Tech News
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Lexar PLAY 2280 4TB Solid State Drive Review @ APH Networks
APH Networks reviewed the Lexar PLAY 2280 4TB SSD, highlighting its impressive storage capacity and solid build quality. The drive features a MaxioTech MAP1602A controller paired with YMTC 232-layer TLC NAND flash, and it utilizes Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology instead of onboard DRAM. With sequential read and write speeds rated at 7400MB/s and 6500MB/s respectively, and an endurance rating of 3200TBW, the SSD is designed for high-performance tasks and comes with a five-year warranty.
The Lexar PLAY 2280 4TB is a capacity-laden NVMe SSD that would benefit from several improvements in its medium workload performance, real-world simulations, and random reads...
In performance benchmarks, the Lexar PLAY 2280 4TB delivered solid sequential read and write speeds, placing it mid-pack among competitors. However, it showed weaker performance in real-world simulations and random read/write tests, particularly in file transfer and application loading scenarios. APH Networks concluded that while the SSD offers substantial storage and decent performance for its price point, it may not be the best choice for users with demanding workloads that require consistent high-speed performance.
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ASUS Radeon RX 9070 XT TUF OC @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp's review of the ASUS Radeon RX 9070 XT TUF OC highlights it as a robust and well-engineered graphics card built on AMD's RDNA 4 architecture. Featuring 4,096 stream processors, 16 GB of GDDR6 memory, and a 256-bit memory interface, it delivers performance comparable to NVIDIA's RTX 5070 Ti, with notable improvements in ray tracing capabilities over previous AMD generations. The card's substantial cooler ensures excellent thermal performance and low noise levels, especially when using the quiet BIOS mode. Additionally, the inclusion of FSR 4 enhances upscaling quality, bringing it closer to NVIDIA's DLSS, although DLSS still holds an edge in frame generation.
The ASUS Radeon RX 9070 XT TUF OC is the company's flagship model. It comes with a thick, metal cooler frame that looks fantastic. Our testing confirms, that this is the most powerful cooler of all the cards tested so far, and noise levels with the quiet BIOS are excellent, too.
Despite its strengths, the card's pricing is a point of contention. With an MSRP of $800, it sits significantly above AMD's suggested $600 baseline for the RX 9070 XT, potentially impacting its value proposition. Nevertheless, for gamers seeking a high-performance 1440p experience with the flexibility to venture into 4K gaming, the ASUS TUF OC variant stands out as a compelling option, offering a blend of power, efficiency, and advanced features.
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Silicon Power DS72 2TB Portable SSD @ Funky Kit
Funky Kit reviewed the Silicon Power DS72 2TB Portable SSD and highlighted its versatility, compact design, and solid performance. The drive supports both USB Type-A and Type-C connections, making it compatible with a wide range of devices including PCs, Macs, gaming consoles, and mobile phones. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, it delivers read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds around 850 MB/s, which are ideal for transferring large files quickly. Its small, thumb-drive-like form factor, combined with a matte black metal casing and protective end caps, offers durability and ease of portability.
"... The Silicon Power DS72 2TB SSD combines high performance, good compatibility, high quality build, and an extended warranty. If we're all about fast, small, portable SSDs, then we can probably ignore some of the minor issues, and enjoy one of the best portable SSDs that you can carry in a pocket without needing cables or adapters. "
In performance tests, the DS72 SSD showed impressive results in sequential and random read/write speeds. However, Funky Kit did note that the wide protective caps might block adjacent ports, and under heavy usage, thermal throttling could slightly affect speed. Despite these minor drawbacks, the DS72 was praised for offering great value and convenience at a competitive price point (about CAD $120 for the 2TB model). Overall, it earned a solid score of 8.2 out of 10 for being a dependable and portable storage solution.
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InWin Launches PRISM, a Stunning, Translucent PC Chassis
Get a new perspective with panoramic views of all the epic hardware inside
In Win Development Inc. (InWin), renowned for its brand philosophy of ?Contemporary and Innovative?and a recipient of numerous international design awards, proudly introduces the PRISM — a premium mid-tower ATX chassis. Building upon the iconic design language of its signature “tou” series, PRISM elevates both aesthetics and functionality with enhanced cooling performance, improved assembly convenience, and full compatibility with the latest high-end hardware. With its expansive glass panels, support for vertical GPU installation, and hidden cable motherboards, PRISM is crafted for PC enthusiasts who demand both style and performance.
Redefining Angles
The PRISM features a seamless, three-piece spliced glass panel that creates a stunning frameless glass wall, offering a panoramic view. Its geometric aesthetics, combined with two-way mirror effect, provide a unique perspective from every angle. This mid-tower chassis redefines PC builds with its innovative design, making it ideal for any hardware setup. Suitable for enthusiasts, gamers, creatives, AI workstations, or simply to make a bold statement and capture attention in the home or office. Additionally, the subtly designed, rear wing-inspired handle allows users to easily lift and carry it to a new location.
Unbox Elegance
The large, fine-mesh filters are designed for easy, toolless removal, ensuring the interior remains dust-free while allowing optimal airflow across the ten fan placements. InWin has preinstalled four of its VORTEX fans, featuring PWM control and ARGB lighting. Users can also purchase additional VORTEX standard or reverse blade variants from the InWin eStore (USA/EU).
