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Today โ€” 15 September 2026Main stream

ASUS PRIME AP303 White Featured Build

14 September 2026 at 11:01

Today weโ€™ve got a white-themed gaming PC build courtesy of ASUS. The focal point is the PRIME AP303 TG White case, paired with a TUF Gaming X870-Pro WiFi 7 motherboard and ASUSโ€™s PRIME Radeon RX 9070 XT OC in white. Cooling the CPU is the TUF Gaming LC III 360 ARGB LCD White Edition, giving us plenty of cooling performance as well as a snazzy-looking LCD and, of course, RGB illumination. So thatโ€™s all the Asus hardware weโ€™ll be using, letโ€™s get this system built and see how it turns outโ€ฆ

Case: Asus Prime AP303 TG White โ€“ Available from Scan priced at ยฃ94.99 HERE.

  • Compact But Capable โ€“ The PRIME AP303 packs a full ATX-sized platform into a compact 44-litre chassis, while still supporting graphics cards up to 360mm, large radiators up to 60mm thick and ATX power supplies up to 180mm long.
  • Built For High-end Hardware โ€“ A dedicated graphics card bracket helps support cards between 310mm and 360mm, reducing sag and movement, while the case also provides up to seven fan mounting positions for high-performance cooling.
  • Smart Connectivity and Cable Management โ€“ The front I/O is equipped with a 20Gbps USB Type-C port, while a 34mm-wide compartment behind the motherboard provides loads of room for keeping your cabling neat and tidy.

Specifications

  • Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX
  • Drive Bays: 1 x 2.5โ€ณ/3.5โ€ณ Combo Bay, 2 x 2.5โ€ณ Bays
  • Expansion Slots: 7
  • Front I/O: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2ร—2 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x Headphone/Microphone
  • Top Radiator Support: 360mm, 280mm, 240mm, 140mm, 120mm
  • Rear Radiator Support: 120mm
  • Top Fan Support: 3 x 140mm, 3 x 120mm
  • Rear Fan Support: 1 x 120mm
  • Pre-installed Fans: 1 x 120mm Rear Fan
  • Maximum CPU Cooler Height: 165mm
  • Maximum GPU Length: 360mm
  • Maximum PSU Length: 180mm
  • Dust Filters: Removable Bottom Dust Filter
  • Maximum Cable Management Space: 34mm
  • Dimensions: 215 x 425 x 485mm (W x H x D)
  • Weight: 6.8kg (Mesh Edition), 7.8kg (Tempered Glass Edition)

Graphics Card: Asus Prime Radeon RX 9070 XT OC โ€“ Available from Amazon priced at ยฃ719.99 HERE.

  • Triple Axial-tech Fans โ€“ The Prime RX 9070 XT White OC Edition uses three Axial-tech fans to deliver high airflow and help keep temperatures under control.
  • Phase-change GPU Thermal Pad โ€“ Its equipped with a phase-change thermal pad on the GPU, designed to improve heat transfer and help maximise cooling performance.
  • White-themed Design โ€“ Prime RX 9070 XT OC Edition gets a clean white finish, making it particularly well suited to the all-white ASUS builds while still giving a premium subtle look.

Specifications

  • Graphics Engine: AMD Radeonโ„ข RX 9070 XT
  • Bus Standard: PCI Express 5.0
  • OpenGL: OpenGLยฎ 4.6
  • Video Memory: 16GB GDDR6
  • Engine Clock: OC Mode (GPU Tweak III) โ€“ Up to 3030MHz Boost Clock / Up to 2480MHz Game Clock, Default Mode โ€“ Up to 3010MHz Boost Clock / Up to 2460MHz Game Clock
  • Stream Processors: 4096
  • Memory Speed: 20Gbps
  • Memory Interface: 256-bit
  • Maximum Digital Resolution: 7680 x 4320
  • Display Outputs: 1 x HDMI 2.1b, 3 x DisplayPort 2.1a
  • HDCP Support: HDCP 2.3
  • Maximum Displays: 4
  • CrossFire Support: No
  • Accessories: Thank You Card, Speedsetup Manual, ASUS Velcro Hook & Loop White
  • Software: ASUS GPU Tweak III & Drivers
  • Dimensions: 312 x 130 x 50mm (L x W x H)
  • Recommended PSU: 750W
  • Power Connectors: 3 x 8-pin
  • Expansion Slot: 2.5-slot

Motherboard: Asus TUF Gaming X870-Pro WiFi7 W Neo โ€“ Available from Scan priced at ยฃ302.99 HERE.

  • Serious Power Delivery โ€“ Equipped with a 16+2+1 power-stage design rated at 80A and enlarged VRM heatsinks, the X870-Pro WiFi7 W NEO is built to deliver stable power to the latest AMD Ryzen processors, even under sustained workloads.
  • PCIe 5.0 and High-Speed Storage โ€“ PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot for the graphics card, plus two PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, giving the platform all the bandwidth needed for next-generation GPUs and ultra-fast NVMe storage.
  • WiFi 7 and 5Gb Ethernet โ€“ Networking is sorted with WiFi 7 and onboard 5Gb Ethernet, while USB4 40Gbps and a front-panel USB 20Gbps Type-C connection add plenty of high-speed connectivity.

Specifications

  • CPU Support: AMD Socket AM5 โ€“ Ryzen 9000, 8000 and 7000 Series Desktop Processors
  • Chipset: AMD X870
  • Form Factor: ATX โ€“ 30.5 x 24.4cm
  • Memory: 4 x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 256GB
  • Memory Speed: Up to 8600+ MT/s (OC) with Ryzen 9000 Series
  • Memory Features: AMD EXPOโ„ข, ASUS AEMP, NitroPath DRAM Technology, DIMM Fit & DIMM Fit Pro
  • Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4 mode), 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4/x2 mode depending on configuration)
  • Storage: 4 x M.2 slots, including 2 x PCIe 5.0 x4 and 2 x PCIe 4.0 x4
  • SATA: 2 x SATA 6Gb/s
  • RAID: AMD RAIDXpert2 โ€“ RAID 0/1/5/10
  • Networking: 1 x Realtek 5Gb Ethernet with TUF LANGuard
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi 7, 2ร—2 802.11be, 2.4/5/6GHz, up to 160MHz bandwidth
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio
  • Rear USB: 2 x USB4 40Gbps Type-C, 3 x USB 10Gbps Type-A, 4 x USB 5Gbps Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A
  • Front USB: 1 x USB 20Gbps Type-C with up to 30W PD/PPS fast charging, 2 x USB 5Gbps, 6 x USB 2.0
  • Display Outputs: 1 x HDMI, 2 x USB4 Type-C display outputs
  • Audio: Realtek ALC1220P 7.1-channel High Definition Audio
  • Audio Quality: Up to 120dB SNR stereo playback and 113dB SNR recording
  • Fan Headers: 1 x CPU Fan, 1 x CPU OPT, 1 x AIO Pump, 4 x Chassis Fan, 1 x W_PUMP+
  • RGB: 3 x Addressable RGB Gen 2 headers
  • Power Connectors: 1 x 24-pin ATX, 2 x 8-pin CPU power
  • Rear I/O: USB4, USB 10Gbps, USB 5Gbps, USB 2.0, HDMI, Wi-Fi, 5Gb Ethernet, 3 x Audio, BIOS FlashBack and Clear CMOS buttons
  • BIOS: 64MB Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS
  • Special Features:2 Q-Latch/Q-Release, PCIe Slot Q-Release, Q-DIMM, Q-LED, Q-Antenna, Q-Dashboard, SafeSlot, TUF LANGuard, DIGI+ VRM and VRM heatsinks
  • Operating System: Windows 11
  • Accessories: ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna, 2 x SATA cables, TUF Gaming sticker, M.2 accessories and screw package, Quick Start Guide

AIO CPU Cooler: Asus TUF Gaming LC III 360 ARGB LCD White Edition โ€“ Available from Scan priced at ยฃ184.99 HERE.

  • 8-inch IPS LCD Display โ€“ LC III 360 features a full-colour 2.8-inch IPS display that can show live hardware information, clock mode, themed animations, or your own custom images and videos.
  • Integrated ARGB Fans โ€“ Comes with three 120mm ARGB fans onto the radiator, with up to 90.78 CFM airflow and 82 mmHโ‚‚O static pressure. A single cable connection handles both fan power and lighting, helping cut down on cable clutter.
  • Upgraded Three-phase Pump โ€“ It's equipped with a three-phase, six-slot, four-pole design, which ASUS says improves efficiency by up to 30%, reduces noise and provides up to 2x the lifespan of standard two-pole pump designs.

Specifications

  • Water Block Dimensions:9 x 77 x 67.1mm
  • CPU Plate Material: Copper
  • Radiator Dimensions: 397 x 120 x 27mm
  • Radiator Material: Aluminium
  • Tubing: Sleeved Rubber Tube
  • Tube Length: 400mm
  • Fans: 3 x TUF GAMING LC III 360 ARGB MF-12 120mm Fans
  • Fan Dimensions: 360 x 120 x 26.6mm
  • Fan Speed: 650โ€“2600 ยฑ10% RPM
  • Static Pressure:82mmHโ‚‚O
  • Airflow:78 CFM
  • Noise:4dB(A)
  • Fan Control: PWM/DC
  • Display:8-inch Full-Colour IPS LCD
  • Lighting: ASUS Aura Sync Support
  • CPU Compatibility: Intel LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200 / AMD AM5, AM4
  • Warranty: 6 years

Build Specification

KitGuru says: Enjoy the build!

The post ASUS PRIME AP303 White Featured Build first appeared on KitGuru.
Before yesterdayMain stream

Antec Flux Rear Case Review

11 September 2026 at 09:00

Antec gave the Flux Rear an unusual name, however there is solid thinking behind the decision. F-LUX is an abbreviation of Flow Luxury and the major feature of this case are the five PWM fans that come with the package. The three 140mm PWM ARGB fans are easy to spot, but the two 120mm PWM Reverse fans in the power supply shroud are less obvious.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
00:53 A look inside / Cooling support
03:27 Flip side / Cable Management
04:16 Building a Test PC
06:05 Smoke Air Flow Testing
06:46 Testing Methodology
07:02 Noise and Temperature Testing
08:17 Closing Thoughts

Main features

  • Flow Luxury: F-LUX Platform, abbreviation of Flow Luxury, features ultra case structure design for excellent airflow and 5 fans included, delivering enhanced GPU cooling performance.
  • Flux Airflow: Multi-directional vent design, featuring extensive air intakes at the bottom, power supply chamber and lower sides, along with top vents and large-area mesh at the front, creating a dedicated Antec Flux airflow channel.
  • Pre-Installed 5 x High-Performance PWM Fans: 3x 140mm PWM ARGB, 2x 120mm PWM Reverse
  • Flux Vertical Cooling: Designed with a front-mounted PSU chamber, this layout opens up space for improved airflow at the bottom of the case, enhancing heat dissipation around the graphics card.
  • Flux Horizontal Cooling: Air intake via the front mesh provides a smooth venting channel throughout the case.
  • Optimised Chassis Design: The recessed front design enhances airflow while minimising noise for better thermal and acoustic performance.
  • Supports 360mm water cooling at the top
  • Supports 140mm rear fan installation with radiator thickness โ‰ค 55mm.
  • Supports 120mm rear fan installation with radiator thickness between 55โ€“70mm.

Specification:

  • Motherboard support: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX (including rear connection)
  • Power supply support: ATX.
  • Expansion slots: 7.
  • Included fans: 2x 140mm front, 1x 140mm rear, 2x 120mm PSU shroud.
  • Fan mounts: 2x 140mm front, 3x 120mm/2x 140mm roof, 1x 120mm/140mm rear, 2x 120mm PSU shroud.
  • Radiator mounts: 280mm/360mm roof, 120mm rear.
  • 5.25-inch optical drive bays: None.
  • Internal drive bays: 1x 3.5-inch and 2x 2.5-inch.
  • Front I/O ports: 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, audio.
  • Dimensions: 460mm H x 460mm D x 240mm W.

Testing

To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D, Palit RTX 5080 and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the Antec Flux Rear's cooling capabilities.

