PC Gaming

Despite the launch of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the PC gaming arena shows no signs of letting up. Tons of companies have invested in PC gaming peripherals, with even Amazon attempting to cash in. More capable desk, monitor, and chair releases continue to surface alongside even more unique accessories like Hachi’s touchscreen projector. Bearing all this in mind, Razer came into CES 2021 with a bunch of exciting new gear, including Razer Project Brooklyn. This concept gaming chair includes a 60-inch OLED display, modular armrests, and more.

At CES 2021, LG announced a lineup of new PC and gaming monitors. Focused around high refresh rates, HDMI 2.1, and Nano IPS technology, these displays are perfect for your gaming setup, be it PC or the latest-generation consoles. That’s right, HDMI 2.1 support means that both Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 can leverage the 120Hz refresh rate that they offer. What all do you get with LG’s latest HDMI 2.1 monitors? Well, keep reading to find out.

Earlier today, we talked about the new mask from Razer, as well as the company’s new Project Brooklyn gaming chair. Well, now we’re diving deeper into the updated Blade 15 and Blade Pro 17, which will now feature NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series graphics cards. What other updates are being made to the company’s high-end gaming laptop platforms? Keep reading to find out.

It’s no doubt that NVIDIA has been owning the GPU race so far for this generation. While AMD’s 6000-series graphics cards are great and offer plenty of power, NVIDIA has swept the scene with the RTX 3060 Ti for $399, and now, the 3060 at $329. Designed to go after gamers who still use the GTX 1060, the RTX 3060 sports 12GB of GDDR6 memory and plenty of power to game at 1080p or 1440p. Plus, NVIDIA will be releasing its brand-new 30-series graphics cards to laptops soon, giving mobile gamers even more power. Keep reading to find out more.

HyperX is doubling down this year on PC and console gear, announcing all-new products at CES 2021. Starting with the all-new HyperX Alloy Origins 60 mechanical keyboard and continuing on to global releases of headsets, ultra-light mice, and more, there’s bound to be something for you here. Keep reading to find out everything HyperX just announced at CES 2021.

Today, Western Digital is updating its portable SSD lineup to include 4TB capacities in multiple products. You’ll find the SanDisk Extreme Pro, Extreme, WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive, and the My Passport updated here with multiple different options and specs. Pricing for these new 4TB drives start at $680, but keep reading to find out all the details on these four new drives.

Mad Catz is a gaming peripheral company that’s all but been forgotten by many next-generation users. I still remember back in the GameCube days wanting a Mad Catz controller, as it was so much better than what Nintendo had to offer at the time. Well, the company has been silent for the better part of the 2010s, really only making a big announcement back in 2018 when the company returned from bankruptcy. Well, seeking to make 2021 a year to remember, Mad Catz is starting with a bang by launching the R.A.T DWS Wireless Gaming Mouse, offering dual connectivity, up to 300-hours of battery life, and much more.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

I’m usually a Mac user and have been for decades. But my son wanted to build a PC so he could compete with his online friends in high power games during the Pandemic. For just over $1,000 and a ton of time, he built a mean PC.

I’m now jealous and want to play Flight Simulator 2020 and some other games but don’t have the time to meticulously pick through the perfect build parts. Thankfully the whole package, including the gaudy RGB Frostblade fans configurable with PredatorSense App that make him jealous, are available in just a click or, if you are short on time before Christmas, a trip to Costco.

Anker, a fan-favorite company here at 9to5, today announced the first third-party charging dock for the Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset. Coming in at $87, Anker’s Oculus Quest 2 charging dock makes it super simple to ensure you’re always ready for a long VR session. What all does it come with and how does it work? Well, keep reading to find out.

It wasn’t long ago that we covered the debut EA Play for Xbox Game Pass on console. At that point we cited a planned December 15 launch for PC subscribers, but at the last minute Microsoft has announced an EA Play delay. With many arguably looking forward to today’s launch, taking so long to share this unfortunate news is bound to be both frustrating and disappointing. Being in the midst of a pandemic is likely part of the reason for a delay, but Microsoft hasn’t come out and said as much, perhaps because spending more time at home is the very reason many subscribers could be very excited for this update. Continue reading to learn more.

