PC Components
Ongoing coverage on PC Components.
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Hardware Reviews
This article compiles reviews for various PC hardware components, including the Cooler Master Elite Liquid 360 Liquid CPU Cooler and the Steam Controller. It also mentions reviews for graphics cards, specifically the Sapphire NITRO+.
Framework launches the Laptop 13 Pro with Intel's new Panther Lake chips
Framework has launched the Laptop 13 Pro, a redesigned version of its modular laptop featuring Intel's new Core Ultra Series 3 Panther Lake chips and an AMD Ryzen AI 300 series option. The Pro model boasts a larger 74Wh battery, a new chassis, a haptic trackpad, and a custom 13.5-inch touch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Pre-orders start at $1,699 for a pre-built Windows system and $1,199 for the DIY model, with shipments beginning in June.
5 Easy PC Upgrades That Actually Improve Gaming Performance (2026)
This guide outlines five easy PC hardware upgrades that can significantly improve gaming performance for older systems. Recommendations include upgrading the GPU, SSD, RAM, case fans, and CPU cooler, with specific product suggestions and installation tips. The article also emphasizes free optimizations like driver updates and enabling XMP/EXPO.
Seasonic teases cherry blossom-themed Focus ATX 3.1 'Sakura' power supply
Seasonic is teasing a new cherry blossom-themed power supply unit called the Focus ATX 3.1 Sakura Limited Edition. This PSU will feature ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 compliance, 80 PLUS Gold certification, and a compact 140 mm depth, similar to its existing Focus GX ATX 3.1 model.
The Thermaltake View 380 WS ARGB looks like it costs a lot more than it actually does
The Thermaltake View 380 WS ARGB PC case offers a premium aesthetic with tempered glass and reverse fans at a budget-friendly price of $120/£90. While it boasts good cooling and quiet operation, minor cost-cutting measures like non-removable expansion slot covers and a lack of dust filters are present.
PC parts prices are brutal right now, so this Skytech RX 9070 XT gaming desktop for $1,649 is worth a serious look
The Skytech Gaming O11V gaming desktop is available for $1,649.99 at Best Buy, a $230 discount. This configuration features an AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, an AMD Ryzen 7 7700 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD, making it a compelling option for 1440p and 4K gaming at current PC part prices.
Official HYTE x Honkai: Star Rail Firefly Collection Live
PC component manufacturer HYTE has launched a Firefly collection in collaboration with HoYoverse's Honkai: Star Rail, featuring a special Y70 PC case, keycaps, and a desk mat. The article also briefly mentions upcoming releases for LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War!, new characters for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, a demo for Alpha Nomos, and a trailer for EverRail. Additionally, it notes that the Games Done Quick event Frost Fatales 2026 raised over $147,000 for the National Women's Law Center.
Major copper foil supplier raises prices by 12%, potentially ushering in a fresh wave of spikey prices for PCBs and…
Mitsui Kinzoku, a major supplier of copper foil for printed circuit boards, has announced a 12% price increase for its MicroThin copper foil products, effective April 2026. This follows a trend of rising material costs, with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical also increasing prices by 30% on some products. Increased demand from the AI industry and supply chain challenges are contributing factors to these price hikes, potentially leading to further cost increases for PC components.
One Australian gamer was denied a replacement for DRAM kit bought just two years prior and was only offered a refund of original price, four times less than its cost today
An Australian gamer was denied a replacement for a faulty DDR5 DRAM kit purchased two years prior, with the retailer Umart offering only a refund of the original purchase price. The customer argued this constituted a major failure under Australian consumer law, as the current market price for a comparable kit is significantly higher. Umart and Corsair have provided differing accounts of the situation, with Corsair stating all its DRAM kits come with a lifetime warranty and are investigating the case.
I tried a liquid cooler with not one but four screens attached to the pump unit
The Thermaltake Minecube 360 Ultra ARGB Sync is a liquid cooler featuring an unusual four-screen pump unit, offering extensive customization options and good performance, capable of cooling a demanding Intel Core i7 14700K. However, its high price of $350/£280 and somewhat awkward software UI make it a questionable value proposition compared to other coolers with similar performance but fewer screens.
As if PC hardware news couldn't get any gloomier, one research report suggests mainstream laptop prices could rise…
A TrendForce report indicates that rising prices for PC components like CPUs, DRAM, and SSDs could lead to a 40% increase in mainstream laptop prices. This surge, driven by memory cost increases, could significantly impact the bill of materials for manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Asus. The article questions consumer willingness to pay higher prices, drawing parallels to the GPU market during the COVID-19 pandemic.
