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Lenovo Legion Tower 5i review: mid-range to the max

7:55 pm | July 25, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: Far Cry, RGB, Total War | Comments: Off

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: One-minute review

The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i is quite a machine. It might not be some premium desktop that defies labels, but it’s a solid, good-looking desktop that does what it’s supposed to and does it quite well. On top of that, the price is pretty good.

Being a mid-range desktop, it does have a few flaws such as the limitations that are inherent in mid-range hardware. Well, and some bloatware that I’ll mention later on. But, you shouldn’t expect a computer equipped with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 to handle ultra settings with ray tracing on.

That said, the total package is impressive enough that, for at least anyone looking for a good mid-range option, it might be one of the best gaming PCs available right now. While it doesn’t get cheap enough for those looking for budget gaming PCs, you should consider the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i if you can stretch your savings a little bit.

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: Price & availability

How much does it cost? $1,249.99 (about £975, AU$21850)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US with limited configurations in UK

Almost all of the configurations of the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i come with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050, 3060, or 3060 Ti. Only the kitted-out version comes with a 4000 series GPU, specifically the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, which will set you back $2,099.99 / £2,150.00 (about AU$3114.88).

Interestingly, the base model that goes for $1,299.99 (about £975, AU$21850) is more expensive than the review unit, which seems to be a Best Buy exclusive. That means if you’re in the US, you can pay $1,249.99 / about £974.47 / about AU$21851.92 and save $50 while upgrading from an RTX 3050 to an RTX 3060 if you get the version from Best Buy.

To make matters more confusing, potential interested parties in the UK will be limited to more expensive builds with the RTX 4070 and those in Australia will only have access to the RTX 3050. Of course, we’re just discussing the configurations with Nvidia GPUs. If you prefer to go with Team Red, the Lenovo Legion Tower 5 (note the missing “i”) offer a whole set of configurations based around AMD, though we won’t dig into that in this review.

Looking beyond the various configurations, the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i is a solidly mid-range model in the company’s gaming desktop line. And, paying around $1,300 for great 1080p performance is, while not a bargain, pretty darn good. For comparison, the HP Victus 15L, which is a smaller, more stripped down PC (ie very limited RGB lighting) has very similar specs but goes for a higher $1,399.99 / £1,049.99 / about AU$2094.65.

Price score: 5 / 5

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: Specs

The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i comes in a few different configurations, with the review unit being very similar to the base one. There's not a wide variation, with most coming with an Intel Core i5 and a mid-range Nvidia GeForce RTX 3000 series, with the kitted out version being the only one with a 4000 series GPU. The RAM is the same across all models, though the storage space is different from configuration to configuration.

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i on a side table — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: Design

Has a nice elegant gamer look
Plenty of nice RGB lighting
Plenty of ventilation

Aesthetically, the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i strikes that elegant gamer look that, to my eyes, all Lenovo Legion products have. It’s a look I’ve always appreciated and that’s certainly the case here, especially since it’s on the larger side so is not the kind of computer you can discreetly place out of the way.

Part of its aesthetic is that almost matte-black color that Lenovo refers to as Storm Grey. But, part of it is the way Lenovo’s managed to give the case texture with its venting on the top and front without adding aggressive looking lines as you’ll find on many gamer-oriented products.

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On top of that, the RGB lighting comes through in a few ways so that you get a nice light show instead of just one or two small zones of lighting. Not only is “LEGION” emblazoned down the front of the case, but the venting on the front allows for the cooling fans, which all sport RGB lighting, to shine through.

The glass side panel, which is held in place by two screws, allows for the lighting from the back cooling fan as well as the name on the graphics card to be easily seen. And, of course, that side panel lets you gaze and see the internals, which are cleanly installed.

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Speaking of the ventilation on this case, I never felt that there were any issues with a thermal bottleneck or potential overheating here. Along with the three cooling fans, not counting the one on the CPU, even pushing this computer hard didn’t concern me regarding internal temperatures.

