Tech News
-
G.SKILL Launches Flare X5X Series DDR5 Memory with AMD EXPO Technology: Featuring Ultra Low Latency
Published: Thursday, September 3, 2026 | By: DennisG.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading brand of performance overclock memory, announces the launch of the new Flare X5X series DDR5 memory, with initial launch specification of DDR5-6000 CL36-36-36-76 32GB (2x16GB). Continuing G.SKILL's long-standing commitment to memory overclocking technology and high-speed memory, the Flare X5X series DDR5 is designed for users seeking high performance and a clean minimalist hardware aesthetic. Supporting the latest AMD EXPO Technology: Featuring Ultra Low Latency, also known as AMD EXPO ULL, the Flare X5X series overclocking profile leverages fine-tuned memory sub-timings for performance with supported AMD CPU, motherboard, and BIOS.
"AMD EXPO Technology: Featuring Ultra Low Latency" is the newly announced memory overclocking technology released by AMD. Compared to existing G.SKILL DDR5 memory kits that includes AMD EXPO support, the new Flare X5X series come with AMD EXPO™ ULL that includes multiple extra-tuned memory sub-timing settings in the overclocking profile, which help deliver better latency performance at the same memory speed. PC enthusiasts can experience the enhanced performance by enabling the AMD EXPO ULL memory overclock profile on a system with compatible AMD CPU, motherboard, and supported BIOS version.
Sleek Design, Minimalist Aesthetic
The Flare X5X series feature a sleek, minimalist design without RGB lighting, embracing a clean appearance that embodies the modern aesthetic of high-performance hardware. Simple lines blend with refined details to create a sophisticated visual appeal, while the design language delivers a premium and elegant style.
Specification & Availability
The initial launch specification of the Flare X5X series memory is DDR5-6000 CL36-36-36-76 32GB (16GBx2), supporting AMD EXPO™ ULL memory overclock technology. Each memory kit has undergone internal validation testing to ensure outstanding quality.
The Flare X5X Series will be available in markets worldwide in phases. For more product information and availability, please contact your local G.SKILL distributors and retail partners.
Important:
- Prior to enabling EXPO in BIOS, memory kits will boot at the SPD speed at default BIOS settings with compatible hardware.
- Features of "AMD EXPO Technology: Featuring Ultra Low Latency" requires compatible AMD-based motherboard, supported BIOS version, and correct system configuration.
- The rated EXPO specification requires overclocking/BIOS adjustments. Maximum speed and performance depend on system components, including motherboard and CPU.
-
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 10th Anniversary @ TechPowerUp
Published: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | By: Dennis10 years?!? As it really been that long since the first launch of the AMD Ryzen processor?
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 10th Anniversary Edition brings back the legendary CPU known for its revolutionary 3D V-Cache tech. At $340, it's a compelling option, especially if you already have an existing AM4 setup. As bonus, AMD includes a Carbice thermal pad for enhanced cooling, which we ran through 450 heat cycles to confirm performance.
I don't review to many processors but I do read some of the reviews and when I see sites going through 450 heat cycles just to confirm that a processor is doing what it's supposed to be doing you have to wonder.... Why?
Sure, they could be testing the new thermal pad, it is supposed to get better with age and needs to be heat and pressure set to start working. I got the demo of this new product during CES and while, I see the benefit I also see true enthusiasts upgrading long before the thermal pad will activate or even notice a difference.
-
GIGABYTE X870E AERO X3D DARK WOOD Review @ Vortez
Published: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | By: DennisIf the showing during Computex 2026 is any indication there is a new "trend" hitting the PC hardware market, Wood. I want to say it started with the Fractal North and has started spreading to include Antec + Noctua and even Cooler Master.
The latest Wood fan is Gigabyte and they have two color options available, Light and Dark.
At first glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking the GIGABYTE X870E AERO X3D DARK WOOD belongs in a luxury office rather than at the heart of a high-performance gaming PC. Instead of the usual sharp angles and RGB overload, GIGABYTE has opted for a sophisticated wood-inspired design complemented by metallic accents and a leather pull tab, giving the DARK WOOD a unique identity in a market where most motherboards tend to blend together.
I've always been a fan of dark wood, in fact I stained the final version of the dual subwoofer build project black and sanded it back to show just enough grain to keep things interesting. Now I just need the other items to match and I'll be a real casemodder (sic) LOL
-
ES Chiller 700 from Alphacool
Published: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | By: DennisAlphacool has a huge line of watercooling options for the enterprise allowing companies to convert their existing aircooled servers into watercooled monsters. We got to see these first hand at CES this year.
