Tesoro adds another set of unique switches to their growing portfolio, and the new GRAM XS keyboard uses ultra-slim mechanical switches in linear or tactile/clicky versions. Combine this with chiclet-style thin keycaps and a low profile case, and we have a keyboard that looks like an OEM keyboard at ~23 mm in height while offering the features of a modern high-end mechanical keyboard.
MSI is offering a more affordable option for high-refresh-rate gaming on the go with the GE63VR 7RF Raider. Thanks to is 120 Hz display, Intel Core i7-7700HQ, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, it packs a punch for the price. The question remains though whether that is enough in such a competitive market.
AMD's new second-generation Ryzen processors are here. We run the Ryzen 7 2700X flagship through our completely revamped test suite, which features the latest BIOS, OS, and software updates, as well as new tests and games. Results are very impressive and considerably reduce the gap to Intel's offerings.
Priced at an affordable $230, AMD's Ryzen 5 2600X is targeted at a larger market than the Ryzen 7 2700X. The processor still comes with 6 cores and 12 threads, matching the best Intel has to offer. In our testing, we see the new processor neck-to-neck with the Ryzen 7 1700X and beating the Intel Core i5-8600K.
The ASUS ROG Gladius II Origin comes with a number of amazing features. Aura Sync RGB lighting, top-of-the-line optical sensor, socket-switch design, detachable cable - and I did not mention it all. ASUS really did set the standards high this time, but the price tag turned out to be quite spicy.
EIZO's FlexScan EV2785 is an excellent 27" office monitor. It is equipped with a high-quality 4K IPS panel that has been carefully factory-calibrated and a USB-C port, which turns it into an attractive proposition for everyone who owns a USB-C laptop since the monitor can be used not to only expand the desktop, but to conveniently charge the battery and connect peripherals.
The i-Rocks K70E is a high-end keyboard with a feature set boasting configurable capacitive switches and per-key RGB backlighting, with software support backing onboard controls. At the same time, it retains the fun factor by using a transparent top plate and accessory paper skins for a high degree of customization.
In our initial review of the Crucial MX500, we were impressed by how well the new TLC chips work on these drives. There's barely any write-hole and warranty has been increased to a reassuring five years. Now, we test the 500 GB version, which sits right at the sweet spot of capacities currently in demand by consumers today.
The Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic is not simply an updated version of the existing PC-O11. It is a unique beast of its own that essentially only shares its timeless looks with the current variants. Thanks to the input of German pro-overclocker der8auer, the PC-O11 Dynamic aims to offer loads of radiator support while allowing for an uncompromising choice of high-end hardware.
Phanteks has added a reservoir to their Glacier lineup of watercooling products. The R160, and its taller brother, the R220 come with a frosted acrylic body and a black, sandblasted aluminum heatsink on the back. Also included is an integrated pump top for the Laing DDC.
The Fractal Design Focus G is the company's current entry-level ATX chassis. It comes in multiple colors and sports a sub-US$50 price tag, which makes it an extremely interesting choice for budget-minded first-time builders. With some of the DNA of the Core 2300, it will be interesting to see how things have evolved over time.
The Cougar Phontum is one of the newest additions to the $50 gaming headset market. It sports a dual-chamber design, comes with two different sets of ear pads, and aims to be used both in your gaming room and on the go.
Intel has finally launched a lower-priced alternative to Z370, the B360 chipset. With this launch, Colorful readies the C.B360M-HD Deluxe V20, a Micro-ATX board boasting Z370 performance at a significantly lower price.
be quiet! looks to recapture the high-end air-cooling crown with the new and improved Dark Rock Pro 4. It is a dual-fan, dual-tower design that will certainly turn a few heads. However, it won't be due to noise. Silent and powerful, this new challenger looks to dethrone Noctua's NH-D15.
Kinesis, with over 25 years of experience in developing ergonomic peripherals, has brought to market the Freestyle Edge keyboard as part of their new gaming brand. With a split keyboard configuration, extensive customization options, and nothing but Cherry mechanical switches, the Freestyle Edge offers a new take on ergonomics for gamers and casual end users alike.
The latest in ASRock's DeskMini line, the DeskMini GTX1060 packs Intel's Z370 chipset into a case so small it could be a soda bottle. At just 2.7 liters in volume, the ASRock DeskMini GTX1060 is set to take the small form factor market by storm.
The members of the Cougar Minos series were thus far more budget than high-end gaming peripherals. The Minos X5, however, is quite an icebreaker in this term, featuring the best optical sensor currently on the market while being reasonably cheap with a $49.99 price tag. It also features fully customizable two-zone RGB lighting, Omron switches rated for 50 million clicks, and a customizable back panel.
Kingston's KC1000 is the company's premier NVMe M.2 SSD solution. It it built using a Phison controller, paired with Toshiba MLC flash, which is great for all those TLC haters out there. We take the 240 GB version for a spin through synthetic and real-life benchmarks.
Koolance's new CPU-400I water block promises excellent thermal performance and boasts a new design using POM acetal, a brushed metal cover, and nickel-plated copper to go along with a new cooling engine. Today, we see how well it does in a crowded and competitive market.
ROCCAT's Horde AIMO keyboard introduces a real horde of features, which fits the name. Be it their Membranical switches that combine features from membrane and mechanical switches, innovating AIMO intelligent lighting, or the tuning wheel that can be used for multiple functions easily - it offers something to get everyone interested.
ZOTAC looks to dominate the gaming PC space with their MEK1. This mini-ITX based small form factor system packs a hell of a punch. Cramming an Intel i7 7700 and Nvidia Geforce 1070 Ti into an RGB-illuminated package, it even comes bundled with a mechanical keyboard and gaming-centric mouse.
The Phanteks Enthoo Evolv mATX Tempered Glass takes the aging Enthoo Evolv as inspiration and gives it a fresh modern take. With its RGB elements, much better liquid-cooling support and a long list of refinements, you may not even recognize it anymore were it not for the same timeless design and excellent use of materials.
The Orbi RBK50 is a high performance mesh Wi-Fi system from NETGEAR that aims to provide the best-possible balance of performance, coverage area, and customization. Featuring a router unit and a satellite unit that look right at home at, well, home, it will also support all your smart devices via a tri-band setup alongside a dedicated wireless and Ethernet backhaul for no reduction in network speed.
Far Cry 5 takes the fight to crazy Christian fundamentalists in forgotten Montana who are just waiting for the US Government to collapse. We tested 15 cards using today's latest GameReady drivers with actual in-game gameplay for the most accurate picture. AMD Radeon performance results are impressive, often beating their NVIDIA counterparts substantially.
The MLC Phoenix from EKWB offers custom liquid-cooling performance with the plug-and-play functionality of a closed-loop cooler. Utilizing their QDC fitting, this modular unit overcomes one of the biggest hurdles for proper liquid cooling, which is building it all yourself. It's so easy even a noob can do it. Well, if they can afford it, that is.
