It's prohibitively expensive for anyone to indulge in the hobby of PC building, with even older parts like HDDs and DDR4 soaring in price.  The price of a new 2TB SSD isn't…

Since our last ADATA XPG featured build, there's been a lot of new hardware launched with an uptick in case vendors turning to the Micro ATX form factor again. Adata has a new Micro ATX chassis, the Valor Air and Mesh. For this featured build, we've picked up the Valor Mesh accompanied by some other Adata XPG hardware, including 32GB XPG ARMAX DDR5, an Adata Legend 860 M.2 SSD, Levante II 240mm AIO and the Core Reactor II power supply.

Case: Adata XPG VALOR Mesh Nano – MSRP $66.31

• Compact Mesh-Front Airflow Design – The XPG VALOR Mesh Nano prioritises cooling with fully ventilated panels, allowing unrestricted airflow to high-performance components while maintaining a clean and understated aesthetic.
• Small Form Factor, Big Hardware Support – Despite its compact footprint, the VALOR Mesh Nano supports high-end hardware, offering compatibility with large graphics cards, multiple cooling configurations and modern small form factor builds without feeling restrictive.
• Builder-Friendly Interior Layout – Thoughtful cable management options and an uncluttered internal design make the VALOR Mesh Nano straightforward to build, helping first-timers and enthusiasts alike achieve a tidy, professional-looking system.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 357 x 220 x 436mm
• Available Colours: Black or White
• Chassis Material: SPCC steel construction
• Form Factor: Mid-tower design
• Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX
• Expansion Slots: 5
• Storage Support: 2x 2.5-inch drives and 1x 3.5-inch drive
• Front I/O: 1x USB 3.2 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Type-A, hybrid audio jack, power button and reset button
• Included Cooling: 1x 120mm ARGB fan pre-installed
• Fan Support: Up to 3x 120mm or 2x 140mm top fans, 1x 120mm rear fan and 2x 120mm bottom fans
• Radiator Support: Up to 360mm or 240mm at the top, plus a 120mm rear radiator
• Component Clearance: Supports GPUs up to 370mm, CPU air coolers up to 170mm tall and power supplies up to 170mm long
• Weight:15kg

RAM: 32GB XPG ARMAX DDR5-6000 – Available from OcUK Priced at £449.99 HERE.

• DDR5-6000 Sweet Spot Performance – Operating at DDR5-6000 MT/s, the ARMAX kit hits the current performance sweet spot for modern AMD gaming systems, delivering a boost over standard DDR5 specs.
• Low-Profile, Cooler-Friendly Design – At just 39.5mm tall, the XRMAX heatspreader is designed to avoid conflicts with large tower coolers, making it particularly well-suited to compact and small form factor builds.
• Simple One-Click Overclocking Support – Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO compatibility allow users to enable the overclocked memory profile directly within the BIOS, taking the hassle out of memory tuning.

Specifications

• Memory Type: DDR5
• Form Factor: U-DIMM
• Colour: Black
• Capacities Available: 16GB / 32GB
• Tested Speeds: 5600 / 6000 MT/s
• Tested CAS Latencies: CL36
• Tested Operating Voltage: 1.1V – 1.4V
• SPD Speed: 4800 MT/s
• SPD CAS Latency: 36-38-38
• SPD Voltage: 1.1V
• Operating Temperature: 0°C – 85°C
• Dimensions (L x W x H):35 x 39.49 x 8.5mm
• Weight:16g / 46.74g (depending on kit)
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Storage: 1TB ADATA Legend 860 PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 SSD – Available From OcUK Priced at £124.99 HERE.

• PCIe Gen4 x4 Performance with up to 6,000MB/s Speeds – The LEGEND 860 features a PCIe 4.0 interface for sequential read speeds of up to 6,000MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,000MB/s, a noticeable uplift over older Gen3 and SAT SSDs for all workloads.
• High-Capacity, Platform-Ready Storage Solution – Available in capacities up to 2TB, designed for gaming and creative systems, with high compatibility across the latest Intel and AMD platforms plus support for PS5 storage expansion.
• Built for Reliability with Advanced Data Technologies – Equipped with SLC caching, Host Memory Buffer (HMB), and LDPC error correction to improve data integrity, responsiveness, and sustained performance under demanding workloads, backed by a 5-year warranty.