The latest addition is the new ES Chiller 700. Typically, when you watercool systems you use a pump to circulate the liquid and a series of radiators to remove heat from the loop. This is extremely efficient and the basis for cooling in the modern AI datacenter. Thing is, with watercooling using a traditional radiator you can never go below ambient and thus limits your thermal headroom.
For example, if it is 40c outside your cooling loop will always be hotter at 40c and if your system cannot be above 60c that will limit your performance. Now, if you introduce a chiller in the mix you can set the coolant temperature to whatever you want and gain a ton of thermal headroom to support more devices or even dabble with some overclocking.
-- snip --
Alphacool International GmbH from Braunschweig is a pioneer in PC liquid-cooling technology. With one of the industry’s most comprehensive product portfolios and more than 20 years of experience, Alphacool is expanding its Enterprise Solutions portfolio with the ES Chiller 700, a powerful compressor cooling system for server and workstation applications.
With a maximum cooling capacity of 700 watts, the ES Chiller 700 handles both cooling and circulation of the coolant. Its integrated pump delivers a maximum head of up to 10 m, allowing the chiller to be integrated directly into the cooling loop without the need for an additional pump.
The integrated display provides convenient access to a range of settings, including precise temperature control in increments of 0.3°C. A built-in reservoir with a capacity of 2 liters and standard G1/4" ports enable straightforward integration into existing liquid-cooling systems.
For reliable operation, the ES Chiller 700 features overvoltage protection for the compressor as well as alarm functions that warn of insufficient flow or excessive temperatures. The stationary unit also features a carrying handle for easy transportation when required.
The Alphacool ES Chiller 700 is now available in the Alphacool online shop.
-
Razer Pro Type Ergo Keyboard Review @ Madshrimps
Published: Saturday, August 22, 2026 | By: DennisIt is not every day that Razor sends out a review sample and unless you frequent the brick and mortar stores on a regular basis you may have never heard of this company. Some say they rose to power with the launch of a snake based gaming mouse that quickly got the attention of hungry gamers looking for an edge in their favorite games,
instead of, you know, gittn gud.
Madshrimps has a review of an ergo inspired Razor keyboard with RGB.
Razer brings premium keyboards meant for productivity purposes to a new level, by designing a case with a middle 10-degree slope, keeping the hands in a natural position for extended periods. The ultra-low-profile fingertip-shaped keycaps offer satisfying tactile feedback, a short distance till bottoming out, and the membranes ensure the noise is minimal. We have a lot of extra multi-functional keys, two knobs, one of which is taking duties as the Razer Command Dial, multiple connection options, a large replaceable battery but also two sets of double kickstands so we can position the keyboard with a large degree of customization
I have a hard time thinking this keyboard will be all that special and this is coming from someone who has used the Microsoft Natural since its inception. but, hey it supports AI prompting, so that is a thing that won't be replaced by STT anytime soon.
-
MachineGames and id Software celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Quake with a brand-new episode
Published: Monday, August 17, 2026 | By: DennisIn 1999 the source code to the ground breaking game, Quake, was released to the gaming community as Open Source allowing game developers to use any part of the Quake DNA to build the next generation of games. Most will tell you that any FPS (First Person Shooter) released after 1999 will have parts of Quake embedded in its code and things have only gotten better ever since.
2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Quake and was a huge part of QuakeCon 2026 and to help celebrate there is a brand new episode released and is free for anyone owning a copy of Quake on Steam.
Dawn of the Machine, available now as a free update for Quake*, features 19 all-new maps across a cohesive campaign as well as hidden secrets to uncover, a new soundtrack to accompany your journey and Deathmatch map to duke it out with friends, foes and bots alike.
As the battle-hardened Ranger, players survive a labyrinthine dimension where time folds back onto itself, creating a unique looping structure where each visit in the present reshapes the future.
Collect runes to unlock previously sealed paths brimming with new routes, encounters and secrets, plus persistent health and ammunition upgrades throughout add a new layer of progression to Quake’s classic gameplay.
When I started many of my Retro PC projects I was often reminded that one of the reasons I got into computer hardware and becoming a hardware enthusiast was to improve my gaming experience and it all started from playing Quake.
