Tech News
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Fractal Design Refine Gaming Chair Review @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp’s review of the Fractal Design Refine Fabric gaming chair highlights its unique hybrid approach, blending elements from gaming, office, and ergonomic designs. Priced at $599 in the U.S. and €479 in Europe, it competes in the premium segment, facing rivals like the Arozzi Vernazza SuperSoft, Secretlab TITAN Evo, Hbada E3 Air, and Razer Iskur V2. While many competitors offer features like deeper reclines or higher load capacities, the Refine stands out for its balanced comfort, stylish appearance, and solid build quality. The mix of fabric upholstery, memory foam padding, and reinforced frame materials delivers a premium feel, while assembly is quick and straightforward. Ventilation is effective, ensuring comfort even during long sessions.
Looking for a stylish, functional chair that combines high-quality materials with a unique design? The Fractal Design Refine might be the perfect choice—offering all that plus a generous warranty, for added peace of mind.
The review notes some drawbacks, including armrests that feel undersized, slightly wobbly, and less contoured than ideal, as well as a headrest cushion better suited for relaxation than focused work. With a load capacity of 275 lbs (125 kg), it may not suit larger users, and the adjustment range, while adequate, is not class-leading. Still, for those seeking a chair that blends ergonomic support with a refined, versatile design, the Refine offers a compelling mix of comfort, durability, and style, provided its minor shortcomings are acceptable. -
AMD Threadripper 9980X and 9970X @ LanOC Reviews
LanOC reviewed AMD’s new Zen 5 Threadripper 9000 Series, specifically the 9980X and 9970X, which are set to launch imminently. The 9980X leads the lineup as the non-Pro flagship, offering 64 cores and 128 threads, a base clock of 3.2 GHz, a boosted single-core clock of up to 5.4 GHz, quad-channel DDR5-6400 support, and a significant increase in PCIe 5.0 lane count from 48 to 90. The 9970X follows as a 32-core, 64-thread variant with similar memory and lane support but a higher base clock, also reaching 5.4 GHz maximum boost. MSRP positions the 9980X at $4,999 and the 9970X at $2,499, making them more accessible compared to the costlier Threadripper PRO offerings possible in the same platform.
AMD’s high-end Ryzen CPUs on the AM5 platform have been dominating with CPUs like the Ryzen 9 9950X and 9950X3D both being monsters. That said, it isn’t actually the top of AMD's product lineup, they do still have their Threadripper lineup. They launched their Threadripper and Threadripper Pro 7000 Series of CPUs in late 2023, including a new sTR5 socket and TRX50 and WRX90 chipsets, and they are back at it again with their new 9000 Series of Threadripper CPUs that hit stores tomorrow. Ahead of that launch, I have had the top two CPUs in the office on the bench, the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X and 9970X, and today we can check out how they performed.
In benchmarks and evaluation, LanOC highlighted that these CPUs significantly elevate performance in heavy multi-threaded tasks like rendering, simulation, and parallel workflows where Threadripper traditionally excels. While the 9980X delivers unsurpassed core density and multi-thread throughput, the 9970X balances performance and efficiency, with its higher base clock and single-core responsiveness making it a compelling option for creators who do not require the maximum core count. Overall, LanOC positions the Threadripper 9000 Series as a formidable HEDT platform for power users who need massive performance without stepping into the even more expensive PRO tier. -
Epomaker x AULA F65 Pro Mechanical Keyboard Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks found the Epomaker x AULA F65 Pro to be a standout option in the budget 65 percent keyboard space. It sports a plastic build, available in two colors, with solid craftsmanship and handy shortcut controls for functions like switching connection modes and adjusting backlight settings. The keyboard shines with its vibrant RGB lighting, thanks to south-facing shine-through keycaps and translucent switches. Out of the box, it comes equipped with factory-lubed LEOBOG Icesoul switches, a gasket-mounted plate with foam and silicone dampening, and a satisfying tactile bounce that enhances typing feel and sound.
The Epomaker x AULA F65 Pro is a great budget mechanical keyboard that offers a great performing gasket design at an excellent price.