Test System:

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
  • CPU Cooler: Montech HyperFlow ARGB 360
  • Motherboard: Gigabyte X870E Aorus Master X3D Ice
  • Memory: 32GB G.Skill Trident Z5 NeoX RGB DDR5-6000
  • Graphics card: Palit RTX 5080 Gamerock OC 16GB
  • Power supply: Deepcool PN1200M Gold
  • SSD: Crucial T700 Gen5 M.2 NVMe
  • OS: Windows 11

Cooling Performance

Cooling Performance Overview

The Antec Flux Rear did a decent job in our testing but it got noticeably louder as the fan speed increased. We found the best approach was to leave the fans running at a slow speed which meant the case performed well without causing any annoyance.

Closing Thoughts

It is relatively easy to review a case that is either excellent or appalling, but much tougher to deliver a verdict on a case that is fairly average. The Antec Flux Rear falls into that category as it has a reasonable specification and does a decent job but fails to leave a lasting impression.

We welcome the fact that the Flux Rear is supplied with five fans so all you need is a CPU cooler to complete the job. If Antec could have done something โ€“ anything โ€“ to make the Flux Rear memorable it would perhaps have scored higher but instead we feel it is likely to be forgotten.

You can buy the Antec Flux Rear for ยฃ85 HERE.

Pros:

  • Tool-free design makes the build easy.
  • Airflow is effective.
  • Decent access for cables.

Cons:

  • Build quality is marginal.
  • A PWM fan hub would sweeten the deal.

KitGuru says: Antec Flux Rear does a reasonable job at a reasonable price.

The post Antec Flux Rear Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.

Epomaker HE75 V2 Review

9 September 2026 at 10:44

The Epomaker HE75 V2 promises the holy grail of 2026 gaming keyboard specs: a wireless, 75% layout Hall Effect board equipped with a massive 8000mAh battery, all for under ยฃ90. On paper, it looks like an incredible budget powerhouse poised to challenge keyboards twice its price. But does the real-world user experience actually live up to the impressive physical hardware, or are there frustrating compromises hiding beneath the surface?

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:54 Meet the HE75 V2
01:57 Switches + sound profile
03:19 Performance
05:02 Battery life
06:42 Rapid trigger shenanigans
09:30 Driver discussions
10:57 Closing thoughts

Specifications:

  • Form Factor: 75% Layout with Rotary Knob.
  • Switches: EPOMAKER Creamy Jade HE Switches (Hall Effect).
  • Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, and Wired USB-C.
  • Polling Rate: Up to 8,000Hz (1,000Hz recommended).
  • Battery: 8000mAh (2x4000mAh).
  • Keycaps: Semi-transparent (PC material).
  • Acoustics: Pre-lubed switches, zero-rattle stabilizers, and internal PE foam sheet.

Closing Thoughts

The Epomaker HE75 V2 is a keyboard that delivers incredible hardware and value but is ultimately held back by a lack of software testing and attention to detail. On the physical front, it is a triumph. For under ยฃ90, you are getting a wireless Hall Effect keyboard with butter-smooth switches, perfectly tuned stabilizers with absolutely zero rattle, and a deep, marbly acoustic profile. When we put it through a 240fps end-to-end click latency test, the HE75 V2 at 1000Hz (14.46ms wired / 16.54ms wireless) actually beat out my personal premium custom Hall Effect board by a few ms.

Interestingly the keyboard was fastest in the 1000Hz mode then on the 8000Hz mode (14.46ms vs 15.96ms) which means at the very least that 8000Hz offers, once again, an exceptionally small improvement.

However, the user experience surrounding that hardware is highly frustrating. First, despite the fact the 8000mAh battery is massive (and lasts at least 1 week with all the bells and whistles cranked to the max), it charges at a painfully slow 3W, meaning a full charge takes nearly 24 hours. Worse still is the firmware and software implementation. A hardcoded shortcut (FN + Shift) disables Rapid Trigger entirely, but the desktop driver fails to reflect this change and still shows the feature as โ€œenabledโ€.

If you accidentally fat-finger this combination, you lose a crucial feature without any visual warning on your monitor. Combine this with a clunky, unresponsive app interface, and you are left with a fantastic piece of hardware that feels like it skipped the final QA testing phase.

You can buy the Epomaker HE75 V2 for under ยฃ90 HERE.

Pros:

  • Incredible value for a wireless Hall Effect gaming keyboard.
  • Fantastic click latency.
  • Smooth โ€œCreamy Jadeโ€ switches and perfectly tuned, zero-rattle stabilizers out of the box.
  • Massive 8000mAh battery easily lasts a full week on 2.4GHz, even with RGB.

Cons:

  • Hardcoded FN + Shift shortcut accidentally disables Rapid Trigger without updating the software UI.
  • Painfully slow 3W charging speed means a full recharge takes nearly 24 hours.
  • Terrible software UI makes adjusting switch actuation depths unnecessarily frustrating.
  • Plastic chassis and PE foam design means it lacks a unique acoustic character.

KitGuru says: The Epomaker HE75 V2 offers top-tier Hall Effect performance and brilliant acoustics for an unbeatable price, but frustrating firmware bugs hold it back from true perfection.

The post Epomaker HE75 V2 Review first appeared on KitGuru.

MSI MEG Maestro 900R Featured Build

7 September 2026 at 09:33

For our latest Featured Build, weโ€™re going all-in with some of MSIโ€™s most extreme hardware, including the massive MEG Maestro 900R chassis, the flagship MEG X870E Godlike X Edition motherboard and an RTX 5090 Suprim Liquid graphics card. CPU cooling comes courtesy of MSIโ€™s MEG CoreLiquid E15 360mm AIO, and the system is powered by the MAG A1200PLS PSU. Itโ€™s big, itโ€™s powerful and itโ€™s completely over the topโ€ฆ so letโ€™s get this monster build underway!

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Case: MSI MEG Maestro 900R โ€“ Available HERE.

  • A Showcase Chassis: The MEG Maestro 900R uses a centre motherboard layout combined with three-sided panoramic tempered glass, placing high-end hardware into the focal point of the build rather than hiding it away inside a conventional box.
  • Flexible Building: A detachable motherboard tray can also be rotated into four different orientations, giving builders freedom to prioritise aesthetics, airflow or simply make the assembly process a little easier.
  • Built for Extreme Hardware: With support for up to 14 fans and dual 420mm radiators, along with vertical GPU mounting and included PCIe 5.0 riser cable, the Maestro 900R has the hardware support you'd expect from a flagship full-tower case.

Specifications

  • Case Form Factor: Full Tower
  • Motherboard Support: E-ATX / ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
  • Expansion Slots: 8+3
  • Maximum GPU Length: 440 mm
  • Maximum CPU Cooler Height: 170 mm
  • Power Supply Support: ATX
  • Maximum PSU Length: 200 mm
  • I/O Ports: 1x LED Switch Button, 1x Mic-in / Audio-out, 1x Power Button, 4x USB 5Gbps Type-A, 4x USB 10Gbps Type-C, 1x USB 20Gbps Type-C
  • Drive Support: Up to 9 x 2.5โ€ณ SSD, Up to 5 x 3.5โ€ณ HDD
  • Fan Support: Top: 4 x 120 mm / 3x 140 mm / 3 x 160 mm, Side: 6 x 120 mm, Bottom: 4 x 120 mm / 3 x 140 mm / 3 x 160 mm
  • Pre-installed Fans: 3 x 160 mm ARGB fans at the bottom
  • Radiator Support: Top: 120 / 140 / 240 / 280 / 360 / 420 mm, Side: 120 / 240 / 360 mm, Bottom: 120 / 140 / 240 / 280 / 360 / 420 mm
  • Dimensions: 695 x 379 x 671 mm
  • Net Weight: 33 kg
  • Gross Weight: 38 kg

Graphics Card: MSI RTX 5090 SUPRIM LIQUID โ€“ Available HERE.ย 

  • Hybrid Cooling: The SUPRIM LIQUID combines air and liquid cooling, with a patented water block covering the GPU and VRAM alongside a 360mm radiator and MSI STORMFORCE fans. A serious cooling solution for a serious GPU.
  • Flagship Design: MSI has gone all-out on build quality, with diamond-cut lines, polished and bevelled metal edges, a multi-finish metal backplate and integrated LED lighting. The RTX 5090 Suprim Liquid is clearly designed to look as premium as it performs.
  • Performance or Silence: Dual BIOS gives you the choice between Gaming mode for maximum performance or Silent mode when you want to keep noise down. The card also features HCI chokes, DrMOS power stages, high-quality thermal pads and a reinforced 2oz copper PCB.

Specifications

  • Graphics Processing Unit: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
  • Interface: PCI Express Gen 5 x16
  • Core Clocks: Gaming Mode โ€“ Extreme Performance: 2580 MHz (MSI Center), Gaming Mode โ€“ Boost: 2565 MHz, Silent Mode โ€“ Extreme Performance: 2527 MHz (MSI Center), Silent Mode โ€“ Boost: 2512 MHz
  • CUDA Cores: 21,760
  • Memory Speed: 28 Gbps
  • Memory: 32GB GDDR7
  • Memory Bus: 512-bit
  • Outputs: 3x DisplayPort 2.1b, 1x HDMI 2.1b
  • HDCP Support: Yes
  • Power Consumption: Gaming Mode: 600 W, Silent Mode: 575 W
  • Power Connectors: 1x 16-pin (ATX 3.1 PSU recommended)
  • Recommended PSU: 1000 W
  • Card Dimensions: 280 x 148 x 51 mm
  • Radiator Dimensions: 394 x 121 x 55 mm
  • Tube Length: 450 mm
  • Weight: 2969 g (card) / 4273 g (package)
  • DirectX Version Support: 12 Ultimate
  • OpenGL Version Support:6
  • Maximum Displays: 4
  • G-SYNC Technology: Yes
  • Digital Maximum Resolution: 7680 x 4320

Motherboard: MSI MEG X870E Godlike X Edition โ€“ Available from Scan HERE.

  • Flagship X Edition: Featuring a 24+2+1 Duet Rail Power System, 110A Smart Power Stages, dual 8-pin CPU power connectors and a 10-layer 2oz copper PCB, so that this board can handle serious CPU performance and overclocking.
  • An Impressive Display: The 3.99-inch Dynamic Dashboard III LCD provides real-time hardware monitoring, troubleshooting information, BIOS update status and system clock functionality, while allowing for customisation. It's a superb addition for a flagship motherboard โ€” helping it stand out in a showcase build.
  • Storage and Connectivity Galore: Five onboard M.2 slots, plus the included M.2 XPANDER-Z SLIDER GEN5 expansion card, adding another two Lightning Gen 5 M.2 slots. Thereโ€™s also dual PCIe 5.0 slots, 10G and 5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7, USB4 and front-mounted USB 20Gbps with 60W USB Power Delivery.

Specifications

  • Chipset: AMD X870E
  • CPU Support: AMD Ryzen 9000 / 8000 / 7000 Series Desktop Processors
  • CPU Socket: AM5
  • Memory: 4x DDR5 UDIMM
  • Maximum Memory Capacity: 256GB
  • Memory Speed: DDR5 9200โ€“5600 MT/s (OC) / 5600โ€“4800 MT/s (JEDEC)
  • Memory Features: AMD EXPO, dual-channel mode, non-ECC unbuffered memory and CUDIMM support
  • Onboard Graphics: 2x USB Type-C DisplayPort via USB4, supporting up to 4K @ 60Hz
  • Expansion Slots: 2x PCIe x16, 1x PCIe x4, PCIe 5.0 support
  • Audio: Realtek ALC4082 Codec + ESS9219Q Combo DAC/HPA
  • Audio Support:1-channel USB high-performance audio, S/PDIF output and up to 32-bit/384kHz playback on the front panel
  • Storage: 7x onboard M.2 slots, 2x PCIe 5.0 x4, 3x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x2, 1x additional PCIe 4.0 x4
  • Additional M.2 Storage: 2x PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slots via the M.2 XPANDER-Z SLIDER GEN5 card
  • SATA: 4x SATA 6Gbps
  • RAID: RAID 0, 1 and 10 for SATA; RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10 for M.2 NVMe
  • USB: 4x USB 2.0 (front), 4x USB 5Gbps Type-A (front), 8x USB 10Gbps Type-A (rear), 5x USB 10Gbps Type-C (rear), 1x USB 10Gbps Type-C (front),1x USB 20Gbps Type-C (front), 2x USB 40Gbps Type-C (rear)
  • LAN: 1x Marvell AQC113CS 10Gbps LAN + 1x Realtek 8126 5Gbps LAN
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi 7
  • Wi-Fi Speed: Up to 5.8Gbps
  • Wi-Fi Bands:4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz (320MHz)
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4
  • Internal I/O: CPU fan, 2x pump/system fan, thermal sensor connectors, RGB, front-panel connectors and additional USB headers
  • LED Features: Dynamic Dashboard III, EZ Digi-Debug LED and EZ LED Control switch

AIO CPU Cooler: MSI MEG CORELIQUID E15 360 โ€“ Available HERE.