-
CORSAIR Expands Stream Deck Ecosystem with NIGHTSWORD v2 WIRELESS SD
Published: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | By: DennisMILPITAS, CA, AUGUST 10, 2026 – CORSAIR® (Nasdaq: CRSR), a leading global developer and manufacturer of high-performance gear and technology for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts, announces the NIGHTSWORD v2 WIRELESS SD Stream Deck Gaming Mouse is now in stock and available for purchase. The NIGHTSWORD v2 WIRELESS SD is the first gaming mouse with a dedicated Stream Deck Launch Button, putting Elgato's Virtual Stream Deck on-screen with a single press and expanding CORSAIR's growing line of Stream Deck-integrated peripherals.
One press of the Stream Deck Launch Button summons a fully customizable Virtual Stream Deck overlay directly on screen. Using the Elgato Stream Deck software, players can configure shortcut panels built around any game, app, or workflow. Players can manage in-game inventory, chain ability combos, trigger OBS scenes, or mute Discord all without lifting their hand from their mouse.
"We first brought Stream Deck integration into our keyboards and the SCIMITAR ELITE Wireless SE, and the NIGHTSWORD v2 WIRELESS SD is the next step forward," said Tobias Brinkmann, SVP and GM of Gaming at CORSAIR. "One button on the mouse unlocks a control platform that adapts to whatever you're playing or creating. Pair that with wireless 8,000Hz hyper-polling and optical switches, and you have a mouse that doesn't ask you to compromise between control depth and competitive performance."
Eight Programmable Buttons Expandable via Elgato Marketplace
Eight programmable buttons on the mouse are fully accessible within the Stream Deck app, giving users direct access to the Elgato Marketplace ecosystem. From there, users can download plugins for popular apps such as OBS and Discord or browse pre-built profiles from a community of control enthusiasts.
Several game profiles including Cyberpunk 2077, Pragmata, Resident Evil Requiem, ARC Raiders, Diablo IV, and Genshin Impact. Gaming profiles can be found in Elgato Marketplace under NIGHTSWORD v2 WIRELESS SD profiles, with more to follow over time. Users can also build their own profiles and share them with their community.
Competitive Performance, No Trade-offs
The NIGHTSWORD v2 WIRELESS SD is also built for high intensity gaming. It is capable of up to 8,000Hz hyper-polling in both wired and wireless modes, up to 8x faster than standard 1,000Hz polling. An included wireless adapter brings the dongle closer to the mouse to shorten the transmission path for a stronger, more consistent signal free of interference. The CORSAIR MARKSMAN S sensor delivers up to 33,000 DPI tracking, 99.7% resolution accuracy, 750 IPS speed, and 50G acceleration. Optical switches rated for 100 million clicks provide zero debounce delay, light-speed actuation, and durability for sustained play.
*Reaching 8,000Hz hyper-polling is dependent on CPU specifications.
Up to 170 Hours of Battery Life
The NIGHTSWORD v2 WIRELESS SD lasts up to 170 hours on a single charge. Players can also switch to Bluetooth or wired USB-C as their setup demands. The right-handed ergonomic shape includes contoured curves and a thumb rest that offers a secure, natural grip for hours of gaming and creating.
*Up to 170 hours of battery life via 2.4GHz with RGB off using 1kHz polling rate; up to 164 hours via Bluetooth® with RGB off.
Browser-Based Customization
CORSAIR Web Hub handles button mapping, macros, DPI adjustment, and Motion Sync settings without any additional software installation. Everything is browser-accessible, keeping the setup lightweight and approachable.
-
Introducing Computer Vision 2.0, Our Next-Generation AI Hardware Benchmark
Published: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | By: DennisToday marks the launch of Computer Vision 2.0, our next-generation computer-vision benchmark built to evaluate modern artificial intelligence (AI)-capable hardware with accuracy, fairness and real-world relevance. Hardware has advanced at an unprecedented pace, with new architectures and NPUs emerging every year.Gartner expects AI PCs to become standard by 2029.
Computer Vision 2.0 introduces new models and standardized execution paths. Our realistic computer vision workload designs provide clarity and make results easier to understand. We focus on everyday workflows, from background blurs in video calls to image grouping, object detection, screenshot descriptions and accessibility enhancements.
Key features of this release include:
Modern transformer-based model suite – we’ve replaced older CNN-only architectures with cutting-edge transformer models. DETR for detection, SAM2 for segmentation, BLIP for captioning, ESRGAN for image super-resolution, and ConvNeXt for image classification. These models better represent the workloads used in modern applications.
