Adata’s gaming brand XPG has announced four new gaming monitors across its new Rift and Aperture series. The lineup includes the 34‑inch curved Rift R34WXC, the 23.8‑inch Rift R24F4, and two 27‑inch Aperture displays: the A27Q1 and A27F4.

Leading the Rift series is the Rift R34WXC, a 34‑inch 21:9 ultrawide with a 1500R curvature and UWQHD 3440×1440 resolution. XPG lists a 200Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT response time, a 4000:1 contrast ratio, and 350nits peak brightness, alongside 93% DCI‑P3 colour coverage. The smaller Rift R24F4 offers a 23.8‑inch Full HD IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT response time, and 99% sRGB coverage.

For higher refresh rates, the Aperture series introduces two 27‑inch options. The Aperture A27Q1 pairs a 27‑inch QHD Fast IPS panel with a 210Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT response time, support for 1.07 billion colours, and 99% sRGB coverage. Meanwhile, the A27F4 targets esports‑focused setups with a 27‑inch Full HD IPS panel running at 240Hz and a 1ms MPRT response time.

All four displays support Adaptive Sync to help reduce screen tearing during gameplay.

KitGuru says: XPG is expanding quickly into the monitor space, covering ultrawide, high‑refresh and entry‑level segments from day one. Do any of these new models stand out to you?

Sharkoon has launched the Stealthbite IEM, a new pair of in-ear monitors featuring a hybrid driver system, a bundled USB DAC, and interchangeable cables. 

Built around a hybrid driver setup, Sharkoon states the Stealthbite IEM delivers a neutral, balanced frequency response across gaming, music, and content creation. Three sizes of silicone ear tips ship with the lightweight housing to ensure a secure fit during extended sessions.

Connectivity relies on an analogue TRRS connector for consoles and controllers. As for devices without a jack, Sharkoon includes the Stealthbite DAC and a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter, so you won't need extra adapters for plug-and-play support on PCs, tablets, and smartphones. Users can swap between an included cable with an omnidirectional inline microphone for voice chat and an audio-only cable for music listening and stage monitoring.

The Sharkoon Stealthbite IEM is available now for €39.90.

KitGuru says: The Stealthbite offers a lot of features for the price. We’ll be keeping an eye on user feedback as more people try it out.

Apple’s upcoming M5 Ultra processor has surfaced on Geekbench 7, revealing a 36‑core configuration in the next‑gen Mac Studio. With 256GB of unified memory, the chip reached 52,516 points in multi‑core testing, putting it in the same range as AMD’s high‑end workstation CPUs.

The benchmark listing (via Wccftech) identifies a 36-core layout comprising 12 super cores and 24 P-cores running at a peak clock frequency of 4.6GHz. Running macOS 27.0, the platform posted 3,774 points in the single-core test and 52,516 in the multi-core one. This aligns with Apple’s internal performance claims of up to 1.3x higher multi-threaded CPU output compared to the M3 Ultra.

In Geekbench 7’s database, the score places the M5 Ultra close to AMD’s workstation‑class Threadripper Pro parts. A 64‑core 9985WX submission reached 56,118 points, while a 96‑core 9995WX run landed at 50,911. As always, individual Geekbench submissions vary, so these numbers shouldn’t be taken as representative averages.

Geekbench is a short cross-platform benchmark rather than a sustained workstation load test, so these scores don't indicate definitive superiority in long-term multi-threaded tasks.

KitGuru says: Short benchmarks don’t tell the full story for sustained workloads, but seeing Apple’s 36‑core M5 Ultra land in the same performance bracket as much higher‑core‑count Threadripper processors is certainly notable.

Asus is refreshing its 27‑inch QD‑OLED offering with the ROG Strix OLED XG27ACDMSR, a revision of last year’s XG27ACDMS that swaps in a brighter 4th‑gen Tandem QD‑OLED panel and pushes refresh rates up to 320Hz.