When it comes to ports, there’s plenty on hand, though the selection is not quite what I would like. The top panel holds two USB ports as well as a headphone and mic jack, but there’s no USB-C. For that, you’ll have to go to the back where there are just two. On top of that, there’s no optical out, which I was hoping to use with a gaming soundbar.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: Performance

Great 1080p performance for most games
Not powerful enough for ray tracing with high overall settings
Has some bloatware

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: PC benchmarks

Here's how the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Night Raid: 52,433; Fire Strike: 19,192; Time Spy: 8,992
GeekBench 5.5: 1673 (single-core); 11272 (multi-core)
CrossMark: Overall: 1754 Productivity: 1667 Creativity: 1899 Responsiveness: 1612
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra): 74 fps; (1080p, Low): 204 fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 71.07 fps; (1080p, Low): 117.39 fps
Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra): 82.6 fps; (1080p, Low): 193.7 fps
Handbrake 1.6: 5:35

Even though the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i reviewed is pretty close to the base configuration, it’s surprisingly powerful as long as you stay at 1080p. With a 13th-Gen Intel Core i5, 16GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060, the 1080p performance is very strong.

Just look at our benchmarks. Cyberpunk 2077 hits over 70 fps on Ultra settings and that’s a fairly demanding title, even if it’s been out for a few years. Beyond the benchmarks, I ran Control, Far Cry 6 and Gotham Knights all at pretty high settings with great results. However, I still could see the limitations of the RTX 3060. I would get slight screen tearing in Control at max settings, while I had to stick with medium settings with Vsync on for Hogwarts Legacy to minimize screen tearing. And, even then I would get some stuttering.

To that end, turning on ray tracing would negatively affect performance and I would get enough screen tearing to be very distracting. And, while I couldn’t test HDR with my current setup, you probably will have to adjust settings as well if you want to turn HDR on.

Using this PC in general is easy and straightforward as Lenovo has included some proprietary software that’s useful but limited, thankfully, to just a handful of apps. They do what you would expect from gaming computer apps like monitoring internal temperatures and doing slight overclocks or network boosts. And, as nice as the apps are, Lenovo has also included McAfee. If you use that brand of antivirus software, then this isn’t an issue. I don’t, however, and get bombarded regularly to activate my subscription. It’s a bit invasive. While it’s typical to get some extra software that requires a subscription, this one’s a bit much.

Performance score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i?

Buy it if...

You want a fantastic 1080p machine
While you’re limited by the hardware that you get, the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i squeezes every bit of performance out of its components for rock solid 1080p performance in most situations.

You want a good-looking gaming desktop
It’s not overly aggressive with its styling, but this desktop manages to look in a gamer kind of way while not coming off as ostentatious.

Don't buy it if...

You want 4K or ray tracing
Though this is a killer 1080p machine, it’s not so killer when it comes to higher resolutions or maxing all the settings and turning ray tracing on. You’re still using an RTX 3060. That is, unless you upgrade to the kitted-out configuration.

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: Also consider

If our Lenovo Legion Tower 5i review has you considering other options, here are two gaming desktops to consider...

How I tested the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i

Tested for a week
Used it with a number of games including very demanding ones
Dived into included software

I tested the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i over the course of a week, playing a number of demanding games including Hogwarts Legacy, Control, Gotham Knights, Far Cry 6, and Battlefield 2042. While testing, I ran those games at different settings while also turning ray tracing and other VRAM-hungry features like Motion Blur on and off.

I paid attention to how the actual machine was running while under duress, not to mention taking a closer look at its physical attributes. I weighed the performance and design against its price as well as that of its competitors to come to a decision regarding the score and overall review.

Having spent the last few years reviewing tech of all sorts including for gaming, I’ve gotten a feel for what to look for and how to put a piece of kit through its paces to see whether it’s worth the recommendation.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed July 2023

HP Victus 15L review: solid if flawed gaming

5:19 pm | June 12, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: Far Cry, Total War | Comments: Off

HP Victus 15L: Two-minute review

Budget gaming machines like the HP Victus 15L are always an exercise in compromise. They don’t require you to sell an organ just to afford them, but they do require that you live with turning down the settings in more demanding games, sticking to a 1080p resolution, and skipping features like HDR and ray tracing.

Those compromises are always going to be a part of the conversation with the best budget gaming PCs. Unlike some of the best gaming PCs, it’s just something you’ll have to accept when trying to keep the price down.

The HP Victus 15L, reviewed here, is fairly capable at running even the latest games at medium settings at a 1080p resolution. And, its form factor makes it perfect for those with cramped spaces. Though it only really sets itself apart from the competition with its plethora of ports accessible on the front of the machine, it is a nice option for budget-minded gamers.

Unfortunately, part of the compromise with the HP Victus 15L is dealing with its tendency to overheat, causing performance issues when pushed too hard. If you can toe that line, you’ll be fine. Otherwise, you may want to save up for a more powerful machine.

