INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    As PC hardware continues to scale in complexity, the role of the power supply has expanded from a passive provider to an active guardian of system health. Clean rails, fast transient handling, and efficient conversion are now essential traits rather than luxuries. Builders looking for a PSU that can keep pace with today’s power‑hungry components will likely turn their attention to the Revolution III S 1000W by ENERMAX, a model crafted to meet these modern expectations.

   ENERMAX was founded in Taiwan in 1990 and is a world-renowned PC Power Supply manufacturer and maker of award-winning PC components such as chassis, coolers, fans, and peripherals, with recognition from consumers around the world. Our farsighted R&D capability is our key strength, and we stick to our spirit of “Technical Innovation” and “Quality First” to create products that unleash the full potential of the system for every PC enthusiast. For more information, please visit us at www.ENERMAX.com

    The Revolution III S line of power supply units currently includes only a 1000W output variant available in both black and white colors. This is an ATX 3.1 & PCIe 5.1 compliant and 80 PLUS Platinum certified (up to 92% efficiency) model that features a single 12V-2x6 power connector, four 6+2 pin PCIe power connectors, single +12V rail (83.3A) capable of delivering 99.9% of the units’ power output (999.6W) and has a total power output of no less than 1119W (peak should be up to 2240W for up to 100ms - once again however this is not something I can test). Other features and specifications include Full-Bridge & LLC Resonant Converter paired with synchronous rectification and DC‑to‑DC regulation (thus allowing the unit to sustain stable voltage output even under rapid load shifts), active PFC, smart semi-fanless mode for the 120mm fan (starts spinning after a specific load), and a full array of electrical protections including over-current (OCP), over-voltage (OVP), under-voltage (UVP), short-circuit (SCP), over-temperature (OTP), and over-power (OPP). Just like with their other premium Lines ENERMAX covers the Revolution III S 1000W with a very generous 13-year limited warranty.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Revolution III S is packed inside a brown and black box that has a drawing of the product at the front along with its output and main features.

 

 

The color selection is located on the left side of the box.

 

 

At the rear of the box ENERMAX has placed the features table, electrical table and the cables and connectors table.

 

 

Typically, the unit is placed between two pieces of foam.

 

 

Along with the Revolution III S 1000W and its power cord inside the box you'll find the modular cables, 4 cable ties, 4 mounting screws and the user manual.

 

 

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THE REVOLUTION III S 1000W EXTERIOR

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of the cables are individually braided, including the 12V-2X6 600W connector.

 

 

Just like many other compact PSUs currently the Revolution III S 1000W measures only 150mm in width, 140mm in length and 86mm in height.

 

 

The 120mm FDB fan sits beneath a grille with the company logo at its center.

 

 

Printed on both sides is the company logo, model name and output.

 

 

The electrical table is located on a sticker placed on the belly of the enclosure.

 

 

All 10 modular ports at the front of the unit are tagged.

 

 

Moving at the rear we just find the power port and the on/off switch.

 

 

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THE REVOLUTION III S 1000W INTERIOR

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 120mm fluid dynamic bearing fan is made by GLOBE FAN.

 

 

The OEM behind the Revolution III S 1000W is Shenzhen RSY (we keep seeing a lot platforms by them lately).

 

 

Primary capacitor is manufactured by the Japanese Rubycon and is rated for use up to 105 degrees Celsius.

 

 

Secondary capacitors are also manufactured by Rubycon and are also rated for use 105 degrees Celsius.

 

 

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TEST BED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TESTING METHODOLOGY

     Using a dedicated measurement instrument such as a Chroma or a SunMoon to test power supply units is without doubt the most ideal and accurate way (not to mention the fastest) to do that currently. However, it's certainly not the only way there is and so pretty much anyone can test a power supply unit just by using a test rig. Certainly, limitations do apply and so you can't really push a 1000W power supply to its limits if your system only uses 500W at peak loads and that's why over the years we saved certain hardware components for the purpose of building a dedicated PSU test rig. True it may not be as accurate as the above-mentioned solutions, but it comes really close and is in fact much closer to real world usage. So as always, we ran several games with maximum graphic options enabled at a resolution of 2560x1600 in order to stress every hardware component and increase the overall power demands of the system. The Passmark BurnIn Test was also used to overstress the components in an effort to provide the most accurate results possible. As a final test we also used the latest OCCT software and its dedicated PSU testing suite since it can really bring a power supply to its knees after inside a few minutes.

   Rail stability was checked/measured with the CPUID Hardware monitor and a Metex multimeter which also recorded the system load in idle and in load. As always try to remember that the power consumption numbers listed in the graph are the highest (Peak) ones recorded during the entire duration of the tests and not the average ones. Noise levels coming from the fan were recorded using the high precision HD600 ExTech Sound dBA Meter from the rear of the unit and at a range of no more than 5-10cm. Readings under load are recorded the exact moment we manually switch the fans of all graphics cards from full speed to almost zero, that way the fan of the power supply does not have enough time to slow its RPM and so by doing this we get very accurate noise level readings. Needless to say, in order to get 100% accurate readings, you need to have a noise isolated room for that exact purpose, something which is quite impossible unless you are working inside a real lab (some people use very small noise insulated boxes but due to their size both heat and noise exceed normal levels and so the results can't really be considered to be 100% accurate, nor realistic for that matter). Also do take into account that since all noise measurements take place from just 5-10cm away the final noise levels to reach your ears will be considerably less.

* After well over 10 years of testing PSUs the Intel Core i7-920 CPU of this rig failed and so we replaced it with a Xeon X5660 (we also swapped the GA-X58A-UD7 for the G1. Assassin).

 

 

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TEST RESULTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The Enermax Revolution III S 1000W brings a few meaningful strengths to the table, starting with its 80 PLUS Platinum certification. The high efficiency rating helps reduce wasted energy and keeps thermal output under control, which is especially useful in systems that spend long hours under mixed workloads. Its rail stability is also generally very good, providing clean power during gaming, rendering, and everyday use. Add the full ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 support, and the unit is well‑equipped for modern GPUs that demand fast transient response and native high‑power connectors. There are, however, a few areas where the platform shows its limits. Noise levels rise faster than expected once the fan curve reaches the upper end, making the PSU noticeably louder during full‑load stress testing or synthetic benchmarks. And while Shenzhen RSY isn’t considered a top‑tier OEM, it’s worth noting that they’ve been producing a growing number of platforms lately, showing clear signs of refinement and broader industry presence. Their designs still sit a step below the most established manufacturers, but the trajectory is upward rather than stagnant, which softens the concern for users who simply want a capable, modern unit rather than absolute flagship pedigree. Taken together, the Revolution III S 1000W by ENERMAX offers solid efficiency, modern standards, and generally stable performance, but its acoustic profile and mid‑tier platform heritage keep it from competing with the very best options in the high‑end PSU space.

    Retailing for around USD179 inside the USA and for 148.53Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) the ENERMAX Revolution III S 1000W is priced just right. Overall the Revolution III S 1000W may not be the best model in the current lineup by ENERMAX but it delivers where it counts and for that it gets the Golden Award.

PROS

- Overall Quality (Japanese Capacitors)
- Very Good Rail Stability
- 80 PLUS Platinum Certified (Up To 92% Electrical Efficiency)
- Electrical Protections (OCP, OVP, UVP, SCP, OTP, OPP)
- 12V-2x6 Connector (600W)
- Smart Semi Fanless Mode
- Available In Black & White
- 13 Year Limited Warranty

CONS

- Noise Levels
- Current Availability (USA)
- Shenzhen RSY OEM (For Some)

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    In today’s RGB heavy setups, desktop speakers have become part of the overall visual identity rather than just an audio add‑on. The category has matured into compact near‑field systems that aim for cleaner mids, tighter bass, and a footprint that blends naturally into a desk layout. From there, RGB gaming speakers push the idea further, pairing synchronized lighting with a more energetic tuning, stronger low‑end, livelier upper mids, and the kind of plug‑and‑play USB or Bluetooth connectivity that suits hybrid work‑and‑play environments. It’s in this intersection of everyday clarity and gaming‑centric flair that the G2000 PRO by EDIFIER's HECATE Gaming brand positions itself, offering a compact 2.0 design that aims to look at home in a lit‑up setup while still sounding like a proper desktop speaker.

    HECATE, EDIFIER's professional gaming brand, was launched as "EDIFIER Gaming Product Line" in 2013 and operated as an independent brand in 2018. HECATE injects 25 years of EDIFIER's acoustic technology into gaming equipment, opening the door to the gaming world for gamers. Since its inception, HECATE has always maintained an almost obsessive pursuit of "performance redundancy", and has repeatedly subverted the industry's imagination with a very futuristic design style. We believe that every boundary between gaming and life has a reason to be reshaped!

    The HECATE Gaming G2000 PRO uses a 270° panoramic transparent acoustic enclosure that blends lighting and acoustics into a single visual element. At its core is a 3‑inch (≈76 mm) full‑range internal‑magnet driver paired with a digital amplifier, delivering 16W + 16W RMS and up to 32W peak output, with a rated 75Hz–20kHz frequency response for deeper bass and a wider soundstage than smaller 2.0 sets. The system supports virtual 7.1 surround sound through an onboard DSP chip and the HECATE Gaming Center software, enabling more precise sound localization and a cinematic sense of scale in games and movies. Lighting is handled by TempoFlow dynamic RGB technology, featuring 7 built‑in lighting modes and up to 20 LED strips with 100 full‑color beads per speaker, all customizable through software for synchronized, sound‑reactive effects. Connectivity is broad for a compact set, offering Bluetooth v5.4, USB‑C, USB‑A, and 3.5mm AUX, making it compatible with phones, tablets, PCs, TVs, Switch, PS4, and PS5.  Additional acoustic design touches include an inverted bass tube for more powerful low‑end, a 10° golden tilt angle to reduce reflections and aim sound directly at the listener, and dual neodymium iron‑boron magnets for improved clarity across the frequency range.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

A large product picture, company logo, main features and compatible devices are all printed at the front.

 

 

The available colors and the specifications and bundle contents in 5 languages are on the left side.

 

 

On the right side we find a product drawing used to showcase the various controls again in 5 languages.

 

 

Another product picture is located at the rear of the box and just over the main features.

 

 

Packaging is typical with the speakers wrapped inside plastic bags and placed between two pieces of cardboard.

 

 

Along with the G2000 PRO speakers and their power adapter and cord inside the box you'll also find a 3.5mm cable, USB-C to USB-A cable, USB-A to USB-C adapter, sticker, safety instructions, Bluetooth information paper and the quick start guide.

 

 

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THE G2000 PRO

 

 

 

 

 

The G2000 PRO measure 116mm in width, 160mm in height and 139mm in depth.

 

 

Both speakers feature 3‑inch (≈76 mm) full‑range drivers which deliver a frequency response of 75Hz-20kHz and up to 32W peak power each.

 

 

All available media buttons are located on top of the right speaker (left to right we have the on/off/input mode button, volume down/up buttons and the sound effects button (music, gaming, movie).

 

 

The transparent enclosures look great even when the speakers are turned off.

 

 

Turning the right speaker around we find a perforated area on top, bass reflex port on the lower end and the aux 3.5mm output/headphones port, USB-C port, DC in and the 3.5mm aux port.

 

 

Each speaker sits on two rubber feet.

 

 

The RGB LEDs not only look great but also stand out a lot more compared to other similar 2.0 speaker sets (short clip is available both on YouTube and TikTok).

 

 

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GAMING CENTER

 

 

 

 

 

The G2000 PRO are equipped with a USB 7.1 virtual surround soundcard that uses the Xear audio processing driver.

It's a old looking yet very simple to use software (since we've been seeing similar designs for like over a decade now) that lets you adjust the master volume, sound mode (speakers and headphones) and the RGB lighting.

 

 

You can of course also change the language of the software and check information such as the driver and firmware versions.

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    What defines the G2000 PRO by EDIFIER's HECATE gaming brand is how effortlessly it fits into a desk setup, small enough to disappear, yet lively enough with its RGB accents and USB‑powered clarity to feel like a genuine upgrade over basic 2.0 speakers. The generous input options make it adaptable, and the 7.1 USB virtual surround sound card gives it a cleaner, more confident presentation than its size suggests.  Its shortcomings, like the dated software and the inevitable vocal limitations compared to larger 2/3‑way models, are noticeable but not deal‑breaking. It’s a speaker that delivers charm and convenience in equal measure.

    With a current price tag set at USD169.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 166.72Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) the G2000 PRO 2.0 gaming speakers by EDIFIER’s HECATE brand are priced just a tad higher than expected. At the end of the day however it all comes down to what you’re after and if that’s a pair of compact speakers that look great and perform better than expected (always for their size) then the EDIFIER HECATE G2000 PRO are certainly worth checking out.

 

PROS

- Build Quality
- Compact Size
- Overall Audio Reproduction
- RGB Lighting (7 modes)
- 3 Audio Modes (Music, Gaming & Movie)
- Connectivity (3.5mm Aux, 3.5mm Headphones Out, USB)
- Available Colors (Black, White & Pink)

CONS

- 1 Way Speakers
- Software Looks Outdated
- Price (For Some)

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Over the past decade, 3D printing has evolved from a niche prototyping tool into a cornerstone of modern manufacturing. What began as slow, single‑material experimentation has matured into a field defined by precision, speed, and versatility. Today’s 3D printers can handle multiple filaments, complex geometries, and even color transitions with remarkable accuracy, a testament to how far additive technology has come. Standing at the forefront of this evolution is the brand new QIDI Max 4 Combo, a system built to merge industrial capability with desktop accessibility.

    Our story formed in 2014, QIDI Tech began with a small team of engineers with a big vision: we wanted to make 3D printing accessible to everyone. Crazy? A little bit. With our journey have consistently focused on more than just producing machinery; it's about enabling creators of all kinds to bring their ideas to life. Every day, we're doing more than just constructing printers. We are establishing an environment where seasoned designers and adventurous individuals can join forces, work together, realize ideas, and develop. QIDI Tech 3D printers are created to be intuitive and efficient, after all, delivering a hassle free printing process for all users from the beginning should be the top priority. Our extensive manufacturing plant and advanced research and development center embody our commitment to creativity, excellence, and teamwork.

    The Max 4 Combo by QIDI is built around a rigid CoreXY architecture designed for high‑speed stability, pairing FOC closed‑loop stepper motors with high‑hardness linear guides and 12mm steel shafts to maintain precision even at accelerations up to 30000mm/s² and print speeds reaching 800mm/s. Its 370°C high‑temperature hotend and 65°C actively heated chamber open the door to engineering materials like PA, PC, ASA, and carbon‑fiber composites, while the hands‑free load‑cell leveling system ensures consistent first‑layer accuracy across the large 390x390x340mm build volume. Cooling is handled through a multi‑stage system with PWM‑controlled fans and RPM feedback, and the Polar Cooler extruder cooler adds a dedicated high‑flow channel for long, heat‑intensive prints. With AI camera monitoring, input shaping, power‑loss recovery, and compatibility with the QIDI BOX for automated multi‑color printing, the Max 4 Combo positions itself as a high‑temp, high‑speed platform ready for demanding workflows.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

The Max 4 Combo arrived inside a very large box that just has the QIDI logo and the package measurements and size 57Kg.

 

 

Aside the handles we also see several warnings on both sides.

 

 

QIDI has used numerous pieces of foam, air bubble and compressed paper to secure the printer.

 

 

Almost the entire bundle is placed inside the printer.

 

 

 

Aside the Max 4 3D printer and the combo multi-color device inside the box you'll also find a 2-piece filament spool holder, 7mm spanner, power cable, RJ45 ethernet cable, USB 2.0 flash drive, scraper, two screwdrivers (flat head and Torq), replacement nozzle cutter, 5 Alen keys, 20g PLA rapido package, replacement fuse, pneumatic head, and the quick start guide in numerous languages.

 

 

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THE QIDI MAX 4 COMBO

 

 

 

 

 

The 49.5kg heavy MAX 4 is a large 3D printer measuring 612mm in height, 558mm in depth and 578mm in width.

 

 

The 5-inch 800x480p touch screen located on the top left of the printer also features a tilt mechanism allowing the end user to slightly change its angle.

 

 

Unlike with previous models the door handle now comes pre-attached.

 

 

A USB-A port is located on top of the printer.

 

 

Turning the Max 4 3D printer around we see an intake fan, filament spool holder mount, RJ45 port, signal cable ports, and the filament exit.

 

 

Taking a look inside we see the Dual-Sided textured PEI plate (390x390x340mm print size), LED activity bar, AI 1080p camera, filament residue cleaner, air-purifier compartment and the heater.

 

 

The direct drive extruder features a built-in run out sensor and a cold air tube intake (to cool the extruder and filament) and as you can all see is very easy to take apart.

 

 

QIDI bundles their box with its power cable, multi-color spool hub, five PTFE tubes, two signal cables, two PTFE tube buckles and the quick start guide.