First spotted by Display Specifications, the updated panel delivers 300 nits SDR brightness and up to 1300 nits peak HDR, earning VESA DisplayHDR 500 TrueBlack certification. The panel uses Asus’s BlackShield Film anti‑reflection coating to reduce glare. The DisplayPort input supports DSC, enabling the full 320Hz refresh rate at QHD resolution. Other core specifications are familiar to those who have seen an OLED before, including 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio, 0.03ms GTG response time and ΔE≤2 colour accuracy.

Adaptive‑sync support includes AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G‑Sync and VESA AdaptiveSync Display 320Hz certification. Motion clarity features include VRR and Asus’s ELMB implementation. Software options are bundled through DisplayWidget Center, offering GamePlus, GameVisual, Shadow Boost, AI Visual, Dynamic Crosshair and Dynamic Shadow Boost.

Connectivity options include a DisplayPort 1.4 input, an HDMI 2.1 port, USB‑C with DP Alt Mode and 15W power delivery, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack. The stand provides 110mm height adjustment, along with tilt and pivot. If you would prefer to use your own monitor arm, then there is also the standard VESA support there as well.

KitGuru says: The move to 4th‑gen QD‑OLED brings welcome brightness and refresh‑rate gains, but pricing will ultimately determine how appealing this revision is.

Following recent fan‑made PC versions of Gears of War 2 and Blue Dragon, another Xbox 360 exclusive has now been recompiled for PC, the 2007 JRPG classic Lost Odyssey.

Lost Odyssey originally launched in 2007 as one of the Xbox 360’s standout JRPGs, known for its turn‑based combat, immortal party members who inherit skills, and its four‑disc story. The game has never been released outside the Xbox ecosystem, making this fan‑made PC version notable for long‑time fans.

According to IXBT Games (via GenerationAmiga), the fan‑made PC version supports resolutions up to 4K, with target frame rates of 30FPS and 60FPS. Basic visual options such as FXAA, SMAA and high‑quality filtering are included, and the project supports both keyboard and gamepad inputs. As with other recompilation‑based releases, users must supply their own ROM or ISO files, as the project does not include proprietary game assets.

Those interested in the project can find the source code and instructions on its GitHub page HERE.

KitGuru says: Would you revisit Lost Odyssey if it received an official PC release?

MSI is stepping into the open‑air test bench market with the MEG EM9, a compact bench built for easy hardware access and frequent component swaps.

The MEG EM9 supports motherboards up to E‑ATX, including rear‑connect ATX and Micro‑ATX designs. It measures 336×358×239mm and includes built‑in Power and Reset buttons, eight horizontal expansion slots and two 2.5‑inch drive mounts. PSU clearance accommodates ATX units up to 200mm.

As you would expect from an open-air test bench, there is plenty of room for cooling, with space for up to 420mm liquid-cooling radiators. As an open‑air test bench, it doesn’t ship with pre‑installed fans, which is typical for this type of setup. MSI doesn’t list limits for GPU length or CPU cooler height, as there are no panels restricting component size.

MSI has the MEG EM9 available for pre‑order in Taiwan at NT$2,590. VideoCardz reports that shipments are expected to begin in October. Pricing and availability for other markets have not yet been confirmed.

KitGuru says: Would you use an open‑air test bench like this for your own hardware setup?

OpenRGB has officially reached version 1.0, launching almost three years after the release of version 0.9. With the new release, the developers added expanded hardware support, a new profile system, the ability to run it as a background service, and many other things

For those who don't know, OpenRGB is an open-source utility lets users control RGB lighting across hardware from various manufacturers through a single application, eliminating the need for vendor-specific software such as Asus Armory Crate or MSI Center.

The update (via VideoCardz) expands device compatibility and includes major internal software changes. Developers revamped the profile system and added the ability to run the application as a background service without keeping the full interface active. Moving the codebase from Qt5 to Qt6 marks another major milestone, along with the integration of PawnIO support, adding low-level hardware access for RGB memory and specific older motherboards.

Moreover, developers updated the OpenRGB SDK to version 6 and the Plugin API to version 5. As a result, older plugins will need updated builds to work properly with the 1.0 release. The development team confirmed that compatible plugin builds will follow the primary launch.