HP Victus 15L: Price and availability

How much does it cost? $1,399.99 / £1,049.99 (about AU$2094.65)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US and UK

The HP Victus 15L, as the budget option in HP’s gaming lineup, can be had for quite cheap. Its base configuration of an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G CPU, AMD Radeon RX 6400 GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD goes for $779.99 in the US. While those in the UK don’t have access to any of the AMD-equipped models, the cheapest configuration sporting a 13th-Gen Intel Core i5, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660, 8GB RAM, and 512 GB SSD will only set you back £699.98.

The kitted out model, reviewed here, comes with a 12th-Gen Intel Core i7, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060, 16GB RAM, and a 512 GB SSD / 1TB HDD storage combo and goes for a reasonable $1,399.99 / £1,049.99 / about AU$2094.65. If that seems a little high, just remember that HP likes to regularly discount its models.

As with most computer product lines, the HP Victus 15L can get a little confusing as you can get this kitted out configuration with a 13th-Gen Intel Core i7 for the same price. And, those in the UK will end up with an Intel Core i5 CPU as well as a 1TB SSD instead of the SSD and HDD combo.

Unfortunately, the Victus 15L doesn't seem to be available yet in Australia. But, based on the landing page for the company’s Australian website, it should eventually make its way there.

Value: 4.5 / 5

HP Victus 15L: Specs

The HP Victus 15L comes in a few configurations, sporting both AMD and Intel processors as well as AMD and Nvidia graphics cards.

HP Victus 15L: Design

Basic no-nonsense design
Chassis is a little weak
Lots of ports on the front

A quick inspection of the HP Victus 15L will confirm the obvious. This is a budget machine, even in its most expensive configurations. It’s a pretty straightforward, no-nonsense affair only spruced up by a single RGB zone of lighting in the shape of a V cut into the front. Available in white or black, it eschews see-through glass panels of more expensive gaming desktops for an all-aluminum covering.

Where the cost-cutting is most obvious is in the chassis. Though this computer was well-packed, the back panel of the chassis where the graphics card and power supply screw in came slightly warped with the review model. While it didn’t affect performance, it is concerning. Also, when opening the computer up, the parts from the motherboard to the RAM are clearly of the most basic variety.

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As someone who’s always been drawn to smaller form factors, the desktop’s diminutive size is a nice welcome. Measuring in at 6.1 x 11.71 x 13.27 in, it doesn’t require too much desk or floor space, ideal for more cramped situations like a dorm room.

I also appreciate the number of ports available on the HP Victus 15L, particularly on the front. There are four USB-A ports on the front, a USB-C port, and a headphone jack all lined up in a column below the power button. Usually, I find desktop computers, gaming or otherwise, to only sport a couple USB-A ports with maybe a USB-C thrown in on the front. As more peripherals move to wireless connectivity via a dongle, having easier access to a large number of ports is one of the more unique aspects of the Victus 15L.

The overall port count is probably on par with most gaming computers however, as there are just an additional four USB-A ports on the back, an audio in and out as well as mic input, as well as an HDMI and DisplayPort, not to mention the ones on the graphics card.

Design: 4 / 5

HP Victus 15L: Performance

Solid gaming performance
Susceptible to overheating
Suite of apps can help finetune

HP Victus 15L: Benchmarks

Here's how the HP Victus 15L performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Night Raid: 56,085; Fire Strike: 19,868; Time Spy: 8,919
GeekBench 5.5: 1793 (single-core); 10774 (multi-core)
CrossMark: Overall: 1774 Productivity: 1726 Creativity: 1894 Responsiveness: 1581
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra): 72.2 fps; (1080p, Low): 200.4 fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 68.35 fps; (1080p, Low): 108.70 fps
Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra): 80.2 fps; (1080p, Low): 186.8 fps
Handbrake 1.6: 5:14

If I had to use one word to describe the HP Victus 15L’s performance, it would be mercurial. I’ve managed to play Battlefield 2042 on decently high settings on 4K at 60Hz yet booting up Control at 1080p, though at its highest settings causes the PC to literally restart.

What this means is that the performance that you can expect from an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 is there. But, when you hit its limits, the HP Victus 15L will do more than just give you slow performance. I had this computer restart on me a few times when I pushed it too hard.

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I believe this is because there are some issues with the design of this PC that can contribute to overheating. The smaller chassis with its cramped internals doesn’t allow as much air circulation as you would find with bigger towers, while only a quarter of one side panel is vented.