While the typing experience emphasizes clarity and responsiveness, disassembling the F65 Pro proved difficult and requires specific tools, making it less ideal for extensive modifications. A simple upgrade to a braided cable would improve durability over time. Offering wireless connectivity, satisfying feedback, and a pleasing typing profile for around 66 dollars, the F65 Pro earned a solid recommendation. APH Networks rated it 7.1 out of 10, remarking that it delivers excellent value for its price and serves as an ideal starting point for users seeking a feature-rich, compact wireless keyboard. -
Lenovo Legion Go S Review @ ThinkComputers
ThinkComputers reviewed the Lenovo Legion Go S and found it to be an impressive entry in the handheld gaming market. The device offers the ability to run AAA PC games on the go with solid performance for its size, even if it cannot match a desktop system. The reviewer noted that most games could be played smoothly by adjusting settings and resolution, and that game controls were well-placed and highly responsive. The 8-inch 1920×1200 IPS display delivered sharp visuals and ample brightness at 70% settings, while Lenovo’s Legion Space app provided an organized hub for game management and device settings.
Gaming handhelds have become extremely popular over the past couple of years. It seems pretty much every major brand has a gaming handheld. The popularity of these devices makes sense as so many people prefer gaming on the go while they are travelling, on their commute, and if you are purely gaming these devices are far less expensive than a gaming PC.
Battery life averaged around two hours in Performance mode when playing demanding titles, but fast charging up to 65W and Type-C support made recharging convenient, even via portable power banks. On the downside, the reviewer mentioned the lack of an included travel case, the resource-heavy nature of Windows 11 on handheld hardware, and noticeable fan noise during gaming sessions. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Legion Go S earned an 8 out of 10 score for its strong performance, comfortable design, and portable AAA gaming experience. -
SAMA Expands CPU Cooling Lineup with A60 and A40 Series Air Coolers for Gaming and Creator PCs
New high-performance coolers combine dual- and single-tower thermal engineering with ARGB, zero-RAM interference, and support for the latest Intel®, AMD® platforms
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SAMA, a global leader in performance PC hardware, today announced the launch of its latest A60 and A40 series CPU air coolers, offering optimized thermal solutions for gamers, content creators, PC builders, and enthusiasts. With dual-tower (A60) coolers available in Black, White, Essential, and ARGB editions, and the single-tower (A40) models available in Black, Essential, and ARGB editions. The new series delivers quiet performance, wide socket compatibility, as well as the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra and AMD Ryzen™ 8000 series CPUs. From compact gaming rigs to fully loaded creator workstations, SAMA's A60 and A40 series coolers bring affordable, premium-grade thermal control to today's most demanding PC builds.
"SAMA's A60 and A40 series combine refined thermal design with user-friendly installation and broad socket support," said Frank Wang, VP of SAMA. "They're purpose-built for users upgrading to newer CPUs who want quiet, stable performance without compromise—and without overspending."
SAMA A60 Series – Dual-Tower Air Cooling, Maximum Efficiency
Available in Black (A60B), White (A60W), Essential (A60E), and ARGB (A60L) editions.Key Features:
- Dual-tower heat sink with 6 copper heat pipes for high thermal capacity
- Micro-convex copper base for improved CPU contact
- Equipped with dual 120mm guide ring fans, the enhanced blade design minimizes vibration and noise, delivering smoother and quieter cooling performance
- Full RAM clearance
- ARGB models feature dual lighting strips and 5V sync capability
- TDP support: up to 265W
- Socket compatibility: Intel LGA 115X/1200/1700/1851, AMD AM4/AM5
Product Pages:
- A60B: https://www.samagears.com/a60b/
- A60W: https://www.samagears.com/a60w/
- A60E: https://www.samagears.com/a60e/
- A60L: https://www.samagears.com/a60l/
SAMA A40 Series – Single-Tower Cooling, Compact Power
Available in Black (A40), Essential (A40E), and ARGB (A40L) editions.Key Features:
- Single-tower layout with 4 direct-contact heat pipes
- 120mm guide ring fan with low-noise cooling and optimized airflow
- Advanced hybrid fin design combines folded and interlocked fins to improve thermal dissipation and reinforce structural rigidity.