KitGuru says: Did you already know about OpenRGB? For those who did and have it installed, have you already checked version 1.0?

AMD has confirmed official pricing for two newly introduced mainstream desktop processors, setting the AM5-based Ryzen 5 7500 at $189 and the AM4-based Ryzen 5 5500F at $99.

Built on Zen 4 architecture, the Ryzen 5 7500 (via Wccftech) features six cores and 12 threads. Base clock speeds are set at 3.7GHz, boosting up to 5.0GHz, paired with 6MB of L2 cache, 32MB of L3 cache, and a 65W TDP. Unlike the existing 7500F model, this standard version includes two integrated RDNA graphics cores running at 2.2GHz to assist with system diagnostics. AMD's $189 price tag lands slightly above current street prices for the “F” SKU, though retail adjustments are expected over time.

For budget-focused AM4 system builders, the $99 Ryzen 5 5500F brings a fresh alternative to the existing lineup. Based on Vermeer silicon rather than the Cezanne APU architecture used in the standard 5500, the chip omits integrated graphics while pushing higher clock speeds. Specifications include six Zen 3 cores, 12 threads, a 3.0GHz base clock, a 4.4GHz boost clock, 3MB of L2 cache, 16MB of L3 cache, and a 65W TDP.

Both releases aim to provide accessible entry and upgrade options for builders balancing overall build costs, which, considering the rising hardware prices, will be very welcome.

KitGuru says: Planning to build a new entry-level AMD PC soon? Will you consider either of these two?

Bulkhead's tactical multiplayer shooter Wardogs has crossed one million copies sold just hours into its PC Early Access launch, peaking at 428,666 concurrent players on Steam during the launch weekend.

Talking to IGN, studio CEO Joe Brammer described crossing one million sales during Early Access as “mental”, noting that the team spent months clarifying what the title is while intentionally warning players against buying into blind hype. Brammer stressed that the game remains in early access, with development now focused on fixes, improvements, and player feedback.

Mechanically, the title splits 100 players across three competing teams focused on capturing objectives and building forward operating bases (FOBs). Players earn cash through kills, assists, revives, and construction, then spend it on weapons, armour, ammunition, turrets, SAM launchers, and specialised equipment like drills.

PC is currently the sole platform for Wardogs, though a full release is planned within one to two years, ahead of PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions scheduled for 2028. Steam user reviews currently stand at “Mostly Positive” with 79% of almost 50K reviews recommending it. Note, however, that on launch day the score was considerably worse because of multiple queue and login issues.

KitGuru says: Have you tried Wardogs? What's your opinion about it?

Glorious has released the GMMK Eternal, a wired mechanical gaming keyboard using a compact 96% layout with hot‑swappable switch support. The board ships with Glorious Fox linear switches and includes three internal layers of sound dampening.

The keyboard connects using a detachable USB‑A‑to‑C cable, and its hot‑swap PCB supports both 5‑pin and 3‑pin MX‑style switches, so you can swap to whichever mechanical switches you prefer. Stock units ship with Glorious Fox linear switches, which offer a 50–60g actuation force and are rated for 50 million clicks. Glorious uses OEM‑profile double‑shot ABS keycaps with shine‑through legends, giving the board a familiar feel for anyone used to standard ABS gaming keyboards.

The casing combines an aluminium top plate with an ABS bottom shell, with two‑stage flip‑out feet for angle adjustment. Inside, three layers of dampening are used to reduce hollow noise, including a molded silicone pad and two sheets of PU foam. The 96% layout keeps the numpad and function row while freeing up desk space, and users can customise keycaps, switches and the cable if they want to personalise the keyboard further.

Glorious Core, the company’s Windows‑only software, handles per‑key RGB lighting, key remapping and macro recording. The keyboard is also compatible with macOS, ChromeOS and consoles. The GMMK Eternal is priced at £89.99 in the UK.