  • Curved Display: E15 360 features a huge 6.67-inch 2K AMOLED display with a 110-degree curved viewing angle, supporting custom animations, images and videos. It can operate in full-screen, split-screen or extended-display modes, making it more than just a fancy pump cover.
  • Laminar Focus Cooling: MSIโ€™s three-fan setup uses Laminar Focus Technology, with the middle fan spinning in reverse to reduce turbulence, smooth out airflow and cut down noise. Thereโ€™s also a 30mm-thick radiator and a cooling safeguard that automatically ramps up the remaining fans if one fails.
  • Clean Installation: Slick installation process with its EZ Conn single-cable design, connecting the screen, fans, ARGB and pump through one cable. The magnetic POGO-PIN screen also simplifies installation, while the 90-degree tube clips help keep the tubing looking neat and tidy.

Specifications

  • Pump Speed: 3000 ยฑ 300 RPM
  • Load Current: 0.52 ยฑ 0.104 A
  • Power Consumption: 6.24 ยฑ 1.248 W
  • Life Expectancy: 50,000 hours at 40ยฐC
  • CPU Block Dimensions: 71.63 x 68.5 x 64.97 mm
  • Display Size: 6.67โ€ณ
  • Panel Type: OLED
  • Panel Resolution: 2240 x 1080
  • Radiator Size: 360 mm
  • Dimensions: 397 x 124.5 x 30 mm
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Tube Length: 390 mm
  • Tube Material: EPDM + IIR
  • Fan Dimensions: 362 x 125 x 28.4 mm
  • Fan Quantity: 3
  • Fan Speed: 800โ€“2300 ยฑ 230 RPM
  • Fan Airflow: 217.91 CFM
  • Fan Air Pressure: 3.84 mm-Hโ‚‚O
  • Fan Noise: 39.58 dBA
  • Fan Bearing: FDB
  • Fan Life Expectancy: 40,000 hours at 40ยฐC
  • Fan Rated Current: 0.68 ยฑ 0.15 A (set)
  • Fan Power Consumption: 8.16 W (set)
  • LED: ARGB Gen2
  • CPU Socket Support: Intel: LGA 1700 / LGA 1851, AMD: AM5 / AM4

Power Supply: MSI MAG A1200PLS PCIE5 โ€“ Available from OCUK priced at ยฃ179.99 HERE.

  • Latest High-End GPU Ready: With 1200W of power, ATX 3.1 compliance and a native 12V-2ร—6 PCIe 5.1 connector capable of delivering up to 600W, the A1200PLS is designed with todayโ€™s most demanding GPUs in mind. It also supports up to 235% total power excursion and 3x GPU power excursion.
  • Platinum Power Delivery: MAG A1200PLS carries an 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency certification, while MSI uses a 135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing fan to help keep noise levels down and maintain a longer fan lifespan. Plus a 105ยฐC main capacitor for added durability.
  • Protection Built In: Itโ€™s equipped with GPU Safeguard, which monitors the 12V-2ร—6 connector and provides real-time alerts, alongside Fan Safeguard and a comprehensive set of protections including OCP, OTP, OPP, SCP, OVP, UVP, SIP and NLO. Plenty of protection for some seriously expensive hardware.

Specifications

  • Efficiency Rating: 80 PLUS Platinum
  • Power Output: 1200W
  • Modular: Fully Modular
  • Form Factor: ATX
  • Dimensions: 150 x 150 x 86 mm
  • PFC Type: Active PFC
  • Input Voltage Range: 100โ€“240 VAC
  • Input Frequency Range: 50โ€“60 Hz
  • Fan Size: 135 mm
  • Fan Bearing: Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB)
  • Protection: OVP, OCP, OTP, OPP, SCP, UVP, SIP, NLO
  • Connectors: 1x Mothertboard 24-pin, 1x EPS 4+4-pin + 1x 8-pin, 1x PCIe5 12+4-pin / 600W, 4x PCIe 6+2-pin, 6x SATA, 3x Molex 4-pin

Build Specification

KitGuru says: Is it possible to pack in any more high-end MSI hardware than this? The MEG Maestro 900R might be one of the most expensive PC cases we have ever seen, but it sure is one of a kind!

The post MSI MEG Maestro 900R Featured Build first appeared on KitGuru.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Handheld Review

4 September 2026 at 09:58

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ arrives with a staggering ยฃ1400 price tag and a bold promise to redefine handheld gaming. Powered by Intel's brand-new Arc G3 Extreme APU and backed by a massive 80Wh battery and a 120Hz display, on paper it certainly looks like a portable powerhouse. But with the shadow of Windows 11 looming over the handheld form factor, does this incredible hardware actually deliver a cohesive gaming experience, or is it severely let down by its own operating system?

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
01:09 Core specs
01:57 Performance analysis
03:38 The screen + battery
05:14 Speakers (with soundtest!)
06:14 Controls, vibration motor, Hall effect!
07:35 Quick-fire other thoughts
10:42 The softwareโ€ฆ
12:36 Can Linux fix it?
15:25 Closing thoughts

Specifications:

  • Processor: Intel Arc G3 Extreme APU (14 Cores: 2P, 8E, 4LPE).
  • Graphics: Intel B390 GPU (Shared TDP with CPU).
  • RAM: 32 GB LPDDR5x.
  • Display: 8-inch IPS, 1920ร—1200, 120Hz.
  • Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD.
  • Battery: 80Wh with 65W USB-C Charging (Dual Type-C ports).
  • Controls: Hall Effect analog sticks & Triggers
  • Connectivity: Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE213, Bluetooth v6
  • Operating System: Windows 11

Closing Thoughts

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is a device of extreme highs and frustrating lows. On the hardware front, the new Intel Arc G3 Extreme APU is an absolute marvel. It intelligently balances power between the CPU and the new B390 GPU, allowing us to run Cyberpunk 2077 on the High preset at 80fps using Performance XeSS upscaling. Paired with a massive 80Wh battery, crisp speakers, and Hall Effect analog sticks that guarantee no stick drift, it fundamentally redefines the performance limits of a handheld. You even get full performance on battery down to 10% charge.

However, a gaming handheld is only as good as its software, and this is where the Claw lands flat on its face. Windows 11 completely ruins the portable experience. The device routinely woke up from sleep on its own (I even had it hotbox itself in my backpack on multiple occasions) and basic reboots were constantly delayed by aggressive background updates and who knows what else. The mix of Xbox, MSI Command Center, and standard Windows overlays creates a convoluted user experience.

We attempted to fix the software woes by installing CachyOS Handheld Edition (Linux). While this miraculously solved the sleep issues and standby battery drain, the Intel Arc G3 Extreme platform is simply too new. The Linux drivers cannot yet match the gaming performance of Windows 11. Until the Linux drivers mature, you are stuck fighting Windows on a ยฃ1,400 device, preventing this powerful handheld from getting the recommendation the hardware deserves.

You can buy the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ for ยฃ1400 HERE.

Pros:

  • Intel Arc G3 Extreme delivers top-tier handheld performance.
  • Massive 80Wh battery allows for 2+ hours of heavy AAA gaming with maxed out TDP or 6+ hours on lighter titles.
  • Hall Effect analog sticks completely eliminate the risk of stick drift.
  • Surprisingly crisp, loud internal speakers with a decent amount of body.
  • Delivers full gaming performance on battery power.

Cons:

  • Windows 11 experience is poor (randomly wakes from sleep, excessive background updates).
  • The 1920ร—1200 IPS screen isn't bright enough for outdoor use and drains battery faster.
  • Very expensive at ยฃ1400.
  • Linux gaming drivers for the new APU are currently too immature to match Windows 11 performance.
  • Bulky design with protruding analog sticks makes it difficult to pack in a bag.
  • Handles get noticeably warm during long sessions, causing sweaty palms.

KitGuru says: The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ features revolutionary hardware and incredible gaming performance, but it is fundamentally crippled by a frustrating Windows 11 experience and an eyebrow-raising price tag.

KitGuru Worth Considering Award

The post MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Handheld Review first appeared on KitGuru.

Fractal Design Define One Case Review

2 September 2026 at 13:00

Our first look at the new Fractal Design Define One set alarm bells ringing. Where, we wondered, is the mesh panel that allows plenty of airflow and whatโ€™s with the solid front? Join us as we work our way through this new case and figure out whether Fractal Design has done a good job.

Time stamps

00:00 Intro
00:41 Meet the Define One
01:05 Panel removal
03:18 The Summit series
04:25 Inside the Summit
06:38 GPU differences between our cases
07:25 Our build hardware
09:16 Thermal + acoustic testing
11:04 Leo discusses the AIO cooler
11:52 Pros and cons

Main features

  • Closed-front design balancing cooling capability with a clean, refined exterior finish.
  • Minimalist expression with subtle curvature and fine-patterned aluminium side intake vents
  • Includes three pre-installed LCP-blade Momentum 14 fans for quiet, reliable performance.
  • Space for graphics cards up to 368 mm in length and includes an adjustable support bracket.
  • Compatible with front-mounted radiators up to 360 mm and top mounted up to 280 mm.
  • Features an integrated front air guide that helps direct airflow toward the graphics card.
  • Offers a smooth build experience with tool-less access and removable top and front brackets.
  • Includes adjustable cable straps, aligners, and a routing grommet for a neatly finished build.
  • Supports E-ATX motherboards up to 277 mm and reverse connector motherboards up to ATX.
  • Provides a noise and vibration-dampened gaming experience with bitumen-lined side panels and airflow engineering.
  • Accessible front I/O includes a USB Type-C port, two USB Type-A ports, and an audio jack.

Specification:

  • Motherboard support: E-ATX (up to 277mm) ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX (supports rear connection)
  • Power supply support: ATX.
  • Expansion slots: 7.
  • Included fans: 3x 140mm Momentum PWM front intake (max 1,800rpm).
  • Fan mounts: 3x 120mm/140mm front, 2x 120mm/140mm roof, 1x 120mm rear.
  • Radiator mounts: 280mm/360mm front, 240mm/280mm roof, 120mm rear.
  • 5.25-inch optical drive bays: None.
  • Internal drive bays: 2x 3.5-inch or 4x 2.5-inch, plus 2x 2.5-inch.
  • Front I/O ports: 2x USB 3.1 Type-A 5 Gbps, 1x USB 3.2 Type-C 20 Gbps, audio.
  • Dimensions: 500mm H x 482mm D x 235mm W.

Testing

To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus processor, a Palit RTX 5080 graphics card and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the Fractal Design Define One TGโ€˜s cooling capabilities.

Test System:

  • Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus
  • CPU Cooler: Fractal Design Radius 360
  • Motherboard: Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Pro Ice
  • Memory: 48GB Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 CUDIMM 8400MT/sec
  • Graphics card: Palit GeForce RTX 5080 GameRock OC 16GB
  • Power supply: Fractal Design Ion 3 Gold 1000W
  • SSD: Crucial T700 Gen 5 M.2 NVMe
  • OS: Windows 11

Cooling Performance

Cooling Performance Overview

Testing the Fractal Design Define One was interesting as it worked well and was also reasonably quiet. We initially had our concerns about the nature of the front panel as it looks rather closed, however in practice it works effectively. The other feature that relates to cooling is the scoop in front of the power supply that is intended to guide air to the graphics card. It seems to work well and also looks rather stylish.

Closing Thoughts

Our review of the Fractal Define Define One TG started in the usual way with an initial assessment and then improved with every hour that we worked with the case. We ended up with a single negative point about the lack of support for a 360mm cooler in the roof of the case. As you will see when you watch our video, this is a point we make when we discuss the specification, then we forget about it and then we are rudely reminded.

Apart from that small faux pas we were very pleased with the Define One. Every feature that Fractal Design boasts about works well and even the features they don't mention also work well. How the heck can that release mechanism for the front panel not have a name? I guess we just have to put it down to Scandinavian understatement.

You will be able to buy the Fractal Design Define One TG for $154.99.

Pros:

  • Clever cable management system.
  • Smartly styled front panel has good airflow.
  • Solid build quality.
  • Noise deadening works well.

Cons:

  • Does not support a 360mm AIO in the roof.

KitGuru says: Fractal Design has delivered a winner in the Define One.

