PC Building
Ongoing coverage on PC Building.
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Cooler Master MasterFrame 360 Panorama review
The Cooler Master MasterFrame 360 Panorama is a PC case that prioritizes aesthetics and personalization, featuring a unique display stage for figures and customizable RGB lighting. While it offers ample cooling options and high-quality construction, it has some functional drawbacks such as restricted PSU airflow and the need to purchase fans separately. This case is ideal for users who want to showcase their personality and interests through their PC build.
Noctua's iconic beige and brown PC fan now comes in a slightly less iconic all-black version for PC builders who…
Noctua has released an all-black version of its highly-regarded NF-A12x25 G2 PC fan, catering to builders who prefer a monochrome aesthetic. While the performance remains excellent, the new 'Chromax Black' model retains the premium price point of $35, similar to the original beige and brown version.
I just built a $70,000 digital PC and visualized its terrible airflow in 3D with this neat part-picking website
BuildCores has launched a new feature that allows users to visualize PC component airflow in 3D, aiding in the planning of new builds. While not a full simulation, the tool provides a helpful approximation of fan interaction. The article also touches on the high cost of PC components and the author's personal journey into PC gaming journalism.
Into the Black
A creator has built a PC case large enough to fit a human, showcasing an extreme build. The article also mentions the potential future GeForce RTX 6090 graphics card.
YouTuber builds PC side panel out of 15 Noctua fans and names it the 'Superdome', cuts temps by 20 °C
YouTuber Major Hardware, also known as James, has created a custom PC side panel named 'Superdome' featuring 15 Noctua fans, which significantly reduced component temperatures by up to 20°C. Noctua provided assistance with fans and 3D printing materials for the project. The creator noted the fan setup is surprisingly quiet and effective, potentially leading them to keep it on their PC despite its meme origins.
As Gaming Grows More Expensive, Investing In A PC Like This One Is A Great Way To Future-Proof Your Hobby
Quoted Tech's Horizon Professional gaming PC offers a powerful and convenient solution for gamers facing rising hardware costs. The pre-built system, featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 9800X3D and Radeon RX 9070 XT, delivers excellent performance in demanding titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, with minimal setup required. The value proposition is further enhanced by a three-year warranty and included support, making it a strong contender for those looking to future-proof their gaming hobby.
Linus Tech Tips makes a mean screwdriver and it has definitely earned a spot in my toolbag
The Linus Tech Tips Ratcheting Screwdriver is a well-built and convenient tool for PC building and general home repairs, offering comfortable grip and secure bit storage. While the LTT Precision Pro Multi-Bit Screwdriver is also solid, it is outcompeted by more affordable alternatives like the iFixit Mako Driver Kit, which offers more for the same price or less.
Amazon US sold nearly half the number of CPUs it did this time last year
Amazon US CPU sales in February saw a significant decline compared to the previous year, with AMD dominating sales over Intel. This downturn is attributed in part to a widespread memory crisis, which has also impacted motherboard sales and overall PC building affordability. Analysts suggest that ongoing supply issues for memory and storage components will continue to affect the market.
Cooler Master COSMOS Alpha Review – Premium Design, Frustrating Build
The Cooler Master COSMOS Alpha is a premium PC case priced around $400, featuring a full metal construction, thick tempered glass, and striking aesthetics with RGB underglow. While it offers a luxurious appearance and flexibility for enthusiast builders, the building process is noted as being complex and potentially frustrating due to its recessed motherboard tray and numerous removable panels. Despite the challenging assembly, the final result is visually impressive, making it suitable for those who prioritize intricate builds and custom cooling setups.
It's easier than ever to build an all-Noctua PC build with the Antec Flux Pro Noctua Edition
The Antec Flux Pro Noctua Edition PC case offers excellent cooling and quiet operation thanks to its included Noctua fans and fan controller. While priced at $400, it provides a cost saving compared to purchasing the components separately and is an ideal choice for noise-conscious builders, though a standard version is available for less.
Mom Builds Gaming PC to Dominate Fortnite Voice Chats
The article argues that the primary motivation for building gaming PCs is shifting from performance to social interaction, exemplified by Fortnite's voice chat culture. It highlights how clear audio and a comfortable setup are becoming as important as high frame rates for connecting with other players and enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Why Do Game Console Prices Keep Going Up?
The ongoing global chip shortage, exacerbated by the massive demand for AI data centers, is driving up prices for gaming consoles and PC components. This situation is leading to longer console generations, potential consolidation in the PC building market, and a shift towards cloud gaming as a more accessible option for consumers. While the shortage presents challenges, it could also lead to developers focusing more on optimizing games for existing hardware, potentially resulting in better-designed and more accessible gaming experiences in the long run.