KitGuru Says: Are you considering the GMMK Eternal for your next keyboard upgrade?

Asus is showcasing its new ProArt PA27UCDV creative monitor at IBC 2026 in Amsterdam. The 26.5‑inch display features a 4K QD‑OLED panel running at up to 120Hz, aimed at colour‑critical workloads.

According to Prad, the monitor offers a 3840×2160 resolution on a 16:9 panel. As for the panel itself, Asus uses its LuxPixel anti‑glare coating, which is the company’s branding for its reduced‑reflection surface. The PA27UCDV covers 99% of the DCI‑P3 colour space, reaches up to 1000nits peak brightness, and is rated for Delta‑E <1 colour accuracy. HDR support is included, and an Auto KVM switch is built in for multi‑device workflows.

Connectivity includes HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, a built‑in USB hub, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. One Thunderbolt 4 port delivers up to 140W Power Delivery, while the second supports daisy‑chaining for multi‑monitor setups. Like most other ProArt displays, the PA27UCDV retains a slim, minimalist aesthetic.

Asus has not yet confirmed pricing or availability for the ProArt PA27UCDV.

KitGuru Says: With a 120Hz panel, this ProArt monitor could also double up as a nice gaming display too.

Thermaltake has introduced the AX1000 TG AI Workstation Chassis alongside the AX200 stackable expansion pedestal. Designed for AI computing, content creation and server‑grade workloads, the AX1000 offers dual‑system support and extensive hardware capacity, while the AX200 provides modular expansion for cooling, storage and power.

The AX1000 supports two XL‑ATX or SSI‑EEB motherboards and offers up to 20 PCIe slots for multi‑GPU setups, with clearance for graphics cards up to 630mm long. The chassis includes mounts for up to 24 drives and supports extensive cooling, with room for as many as 29 case fans and space for dual 420mm AIO or 560mm custom‑loop radiators.

A hinged tempered‑glass panel provides a clear view of internal components, while a perforated right‑side panel maintains airflow. Dual front I/O panels give each system dedicated access, and integrated GPU supports help stabilise heavier graphics cards. System monitoring is available through an optional 3.9‑inch LCD kit controlled via TT RGB PLUS 3.0.

For additional capacity, the AX200 pedestal attaches directly to the AX1000, expanding storage, cooling and power options. The module adds mounts for 16 more drives, 9 additional fans, dual 480mm or 560mm radiators and support for two standard PS2 power supplies.

KitGuru Says: If the AX1000 alone isn’t enough, the AX200 pedestal offers a substantial amount of extra room. How would you configure this setup?

Asus has announced the LC 360 ARGB and LC 240 ARGB, two new all‑in‑one liquid CPU coolers released under the plain ASUS branding rather than the usual ROG, TUF Gaming or ProArt lines. The LC series is the simple, no‑frills option, although it still comes with daisy-chain fans and ARGB lighting. 

One notable inclusion is the daisy‑chain fan system. Although these coolers sit outside Asus’s higher‑end sub‑brands, the fans link together to pass PWM and ARGB signals through a single cable, a feature more commonly seen on premium AIOs. This setup helps reduce cable clutter and makes installation cleaner, particularly in compact cases. The pump block also includes lighting on the top and sides, and the top cover can be swapped out for a custom one if you prefer.

Each fan operates between 800RPM and 1800RPM, delivering up to 74CFM of airflow and 2.2mmH2O of static pressure, which is relatively strong for this speed range. Both the 240mm and 360mm versions use the same 27mm radiator design, and Asus backs both coolers with a 5‑year warranty.

Overall, the LC series appears to offer a straightforward alternative for builders, while still retaining a few convenience and aesthetic features typically found on more expensive coolers. However, Asus has not confirmed pricing yet, so we don't know how budget-friendly these AIOs will ultimately be.

KitGuru Says: Are you considering going with an Asus AIO for your next PC build?

Valve has released a new Steam Client beta update that introduces a “Big Art Mode” layout and a dedicated screensaver feature for Big Picture Mode. The update aims to refresh the handheld- and TV-focused interface while adding extra UI customisation options.