ย 

The post Fractal Design Define One Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.

be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W Review

1 September 2026 at 11:00

Today we take a look at a new flagship power supply from be quiet!, the Dark Power Pro 14 IO, in 1600W capacity. This unit is fully modular, has a Titanium/Platinum certification from Cybenetics and has a 10-year warranty. This unit also has software connectivity to control and monitor the PSU in be quiet!'s IO Center.

Highlights:

  • Software connectivity to control and monitor the PSU in be quiet! IO Center
  • Active and semi-passive cooling can also be selected with the software
  • Aluminum heat sink to support the semi-passive cooling concept and improve longevity of the components
  • 80 PLUSยฎ Titanium and Cybenetics Titanium efficiency (up to 94.9%)
  • Silent Wings fan for virtually inaudible operation
  • Fully digital control and Active Rectifier + full bridge LLC technology for unmatched signal stability
  • Easy software-controlled rail configuration and power monitoring
  • ATX 3.1 PSU with full support for PCIe 5.1 GPUs and GPUs with 6+2-pin connector
  • Full-mesh front upholds the high air circulation abilities
  • Modular single sleeved cables for maximum convenience
  • 10-year manufacturerโ€™s warranty
The post be quiet! Dark Power Pro 14 IO 1600W Review first appeared on KitGuru.

Gamdias Atlas P6 CG Featured Build

31 August 2026 at 09:00

In our latest featured build video, we're putting together a seriously clean GAMDIAS sponsored PC, featuring the panoramic ATLAS P6 CG case, the CHIONE P5 Pro AIO cooler and the high-end THOR P2 1350P power supply. There's no talking, no music and no distractions, we're building the system ASMR style, so you can sit back and enjoy every click, snap and satisfying sound as the build comes togetherโ€ฆ

Case: Gamdias Atlas P6 CG โ€“ MSRP $159.90

  • Panoramic Showcase Design: The ATLAS P6 CG features a three-sided, columnless tempered glass layout with a one-piece curved glass panel, giving your components a clear 270-degree view. GAMDIAS has even included a dedicated display stage with an omnidirectional spotlight, so you can show off a favourite figure alongside the hardware.
  • Four ARGB Fans and Unique Airflow Layout: Cooling is handled by four pre-installed 120mm NOTUS M1 ARGB PWM fans, backed up by an 8-port PWM/ARGB hub. The case uses a chimney-style airflow design, with three bottom-mounted intake fans and a rear exhaust, while the slanted bottom intake is designed to direct airflow towards the GPU.
  • Built For High-End Hardware: The ATLAS P6 CG supports ATX motherboards, 360mm radiators and graphics cards up to 425mm long. It also supports connector-hidden motherboards for a cleaner-looking build, while the generous 90mm cable-routing space and adjustable GPU support bracket should make cable management and installation a little easier.

Specifications

  • Case Type: Mid Tower
  • Motherboard Support: ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
  • Synchronization: 5V 3-Pin Addressable Header
  • Colour: Black
  • Expansion Slots: 7
  • Materials: SPCC / ABS / Tempered Glass
  • Windows: Front / Left / Right
  • Radiator Support: Top: 360mm / 280mm; Rear: 120mm
  • Fan Support: Top: 3 ร— 120mm / 2 ร— 140mm; Rear: 1 ร— 120mm; Bottom: 3 ร— 120mm
  • Pre-installed Fans: 1 ร— 120mm PWM ARGB rear fan; 3 ร— 120mm PWM ARGB bottom fans
  • Drive Bays: 2 ร— 3.5โ€ณ or 1 ร— 2.5โ€ณ + 1 ร— 3.5โ€ณ (HDD cage); 1 ร— 2.5โ€ณ
  • I/O: 1 ร— USB Type-C, 2 ร— USB 3.0, 1 ร— HD Audio, 1 ร— LED Control, 1 ร— Showcase Lighting Switch
  • CPU Cooler Clearance: 165mm
  • Graphics Card Clearance: 425mm
  • PSU Clearance: 200mm
  • Dimensions (L ร— W ร— H): 432 ร— 285 ร— 465mm
  • Pre-installed Control Box: 8-port hub

AIO CPU Cooler: CHIONE P5-360 PRO โ€“ MSRP $159.90

  • 4-inch Customisable IPS LCD Screen: CHIONE P5 Pro features a 3.4-inch, 480 ร— 480 IPS screen, which can display real-time system information alongside custom images and animated GIFs. The magnetic display is also rotatable, while GAMDIAS' ZEUS CAST software lets you adjust the orientation and brightness to suit your build.
  • Premium 360mm Cooling Setup: The CHIONE P5-360 combines a 360mm radiator with three 120mm hydraulic-bearing PWM fans with speeds up to 2200 RPM, for 81.81 CFM of airflow and 3.15 mmHโ‚‚O of static pressure. The cooler also features an upgraded copper coldplate with 0.12mm microflow channels and a pump running at up to 2700 RPM.
  • Keep Your Build Looking Clean: GAMDIAS has included hidden cable routing to reduce cable clutter. The cooler also supports 30 built-in lighting effects and motherboard ARGB synchronisation via a 5V 3-pin header, with support for the latest Intel LGA 1851 and AMD AM5 platforms.

Specifications

  • Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 2066 / 2011-v3 / 2011 / 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 1151 / 1150 / 1155 / 1156; AMD AM5 / AM4 / AM3+ / AM3 / AM2+ / AM2 / FM2+ / FM2 / FM1
  • Radiator Dimensions: 396 ร— 120 ร— 27 mm
  • Tube Material: EPDM
  • Base Plate Material: Copper
  • Radiator Material: Aluminium
  • Sleeved Tubing: Yes
  • Pump Rated Voltage: 12V
  • Pump Speed: 2700 RPM ยฑ10%
  • Pump Connector: 4-pin
  • Fan Dimensions: 120 ร— 120 ร— 25 mm
  • Fan Speed: 400โ€“2200 RPM ยฑ10%
  • Noise Level: 11โ€“34.91 dBA
  • Airflow: 81 CFM
  • Static Pressure: 15 mmHโ‚‚O
  • Bearing Type: Hydraulic Bearing
  • Rated Voltage: 12V (Fan) / 5V (LED)
  • Connector: PWM and 5V ARGB Sync
  • PWM Control: Yes
  • Motherboard RGB Sync: 5V 3-pin addressable (digital) RGB header only

Power Supply: Gamdias THOR P2 1350P โ€“ MSRP $159.90

  • 1350W Platinum-Rated Power: The THOR P2-1350P is a serious high-end unit, combining a huge 1350W output with 80 PLUS Platinum efficiency, making it well suited to demanding gaming PCs and workstations.
  • Ready For Next-Generation GPUs: ATX 3.1 and PCIe Gen 5.1 compliance, plus a native 600W 12V-2ร—6 connector, the THOR P2-1350P is designed to handle the latest high-performance graphics cards and their demanding power requirements.
  • Premium Components, 12-year Warranty: GAMDIAS has equipped THOR P2 with 100% Japanese capacitors, a 135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing fan with a Zero Fan mode at low loads, comprehensive electrical protections and an impressive 12-year warranty.

Specifications

  • Type: ATX 3.1
  • Efficiency: 80 PLUS Platinum
  • Power Factor Correction: APFC with a PF value of 0.99
  • Motherboard Sync Support: No
  • Dimensions (L ร— W ร— H): 160 ร— 150 ร— 86 mm
  • C6/C7 Power State Support: Yes
  • AC Input: 100โ€“240V~, 16โ€“10A, 50โ€“60Hz
  • DC Outputs: +3.3V / +5V / +12V / -12V / +5Vsb
  • Maximum Output Current: 20A / 20A / 70.8A / 0.3A / 3A
  • Maximum Output Power: 100W / 1350W / 3.6W / 15W
  • Total Power: 1350W
  • Peak Power: 1755W
  • Protection: OVP / UVP / OPP / SCP / OCP / OTP
  • Main Power Connector: 1 ร— 20+4-pin
  • CPU Power Connectors: 1 ร— 4+4-pin and 1 ร— 8-pin
  • PCIe Connectors: 3 ร— 6+2-pin
  • 12V-2ร—6 Connector: 1 ร— 12+4-pin
  • SATA Connectors: 6
  • Molex Connectors: 2
  • Modular Design: Fully modular
  • Cables: Flat cables
  • Capacitors: Japanese capacitors

Build Specification

  • CPU โ€“ AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
  • Motherboard โ€“ MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi
  • Graphics Card โ€“ Sapphire Radeon RX 9070XT Nitro+
  • Memory โ€“ 32GB (2 x 16GB Modeuls) G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB DDR5-6000
  • Storage โ€“ 1TB Corsair MP600 Elite PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVME SSD
  • CPU Cooler โ€“ Gamdias CHIONE P5-360 Pro AIO Liquid Cooler
  • Power Supply โ€“ Gamdias THOR P2 1350P ATX3.1 80+ Platinum
  • Chassis โ€“ Gamdias Atlas P6 CG
  • Operating System โ€“ Windows 11

KitGuru says: Gamdias' new Atlas P6 CG panoramic case works well with the CHIONE P5 Pro AIO screen and the THOR P2 1350P power supply has the grunt for any high-end gaming system.

The post Gamdias Atlas P6 CG Featured Build first appeared on KitGuru.

PCSpecialist Momentum Pro Review (5700X + 9060 XT 16GB)

27 August 2026 at 11:53

The PCSpecialist Momentum Pro enters the market at ยฃ1099 as part of a Back to School promotion, attempting to strike a delicate balance between price and performance in 2026. By pairing older AM4 components with a modern AMD RX 9060 XT, it looks like a calculated compromise for budget-conscious gamers targeting 1080p and 1440p. But does relying on a last-gen CPU, DDR4 memory, and a budget motherboard hold this machine back, or is it exactly the kind of balanced configuration students and gamers need right now?

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
01:39 A message for the parentsโ€ฆ
03:44 The hardware
05:09 The are compromisesโ€ฆ
06:23 SSD + memory performance
07:21 A520 motherboard
09:00 Memory upgrade + build quality
10:05 Closing thoughts

Specifications:

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X.
  • Motherboard: ASUS PRIME A520M-A II/CSM (PCIe Gen 3).
  • Memory: 16GB PCS PRO DDR4 3200MHz (CL22).
  • Graphics: AMD RADEON RX 9060 XT (16GB VRAM).
  • Storage: 1TB PCS M.2 PCIe Gen 3 NVMe SSD (TLC NAND).
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home (BitLocker enabled by default).

Closing Thoughts

The PCSpecialist Momentum Pro is a machine defined by its compromises, but they are mostly the right ones for 2026. By utilizing the older AM4 platform, DDR4 memory, and a Ryzen 7 5700X, PCSpecialist managed to squeeze the highly capable 16GB RX 9060 XT into a ยฃ1099 budget. In our testing, this allowed the Momentum Pro to nearly match the gaming performance of the last PCSpecialist build that we tested a few months back that retailed for ยฃ600 more. In day to day use it easily chews through 1080p and 1440p titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Returnal.

The assembly quality remains fantastic, with great cable management and cool, quiet operation.

However, corners โ€“ understandably โ€“ had to be cut to hit the price point. The biggest disappointment is the ASUS A520 motherboard. Not only does it limit you to PCIe Gen 3 speeds (which hampers future SSD upgrades, though it barely affects the GPU), but it also locks users out of AMD's Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO). The 5700X has massive thermal headroom in this build, but it's not possible undervolt it or raise the conservative 77W power limit to get free performance. Furthermore, the included USB WiFi dongle is poor and needs to be replaced if you rely on WiFi. We're also not keen on seeing Norton installed out of the box.

Nonetheless, if you are a parent looking for a machine that can handle schoolwork, coding, and heavy gaming right out of the box, this is a fantastic deal. Just make sure to plug in an Ethernet cable and spend a few minutes uninstalling the bloatware.

You can buy the PCSpecialist Momentum Pro for ยฃ1099 HERE.

Pros:

  • The RX 9060 XT with 16GB VRAM provides excellent 1080p and 1440p gaming performance.
  • Fantastic assembly quality, cable management, and quiet cooling.
  • Smart compromises keep the price at a highly competitive ยฃ1099.
  • The motherboard retains 4 RAM slots for easy future upgrades to 32GB.