It’s that time of the year again — the time when we try to find our loved ones exactly what they’ve been waiting all year for. Maybe you’ve got a PC gamer in the house and have absolutely no idea what to get them. There are quite a few different options when it comes to storage, monitors, keyboards, mice, and the lot, making it all a bit confusing. Well, that’s what we’re here for. In this PC gaming gift guide, I’ll outline exactly what gifts you should be looking at, from budget-focused $50 NVMe SSDs to high-end desktops, monitors, and everything in between.

SCUF, a brand known for its customized gaming controllers, just announced its first headset, the H1. True to its brand, the H1 will be fully customizable, wired, and based on the overall design and technology of CORSAIR’s VIRTUOSO headset. Offering a lightweight design, this headset is bound to have a home on your desk if you’re in the market for a new set of cans. Costing $130, let’s take a look at what makes the SCUF H1 different from other gaming headsets on the market.

Outside of new product drops, Black Friday is a PC gamer’s favorite time of the year. There are killer deals to be had in just about every category, and this is the time where you can upgrade your computer further than you anticipated due to discounted products and sales. Well, what all will be available this Black Friday? We dive deep into retailer ads to find the best PC gaming deals available during Black Friday 2020.

NZXT is expanding its all-in-one cooler lineup with the release of the Kraken X-3 family, as well as the Kraken Z53. The X-3 series of coolers introduces a new variant that includes the company’s AER RGB 2 fans for those who want everything to be RGB in their build. The Z53 is an expansion of the existing Z-3 lineup of coolers to add a 240mm version to the stack, which previously only had a 280mm and 360mm option.

EVOO is a fairly recent brand, but it’s already growing in popularity. The company’s latest gaming laptops, which are powered by both Intel and AMD processors, offers quite a bit of power and features in fairly budget-focused packages, with machines priced as low as $850 on Amazon. Offering THX-tuned speakers and displays, the new EVOO gaming laptops are built to get the job done, whether that be gaming, content creation, or workstation tasks.

Today, Logitech is expanding its arsenal of gaming peripherals with its latest mouse yet. The new Pro X Superlight Mouse delivers on its name with an ultra streamlined design that’s backed by an impressive 25,600 DPI sensor and 70-hour battery life. Head below for a closer look at the new Logitech G Pro X Superlight Mouse, as well as all the details on adding it to your battlestation.

Despite the fact that Age of Empires IV is in the works, this hasn’t halted updates to the classics. Age of Empires II is often considered to be the best of the bunch, and its new update further solidifies this. An Age of Empires Battle Royale game mode is easily the biggest highlight of the update. It pits eight players against one to create a fast-paced, new and exciting way to play the game. Other features include Quick Play for faster matchmaking, an updated Civ Selection UI, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

Amazon is currently offering the Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed Wireless RGB Gaming Keyboard for $179.99 shipped. Down from its $230 going rate, today’s offer saves you 22%, is still one of the first price cuts we’ve seen, and matches our previous mention for the all-time low. As one of Logitech’s latest battlestation upgrades, its new G915 TKL Keyboard sports a wireless design powered by the brand’s Lightspeed connectivity. There’s an aircraft-grade aluminum build alongside RGB lighting, 40-hour battery life, and low-profile mechanical switches. Rated 4.6/5 stars from over 600 customers and you can get a closer look in our announcement coverage. Head below for more from $40.

Steam is the go-to client for PC gamers worldwide, and while many use keyboard and mouse exclusively, some titles just are better with a controller. Well, the latest Steam beta release packs support for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers, but what all is supported right now and what type of experience can you expect? Keep reading to find out.

