From Tom's Hardware · 40 stories
Maxsun Terminator B850M Pro II Motherboard Review: Competent but overpriced in the US
The Maxsun Terminator B850M Pro II is a budget AM5 motherboard with a solid feature set and average performance, but its current US pricing makes it a less competitive option. While it supports flagship processors and includes Wi-Fi 7, its performance in multi-threaded tasks is slower than other boards, and its price point exceeds that of better alternatives.
JSAUX FlipGo Horizon Pro dual-screen portable monitor reviewed for versatility
The JSAUX FlipGo Horizon Pro, a dual-screen portable monitor, was reviewed, highlighting its versatile display configurations and integrated hub with USB-A and Gigabit Ethernet ports. While praised for its build quality and multiple modes, the review noted its significant weight, average display quality, and high price compared to competitors.
QIDI Plus5 3D Printer Reviewed: Increased Build Volume and Higher Nozzle Temperature
The QIDI Plus5 3D printer has been reviewed, highlighting its suitability for large-scale prints with high-temperature filaments due to its heated chamber and increased build volume. The printer offers a competitive price point compared to similar models, making it a notable option for practical 3D printing.
GMKtec Evo-T2 Mini PC Reviewed: Panther Lake Performance at a High Price
The GMKtec Evo-T2 mini PC features Intel's Panther Lake processor with B390 integrated graphics and 64GB of DDR5 RAM, offering quiet operation and low power consumption. However, its nearly $2,000 price point and plastic build quality are noted as drawbacks compared to competitors.
Samsung PCIe Gen 5 SSDs See Price Reductions on 2TB and 4TB Models
Samsung's 2TB 9100 Pro NVMe SSD is available for $302.99 on Amazon, its lowest price since February 2026, while the 4TB 9910 Pro SSD is priced at $619.99 on Woot, a $348 reduction. Both models support PCIe Gen 5, offering faster theoretical speeds compared to previous generations, making high-capacity, high-speed storage more accessible.
DeepCool Releases Second-Generation AK400 G2 and AK620 G2 CPU Air Coolers
DeepCool has launched its second-generation AK series CPU air coolers, the AK400 G2 and AK620 G2, which feature updated designs and fan configurations. These coolers offer aesthetic options including woodgrain top covers or digital displays, and are available in black or white.
Turtle Beach KB5 Keyboard Integrates Touchscreen and Numberpad for $149.99
Turtle Beach released the KB5, a full-size wired mechanical keyboard featuring low-profile switches, an 8,000 Hz polling rate, and a built-in 2.4-inch touchscreen that functions as a mini macro pad. This keyboard offers a combined numberpad and macro pad functionality at a lower price point compared to similar products.
SSD Speed Impact on Gaming Performance Tested Across 11 Titles
Testing across 11 games shows that while SSDs significantly reduce load times compared to HDDs, the performance difference between various SSD types (SATA, PCIe NVMe, and different PCIe generations) during gameplay is often marginal. Modern games increasingly require SSDs, but faster drives do not always translate to a better gaming experience beyond initial load times.
Sandisk Optimus GX 7100M 2TB SSD reviewed for M.2 2230 form factor devices
The Sandisk Optimus GX 7100M SSD has been reviewed as a high-performance and power-efficient option for M.2 2230 form factor devices, including portable gaming systems like the Steam Deck. This drive fills a gap in the market for 2TB single-sided M.2 2230 SSDs, offering fast random read performance and TLC flash.
Beelink SER10 MAX Mini PC Ships with OpenClaw and Local AI, Faces Performance Limits
The Beelink SER10 MAX mini PC, priced at $1,649, is now available with dual-boot support for Windows 11 and Ubuntu, featuring the OpenClaw AI agent and a pre-installed Qwen-3.5 9B local AI model. While this configuration aims to simplify local AI usage, the system's hardware, specifically memory bandwidth, limits the performance of larger AI models like Google Gemma 4 31B.
Montech TG3 Panoramic Mid-tower Case Offers Value and Cooling Performance
The Montech TG3 mid-tower case, priced at $59.90, provides good CPU cooling and includes four RGB fans, making it a competitive option in the budget PC case market. Its design features panoramic glass panels and a tiered PSU shroud with integrated ARGB lighting. This product offers an affordable option for PC builders seeking aesthetic and functional features without a high cost.
Glorious Wireless InfinitePlay Gaming Headset Reviewed for Sound, Comfort, and Battery
The Glorious Wireless InfinitePlay gaming headset was reviewed, highlighting its hot-swappable battery system with continuous power during swaps, balanced sound, and dual-mode connectivity. This feature addresses common battery life concerns in wireless headsets, offering an alternative to competitors like Steelseries and Turtle Beach.