Cons:

  • The A520 motherboard locks out PBO, preventing free CPU performance tweaks.
  • Included USB WiFi dongle is slow and should be replaced or bypassed with Ethernet.
  • Motherboard is limited to PCIe Gen 3, limiting future SSD upgrades.
  • Pre-installed bloatware (Norton) and default BitLocker actively harm system performance.

KitGuru says: The Momentum Pro proves that pairing last-gen components with a modern GPU is a winning strategy for budget gamers, provided you can look past a restrictive motherboard.

The post PCSpecialist Momentum Pro Review (5700X + 9060 XT 16GB) first appeared on KitGuru.

FRITZ!Box 4690 WiFi 7 Router Review

26 August 2026 at 10:15

We've generally been impressed by AVM wireless broadband routers here at KitGuru. They're a little quirky, but performance is generally good and the features are top of the pile, with unique telephony and smart home capabilities. Since we last looked at one of the company's products, the AVM name has disappeared and now it's just FRITZ! This doesn't mean any change in ownership, however, just a simplification. Speaking of simplifying things, the FRITZ!Box 4690 is for people who already have a cable modem or fibre, so don't want the complication of a device with this built in. It's intended to deliver the fastest home networking to an already rapid broadband connection.

The FRITZ!Box 4690 returns to the wave-like design we've seen in many previous routers, such as the AVM FRITZ!Box 7690. Apart from the lack of a built-in VDSL/ADSL 2+ modem, the 4690 has a very similar specification to the 7690, although it also lacks the latter's support for Zigbee, a wireless standard for controlling smart home devices such as lightbulbs, roller blinds, temperature and motion sensors, smart plugs, and switches. It does still offer the signature FRITZ!Box support for telephony, however.

With its focus on users with an existing fast broadband modem, the WAN connection is 10Gbit, but you get a second of these and all the remaining LAN connections deliver 2.5Gbit. WiFi 7 is of course supported, albeit only in dual-band form. The 4690 is BE7000 rated, combining 5,760Mbits/sec at 5GHz and 1,200Mbits/sec at 2.4GHz. There's no 6GHz signal with this router, unlike the AVM FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro. There are optional extras to create a mesh network, too, although units to test this weren't supplied for our review.

Telephony options include two RJ11 phone ports on the back plus a single German TAE on the side. You also get a single USB 3.0 connection for media server storage, NAS options, or mobile data backup. All this comes in at around ยฃ330, which is pricey for a router but not one with this range of features available. Read on to see how the promising specifications shape up in reality.

The FRITZ!Box 4690 is available from Amazon UK for ยฃ330.31 inc VAT.

Specification:

  • Wireless protocols: MU-MIMO with 802.11b/g/n/be 2.4GHz, 802.11a/n/ac/ax/be 5GHz
  • Performance: BE7000 (5,760 + 1,200 Mbits/sec)
  • Antenna Configuration: 4ร—4 internal antennas
  • Ports: 3 x 2.5Gigabit Ethernet LAN, 1 x 10Gigabit Ethernet LAN, 1 x 10Gigabit Ethernet WAN, 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x RJ11 phone, 1 x TAE phone
  • Modem Support: 10Gigabit Ethernet WAN
The post FRITZ!Box 4690 WiFi 7 Router Review first appeared on KitGuru.

Nvidia DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction Analysis: A Welcome IQ Boost!

25 August 2026 at 15:30

Today, Nvidia is launching DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction, an update to the original Ray Reconstruction model that arrived nearly three years ago. We first got wind of this at Computex 2026 and DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction is available now in certain games, though just like with DLSS Super Resolution, it does require use of the Override function within the Nvidia App. We went hands-on with early access to the technology, so join us as we take a first look at what it can doโ€ฆ

Timestamps

00:00 Intro
00:46 Video outline
01:47 Test setup
03:03 Image quality โ€“ overall detail improvements
04:07 Fine object handling โ€“ ghosting/shimmering
05:39 Reflection detail
06:10 Resident Evil Requiem motion examples
06:38 Light changes in Cyberpunk
07:27 Performance data
08:30 Closing thoughts

First things first, if you want to catch up on what exactly Ray Reconstruction is and how it works, do check out our original analysis from 2023 as it is still very relevant today. What we're focusing on here, however, is what difference the DLSS 4.5 update makes compared to the prior DLSS 4.0 Ray Reconstruction model. Nvidia claims that โ€˜DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction introduces a second-generation transformer model with 35% more compute capability and 20% more parameters while maintaining similar performance to the previous model', which certainly sounds good on paper โ€“ we're here to see exactly what that means for image quality in games.

Test System:

We test using a custom built system powered by MSI, based on AMD's Zen 5 platform. You can view the Powered by MSI store on AWD-IT's website HERE.

CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Motherboard
MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi
Memory
64GB (2x32GB) Kingston Fury Beast DDR5 6000MT/s CL30
Graphics Card
Varies
SSD
4TB Kingston NV3 Gen 4 PCIe NVMe
Chassis MSI MPG Gungnir 300R Airflow
CPU Cooler
MSI MAG CoreLiquid i360
Power Supply
MSI MPG Ai1600TS
Operating System
Windows 11 25H2
Monitor
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
Resizable BAR
Enabled for all supported GPUs

Driver Notes

  • RTX 5090 was used for all gameplay footage capture using the latest 610.88 driver.

Image Quality Examples

For a full look at image quality, be sure to watch the video at the top of this page, both to seeย moreย examples but also to see how Ray Reconstruction handles motion.ย Note: The below are 4K screenshots. Please zoom in using your browser if you want to enlarge the image.

Performance

As shown in the video, we observed only a negligible performance cost when using DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction with both an RTX 5090 and RTX 4090 at 4K resolution. However, what is odd is that, despite Nvidia suggesting we should see more of a performance hit on 20 and 30-series hardware, we actually saw a small performance improvement on both the RTX 3090 and RTX 2080 Ti in their respective tests. I'm not sure if this is a quirk of my testing or if others will find the same thing, but it was repeatable so I have included it here.

Closing Thoughts

After this admittedly relatively brief look at DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction, I have to say I am pretty impressed by what Iโ€™ve seen. I wouldn't say that I've been blown away from the improvements made with the new model โ€“ certainly not in the same way as I was comparing RR off to RR on when the technology first launched, but I suppose that is to be expected.

Instead, what weโ€™ve seen is more like going from DLSS 3 Super Resolution, to DLSS 4 โ€“ meaning the improvements may not be revolutionary, but they are still very welcome and do improve certain image quality characteristics that can be associated with DLSS technologies โ€“ including temporal instability, ghosting or shimmering, as well as general sharpness and detail.

With that in mind then, itโ€™s really hard not to be impressed by the new DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction update. As shown in the video, there are still some issues present, but by and large we have seen a number of improvements across the board, all without any real performance cost, too. In my view, that is an absolute win for the end user, and shows us the best of Nvidia โ€“ supporting GPUs all the way back to the RTX 20-series with new updates, completely free, that have basically no downside. Letโ€™s hope that doesnโ€™t stop any time soon.

KitGuru says: Let us know if you will be trying the new update!

The post Nvidia DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction Analysis: A Welcome IQ Boost! first appeared on KitGuru.

Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless Review

24 August 2026 at 12:02

The Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless is an ambitious attempt to pack almost every premium keyboard feature under the sun into one sleek, low-profile chassis. Retailing at a hefty ยฃ239 MSRP, it features smooth low profile optical switches, a bright integrated screen, per-key RGB, and an 8,000Hz polling rate. But by opting for optical switches over Hall Effect in the name of battery life, has Corsair actually delivered a coherent wireless experience, or is this keyboard crippled by frustrating compromises?

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
01:01 Streamdeck functionality
02:34 Corsair web hub
03:22 OPX low-profile switches + keycaps
04:31 Screen, rotary dial and RGB
05:46 Pricing discussion
06:42 A cascade of bad decisionsโ€ฆ
09:04 Slow wireless reconnection
10:04 Actual keyboard experience
11:05 Rattly stabilisersโ€ฆ
11:46 Closing thoughts

Specifications:

  • Form Factor: 99% Layout (Low-Profile).
  • Switches: CORSAIR OPX Low-Profile Optical (1.5mm Actuation / 2.5mm Total Travel).
  • Connectivity: 2.4GHz Slipstream Wireless, Bluetooth, and USB Wired.
  • Polling Rate: Up to 8000Hz.
  • Features: LCD Screen, Rotary Encoder, dedicated macro keys.
  • Software: iCUE, CORSAIR Web Hub, and Elgato Stream Deck app.
  • Battery Life: Up to 57 hours without RGB and at 1000Hz

Closing Thoughts

The Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless is a product in conflict with itself. On paper, it looks like a productivity and gaming powerhouse. Its integration into the Corsair and Elgato ecosystems is fantastic, allowing you to configure custom macro keycaps with remarkable ease. The OPX low-profile optical switches are smooth and snappy, offering a quick 1.5mm actuation that feels right at home if you prefer laptop-style keyboards. I also love Corsair's push toward the Web Hub, which gives you near feature parity without forcing you to keep the bulky iCUE desktop app running at all times.

However, the hardware compromises are baffling. I think Corsair skipped Hall Effect switches to save battery life, but then added a bright screen, per-key RGB, and an 8KHz polling rate. The result? The battery dies in roughly 10 hours of typical use if you use all of those features, and then takes a painfully slow three and a half hours to recharge. Because it dies so fast, you will likely leave it plugged in permanently, making the omission of true Rapid Trigger Hall Effect switches a massive missed opportunity for gamers. The software-based Snap Tap feature simply isn't a replacement for Rapid Trigger, and utilizing it can even get you kicked from competitive games like CS2.

Throw in intensely rattly stabilizers that constantly tick as you type, a slow 3 to 5 second wake-from-sleep delay, and a strange wireless interference with other wireless mice, and this keyboard becomes very hard to recommend. Even at its occasional discounted promotional price of ยฃ189, there are simply too many better, more focused alternatives on the market.

You can buy the Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless for ยฃ239 HERE.

Pros:

  • Excellent Stream Deck integration with distinct, dedicated macro keycaps.
  • The screen and per-key RGB are bright and easily visible in daylight.
  • OPX optical switches are smooth and responsive right out of the box.
  • The Web Hub software is a great, lightweight alternative to iCUE.

Cons:

  • Terrible battery life and very slow charging (maxes out at just 7.1W).
  • Lacks Hall Effect switches (and genuine Rapid Trigger) at a premium gaming price point.
  • Stabilizers are intensely rattly, ruining the acoustic and typing experience.
  • Wireless dongle caused bizarre interference and lag with other high-end gaming mice.
  • Frustratingly slow to wake from sleep, often missing the first few keystrokes.

KitGuru says: The Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless attempts to do it all, but terrible battery life, rattly stabilizers, and the lack of Hall Effect switches make it a confusing and overpriced package.

KitGuru Worth Considering Award

The post Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless Review first appeared on KitGuru.

Best OLED Monitors 2026: KitGuruโ€™s Top Picks

21 August 2026 at 09:14

Here at KitGuru we have reviewed plenty of OLED monitors over the last few months, but the market has been moving at such a rapid rate it is easy to lose track of the best options. Today we're simplifying matters by publishing our top picks for OLED monitors in 2026 โ€“ so whether you're looking for an ultrawide, 4K, or budget option, here are our top recommendationsโ€ฆ

Best Ultrawide OLED โ€“ MSI MPG 341CQR X36

Specification:

  • Model:ย MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36
  • Panel size:ย 34โ€ณ QD-OLED
  • Aspect ratio:ย 21:9
  • Panel resolution:ย 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD)
  • Pixel pitch (H x V):ย 0.2315 (H) x 0.2315 (V)
  • Refresh rate:ย 360Hz
  • Response time:ย 0.03ms (GtG)
  • Viewing angle:ย 178ยฐ (H) / 178ยฐ (V)
  • Brightness:ย SDR: 300 nits; HDR: 1300 nits
  • Contrast ratio:ย 1,500,000:1
  • DisplayPort:ย 1x DisplayPort 2.1a (UHBR13.5) (UWQHD@360Hz)
  • HDMI:ย 2x HDMIโ„ข 2.1 (48Gbps) (UWQHD@360Hz)
  • USB Type-C:ย 1x Type-C (DP Alt Mode) with 98W Power Delivery
  • USB Type-A:ย 2x USB 5Gbps Type-A
  • USB Type-B:ย 1x USB 5Gbps Type-B
  • ETD:ย 12/B-12/M
  • MSRP:ย ยฃ999/$1,099

MSI kicked the year off with a bang thanks to the launch of its MPG 341CQR X36. This monitor is built on a 5th Gen QD-OLED panel from Samsung, unlocking a wide array of benefits compared to previous QD-OLED ultrawides. There's a new RGB stripe sub-pixel layout for one, eliminating any fringing around text. Brightness has also increased, given we measured up to 321 nits in SDR usage, but over 1300 nits in HDR. On top of that (literally, in this case!), there's a new panel coating which helps to improve perceived black depth in brighter environments, while also removing that magenta tint that could be visible on older QD-OLEDs.