A standardized Windows ML execution for fair comparisons – take the fatigue out of understanding which tools you need to benchmark each AI device. We provide a single, standardized score for evaluating all AI-capable Windows hardware, including NPUs. Selecting the correct precision (FP32/FP16/INT8) traditionally requires deep AI expertise. Computer Vision 2.0 removes that barrier with auto-precision selection, choosing the optimal setting per device to support consistency, fairness and ease of use.
Cross-platform support from day one – Computer Vision 2.0 launches with macOS support on day one, enabling cross-platform comparisons for organizations with mixed fleets.
Realistic workload designs and accurate thresholds for integrity – our workload performance measurements reflect real employee experiences, and this latest release now includes scenarios that mirror true multimodal use. Examples of this include the ability to classify and group images locally on photo applications, and camera tools to detect objects, annotate, and apply background effects.
The work we do on our Procyon AI benchmarks enables our customers to make more confident, data-driven procurement decisions aligned with the future of AI PCs. For more information about Computer Vision 2.0 or to discuss how it can support your hardware evaluation strategy, contact us today.
-
be quiet! expands its peripheral lineup with Light Mount TKL and Mousepad XL
Published: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | By: DennisGlinde, August 11, 2026 - be quiet!, the German manufacturer for premium PC components and peripherals, is expanding its gaming peripheral portfolio with the introduction of Light Mount TKL and Mousepad XL. Designed for enthusiasts who demand precision, comfort and durability, Light Mount TKL combines a space-saving 80% layout with advanced silent mechanical switches, premium materials and extensive customization options. Available in both linear and tactile Silent V2 Switches variants, it delivers a smooth, quiet, and highly responsive typing experience for gamers, creators and professionals alike.
Alongside Light Mount TKL, be quiet! is also launching Mousepad XL, a premium extra-large mousepad designed to complement modern setups with a smooth fabric surface, a stable anti-slip base, and minimalistic styling. Together, the two products reflect be quiet!’s focus on thoughtful engineering and high-quality materials.
Aaron Licht, CEO of be quiet!, says: “With Light Mount TKL, we are bringing the same attention to silence, comfort and premium design to a more compact keyboard format. Mousepad XL extends that philosophy with a refined, stable and spacious foundation for everyday use.”
Light Mount TKL: Compact size without sacrificesLight Mount TKL is designed for users who want more room for mouse movement without sacrificing the performance and features expected from a premium mechanical keyboard. Its compact tenkeyless layout removes the numpad, creating a cleaner and more space-efficient setup for gaming and productivity. The keyboard is built around be quiet!’s Silent V2 Switches, available in orange linear and black tactile versions, which have an increased thickness of the gold compact point and optimized lubricated for improved responsiveness and whisper-quiet operation.
A triple-layer dampening system helps minimize typing noise and resonance, with foam positioned between the switches and PCB, below the PCB, and inside the bottom housing. Light Mount TKL also features high-quality PBT double-shot keycaps, hot-swappable support for 5-pin MX-style switches, a brushed aluminum top plate, and a detachable braided USB-C cable. Folding feet with three angled positions and a modular magnetic palm rest increase its ergonomics.
For control and customization, the keyboard offers an aluminum 3D Media Wheel, three macro or multimedia keys, per-key ARGB illumination, and illuminated side bars. A new feature for the Light Mount series is Quick Tap (SOCD), which prioritizes the most recent input when opposing movement keys are pressed, giving users faster directional changes in supported scenarios.
IO Center: Adjusting lighting, macros, settings, and morebe quiet!’s IO Center for Windows software gives Light Mount TKL users full control over their keyboard experience, allowing them to customize per-key RGB lighting, assign unique colors and effects, remap keys for shortcuts, macros or Windows functions, and configure Quick Tap settings and paired keys. It also lets users create FN layer assignments, record and edit macros with up to 999 events, activate Game Mode, and keep the keyboard up to date with firmware updates, while storing many settings directly on the keyboard’s onboard memory so they remain active even when the software is not running. Another new unique feature is Color Calibration, which can fine-tune the Light Mount LED color to other devices in your system.
For those who prefer to not install software or who use a different operating system, IO Center for Web can be used on most Chrome-based browsers and allows access to most features.