This means that you have to be vigilant when getting the HP Victus 15L set up for gaming. To start, you’ll want to stick with a 1080p resolution. It can handle medium settings with aplomb. I personally don’t find ray tracing to add that much to my gaming immersion anyway, but I would keep that turned off here.

You can also take advantage of all the apps HP has included here to either troubleshoot issues including individual hardware checks or adjust settings for better gaming performance. The HP Omen app, which is pretty intuitive to use, is a great resource to keep tabs on internal temperature. More importantly, I was able to adjust performance settings including keeping the fans going to mitigate issues with overheating. Of course, those fans can get pretty loud.

Performance: 3 / 5

Should you buy the HP Victus 15L?

Buy it if...

You’re on a budget
PC gaming is an expensive hobby. If you want a desktop that won’t break the bank, then the HP Victus 15L might be the one for you.

You don’t have much space
The HP Victus 15L’s small form factor is ideal for those who have limited space. Most gaming PCs are going to be quite bigger (or much more expensive).

You need those accessible ports
All those front-facing ports, as minor as it seems, is a quality-of-gaming-life addition that I would love to see on more gaming PCs.

Don't buy it if...

You can afford something more robust
The HP Victus 15L makes some sacrifices to meet its price point. If you don’t have to limit your budget, you should consider something more robust.

You want to game at the highest settings or 4K
Even the most kitted out version of this computer has its limitations. So, if you care about playing at a 4K resolution, maxing out settings, or using Ray Tracing, you’ll want to get something with a bit more firepower.

HP Victus 15L: Also consider

If our HP Victus 15L review has you considering other options, you should consider…

How I tested the HP Victus 15L

I tested for a week
I played a variety of games
I opened it up and checked out the internals

Having used the HP Victus 15L for a week, I played a variety of games on it, including Far Cry 6, Control, Battlefield 2042, and Cyberpunk 2077. I tried them at different graphics settings as well as different resolutions.

When I encountered issues with overheating, I went through all the diagnostics available and messed with the different apps. I also opened up the computer to see what it looked like inside and how everything was connected.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing tech gear for gaming and otherwise, where I’ve gotten a feel for what to look for and how to put a piece of kit through its paces to see whether it’s worth the recommendation. And, I’ve spent even longer playing computer games so I have an understanding of what gamers look for to get the most out of their titles.

First reviewed June 2023

Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 Gaming Monitor review: Thirty-two inches of visual glory

12:15 pm | May 31, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: Far Cry | Comments: Off

Lenovo Legion Y32P-30: Two-minute review

Let’s get one thing out of the way – the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 is expensive. There’s really not much to complain about this monitor, unless you need a much higher refresh rate, a larger screen, or a more impressive HDR. This model makes for a great gaming monitor and is just as great for productivity. But, you have to pay quite a bit to get it.

Many, but not all, of the best 4K monitors are at least a couple hundred dollars/pounds cheaper. You don’t have to drop that kind of money to get one of the best gaming monitors. That said, getting a 32-inch 4K monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate right now is not a cheap proposition. For example, the Corsair Xeneon 32UHD144, which shares a lot of the same specs including decent but not great HDR as well as size, resolution, and refresh rate, almost hits that painful $1,000 / £1,000 mark.

So, if you can swallow the fact that you’ll be dropping quite a bit of hard-earned cash on a display like this, then you’re in for a visual treat. Just be aware that you’ll want to spend a little more for your audio, whether that’s investing in a headset or some external computer speakers, as the built-in speakers are mediocre at best.

Luckily, there’s much more happening with the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 gaming monitor than the fact that it comes with speakers. To start, it comes with a fairly compact base that doesn’t require a lot of desk space. And, though rudimentary, the stand has built-in cable management to keep a clean-looking desk.

More interestingly, the panel is pretty thin with similarly tiny “near edgeless” bezels. There’s also a decent amount of articulation available, particularly the ability to swivel 30 degrees in either direction, tilt down 5 and up 22 degrees, and adjust the height by a total of 5.3 inches.

For just a little bit of flair, the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 comes with some RGB lighting. Unlike what I’ve seen on other monitors, it’s more than decoration. Billed as “smart” RGB lighting, it will do things like pulse when a source is turned on or off and change color when switching inputs.