 

 

The QIDI box measures 357mm in width, 300mm in depth and 234mm in height.

 

 

Inside the QIDI box has 4 compartments and a 65°C drying heater.

 

 

The Polar Cooler arrived in its own box secured by several pieces of foam.

 

 

Contained inside the box is the Polar Cooler, power adapter with power cord, air intake pipe, and the user manual.

 

 

In terms of size the Polar Cooler weighs 2.5kg and measures 234mm in length, 92mm in width and 214mm in height.

 

 

The Polar Cooler has a cooling fan on the left side, two tubes going out from the front and a signal cable that expands/retracts on top.

 

 

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ASSEMBLY

 

 

 

 

 

Even though the Max 4 Combo is a 3D printer bundle people will get for the multi-color box showing how the spool holder looks when mounted is a must.

 

 

To use the QIDI box you will need to attach the multi-color spool hub in the holder mount as seen above.

 

 

Then you will have to connect the spool hub to the QIDI box via 4 PTFE tubes as seen above.

 

 

This is how the Max 4 Combo looks with the PTFE and power cables attached (signal cables still not attached).

 

 

With the QIDI box and Polar Cooler attached to the Max 4 everything is ready to go.

 

 

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DISPLAY MENUS

 

 

 

 

 

Once you turn on the QIDI Max 4 Combo you will need to choose the language, region and follow instructions on how to remove the QIDI box and unlock the bed and print head.

 

 

Next stop is to allow the unit to perform a self-check and calibration.

 

 

Once the self-check and calibration procedure is complete, you'll get the above screen.

 

 

Turning on the QIDI box adds that graphic in the initial screen which typically shows the status of the printer.

 

 

From the 2nd tab you can move the extruder and the printing bed, adjust temperatures for the extruder, chamber and bed and adjust the cooling system.

 

 

Inside the filament tab you can select the brand and type of filament and temperatures and choose between the spooler and the QIDI box.

 

 

The settings tab includes the Wi-Fi, calibration, storage and general settings.

 

 

Finally, once you start printing you can choose what filament you want used.

 

 

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TESTING METHODOLOGY

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Once again to test this printer by QIDI I used their latest print software (QIDI Studio v2.5.2.5.0) by manually entering the same settings I’ve used to date with all FDM printers (quality of 0.16mm, 20% infill density and cubic infill pattern).

    Nothing else has changed of course so again I’ll be using 2 different sized models (downloaded from Cults3D / member Eastman) to record completion time at 100% speed. Second thing to test are noise levels and so once again I’ll be using my ExTech HD600 decibel meter placed roughly 30cm away to record the maximum noise coming from the 3D printer while printing. As for the 3rd test with the help of an UPS and two power meters I decided to also record not only the lowest and highest but also the average instant power consumption of the 3D printer in my hands.

 

 

   I was a bit surprised to see that the Max 4 Combo produced the smoothest 3D prints I’ve encountered, at least to date and with the same settings across all printers (even prior to using the Polar Cooler).

 

 

Just like with the K2 Pro and other multi-color printers as you can see from the above picture, filament waste is still a thing also with the Max 4 Combo. I did get slightly less waste when printing the same two models as with other printers but hardly worth mentioning (still like 9 times more than the filament required to print them).

 

 

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TEST RESULTS

 

 

 

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The QIDI MAX 4 COMBO lands as a genuinely capable high‑speed, high‑volume machine that delivers on its core promises. Its strengths are easy to appreciate, fast and smooth motion, consistently clean print surface quality, a large 390x390x340mm build area, and the practical benefits of the Polar Cooler, which keeps extrusion stable during long or high‑temperature jobs. Add the multi‑color capability via the QIDI box (although filament waste when printing multi-color models is still a thing) and the actively heated enclosure, and the Max 4 Combo becomes a flexible platform that handles everything from PLA to engineering‑grade materials with confidence. Still, it isn’t without friction points. Software bugs in relation to the slicer and firmware may occasionally interrupt an otherwise polished workflow (also the reason as to why I couldn’t use a timelapse for this review), the bottom handles aren’t the most ergonomic for moving a machine of this size and weight, and the need for separate power connections for both the box unit and the Polar Cooler adds a bit of cable clutter. Taken together, the Max 4 Combo stands out as a fast, spacious, and well‑engineered printer whose minor quirks are outweighed by its performance and versatility.

    Right now, the Max 4 Combo by QIDI retails for USD1199 inside the USA (us.qidi3d.com – plus a 5% discount when you subscribe to their newsletter) and for 1199Euros inside the EU (eu.qidi3d.com – 5% discount also available) and so it’s priced more or less the same as its direct competition (keep in mind that the Polar Cooler is sold extra for USD179.10/179.10Euros). Cost aside whether it’s speed, print quality, print size, enclosure features and multi-color prints the QIDI Max 4 Combo delivers as advertised and for that it gets the Golden Award.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Very Fast (Up To 800ms Speed / 30000ms Acceleration)
- Box Addon (4 Filaments Per Box / Up To 16 Filaments)
- Print Quality (Smoothest Output To Date)
- Large Heated & Flexible Dual Sided PEI Print Plate (390x390x340mm)
- Temperature Controlled Chamber (65°C)
- Polar Cooler Addon (Extra)
- High Speed Dual Gear Direct Drive Extruder
- Automatic Leveling
- 1080P AI Camera
- 5” Inch HD Color Touch Screen Display
- Air Purifier
- RFID Sensor
- 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi, RJ45 Ethernet & USB Port

CONS

- Nozzle Cleaning Noise (For Some)
- Number Of Tubes & Wires (For Some)
- Software Glitches (Currently)
- Size & Weight (For Some)

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Smart TVs have become the default living‑room hub, not because they’re flashy (well, some are), but because they quietly centralize everything from streaming and casting to local playback and even light gaming. The real shift is that a TV is no longer just a panel, it’s an operating system with an opinion. Some platforms lean into aggressive recommendations, others into simplicity, others into codec support. That’s why the hardware underneath matters more than ever, and why the jump from basic LED sets to QLED panels has become the sweet spot for people who want better picture quality without paying OLED prices. QLED displays sit in that middle ground, quantum‑dot layers for richer color volume, higher peak brightness for daylight viewing, and generally better uniformity than budget LCDs. They’re not chasing the perfect black of OLED, they’re chasing consistency, punch, and longevity. For most households, that’s exactly the trade‑off that makes sense. And when you pair QLED hardware with a lightweight OS instead of a bloated one, you get a device that feels responsive instead of sluggish after a year. Dune HD recently released their very own TV line with the 43-inch Q43R1 model arriving in the lab a couple of months ago.

    Dune HD is recognized as a global leader in high-performance digital media players. We received more awards than any other company in the category for delivering the very best in networked digital media devices. Dune HD products support the widest number of digital media formats in use today.

    The Dune HD Whale TV Q43R1 is built around a 43‑inch 4K QLED VA panel that uses quantum dots to push richer color and stronger contrast (4000:1) than standard LCD sets, with typical and peak brightness levels set at 300 and 320 nits respectively. It supports HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, running on a 60 Hz panel with ALLM to keep gaming input responsive. Audio comes from two 10W speakers with Dolby Atmos decoding, and as for connectivity the Q43R1 is equipped with eARC, SPDIF, 3.5mm jack, dual‑band Wi‑Fi 2x2 (b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth v5.0, RJ45 Ethernet, 2xHDMI 2.0 ports, 2xUSB 2.0, and a full DVB‑T/T2/S/S2/C tuner with PVR and TimeShift. Inside, a quad‑core ARM A55, Mali‑G31 MP2 GPU, 2GB RAM, and 16GB storage keep the system responsive. The real separation point is the software stack, a 3‑layer system built around Android 13, Whale OS, and the full Dune HD media center, which effectively turns the TV into a dedicated playback appliance. This isn’t the usual “supports MP4 and MKV” checkbox, the Dune HD media center handles an unusually broad range of video containers (MKV, TS, PS, M2TS, VOB, AVI, MOV, MP4, ISO, VIDEO_TS, BDMV), audio formats from everyday MP3/AAC to enthusiast‑grade FLAC, ALAC, APE, WavPack, and even SACD ISO/DSD stereo, plus playlist formats like M3U and PLS. Subtitle support is equally deep, covering SRT, SUB, SSA/ASS, VobSub, PGS, and online subtitle fetching when needed. On the codec side, it decodes AV1, H.264, H.265, VP9 Profile 2, AVS2, VC‑1, MPEG‑4, MPEG‑2, and more with full passthrough for Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, DTS‑HD MA, DTS:X, depending on the output path (SPDIF, ARC, or eARC). The media center also brings the familiar Dune features, SMB/NFS network browsing, ISO playback with full menus, advanced subtitle controls, and the “My Collection” system that automatically organizes local libraries into a proper catalog. So, let's see just how good the 1st step in the TV arena by Dune HD really is.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Typically, the Q43R1 is shipped inside a long box that has a product picture on both sides along with the company logo, size, panel type, main features and media player specifications.

 

 

The product specifications and bundle contents are printed on the left side.

 

 

Along with the Q43R1 inside the box Dune HD has also placed 2 plastic feet, plastic bag with the screws required to mount the feet, remote control and the quick start guide.

 

 

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THE Q43R1

 

 

 

 

 

Without the legs mounted the 6.2Kg heavy Q43R1 measures 957mm in length, 558mm in height and 68mm in thickness.

 

 

Even though the entire enclosure is made by plastic the lower bezel resembles brushed aluminum.

 

 

There are 4 mounting locations at the base of the TV (only the far right and far left are for the legs) along with the power LED.

 

 

With the legs attached the TV measures 957mm in length, 616mm in height and 214mm in thickness.

 

 

Dune HD has equipped the Q43R1 with standard legs which are still better than what I've seen by some of the competition lately.

 

 

The top and side bezels are roughly 1.5mm in thickness.

 

 

Turning the TV around we see that it has VESA 200 mounts.

 

 

The power button is placed on the rear right of the TV.

 

 

We also find all available ports here, the RJ45 LAN, optical SPDIF, AV in RCA, satellite and Antenna ones on the lower end and 3 HDMI ports (1xeARC), 2 USB 2.0 ports, 3.5mm headphone port and what seems like an extra card slot on the left side.

 

 

The bundled remote looks nice and has almost every button you’d need from both a TV and a media player.

 

 

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MENUS

 

 

 

 

 

The main tab is more or less what we see with most smart TVs nowadays and so from here you can switch to WhaleTV, Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney and of course to the Dune HD media center.

 

 

If you press the settings button on the remote control, you'll get a left side quick choice panel (the 1st time I turned the TV on the OS really took its time to load and change pages/tabs).

 

 

Once you click on all settings, you'll see the entire tab which again doesn't have that many things to play around with.

 

 

The Dune HD Media Center is a cut down version compared to what we've seen with the Dune HD media players through the years. Still, it doesn't need to have much, this is a budget-friendly option at the end of the day.

 

 

 

For any of you wondering since the TCL 43C655 is the closest TV to the Q43R1 (both 43-inch models and both QLED models - the TCL however belongs to a higher tier) above I have a picture of both TVs reproducing a very high bitrate MKV media file. The Q43R1 clearly produces better contrast and sharpness (top) whereas the TCL produces a brighter and smoother picture (bottom).

 

 

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TESTING METHODOLOGY

 

 

 

 

 

    Each TV goes through a repeatable measurement cycle designed to capture both calibrated image performance and real‑world energy behavior. I begin with the SpyderPro by Datacolor, using it to establish a neutral baseline and then measure gamut coverage, peak and sustained brightness, and color accuracy across SDR and HDR modes under controlled lighting (TVs are connected to a laptop via HDMI v2.1). I also test screen uniformity across multiple brightness levels to identify luminance variance, color tinting, and edge‑to‑center deviations.

    Once the panel is dialed in, I shift to power analysis by connecting the TV is to the AVM FRITZ!Smart Energy 210, which logs average consumption, peak draw, and standby behavior during mixed‑content playback, stress tests, and long‑form viewing. To keep these readings clean, the entire setup runs through an APC BR1500G‑GR Back‑UPS Pro, ensuring stable voltage and eliminating grid fluctuations that could skew results. This workflow produces a consistent, comparable dataset across panels, letting me evaluate each TV’s actual performance rather than the quirks of the room or the power line.

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - GAMUT / BRIGHTNESS

 

 

 

 

 

  

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TEST RESULTS – SCREEN UNIFORMITY / RATING / POWER CONSUMPTION

 

 

 

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    For a somewhat compact, low‑cost QLED, the Q43R1 by Dune HD delivers more than expected. The QLED VA panel delivers genuinely good picture quality for the price something which is backed by my SpyderPro measurements (stable color uniformity, respectable luminance consistency, and gamut coverage that sits comfortably in the “better than expected” bracket for a low cost QLED – take my Samsung QN65S95D results in the brightness chart with a grain of salt, still working on getting the maximum number reported by others). Pair that with the Dune HD media center, which remains one of the most capable local‑playback ecosystems available on any TV, and you get a device that handles formats and bitrates most mainstream platforms won’t even attempt. The value proposition is strong but not flawless. The absence of USB 3.0 port means that extremely high‑bitrate files can occasionally stutter (mostly during initial load), not because the decoder struggles, but because the port simply can’t feed data fast enough. The built‑in speakers are serviceable but flat, the remote’s directional pad has a tendency to mis‑register center presses as arrow inputs, and availability especially in the USA is limited enough that finding one can feel like a small quest. Still, if you can source it, the Dune HD Q43R1 offers a combination of picture quality, codec support, and price that’s hard to match.

    Again, availability is the most important drawback of the Q43R1 by Dune HD since your best bet currently if you’re living in the USA is their official website (dune-hd.com – which has zero availability at this time) and if you’re living in the EU, their local online store (dune-shop.eu – with a price tag currently set at 299Euros). Honestly, I am somewhat conflicted when it comes to the Q43R1. On one hand Dune HD could had released something really unique (although I guess that at 43-inches it wouldn’t make much sense for that) but on the other hand it’s an affordable model that performs well and comes ready with their signature media center. Yes, it’s far from perfect but due to its overall performance I do suggest checking it out, it might just be what you’ve been looking for.

 

PROS

- Picture Quality
- Android, Whale OS & Dune HD Media Center
- Streaming Service Support
- Audio & Video Format Support
- Codec Support
- Low Power Consumption
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Current Availability
- No USB 3.0 Port
- Audio Quality (Speakers)

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    In the upper tier of personal audio, headphones and earphones stop being accessories and start becoming tools, the kind that reveal the texture of a bow on a string, the breath behind a vocal line, or the subtle decay of a cymbal. Hi-Res designs especially are clearly built for listeners who want intimacy without coloration, scale without exaggeration, and detail without fatigue. Materials also matter and when it comes to the best models out there, they are chosen for their acoustic honesty, not their marketing appeal. The best designs aim to disappear, leaving only the recording and the listener in a direct, unfiltered exchange. The new AC55 Reference by aune fits neatly into that philosophy, delivering a clean, restrained signature that prioritizes accuracy.

    In 2004, shared passion and a common pursuit brought together a group of seasoned audio enthusiasts with profound expertise in audio engineering. Over two decades, we've been dedicated to creating high-quality audio products including DACs, digital transports, players, amps, clocks, speakers, and headphones. The logo of aune was inspired by the concept of Yin-Yang - the Chinese philosophy of balance. The rounded design of the letters conveys a message of peace and gentleness. The openings on four sides indicate inclusiveness.

    Aune’s AC55 is built around a reference‑class acoustic architecture that pushes the clip‑on format far beyond its usual limits. At its core is a 40mm W‑shaped bio‑fiber composite diaphragm, offering roughly 70% more effective vibrating surface than typical clip‑on drivers, a design that increases rigidity and improves treble precision while preserving natural vocal and instrumental texture. This diaphragm is paired with an ultra‑elastic long‑excursion surround, engineered to allow unusually large driver movement for an open clip‑on, enabling deep, controlled bass that reaches into sub‑bass territory and competes with full‑size over‑ear headphones in extension and authority. This configuration gives the AC55 a frequency response of 15Hz-40kHz, 30Ohm impedance, 112dB sensitivity and a THD of under 0.3% at 1 kHz. The AC55’s fully open‑back clip‑on design contributes to a wide, transparent soundstage with natural spatial dispersion, particularly effective for orchestral and cinematic material where depth and layering matter. Comfort is handled through a semi‑memory aluminum ear hook, designed to flex and conform to the ear while distributing pressure evenly for long listening sessions without fatigue. Finally signal integrity is supported by a high‑quality oxygen‑free copper cable with Litz braiding and a modular plug system, allowing quick swaps between 3.5mm single‑ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs for compatibility across portable players, dongles, and desktop gear.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

The AC55 reference arrived inside a small white box that has a product picture at the front, the company logo and the Hi-Res Audio certification.