AOC is well-known in the gaming monitor space, but a brand you’ve likely not heard of in this realm is Porsche Design. A division of the car company, Porsche Design has been branching out lately, including unique watches and laptops. Well, the most recent partnership is with AOC on the PD27 gaming monitor. Sporting a 27-inch 1440p display, you’ll find a 240Hz refresh rate here flanked by NVIDIA FreeSync Premium Pro and a very unique way to change the screen settings. What all does this high-end monitor pack, and how much will it cost? Head below to find out everything we know on the AOC x Porsche Design AGON PD27 Gaming Monitor.

Back in September, it was announced that Microsoft’s Game Pass Ultimate would be gaining additional value with the inclusion of EA Play with your monthly membership. No longer would you need to pay for two different subscriptions, which helps to bolster the value of Microsoft’s monthly service. Well, EA Play, and in turn, Game Pass Ultimate, just got a killer day-one launch title for Xbox Series S and Series X: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. That’s right, starting November 10, Jedi: Fallen Order will be available to all EA Play members, including those who join through Game Pass Ultimate. Want to learn how to download and take advantage? Keep reading.

With the debut of Xbox Series S/X just around the corner, now is a great time to stock up on all the accessories you might need. Thankfully, Razer has taken the wraps off Kaira and Kaira Pro. These new Xbox Series X headsets can boast connectivity options like AUX, Xbox Wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0. And that’s not all; Razer Book 13 has also been unveiled with the “world’s thinnest 13.4-inch display bezels,” a wide variety of I/O, all-day battery life, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

If you’ve been wanting to make your desktop liquid-cooled but have been scared off by the complications of having to run your own tubing and doing leak testing, ARCTIC’s latest Liquid Freezer II 420 could be the solution for your problems. It offers a massive 420mm radiator and is designed to be an all-in-one solution, where you won’t have to worry about changing out the water, doing leak tests, or anything like that. Could this be the cooler for your next build? Well, keep reading to find out all the details and see if it will work for you.

Newegg is offering the CORSAIR iCUE H100i RGB PRO XT 240mm All-in-One Liquid Cooler for $106.99 shipped with the code 3WTBKNV26 at checkout. Drop the price further to $86.99 shipped when you opt to use the mail-in rebate. For comparison, it goes for $120 at Amazon and today’s deal beats the all-time low there by as much as $16. If you’re ready to rock AMD’s upcoming Zen 3 Ryzen processors, then be sure you have plenty of cooling to enjoy some overclocking headroom. Upgrading from a standard air cooler to an AiO liquid one delivers increased performance, lower temperatures, and generally a quieter build overall. I recently switched to NZXT’s Kraken X73 AiO and really enjoy the performance enhancements it delivers. CORSAIR’s iCUE H100i delivers an RGB design, high-quality pump, and 240mm radiator in one sleek package. Rated 4.7/5 stars.

SteelSeries has been my go-to peripheral manufacturer for some time, and today, the company announced its first ultralight gaming mouse: the Aerox 3 and Aerox 3 Wireless. Packing TrueMove Air and Core sensors, a USB-C cable, IP54 water and dust resistance, a holey design, and many other killer features, these mice are sure to step up your game. Pricing starts at $60 and both mice will be available on November 10.

Earlier this month, we got our first look at AMD’s next-generation Zen 3 Ryzen processor lineup. Today, AMD unveiled its RDNA 2 graphics cards with some killer specs and prices that are absolutely fantastic for what you get. You’ll find the AMD Radeon RX 6800 at $579, 6800XT at $649, and 6900XT for $999. All GPUs released feature 16GB of GDDR6 memory, ray-tracing, and many other great features, so let’s dive into what all you’ll get with AMD RDNA 2 below.

Mere weeks after Plugable debuted a new Thunderbolt 3 dock, the company is back at it again with two more products. The unveiled Plugable Dual 4K Hubs set themselves apart by integrating both a USB-C cable and Type A adapter. Both docking stations are nearly identical, being differentiated only by the inclusion or lack of a gigabit Ethernet port. Dual HDMI and DisplayPort inputs adorn both models. Continue reading to learn more.

