From Tom's Hardware · 40 stories
PC Gamer Develops Steam Game Cartridge System Using 2.5-inch SSDs
A new Steam Game Cartridge system was demonstrated by a PC gamer using 128GB SSDs to store games. The system automates game launching through a Linux setup that detects and executes scripts from the cartridges, integrating retro convenience into modern gaming.
64BITDOCK for Nintendo Switch mimics N64 design, starts at $89
The 64BITDOCK accessory transforms the original Nintendo Switch dock into a design reminiscent of the Nintendo 64. It includes an optional Game Card holder and is available for purchase on Etsy starting at $89, although it offers no additional docking hardware.
Father Repairs Dead RTX 3070 Using Salvaged Capacitor, Saves $120
A father fixed a broken RTX 3070 graphics card using a salvaged capacitor from an old radio, saving his son $120 on repair costs. This improvised fix, while temporary, highlights resourcefulness and engineering skills in practical repairs within the gaming community.
Steam Machine's 'Red Line of Death' Fixed by Clearing CMOS
Users reported GPU failures in the new Steam Machine, described as a 'red line of death', reminiscent of Xbox 360's issues. Valve provided a solution: clearing the CMOS restores functionality. This update addresses concerns about early device reliability.
Ugreen offers 10-port PoE+ switch at record-low price of $37.97
Ugreen has reduced the price of its 10-port PoE+ switch to $37.97, a record low. This switch provides eight PoE+ ports with up to 30W of power per port, making it suitable for smart home devices like cameras and Wi-Fi extenders.
DIY USB drive uses Apollo-era magnetic core memory for 64-bit storage
Polymatt has created a USB drive using hand-threaded magnetic core memory, salvaging parts from an old Russian computer. This device represents a DIY response to the current semiconductor shortage, showcasing an ancient memory technology.
Turtle Beach Releases KP7 Keypad and KB7 Keyboard with Novel Features
Turtle Beach has launched the KP7 modular keypad and KB7 keyboard, retailing at $99.99 and $199.99 respectively. The KP7 functions as both a standalone numberpad and gaming keypad but has integration issues with the KB7 keyboard. The KB7, featuring a 4.3-inch touchscreen, demands significant power and improved software to reach its potential.
Steam Summer Sale Simulator Offers Fake Game Shopping Experience
Mike Wang created the Steam Summer Sale simulator, allowing users to simulate adding games to a virtual wallet. The site provides an illusion of purchasing games without real costs, appealing to those who enjoy the buying process.
PC concealed in Dreo fan using 3D-printed components for cooling
Zac Builds created a hidden mini-PC using a Dreo tower fan, integrating the AtomMan G7 within. The setup improves cooling with airflow reaching 28 feet per second while maintaining a discreet appearance in the living room.
Sony's shift to all-digital PlayStation sparks satirical response from brands
Sony announced plans to stop producing physical discs for PlayStation games by 2028. In response, brands like Domino's and KFC have humorously mimicked this decision with mock announcements about ceasing physical products, highlighting the absurdity of a fully digital future. This trend reflects broader industry concerns about the shift to digital consumption.
HP Offers Major Discounts on Omen Gaming PCs During July 4 Sale
HP has slashed prices on its Omen gaming PC series, with a notable discount of $1,075 on the Omen 35L, dropping the price to $1,724. This discount is part of a broader July 4 sales event, offering up to 71% off on gaming desktops, laptops, and accessories. These deals enhance the affordability of high-spec PCs in the current market.
Jensen Huang's signed leather jacket to auction for up to $60,000 at Sotheby's
Jensen Huang's black leather jacket, authenticated and worn at a 2023 Foxconn event, is up for auction. Bidding is expected to reach between $40,000 and $60,000, reflecting two years' worth of Huang's influence in technology.
VectoTech V-Core Thunderbolt 5 Dock Review Highlights Plastic Construction and Design Flaws
A review of the VectoTech V-Core Thunderbolt 5 dock found it to be constructed primarily of plastic, lacking native video output ports, and using a small plastic clip for M.2 SSD retention. These design choices raise concerns about heat dissipation and overall build quality compared to other Thunderbolt docks.
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.
Sony INZONE M10S II 27-inch QHD OLED Monitor Reviewed
The Sony INZONE M10S II, a 27-inch QHD OLED gaming monitor, was reviewed, highlighting its sharp image, high refresh rates, and matte screen. This review provides detailed performance analysis for a new high-end gaming display in a competitive market.
