Tech News
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ASUS TUF Gaming B850M-Plus Wi-Fi @ TechPowerUp
Published: Monday, August 25, 2025 | By: EddieTechPowerUp reviewed the ASUS TUF Gaming B850M-Plus Wi-Fi and found it to be a solid microATX option in the AM5 platform space, priced around $200. It delivers a well-balanced feature set with reliable VRM cooling, a robust EFI interface, solid onboard audio, and an exceptional number of USB-A ports that even some higher-priced competitors lack. The compact microATX form factor offers flexibility, particularly for users building systems with a single GPU, a primary SSD, and a reasonably sized case, making it a practical alternative to pricier Mini-ITX boards or bulkier ATX layouts.
If you're looking for a $200 microATX motherboard with modern features and the ability to handle AMD's latest flagship CPUs, this TUF model could be the board for you. But does it do enough to beat the competition and will it leave you wanting in a few years?
The review acknowledged that competition around this price point is strong, with boards from Gigabyte, MSI, and ASRock often offering extras such as Wi-Fi 7 support, additional PCIe Gen5 M.2 slots, or more advanced cooling solutions. While the TUF Gaming B850M-Plus Wi-Fi misses out on Wi-Fi 7 and could use better Gen5 SSD cooling and more tool-free features, it still represents excellent value for mainstream users. With its sturdy build, clean design, and well-rounded performance, it stands out as a dependable choice for those seeking a versatile and cost-effective AM5 microATX motherboard. -
Thermaltake TR100 Mint Strawberry Mini Tower Chassis Review @ Funky Kit
Published: Sunday, August 24, 2025 | By: EddieFunkyKit celebrated the Thermaltake TR100 Mint Strawberry as a delightful and functional mini-ITX case that stands out with its sweet pastel finish and vertical, dual-chamber layout. The design blends playful aesthetics with serious capability, accommodating GPUs up to 360 mm, supporting a 240 mm AIO radiator or up to six 120 mm fans, and featuring three tempered glass panels alongside perforated steel sections for effective airflow and component showcase. The build quality impressed, offering easy tool-free access and a compact structure ideal for high-performance portable builds.
... The TR100 Mint Strawberry Mini Tower Chassis really surprised me in the best way. It is not just a pretty case with a fun colour scheme, it is genuinely well thought out. Building in it feels smooth, the airflow works, and the final result looks like something you would actually want to show off. If you are into compact builds and want something with personality that does not sacrifice function, this case will not disappoint.
On the practical side, this mini tower delivers solid expandability and flexibility. The front I/O includes a USB-C port for modern convenience and quick data transfers, and the case supports an optional Thermaltake LCD display for added flair. While radiator options remain more limited due to form factor constraints, and it is restricted to mini-ITX motherboards, these are reasonable compromises given its compact size. Overall, the Thermaltake TR100 Mint Strawberry strikes an excellent balance between vibrant style, thoughtful layout, and impressive compatibility, making it a standout choice for users seeking performance in a visually distinctive small form factor. -
Sharkoon VK4 ARGB PC Case Review @ TechPowerUp
Published: Saturday, August 23, 2025 | By: EddieTechPowerUp reviewed the Sharkoon VK4 ARGB and praised it for delivering exceptional value at just $70. The case feels far from cheap despite its budget price and includes four ARGB PWM fans paired with a capable controller, a feature that adds significant value. The installation process was straightforward, and while cable management could be more spacious, the overall building experience remained smooth. With support for up to a 280 mm radiator or a 160 mm air cooler, and compatibility with most modern GPUs, the VK4 ARGB provides flexibility for both budget-conscious and mainstream builders. Its clean design, tempered glass panel, and functional interior make it appealing for a wide audience.
The Sharkoon VK4 ARGB comes equipped with four PWM-controlled ARGB fans, interfaced with a fully-fledged PWM hub and capable ARGB controller. Being just big enough to allow for all but the largest GPUs, it could be the perfect case for your next build.