 

 

At the rear we find both the product specifications and contact information for aune in 2 languages.

 

 

As you can all see the AC55 are placed inside a piece of foam which should be more than sufficient for protection during shipping.

 

 

Inside the box aune has placed the AC55 with its high-purity oxygen-free Litz braided cable, 4.4mm balanced plug (already fitted onto the cable), 3.5mm single-ended plug, shirt clip, storage/carrying pouch and the user manual.

 

 

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THE AC55 REFERENCE

 

 

 

 

Each of the two earphones weighs just 35g and as for material we see rubber, plastic and aluminum.

 

 

These earphones measure 53mm in length, 60mm in height and 16mm in thickness so not exactly small.

 

 

The earpad is as soft as the ones we used to have with old over the ear headphones so it’s quite comfortable.

 

 

Aune has used a semi-memory alloy for the ear hooks which also thanks to the rubber cover works well.

 

 

Also worth noting are the left and right markings on both ends of the ear hooks.

 

 

Being able to change the cable of your earphones is always welcome and that’s exactly the route aune chose (as expected really).

 

 

The high‑quality oxygen‑free copper cable with Litz braiding looks and feels great.

 

 

Both the modular plug system and the 3.5mm single‑ended and 4.4mm balanced plugs are gold plated.

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

    After spending almost 2 weeks with the aune AC55 (which I paired with the FiiO R7, R9, Μ15 and M23 music players, as with past reviews) I have mostly good things to say about it. The 40mm open‑back driver gives it a scale and openness that feel almost out of place in a clip‑on format, with a wide, tall stage, smooth mids, and bass presence that punches far above what its frame suggests. Its warmish, musical tilt makes long sessions effortless, and the modular OFC cable reinforces the sense that this is a compact product built with serious intent. Build quality feels deliberate and durable, volume headroom gives it real authority even from modest sources and as for comfort the flexible ear hooks and soft earpads make long listening sessions feel effortless. Still the AC55 also carries the inherent trade‑offs of its design, isolation is essentially nonexistent, size and weight distribution can feel unusual at first and bass response depends heavily on getting the fit just right. These trade‑offs don’t undermine the experience, but they do define it, the AC55 by aune excels when you want openness, clarity, and comfort, and it’s less suited to environments where isolation or compactness matter.

    Priced at just USD199 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 239Euros inside the EU (aune-store.com) the AC55 Reference by aune are priced very well, always for what they deliver. Yes, their design belongs to a different approach which may not be for everyone but because of their surprisingly good audio accuracy, design, build quality, good comfort and high-volume levels they clearly deserve the Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Accurate Audio Reproduction
- Volume & Bass Levels
- Design (For Some)
- Comfortable
- Detachable Cable & Plugs
- High Quality Oxygen Free Copper Cable
- 3.5mm Single Ended & 4.4mm Balanced Plugs
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Lack Of Isolation
- Size & Weight (For Some)
- Good Fit Required For Optimal Bass

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The laptop landscape has matured into clear categories, ultra-portable ones optimized for mobility, creator machines tuned for color accuracy and rendering, and gaming ones engineered for raw throughput. The latter have become showcases for cutting‑edge silicon, advanced cooling solutions, and high‑refresh displays that rival desktop setups. As AI assisted workloads begin to influence hardware design, gaming laptops are evolving again, this time toward smarter performance management and more efficient resource allocation. Acer’s Predator Helios Neo 16S AI enters this environment with a configuration built around next‑gen components and AI‑driven tuning.

    Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world's top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings, which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs nearly 12,000 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

    Acer’s Predator Helios Neo 16S AI lineup spans Intel’s Core Ultra Series 2-3 processors, starting with Ultra 7 models and scaling up to the flagship Ultra 9 386H, paired with NVIDIA GPUs ranging from the GeForce RTX 4060 all the way to the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080. It’s a broad stack that covers everything from mid‑range gaming to near‑flagship performance. The configuration under review sits just below the top tier and is equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB, 32GB of DDR5‑6400, 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard, HDMI v2.1 output, 76Wh Lithium-Ion battery, MicroSD card reader, 5G RJ45 Ethernet port and Killer Wi-Fi 6E 1675i with Bluetooth v5.4. The configuration is rounded out by a 16‑inch 2560x1600p OLED display delivering HDR 500 class contrast, deep blacks, and pixel‑level lighting control, paired with a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.2ms class response times and NVIDIA G-SYNC thus giving fast‑paced games exceptional motion clarity. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides more vertical workspace, and the WQXGA resolution keeps text sharp and visuals crisp without pushing the GPU into unnecessary overhead. It’s a balanced, upper‑tier spec laptop model that showcases the platform’s strengths without stepping into the extreme configurations.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acer uses a box from recyclable materials which at its front has the Predator logo.

 

 

The product specifications, serial number and barcode are all printed on a sticker located on the left side.

 

 

At the rear we find several certifications, lithium battery warning label and the Predator logo.

 

 

The laptop is wrapped inside a synthetic cover and placed between two thick pieces of cardboard (probably also from recycled materials).

 

 

Contained inside the box are the Predator Helios Neo 16S AI laptop with its power adapter and cord, two warranty information papers, regulatory information paper, contact information paper, Planet9 card and the setup guide.

 

 

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THE HELIOS NEO 16S AI

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just like most modern gaming laptops the Helios Neo 16S AI is a compact model that weighs just 2.3Kg.

 

 

In terms of design, it may not be quite as exciting as the Lenovo Legion Pro 7 model but it looks nice.

 

 

Worth pointing out is that the exact same model is also available with a 16" IPS screen instead of this OLED one.

 

 

There's also a webcam (1920x1080@60fps) complete with an integrated IR camera and its own microphone on top of the screen.

 

 

The touchpad is large enough so no problems here (although I prefer using a mouse).

 

 

Two activity LEDs, two USB-A 3.2 ports and three fan exhausts are located on the right side of the chassis.

 

 

A 3.5mm headphone port, microSD card reader, RJ45 5GbE port and three more fan exhausts are on the left side.

 

 

Moving at the rear we find 6 more fan exhausts, DC in, HDMI v2.1 out, and two USB-C ports.

 

 

The power supply supports up to 230W and so peak electrical consumption should be considerably lower.

 

 

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TEST BED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TESTING METHODOLOGY

    To ensure consistency and reproducibility across all laptop evaluations, each will undergo a structured, multi‑stage testing process. Performance is assessed using a diverse suite of industry‑standard benchmarks including 3DMark (Speed Way, Steel Nomad, CPU Profile), UL Procyon (AI Computer Vision 2.0, AI Image Generation, AI Text Generation, Office Productivity – laptops with VRAM under 8GB are unable to complete all tests -, Battery Life – maximum screen brightness, high performance power plan), Cinebench 2026, PassMark Performance Test 11, Geekbench AI (non-NPU laptops can’t complete all tests), Geekbench 6, and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (1080p & native resolution - if applicable - ultra graphics, with and without RT enabled).

    All display testing begins with a full calibration process using the Datacolor Spyder Pro. This ensures that subsequent measurements like gamut coverage, brightness levels, and overall panel accuracy are taken from a standardized baseline. Acoustic output under load is captured using the ExTech HD600 sound meter, external thermal behavior both in idle and sustained load is documented with thermal imaging systems from FossiBot and as for power consumption it's monitored through an AVM FRITZ!DECT 210 smart plug paired with an APC BR1600SI UPS, enabling precise idle and load measurements.

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - 3D MARK / PROCYON

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - GEEKBENCH 6 / GEEKBENCH AI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - CINEBENCH 2026 / PERFORMANCE TEST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - CYBERPUNK 2077: PHANTOM LIBERTY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - POWER CONSUMPTION / BATTERY LIFE / NOISE LEVELS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - THERMALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unlike past gaming laptops by Acer the Helios Neo 16S AI features a significant upgrade when it comes to its cooling system. Thanks to thermal imaging we can see that the Helios Neo 16S AI has a total of 3 blower fans that work well, 1 on each side and 1 at the rear (so it comes with a quite capable cooling system).

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Looking at the Predator Helios Neo 16S AI as a whole, it’s clear that Acer has built a laptop with a strong foundation. The chassis size feels appropriate for the hardware inside, the 16-inch 240Hz OLED display adds real visual depth, and the cooling system keeps the Ultra 9 + RTX 5070 combination performing reliably under load (with minimal power consumption). It’s a machine that handles gaming, productivity, and multitasking with confidence. But there are caveats worth noting. The rear‑mounted connectors aren’t ideal for everyday convenience while ray‑traced gaming pushes the GPU harder than expected, unless DLSS is involved. The display testing situation also deserves mention. While calibration was possible by manually selecting the panel type, the SpyderUtility’s display analysis module failed to detect that this was an OLED panel, meaning I couldn't properly test it. This isn’t the first time this has happened, the same exact issue occurred with the Lenovo Legion Pro 7 I reviewed previously, but unlike that case where a BIOS update resolved the detection problem here, even after updating to the latest BIOS, the OLED panel still wasn’t recognized. Add to that Acer’s confusing decision to mix IPS and OLED under the same model name, and buyers will need to pay close attention to the exact SKU. Even with these quirks however, this configuration stands out as a capable, well‑balanced machine with a genuinely impressive display.

    Currently the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI model I reviewed today (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, 2TB M.2 Gen4 SSD, 32GB DDR5 RAM, GeForce RTX 5070, 16” OLED) retails for around 2100Euros inside the EU (was unable to locate the exact same model specs in the USA) and so it’s priced more or less properly for one such gaming model. At the end of the day this Predator Helios Neo 16S AI gaming laptop may not be the top model by Acer (far from it) but it does deliver very good overall performance along with one of the best OLED screens I’ve seen used on a laptop so the Golden Award is obviously in order.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Very Good Performance
- 240Hz OLED Display
- Cooling Efficiency
- Size / Weight
- Connectivity (TB4/2xUSBC/3xUSBA/HDMI v2.1/5G LAN/WiFi6E/Bluetooth v5.4)
- 1080p Webcam
- Overall Power Consumption
- RGB Lighting

PROS

- Model Available With IPS & OLED Screen
- Raytrace Gaming Performance (1600p)
- USA Availability

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Across the spectrum of gaming mice, whether wired for absolute stability or wireless for pure freedom, the conversation has shifted toward precision, comfort, and reliability under pressure. Wired models still hold an edge in raw consistency, no battery to manage, no signal interference, and a connection that competitive players trust for uninterrupted responsiveness. Their drawback, of course, is the cable itself, drag, desk clutter, and the subtle resistance that even the best paracord‑style cords can’t fully eliminate. Wireless mice counter with unmatched mobility and cleaner setups, and modern low‑latency protocols have narrowed the performance gap to the point where most players won’t feel a difference. Yet they introduce their own considerations, battery life, potential signal congestion, and slightly higher weight depending on the design. It’s within this evolving balance of trade‑offs and engineering refinements that the SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 steps in, aiming to deliver the freedom of wireless play without compromising the precision gamers expect.

        SteelSeries is the original esports brand that fuses gaming & culture, leading the way in defining a gaming lifestyle, and we have the power to help gamers through our brand, our vision, and our products. The role that gaming plays in moving culture forward is essential, and our worldwide brand creates industry-defining gaming and lifestyle peripherals with a focus on premium quality, innovation, and functionality. SteelSeries is obsessed with helping make a difference by enhancing performance through first-to-market innovations and technologies that empower gamers and fans to push boundaries. Founded in 2001, SteelSeries was the pioneering supporter of esports and competitive gaming tournaments and continues to connect gamers and foster a sense of community and purpose. The SteelSeries family of professional and gaming enthusiasts, entertainers, and athletes is the driving force behind the company and helps influence the design, craftsmanship, and engineering in every piece of gear we create, as well as the brand’s software ecosystem (SteelSeries GG, Moments video clip service, and the Sonar Audio Software Suite). The SteelSeries family of brands includes KontrolFreek, the industry leader in high-performance controller accessories, and Nahimic, the leader in 3D sound solutions for gaming. In 2022, SteelSeries joined the GN family, a global leader in innovative and intelligent audio and video communications solutions sold in approximately 100 countries around the globe.

    The Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 is currently available in 3 colors (shadow, ghost and magenta haze) and takes the familiar ultralight formula and pushes it further, pairing its 68g airy frame with meaningful hardware improvements across tracking, switches, and battery life. At its core is the TrueMove 26K optical sensor, offering true 1‑to‑1 tracking with up to 26000CPI, 400IPS speed, and 40G acceleration, giving it the precision needed for both fast flicks and controlled micro‑aiming. Over its Quantum 4K Wireless dongle, it can push up to a 4000Hz polling rate (0.25 ms), quadrupling the update rate of its wired USB‑C polling rate which is set at 1000Hz for those who prefer a tethered setup.  The upgraded next‑gen primary mechanical switches are rated for 80 million clicks, delivering a sharper, more consistent actuation profile. Wireless performance runs through 2.4GHz low‑latency for competitive play and Bluetooth v5.0 for general use, backed by a battery that reaches up to 200 hours on Bluetooth or around 120 hours on 2.4GHz (35 hours with 4K polling), depending on lighting. The mouse also features AquaBarrier IP54 protection, shielding its internals from dust and moisture, while the 100% PTFE feet ensure a smoother glide across pads. Add USB‑C fast charging, a refined internal structure for rigidity, and three RGB zones controlled through SteelSeries GG, and the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 stands as a lightweight mouse with full‑scale, competitive‑grade specifications.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Typically, the box has a large product picture at the front, the main product features and the company logo.

 

 

Both the product specifications and the country of design are printed on the left side.

 

 

The three main product features are showcased at the rear with 3 pictures and a description in 3 languages.

 

 

Packaging is good with the mouse sitting on a formed piece of plastic.

 

 

Along with the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 gaming mouse inside the box you'll also find a 1.8-meter-long USB-C to USB-A cable, USB-C adapter, 2.4GHz dongle, and the product information guide.

 

 

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THE AEROX 3 WIRELESS GEN 2

 

 

 

 

 

The 68g heavy Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 is 120.55mm in length, 57.91mm in width and 21.53mm in height.

 

 

As usual on the left side we find two programmable buttons.

 

 

Just with the previous Aerox 3 Wireless and other lightweight gaming mice today the rear is perforated.

 

 

A DPI/mode selection button is placed on top (also programmable).

 

 

The left and right primary buttons are mechanical ones and rated for up to 80 million clicks.

 

 

Again, the USB-C port is located at the lower front.

 

 

I was a bit surprised to see that the base of the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 is frosted plastic.

 

 

Here we find two PTFE feet, TrueMove 26K optical sensor and a 2.4GHz/off/Bluetooth switch.

 

 

The 2.4GHz low-latency USB-C dongle is small but considerably larger compared to what other models are bundled with.

 

 

 

Not only does the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 look very nice due to its RGB lighting zones but we also see why the base features a frosted plastic.

 

 

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GG SOFTWARE

 

 

 

 

 

As always once you download and install the SteelSeries GG software it will detect compatible SteelSeries devices (yes, I have the Aerox 3 mouse on my secondary rig) and check for available firmware updates.

 

 

Once you update the software and hover your cursor over the mouse drawing you can either enter the SteelSeries GG features or the Sensitivity Finder.

 

 

From the first tab you can program every single button, create macros, adjust sensitivity levels (DPI), enable/disable lift-off distance, set the power and sleep settings, adjust polling rate and enable/disable the wireless stability feature.

 

 

Inside the advanced tab SteelSeries has made it possible for the end user to match the performance of the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 with that of their previous mouse and also to adjust acceleration, precision and basic lighting.

 

 

The prism tab gives you complete control on all three RGB zones (5 modes, brightness and speed).

 

 

Typically, the SteelSeries GG app also comes with the sonar and moments tabs.

 

 

Finally, the sensitivity finder page allows you to convert DPI between games (could be useful for serious gamers, personally I didn't use it much).

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Using the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 day‑to‑day makes its positives and negatives impossible to miss, especially when switching between tasks and games. The lightweight design feels effortless in hand, the grip is secure without forcing your fingers into a fixed position, and the upgraded sensor delivers the kind of accuracy and speed that make quick flicks and micro‑adjustments feel natural. Battery life holds up impressively across long sessions (depends on RGB brightness and mode but for the most part I can verify the numbers SteelSeries states in the specifications sheet), the RGB lighting with its adjustable zones is tasteful without being distracting, and the IP54 AquaBarrier protection adds welcome peace of mind for dust and accidental spills. But it isn’t without drawbacks. SteelSeries GG can be temperamental at times with the Windows 10/11 OS, the wireless dongle is noticeably larger than what competing ultralight mice use, and just like the previous Aerox 3/Wireless, the open‑shell design means dust will eventually settle inside, and cleaning it out isn’t as simple as it should be.