Dell Pro 5 Webcam 2K Review: Functional but overpriced compared to alternatives
A review of the Dell Pro 5 Webcam (WB526) found it offers 2K QHD video, Windows Hello compatibility, and some AI features, but its $120 price is high for its performance. The webcam's non-detachable cable and limited software impact its overall value. This matters because consumers seeking a 2K webcam have more cost-effective options with similar or better quality.
Acer Nitro XV273U F5 Monitor Features 1,000 Hz Mode at 720p and 540 Hz at 1440p
Acer's Nitro XV273U F5 gaming monitor offers a 1,000 Hz refresh rate in 1280x720 resolution and a 540 Hz refresh rate at its native 2560x1440 resolution. This monitor provides high contrast and color accuracy, positioning it as a fast LCD option for gamers.
Asus ROG Swift PG27UCWM Gaming Monitor Offers 4K OLED with High Brightness and Speed
Asus released the ROG Swift PG27UCWM, a 27-inch 4K OLED gaming monitor featuring a Tandem RGB Stripe panel for improved brightness, color, and sharpness. This monitor supports 240 Hz refresh rates (480 Hz in FHD), HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Adaptive-Sync, positioning it as a premium option for gamers seeking high pixel density and performance.
Kioxia Exceria Pro G2 SSD offers high-end PCIe 5.0 performance and efficiency
The Kioxia Exceria Pro G2 SSD provides high-end PCIe 5.0 performance, low 4K random read latency, and good power efficiency. While not the fastest in its class, it offers a reliable alternative with competitive pricing where available.
Libernovo Omni Pro Gaming Chair Reviewed: Features Seat Ventilation and Enhanced Durability
The Libernovo Omni Pro, a premium gaming chair, introduces a seat ventilation fan and an aluminum alloy base, building on the original Omni's design. This model offers an upgrade in features and durability for users seeking advanced ergonomic options in gaming chairs.
Goodram PX700 SSD offers strong performance and efficiency, but pricing is a concern
The Goodram PX700 PCIe 4.0 SSD demonstrates strong all-around performance and power efficiency in testing. While it performs well, its current pricing makes it less competitive in the budget drive segment.
75W Single-Slot RTX 3060 Shows Severely Crippled Performance and High Thermals
A Chinese manufacturer released a 75W single-slot, low-profile version of the Nvidia RTX 3060 that operates without external power connectors. This variant exhibits significantly reduced performance and concerning thermal issues due to its limited power budget and inadequate cooling design.
CPU Benchmarks for Onimusha: Way of the Sword Show X3D Performance Advantage
Benchmarking of 31 CPUs in Capcom's Onimusha: Way of the Sword revealed that X3D processors outperformed other flagships by 10%, while the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus lagged behind Raptor Lake Refresh. This analysis provides insights into CPU scaling within the RE Engine for a new game release.
TIME100 AI 2026 List Omits Key Industry Leaders Jensen Huang and Lisa Su
TIME's 2026 TIME100 AI list excluded Jensen Huang and Lisa Su, CEOs of Nvidia and AMD respectively, despite their companies' significant roles in the AI hardware industry. This omission is notable given their prior recognition by TIME and their companies' market performance. The list included individuals from other sectors, raising questions about the selection criteria.
xTool F2 Ultra UV Laser Engraver Reviewed: Fast UV Laser for Wood, Plastic, Glass
The xTool F2 Ultra UV, a UV laser engraver, was reviewed for its ability to engrave and cut materials like wood, plastic, and glass using a photochemical reaction rather than burning. This device offers clean cuts and engravings, including etching the inside of glass, and is noted for its speed and accuracy across its work area.
Adata Urban Tapsafe 2TB SSD Features NFC Unlocking and Shareable Access
Adata released the Urban Tapsafe external SSD, which offers NFC-based unlocking via a smartphone app and allows sharing drive access with up to nine other users. The device prioritizes unique features and design elements over raw speed, positioning it as an option for users valuing convenience and physical security features.
Deco Gear DG49OLED240 49-inch OLED Gaming Monitor Reviewed
The Deco Gear DG49OLED240 is a new 49-inch 32:9 OLED gaming monitor designed to replace dual 27-inch QHD setups, offering a seamless display for productivity and gaming. This monitor provides a high refresh rate and color accuracy, addressing the common issue of a dividing line between multiple screens.