Specifications

• Capacity: 500GB / 1TB / 2TB
• Form Factor:2 2280
• NAND Flash: 3D NAND
• Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4
• Sequential Read Speed (Max): Up to 6,000MB/s (PC/Laptop)
• Sequential Write Speed (Max): Up to 5,000MB/s
• Dimensions: 80 x 22 x 3.13mm (with heatsink) or 80 x 22 x 2.15mm (without heatsink)
• Weight:5g (with heatsink) or 6.5g (without heatsink)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C – 70°C
• Storage Temperature: -40°C – 85°C
• Shock Resistance: 1,500G / 0.5ms
• MTBF: 2,000,000 hours
• Endurance (Max Capacity): 640TBW
• Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

AIO CPU Cooler: XPG Levante II 240 ARGB – MSRP $123.56

• Efficient 240mm AIO Cooling with Asetek Engineering – Built around a 240mm aluminium radiator paired with a copper cold plate and Asetek 7th Gen pump design, delivering strong thermal performance with efficient heat transfer and reliable CPU cooling.
• High-Airflow Dual 120mm ARGB Fans – Equipped with dual-ring 120mm PWM ARGB fans operating up to 2000 RPM, 61.5 CFM of airflow and strong static pressure for effective heat dissipation.
• Infinity Mirror ARGB Pump Design And Wide Platform Support – The pump features an infinity mirror aesthetic with addressable RGB lighting, while broad compatibility across modern Intel and AMD sockets ensures compatibility with a wide range of gaming systems.

Specifications

• Water Block Dimensions:5 x 72.5 x 50mm
• Water Block Material: Copper
• Control Mode: PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)
• Thermal Paste: Pre-applied
• Tube Length: 400mm sleeved rubber tubing
• Radiator Size: 240mm class (272 x 121 x 27mm)
• Radiator Material: Aluminium
• Fan Size: 120 x 120 x 25mm
• Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing
• Fan Speed: 600 – 2000 RPM
• Airflow: 61.5 CFM ±10%
• Static Pressure: 1.42 mm H₂O ±10%
• Noise Level: 18.17 dBA (average)
• CPU Socket Support: AMD: AM5 / AM4, Intel: LGA 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 115x
• Protection Features: Auto-restart function
• Weight: 1.79kg
• Warranty: 5 years

Power Supply: XPG Core Reactor II 850W 80+ Gold – MSRP $127.99

• ATX 3.1 & PCIe 5.0 Ready Platform – Built to ATX 3.1 standards with native support for modern GPU power delivery, including 12VHPWR / 12V-2×6 connectivity, ensuring stable operation with next-gen graphics cards and transient load spikes.
• 80 PLUS Gold Efficiency with High-End Electrical Design – Delivers 80 PLUS Gold efficiency alongside strong power regulation, high power factor (>0.99), and full DC-to-DC conversion architecture for consistent and efficient output across rails.
• Fully-Featured Protection Suite & Long-Term Reliability – Features comprehensive protections including OCP, OVP, OPP, UVP, SCP, OTP, NLO and SIP, plus a high-quality FDB cooling fan and 100,000-hour MTBF for long-term system stability.

Specifications

• ATX Standard: ATX 3.1
• Efficiency Rating: 80 PLUS Gold
• Cybenetics Rating: Platinum
• Dimensions: 140 x 150 x 86mm
• Input Voltage: 100–240V
• Frequency: 47–63Hz
• Power Factor (PFC): >0.99
• Input Current: 850W: 12A
• DC Output Rails: +12V / +5V / +3.3V / -12V / +5Vsb
• +12V Rail Output:8A
• Power Excursion: Up to 235% rated power (100μs peak handling)
• Cooling: 120mm FDB fan
• Connectors: 24-pin ATX: 1, EPS 8-pin: 2, PCIe 6+2-pin: 3, 12V-2×6, Molex: up to 4
• Protections: OCP / OVP / OPP / OTP / UVP / SCP / NLO / SIP
• Operating Temperature: up to 50°C
• MTBF: 100,000 hours (full load)
• Certifications: CE / CB / FCC / TUV / cTUVus / UKCA / EAC / CCC / RCM and more
• Warranty: 10 years
• Weight: 3.1kg (package total)