    As I type these lines the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 Gaming Mouse by SteelSeries retails for USD95.12 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 103.39Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) and so it’s priced more or less well. Bottom line you just can’t go wrong with the Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 gaming mouse by SteelSeries just like you couldn’t go wrong with the first Aerox 3 line and that’s why the Golden Award is in order.

PROS

- Build Quality
- TrueMove 26K Sensor Performance (Speed / Accuracy)
- Wireless 2.4GHz, Bluetooth v5.0 & Wired Use
- Mechanical Primary Buttons (80 Million Clicks)
- 4K Wireless Rate
- 3 Adjustable RGB Zones
- Design / Fit / Weight
- Available Colors (Shadow, Ghost & Magenta Haze)

CONS

- Perforated Model (Dust Issues, Eventually)
- Wireless Dongle Size (Compared To Other Models)

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    As temperatures climb toward summer, more and more everyday electronics begin to run hotter than they were designed for. Devices like A/V receivers, routers, game consoles, DAC/amps, set‑top boxes, and even network switches often rely on passive ventilation, which becomes insufficient once ambient temperatures rise. That’s where purpose‑built, quiet, high‑static‑pressure fans become genuinely useful. Noctua’s HOME line takes the company’s proven PC cooling tech and adapts it for home, office, and multipurpose ventilation, offering modular mounts, gaskets, and ready‑to‑use fan kits that can cool anything from a stereo amplifier to a router or even a desk space. With summer heat approaching, these solutions help prevent thermal throttling, extend device lifespan, and maintain stable performance, all while staying nearly silent thanks to Noctua’s signature engineering.

    Noctua’s award-winning, premium quality quiet cooling components are internationally renowned for their superb acoustics, industry-leading performance-to-noise efficiency and remarkable longevity. Since its foundation in 2005, the Austrian manufacturer’s engineering-first mindset, history of innovations and relentless pursuit of continuous optimisation have become just as iconic as its long-term product support and excellence in customer service. Today, PC enthusiasts and industry clients alike swear by the signature blend of cutting-edge performance, outstanding quietness and ultimate reliability that makes Noctua’s products unique.

    The Noctua HOME line is anchored by three standout products that each solve a different thermal problem with Noctua’s signature engineering. The NV‑FS1 is the flagship multi‑purpose fan set, pairing the award‑winning NF‑A12x25 PWM chromax.black fan with the NV‑AA1-A12 airflow amplifier to create a strong, focused air stream ideal for desk cooling or spot‑cooling electronics. Its steel NV‑FM1 pivoting mount allows full angle adjustment and supports magnets, screws, and zip‑ties for mounting almost anywhere, while the included NA‑FC1 controller and NV‑PS1 universal power supply complete a fully modular, premium kit. The NV‑FS2, by contrast, is purpose‑built for device cooling, using the same NF‑A12x25 PWM chromax.black fan but replacing the amplifier with the thick NV‑MPG1 multi‑purpose rubber gasket and NV‑MPP1 rubber pads, allowing the fan to sit directly on top of A/V receivers, consoles, routers, or network gear to pull heat straight out of their ventilation grids. This makes it ideal for media cabinets, networking closets, or any enclosed electronics setup where airflow is limited. Finally, the NV‑SPH1 is Noctua’s powered fan‑hub solution, designed for users who need to run multiple fans from a single power source. It integrates cleanly with the HOME ecosystem, enabling multi‑fan cooling setups for larger equipment racks, cupboards, or multi‑device installations. Together, these three products form a flexible, modular cooling system that scales from a single amplifier‑boosted desk fan to a full multi‑fan electronics‑cooling array.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Noctua send over pretty much the entire Home Line and at the front/top of each and every BOX we find a product Picture, the Noctua logo and a description.

 

 

Inside the box of the NV-SF1 you'll find the NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black premium fan attached to the NA-AA1-12 airflow amplifier, NV-FM1 multi-purpose fan mount and the NA-FG1-12 120mm fan grill, NA-FC1 fan controller, NA-AC10 barrel to 4-pin adaptor cable, NV-EC4-1m extension cable, NV-PS1 power supply with 3 tips (US/EU/UK), 4 fan screws, 4 zip ties, 4 wall plugs and 4 mounting screws. The BOX of the NV-FM1 fan mount contains 4 NA-AV2 black anti-vibration mounts, 4 fan screws, 4 zip ties, 4 wall plugs and 4 mounting screws. Included in the NV-FS2 package are an NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black premium fan, NV-MPG1-12.black multi-purpose gasket, 4 NV-MPP1.black multi-purpose pads, NA-FG1-12 120mm fan grill, NA-FC1 fan controller, NA-AC10 barrel to 4-pin adaptor cable, NV-EC4-1m extension cable and the NV-PS1 power supply with 3 tips (US/EU/UK). Finally, the NV-FH2 box only has the fan hub in it the NV-SPH1 bundle comes with the NV-FH2 fan hub and the NV-PS1 power supply with 3 tips (US/EU/UK).

 

 

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THE HOME LINE

 

 

 

 

 

What makes the NV-FS1 stand out is without doubt the NV-AA1-A12 airflow amplifier which basically focuses airflow to an narrower area thus improving efficiency.

 

 

The NV-FM1 multi-purpose pivoting fan mount allows for free range of motion (360 degrees pivot) and thanks to its 4 base magnets it can easily attach to metal surfaces.

 

 

Having the NV-FS1 on your desk (or anywhere) means safety comes first and for that Noctua has placed the NA-FG1-12 fan grille at the rear.

 

 

The NF-A12x25 PMW chromax.black can reach speeds of up to 2000RPM to provide up to 60.09 CFM of airflow and 2.34mmH2O of air pressure with just 22.6dBA of noise.

 

 

One interesting part of the HOME line is the NA-FC1 fan controller which supports a max power of 36W and thus can be used to control up to 3 fans (or more with a hub).

 

 

Noctua's current best seller in the HOME line is the NV-FS2 which is used solely to cool electronics.

 

 

The entire frame is made of rubber and consists by 5 pieces, the NV-MPG1-12.black (brown version also available) and the four rubber corners of the NV-MPP1.black Sx4.

 

 

Of course, as mentioned earlier it uses the exact same NF-A12x25 PMW chromax.black fan as the NV-FS1.

 

 

---

TEST RESULTS

 

 

 

 

 

Unlike many years back I no longer have A/V amplifiers at home or the office so instead I used the ECS2512FP switch EnGenius, TPE-3012LS surveillance switch by TRENDnet, FRITZ!Box 7690 modem/router by AVM, SMT1500IC UPS by APC and the DVA1622 NVR by Synology (managed to assemble three NV-FS2 models with the parts and fans Noctua sent over, minus the grilles - since both the UPS and NVR are placed on the floor I used the NV-FS1 for those).

 

 

Thermal imaging reveals drops in temperature when using a NV-FS2 over a switch (facing downwards) but to be fair the NV-FS2 is aimed at electronics with perforated tops or sides (here even though the cover gets much cooler right under the fans interior is not as impacted and so heat is still indicated in other areas of the enclosure). Basically this is an example of how not to use the NV-FS2 (at least not if you can position it next to a perforated area).

 

 

The proper way to use the NV-FS2 with such devices is to place it on the side where the perforation is located at (since switches tend to be too thin placing them one over the other is the most cost-effective approach).

 

 

I tested the NV-FS2 both with it sucking air from inside both switches (top) and blowing air inside both switches (bottom).

 

 

 

With what I just said in mind the FRITZ!Box 7690 should be a much better fit for the NV-FS2 (its enclosure is partially perforated on top).

 

 

Here we can see the largest temperature reduction during my entire testing period (roughly 15 degrees Celsius).

 

 

The NV-FS1 is not really meant to cool electronics and you can see that from this test since both the UPS and NVR show an overall temperature drop of around 1 degree Celsius.

 

 

---

CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The Noctua HOME line delivers exactly what it promises, every product works as advertised (thermal pictures offer plenty proof of this), the build quality is unmistakably premium, and the visual design is clean enough to blend into any modern setup. Noise levels at typical operating speeds remain impressively low, making these fans ideal for living rooms, studios, and office spaces where silence matters. The only real drawbacks are the somewhat familiar ones, at full speed, even Noctua’s best engineering can’t defy physics, and so the NF-A12x25 fans mounted on the NV‑MPG1 can reach around 51 dBA at 1 meter when at full speed, which is obviously audible in a quiet room. And of course, pricing remains a recurring talking point, Noctua’s excellence has never come cheap. Still, for users who value reliability, acoustics, and long‑term durability, their HOME line stands out as one of the most refined and purpose‑built cooling solutions available today.

    The HOME line by Noctua is quite long and so for pricing I will just focus on the NV-FS1 and NV-FS2 models which currently retail for USD109.95/USD89.95 inside the USA and 106Euro/83.25Euro inside the EU respectively (seems that right now availability for the NV-FS1 is quite low in the EU). After spending months with the entire HOME line by Noctua although I do feel it’s a bit rough around the edges (multi-fan configurations for example result in many cables being used) it does help with temperatures, both when it comes to electronics and even ourselves and since they do deliver as advertised the Golden Award is in order.

PROS

- Cooling Efficiency
- Build Quality
- Available Models
- Available Parts (Wide Compatibility)
- Design (For Some)

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Current EU Availability (NV-FS1)
- Noise Levels (Max Speed)

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Solid‑state drives have made storage upgrades faster and more flexible, but managing them still requires the right tools. That’s where SSD docks and cloners come in, compact stations that let you access bare drives, migrate data, or duplicate entire dribes without having to use a PC. For anyone who works with multiple drives like technicians, reviewers, system builders, or just users maintaining regular backups these devices streamline tasks that would otherwise involve adapters, cables, or full system disassembly. Into this space steps the FIDECO M248, a quad SSD dock and standalone cloner that aims to combine simplicity, speed, and reliability in one small footprint.

    At FIDECO, we take “Quality is the best for brand” as our tenet and have been dedicated to providing high quality, cutting-edge technology products since year 2003, with the aim to offer customers easier solutions and better experiences by constantly optimizing product designs and performance.

    The FIDECO M248 is built as a professional‑grade 4‑bay M.2 NVMe dock and standalone cloner, designed for users who need fast transfers, multi‑drive management, and reliable offline operations. It comes with full support for M‑Key and M+B Key NVMe SSDs across all common lengths (2230/2242/2260/2280/22110) making it compatible with nearly every mainstream NVMe drive. Connectivity is based on TB4/USB4 interface, enabling up to 40Gbps data transfer when connected to a host system. This allows simultaneous read/write operations across multiple drives and as for cloning the M248 supports 1 to 1, 1 to 2, and 1 to 3 offline cloning, with speeds of 20Gbps for 1:1 and 10Gbps for multi‑target clones. These operations require don't require a computer, just insert the source drive into slot S1 and targets into the remaining bays. The dock also includes a one‑button offline data eraser, capable of securely wiping up to four SSDs at once. As for temperatures they are kept in check by an integrated 2500rpm foldable cooling fan and the housing which is primarily made by aluminum for optimal heat dissipation.

 

 

---

 

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Two product pictures, the company logo and the main product features are printed at the front.

 

 

On the right side we find several drawings showcasing the product dimensions and bundle contents.

 

 

You can check details for the local distributor and FIDECO from the left side.

 

 

At the rear of the box, we find the main product features listed in 7 languages.

 

 

Packaging is sufficient for this product (there's room for improvement however).

 

 

Along with the M248 dock inside the package you'll also find a power adapter with the tip used in that region, USB-C cable and the user manual.

 

 

---

THE M248

 

 

 

 

 

With the fan folded the M248 measures 102mm in length, 88 in width and 36mm in height.

 

 

The fan part is made by plastic and increases the height of the M248 to 105mm.

 

 

On top of the device, we find 4 SSD slots (1 source, 3 target), power LED, 4 cloning percentage LEDs and the clone button.

 

 

FIDECO has used an 11-bladed 70mm fan that spins at 2500RPM.

 

 

At the rear of the enclosure we find the drive erase button, on/off switch, USB-C port, DC in and the fan on/off switch.

 

 

Aside the fan the rest of the enclosure is made of aluminum and the base actually looks like a heatsink.

 

 

To test the M248 cloning function I used two NVMe PCIe SSDs (2/4TB) while for external dock tests I used a total of 4 (1TB each).

 

 

Above you can see the thermals of the M248 without the 70mm fan spinning while the source SSD is being cloned onto the target one.

 

 

Having enabled the 70mm fan we see a maximum temperature drop of 12.4 Degrees Celsius.

 

 

---

CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The FIDECO M248 is a practical, technician‑friendly NVMe dock that prioritizes workflow efficiency over headline‑grabbing speeds. Its strengths line up exactly where a multi‑bay tool should deliver, offline cloning that works reliably without a PC, four bays for parallel drive handling, broad SSD length compatibility, and a foldable cooling fan that keeps thermals under control during sustained transfers. In practice, these features translate into genuinely useful performance, cloning a 2TB NVMe (filled with data) in roughly 22 minutes, a result that’s fast enough for most upgrade, backup, and recovery scenarios. Combined with its compact footprint, the M248 fits naturally into repair benches, review setups, and any workflow that cycles through drives regularly. Its limitations are narrow but as always worth noting. Transfer speeds plateau around 1700MB/s for both reads and writes which although perfectly adequate for cloning and general data movement, it may not be ideal for users expecting full PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 throughput. And while the cooling system is effective, the 2500RPM 70mm fan can reach 41dBA at half a meter, a number which is quite noticeable, especially in a quiet workspace.

    Currently the FIDECO M248 4 Bay M.2 SSD Docking station retails for USD132.59 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 114.61Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) so it’s priced just right. Overall, even though the M248 is certainly not perfect it does deliver as advertised and for most users, its trade‑offs won’t overshadow the dock’s versatility and convenience which is why I highly recommended checking it out if you’re in the market for such a dock/cloner.

 

PROS

- Aluminum Housing
- 4 SSD Slots/Bays
- TB4/USB4 Connectivity
- Cloning Function
- 70mm Foldable Fan
- Compact Size (Folded)
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Maximum TB4/USB4 Speed
- Fan Noise

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The days when a PSU could quietly sit in the background are over. ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 have reshaped the expectations around power delivery, pushing manufacturers toward cleaner electrical behavior, safer connectors, and far tighter transient control. These standards didn’t appear out of nowhere, they’re a direct response to the way modern GPUs behave under load, and they set a new baseline for what “proper engineering” looks like in a power supply. For builders, that means fewer surprises, more predictable performance, and long‑term reliability around the 12V‑2x6 interface. The latest YT1000 power supply unit by CPS PcCooler is a 1000‑watt unit designed from the ground up to meet these next‑gen requirements.

    Shenzhen Fluence Technology PLC, established in 2005, is mainly engaged in lithium battery cathode materials, new cooling devices for electronic products and LED industry chain-related businesses, which is recognized as a national high-tech enterprise.

    The YT line of power supply units by CPS PcCooler currently includes 850/1000/12000W output variants all of which are ATX 3.1 & PCIe 5.1 compliant and Cybenetics Platinum certified (up to 93%+ efficiency). Τhe YT1000 model features a single 12V-2x6 power connector, three 6+2 pin PCIe power connectors, single +12V rail (83.3A) capable of delivering 99.9% of the units’ power output (999.6W) and has a total power output of no less than 1119W (220% peak for this model which should place it up to 2.46KW for up to 100ms - once again however this is not something I can test). Other features and specifications include Full-Bridge & LLC Resonant Converter paired with synchronous rectification and DC‑to‑DC regulation (thus allowing the unit to sustain stable voltage output even under rapid load shifts), active PFC, Smart ECO fan mode for the 135mm fan (starts spinning after a specific load), flat embossed Cables and a full array of electrical protections including over-current (OCP), over-voltage (OVP), under-voltage (UVP), short-circuit (SCP), over-temperature (OTP), surge protection (SPD) and over-power (OPP). As for warranty once again CPS PcCooler covers their YT line of power supply units with a 10-year limited one.

 

 

---

 

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

---

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

At the front of the box CPS PcCooler has placed their logo, a large product picture and several certifications.

 

 

Moving at the rear we find the unit’s electrical table, available power cables and the specifications table.

 

 

As with past models, the unit is placed between two pieces of foam.

 

 

Along with the YT1000 power supply unit and its power cord inside the box you’ll also find 5 cable ties, 4 mounting screws, power tester, service & safety manual, quick start guide and the user manual.

 

 

---

 

THE YT1000 EXTERIOR

 

 

 

 

 

CPS PcCooler chose to go with low-profile (flat) embossed power cables for the entire YT line (12V-2x6 cables included).

 

 

Measuring 150mm in length, 150mm in width and 86mm in height the YT1000 is a compact high-output model.

 

 

The 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan is placed underneath a nice-looking grille with the company logo next to it.

 

 

CPS PcCooler has placed their logo on both sides.

 

 

Typically, the electrical table is printed on a large sticker located at the base of the unit.