The review noted a few compromises typical for a budget case. The absence of a front USB-C port is noticeable in day-to-day use, and limited routing space and tie points can make cable management a bit tricky. Accessing the underside dust filter and HDD cage also requires tipping the case over, which can be slightly inconvenient. However, these minor trade-offs are easily outweighed by the strong feature set and overall usability. TechPowerUp concluded that the Sharkoon VK4 ARGB offers solid build quality, reliable cooling, and unbeatable value, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly case without sacrificing functionality. -
ASUS ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 BTF review @ Guru3D
Published: Friday, August 22, 2025 | By: EddieGuru3D examined the RTX 5090 BTF Edition and highlighted its innovative Back-to-Front (BTF) power design that delivers power through a concealed slot at the rear of compatible motherboards. This results in a clean, cable-free front-facing aesthetic that ideal for modern builds featuring tempered glass or minimalist interiors. Aside from the connector redesign, performance matched standard RTX 5090 models, offering the same CUDA core count, ray-tracing capabilities, and memory bandwidth, while adding improved power delivery for enhanced stability and overclocking headroom.
"BTF-compatible motherboards and GPUs are designed not only for the latest hardware but also with solid build quality, making them a good choice for high-end gaming PC builds. Their main selling point is a cleaner, cable-free look that simplifies installation. However, this convenience comes at a higher price..."
The review praised the visual refinement and cable management benefits of the BTF system, noting how it simplifies airflow and maintenance. Components remain fully compatible with existing high-performance designs while embracing this cleaner look. However, adopting this model requires a motherboard with the specialized rear power slot and may come at a higher cost compared to traditional setups. For users prioritizing build aesthetics and ease of management in premium systems, the ROG Astral RTX 5090 BTF Edition presents a compelling option. -
Thermaltake LA360-S ARGB Sync AIO Liquid Cooler Review @ Funky Kit
Published: Thursday, August 21, 2025 | By: EddieFunkyKit praised the Thermaltake LA360 S ARGB Sync as a sleek, visually engaging, and high-performance all-in-one liquid cooler cocok for gamers and PC enthusiasts. Out of the box, it comes with three pre-installed 120 mm ARGB PWM fans mounted in a daisy-chain setup to simplify installation and cabling. Each fan can run up to 2,500 RPM and delivers impressive airflow of 79.3 CFM along with 3.45 mm H2O static pressure, while remaining relatively quiet at around 38 dB even at full speed. The slim 27 mm radiator with a thickened 20 mm copper chamber balances compact compatibility with strong thermal efficiency.
... The Thermaltake LA360 S ARGB Sync AIO Liquid Cooler is a well rounded package that blends strong cooling performance with standout aesthetics. From the pre-installed fans and simplified cabling to the Segment LCD display and vibrant RGB lighting, every detail feels thoughtfully designed. Whether you’re chasing lower temperatures or just want your build to look sharp, this cooler delivers on both fronts without making installation a chore.
The cooler's standout feature is its gaming-style RGB water block capped with a 2.4” segment LCD display that shows real-time data such as CPU temperature, usage, and fan speed. The display is customizable using Thermaltake’s TT Segment Code software, and the magnetic top cover offers easy access for maintenance. Build quality impressed as well, with anti-vibration rubber pads, broad software compatibility for ARGB syncing, and a modular design that combines eye-catching aesthetics with streamlined installation. Overall, FunkyKit scored it a strong 9 out of 10, underscoring the LA360 S ARGB Sync as a stylish, high-performing, and user-friendly cooler that brings premium features at a very reasonable value. -
Best Budget 7-Inch e-Readers Under $300 on Amazon
Published: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | By: EddieIn our growing digital world e-Readers continue to play an important role as the bridge between avid readers and the books they want to read, thanks to their glare-free screens, feather-light portability, and battery life that outlasts nearly every other consumer device. Among all available sizes, the 7-inch format remains a sweet spot, providing enough screen real estate for text and illustrations without sacrificing one-handed convenience.