Big Art Mode adjusts the standard side-by-side interface layout, making it more similar to the PS5 Home screen. It allocates most of the screen to artwork for the selected game while displaying other titles in smaller windows near the bottom.

Alongside this visual refresh, the new screensaver function triggers when Steam remains idle for a set period. Users can choose to display full-screen game art, show recent screenshots, or load custom screensavers from a designated directory.

To access these features, users must opt into the beta channel through Steam's system settings menu. Once updated, players can toggle the layout under Settings > Home, while screensaver options are in Settings > Customisation. Beyond visual tweaks, this beta version delivers faster startup performance, optimised game recording in select DX12 titles, and fixes for frame-rate hitches when capturing screenshots during DX11 and DX12 gameplay on Windows.

KitGuru says: Customisable screensavers and a larger art layout in Big Picture Mode make Steam feel much more tailored to handhelds and living room setups. Do you like the looks of the new Big Art Mode?

Audio-Technica has announced the ATH-AL5NC open-back wireless headphones, combining an open-back driver design with Bluetooth connectivity. Available now, the 240g headset features 53mm dynamic drivers, up to 75 hours of continuous battery life, and high-resolution LDAC support.

The 53mm dynamic drivers deliver high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz audio via LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs. Open-back housings assist airflow to reduce heat accumulation, paired with a lightweight 240g frame to lower clamping pressure. The battery delivers up to 75 hours of continuous playback, while a 15-minute quick charge provides up to eight hours of listening time. Dual-device connection is managed through multipoint Bluetooth pairing, and an integrated microphone accommodates calls and gaming communication.

Software customisation relies on the Audio-Technica Connect app, giving users access to adjustable EQ settings, codec toggles, low-latency gaming modes, and a headphone locator. An integrated Soundscape function provides ambient nature audio and masking noise, alongside “Noise Reduction” and “Sound Leakage Reduction” modes. For wired configurations, Audio-Technica includes a carrying pouch and a 1.2m cable equipped with a 3.5mm stereo mini-plug and inline microphone controls.

The Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC open-back wireless headphones are now available for $279.

KitGuru says: Although they're an interesting set, the lack of 2.4G wireless connectivity means they aren't really suitable for wireless gaming. Fortunately, you can plug in the cable to solve that.

MSI has announced the Pro Max 341QPXW14G, a 34-inch ultrawide QD-OLED monitor designed specifically for Mac workflows. Built around a 21:9 UWQHD 3440×1440 panel, the display offers a 144Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and deep macOS integration through dedicated app support.

Equipped with a 5th-Gen QD-OLED panel, the Pro Max 341QPXW14G QD-OLED monitor uses an RGB Stripe sub-pixel layout to improve text clarity. MSI says the Penta Tandem technology increases luminous efficiency by 30%, while the DarkArmor layer delivers 40% deeper blacks, plus 3H surface hardness and 2.5× scratch resistance. macOS integration relies on the MSI M-Mate app, enabling M-Sync Mode so users can adjust brightness and volume directly via MacBook keyboard keys. Regarding colour performance, the display is Pantone and Pantone SkinTone Validated, covering 99% DCI-P3 and 97.4% Adobe RGB with Delta E ≤2 accuracy and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification.

The monitor also features MSI OLED Care 3.0, which uses AI sensors to detect static content and user presence to mitigate burn-in, extending the mandatory panel refresh cycle to 24 hours. Eye-care features include TÜV-certified hardware blue light reduction, VisiClarity anti-glare treatment, and a 14-point Customizable HDR curve.

To support multi-system setups, the display includes a 3-Device KVM with KVM 2.0 cross-device data transfers, and dual USB-C ports provide up to 98W and 15W Power Delivery. Included is a three-way ergonomic stand. The monitor is now available in the US for $749.90.

KitGuru says: Are you looking for a monitor that integrates into the Mac ecosystem? You might want to check out the new MSI Pro Max 341QPXW14G QD-OLED.