 

 

All 11 power ports at the front of the YT1000 are tagged (12V-2x6 port is also different in color).

 

 

At the rear we find the on/off power switch, ECO fan switch and the power port.

 

 

---

 

THE YT1000 INTERIOR

 

 

 

 

 

The YT1000 uses a 135mm FDM fan by Hong Hua rated for speeds up to 2300RPM.

 

 

Just like with the YT1200 the OEM behind the YT1000 is the Taiwanese Andyson International.

 

 

Primary capacitors are manufactured by Nippon Chemi-Con and are certified for use up to 105 degrees Celsius.

 

 

Secondary capacitors are by Rubycon and also certified for use up to 105 degrees.

 

 

---

TEST BED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TESTING METHODOLOGY

     Using a dedicated measurement instrument such as a Chroma or a SunMoon to test power supply units is without doubt the most ideal and accurate way (not to mention the fastest) to do that currently. However, it's certainly not the only way there is and so pretty much anyone can test a power supply unit just by using a test rig. Certainly, limitations do apply and so you can't really push a 1000W power supply to its limits if your system only uses 500W at peak loads and that's why over the years we saved certain hardware components for the purpose of building a dedicated PSU test rig. True it may not be as accurate as the above-mentioned solutions, but it comes really close and is in fact much closer to real world usage. So as always, we ran several games with maximum graphic options enabled at a resolution of 2560x1600 in order to stress every hardware component and increase the overall power demands of the system. The Passmark BurnIn Test was also used to overstress the components in an effort to provide the most accurate results possible. As a final test we also used the latest OCCT software and its dedicated PSU testing suite since it can really bring a power supply to its knees after inside a few minutes.

   Rail stability was checked/measured with the CPUID Hardware monitor and a Metex multimeter which also recorded the system load in idle and in load. As always try to remember that the power consumption numbers listed in the graph are the highest (Peak) ones recorded during the entire duration of the tests and not the average ones. Noise levels coming from the fan were recorded using the high precision HD600 ExTech Sound dBA Meter from the rear of the unit and at a range of no more than 5-10cm. Readings under load are recorded the exact moment we manually switch the fans of all graphics cards from full speed to almost zero, that way the fan of the power supply does not have enough time to slow its RPM and so by doing this we get very accurate noise level readings. Needless to say, in order to get 100% accurate readings, you need to have a noise isolated room for that exact purpose, something which is quite impossible unless you are working inside a real lab (some people use very small noise insulated boxes but due to their size both heat and noise exceed normal levels and so the results can't really be considered to be 100% accurate, nor realistic for that matter). Also do take into account that since all noise measurements take place from just 5-10cm away the final noise levels to reach your ears will be considerably less.

* After well over 10 years of testing PSUs the Intel Core i7-920 CPU of this rig failed and so we replaced it with a Xeon X5660 (we also swapped the GA-X58A-UD7 for the G1. Assassin).

 

 

---

 

TEST RESULTS

 

 

 

 

 

---

CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The CPS PcCooler YT1000 lands in a genuinely competitive spot. Its build quality is better than expected for its class, helped by the use of Japanese capacitors and a platform that delivers impressively stable rails, even under aggressive load swings. Electrical efficiency is another strong point, with real‑world results pushing above 93%, putting it comfortably in high‑efficiency territory. But it isn’t without trade‑offs. The Taiwanese OEM behind the platform may raise eyebrows for buyers who prefer more established PSU manufacturers, and the Cybenetics Platinum badge, while credible, just doesn’t carry the same long‑standing recognition as 80 PLUS for some readers. Noise levels at load (especially near the limit) also creep higher than ideal, especially for users chasing near‑silent builds (although to be fair no one gets an 1KW unit to push it to its rated output, recommend grabbing an 1200W or higher output model for such use). Even so, the YT1000 presents a solid, forward‑looking ATX 3.1 option that delivers strong electrical performance where it matters, with only a few considerations depending on how much branding and acoustics matter to you.

    Exactly as with the YT12000 the YT1000 is not widely available and so I can only provide its MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) which is currently set at USD139.99. This is obviously the single most important drawback the YT line of power supply units currently has and so I hope CPS PcCooler can resolve this fast. Availability aside the YT1000 delivers where it matters most and even though it’s not perfect the Golden Award is in order.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Very Good Rail Stability
- ATX 3.1 & PCIe 5.1 Compliant
- Cybenetics Platinum Certified
- Electrical Protections (OCP/OVP/SSP/OPP/UVP/SPD/OTP)
- 10 Year Limited Warranty
- Price (MSRP)

CONS

- Aggressive Fan Curve At Load (For Some)
- Lack Of 80 PLUS Certification (For Some)
- Current Availability

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    With today’s GPUs capable of drawing sudden bursts of power far beyond their rated wattage, the shift to ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 power supplies marks a necessary evolution, bringing improved transient tolerance, tighter voltage regulation, and the safer, simplified 12V‑2x6 connector that next‑generation graphics cards increasingly rely on to maintain stability under extreme load swings. These updated standards aren’t just incremental tweaks; they’re a response to the real electrical behavior of modern hardware, ensuring that high‑performance systems can sustain rapid changes in demand without voltage droop, cable stress, or the multi‑cable compromises older PSUs required. The MEGA GM 1000W is the latest ATX 3.1 & PCIe 5.1 model by FSP and that's also what today's review is all about.

    FSP Group is one of the global leading power supply manufacturers. Since its establishment in 1993, FSP Group has followed the management conception “service, profession, and innovation” to continuously fulfil its responsibilities as a green energy resolution supplier. With the combination of its leading role in power supply technology and the cultivation of green energy field, FSP Group now provides more competitive quality products and makes itself the most reliable partner for customers, consumers, and suppliers with joint creation of maximized values.

    Currently the MEGA GM line of ATX 3.1 & PCIe 5.1 power supply units includes 850/1000/1200W output models all of which are fully modular and 80 PLUS Gold certified (up to 90% electrical efficiency). Today I'll be testing the 1000W output variant which features a single 12V-2x6 power connector (600W), three 6+2 pin PCIe power connectors, single strong +12V rail (83.33A) capable of delivering 100% of the units’ total power output (1000W) and a maximum power output of no less than 1138W (peak should now be around 2.3KW for up to 100ms - once again however this is not something i can test). Other features include half-bridge & LLC resonant converter with synchronous rectification and DC to DC design, active PFC, eco semi-fanless mode for its 135mm fan (starts spinning after either temperatures reach 55 degrees Celsius or at 50% load), high-quality Japanese capacitors certified for use up to 105 degrees Celsius, proprietary MTLC® (Micro Tolerance Load Control) design (for ultra-precise voltage regulation within ±1%), exclusive conformal coating (enhanced resistance to humidity, dust, and environmental corrosion) and a full array of electrical protections including over-current (OCP), over-voltage (OVP), under-voltage (UVP), short-circuit (SCP), over-temperature (OTP), surge and in-rush (SIP), no-load operation (NLO) and over-power (OPP). Finally, as with past models FSP covers the entire MEGA GM line of power supply units with generous 10-year limited warranty.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

The MEGA GM is shipped inside a black box that has a product picture at the front alongside the company logo and the main product features.

 

 

All available power connectors are printed on the left side of the box.

 

 

Depending on region the MEGA GM comes with different power cords (indicated on top).

 

 

At the rear we find the features list in 10 languages and of course the product electrical table and contact information for FSP.

 

 

The interior of the box is made of recycled materials.

 

 

Along with the MEGA GM 1000W it's modular power cables and power cord inside the box you'll also find a PSU tester, 3 cable straps, 4 mounting thumbscrews, several cable holders, warranty paper and the user manual.

 

 

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THE MEGA GM 1000W EXTERIOR

 

 

 

 

 

 

All modular power cables in the bundle feature individually sleeved cables, 12V-2x6 included.

 

 

Measuring just 150mm in length, 150mm in width and 86mm in height the MEGA GM 1000W is a rather compact model (always for its output).

 

 

The 135mm FDB (fluid dynamic bearing) fan sits under a silver grille.

 

 

Typically, the model name and brand logo are printed on both sides.

 

 

As usual the electrical table is printed on a large sticker located at the belly of the enclosure.

 

 

All 12 power connectors/ports at the front of the unit are different in shape and tagged.

 

 

At the rear we find the eco semi-fanless mode on/off switch, power on/off switch and the power port.

 

 

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THE MEGA GM 1000W INTERIOR

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan is manufactured by Power Logic.

 

 

Clean (and almost cable free) layout is exactly what I've come to expect from FSP over the years.

 

 

Primary capacitors are by Nippon Chemi-Con and Rubycon and are certified for use up to 105 degrees Celsius.

 

 

Secondary capacitors are also by Nippon Chemi-Con and Rubycon and are also certified for use up to 105 degrees Celsius.

 

 

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TEST BED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TESTING METHODOLOGY

     Using a dedicated measurement instrument such as a Chroma or a SunMoon to test power supply units is without doubt the most ideal and accurate way (not to mention the fastest) to do that currently. However, it's certainly not the only way there is and so pretty much anyone can test a power supply unit just by using a test rig. Certainly, limitations do apply and so you can't really push a 1000W power supply to its limits if your system only uses 500W at peak loads and that's why over the years we saved certain hardware components for the purpose of building a dedicated PSU test rig. True it may not be as accurate as the above-mentioned solutions, but it comes really close and is in fact much closer to real world usage. So as always, we ran several games with maximum graphic options enabled at a resolution of 2560x1600 in order to stress every hardware component and increase the overall power demands of the system. The Passmark BurnIn Test was also used to overstress the components in an effort to provide the most accurate results possible. As a final test we also used the latest OCCT software and its dedicated PSU testing suite since it can really bring a power supply to its knees after inside a few minutes.

    Rail stability was checked/measured with the CPUID Hardware monitor and a Metex multimeter which also recorded the system load in idle and in load. As always try to remember that the power consumption numbers listed in the graph are the highest (Peak) ones recorded during the entire duration of the tests and not the average ones. Noise levels coming from the fan were recorded using the high precision HD600 ExTech Sound dBA Meter from the rear of the unit and at a range of no more than 5-10cm. Readings under load are recorded the exact moment we manually switch the fans of all graphics cards from full speed to almost zero, that way the fan of the power supply does not have enough time to slow its RPM and so by doing this we get very accurate noise level readings. Needless to say, in order to get 100% accurate readings, you need to have a noise isolated room for that exact purpose, something which is quite impossible unless you are working inside a real lab (some people use very small noise insulated boxes but due to their size both heat and noise exceed normal levels and so the results can't really be considered to be 100% accurate, nor realistic for that matter). Also do take into account that since all noise measurements take place from just 5-10cm away the final noise levels to reach your ears will be considerably less.

* After well over 10 years of testing PSUs the Intel Core i7-920 CPU of this rig failed and so we replaced it with a Xeon X5660 (we also swapped the GA-X58A-UD7 for the G1. Assassin).

 

 

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TEST RESULTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The FSP MEGA GM 1000W delivers impressively stable rails, a native 12V‑2x6 connector for modern GPUs, and the dependable efficiency of an 80 PLUS Gold platform backed by Japanese capacitors, proprietary micro tolerance load control design and a conformal coating all of which reinforce long‑term durability. Its strong electrical foundation is further supported by a full array of protections ensuring the unit can safeguard both itself and the system during abnormal conditions or sudden load events. Combined with a 10‑year warranty, it feels like a PSU built for users who want reliability they won’t have to second‑guess.

    As I type these lines the MEGA GM 1000W ATX 3.1 & PCIe 5.1 power supply unit retails for around 160Euros inside the EU so no complaints here either. The only real drawback the MEGA GM line has is current availability and well, I sure hope FSP will resolve this sooner rather than later. At the end of the day for anyone prioritizing electrical performance, component quality, and next‑gen readiness, the MEGA GM 1000W justifies its position with confidence and that’s why it gets the Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Near Excellent Rail Stability
- 80 PLUS Gold Certified (Up To 90% Electrical Efficiency)
- Electrical Protections (OVP/OCP/OPP/OTP/SCP/UVP/SIP/NLO)
- Micro Tolerance Load Control
- 12V-2x6 Connector (600W)
- Eco Semi Fanless Mode
- 10 Year Limited Warranty

CONS

- Current Availability

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Whether you choose the freedom of wireless or the fidelity of a wired connection, great headphones share a single goal, to render music with truthful tone, expressive dynamics, and a sense of space that draws you in. Audiophile sound favors transparency over flash, letting recordings breathe and small details sing. Practical concerns like comfort, build, and how a headphone pairs with your gear shape the listening experience as much as frequency response. Enter the Aventho 200 by beyerdynamic, a refined closed‑back model built for everyday listening.

    Since 1924, beyerdynamic has stood for first-class, professional audio products that delight discerning customers around the world. The majority of the product lines are handmade at the Heilbronn site. In the product areas “Creator”, “Gamer”, “Work & Learn” and “Enjoyment - Music lovers”, beyerdynamic offers headphones, headsets, microphones, gaming, and home office products. They all have one thing in common: pristine sound. This has always carried the company across the emotional stages of the world, through the inspiring studios of the cities and into the ears and hearts of the people.

    The Aventho 200 (currently available in black and Nordic grey colors) are over‑ear, closed‑back headphones based on two 45mm dynamic drivers (10Hz-22kHz), active noise cancelling (ANC via 2 ENC MEMS microphones), 4 MEMS microphones and Qualcomm cVc for clearer speech and Bluetooth v5.4 connectivity with support for AAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless audio codecs (with multipoint pairing and Google Fast Pair). The lithium-ion battery pack is user replaceable and according to beyerdynamic it can keep the Aventho 200 going for up to 63 hours and up to 40 hours with ANC active (fast charge is also supported - 16 hours of music playback with just a 15-minute charge). Other features include touch pad controls, earcup sensors (for when wearing and removing the headphones), replaceable ear pads, and a soft storage/carrying pouch.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

The Aventho 200 box has the company logo at the front along with a product picture right over the main product features.

 

 

At the rear we find several pictures along with the main features, bundle contents and contact information for beyerdynamic.

 

 

Once you open the box, you'll find a paper with a few words from beyerdynamic.

 

 

Along with the Aventho 200 inside the box you'll also find a soft storage/carrying pouch, USB-A to USB-C cable, 3.5mm cable, safety and warranty information paper and a quick start guide.

 

 

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THE AVENTHO 200

 

 

 

 

 

The Aventho 200 are primarily made of plastic, aluminum and fauxe leather and weigh 293g.

 

 

They are small to medium sized headphones thus ideal to use everywhere.

 

 

On the exterior of the left earcup we find the product name (this is also the earcup that holds the replaceable battery).

 

 

Beyerdynamic has placed their logo on both ends of the headband.

 

 

Around the left earcup we also find two microphone holes, 3.5mm port, USB-C port and an activity LED.

 

 

The exterior of the right earcup has the touch controls and so from here you can start/stop playback, enable voice assistant, accept/end/cancel/reject call, play next/previous track and increase/decrease volume.

 

 

Around the right earcup we find another microphone hole, activity LED, on/off/Bluetooth pairing/reset switch, and the ANC/transparency/sidetone button.

 

 

The earcups are large enough for most ears and inside they also feature sensors that enable the Aventho 200 to automatically pause music when you're not wearing them.

 

 

Left and right markings are placed on the interior of the headband right over contact information for beyerdynamic.

 

 

Thanks to the joints beyerdynamic has placed the earcups can swivel and fold as seen above.

 

 

The headpad is filled with memory foam and also has a fontanelle recess for improved comfort.

 

 

As with past models beyerdynamic has placed their name on top of the headband.

 

 

The Aventho 200 can extend on either side up to 42mm (84mm total) via 14 increments.

 

 

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BEYERDYNAMIC APP

 

 

 

 

 

For complete control over the Aventho 200 you should use the beyerdynamic app.

As you can all see the app checks for new firmware updates and informs you of it.

 

 

Everything is included in the main tab so from here you can access the equalizer function (5 modes), ANC (2 modes), Sidetone, auto shutdown, wearing detection, low latency, touch pad guide, voice prompts (English & German), and LED brightness.

 

 

Finally, you can do a factory reset from inside the settings tab.

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

    The Aventho 200 is a music‑first headphone that consistently favors tonal accuracy and midrange clarity over flashy coloration, vocals and acoustic instruments sit forward and natural, bass is tight and controlled rather than overblown, and the treble is detailed without becoming tiring, something that makes long sessions comfortable. Imaging and dynamic pacing feel coherent and musical, giving a convincing sense of timing and placement without pretending to be an ultra‑wide soundstage. Battery life and fast‑charge performance are standout practical advantages (although this depends a lot on volume, touchpad use and enabled features – never surpassed 55 hours without ANC for example), and modern Bluetooth features (multipoint and aptX adaptive/lossless) make the Aventho 200 flexible across devices. Build quality and serviceability (user replaceable pads and battery), plus app customization add real long‑term value. The active noise reduction works well for everyday environments but doesn’t reach the deepest levels of isolation, and the touch controls can be hit‑or‑miss in quick interactions.