The market in 2025 is especially exciting because devices once reserved for high-end models have become extremely affordable at less than $300 offering vibrant color e-ink, stylus-enabled notetaking, waterproof bodies, advanced lighting systems, and even open-format support that allows for greater library freedom. These improvements transform the e-reader into not just a book replacement but a versatile tool for productivity, creativity, and learning.
Below are five carefully selected e-readers available on Amazon US, each from a different brand. Every model balances price and performance to meet distinct needs, whether your priority is integration with Amazon’s massive library, open format flexibility, digital handwriting, or color e-ink technology.
Our Top 5 Picks
1. Kindle Paperwhite (2025 Edition, 7-Inch)
Results Provided by AmazonKey Specs:
- 7-inch glare-free e-ink display (300 ppi)
- 20 percent faster page turns
- Adjustable warm front light
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- USB-C charging with weeks-long battery life
Why Pick This:
The Kindle Paperwhite remains the benchmark for mainstream e-readers. Its crisp, high-resolution display makes text feel like print on paper, and its waterproofing ensures peace of mind whether you read at the beach or in the bath. Amazon’s unmatched ecosystem is the real advantage, granting instant access to Kindle Unlimited, Prime Reading, and Audible audiobooks. The convenience of syncing across multiple devices makes it ideal for readers who switch between an e-reader, smartphone, or tablet. For anyone fully invested in Amazon’s digital library, no alternative can compete with the seamless experience.
2. Kobo Libra ColorResults Provided by AmazonKey Specs:
- 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 color display (300 ppi B/W, 150 ppi color)
- Waterproof (IPX8), tactile page-turn buttons
- 32 GB storage, Bluetooth for audiobooks
- Dark mode, EPUB & OverDrive library support
Why Pick This:
The Kobo Libra Color is a versatile e-reader that caters to users who prefer openness and flexibility over being locked into a single store. Its vivid Kaleido 3 screen makes illustrated books, comics, and magazines come alive in a way monochrome displays cannot. Beyond visuals, Kobo’s support for EPUB, PDF, and library borrowing through OverDrive opens a much wider selection of books than closed ecosystems allow. Page-turn buttons add a tactile comfort many readers appreciate, while waterproofing ensures practical durability. For those who want both color and freedom in their reading choices, this is a strong contender.
3. BOOX Go Color 7 Gen II (Onyx Boox)Results Provided by AmazonKey Specs:
- 7-inch Kaleido 3 color e-ink (300 ppi B/W, 150 ppi color)
- 64 GB storage, Android 13 OS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Stylus support (InkSense), page-turn buttons, microSD slot
Why Pick This:
The Boox Go Color 7 Gen II stands out for its Android-based flexibility. Unlike closed ecosystems, it runs Android 13, allowing users to install apps ranging from Kindle and Kobo to Evernote and Pocket. This versatility is paired with stylus compatibility, enabling notes, sketches, and document markup directly on the display. The high storage capacity ensures you can carry thousands of books, documents, and even audiobooks without running out of space. It is the right balance between a traditional e-reader and a light productivity tablet, perfect for those who want more than reading alone.
4. PocketBook Go 7 (Monochrome)Results Provided by AmazonKey Specs:
- 7-inch E Ink Carta 1300 display (300 ppi)
- 64 GB storage, lightweight build (~190 g)
- Android OS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Stylus support available
Why Pick This:
The PocketBook Go 7 is designed for simplicity and mobility. At under 200 grams, it is one of the lightest 7-inch readers available, making it easy to carry for long reading sessions without fatigue. While it lacks color, its Carta 1300 screen provides sharper contrast and faster refresh than many competing models. PocketBook’s software supports multiple formats including EPUB, MOBI, and PDF, which means compatibility is rarely an issue. Readers who value portability and practicality above extras like stylus tools or advanced app ecosystems will find this device to be a dependable and distraction-free choice.