GPU prices continue to rise in 2026 due to VRAM costs and lack of discounts
Graphics card prices, including Nvidia's 50-series and AMD's 90-series, are increasing in 2026, with no significant discounts observed since their 2025 release. This trend is attributed to rising VRAM costs driven by AI demand, which is also delaying the next generation of GPUs until late 2027 or 2028.
Nvidia GTX 1080 Ti Performance Re-evaluated in 2026 Gaming Scenarios
A re-evaluation of the Nvidia GTX 1080 Ti's performance in 2026 gaming scenarios indicates it still achieves close to 60 FPS in modern titles at 1080p, primarily due to its 11GB VRAM. However, the GPU struggles with newer technologies like ray tracing and upscaling, showing its age compared to current-generation cards.
Review compares sub-$400 Thunderbolt 5 docks from Keychron, Plugable, and UGREEN
A review compares three Thunderbolt 5 docks priced under $400: the Plugable TBT-UDH2, Keychron TB5D-1, and UGREEN Revodok Maxidok. The comparison highlights port configurations and design differences, with UGREEN's model noted for an M.2 NVMe slot. This comparison helps consumers identify suitable Thunderbolt 5 docking solutions within a specific budget.
Magnetic watch bands can trigger laptop lid sensors, causing unexpected lock screens
Magnetic clasps on watch bands can inadvertently activate the lid-closed sensor on laptops, leading to the screen going black and the system locking. This issue can be misdiagnosed as a hardware or software fault, but is caused by the magnetic field interfering with the laptop's internal sensors.
Motherboard M.2 Heatsink Contact Tested on 20 Intel and AMD Boards
A test of 20 modern Intel and AMD motherboards found varying contact quality between M.2 heatsinks and SSDs, which can affect thermal throttling. This matters because poor contact can lead to M.2 SSDs overheating and reducing performance, especially with newer PCIe 5.0 drives.
Laptop CPU Performance Compared on Battery vs. AC Power Across Major Vendors
An analysis compared the performance consistency of Intel, Qualcomm, Apple, and AMD laptop CPUs when running on battery power versus plugged into AC. Apple's M5 Max and Intel's Core Ultra X9 388H showed the most consistent performance, while Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and AMD's Ryzen AI 7 445 exhibited more variability.
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG Mini PC Review: Panther Lake in a Compact Form Factor
The MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG mini PC, featuring Intel's Core Ultra Series 3 "Panther Lake" mobile processors, offers a compact design with upgradable RAM and storage. While it provides strong performance and low power consumption, its high price point and weak integrated GPU limit its overall value.
Acer ProDesigner PE320QXT Monitor Features 6K Resolution and Touchscreen
Acer released the ProDesigner PE320QXT, a professional monitor featuring a 6K resolution, a 10-point capacitive touchscreen, and an integrated webcam. This monitor is designed for content creation, collaboration, and presentations, offering features like a flexible stand and wide color gamut.
Intel Core 2 Duo Processors Mark 20th Anniversary, Recalling Performance Leadership
Intel's Core 2 Duo processors, codenamed Conroe, were launched 20 years ago, on July 27, 2006, introducing ten new processors for desktops, laptops, and workstations. These chips ended the GHz race by demonstrating significant performance and energy efficiency improvements through architectural innovations, allowing Intel to regain market leadership from AMD.
AOC U32G4 32-inch 4K Dual-Refresh Gaming Monitor Offers Performance and Value
A review of the AOC U32G4 32-inch 4K gaming monitor highlights its strong performance, bright and accurate image, and competitive pricing. The monitor features a dual-refresh operation, allowing it to switch between 4K/160 Hz and FHD 320 Hz, and includes Adaptive-Sync with backlight strobing.
Geekom A9 Max 2026 Mini PC reviewed, features AMD Ryzen AI 400 series processor
The Geekom A9 Max 2026 mini PC, featuring AMD's Ryzen AI 400 series processors, offers a compact design and low idle power consumption but suffers from loud fans under load and ships with single-channel RAM, which negatively impacts integrated GPU performance. This review highlights the trade-offs in performance and design for mini PCs adopting the latest AMD mobile processors.
Dell 14S (2026) Laptop Reviewed: Premium Design, Long Battery Life, and Varied Ports
The Dell 14S (2026) laptop offers a premium design and over 20 hours of battery life at a lower price point than the XPS 14, though its productivity performance is noted as a drawback. This model provides a cost-effective alternative for users prioritizing design and battery life over peak processing power, making it relevant for consumers considering mainstream laptops.
AMD's $5.4 Billion ATI Acquisition 20 Years Ago Shaped Radeon, APUs, and Console Dominance
Twenty years ago, AMD acquired graphics chip firm ATI for $5.4 billion, a move that influenced the development of Radeon GPUs, the creation of APUs, and AMD's position in the console market. This acquisition integrated graphics technology directly into AMD's offerings, leading to significant product innovations over two decades.