    At the time of my review the Aventho 200 by beyerdynamic retail for 239.99Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) and so they are priced just a tad higher than what I was expecting. At the end of the day the Aventho 200 may not be the best ANC model in the market today but thanks to their audio precision, build quality and available features they clearly deserve the Golden Award.

PROS

- Overall Quality
- Audio Performance
- Available Features (ANC / Transparency / Sidetone / aptX Lossless)
- Battery Life (Up To Over 60 Hours)
- 6 MEMS Microphones
- Touch Pad Controls
- Earcups Fold & Swivel
- Comfort Levels
- beyerdynamic app

CONS

- Lack Of Hi Res Codec Support (LHDC/LDAC/aptX HD)
- Touch Pad Sensitivity
- Price (For Some)

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Every year, gaming laptops inch closer to the dream, desktop‑level performance without chaining yourself to a desk. We’ve reached a point where these machines aren’t just “portable enough”, they’re legitimate daily drivers for gamers, creators, and power users who expect serious horsepower on demand. Between high‑refresh displays, power‑dense GPUs, and cooling systems that look like they belong in a wind tunnel, the category has matured into a space where performance and portability finally coexist. Lenovo’s Legion Pro 7 16IAX10H enters this arena with the confidence of a system designed to dominate.

    Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com

    The Lenovo Legion Pro 7 16IAX10H is available in two colors (eclipse black or glacier white) and is built around the top CPU's by both Intel and AMD, giving it a high‑end foundation for esports‑level frame rates and demanding multitasking (HM870 motherboard chipset and LA3 AI chip). The 16‑inch WQXGA 16:10 OLED display (2560×1600 - 500nits typical / 1100nits peak) delivers a 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response, 100% DCI‑P3, X‑Rite certification, Dolby Vision, DisplayHDR and VESA TrueBlack 1000, making it one of the most advanced gaming panels Lenovo offers currently. There are quite a few region dependent variants of this model but the one I have in my hands today comes with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU and has its graphics handled by the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU with 16GB of GDDR7, a 175W design with Blackwell‑generation AI acceleration and full support for DLSS 4, Reflex 2, G‑SYNC, and the rest of NVIDIA’s 50‑series feature stack. It also sports 32GB of DDR5‑6400 (expandable up to 64GB) in a dual‑channel configuration, 1TB PCIe Gen5 M.2 2280 SSD (2 PCIe M.2 slots available in total), 5MP webcam with E-Shutter, dual microphones and as for sound it features a 4-speaker system (2Wx2 woofers, 2Wx2 tweeters) complete with Nahimic Audio and handled by the Realtek ALC3306 HD codec. Cooling is handled by Legion ColdFront technology (vapor with integrated hyper chamber design - 250W TDP) while power is supplied by a 400W adapter paired with a 99.9Wh battery. Connectivity is very rich and includes Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth v5.4, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, dual USB‑C with DP 2.1, three USB‑A ports (2xUSB 3.2 Gen1, 1xUSB 3.2 Gen 2), HDMI v2.1 (up to 8K/60Hz) and 2.5GbE RJ45 LAN. Finally, the Legion Pro 7 16IAX10H also features a quad‑zone RGB lighting setup, consisting of per‑key RGB on the TrueStrike keyboard, an illuminated rear Legion logo, and RGB lighting along the lower front and rear edge, giving the chassis its signature visual identity.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenovo uses a black box to ship the Legion Pro 7 line the front of which has their logo and the line name.

 

 

The serial numbers and barcodes are all printed on a sticker placed on the right side.

 

 

Packaging is very good with the laptop wrapped inside plastic and placed in two pieces of foam (the rest of the bundle is placed in a cardboard box).

 

 

Along with the Legion Pro 7 16IAX10H inside the box you'll also find the power adapter, power cord, plastic case with cleaning tools and several replacement keys and keycaps, warranty information paper, Wi-Fi instructions and the user manual.

 

 

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THE LEGION PRO 7 16IAX10H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The enclosure of the Legion Pro 7 16IAX10H is almost entirely made of anodized aluminum.

 

 

Since this is a 16-inch model it's not only very thin but also compact (short video showcasing this model is available both on TikTok & YouTube)

 

 

The round LED at the center just over the keyboard indicates the current gaming mode (blue for quiet, white for auto and red for performance).

 

 

As with most gaming laptops the Lenovo Pro 7 16IAX10H has a rather large touchpad area.

 

 

On the lower right Lenovo has placed the key combination for the gaming mode.

 

 

Taking a look at the left side, we find the power port, HDMI v2.1 output, two USB-C ports (1xPD65-100W, 1xTB4/USB4) and a USB-A 10Gbps port.

 

 

On the opposite side we find the RJ45 2.5G LAN port, camera privacy switch (E-Shutter), two USB-A 5Gbps ports and an 3.5mm headphone output.

 

 

Regardless of whether you're a gamer, professional or casual user the 5MP camera is nothing to get excited over but it should be ok for basic use.

 

 

The rear of the Legion Pro 7 16IAX10H has two RGB lighting zones, the logo and the sport design under the Lenovo brand name.

 

 

Just like most if not all laptops today the entire bottom features a single cover.

 

 

A 400W power adapter completes the puzzle.

 

 

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LEGION SPACE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exactly like ASUS, MSI and other brands Lenovo also has their own software called Legion Space.

From the main tab of the Legion Space software, you can monitor CPU, RAM and GPU load, switch between profiles (quiet, balanced and performance), set the preferred graphics mode (dGPU or hybrid) and adjust RGB brightness.

 

 

From inside the lighting theme tab, you can access all four RGB zones and use one of the 13 available effects (plus a custom one).

 

 

The device tab includes settings for the power, display, system performance, and features like aim assist.

 

 

Inside the services and utilities tab Lenovo has placed features like memory optimization.

 

 

Finally, from the wallpaper tab you can use one of the many wallpapers Lenovo has made available.

 

 

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TEST BED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TESTING METHODOLOGY

    To ensure consistency and reproducibility across all laptop evaluations, each will undergo a structured, multi‑stage testing process. Performance is assessed using a diverse suite of industry‑standard benchmarks including 3DMark (Speed Way, Steel Nomad, CPU Profile), UL Procyon (AI Computer Vision 2.0, AI Image Generation, AI Text Generation, Office Productivity – laptops with VRAM under 8GB are unable to complete all tests -, Battery Life – maximum screen brightness, high performance power plan), Cinebench 2026, PassMark Performance Test 11, Geekbench AI (non-NPU laptops can’t complete all tests), Geekbench 6, and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (1080p & native resolution - if applicable - ultra graphics, with and without RT enabled).

    All display testing begins with a full calibration process using the Datacolor Spyder Pro. This ensures that subsequent measurements like gamut coverage, brightness levels, and overall panel accuracy are taken from a standardized baseline. Acoustic output under load is captured using the ExTech HD600 sound meter, external thermal behavior both in idle and sustained load is documented with thermal imaging systems from FossiBot and as for power consumption it's monitored through an AVM FRITZ!DECT 210 smart plug paired with an APC BR1600SI UPS, enabling precise idle and load measurements.

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - DATACOLOR SPYDER PRO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - 3D MARK / PROCYON

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - GEEKBENCH 6 / GEEKBENCH AI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - CINEBENCH 2026 / PERFORMANCE TEST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - CYBERPUNK 2077: PHANTOM LIBERTY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - POWER CONSUMPTION / BATTERY LIFE / NOISE LEVELS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS - THERMALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The powerful cooling system may get loud at load but it keeps temperatures lower than expected.

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The Legion Pro 7 16IAX10H stands out as a machine built around clear priorities, speed, visual quality, and sustained performance. Its 240Hz OLED panel is the kind of display that immediately elevates the experience, rich colors, deep contrast, and fast pixel response all working together to make games and content look exceptionally clean. The combination of the Core Ultra 9 275HX and GeForce RTX 5080 gives the system the muscle to drive that panel properly, pushing high frame rates while staying responsive under heavier workloads (still, anyone familiar with the desktop RTX 5080 will still feel the difference in sustained workloads and heavy raster performance). Lenovo’s ColdFront cooling design keeps the hardware operating at full tilt longer than most machines in this class while the aluminum chassis itself feels solid, with the quad‑zone RGB lighting and 4‑speaker audio system adding both personality and practical quality-of-life touches. There are trade‑offs, and they’re the kind you expect from a high‑wattage gaming laptop. Performance mode brings noticeable fan noise when stressed, the lack of a fingerprint sensor may annoy some people, and battery life remains somewhat limited when you’re away from the charger. None of these undermine the core experience, but they’re worth keeping in mind if you plan to use the system in quieter or unplugged scenarios.

    The Legion Pro 7 16IAX10H gaming laptop by Lenovo is currently listed for USD2999 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for around 3300Euros inside the EU. Yes, it’s far from what most people would call affordable but such high-cost models always have a rather specific target audience. Cost aside however the Legion Pro 7 16IAX10H by Lenovo is clearly the best laptop I’ve ever used (my almost 4-year-old ASUS TUF A15 FA507UN with its Ryzen 7 7435H, 16GB DDR5 RAM and GeForce RTX 4050 never stood a chance) so the Golden Award is obviously in order.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Top Tier Performance
- 240Hz OLED Display
- Cooling Efficiency
- Size / Weight
- Connectivity (TB4/2xUSBC/3xUSBA/HDMI v2.1/2.5G LAN/WiFi7/Bluetooth v5.4)
- 5MP Webcam With E Shutter Function
- 4 Speaker System With Nahimic Audio
- Overall Power Consumption
- 4 Zone RGB Lighting
- Legion Space Software

PROS

- Overall Availability
- Price (For Some)
- Noise Levels (Load)

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Desktop and bookshelf speakers have evolved into a sweet spot for listeners who want real Hi‑Res audio performance without committing to full‑size floor standing models. Modern compact designs can deliver impressive clarity, wide soundstage, and tight low‑end control, especially when paired with high‑resolution sources that reveal the finer textures in vocals and instruments. Wireless connectivity has also matured to the point where Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi streaming no longer feel like compromises, giving you the freedom to place speakers where they sound best rather than where cables allow. Edifier recently unveiled the compact M90 Hi-Res Multimedia Speakers and well, I've been using them for almost 3 weeks now.

    Edifier specializes in premium sound systems that showcase technological innovation and design elegance, delivering outstanding audio experiences through a wide range of headphones, speakers, and music systems, for personal entertainment and professional excellence. Established in May 1996 in Beijing, Edifier is the brainchild of a small group of enterprising music lovers. Over the past 25 years, Edifier has been guided by the “passion for sound” principle, which helped the brand emerge as a world-class designer and manufacturer of award-winning sound systems. Today, Edifier serves audio lovers worldwide through its distributors in over 70 countries, with operations in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific regions.

    The Edifier M90 is built around a 100WRMS bi‑amped architecture, using dual high‑efficiency Class‑D amplifiers to drive its 4‑inch (102mm) long‑throw aluminum diaphragm mid‑bass drivers and 1‑inch (25mm) silk‑dome tweeters, a configuration engineered for clean dynamics, extended bass, and smooth high‑frequency detail (50Hz-40kHz response). Its signal chain is fully digital, featuring end‑to‑end 24‑bit/96kHz DSP, a high‑resolution analog front end, and active crossover with DRC, ensuring precise control and faithful reproduction whether the source is analog or digital. The M90 carries both Hi‑Res Audio and Hi‑Res Audio Wireless certifications, supported by Bluetooth v6.0 with LDAC streaming up to 990kbps, plus Bluetooth multipoint via the Edifier ConneX app for seamless device switching. Connectivity is a major strength since the system includes HDMI eARC with CEC support for TV volume/power control, Optical SPDIF, USB‑C, and AUX inputs, making it equally suitable for desktop, media‑center, and mixed‑use setups. A dedicated sub output allows integration with an external subwoofer for deeper low‑frequency extension. Physical design remains compact at 133x212x210/225mm per speaker, with a clean, modern enclosure and an included 2.4GHz omni‑directional remote for convenient control. Together, these features position the M90 as a highly capable, high‑resolution desktop or bookshelf speaker system with the connectivity and processing architecture typically found in larger, more expensive audio components.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Edifier uses a white box to ship the M90 the front of which is taken by a large product picture, their logo, Hi-Res logos and available connectivity.

 

 

The M90 specifications and features are listed on the left side in 10 languages.

 

 

3 product pictures are placed on the right side along with contact information for Edifier and several certifications.

 

 

Both speakers are placed between two thick pieces of cardboard while the rest of the bundle is placed in two small cardboard boxes.

 

 

Along with the M90 speakers and their power cord inside the box you'll also find a remote control with 2 AAA batteries, coaxial speaker connection cable, RCA to 3.5mm cable, 3.5mm cable, USB-C cable, optical cable, warranty information paper, safety information paper and a quick start guide.

 

 

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THE M90

 

 

 

 

 

The M90 are available in black and white matte color and each cabin weighs 6.05Kg and measures 212mm in height, 133mm in width and 225mm in length for the right (active) speaker and 210mm for the left speaker.

 

 

At the front of each speaker, we find a 1‑inch (25mm) silk‑dome tweeter and a 4‑inch (102mm) long‑throw aluminum diaphragm mid‑bass driver right beneath it.

 

 

As mentioned already since the right (active)speaker has the controls at the rear it's longer than the left one.

 

 

Turning both speakers around we find the coaxial port on the left and all other connectors and controls on the right.

 

 

These include the volume control knob, coaxial and power ports and the HDMI eARC, optical SPDIF, USB-C and 3.5mm aux inputs and sub output.

 

 

The remote control is nothing special in terms of quality and looks but it does have any button you'd ever need for the M90.

 

 

Once again to test the speakers in hand, I'll be using the FiiO R9 (primarily), R7, M15 and M23 music players.

 

 

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CONNEX APP

 

 

 

 

 

Once again just like with past models for full control over the M90 I strongly recommend downloading the Edifier ConneX smartphone app.

From the main tab this app allows you to change the input source, use the built-in equalizer (4 effects and 1 custom), set the volume and change input.

 

 

Accessing the settings tab (top right) allows you to read the online manual, change the speaker channel (left/right), enable/disable power saving mode, check connected devices, change the codec to LDAC (disabled by default - once enabled the Hi-Res logo lights up in the main tab), enable/disable multipoint, power off the speakers and disconnect Bluetooth.

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The Edifier M90 behaves like a compact 2.0 system built around controlled directivity and a low‑distortion mid‑bass driver, producing a response that stays linear through the vocal band and only lifts slightly in the upper registers. Its cabinet volume and port tuning give it lower‑frequency authority than its footprint suggests while the system maintains composure at higher playback levels without obvious compression artifacts. Connectivity is unusually broad for this form factor, with HDMI eARC, USB‑C, optical, analog, sub‑out, and LDAC wireless it's functionally closer to a small media hub than a typical desktop pair. Unfortunately, the lack of RCA (left/right) ports is regrettable especially for people who happen to own expensive pairs of such cables (myself included). This will obviously not be a huge issue for most people (let’s face it, potential buyers will be mostly interested in HDMI eARC or LDAC wireless) but for audiophiles and professionals alike this is always the preferred type of connection. As with past speakers by Edifier by default LDAC operates at 44.1/48kHz and so you need to enable 96kHz from within the ConneX app to remove the bandwidth cap and let the codec run at its full profile, which is useful for users who want to avoid unnecessary resampling. The enclosure is rigid, the finish looks and feels nice, and the availability of black and white variants makes the M90 easy to integrate into different setups.

    Currently retailing for USD295.19 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 312.59Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) the M90 by Edifier are priced properly. At the end of the day the M90 delivers as advertised, yes RCA inputs would make lots of sense for a 2026 model but that aside this is a great stereo set worthy of the Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Very Good Audio Reproduction (Accuracy / Detail)
- HiRes Wired & Wireless Audio (LDAC)
- HDMI eARC Input
- Volume & Bass Levels
- Available Colors (Black & White)
- ConneX App

CONS

- Lack Of RCA Inputs
- LDAC 96kHz Disabled By Default (ConneX App Needed To Enable)

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Dash cameras have long been a quiet essential in everyday driving, well before electric cars arrived with their built‑in camera suites, serving as impartial witnesses that capture the moments we can’t predict and often can’t explain. Over the years they’ve evolved from simple forward‑facing recorders into full‑coverage systems that deter vandalism, document accidents with clarity, and give drivers control over their own evidence rather than relying solely on a vehicle’s native hardware. As modern EVs normalize multi‑angle monitoring and 24/7 surveillance, standalone dash cams remain just as vigilant, offering broader compatibility, higher video quality, and more flexible storage. It’s within this landscape of increasingly capable car‑camera tech that the Vantrue N4 Pro S enters the scene, aiming to deliver a comprehensive, multi‑camera solution for drivers who want robust protection in any vehicle.