MSI also nailed the factory calibration with excellent colour balance and gamma tracking, while this is the fastest ultrawide OLED monitor we have tested, given it now clocks in with a 360Hz refresh rate โ€“ and of course that means motion clarity is a real step up compared to older, 240Hz models.

Full review: HERE.

Current Price: ยฃ899 from Scan.

Best Budget OLED โ€“ Philips Evnia 27M2N6501L

Specification:

  • Panel size:ย 26.5โ€ณ / 67.3 cm
  • Aspect ratio:ย 16:9
  • Monitor panel type:ย QD OLED
  • Pixel pitch:ย 0.2292 x 0.2292 mm
  • Brightness:ย SDR: 200 nits (APL 100%), HDR: 400 nits (APL 10%)
  • Display colours:ย 1.07B (10 bits)
  • Colour gamut (typical):ย Adobe RGB 98%; DCI-P3 99%; sRGB 147.5%; NTSC 120%*
  • Contrast ratio (typical):ย 1.5M:1
  • Response time (typical):ย 0.03 ms (Grey to Grey)*
  • Viewing angle:ย 178ยบ (H) / 178ยบ (V) @ C/R > 10000
  • Picture enhancement:ย SmartImage game
  • Maximum resolution:ย 2560 x 1440 @ 240 Hz (DP / HDMI)
  • Effective viewing area:ย 590.42 (H) x 333.72 (V) mm
  • Scanning frequency:ย 30kโ€“390 kHz (H) / 48โ€“240 Hz (V)
  • sRGB:ย Yes
  • Delta E:ย < 2 (sRGB)
  • Flicker-free:ย Yes
  • Pixel density:ย 111 PPI
  • Display screen coating:ย Anti-reflection, 2H
  • G-SYNC:ย Yes
  • HDR:ย HDR10
  • Pixel format:ย RGB Q-Stripe*

When we first reviewed the Philips Evnia 27M2N6501L, we thought it was a very intriguing monitor, promising a low price but most of what makes an OLED such an attractive proposition. It's only got better in recent months, however, as the price has continued to fall and it's now on sale for just ยฃ320. For that money you get a 1440p/240Hz QD-OLED panel, promising all the usual OLED benefits โ€“ infinite contrast, excellent motion clarity, zero ghosting โ€“ without paying through the teeth for a more expensive option.

It comes pretty well tuned from the factory, too, and gaming performance is as good as we'd expect considering the specs.

Of course, however, there are compromises and the main one is brightness. We measured a peak of just 201 nits in SDR, while HDR tops out at 412 nits โ€“ so you don't get quite the same eye-popping experience as you would from other models which can hit 1000+ nits. It's also limited in terms of connectivity, with just 1x DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0, rather than HDMI 2.1.ย But if you can look past those negative points, it's still the most affordable OLED monitor we've ever seen, making it worthy of a place on this shortlist.

Full review: HERE.

Current Price: ยฃ320 from OCUK.

Best 4K OLED โ€“ MSI MPG 322UR X24

Specification:

  • Screen size: 31.5โ€ณ (80.01 cm)
  • Active display area: 699.48 (H) x 394.73 (V) mm
  • Curvature: Flat
  • Panel type: QD-OLED
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (UHD)
  • Pixel pitch: 0.1814 (H) x 0.1814 (V) mm
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • Adaptive sync: NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible / AMD FreeSyncโ„ข Premium Pro
  • VRR range: 48โ€“240Hz
  • HDR: VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500
  • Brightness: SDR 300 nits; HDR peak 1000 nits
  • Contrast ratio: 1,500,000:1
  • Signal frequency: 560.6โ€“562.6 kHz (H) / 48โ€“240 Hz (V)
  • Refresh rate: 240Hz
  • Response time: 0.03ms (GtG)
  • Viewing angles: 178ยฐ (H) / 178ยฐ (V)
  • Surface treatment: Anti-Reflection
  • Display colours: 1.07B (10-bit)
  • USB Type-C (DP Alt): 1x
  • Headphone out: 1x
  • USB Type-A: 2x USB 3.2 Gen1
  • USB Type-B: 1x USB 3.2 Gen1
  • Lock type: Kensington Lock
  • HDMI: 2x HDMI 2.1 (HDCP 2.3)
  • DisplayPort: 1x DisplayPort 2.1a (UHBR20, HDCP 2.3)

MSI's MPG 322UR X24 is the newest model to make the list, launching only in the last couple of months. It's also based on Samsung Display's newest 4K QD-OLED panel, this time based on 4th Gen Penta Tandem technology, and that brings with it the same DarkArmor Film coating and improvements to brightness that we saw from the MPG 341CQR X36 earlier in the year.

It's otherwise a very feature-rich screen, with plenty of updated OLED Care options, a revamped OSD design and all the modern connectivity options you would expect to see. MSI has also done a superb job with the sRGB emulation mode, given we saw an average colour accuray deltaE 2000 of less than 1.

Factor in the price of ยฃ849 MSRP โ€“ though it's currently on sale for ยฃ799 โ€“ and things have come a long way since the MPG 321URX first hit the market at ยฃ1399 back in 2024. For 4K gaming experience, this is up there with the very best.

Full review: HERE.

Current Price: ยฃ799 from Scan.

Best High Refresh Rate OLED โ€“ MSI MAG 272QP X50

Specification:

  • Panel size:ย 26.5โ€ณ
  • Active display area (mm):ย 590.42 (H) x 333.72 (V)
  • Curvature:ย Flat
  • Panel type:ย QD-OLED
  • Panel resolution:ย 2560 x 1440 (WQHD)
  • Pixel pitch (H x V):ย 0.2292 (H) x 0.2292 (V)
  • Aspect ratio:ย 16:9
  • Brightness (nits): SDR: 300; HDR: 500 (Typ.) (True Black 500 with 10% APL); HDR: 1000 (Typ.) (Peak 1000 with 3% APL)
  • Contrast ratio:ย 1,500,000:1 (Typ.)
  • Signal frequency:ย 31.2~835 KHz (H) / 48~500 Hz (V)
  • Activated range:ย 48~500 Hz
  • Refresh rate:ย 500 Hz
  • Response time:ย 0.03 ms (GtG)
  • Dynamic refresh rate technology:ย AMD FreeSyncโ„ข Premium Pro
  • HDR support:ย DisplayHDR True Black 500
  • Video ports:ย 2x HDMIโ„ข 2.1 (WQHD@500Hz), 1x DisplayPort 1.4a (HBR3), 1x Type-C (DP alt.) w/ 15W PD
  • Audio ports:ย 1x Headphone-out
  • Viewing angle:ย 178ยฐ(H) / 178ยฐ(V)
  • Adobe RGB / DCI-P3 / sRGB:ย 98% / 99% / 138% (CIE1976 Standard)
  • Surface treatment:ย Anti-Reflection
  • Display colors:ย 1.07B, 10 bits

We reviewed MSI's MAG 272QP X50 towards the end of 2025 and it still maintains its key selling point today โ€“ that being its 500Hz refresh rate. It does have other selling points, such as enhanced brightness by 3rd Gen QD-OLED standards, while its factory calibration and sRGB emulation mode are also very solid.

However, this monitor is all about speed, as the 500Hz refresh rate unlocked a level of motion clarity we hadn't seen before on an OLED. Granted, it's not always easy to drive games at 500fps โ€“ but if you primarily play competitive titles like CS2 or Rocket League, then this would be well worth looking into.

Even mid-way through 2026, OLEDs haven't got much faster โ€“ there are some 540Hz models, and some that can do 720Hz but only if the resolution drops to 720p โ€“ whereas the 272QP X50 is 500Hz at 1440p.

Full review: HERE.

Current Price: ยฃ630 on Amazon.

Best LG Tandem OLED โ€“ ASUS ROG XG27AQWMG

Specification:

  • Panel size:ย 26.5โ€ณ
  • Aspect ratio:ย 16:9
  • Color space (DCI-P3):ย 99.5%
  • Panel type:ย WOLED
  • Resolution:ย 2560ร—1440
  • Display viewing area (HxV):ย 590.42 x 331.88 mm
  • Display surface:ย Glossy (TrueBlack Glossy)
  • Pixel pitch:ย 0.229mm
  • Brightness (HDR peak):ย 1,500 cd/ใŽก
  • Contrast ratio (typ):ย 1,500,000:1
  • Viewing angle (CRโ‰ง10):ย 178ยฐ/178ยฐ
  • Response time:ย 0.03ms (GTG)
  • Color accuracy:ย โ–ณE < 2
  • Display colors:ย 1.07B (10-bit)
  • Flicker-free:ย Yes
  • HDR support:ย HDR10
  • Refresh rate (max):ย 280Hz
  • VRR technology:ย Yes (Adaptive-Sync)
  • Extreme Low Motion Blur:ย Yes
  • DisplayWidget:ย Yes (DisplayWidget Center)
  • GameFast Input technology:ย Yes
  • Shadow Boost:ย Yes
  • Aspect control:ย Yes
  • A.I. Assistant technology:ย AI Visual, Dynamic Crosshair, Dynamic Shadow Boost
  • DisplayPort 1.4 DSC:ย 1x
  • HDMI 2.1 (FRL):ย 2x
  • Earphone jack:ย Yes
  • USB hub:ย 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A

ASUS' ROG Xg27AQWMG may not sound super sexy on paper โ€“ with a 1440p/280Hz refresh rate being fairly middle-of-the-road, especially compared to the 272QP X50. However, it does a number of things extremely well, and is delivered at a reasonable price, making it well worth a place on this list.

For one, the design is excellent, while ASUS' factory calibration is also solid. On top of that, it features a TrueBlack Glossy coating, delivering the deepest perceived black levels โ€“ even in brightly lit rooms.

I was most impressed with its HDR capabilities though, considering it hits almost 1600 nits brightness, but maintains excellent EOTF tracking across the board when using the HDR Gaming mode. Factor in the superb sRGB mode as well, and for ยฃ479 it really is an excellent all-rounder.

Full review: HERE.

Current Price: ยฃ479 from Scan.

Best Professional OLED: ASUS ProArt PA32UCDM

  • Panel size: 31.5โ€ณ
  • Pixels per inch: 140 PPI
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • Display viewing area (H x V): 699.48 x 394.73 mm
  • Display surface: Anti-Reflection
  • Panel type: QD-OLED
  • Viewing angle: 178ยฐ (H) / 178ยฐ (V)
  • Pixel pitch: 0.182 mm
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
  • Colour space: 100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3
  • Brightness: 250 cd/mยฒ typical, 1000 cd/mยฒ HDR peak
  • Contrast ratio: 1,500,000:1 typical / HDR max
  • Display colours: 1.07B (10-bit)
  • Response time: 0.1ms (GTG)
  • Refresh rate: 240Hz
  • HDR support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
  • Flicker-free: Yes
  • ASUS OLED Care: Yes
  • I/O: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (Daisy Chain), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, USB-C Power Delivery up to 96W

Our last monitor on this list is something a bit different โ€“ not one aimed at gamers, but the professional market. It still shares a lot of DNA with gaming screens given the underlying QD-OLED panel is the same, but the ASUS ProArt PA32UCDM brings with it a whole host of features designed to appeal to pros and content creators.

For one, it sports a lovely and refined design which helps set it apart from its gaming counterparts. Its Adobe RGB emulation mode is particularly good, too, while we can't ignore the pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports. The OSD is as feature-rich as they come, with a huge variety of modes and features all designed to make life easier for professional users.

The price has also dropped significantly since we first reviewed the PA32UCDM. It initially hit the market at ยฃ1600, but can now be found for ยฃ1099 โ€“ still very expensive, but much more palatable compared to the gaming competition.

Full review: HERE.

Current Price: ยฃ1099 on Scan HERE.

KitGuru says: Let us know what you'd like us to review next!

The post Best OLED Monitors 2026: KitGuruโ€™s Top Picks first appeared on KitGuru.