Build Specification

• CPU – AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• Motherboard – Sapphire Nitro+ B850M
• Graphics Card – ASRock Taichi Radeon RX 9070XT
• Memory – 32GB XPG ARMAX DDR5-6000
• Storage – 1TB ADATA Legend 860 PCIe Gen4 x4 NVME M.2 SSD
• CPU Cooler – XPG Levante 240 ARGB
• Power Supply – XPG Core Reactor II 850W 80+ Gold
• Chassis – XPG VALOR Mesh Nano
• Operating System – Windows 11

KitGuru says: XPG has a packed arsenal of gaming parts through the XPG line. Check them out for your next build!

Finally, some good news after a long time. The ongoing NAND shortage is reportedly going to end next year. Noticeable Growth in NAND Supply to Put an End to Shortages by the End of 2027 as NAND Suppliers are Expected to Upgrade Production Lines While the DRAM market is expected to go through its worst-ever phase throughout the next two years, at the least the storage market is reportedly going to witness some relief. If you have been following the developments around the DRAM and NAND market, you might be aware that analysts predict instability for the next few years. […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/korean-us-and-japanese-suppliers-race-to-upgrade-fabs-ending-the-nand-flash-shortage-in-2027/

ADATA's chairman has said that there's no need to discuss the AI bubble yet since DRAM shortages will last another 10 years. Tech Markets Have Underestimated The Global Demand For DRAM and Memory Shortages Will Last At Least 10 Years, As Per ADATA's Chairman Following TSMC's recent stock decline after its earnings call, ADATA's chairman quickly responded to questions about whether this could be a signal of the AI bubble popping up. Chairman Chen Li-bai refuted this, and said that it's way too early to discuss anything related to an AI bubble, as that talk should only be discussed by […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/adata-chairman-warns-dram-shortage-will-last-another-10-years-ai-bubble-talk-can-wait-until-2040/

Adata's gaming brand, XPG, has announced the global launch of the Nimbus and Nimbus Plus, two distinct chair models that offer a choice between an adjustable mesh and a more traditional foam seat option.

The Nimbus Plus serves as the flagship model, using high-elasticity, breathable mesh across the entire frame. This chair features a dual-axis headrest, adaptive dynamic lumbar support, and 4D adjustable armrests. Users can slide the seat cushion forward or backward to adjust depth, and the backrest reclines up to 130° with four locking positions.

For those seeking a more streamlined design, the standard Nimbus adopts a unibody backrest that integrates the headrest and lumbar support. XPG builds this variant with an 8cm-thick high-density foam seat cushion supported by curved internal plywood. It offers a height-adjustable backrest, 2D armrests, and three locking positions for its 130° recline.

Both chairs are certified to BIFMA and TÜV international standards. They feature a Class-4 gas lift, a 350mm metal five-star base, and 75mm polyurethane silent casters. XPG confirms both models support a maximum weight of 120kg.

KitGuru says: If the headrest is a necessity for you, the Nimbus Plus is the obvious choice. However, those who prefer foam seating will likely opt for the standard Nimbus.

At Computex earlier this month, we visited Adata XPG to get a look at their new consumer-oriented products, including new CPU coolers, PC cases, gaming monitors and more. 

Watch via YouTube below:

Timestamps:
00:00 XPG chassis
01:44 PSU units
03:45 New XPG coolers
04:45 System-wide fan control
05:47 Aperture monitors
06:23 Peripherals

Adata's gaming focused brand XPG had a lot to show for the consumer market over the next few months.