    Established in 2015, Vantrue quickly became a pioneer in the field of smart life. Vantrue quickly became an advanced explorer in the field of intelligent technology. Our awareness of innovation, sensory enjoyment, and ease of use are our constant goals. Visit www.vantrue.com for more information.

    The Vantrue N4 Pro S is built as a full‑coverage, three‑channel system, and its feature set reflects that ambition. At its core are three Sony STARVIS 2 sensors (IMX678 for the 2160p front camera, IMX675 for the 1440p waterproof rear camera, and IMX662 for the 1080p interior camera) each supported by HDR processing to maintain detail in harsh lighting. The front lens captures a 155° field of view, while the rear and cabin cameras cover 160°, giving the system a near‑360° perspective. Vantrue’s PlatePix™ technology enhances license‑plate clarity by sharpening fine details, especially at night. Connectivity is handled through 2.4/5GHz Wi‑Fi with OTA updates, and the built‑in GPS logger records route, speed, and location data. The 3.19" IPS screen allows the end user to see what all cameras record and of course to access main features (also via the app). For storage, the N4 Pro S supports microSD cards up to 1TB while its supercapacitor design ensures reliability in extreme temperatures. Parking protection is available through multiple 24/7 modes (with hardwiring), and hands‑free operation is supported via voice commands in several languages. The rear camera’s IP67 waterproof rating also allows for exterior mounting, expanding installation options. Altogether, the N4 Pro S combines high‑end imaging hardware with practical usability features aimed at delivering comprehensive, all‑conditions coverage. For expanded functionality, Vantrue offers two official accessories, a hardwiring kit (required for full parking mode operation - typically sold extra) and a tiny wireless remote control, which lets drivers lock important clips instantly without reaching for the camera itself.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

A large product picture under the company logo and above the main product features is located at the front of the box.

 

 

Several certifications are printed at the rear just under yet another product picture and a few words about the product.

 

 

Even though the 2 cameras are placed in a formed piece of foam the rest of the bundle is placed in two small cardboard boxes.

 

 

Contained inside the box are the main and rear cameras, main camera mount, two front camera bases for use with adhesive tapes, cigar lighter power adapter, USB-C to USB-A cable, USB-C extension cable, screwdriver, trim tool, two glass cleaning wipes, two electrostatic stickers, two warning stickers, two spare adhesive stickers, cleaning cloth, 6 cable mounts, two screws, two heat-shrinkable sleeves and the quick start guide.

 

 

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THE N4 PRO S

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measuring roughly 131mm in length, 59mm in width and 42mm in height the N4 Pro S is a relatively large dash camera.

 

 

The main camera has a front mount which you can use with a 40mm CPL filter which according to Vantrue can help reduce reflections, enhance contrast and boost saturation (sold extra).

 

 

Vantrue has used a somewhat unique mounting system for the N4 Pro S (and other models by them) which allows for quick removal of the main camera.

 

 

The on/off button is located on the left side (can also be used to turn on emergency recording and snapshots).

 

 

This area is removable and so underneath we find the microSD slot and reset button.

 

 

Turning the N4 Pro S over we find the IR receiver, microphone hole and the 4 navigation buttons (easy to use but using the app simplifies things even more).

 

 

On the right side we find the model name.

 

 

The top is partially perforated and has the rear camera USB-C connection port.

 

 

You can rotate the cabin camera to record the area you want it to (also has 4 IR LEDs, 1 on each corner).

 

 

It's not every day that we see a 3.19-inch IPS screen used with a dash camera so many will welcome it.

 

 

The rear waterproof camera is very easy to install, unfortunately its mount isn't as robust as I'd like.

 

 

As mentioned earlier Vantrue has many extras you can buy with the N4 Pro S and in my case, they also send over the hardwire kit (very easy to install), the remote controller and an 128GB microSD card.

 

 

The tiny remote controller allows the end user to mute audio, take snapshots and record emergency video.

 

 

Once you initiate a firmware update via OTA the screen displays just that.

 

 

Again, it's good to be able to rotate the cabin camera.

 

 

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VANTRUE APP

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Vantrue app connects to the N4 Pro S via 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi.

 

 

As in most cases the main tab gives you a feed of all available cameras and allows you to mute audio, take snapshots, change the main camera feed and access your pictures.

 

 

You can obviously extend the feed on the entire screen of your smartphone.

 

 

Inside the camera settings tab you can sync phone time to the N4 Pro S, change resolution for all 3 cameras, switch image quality between standard and PlatePix, adjust loop recording length, adjust the IR LEDs and G-Sensor, enable/disable privacy mode and audio noise reduction, set exposure, enable/disable HDR (enabled by default), rotate and mirror the display, enable/disable timelapse and parking mode, set parking mode settings, enable/disable mileage statistics and GPS, set the speed unit, change the Wi-Fi password, adjust voice features, format the microSD card, adjust brightness, set the frequency and more.

 

 

For anyone wondering the OTA firmware update option is located inside the Me tab as seen above.

 

 

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AUDIO & VIDEO QUALITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

    I used the N4 Pro S for over a month (mostly during heavy rain which made it impossible to record proper video) and as you can see from the above results the front 2160p/4K camera does a very good job both during the day and night (max bitrate of 32568kbps). Yes, there are some visible artifacts (and even glare which can be resolved with the 40mm CPL filter) but that’s not something new for dash cameras (haven’t seen one with any artifacts at all). As for audio, not the best I've ever encountered with a dash camera but certainly far from the worse so no complaints from me. Also do remember that instead of using YouTube which would reduce quality (to a degree) I am hosting these videos so you can all see exactly what the N4 Pro S is capable of. 

 

 

    The rear camera may not be nowhere near as good but it works as advertised (max bitrate of 14381kbps). Again, however the mount is far from perfect and since it wouldn't sit straight, I had to grab recordings with the camera tilting towards the left.

 

 

    Using PlatePix image quality means that the camera focuses a lot on the license plates (it almost feels as if it scans them in the video) which as a result decreases brightness from the rest of the recording area. This is mostly noticeable with low-light recordings so I only chose this to showcase it.

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The Vantrue N4 Pro S lands in a strong position for drivers who want broad coverage, reliable hardware, and genuinely useful day‑to‑day features. Its very good front‑camera, powered by a STARVIS 2 sensor, delivers sharp, confident 4K footage in most lighting conditions. The inclusion of a rotatable interior camera adds flexibility for rideshare drivers or anyone who wants adjustable cabin coverage, while the three‑channel setup provides a level of situational awareness that single or dual camera systems simply can’t match. Installation remains straightforward, the N4 Pro S features auto on/off even when powered by the cigar socket and the easy to remove mount makes it very easy for end users to take the camera down when the car is parked (if they are afraid someone may break in to steal it). The onboard buttons offer direct control when needed, and the companion app fills in the rest with easy access to settings and footage. Support for microSD cards up to 1TB is another practical advantage, especially for multi‑channel recording at high bitrates. The built‑in LCD screen rounds out the package, making alignment and quick checks painless. That said, the N4 Pro S isn’t without compromises. The main camera’s size is on the larger side, which may be noticeable on smaller windshields. While the physical buttons work well, a touchscreen interface would have elevated usability, especially during use (for example focus on a specific camera by just touching that video feed). Also, the rear camera mount feels less robust compared to some competing models. As for Vantrue’s PlatePix technology, while helpful for sharpening plates, it can reduce overall image quality, although the impact is not very significant and probably will not bother most users during the day.

    Right now, Vantrue runs a discount on their official page with the N4 Pro S currently retailing for USD307.68/293.91Euros (for 5% extra on top of the already 21% discount use coupon VTNKTK26) and so although certainly not for all, it’s priced well. Overall, I don’t have any serious issues with the Vantrue N4 Pro S, yes, it’s larger than most dash cameras around but that extra size gives you a cabin camera which may come in handy and so the Golden Award is in order.

PROS

- Image Quality
- 3 Channel Model
- Cabin & Rear Camera
- 3.19” IPS Screen
- Easy To Remove Mount
- Support For Up To 1TB MicroSD Cards
- Onboard Buttons
- PlatePix Technology
- Vantrue App
- Extra Available Accessories

CONS

- Main Camera Size
- Rear Camera Mount
- LCD Screen (Not Touch)

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Power delivery has become one of the more demanding aspects of modern PC design, with components drawing sharper bursts of current and expecting tighter electrical behavior than ever before. A PSU now has to manage these shifts with precision, maintaining predictable output without adding unnecessary heat or noise. As builders look for units that can keep pace with today’s hardware without complicating the build process, SAMA’s P1200 enters the field as a high‑capacity option built for systems that need dependable overhead.

    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.

    The P line by SAMA includes 850/1000/1200W output models all of which are fully modular and 80 PLUS Platinum certified (up to 92% electrical efficiency). The 1200W output model which I'll be testing today features two 12V-2x6 power connectors (2x600W), three 6+2 pin PCIe power connectors, single strong +12V rail (100A) capable of delivering 100% of the units’ total power output (1200W) and a maximum power output of no less than 1319W (peak should now be around 2.8KW for up to 100ms - once again however this is not something i can test). The P1200 also sports half-bridge & LLC resonant converter with synchronous rectification and DC to DC design, active PFC, smart fanless mode for its 140mm fan (starts spinning after either temperatures reach 55 degrees Celsius or at 60% load), high-quality Japanese capacitors certified for use up to 105 degrees Celsius and a full array of electrical protections including over-current (OCP), over-voltage (OVP), under-voltage (UVP), short-circuit (SCP), over-temperature (OTP), surge and in-rush (SIP), no-load operation (NLO) and over-power (OPP). As for warranty SAMA may not be among the well-known companies in the PC market but they do cover the entire P line of PSUs with a rather generous 10-year limited one.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

SAMA uses a brown box to ship the P1200 the front of which is taken by their logo, product picture and several certifications.

 

 

The Serial Number and barcode of the P1200 are printed on a sticker located on the right side (it's worth pointing out that the P1200 is sold as XPH1200-AP in China).

 

 

Both the electrical table and available cables are listed at the rear of the box.

 

 

Typically the PSU is placed between two pieces of foam while the modular power cables are placed inside a storage pouch.

 

 

Aside the P1200 and its power cord inside the box you'll also find the modular power cables with their storage pouch, 6 cable straps, 5 mounting screws, warranty guide and the user manual.

 

 

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THE P1200 EXTERIOR

 

 

 

 

 

For the P1200 SAMA has used individually sleeved modular power cables (at least for the most part).

 

 

The P1200 is a compact model that measures just 150mm in length, 150mm in width and 86mm in height.

 

 

As with most similar models SAMA has used an 140mm FDB (fluid dynamic bearing) fan.

 

 

Both the model name and company logo are printed on the sides.

 

 

A large sticker located at the base of the unit contains the electrical table.

 

 

All of the 14 modular power cable ports are tagged and different in size.

 

 

At the rear we find the on/off power switch and the power port (the lack of a fanless mode switch means it's always enabled).

 

 

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THE P1200 INTERIOR

 

 

 

 

 

The 140mm FDB brushless fan is by GLOBE FAN and should be able to reach speeds of up to 1800RPM.

 

 

The OEM behind the P1200 by Sama is Shenzhen RSY and well, I've seen quite a few units by them lately.

 

 

Primary capacitors are manufactured by Rubycon and as expected are certified for use up to 105 degrees Celsius.

 

 

Secondary capacitors are also manufactured by Rubycon and again are certified for use up to 105 degrees.

 

 

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TEST BED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TESTING METHODOLOGY

     Using a dedicated measurement instrument such as a Chroma or a SunMoon to test power supply units is without doubt the most ideal and accurate way (not to mention the fastest) to do that currently. However, it's certainly not the only way there is and so pretty much anyone can test a power supply unit just by using a test rig. Certainly, limitations do apply and so you can't really push a 1000W power supply to its limits if your system only uses 500W at peak loads and that's why over the years we saved certain hardware components for the purpose of building a dedicated PSU test rig. True it may not be as accurate as the above-mentioned solutions, but it comes really close and is in fact much closer to real world usage. So as always, we ran several games with maximum graphic options enabled at a resolution of 2560x1600 in order to stress every hardware component and increase the overall power demands of the system. The Passmark BurnIn Test was also used to overstress the components in an effort to provide the most accurate results possible. As a final test we also used the latest OCCT software and its dedicated PSU testing suite since it can really bring a power supply to its knees after inside a few minutes.

   Rail stability was checked/measured with the CPUID Hardware monitor and a Metex multimeter which also recorded the system load in idle and in load. As always try to remember that the power consumption numbers listed in the graph are the highest (Peak) ones recorded during the entire duration of the tests and not the average ones. Noise levels coming from the fan were recorded using the high precision HD600 ExTech Sound dBA Meter from the rear of the unit and at a range of no more than 5-10cm. Readings under load are recorded the exact moment we manually switch the fans of all graphics cards from full speed to almost zero, that way the fan of the power supply does not have enough time to slow its RPM and so by doing this we get very accurate noise level readings. Needless to say, in order to get 100% accurate readings, you need to have a noise isolated room for that exact purpose, something which is quite impossible unless you are working inside a real lab (some people use very small noise insulated boxes but due to their size both heat and noise exceed normal levels and so the results can't really be considered to be 100% accurate, nor realistic for that matter). Also do take into account that since all noise measurements take place from just 5-10cm away the final noise levels to reach your ears will be considerably less.

* After well over 10 years of testing PSUs the Intel Core i7-920 CPU of this rig failed and so we replaced it with a Xeon X5660 (we also swapped the GA-X58A-UD7 for the G1. Assassin).

 

 

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TEST RESULTS

 

 

 

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The SAMA P1200 lands in an interesting spot, offering several high‑value features while carrying a few compromises. On the positive side, its 80 PLUS Platinum certification, Japanese capacitors, dual 12V-2x6 connectors and relatively low noise output make it a strong performer while the color options help it fit into a wider range of builds. The trade‑offs come from its Shenzhen RSY OEM background and rail stability that, while very good, isn’t chart‑topping. That said, RSY has been steadily improving its designs over the last few years, and the electrical behavior here reflects a more mature platform rather than a budget‑tier effort. Even with those considerations, the P1200 by SAMA remains a competent 1200-watt unit that should satisfy most users looking for efficiency and reliability.

    With a current price tag set at USD118.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and at 182.24Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) the P1200 ATX 3.1 & PCIe 5.1 PSU by SAMA is priced well. At the end of the day the P1200 performs very well and that along with its efficiency, relatively low noise and features are more than enough for the Golden Award.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Very Good Rail Stability
- ATX 3.1 & PCIe 5.1 Compliant
- 80 PLUS Platinum Certified
- 1200W Output
- Electrical Protections (OCP/OVP/SSP/OPP/UVP/OTP/SIP)
- Price (USA)
- 10 Year Limited Warranty

CONS

- Overall Availability
- Fanless Mode Always On

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Jump starters and tire inflators have evolved from emergency-only tools into essential gear for anyone who values independence on the road. Modern units combine high-capacity lithium batteries with intelligent air systems, letting drivers revive a dead battery or restore tire pressure in minutes without relying on roadside assistance. The best designs emphasize portability, digital precision, and multi-mode adaptability, capable of handling cars, motorcycles, and even sports equipment. Today’s review focuses on two of Gooloo’s latest entries in this category, the A5 and A7, both engineered to push that balance of power and practicality even further.

        Gooloo is a global leader in automotive solutions, specializing in high-performance lithium jump starters, smart power banks, and 2-in-1 air compressor tools. With over 5 million units sold across 160+ countries, Gooloo is trusted by drivers, mechanics, and outdoor adventurers alike. From everyday roadside emergencies to professional-grade fleet solutions, Gooloo products are designed to deliver unmatched safety, portability, and performance—anytime, anywhere.

    Both the Gooloo A5 and A7 take a very spec‑driven approach, but each one does it in its own way. On one hand the A5 delivers a 4000A peak jump output, a 160 PSI inflation system powered by a 25mm high‑efficiency motor, and a 20000mAh lithium-ion battery pack that supports USB‑C fast charging and long accessory use. The A7 on the other hand scales things up with a 6000A peak rating, a larger 30mm inflation motor (same 160 PSI inflation), and a higher‑capacity 24000mAh lithium-ion battery pack, giving it noticeably stronger cranking performance and faster air delivery. Both models include 10 smart safety protections (over-charge, over-current, short-circuit, reverse polarity, high and low temp, spark proof, over-voltage, over-load, reverse charge and software), automatic pressure shutoff, multiple inflation presets, 400 lumen LED torches/lights and clear digital readouts.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Both the A5 and A7 come in black boxes that have the company logo at the front next to a large product picture and the main selling points.

 

 

The 10 smart safety protections are listed at the base.