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HyperX, one of the more well-known gaming peripheral manufacturers around, just updated its classic Cloud II with a wireless model. The legacy Cloud II was comfortable, had great performance, and was a staple of PC gaming for quite some time. With the new Cloud II Wireless, you’ll find a similar overall build with all-new internals. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the all-new HyperX Cloud II Wireless Gaming Headset.

AMD’s first event of the month just wrapped up, and with it, we now know everything about its latest Zen 3 CPU architecture. As an improvement to its previous-generation Zen 2, you’ll find Zen 3 is built on the same 7nm manufacturing process, but with quite a few upgrades. Pricing starts at $299 with the 5600X 6-core 12-thread processor and goes up from there. AMD Zen 3 will be available on November 5.

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NXZT is updating its N7 motherboard with support for Intel’s latest Z490 chipset, bringing with it 10th generation processor compatibility and much more. I’ve been using this motherboard for the past few days and have to say, the features list is quite extensive, and the design is unlike motherboards I’ve used in the past. From magnetic M.2 covers to 2.5G Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6, NZXT’s latest N7 Z490 motherboard is a fantastic choice if you’re planning on building a computer based on Intel’s latest 10th generation processors.

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Well, it’s been a long time coming. Players have been asking for cross-play in Apex Legends essentially since it was released, but it’s finally here. Originally announced back in June, Apex Legends is finally getting cross-play on October 6. Sadly, no cross-progression will be available in this port, but Respawn did lay out some of the benefits and features of cross-play for us to dive into, so keep reading to learn more.

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CORSAIR’s latest release is the K100 RGB Gaming Keyboard. Offering both Cherry MX Speed or CORSAIR OPX Optical-Mechanical switches, the K100 packs quite a few features that the company is introducing here. Something else that CORSAIR is introducing here is the AXON Hyper-Processing Technology, which delivers input at up to “4-times faster than conventional gaming keyboards.” But, that’s not all, keep reading to find out everything there is about the brand-new CORSAIR K100 RGB Gaming Keyboard.

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HP’s latest VR headset, the Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition, offers the standard bout of headset features, like a 2160×2160 resolution, built-in headphones, and more. But, it separates itself from the pack by also offering eye-tracking, pupillometry, and heart rate sensors alongside a face camera. What does this mean for the future of virtual reality? Well, quite a bit…so keep reading to find out more.

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ROCCAT is changing up its mouse game with the launch of its “titan optical switch” in the all-new Burst Pro mouse. The Burst Pro is ROCCAT’s first mouse to use the switch, which was recently debuted in the Vulcan Pro and TKL Pro keyboards, offering PC gamers a unique advantage thanks to the “lightning-fast performance” that this new mouse has. According to ROCCAT, it’ll register clicks at “up to 100 times faster than standard mechanical gaming mice,” which could give you a competitive advantage in your favorite games. But that’s now all this mouse does, so keep reading to find out more.

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While you might think you know exactly what a laptop is, Lenovo wants you to rethink that. Since its inception, laptops have been a keyboard and mouse/trackpad attached to a display, but now that all changes. We’ve recently seen folding phones take a new form with things like the Microsoft Surface Duo and the Galaxy Z Fold 2, and Lenovo is bringing this unique style to laptops with the ThinkPad X1 Fold. With a starting price of $2,499, this unique laptop will set you back quite a bit, but the advantages could outweigh the costs.

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When the CORSAIR Scimitar RGB Elite was first announced, it was nothing more than an update to an existing platform. Offering a slightly faster sensor and a little bit of a newly-sculpted design, the Scimitar RGB Elite was just another mouse. But, it would be the mouse that ruined all other gaming mice for me. After spending quite a bit of time trying to find the perfect gaming mouse…I think I’ve found it. With 12 programmable side buttons, the CORSAIR Scimitar RGB Elite took some getting used to, sure, but after the initial setup, I found that having 12 buttons all right next to my thumb was the perfect balance between customizability and usability. So, without further ado, here’s our review of the CORSAIR Scimitar RGB Elite MMO gaming mouse.