AOC Agon Pro AG326UZD2 Review (Penta Tandem 4K/240Hz QD-OLED)

20 August 2026 at 09:04

Today we are back with another review of a 4th Gen Penta Tandem QD-OLED monitor. This time we are checking out AOC's AG326UZD2, utilising the same 32in 4K/240Hz panel that we saw in our recent coverage of MSI's MPG 322UR X24. That means it's packing in all the same panel improvements โ€“ including higher brightness, True Black 500 certification for HDR, and the new QuantumBlack panel coating. It also comes in at a lower price* than the MSI, so is it worth buying?

So yes, to clarify that point around pricing, technically the AOC Agon Pro AG326UZD2ย is cheaper than MSI's MPG 322UR X24, given it ships with a ยฃ799 MSRP, compared to ยฃ849 for the MSI. However, the 322UR X24 is currently on sale for ยฃ799, so the two are going head-to-head at the same price-point. Let's find out how they compareโ€ฆ

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
01:25 Design first impressions
02:14 Connectivity + OSD
03:20 Coating, fringing and burn-in
04:52 Panel analysis
08:48 Response times, motion clarity
10:04 Real-world gaming experience
11:04 HDR testing
12:48 Closing thoughts

Specification:

  • Bezel type (front): 3-sided frameless
  • Light FX (RGB): Yes
  • Removable stand: Yes
  • Speakers: Yes
  • Speaker power: 8 W x 2
  • Kensington lock: Yes
  • Quick release function: Yes
  • Bezel colour (front): Black
  • Bezel finishing (front): Matt
  • Cabinet colour (backside): Black
  • Cabinet finishing (backside): Matt
  • VESA wallmount: 100 x 100
  • USB-C connectivity: USB-C (PD 65W) x 1
  • USB hub: Yes
  • USB fast charge port: Yes
  • HDMI: HDMI 2.1 x 2
  • DisplayPort: DP 2.1 x 1 (UHBR20)
  • USB generation: USB 3.2 Gen 1
  • USB type downstream: 2 x USB-A
  • Audio output: Headphone out (3.5mm)
  • USB type upstream: 1 x USB-B
  • Screen size: 31.5โ€ณ / 80.0 cm
  • Flat / Curved: Flat
  • Display hardness: 3H
  • Panel treatment: Anti-reflective (glossy finish)
  • Pixels per inch: 139.0
  • Panel resolution: 3840 x 2160
  • Resolution name: UHD
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • Panel type: QD-OLED
  • Max refresh rate: 240 Hz
  • Response time (GtG): 0.03 ms
  • Static contrast ratio: 1.5M:1
  • Viewing angle (CR10): 178 / 178
  • Display colours: 1.073B (10-bit)
  • Brightness: SDR 300 nits (APL 100%); HDR 515 nits (APL 10%), 1000 nits (APL 3%)
  • Tilt: -5ยฐ (+3/-0) ~ +23ยฐ (-3/+0)
  • Height adjust: 150 mm
  • Swivel: -16ยฐ ยฑ2ยฐ ~ 16ยฐ ยฑ2ยฐ
  • Pivot: -91ยฐ ยฑ1ยฐ ~ 91ยฐ ยฑ1ยฐ
  • EAN: 4038986113465
  • Warranty period: 3 years

Firmware tested: V2.00

The post AOC Agon Pro AG326UZD2 Review (Penta Tandem 4K/240Hz QD-OLED) first appeared on KitGuru.

Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike Review: Three Months Later

19 August 2026 at 11:13

When Logitech announced the G Pro X2 Superstrike, they made a bold claim: an unprecedented 30ms competitive latency advantage thanks to their new Haptic Induction Trigger System (HITS). On paper, dropping 30ms of latency is the equivalent of jumping from 30fps to over 300fps in game. It sounds like the holy grail of competitive gaming peripherals. But after spending three months daily-driving this mouse, does this revolutionary tech actually translate to real-world aiming performance, or is it just clever marketing?

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:55 30ms improvements?!
02:00 The tech and how it works
04:05 Rapid trigger + haptics
06:57 Real-world experience
08:52 Other aspects of the mouse
12:08 Closing thoughts

Specifications:

  • Weight: 62g (Front-heavy balance).
  • Main Switches: HITS (Haptic Induction Trigger System) with adjustable actuation and feedback.
  • Sensor:ย HERO 2
  • Shape: Symmetrical โ€œPotatoโ€ shape (right-handed side buttons).
  • Polling Rate: Up to 8000Hz Wireless.
  • Coating: Grippy matte finish.
  • Skates: PTFE (Stock thickness is slightly thin).
  • Battery: Up to 90h

Closing Thoughts

The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike introduces incredibly cool technology that undoubtedly raises the ceiling for the entire peripheral industry, much like Hall Effect switches did for keyboards. The HITS triggers allow you to digitally adjust actuation depth, rapid trigger sensitivity, and the physical haptic feedback (which feels remarkably similar to a MacBook trackpad). Setting the Rapid Trigger aggressively makes spam-clicking semi-auto weapons outrageously fast and absolutely deadly.

However, the 30ms latency advantage comes with a massive caveat. To achieve it, you have to run the actuation point at its absolute lowest setting, which forces you to completely unlearn the natural habit of pre-tensioning your fingers before a shot. I did a bunch of real world test but I also ran a human benchmark reflex test every couple of days for over three months and the Superstrike actually fell 5.55ms *behind* my Pulsar X2 Crazylight.

Once I backed the actuation off to a more controllable 3/10, the experience was lovely, but I cannot confidently say it resulted in hitting shots I would have otherwise missed.

Outside of the triggers, this is very much a classic โ€œSuperlightโ€ experience, for better or worse. The premium wireless performance, exceptional 2kHz battery life, and grippy coating are fantastic. Conversely, the side buttons remain disappointingly mushy, the stock skates are a bit thin, and the safe โ€œpotatoโ€ shape still gets in the way during tracking-heavy games for claw and fingertip grippers. Furthermore, housing the haptic engines up front means the 62g weight is no longer perfectly centered, resulting in a noticeably front-heavy balance.

Ultimately, if you play tactical shooters like CS2 where a single well-timed click is everything, it is worth checking out for yourself. But if you play tracking-heavy games, you might feel more at home with a lighter, smaller and better-balanced alternative.

You can buy the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike for ยฃ159.99 HERE.

Pros:

  • HITS technology offers unprecedented customization for actuation, rapid trigger, and haptic feedback.
  • Rapid trigger makes spam-clicking semi-auto weapons outrageously fast.
  • Premium wireless sensor with exceptional battery life at 2000Hz.
  • Coating is very grippy and feels great in the hand.

Cons:

  • The 30ms latency claim requires unlearning finger pre-tensioning and doesn't easily translate to real-world reflexes.
  • The haptic trigger hardware shifts the balance, making the 62g mouse noticeably front-heavy.
  • Side buttons remain mushy and feel out of place next to the premium haptic main clicks.
  • The classic safe shape isn't ideal for tracking-heavy games using fingertip or claw grips.

KitGuru says: The G Pro X2 Superstrike's haptic triggers are an impressive leap forward for the industry, but they won't magically make you a gaming god overnight.

The post Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike Review: Three Months Later first appeared on KitGuru.

MSI MPG 322UR X24 Review (Penta Tandem 4K/240Hz QD-OLED)

17 August 2026 at 12:18

Today we are back with another QD-OLED review, as we check out MSI's new 322UR X24. This is brand-new for 2026, featuring Samsung Display's 4th Gen Penta Tandem panel technology, alongside a 4K resolution and 240Hz refresh rate. It doesn't get the new RGB stripe sub-pixel layout we saw with the MSI MPG 341CQR X36 earlier in the year, but compared to previous 4K panels, it promises higher brightness, an improved coating to improve perceived black levels, as well as the AI Care Sensor that MSI debuted last year. Let's see if it's worth buyingโ€ฆ

If you've not been keeping up with the latest QD-OLED news, Penta Tandem is essentially Samsung Display's new branding for what most people called โ€˜4th Gen QD-OLED', or panels using EL 3.0 material. The 27in 4K/240Hz MSI 272URX was the first of such displays that we reviewed back in 2025, but now Penta Tandem technology is rolling out to other panel sizes โ€“ including this 32in model from MSI.

We will be particularly interested to see how things stack up against MSI's MPG 321URX, given that was among the first QD-OLED screens to offer the 4K/240Hz combo when it hit shelves in early 2024, utilising 3rd Gen QD-OLED tech.

In terms of pricing, theย MSI MPG 322UR X24 has an ยฃ849 MSRP, though at the time of writing it's listed for ยฃ799 on both OCUK and Scan.

Specification:

  • Screen size: 31.5โ€ณ (80.01 cm)
  • Active display area: 699.48 (H) x 394.73 (V) mm
  • Curvature: Flat
  • Panel type: QD-OLED
  • Resolution: 3480 x 2160 (UHD)
  • Pixel pitch: 0.1814 (H) x 0.1814 (V) mm
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • Adaptive sync: NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible / AMD FreeSyncโ„ข Premium Pro
  • VRR range: 48โ€“240Hz
  • HDR: VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500
  • Brightness: SDR 300 nits; HDR peak 1000 nits
  • Contrast ratio: 1,500,000:1
  • Signal frequency: 560.6โ€“562.6 kHz (H) / 48โ€“240 Hz (V)
  • Refresh rate: 240Hz
  • Response time: 0.03ms (GtG)
  • Viewing angles: 178ยฐ (H) / 178ยฐ (V)
  • Colour gamut: NTSC 121% (CIE1976), sRGB 138% (CIE1976), Adobe RGB 119% (CIE1976), DCI-P3 110% (CIE1976), Rec.709 138% (CIE1976), Rec.2020 80% (CIE1976)
  • Surface treatment: Anti-Reflection
  • Display colours: 1.07B (10-bit)
  • USB Type-C (DP Alt): 1x
  • Headphone out: 1x
  • USB Type-A: 2x USB 3.2 Gen1
  • USB Type-B: 1x USB 3.2 Gen1
  • Lock type: Kensington Lock
  • HDMI: 2x HDMI 2.1 (HDCP 2.3)
  • DisplayPort: 1x DisplayPort 2.1a (UHBR20, HDCP 2.3)
  • Warranty: 36 months
  • Included cables: DisplayPort cable x1, HDMI cable x1, USB Type-A to Type-B cable x1, USB Type-C to Type-C cable x1, power cord x1
  • Accessories: Quick guide x1
  • Tilt: -5ยฐ ~ 15ยฐ
  • Swivel: -30ยฐ ~ 30ยฐ
  • Height adjustment: 0โ€“110 mm
  • Pivot: -10ยฐ ~ 10ยฐ
  • VESA mounting: 100 x 100 mm
  • Dimensions with stand (W x D x H): 717.3 x 241.9 x 477.1 mm
  • Dimensions without stand (W x D x H): 717.3 x 71.8 x 434.8 mm
  • Stand dimensions (W x D x H): 308.7 x 241.9 x 390.8 mm
  • Weight with stand: 9.4 kg
  • Weight without stand: 6.6 kg

Firmware tested: FW.009

The post MSI MPG 322UR X24 Review (Penta Tandem 4K/240Hz QD-OLED) first appeared on KitGuru.

Geekom GeekBook M16 Review

14 August 2026 at 10:05

The Geekom GeekBook M16 enters the market as a larger, budget-focused 16-inch companion to the X14 Pro we reviewed earlier this year. Sitting roughly $200 cheaper, it retains the powerful 16-core Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor but makes significant cuts to the display, memory, and storage to hit its price point. On paper, it looks like a calculated compromise for those wanting top-tier CPU power on a tighter budget. But do these cost-saving measures result in a cohesive, balanced machine, or is the M16 crippled by its own spec sheet?

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:52 M16 vs X14 Pro
02:02 The screen
03:08 Battery life
05:03 RAM + Storage situation
07:24 Keyboard + trackpad (need improvement)
09:50 Other design elements
12:33 The thermal paste issueโ€ฆ
15:04 Gaming performance
16:21 Closing thoughts

Specifications:

  • Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (16 Cores, 22 Threads, 45W limit).
  • Display: 16-inch IPS, 1920ร—1200, 60Hz, 318 nits (No VRR).
  • Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 6400MHz (Soldered).
  • Storage: 512GB Kingston QLC PCIe SSD (No DRAM cache).
  • Battery: 99.99Wh with 100W USB-C Charging.
  • Dimensions: 16-inch Aluminum Chassis.