- Compact 152mm height profile fits most mid-tower and mini-tower builds, with zero interference on memory modules
- ARGB edition supports 5V motherboard sync for lighting control
- TDP support: up to 240W – Reliable cooling for gaming and creative systems
- Socket compatibility: Intel LGA 115X/1200/1700/1851, AMD AM4/AM5
Official Product Pages :
- A40 : https://www.samagears.com/a40/
- A40E: https://www.samagears.com/a40e
- A40L: https://www.samagears.com/a40l/
Availability
The SAMA A60 and A40 series CPU coolers are now available:
- A60B: click here
- A60E: click here
- A60L: click here
- A40: click here
About SAMA
Founded in 2003, SAMA is a trusted global manufacturer of PC cases, cooling solutions, and power supplies for gaming, creative, and performance computing markets. With a reputation for reliability, thermal innovation, and industry-first support for emerging standards, SAMA products are used by gamers, system builders, and integrators in more than 50 countries worldwide.
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Kingston NV3 2TB NVMe M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD Review @ Funky Kit
FunkyKit examines the Kingston NV3 as a compact and cost-effective storage option tailored for ultra-compact systems like small laptops, handheld gaming consoles, and mini-PCs. Available in both 2230 and 2280 form factors, this Gen4 NVMe SSD achieves up to 6,000 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds. The 2 TB version scored well in categories such as quality, warranty, price, and overall performance. The card’s compact design and high capacity are standout features, especially for space-constrained devices. Key positives include strong performance in such a tiny form factor, good build quality, and the inclusion of free Acronis cloning software. On the downside, FunkyKit noted that operating temperatures under load could become quite high, and the use of QLC NAND imposes durability limitations.
... Kingston NV3 is a well-balanced tiny storage that should easily convince all kinds of users who want to expand the mobile device storage. The NV3 is perfect for laptops or handheld gaming consoles and is not hard to recommend, considering low price and high availability.
In their verdict, FunkyKit rated the NV3 at 8.0 out of 10, highlighting its balance of compact size, impressive speed, and affordability as major selling points. The reviewer emphasized that the NV3 is a practical choice for users needing high-speed storage in tightly packed systems, offering excellent value, while advising caution in overheating and endurance considerations when used in sustained heavy workloads. -
Lenovo Legion 5i (15IRX10) Gaming Laptop Review @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp described the Lenovo Legion 5i as a well-rounded 15-inch gaming laptop that delivers solid performance and practicality. Powered by Intel HX-series processors and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, the laptop balances power and portability. It features a sleek, professional design with a mix of metal and high-quality plastic, making it suitable for both gaming and work environments. The 16:10 display offers a sharp 2560×1600 resolution and a 165 Hz refresh rate, although its peak brightness of around 350 nits may feel a bit dim under strong lighting.
The 15-inch 2025 Lenovo Legion 5i (15IRX10) is a capable gaming laptop that won't break the bank. It offers a surprisingly generous set of useful features for its price, including good performance, a decent base IPS display, a comfortable keyboard, and modern connectivity, alongside well-executed manual tuning options.
In performance tests, the Legion 5i ran modern AAA titles smoothly, reaching over 120 frames per second in games like Battlefield V on high settings. The system's cooling handled intensive tasks well, though fan noise was noticeable during extended gaming sessions. Battery life remained modest at around 2 to 3 hours with lighter use. TechPowerUp praised the laptop’s build quality, display accuracy, and keyboard comfort. Overall, it was recommended as a great option for gamers and power users looking for strong specs without the aggressive aesthetics or premium price of higher-end models. -
Affordable 11-Inch Android Tablets on Amazon for Under $250
Despite the rise of oversized smartphones and ultra-light laptops, tablets continue to hold strong appeal for everyday users. Their larger screens provide a more comfortable viewing experience for streaming, reading, and browsing, while still remaining portable enough to carry around the house or slide into a backpack. Whether you’re attending virtual classes, catching up on work, video calling friends, or simply enjoying a digital comic or movie, tablets offer a convenient middle ground between phones and laptops.
For many consumers, tablets have become a staple in daily routines. Families use them to share entertainment across generations, students rely on them for note-taking and e-learning, and casual users appreciate their simplicity for email, shopping, and social media. Android tablets in particular remain attractive for their affordability, expandable storage, and compatibility with a wide range of apps and accessories.