At the top of our list is the new XPG Invader X 2 and Valor Air 2 PC cases. The Invader is a compact case with a wrap-around glass window so you can see your build from multiple angles. While most cases like this don't offer a hinge, the Invader X 2 actually does, so you can easily swing the window off to make adjustments inside the case. The Valor Air 2 has a similar layout, trading in some of the glass for extra mesh intakes and fan slots at the front.

There are multiple XPG power supply ranges hitting the market. The Core Reactor 3 series offers 80Plus Gold efficiency and modular cables. This is the same power supply you'll also find inside of Razer's external GPU products.

On the peripheral front we have the XPG Seeker and XPG Slingshot. The Seeker is a wireless keyboard, offering membrane low-profile keys, but with 34 hours of wireless battery life with a minimal six-minute charging time. The Slingshot is XPG's lightweight wireless gaming mouse, coming in at 55g, with up to 4000DPI on the sensor, 42 hours of battery life on a single charge.

For cooling, the XPG Maestro Infinity 62DA could be a good option for anyone who wants to go with an air cooler over an AIO. It offers a dual tower heatsink to target high-TDP processors, with ARGB lighting on the fans and around the infinity mirror on the top cover. If you'd rather have an integrated display covering the heatsink, then the Maestro View 62DA is for you.

Finally, XPG is also releasing gaming monitors now. At the Computex stand we saw the Aperture A27F4, which uses a Fast IPS HD panel with up to 240Hz refresh rate. The Aperture A27Q1 is a step above, offering a QHD Fast IPS panel instead.

KitGuru Says: What did you think of the Adata XPG showing at Computex this year?

It’s rare that we open a report with such high praise for a product right from the first sentence. It’s even rarer when that product happens to be an external SSD. In fact, I’ve only done it once before back in 2018 for the Tekq Rapide. That same TB3 external SSD is still sitting right …

The post ADATA URBAN TAPSAFE 1TB External SSD Review – NFC Data Security at 2GB/s Transfer speeds appeared first on The SSD Review.

It has been a while since this release, but we received an SSD in the mail today that deserves a quick look: the XPG Mars 980 Blade by ADATA. This 1TB SSD stands out because we can’t remember the last time we had a drive of this capacity in hand, let alone reviewed one. Times …

The post XPG Mars 980 Blade Gen 5 1TB SSD Review appeared first on The SSD Review.

XPG has announced the launch of its Novakey RGB DDR5 memory series, featuring a patented “Infinity Mirror” heat sink design. The new flagship modules offer speeds up to 6400MT/s and capacities up to 32GB per module.

Aimed at mainstream gamers and creative professionals, the Novakey RGB DDR5 modules use optical reflection principles on the heat sink to create a 3D visual depth effect. The exterior construction features matte-black metal accents and a brushed-aluminium finish. The RGB is configurable and compatible with most major motherboard lighting systems, including those of Asus, ASRock, Gigabyte, and MSI.

XPG states the series is optimised for the 6400MT/s “sweet spot” but will also be available in 5600MT/s and 6000MT/s. Available in 16GB and 32GB capacities, the memory series can be purchased in both single- and dual-kit configurations. Technical specifications include latencies as low as CL30. The modules are built on a 10-layer PCB and include an integrated Power Management IC (PMIC) alongside on-die ECC for data integrity. XPG confirms support for both Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD Expo to facilitate one-click performance optimisation.

The Novakey series incorporates sustainable materials, with the heat sinks manufactured using 50% recycled aluminium and 85% post-consumer recycled plastic. XPG backs the series with a limited lifetime warranty.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you like the infinity mirror aesthetics, or do you prefer something more subtle?

Memory makers are enjoying a huge boost to revenue as AI demand has earned them more in a single quarter than the entire previous year. Memory makers such as ADATA saw a 17x Annual Growth In Profits, Others Also Seeing Similar Boost From AI Boom The AI crunch continues to devastate the consumer markets as component prices go up; at the same time, memory makers are seeing an astronomical rise in their profit margins. So there are two things to factor here, first is that memory demand is at an all-time high due to AI firms requiring more DRAM for […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/memory-manufacturers-earned-more-in-q1-than-all-of-last-year-prices-to-spiral-up/