Mousepad XL: Elegant, smooth, and extra-largeMousepad XL is designed for gamers and creatives who want a spacious, stable, and elegant desk surface. Its optimized soft and smooth fabric surface is made for precise tracking, effortless glide and lasting comfort, while the extra-large 900 x 500mm format provides generous room for both mouse and keyboard.
A 3mm anti-slip rubber base helps keep the mousepad in place while reducing vibrations and desk noise. High-quality stitched borders prevent fraying and help the mousepad maintain its shape over time, while the sleek black design with subtle lines blends easily into a wide range of setups.
-
KRK V Series Five Redefines Pro Studio Monitoring
Published: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | By: DennisKRK’s next-generation studio monitoring platform features KRK Mesh® connectivity technology and delivers a new standard in accuracy, control, and mix translation for critical listening applications.
NASHVILLE, TN – KRK, a Gibson brand and leader in professional studio monitoring for nearly four decades, launches its new V Series Five Studio Monitors, the latest evolution of the company’s flagship professional reference monitor line. Building on more than four decades of innovation, this fifth-generation V Series combines KRK’s renowned accuracy and translation with powerful new wireless control capabilities and advanced acoustic tuning tools designed for today’s production environments.
“The V Series has long been KRK’s flagship studio monitor, trusted by engineers and producers around the world for its precision and reliability,” says Andrew Ladner, KRK Marketing Manager. “V Series Five builds on that legacy, delivering the sonic accuracy for which the V Series is known, while evolving to meet the demands of today’s modern workflows. The latest generation represents a significant leap forward in both performance and functionality.”
Engineered for professional recording, mixing, and immersive audio applications, the V Series Five lineup introduces KRK Mesh® technology, enabling wireless control of the monitors via the KRK Control App®. This gives professionals the ability to wirelessly manage monitor settings directly from a mobile device, including adjusting system settings, comparing EQ profiles, managing levels, and optimizing performance after installation without physically accessing the speaker. Whether configured as a stereo pair or as part of a larger Dolby Atmos® system, the monitors can be controlled individually or grouped together.
“With the addition of the Control App and KRK Mesh, V Series Five expands beyond exceptional monitoring into a more connected, intelligent studio ecosystem,” adds Ladner. “For more than 40 years, KRK has earned the trust of everyone from first-time mixers to GRAMMY®-winning professionals. We’re proud to carry that legacy forward with V Series Five, setting a new benchmark for the performance, innovation, and sonic accuracy that define the KRK name.”
Every component of the V Series Five was purpose-built by KRK engineers to deliver precise, transparent monitoring. The series features custom-designed transducers, including woven Kevlar® woofers housed in cast aluminum frames and optimized for low distortion and linear low-frequency performance. Additionally, a specially engineered one-inch silk dome tweeter provides detailed high-frequency reproduction, while an integrated waveguide enhances off-axis consistency and imaging.
At the core of the system is a premium electronics platform that incorporates ESS converters, Analog Devices DSPs, and Pascal Class D amplifier modules. Each monitor delivers 280 watts of power to the low-frequency driver and 175 watts to the high-frequency driver, which ensures exceptional headroom, dynamic response, and faithful reproduction across a wide range of production scenarios.
The V Series Five also provides extensive room- optimization capabilities. Users can access 49 preset Boundary EQ combinations and seven fully parametric PRO EQ filters to tailor performance to virtually any acoustic environment. Three user presets can be stored and instantly recalled, which makes it easy to compare tuning profiles or adapt to different production needs.
The series is available in three models. The compact V4 features a four-inch woofer and frequency response extending from 48 Hz to 40 kHz, with a maximum SPL of 113 dB. The V6 incorporates a 6.5-inch woofer, extends low-frequency performance to 40 Hz, and delivers up to 118 dB SPL. The largest model, the V8, has an eight-inch woofer, frequency response down to 32 Hz, and peak output of 121 dB SPL, making it ideal for demanding mixing and mastering environments.
Additional professional features include an optimized front-ported bass- reflex enclosure design, NEUTRIK® combo XLR/TRS connectivity, support for both analog and AES3 digital inputs, user control over standby mode, ground lift, input sensitivity, and an illuminated logo indicating that the device is powered on. Each monitor also has a removable protective grille and integrated mounting points for installation applications.
The KRK V Series Five Studio Monitors are designed to provide producers, engineers, and content creators with a highly accurate monitoring platform that adapts to evolving workflows while preserving the sonic integrity required for critical listening.
For more information, visit KRK Systems at www.krkmusic.com.