In this 2025 Amazon buying guide, we handpicked five of the best 11-inch Android tablets under $250, each from a different brand to ensure variety and broader appeal. These models were chosen based on real-world cost-to-performance value, user satisfaction, and availability. They all feature Full-HD displays or better, smooth multitasking capability, and Android 11 or later support. Whether you prioritize a vibrant screen, strong battery life, generous storage, or just great everyday functionality, these five tablets represent some of the most compelling choices currently available on Amazon US.
The Top Picks
1. Lenovo Tab P11
Results Provided by Amazon- Specs:
- 11″ 2000×1200 IPS
- MediaTek Helio G90T
- 4 GB RAM
- 128 GB storage
- Android 12
- quad speakers
- microSD
- Why Pick This:
One of the few Android 11 tablets with a high-resolution 11-inch display under $250. Built to stream, multitask, and game at moderate levels, it combines smooth performance with polish and Lenovo update support.
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ PlusResults Provided by Amazon- Specs:
- 11″ 1920×1200 LCD
- Snapdragon 695
- 4 GB RAM
- Android 11 launch
- quad speakers
- microSD
- Why Pick This:
Samsung’s offering stands out for its brand trust, smooth 90 Hz screen, and quad-speaker stereo. The device launched with Android 11 and offers clean software and strong after-sales support.
3. Acer Iconia Tab A11Results Provided by Amazon- Specs:
- 11″ 1920×1200 IPS display
- Allwinner A523 octa-core
- 4 GB RAM
- 128 GB storage
- microSD
- Wi-Fi 6
- Why Pick This:
A rare 11-inch Acer tablet under $200 with a sharp 1920×1200 display and expandable storage. It may run Android 11 or 12 and delivers solid general performance in a compact design.
4. TCL TAB 10 Gen 2 – NXTVISION 2K EyeResults Provided by Amazon- Specs:
- 10.36″ 2000 × 1200 resolution NXTVISION IPS display
- MediaTek MT8768E octa-core CPU
- 4 GB RAM and 128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 1 TB
- Android 13 operating system, upgradeable
- 6000 mAh battery with 18 W fast charging via USB-C
- Dual stereo speakers, facial unlock, aluminum-like slim casing
- Why Pick This:
The TCL TAB 10 Gen 2 combines an immersive 2K display with eye-care mode, making it easy to view in bright indoor light. Its slim build, large battery, and dual speakers deliver all-day use and clear multimedia playback. Despite being listed as Android 13, it launched from Android 11-era hardware and falls comfortably within your budget. Reviewers praise its aesthetic polish, battery endurance and value for money in the affordable tablet segment.
5. DOOGEE U11 ProResults Provided by Amazon- Specs:
- 11″ 1080p IPS display at 90 Hz
- Helio octa-core
- 16 GB RAM variant up to 2 TB storage
- Android 15
- 8580 mAh battery
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Why Pick This:
At a bargain price, DOOGEE delivers a large, responsive 90 Hz screen, massive storage options, and full Android 15 support. Users praise its daily performance, battery endurance, and value, especially under a tight budget.
Final Words
As tablets continue to serve a wide range of roles in everyday life, from media consumption and online learning to light productivity and casual gaming, the demand for affordable and well-balanced Android options remains strong. The five picks in this guide each offer a thoughtful combination of performance, screen quality, and usability, all while staying comfortably under the $250 mark.For users who value solid build quality and long-term software support, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus and Lenovo Tab P11 Plus are dependable choices with polished user experiences. The TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus stands out with its unique eye-friendly display and generous specs, making it ideal for reading or extended use. Meanwhile, the Acer Iconia A11 brings solid fundamentals at an accessible price, and the DOOGEE U11 Pro impresses with modern features like a 90 Hz refresh rate and ample storage capacity at a budget-friendly cost.
These tablets are not just affordable, they are practical tools for everyday digital needs. Whether you're a student, a parent, or a casual user looking for performance and portability without overspending, one of these five Android tablets is sure to be the right fit.
- Specs:
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OpenAI's Cutting-Edge AI Models Now Powering Locally on NVIDIA RTX GPUs: A New Era for Personal AI
The world of artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving, and NVIDIA is at the forefront, accelerating innovation from the cloud to the personal computer. In a significant development, NVIDIA and OpenAI are collaborating to bring OpenAI’s groundbreaking new open-source gpt-oss models – specifically gpt-oss-20b and gpt-oss-120b – to NVIDIA GeForce RTX and RTX PRO GPUs. This means developers and AI enthusiasts can now experience the power of state-of-the-art AI reasoning capabilities directly on their own hardware, unlocking a new era of local AI applications. This move not only democratizes access to powerful AI but also strengthens U.S. technology leadership in a rapidly competitive landscape.