5. Bigme B751C Color E-Paper ReaderResults Provided by AmazonKey Specs:
- 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200 (300 ppi B/W, 150 ppi color)
- Android 11, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal, microSD support
- 36-level warm and cool front light
- Stylus included, handwriting-to-text, voice-to-text, auto ghosting elimination
Why Pick This:
The Bigme B751C is one of the most advanced, feature-rich e-readers under $300. It combines a sharp e-ink display with full Android support, opening access to multiple book platforms and apps. The bundled stylus is more than a simple pen, offering accurate handwriting recognition and real-time transcription. Students and professionals can use it as a portable digital notebook, while readers benefit from color display capabilities that bring diagrams and illustrations to life. Bigme’s ghosting elimination feature ensures clear visuals even during fast page turns. For users who want their e-reader to double as a productivity companion, this model provides exceptional versatility.
ConclusionFor readers seeking an affordable 7-inch e-reader, today’s market offers incredible choices that cater to different needs. Kindle remains unbeatable for those immersed in Amazon’s ecosystem, providing seamless content delivery and excellent hardware quality. Kobo is the option for readers who demand openness and vivid color, while Boox adds an extra layer of Android-based flexibility that goes far beyond books. PocketBook’s lightweight design makes it perfect for minimalist reading, and Bigme provides unmatched productivity tools for under $300.
Together, these devices show how far e-readers have evolved from being single-purpose gadgets. Whether you are building a portable library, diving into manga and magazines, or using an e-ink notebook for study and work, these models bring premium experiences into the affordable range. Investing in any of these ensures long hours of comfortable reading, with features tailored to fit your lifestyle and preferences. -
Predator GM6 4TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD Review @ Funky Kit
Published: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | By: EddieFunkyKit positioned the Predator GM6 as an affordable yet high-performing PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD suited for compact devices. This DRAM-less, single-sided M.2 2280 drive delivers up to 7200 MB/s sequential read and 6200 MB/s sequential write speeds while generating low heat thanks to its efficient design. Its body and performance levels make it ideal for gaming laptops, mini-PCs, and consoles. The review praised its compatibility across varied form factors, solid quality, and generous five-year warranty. Value-wise, the 4TB variant was noted as particularly compelling for both performance and price.
... The Predator GM6 offers optimal performance, high capacity, high compatibility, and a low price per gigabyte. It’s everything we expect from a gaming SSD. I’m sure most users find the GM6 in a perfect spot, as it balances its speed and price.
Although the drive impressed overall, FunkyKit mentioned a couple of limitations. The QLC NAND architecture results in relatively low endurance (TBW) and some users may find faster alternatives depending on their use case. Nonetheless, its strong performance-to-cost ratio, broad compatibility, and robust design earned it a positive score in the review, that marking it as an excellent option for users seeking large-capacity, high-speed storage in compact systems. -
ASUS GeForce RTX 5080 Noctua OC Graphics Card Review @ TechPowerUp
Published: Monday, August 18, 2025 | By: EddieTechPowerUp reviewed the ASUS GeForce RTX 5080 Noctua Edition, a special model that prioritizes near-silent operation through its custom thermal design. It features a triple-fan layout with 120 mm Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 fans, a vapor chamber, and eleven heatpipes for exceptional heat dissipation. The card offers dual BIOS profiles for either silent or performance-focused cooling, and it includes ASUS’ semi-passive 0 dB mode that completely stops the fans when temperatures are low. Unlike other premium variants, this card keeps its boost clocks conservative, highlighting that the emphasis is clearly on cooling efficiency and quiet performance.
ASUS and Noctua—two market leaders—have joined forces to release the new GeForce RTX 5080 Noctua OC Edition. Our testing confirms it’s the quietest RTX 5080 you can buy, with the most powerful cooling solution on the market. However, it comes with a hefty price tag of $1,500.