Closing Thoughts

The Geekom M16 is a somewhat unbalanced machine. By dropping the price $200 below the X14 Pro, Geekom had to make compromises, but they arguably made the wrong ones. The gorgeous OLED screen is gone, replaced by a dim, blue-tinted 60Hz IPS panel that lacks VRR, resulting in screen tearing during games. More alarmingly, the 512GB Kingston QLC SSD is so slow that it actively bottlenecks basic Steam game downloads on a Gigabit connection, and in our usage, its health degraded rapidly due to the system heavily relying on the page file to compensate for the soldered 16GB of RAM.

There's other areas that still need to be improved, too. The trackpad remains jumpy and inconsistent, and the stock thermal paste application remains clearly sub-optimal. Out of the box, the M16's 45W CPU barely outperformed the 35W X14 Pro. It wasn't until we manually opened the laptop and repasted the CPU that we unlocked a massive 29.7% performance jump in Cinebench. The hardware is physically capable, but trapped behind this poor thermal goop.

Ultimately, the M16 just doesn't feel like a balanced laptop. It pairs a power-hungry, high-end 16-core processor with bottom-of-the-barrel storage and a mediocre screen. It isn't good for video editors, it certainly isn't good for gamers, and we'd argue average users would be better served by a laptop with a weaker, more efficient CPU paired with significantly better RAM and storage.

Geekom sent over the following discount code and retail links for our readers, but please note these are NOT affiliate links and we do not get a kickback from any purchases:

Pros:

  • Massive 99.99Wh battery provides solid uptime (around 8 hours of 4K video playback).
  • Upgraded 100W charger is included in the box.
  • Redesigned bottom speaker grille eliminates the chassis vibration issues found on the X14 Pro.
  • Massive performance headroom (nearly 30%) if you are willing to manually repaste the CPU.

Cons:

  • Poor out-of-the-box thermal paste causes significant CPU bottlenecking.
  • Slow QLC SSD bottlenecks Gigabit internet downloads and degraded quickly in our testing.
  • Mediocre 60Hz IPS screen with poor colour accuracy (Delta E of 14) and no VRR.
  • Jumpy, last-gen trackpad and an annoying keyboard layout (Airplane mode next to Backspace).

KitGuru says: The Geekom M16 pairs a high-end processor with bottom-tier storage and a mediocre screen, resulting in a frustratingly unbalanced laptop.

KitGuru Worth Considering Award

The post Geekom GeekBook M16 Review first appeared on KitGuru.

be quiet! Light Loop IO LCD 360 AIO CPU Cooler Review

11 August 2026 at 11:00

Today we're taking a look at the new be quiet! Light Loop IO LCD 360, a premium 360mm AIO liquid cooler designed to combine high-performance cooling with a fully customisable 2.1-inch IPS LCD and ARGB lighting. It also includes be quiet!'s new IO Controller for simplified cable management and complete software control. In this review, we'll be testing installation, build quality, acoustics and, of course, thermal performance to see how it stacks up against the competition.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
00:47 Pricing and colours
01:40 Overview
02:07 Socket Support
02:22 360 Up Close
04:57 Tubing / fittings
05:32 Block / Display
06:41 Wiring / Fans
08:52 Accessories
10:04 Test System / Install
11:14 Thermal and Noise Performance
13:57 Worth buying?

ย 

Features:

  • 2.1-inch IPS LCD display โ€“ Light Loop IO LCD features a high-resolution 480 x 480 IPS display, which can show live system monitoring, custom images, GIFs and videos, with extensive customisation available through be quiet!'s IO Centre software.
  • Whisper-quiet cooling performance โ€“ A redesigned pump with an advanced integrated circuit, precision jet plate and high-density cold plate are combined with Light Wings LX high-speed fans to deliver high cooling performance while keeping operating noise to a minimum.
  • Clean installation and intelligent control โ€“ The included IO Controller carries power, PWM, ARGB and display signals over a single cable, while daisy-chained fans and hidden cabling make for a much cleaner build and simplified installation.

Specifications:

  • CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 115X, AMD AM5 /AM4
  • Radiator Material: Aluminium
  • Radiator Dimensions: 397 x 120 x 27 (mm)
  • Pump Speed: 1500 โ€“ 2900 RPM
  • Cold Plate Material: Nickel-plated Copper
  • Pump Connector: IO Connector
  • Tubing Material: Low Evaporation EPDM
  • Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 (mm)
  • Fan Speed: 2100 RPM (Max)
  • Air flow: 61.8 CFM
  • Air Pressure: 2.51 mm/H20
  • Fan Noise: 36.8 dBA @ 100% PWM
  • Fan Connector: Proprietary
  • Display: 480 x 480 IPS LCD 500 nits
  • Warranty: 3 Years

Test System Specifications:

The post be quiet! Light Loop IO LCD 360 AIO CPU Cooler Review first appeared on KitGuru.

Cougar MX600 Max RGB Case Review

7 August 2026 at 08:52

Today we're taking a look at the Cougar MX600 Max RGB, an airflow-focused mid-tower PC case designed for high-performance gaming systems. It comes equipped with two 200mm ARGB PWM front fans, supports graphics cards up to 400mm long, 360mm radiators in the top panel, and offers extensive compatibility for modern hardware. Cougar has also included features like a dual-curve airflow ramp, a modular front I/O panel and a detachable top cover to make building and maintenance easier. In this review, we'll find out if those features combine to make the MX600 Max RGB a case that's worth buyingโ€ฆ

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:55 Key details, pricing
01:49 Removing side panels
03:44 Front of the case
05:16 Internals โ€“ fan/rad support
07:09 Motherboard support
08:55 Cable management features + rear
10:04 Right-hand side area
13:13 Accessories + extras
14:00 Thermals + noise
16:31 Smoke visualisation
16:59 Closing thoughts

Features:

  • Airflow-First Design โ€“ The MX600 Max comes equipped with two huge 200mm ARGB PWM front fans and a 120mm ARGB PWM rear fan. Combined with Cougar's dual-curve airflow ramp and heavily ventilated front panel, designed to deliver airflow directly to the system's critical areas.
  • Excellent Hardware Compatibility โ€“ The MX600 Max supports graphics cards up to 400mm long, 360mm radiators in the roof, CPU coolers up to 170mm tall and Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX and ATX motherboards, giving you plenty of flexibility for a high-end build.
  • Designed to Make Building Easier โ€“ The fully detachable top cover simplifies radiator and fan installation while the modular front I/O panel can be mounted at the top or bottom of the case to suit your setup. Removable dust filters also make system maintenance much easier.

Specifications:

  • Case Type: Mid Tower
  • Dimensions (LxWxH): 235 x 514 x 482 (mm)
  • Materials: Steel, Plastic, Tempered Glass
  • Motherboard Support: Mini ITX / Micro ATX / ATX
  • Reverse Connector motherboard support: Yes
  • Expansion Slots: 7
  • Storage bays: 5โ€ x 1, 2.5โ€ x 4
  • Max GPU Length: 400mm
  • Max CPU Cooler Height: 170mm
  • PSU Type: ATX up to 200mm
  • Cable Routing Space: 35mm (Behind motherboard tray)
  • Supplied Fans: 2 x 200mm (Front) 1 x 120mm (Rear)
  • Fan Support: 120mm x 3 / 140mm x 2 (Top), 200mm x 2 (Front), 3 x 120mm with shroud reomved (R/H Side), 1 x 120mm (Rear), 120mm x 2 (Bottom)
  • Radiator Support: 360mm / 280mm / 240mm (Top)
  • Dust Filters: Front, Top, R/H Side, Bottom, PSU Shroud
  • Front I/O: USB 3.2 Gen 2ร—2 Type-C x 1, USB 3.0 Type-A x 2, 4 Pole Headset Audio Jack x 1, RGB Button
  • LCD Screen: N/A

Thermal Performance Testing

To simulate thermal demand, we run the Cinebench R23 multi-thread benchmark and 3DMark Speed Way stress test simultaneously in a loop for 30 minutes to load the system fully. This gives the CPU and GPU enough time to reach constant steady-state temperature. With this data, we can compare how the system handles the thermal demand and measure peak noise levels.

Thermal performance is measured with the case in various configurations, such as the default, with the tempered glass left-hand side panel removed and with the front panel removed to see how these configurations affect the CPU and GPU temperature. During testing, only stock case fans are used unless otherwise specified. All water pumps are set to maximum RPM and fans are set to a custom RPM curve by the Motherboard software/BIOS.

All temperature measurements are presented as Deltas โ€“ meaning the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU temperature, giving us a Delta. Data shown in the charts represents the average component temperature over the length of the test as measured by HWiNFO, and then the last 15 minutes of the data are calculated to get the average. The ambient temperature during thermal tests is between 19-20โฐC.

Test System Specification:

Thermal Performance Overview

We test case thermals using a 360mm AIO as exhaust at the top and with the case in several different fan configurations. The default configuration shown in the charts is with the top 360mm AIO cooler, 2 x 200m front intake fans, a single 120mm rear exhaust fan and with all case panels installed.

Thermal performance from the Cougar MX600 Max is very impressive overall. In its default configuration the case keeps both the CPU and GPU temperature under control at 55ยฐC over ambient, showing that the pre-installed airflow setup is well optimised.

Removing the front and top panels and dust filters, produces no meaningful improvement, which tells us those panels cause very little restriction to airflow. The biggest improvement however, comes from fitting optional floor intake fans which reduce GPU temperature by 3ยฐC compared to the default setup, while maintaining the same CPU temperature. This setup is ideal for optimising GPU performance.

Noise Output

Noise performance from the Cougar MX600 Max is also quite impressive. In its default configuration, the system reaches 47dBA under full load, which is a reasonable result given the large 200mm front intake fans and included cooling setup. Interestingly, removing the tempered glass side panel and adding floor intake drops noise output by 3dBA to 44dBA, ย showing that the extra GPU cooling also reduces GPU fan speed and noise.

Removing the front panel, along with the front and top dust filter makes no difference to noise levels compared with the default setup, which shows that Cougar has done a good job optimising airflow through the chassis. The only configuration that increases noise is removing the front air scoop and adding side intake fans, which raises noise output to 49 dBA while offering no real thermal advantage.

Closing Thoughts

The Cougar MX600 Max is a very easy case to recommend. It does exactly what its design to do, offering high airflow and extensive hardware compatibility without overcomplicating the design. The pair of pre-installed 200mm PWM ARGB intake fans, combined with the mesh front panel, provide excellent cooling performance straight out of the box. There's very little to be gained from removing panels or filters, which indicates that Cougar has optimised the airflow well. If you're looking to optimise GPU cooling, fitting PSU shroud intake fans can knock a few degrees from GPU temperatures, but the gains are relatively small as the default cooling setup is already effective.

Hardware compatibility is another strong point. It supports graphics cards up to 400mm long, 360mm radiators in the roof, tall air coolers, back-connect motherboards and loads of 2.5โ€ storage, so there's very little this case won't accommodate. Building inside the MX600 Max is straightforward too; there's loads of space to work, generous cable-routing cut-outs, plenty of clearance behind the motherboard tray and integrated Velcro straps helping to keep cables managed and looking tidy. The overall build quality is solid throughout which gives the MX600 Max a premium feel despite its competitive pricing.

There are only a couple of minor negative points to consider before buying. The first is the size of the chassis, it is a mid-tower, but feels bulky compared with some ATX cases that offer similar hardware support. It may not be ideal in terms of size to run it on a desktop space. The second is radiator support at the front of the case. Cougar has prioritised the large 200mm intake fans, which means there's no option to install a front-mounted radiator. For most users this won't matter, particularly given the excellent top-mounted 360mm radiator support, but it does reduce options for custom cooling.

Overall, the Cougar MX600 Max is an excellent airflow-focused chassis that gets the basics right. It combines solid thermal performance, sensible acoustics, good hardware compatibility, an easy building experience and great build quality with a sensible MSRP. Unless you specifically need front radiator support or a more compact chassis, the MX600 Max is easy to recommend and deserves to be considered alongside some of the best airflow cases in its price bracket.

Pros:ย 

  • Lots of space to work with.
  • Great thermals and low noise.
  • Included fan/rgb hub.
  • Good price.

Cons:

  • A little large for a mid tower.
  • No front radiator support.

KitGuru says: Unless you specifically need front radiator support or more compact dimensions, the Cougar MX600 Max is a serious contender if you're looking for a well-built, high-airflow chassis.

The post Cougar MX600 Max RGB Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.
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