of growth before refilling, which is ideal if you have a busy schedule. Features like water level windows and low water alerts also reduce the chance of waking up to very thirsty plants.
Final thoughtsDesktop hydroponic systems sit in a fun spot between kitchen gear and smart home gadget. Once you set them up, the technology mostly disappears into the background. The LEDs cycle on and off, the pump quietly moves water, and the only time you really have to think about it is when you clip a handful of basil or lettuce and realize how much better it tastes than a plastic clamshell from the store. For a relatively small footprint and a modest power draw, you get a reliable little growing platform that keeps paying you back in fresh herbs and greens.
In this lineup, URUQ’s 12 pod system is the high capacity choice with a strong light, tall lamp column, and a large tank that favors people who want a steady flow of greens and herbs. Ahopegarden’s smart kit does similar work but compresses the footprint and adds real time temperature and humidity data along with tailored light modes, which will appeal to more detail-oriented users. hdroor’s 12 pod garden is the no-nonsense option with a big reservoir and a simple growth profile that focuses on fast results rather than extra screens. Yadoker’s eight pod system rounds out the list for readers who want something smaller and better looking on a desk or counter, but still expect a genuine hydroponic grow cycle with proper light and pumping.
As of early February 2026, all four are listed on Amazon US with active purchase options and clear return policies. Prices move with coupons and promotions, so before you publish the article, it is worth plugging in the ASINs and double-checking current pricing and availability. From a tech lifestyle perspective, each one offers a credible way to turn a bit of countertop into a small, self-managed garden that runs quietly in the background while you work, cook, or game.
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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.