In testing, the GPU achieved extremely low operating noise, registering just above 21 dB(A) even under heavy load, making it one of the quietest high-performance graphics cards available. Thermal performance is also impressive, keeping well within safe ranges compared to ROG Astral and TUF counterparts. Its sheer size, nearly four slots thick and almost 400 mm in length, may limit case compatibility. Priced around 50 percent above the reference model, TechPowerUp recommends the RTX 5080 Noctua Edition to enthusiasts who want flagship-level performance combined with unrivaled acoustic efficiency, as long as they are comfortable with the premium price and oversized design. -
Cougar Airface Eco RGB Case Review @ ThinkComputers
Published: Sunday, August 17, 2025 | By: EddieThinkComputers.org’s recent review of the Cougar AirFace Eco RGB positions this case as a compelling option for budget-conscious PC builders seeking excellent airflow and a clean aesthetic. The AirFace Eco RGB demonstrably delivers on its promise of robust cooling performance thanks to its prominent mesh front panel and the inclusion of three ARGB fans – two on the front and one on the rear. Testing revealed impressive temperature results, easily handling demanding components even under heavy load. While the build quality is considered adequate for the price point, utilizing primarily SECC steel, the case’s strengths lie in its thoughtful internal layout, offering ample space for components including large GPUs and multiple storage drives. The integrated ARGB lighting, controllable via a dedicated controller or through motherboard software, adds a touch of visual flair without being overly ostentatious.
"It has been quite a while since we've taken a look at a Cougar product. If you didn't know Cougar makes cases, power supplies, and coolers. Today we are checking out their Airface Eco RGB case which has a very unique front panel, three included ARGB fans, a quick-slide dust filter on the front, room for 4 hard drives, and much more. Available in both white and black versions is this the case you need for your next build? Read on as we find out!"
Ultimately, ThinkComputers.org concludes that the Cougar AirFace Eco RGB offers a strong value proposition. Despite some minor criticisms regarding the slightly thinner-than-ideal plastic components and a somewhat limited selection of cable management options, the case’s impressive airflow, attractive design, and competitive price make it a worthwhile consideration for those seeking a capable and visually appealing mid-tower case without breaking the bank. The inclusion of ARGB lighting and a dedicated controller further enhances its appeal, particularly for users looking to add a touch of personalization to their build. It’s a solid performer in a crowded market, particularly for mainstream builds prioritizing cooling and aesthetics on a tighter budget -
Fractal Design Epoch Black TG RGB Light Tint Computer Case Review @ APH Networks
Published: Saturday, August 16, 2025 | By: EddieAPH Networks reviewed the Fractal Design Epoch Black TG RGB Light Tint and praised it as a compact yet well-built mid-tower chassis that carries forward Fractal Design’s reputation for quality cases. The review highlighted the installation process as very straightforward, with ample space for components, effective cable routing options, and thoughtful design features like Velcro straps and rubber grommets. The inclusion of three daisy-chained Momentum 12 RGB fans was noted as a strong value point, offering both attractive ARGB lighting and solid airflow performance while remaining quiet under operation. The case also impressed with its clean design, tempered glass side panel, and flexible support for storage drives, making it suitable for both gamers and enthusiasts who want a stylish, functional build.
The Fractal Design Epoch Black TG RGB Light Tint is a quality compact mid-tower case that gets all the essentials right.
In conclusion, APH Networks pointed out a few areas for improvement, such as the lack of proper air filters, the partial coverage of the tempered glass panel, and the absence of a rear exhaust fan. However, these drawbacks were balanced against the strong feature set and overall value, particularly considering the fans alone account for a significant portion of the $130 retail price. With its combination of sleek design, easy installation, and strong airflow, the Fractal Design Epoch Black TG RGB Light Tint was considered an excellent choice for users seeking a versatile and cost-effective mid-tower case.