These aren't your average language models. The gpt-oss models boast "chain-of-thought" capabilities and adjustable reasoning effort levels, leveraging a popular "mixture-of-experts" architecture. They are designed to support advanced features like instruction-following and tool use, initially trained on NVIDIA’s powerful H100 GPUs. Crucially, they can handle impressively long context lengths – up to 131,072 tokens – making them ideal for complex tasks like web search, coding assistance, document comprehension, and in-depth research. The release also marks the debut of MXFP4 models on NVIDIA RTX, a precision type that delivers high model quality with fast, efficient performance while minimizing resource consumption. This is a significant step towards making powerful AI more accessible and practical for a wider range of users.
Getting Started: Easy Integration with Ollama and Beyond
So, how can you experience this firsthand? The easiest way to jump in is through the popular Ollama app. Optimized specifically for RTX GPUs with at least 24GB of VRAM, Ollama provides a user-friendly interface for quick and easy chatting with the OpenAI models. No complex configurations are needed – simply select the desired model from the dropdown menu and start interacting. Ollama’s new UI also includes features like PDF and text file support within chats, multimodal capabilities for image prompts, and customizable context lengths, further enhancing the user experience. For developers, Ollama offers a command-line interface and SDK for integrating these models into applications and workflows.
Beyond Ollama, NVIDIA continues to collaborate with the open-source community, actively optimizing performance on RTX GPUs through tools like llama.cpp and the GGML tensor library. Windows developers can also leverage Microsoft AI Foundry Local, currently in public preview, which integrates into workflows via the command line, SDK, or APIs. Foundry Local utilizes ONNX Runtime, optimized through CUDA, with upcoming support for NVIDIA TensorRT. This broad ecosystem of tools ensures that developers have multiple avenues to harness the power of OpenAI’s models on their RTX PCs.
The Future of AI: Local Inference and Accelerated Innovation
This collaboration between NVIDIA and OpenAI signifies a pivotal shift towards local AI inference. By bringing these powerful models to the RTX platform, NVIDIA is empowering developers and enthusiasts to build innovative applications without relying solely on cloud-based services. This unlocks new possibilities for privacy-focused AI, offline functionality, and personalized experiences. As Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, stated, this move "strengthens U.S. technology leadership in AI." With ongoing community contributions and continuous optimization, the future of AI looks brighter than ever, fueled by the combined power of OpenAI’s models and NVIDIA’s RTX GPUs.
To learn more and explore the possibilities, check out the NVIDIA Technical Blog and join the NVIDIA community on Discord. Stay tuned for more updates and innovations in the rapidly evolving world of AI!
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AQIRYS Sirius Pro Gaming Headset Review @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp reviewed the Aqirys Sirius Pro as a mid-range wireless gaming mouse that strikes a strong balance between performance and affordability. It features a lightweight 74-gram build, equipped with the PixArt PAW3395 sensor that supports up to 26,000 CPI. The mouse offers tri-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.2, and a wired option. Six programmable buttons, RGB lighting beneath a semi-transparent shell, and onboard memory for profile storage make it both functional and stylish. The ergonomic shape suits claw and palm grip users, offering comfort during extended use.
The AQIRYS Sirius Pro offers many of the features found on the more expensive wireless Andromeda Pro, but relies on USB and 3.5 mm analog connections for compatibility across devices. With its familiar design, solid comfort, and respectable performance, it presents an appealing option in the sub-$100 price bracket.
In performance testing, the Sirius Pro delivered responsive and consistent tracking, with low latency across both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes. Battery life exceeded 60 hours with RGB lighting enabled, and lasted even longer with lighting turned off. Bluetooth mode showed slightly higher latency but remained stable for casual use. While minor polling inconsistencies were noted under extreme settings, they were infrequent and did not impact overall usability. Priced around 69 dollars, the Sirius Pro was praised for its high-end sensor, reliable connectivity, and long battery life, making it a compelling choice for gamers on a budget.