InWin further enhances the overall aesthetic with preinstalled LED strips at the top, bottom, and front, providing an impressive look right out of the box. The fans and interior lighting can easily be managed through the included 6-channel ARGB hub, offering 19 distinct, synced lighting effects activated with a simple press of a button on the front I/O.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5000 Series and AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series Ready
The chassis accommodates graphics cards up to 435 mm, including the latest RTX 5090 and RX 9700 series GPUs in the primary slot, without compromising the use of front fans. GPUs can be mounted horizontally or vertically thanks to the innovative modular dual PCI-E slot bracket.
Clean, Pristine, and Serene
Up to ATX motherboards are supported, including those with backside connectors from top brands, ensuring builds look clean and visually cable-free. The PRISM accommodates CPU coolers with a height of up to 175 mm, providing ample space for even the largest air coolers. Additionally, it supports multiple radiators of 240 mm, 280 mm, and 360 mm for liquid cooling solutions. To maintain a tidy interior, two 2.5-inch SSD slots are discreetly positioned behind the motherboard tray. The front I/O panel features USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (40Gbps) Type-C, two USB 3.2 Gen-1 ports, and a 3.5 mm HD audio combo jack.
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Montech HS02 PRO Review @ TechPowerUp
TechPowerUp's review of the Montech HS02 Pro highlights it as a standout full-tower PC case that blends aesthetic appeal with functional design. Priced at $139.99 USD, the HS02 Pro comes equipped with five pre-installed ARGB fans, a PWM/ARGB controller, and an embedded ARGB strip along the bottom edge. Its unique reversible design allows users to flip the case orientation, offering flexibility in setup. The case supports up to ATX motherboards with back-connect compatibility, 420 mm GPUs, 360 mm top-mounted radiators, and includes a magnetic top cover for easy access. The interior is designed for clean cable management, featuring a recessed motherboard tray and internal covers to conceal wiring.
The HS02 is Montech's latest flagship case, offering plenty of glass, features, USPs and functionality while still sporting a surprisingly affordable price tag. This makes it an excellent choice for budget minded as well as high-end builds alike. Those who are really wanting to minimize cost also have the non-Pro or HS01 variants to pick from.
While the HS02 Pro offers numerous advantages, the review notes some minor drawbacks. The flip feature's feet may not stay securely in place when inverted, and the GPU support bracket could interfere with larger triple-fan graphics cards. Additionally, the tight fit for 3.5" HDDs on the PSU cover and the lack of clear labeling on audio ports are mentioned. Despite these issues, the HS02 Pro is praised for its value, clean aesthetics, and thoughtful features, making it a compelling choice for both budget-conscious and high-end PC builders.
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Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5090 / 5080 EPIC-X GPU Cooler with Backplate
Alphacool International GmbH, based in Braunschweig, has been a pioneer in PC water cooling technology for over 20 years. With one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry and over 20 years of experience, Alphacool is now expanding its portfolio with the new Core Geforce RTX 5090 EPIC-X with Backplate and Core Geforce RTX 5080 EPIC-X with Backplate graphics card water coolers.
The GPU water coolers have been completely redesigned. Precise adjustments to the spacing between the cooler and the PCB, along with optimized water flow simulations and extensive practical testing, have resulted in significant improvements to the cooler base and jetplate. These enhancements ensure maximum cooling performance for the newest Nvidia Geforce RTX generation. The GPU water coolers feature a precisely machined copper base with high-quality chrome plating for exceptional durability and a smooth surface. The design is further complemented by robust brass fittings with a nylon cover, ensuring maximum safety and reliability.
Compatibility:
14739 - Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5090 EPIC-X with Backplate
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
14740 - Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5080 EPIC-X with Backplate
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5080 Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5080 Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5080 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Triple Fan GPU
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 5080 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
The Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5090 and 5080 EPIC-X GPU Coolers with Backplate can now be ordered in the Alphacool Shop.
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Lexar NM790 4TB M.2 SSD review @ Guru 3D
Guru3D reviewed the Lexar NM790 4TB PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe SSD recently and found it to be a strong performer at an affordable price point. Powered by the Maxio MAP1602A controller and YMTC 232-layer TLC NAND, the DRAM-less drive delivers impressive sequential read and write speeds of up to 7,400 MB/s and 6,500 MB/s, respectively. Despite the absence of a DRAM cache, its real-world performance in daily tasks and gaming loads remains solid. The SSD is also compatible with a wide range of devices, including desktops, laptops, and even PlayStation 5 systems, thanks to its single-sided M.2 2280 design.
The Lexar NM790 offers a different take on the 4TB SSD design. Also priced near €225 (about $250 USD), this model skips the Micron memory and Phison controller in favor of a Maxio controller and TLC memory from Longsys, presented in a 232-layer format. This setup is engineered to provide better endurance and higher write performance, which might be critical for gurus seeking a more robust solution. The NM790 does not include a DRAM cache, meaning that its performance benchmarks reflect the SSD’s core capabilities without additional buffering. This approach offers a transparent view of the drive’s intrinsic performance under various conditions.
Thermal performance is efficient, averaging around 39°C and peaking at about 60°C under sustained load—manageable with a motherboard heatsink. The NM790 also proves to be power-efficient, drawing as little as 0.04W at idle and about 4W during heavy operation. With an endurance rating of 3,000 TBW and a 5-year warranty, it offers a solid balance of capacity, speed, and value. Guru3D concludes that the Lexar NM790 is an excellent choice for users looking to expand high-speed storage without overspending.
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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.