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If you’re searching for a high-end gaming setup, there are many brands you could choose from. However, one that stands out from the rest is SteelSeries, because they offer quite a few unique features that other companies just can’t match up with. From the dual-battery Arctis Pro Wireless headset to the Apex Pro keyboard that has customizable actuation points, our review shows you that SteelSeries’ high-end peripheral lineup are must-haves on a desk if you want some of the best accessories that can be purchased. I recently overhauled my entire gaming setup with all SteelSeries peripherals, and I’ve gotta say, I’m loving the setup, though there are a few things I’d tweak if I could.

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Even though we shouldn’t, we all slouch while gaming. Oh, you might sit up at the beginning, but before you know it, you’re hunched over and deep in the battle. This, as we all know, is not good for our posture…or health. SCUF is trying to help gamers combat this with the EXO SCUF. Designed to assist both work-from-home professionals and casual gamers, EXO SCUF is built to help improve your posture and enhance comfort while using portable devices, like a laptop, iPad, or console. How does it do this? Well, just keep reading to find out more.

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Bose has been a dominant player in the audio market for a long time now. The company has a variety of beloved products, but few can rival the popularity of its QuietComfort lineup. For many, they’ve served as the gold standard alongside Sony’s XM series. Until now, Bose has always steered clear of the gaming market, but that has changed. An all-new Bose gaming headset has debuted and it lets QuietComfort 35 II live on. Continue reading to learn more.

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As 2020 makes history by being one of the strangest years in modern times, HP has kept its ear to the ground and is attempting to adapt with the times. Folks cooped up at home are on the hunt for entertainment, a void that many have filled with video games. This makes now an ideal time to innovate in the space, and that’s precisely what the latest HP gaming accessories set out to do. New monitors, gaming headsets, and peripherals are on the way. Continue reading to learn more about them.

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ROCCAT, a division of Turtle Beach, just launched three new Elo PC gaming headsets, the first products in the company’s brand-new lineup of “precision PC gaming accessories.” This is the first line of headsets launched since the partnership took place back in 2019, and you’ll find the best from both ROCCAT and Turtle Beach offered here. Pricing starts as low as $50, and there are various features that make the ROCCAT Elo headsets the perfect choice for a variety of gamers.

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RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 is a staple for those in love with building their own theme parks. The sensational hit is returning to PC later this month and also arriving on Nintendo Switch for the first time. Coming with an all-new “Complete Edition,” you’ll find enhanced visuals, optimized controls, and both the Soaked! and Wild! expansion packs. Interesting in becoming the tycoon of your own theme park? Keep reading to find out when RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition is landing on Switch and PC.

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ASTRO Gaming, one of the most well-known gaming headset brands around, is launching the second generation of its award-winning A20 Wireless Gaming Headset. Offering “audiophile-grade gaming performance,” this headset is built to give you high-quality audio in every scenario. Plus, Astro is introducing a USB transmitter that’s built for Xbox and PlayStation, with one being included in the box for your specific console, and others available for purchase separately.

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Today, Acer is announcing the Spin 7 as “the world’s first notebook powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 5G computer platform.” While this might seem like a mouthful, the Spin 7 is run off of Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8cx SoC, delivering sub-6GHz 5G connectivity, which allows you to utilize “blazing-fast 5G speeds” while on-the-go. Multi-day battery life allows you to work for extended periods of time before it’s time to recharge. Also, the 360-degree hinge enables you to utilize it as a laptop or tablet.

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Acer’s latest laptops, the Swift 3 and Swift 5, are being refreshed with the latest 11th Gen Intel Core processors and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. The Swift 5 is designed for those who need more performance in an ultraportable machine, with an Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass touchscreen and more. The Swift 3 offers great performance while maximizing size, with a 13.5-inch 2K 3:2 screen or a 14-inch 1080p 16:9 display. What more do these laptops have to offers? Keep reading to find out everything about Acer’s latest Swift 3 and Swift 5 computers.

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