 

 

A quick start guide is printed at the top of each box.

 

 

At the rear we find the specifications of each product.

 

 

The A5 comes inside its soft carrying/storage case whereas the A7 is placed inside a piece of foam while the rest of the bundle is placed inside a small cardboard box.

 

 

Inside the box of the A3 we find a carrying/storage pouch, jump starter cable, tire pump tube, USB-C cable, 5 different air nozzles and the user manual while in the GT4000S box we find a storage/carrying bag, jump starter cables, cigar lighter adapter, USB-A and USB-C cables and the user manual.

 

 

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THE A5

 

 

 

 

 

Neither the A5 or the A7 are small devices, the A5 weighs 1.45Kg and measures 22.8x6.1x14.1cm while the A7 weighs 1.81Kg and measures 23.5x12.4x11.2cm.

 

 

Just like the A3 model which I tested a while back the A5 has all its controls on top next to its display.

 

 

This color display informs you of battery life, PSI, current vehicle mode and desired KPA output.

 

 

The handle is also a built-in USB-C PD45W cable.

 

 

At the front we find the pump tube port, USB-A 5V/2.4A port, USB-C 5-9V USB port, 400 lumen LED torch and the jump starter cable port.

 

 

Once again, the product specifications and proper use instructions are printed at the base.

 

 

Here you can see the proper connectivity for the A5.

 

 

Just like with the A3 the bundled carrying/storage pouch may not be as good as their EVA model but it’s better than not having one at all.

 

 

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ΤΗΕ Α7

 

 

 

 

 

The A7 looks a lot like a small tool box and so it’s different compared to the A5.

 

 

There’s a very convenient handle on top made of plastic.

 

 

The controls with the LCD display are located at the front.

 

 

Unlike the A5 this isn’t a color display but it does offer the same information such as battery life, desired KPA output, PSI and current vehicle/inflate mode.

 

 

On one side of the A7 Gooloo has placed the pump tube port, USB-A 5/9/12V 18W port, USB-C PD30 USB port, 400 lumen LED torch and the jump starter cable port while on the other side, they’ve placed the deflate and inflate ports for the air hose.

 

 

The product specifications are printed at the rear as seen above.

 

 

Above you can see the proper connectivity for the A7 (minus the air hose).

 

 

Unfortunately, even though the A7 is among the top models by Gooloo it comes with a carrying/storage pouch in the bundle.

 

 

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NOISE LEVELS

 

 

 

 

 

Not much I can test compressors/air pumps for so at least for now I'll be including noise levels from 15cm away.

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The Gooloo A5 and A7 wrap a lot of practical capability into single units, and that’s ultimately what makes them compelling. Both deliver the kind of jump‑start power that actually matters on the road, enough to revive larger cars and SUVs without hesitation. Their compressors, while not class‑leading in raw speed, inflate tires at a steady, reliable pace while the built‑in power‑bank functionality adds real value when you need to top up a phone or accessory. High battery capacity and clear LCD displays round out the everyday usability. The A7 edges ahead in refinement thanks to its improved features set and lower operating noise, which makes longer inflation sessions more comfortable. The A5 isn’t dramatically louder, but the difference is noticeable enough to count as a small advantage for the A7. Both models share the same trade‑offs, they’re bulkier than compact inflators or basic jump starters, and they can’t match the speed of dedicated 12V cigar‑socket inflators. But those compromises are reasonable given the all‑in‑one design. In the end, the A5 and A7 stand out as dependable, multi‑purpose emergency tools. If you want maximum convenience and quieter operation, the A7 is the more polished choice. If you want the same core capability at a slightly lower tier, the A5 still delivers strong, well‑rounded performance.

    The Gooloo A5 and A7 jump starters and tire inflators currently retail for USD99.99/USD149.99 inside the USA and for 84.99/149.99Euros inside the EU directly from Gooloo (plus a -5% coupon which is currently active in both pages). Due to cost the A5 is obviously the best choice for people on a budget but if you can go higher, I’d suggest getting the A7 instead, not just because of the higher battery capacity but also available outputs and noise levels. Overall, however both the A5 and A7 represent two great choices for people looking to get a 3 in 1 unit and that’s why both get the Golden Award.

PROS

- Jump Starting Capabilities
- Rubber Coated Battery Connectors
- Tire Inflators
- Inflate / Deflate Air Hose (A7)
- LCD Screens
- 400 Lumen LED Torches
- USBA & USBC Charging Ports
- USBC PD45 Charging Cable (A5)
- Soft Carrying / Storage Case (A5)
- Price (A5)

CONS

- Price (A7)
- Average Inflate Time (For Some)
- Size (For Some)

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    We rarely think about Wi‑Fi until it fails us, a dropped call, a buffering video, a sluggish upload or download, all these can easily become annoying. With more devices, heavier workloads, and denser environments, the pressure on wireless networks has never been higher. Access points are the backbone that carry that load, shaping how well a space performs under real‑world demand. EnGenius is pushing forward with its Cloud7 ecosystem, and the ECW520 Access Point steps in as a Wi‑Fi 7‑ready solution built for environments that demand both performance and cloud‑native control.

    EnGenius Technologies Inc. is an industry leader in secure, cloud-driven networking solutions for enterprise and SMB environments. With over 25 years of innovation, EnGenius enables organizations to build smart, scalable, and easily managed networks with best-in-class total cost of ownership (TCO).

    The EnGenius ECW520 leans heavily on the Qualcomm Networking Pro 1220 (IPQ9574) platform, a Wi‑Fi 7 system built around a high‑performance quad‑core CPU and a 12‑stream tri‑band architecture capable of handling dense multi‑client environments with low latency and high concurrency. The NP1220 brings native support for 320MHz channels, 4K QAM, Multi‑Link Operation (MLO), Adaptive Interference Puncturing, and advanced OFDMA/MU‑MIMO scheduling, all of which feed directly into the ECW520’s 2x2x2 tri‑band radio design. On the 6GHz band, the AP taps into the wide EHT320 channel widths for high peak throughput and reduced contention, while the 5GHz and 2.4GHz radios maintain backward compatibility for legacy clients. EnGenius pairs this with a 2.5GbE PoE+ uplink, ensuring the wired side isn’t the bottleneck when Wi‑Fi 7 features are fully engaged. The AP is rated for 1,250 sq. ft. of coverage and up to 512 concurrent clients, making it suitable for offices, retail, hospitality, MDUs, and healthcare deployments. Management is handled through the license‑free EnGenius Cloud, offering remote provisioning, monitoring, automated firmware/security updates, and Cloud To‑Go mobile access. Security is anchored by WPA3 Enterprise, and the unit carries a five‑year hardware warranty, positioning the ECW520 as a cost‑efficient but technically capable entry point into the Cloud7 ecosystem.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Once again EnGenius uses a plain cardboard box to ship the product the front of which just has their logo and a product description.

 

 

The serial numbers and barcodes are located on sticker on the right side.

 

 

Just like with past models the ECW520 is placed inside a formed piece of cardboard.

 

 

Along with the ECW520 AP inside the box you'll also find wall mounting brackets and screws.

 

 

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THE ECW520

 

 

 

 

 

The ECW520 AP comes in white matte color and measures 158mm in width, 158mm in length and 39mm in thickness.

 

 

It has but a single multi-color activity LED at the front.

 

 

Turning the AP around we find two wall mounts, reset button, 2.5GbE PoE RJ45 port and a DC12V power port (power adapter sold extra).

 

 

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GO TO CLOUD APP

 

 

 

 

 

There are two ways for users to control the ECW520, either from the Cloud web GUI or the Go To Cloud App (for this review, I chose the latter).

After you add the AP by following the on-screen instructions, you’ll find yourself on the main tab which lists your registered EnGenius devices.

 

 

 

If you go into the bottom organization tab you’ll see the available devices, in this case the AP.

 

 

From the dashboard you can see if everything is alright or if there’s something wrong with your registered devices.

 

 

From inside the AP tab you can change the name, check for firmware versions (v1.10.112-13 was used for this review), enable disable radio bands, check the IP addresses, use VLAN management (need to be enabled first), check connected clients, read logs, use diagnostics tools, view statistics, replace the AP with another of the same model, reboot the AP, adjust the LEDs, write a note and post a picture (for device identification/location purposes).

 

 

If you head back to the 1^st (main) tab and choose the AP device directly (AP graphic) you will see many different tabs regarding bandwidth, portal, splash page, schedule, access control, firewall, application control and SSID suffix.

 

 

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TESTING METHODOLOGY

 

 

 

 

 

    To test access points, I decided on a whole new approach so this time over I’ll been using the Xiaomi 15T smartphone (at least for now, if this changes I will update this page) from a distance of 2 and 10 meters to check internet speeds (the current optical connection at the office/lab is set at 1Gbps so at least for now it should be more than enough).

    To accomplish this, I will be using several applications including Speedtest, SpeedChecker, Meteor and nPerf (each test is performed a total of 3 times at which point the average results are recorded in the charts). Of course, all AP’s will have a total of 10 concurrent Wi-Fi connections by laptops and smartphones without however actively using the internet.

    I will also be using the BR1600SI by APC and the FRITZ!Smart Energy 210 by AVM for AP’s with power adapters and the ECS2512FP by EnGenius for PoE/+/++ AP’s to test power consumption during my tests.

 

 

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TEST RESULTS – SPEEDTEST

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS – SPEEDCHECKER

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS – METEOR

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS – NPERF

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TEST RESULTS – POWER CONSUMPTION

 

 

 

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

    The ECW520 AP by EnGenius wraps up as a small, efficient, and forward‑thinking access point that delivers exactly what Wi‑Fi 7 is supposed to be, excellent 6GHz performance, consistently low latency, and the ability to handle large client counts without strain. Its compact size and low average power draw make it easy to deploy anywhere while EnGenius’ management stack, both the Cloud To‑Go app and the Cloud web GUI, gives you granular control without the usual complexity or licensing overhead. That said, it’s not without compromises. 5GHz performance isn’t as strong as its 6GHz capabilities, the unit is only available in white color, and while PoE keeps cabling simple, the fact that a power adapter isn’t included may frustrate anyone planning a non‑PoE setup. Still, if your priority is stepping into Wi‑Fi 7 with strong 6GHz throughput, cloud‑native management, and a compact, low‑power design, the ECW520 stands out as a practical and well‑balanced choice for modern business environments.

    As for cost, the ECW520 by EnGenius currently retails for USD189 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for around 220Euros inside the EU and so its price certainly reflects its performance and available features. At the end of the day, I haven’t got many complaints about the ECW520 AP. Yes, a power adapter in the bundle would be great for people who don’t have an PoE/+/++ setup and 5GHz performance could be better but thanks to its available features, Cloud Web GUI and Cloud To-Go app and very good 6GHz performance it certainly deserves the Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Tri Band Model (2.4/5/6GHz)
- 6GHz Performance
- Compact Size
- Power Consumption
- Up To 512 Concurrent Connections
- WPA3 / WPA2 Encryption
- 2.5GbE RJ45 Port
- PoE & Wall Powered
- Cloud Web & Go To App

CONS

- Wall Power Adapter/Injector (Extra)
- 5GHz Performance
- Current Availability (EU)

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Wet‑and‑dry vacuums are built for households that need one machine capable of handling both solid debris and liquid messes without hesitation. They combine strong airflow systems for dust, crumbs, and pet hair with dedicated liquid‑intake pathways that prevent moisture from reaching the motor, allowing them to switch between tasks seamlessly. Modern designs often use dual‑tank setups, separating clean and dirty water so the brush roller can wash and extract in a single motion, useful for kitchens, entryways, and any space where spills and dirt tend to overlap. The D100 by UWANT is their entry level wet and dry vacuum and that's exactly what today's review is all about.

    The story of UWANT begins with a group of individuals who pursued perfection in cleanliness. We believe true cleanliness is not just about surface-level neatness but the perfection hidden in the details. We focus not only on product performance but also on how it enhances the quality of life for our users. Thus, in 2021, UWANT was born-a brand dedicated to making every detail spotless through technology and innovation. We meticulously refine every aspect of our products, from cleaning effectiveness to user experience, from design aesthetics to smart features, always centering on user needs. Our goal is to make cleaning thorough, effortless, and convenient.

    For an entry level model, the UWANT D100 packs a surprisingly advanced feature set into a compact 4.29kg frame, combining strong 17000Pa suction with a dual‑tank water system (650ml clean / 700ml dirty) for efficient wet‑and‑dry operation. Its 180° ultra‑flat design and dual‑edge cleaning allow it to reach tight spaces and clean as close as 2–4mm from walls, while the Intelligent Floor Sensing System automatically adjusts suction and water flow based on dirt levels. An 18‑ or 24‑path water spray system (depending on region) ensures even, streak‑free coverage, and the real‑time electrolyzed‑water function provides chemical‑free sanitizing during both cleaning and self‑cleaning cycles. The push‑in base station handles charging, self‑cleaning, and 60 °C hot‑air drying without lifting while the IPX6‑rated washable brush plus deodorizing rod keep maintenance simple and hygienic. With up to 35 minutes of runtime, a 450RPM brush roller, LED display, adaptive ergonomic handle, and solid‑liquid separation, the D100 is engineered as a highly practical all‑floor solution grounded in thoughtful mechanical design.

 

 

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SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

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PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

The D100 is shipped inside a black and orange box the front of which has the company logo and a large product picture.

 

 

At the rear UWANT showcases the push-in docking system of the D100.

 

 

Typically, the entire bundle is placed inside pieces of cardboard.

 

 

Along with the D100 wet dry vacuum and its handle inside the box you'll also find the 2-piece base, cleaning brush, deep cleaning solution bottle and the user manual.

 

 

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THE D100

 

 

 

 

 

The D100 comes in white and black color (not the best match for my white photo bench).

 

 

Starting from the roller brush it's very easy to remove, just take the top off and rotate the right end to unlock as seen above.

 

 

After that just pull the roller brush out to clean and/or replace.

 

 

The wheels of the D100 are not very large but work well.

 

 

For this specific model the water tank is located at the rear.

 

 

This time over this tank holds both the clean and dirty water, in separate compartments of course (inside you can see the orange deodorizing rod).

 

 

Left and right from the base of the handle we find the voice broadcast volume and self-cleaning/water volume control buttons.

 

 

The LED display is located in front of the buttons as seen above.

 

 

UWANT has used a handle made of plastic and aluminum.

 

 

On the top plastic end of the handle, we find the mode (smart/turbo) and power on/off buttons.

 

 

Unlike most wet and dry vacuums, the charging contacts are located at the front of the D100.

 

 

The 2-piece base assembled makes it clear that you will need to push the D100 into it (just make sure you have the base against the wall).

 

 

The push-in system is certainly more convenient than having to lift the vacuum and place it on the charging contacts.

 

 

This is how the LED display looks when the vacuum is in operation (may not stand out compared to some other models but it's practical).

 

 

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TEST RESULTS

 

 

 

 

 

Just like with robot vacuums all cordless handheld vacuum models will be thoroughly tested (for a duration of at least 20 days) to properly and accurately record/measure total battery life (using just the corner nozzle/flat suction tip for cordless vacuum sticks) and noise levels (from around 50cm distance using the ExTech HD600 dBA meter) in all available modes.

 

 

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CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

    Even though the D100 is UWANT's entry level model in their lineup it wraps up as a well‑rounded wet‑and‑dry cleaner with strengths that genuinely matter in day‑to‑day use. Its suction performance is consistently strong, and the 35‑minute maximum runtime (although a bit off compared to what I got during testing) gives you enough headroom to clean multiple rooms without rushing. That said it does have a motor that runs a bit louder than some competing models, something you’ll notice more in smaller spaces or late‑night cleanups. The lack of front LEDs may also steer away some potential buyers but for an entry-level model this was expected. Also like all cordless floor washers, it carries the unavoidable long‑term drawback of sealed battery design since lithium‑ion packs naturally degrade after a few years, and once they reach the end of their lifespan, replacements are rarely straightforward or even officially supported (something not many tend to point out). Still, if you value power, runtime, and a polished cleaning workflow, the D100 delivers a compelling package with only the typical cordless trade‑offs to keep in mind.

    Right now, the D100 cordless wet dry vacuum retails for USD239.99 inside the USA (plus a -5% coupon available currently) and 279.99Euros inside the EU directly from UWANT so it’s priced well. Yes, it’s not the perfect cordless wet and dry vacuum but for an entry-level model it does deliver and that’s why it deserves the Golden Award.

PROS

- Overall Build Quality
- Intelligent Sensor
- LED Display
- 180 Degrees Reclining Function
- Clean & Dirty Water Tank
- 60 Degrees Self Cleaning Function With Electrolytic Water
- Deodorizing Rod
- Voice Assistant
- Push In Charging Base
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- No Forward LEDs
- Noise Levels
- Battery Life (Up To 35 Minutes)
- No Android / iOS App