Asus ROG Strix B850-F Gaming Wifi Neo Motherboard Reviewed
The Asus ROG Strix B850-F Gaming Wifi Neo motherboard is a well-equipped B850 refresh board, but its $319.99 price point places it in competition with X870 boards. It offers premium features like a BCLK generator for overclocking and two PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slots, blurring the lines between mainstream and enthusiast platforms.
Cooler Master Q300L V3 MicroATX Case Offers Value with Sub-$45 MSRP
Cooler Master released the Q300L V3, an updated MicroATX case with an MSRP of $44.90, featuring improved airflow, flexible I/O placement, and a 20 Gbps USB Type-C port. This budget-friendly chassis aims to provide an accessible option for PC builders seeking a compact and versatile case.
Asus ZenScreen OLED (MQ16FC) Portable Monitor Offers Strong Color Performance and Design
Asus has released the ZenScreen OLED (MQ16FC), a new 16.1-inch portable monitor featuring an OLED panel, 1920 x 1200 resolution, and an integrated kickstand. This monitor is noted for its color performance and design, positioning it as a competitive option in the portable monitor market.
TP-Link Deco 7 Pro BE13000 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router Offers Value Pricing with Mixed Performance
A review of the TP-Link Deco 7 Pro BE13000 Wi-Fi 7 mesh router found it offers competitive hardware pricing and strong 6 GHz wireless performance, but its 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz performance lags behind competitors. The router also requires subscriptions for features that are often free with other devices and has an unusual assortment of LAN/WAN ports.
Razer HyperFlux V2 Wireless Charging Mat Reviewed
The Razer HyperFlux V2, a wireless charging mouse pad, was reviewed for its functionality with compatible Razer mice. The review notes its effective wireless charging but points out limitations such as a non-detachable cable and incompatibility with certain mouse lines, making it a niche product for specific Razer users.
Elegoo Centauri 2 Combo 3D Printer Reviewed: A Budget-Friendly Core XY Machine
The Elegoo Centauri 2 Combo is a stripped-down, more affordable version of the Centauri Carbon 2, offering a four-color Core XY printing system. It lacks features like a camera, lighting, and an enclosure, which limits its filament range but makes it less expensive.
Tom's Hardware Innovation Awards 2026 Recognize Key PC Hardware Advancements
Tom's Hardware announced its 2026 Innovation Awards, highlighting products like the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus CPU and Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Elite Duo X motherboard. These awards acknowledge advancements in PC hardware despite industry challenges such as AI-driven shortages and pricing increases.
ASRock Releases X870E Taichi White Motherboard with 10 GbE and Updated Aesthetics
ASRock has released the X870E Taichi White motherboard, an updated version of its X870E Taichi model, featuring an all-white design, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and native support for the 9950X3D processor. This iteration provides aesthetic changes and minor feature upgrades to the existing Taichi lineup.
ViewSonic VG1457 Dual-Screen Portable Monitor Offers Compact Design, Lacks Color Performance
The ViewSonic VG1457 is a new dual-display portable monitor featuring a compact design with two stacked 14-inch 1200p panels and multiple viewing modes. While it offers portability and competitive pricing, its color performance and brightness levels are below average, and it lacks HDMI connectivity.
Intel 8088 processor's 45th anniversary marks start of PC era and x86 dominance
The Intel 8088 processor, launched 45 years ago, powered the IBM PC Model 5150, initiating the personal computer era and establishing the x86 architecture's long-term dominance. Its affordability and compatibility with existing software were key factors in its success, despite the existence of the more powerful 8086.
Ocypus Sigma L36 Pro AIO Cooler Offers Detachable 3.5-inch IPS Display at Low Price
The Ocypus Sigma L36 Pro is a new all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler featuring a detachable 3.5-inch IPS display and strong thermal performance for $139. This product offers a large screen and high static pressure fans at a lower price point than many competitors.
Scythe Magoroku CPU Cooler Offers Strong RAM Thermals But Underperforms on CPU Cooling
The Scythe Magoroku, a new dual-tower CPU cooler, effectively cools RAM but shows unimpressive CPU thermal performance, particularly with AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X3D. This limits its overall utility as a primary CPU cooling solution despite its RAM cooling capabilities.
Geekom IT13 Max 2026 Mini PC Reviewed: Core Ultra 9 185H for $799
Geekom's IT13 Max 2026 mini PC, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, 24GB RAM, and a 500GB SSD, is available for $799. This device offers a balance of performance and budget, utilizing last-generation laptop components in a compact design.