Arctic Senza AI 370 Mini PC Features Fanless Design and AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 Processor
Arctic released the Senza AI 370, a mini PC with a fanless design and an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 mobile processor. The device offers strong performance and a silent operation, but has limited upgradeability due to soldered RAM and a single M.2 slot.
Drop BMR1 V2 speakers discounted to $23 from $130
Drop's BMR1 V2 desktop speakers are on sale for $23.99, down from $130, due to a limited-time deal. This represents a significant 82% discount and offers improved cooling and performance features compared to the original model.
Dell and Alienware Hold July 4th Flash Sale on Gaming PCs and Laptops
Dell and Alienware are offering steep discounts on gaming PCs, laptops, monitors, and gaming chairs for July 4th. The sales include select products equipped with the latest Nvidia RTX 50-series GPUs and special coupon codes to further reduce prices.
Secretlab offers July 4 discounts on gaming chairs and desks
Secretlab is running an Independence Sale with discounts of up to $129 on its gaming chairs and desks. The sale includes popular models like the Titan Evo and innovations featuring new materials such as NanoGen.
July 4th Deals Offer Discounts on 3D Printers and Materials
Several 3D printer manufacturers are offering significant discounts during the July 4th weekend. Sales include price drops on models from brands like Bambu Lab and Creality, making 3D printing more accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
Alrony Portable USB CD/DVD Drive with SATA and SD Card Slot Available for $26.99
Alrony released a portable external CD/DVD drive that includes a 2.5-inch SATA slot, SD card slots, and USB ports, priced at $26.99 on Amazon. This device offers multi-functionality for accessing physical media and expanding connectivity for various computer systems.
Dell CEO Michael Dell unveils new AI server rack commercial, parodying classic PC ad
Dell CEO Michael Dell released a new 10-second commercial parodying the company's iconic "Dude, you're getting a Dell" PC ads, but this time featuring an AI server rack. The video highlights Dell's shift towards AI-focused hardware, signaling its increased investment and revenue generation in the AI industry.
Michael Dell Shares 1984 Quarterly Report That Influenced His Career Path
Michael Dell, founder of Dell Technologies, shared his company's first quarterly earnings report from July 31, 1984, on X, highlighting its impact on his decision to continue building the company. The report showed nearly a million dollars in sales and a net income of over $134,000, which convinced his parents of the venture's viability.
Gamer repurposes fanless Subway menu PCs for gaming, achieving low frame rates
A TechTuber converted Advantech DS-081 mini PCs, originally used for Subway sandwich menus, into gaming rigs. These fanless Intel Core i3 units, despite RAM upgrades, delivered only 15 fps in GTA V and 25 fps in Minecraft, demonstrating their limited gaming capability.
Macro Pads Offer Programmable Keys for Enhanced Workflow Beyond Standard Peripherals
Standalone macro pads provide additional programmable keys, knobs, and dials that can be used alongside a keyboard and mouse to streamline workflows. These devices offer a solution for users who require more shortcut keys than standard peripherals provide, especially when working across multiple applications.
Guide to Safely Buying Second-Hand PC Hardware Amidst Market Price Increases
This guide provides advice on how to avoid scams when purchasing used PC components and systems, a practice becoming more common due to rising prices for new hardware. It outlines strategies for utilizing marketplace protections and identifying fraudulent listings to mitigate risks for buyers.
Tips for improving webcam appearance for video calls without professional equipment
This guide provides advice on optimizing webcam appearance for video calls, focusing on practical adjustments rather than expensive hardware. It emphasizes that high-resolution webcams are often unnecessary due to platform limitations and suggests prioritizing features like a narrow field of view and robust software for manual settings. These recommendations help users achieve a more professional look in virtual meetings.
Understanding Motherboard VRMs: Function, Components, and Importance for CPU Power Delivery
This article explains what Voltage Regulation Modules (VRMs) are, their components, and their function in delivering stable power to a CPU. It details how VRMs convert power supply voltage to the lower voltage required by the CPU and manage heat generation, which is critical for high-performance processors.
Testing Old Drives as External Storage to Counter High SSD Prices
A recent analysis explored using older internal hard drives, SATA SSDs, and NVMe drives with external enclosures as a cost-effective alternative to expensive new external SSDs. The testing compared the performance of these DIY solutions against dedicated external storage, providing insights into their suitability for various tasks. This matters as it offers a practical solution for users to repurpose existing hardware for external storage needs, potentially saving money amidst rising prices for new external drives.
Guide to upgrading MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld gaming PC with a 2TB SSD
A guide details the process of replacing the 1TB SSD in an MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld gaming PC with a 2TB PNY CS2150 PCIe 5.0 SSD. This upgrade addresses the limited storage capacity of the device, which quickly fills up with game installations.