Despite ongoing uncertainty in the wider PC market, global GPU shipments rose 10.4% quarter‑over‑quarter and 1.1% year‑over‑year in Q2, reaching 75.5 million units according to new data from Jon Peddie Research.

JPR’s report shows the notebook graphics segment driving most of the growth, with shipments up 16.8% compared to the previous quarter. Desktop graphics declined by 4% over the same period, continuing the long‑term trend of notebooks dominating overall GPU volume.

Image credit: JPR

In vendor market share, Intel remained in first place at 56% thanks to integrated GPUs across its processor lineup, though its share fell 1% quarter‑over‑quarter and 5% year‑over‑year. AMD gained 0.6% over the quarter, while Nvidia increased by 0.46%.

CPU shipments also saw quarterly growth, rising 10.10% overall. AMD’s client CPU shipments increased 12.74% compared to last quarter, while Intel’s rose 8.99%. Notebooks accounted for 78% of all client CPU shipments, leaving desktop processors at 22%.

JPR notes that Q2 is typically a flat or down quarter for GPU shipments, making this year’s 10.4% rise notable. The firm also reports that discrete GPU shipments increased 12.2% despite elevated component pricing driven by memory‑market volatility.

KitGuru Says: GPU shipments rising in Q2 is unusual given the current market conditions. Were you expecting an uptick?

Corsair has announced the worldwide launch of the TC80 gaming chair, a new addition to its lineup aimed at gamers, creators and everyday users. The chair focuses on long‑term comfort and durability, backed by more than 30 individual safety and reliability tests.

Corsair’s testing regime for the TC80 includes drop‑load, backrest load, seating durability, tilt‑mechanism and armrest‑cycle tests, alongside stability checks and swivel endurance testing. The chair meets both BIFMA X5.1 and EN 1335 standards, reflecting its focus on structural strength and ergonomic support.

The TC80 features a wide flat seat with plush padding, breathable fabric upholstery with leatherette accents, and a detachable neck pillow. Self‑levelling armrests adjust automatically as users recline, while a steel 5‑star base, 50mm casters and a steel Class 4 gas lift provide a stable foundation. Height adjustment spans 100mm, and the chair offers a smooth recline from 90° to 115° with continuous angle locking rather than preset positions. Recline tension can also be tuned to personal preference, and Corsair says assembly is designed to be quick and straightforward.

The TC80 launches in a single black fabric‑and‑leatherette finish and joins Corsair’s existing lineup alongside the TC100 RELAXED and TC500 LUXE. Pricing starts at £169.99/€179.90/$199.99, with regional variations listed on Corsair’s website. The chair is backed by a two‑year warranty.

KitGuru Says: The TC80 lands as Corsair’s most affordable gaming chair, offering a simpler feature set but a solid build and competitive pricing.

According to the August Steam Hardware Survey, AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 XT has now become the company’s most widely‑used discrete GPU on Steam. The card holds a 1.46% share among surveyed systems, placing it 24th overall — just ahead of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3080 and directly behind the GeForce GTX 1660 Super.

Valve’s latest figures (via VideoCardz) show steady month‑to‑month growth for the RX 9070 XT, rising from 1.33% in May to 1.35% in June, 1.40% in July and 1.46% in August. AMD’s next RDNA 4 entry on the list is the Radeon RX 9060 XT at 0.80%.

Nvidia continues to dominate the upper portion of the chart with its current GeForce RTX 50‑series lineup. The GeForce RTX 5070 sits in third place overall at 3.77%, followed by the RTX 5060 at 3.16% and the RTX 5060 Ti at 2.55%. Even the higher‑end RTX 5080 maintains a 1.71% share.

Intel’s results remain unchanged, with integrated GPUs making up the bulk of its presence. Intel Iris Xe graphics is the most common at 1.74%, while dedicated Arc GPUs still do not appear in the survey.

KitGuru Says: The Radeon RX 9070 XT continues to climb, but Nvidia’s RTX 50‑series cards still hold a clear lead across the Steam user base.