While that’s a nice feature and adds some nice ambiance during use, what I appreciate much more is the port selection. Next-gen console users will especially appreciate the two HDMI 2.1 ports that let you play your Playstation 5 in 4K at 120Hz as well as take advantage of HDR. Likewise, any Ultrabook user looking to also get some work done will love the fact that the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 comes with a USB-C port complete with up to 75W power delivery, more than enough to keep my 2020 MacBook Pro charged.

There are some features hardcore gamers may not care about but multi-source users like me will, specifically the inclusion of PiP / PBP and KVM via the included USB hub. PiP (Picture-in-Picture) and PBP (Picture-by-Picture) work as expected and are great if you need to see two sources at the same time.

However, the KVM is more important. You can plug a keyboard and mouse into the USB hub and use it with both your USB-C source and one other source. Unfortunately, since you have to connect the single USB upstream port to whichever other HDMI or DisplayPort source you want to use, you can only use KVM between two sources. And, one of them has to be connected via USB-C. So, if you plan on going between two sources, you’ll probably need a standalone KVM switch.

With or without the KVM, the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 is a pleasure to use. Its 31.5-inch IPS panel affords you plenty of screen real estate, particularly when running it at its native 4K resolution. Images are crisp, whether gaming, watching a movie, or just doing some work, thanks to its almost 140 PPI pixel density. In fact, it’s almost too much screen. Any bigger and I would need some curvature to see the whole thing.

Add in a speedy refresh rate of 144Hz and 0.2ms response time, and anything you’re doing is going to look very smooth. Not quite the level of those super-fast refresh rate monitors we’ve reviewed recently, but fast enough to where you won’t notice any ghosting or latency. Only the most competitive gamers might have an issue here. As I’ve noticed with high-refresh rate monitors like the Alienware AW2524H, beyond a certain point, you feel the difference more than you see it.

For me at least, this is more than fast enough. My gaming experience is just as immersive as displays with faster refresh rates, regardless of whether I’m running around the maintenance sector of Control or avoiding getting killed (again) by a tank in Battlefield 2042.

Add to that the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30’s color coverage and accuracy as well as HDR and gaming sessions come alive with vibrancy. Specifically, this monitor covers 112% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3 with a 10-bit color depth. It also comes pre-calibrated from the factory with a delta E<2.

As far as HDR goes, you’re getting Vesa Certified HDR400. This is leagues better than the monitors that purport HDR support or HDR10 as you don’t get that washed-out look when turning HDR on. But, it’s the most entry-level option of the Vesa Certified options, meaning that you’ll get some better contrast, especially in dark areas of the screen. However, turning it on is not going to blow you away.

Lastly, a quick note about the speakers. I would rather they not be included and have the price be $50 / £50 lower as they’re incredibly thin sounding and not really worth including. Now, they’re nice to have if you’re setting up and don’t have speakers on hand. But, get yourself a pair of speakers or a decent headset as soon as you recover from the hole the Lenovo Legion y32P-30 has left in your wallet.

Lenovo Legion Y32P-30: Price & availability

How much does it cost? $749.99 / £799.99 / about AU$1147.34
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US and UK

First off, readers in Oceania will have to wait or go for something else as the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 isn’t available there. For those in the US and UK, while this display is available to you, you will have to drop a cool $749.99 / £799.99 / about AU$1147.34 to get it. That’s not cheap.

Of course, what you get, it’s not a surprising price tag. For instance, the Corsair Xeneon 32UHD144 will set you back an even higher $999 / about £900 / AU$1,450 for a similarly sized monitor with the same refresh rate, resolution, and ports with its only real advantage is a slightly better HDR.

If you can sacrifice either the higher refresh rate or resolution, you can save yourself a lot of money. For example, the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q might be a little long in the tooth these days, but it still comes with a sharp 4K resolution. You just have to live with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is still great for anyone not doing competitive gaming. And, it will cost you just $329 (about £250, AU$460) to get one.

Or, if you care more about the refresh rate, the AOC CU34G2X might be the way to go. For just $315 / around £280 / AU$500, you get a 144Hz refresh rate and a still sharp 1440p resolution.

Price: 3.5 / 5

Lenovo Legion Y32P-30: Specs

Should you buy the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Lenovo Legion Y32P-30: Also consider

How I tested the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30

Tested over a week
Tested with different and different kinds of games
All included features were explored

To test the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30 Gaming Monitor, I spent a week with it, playing all sorts of games from fast-paced titles like Battlefield 2042 to more graphically intense single-player titles like Control and Far Cry 6.

While testing, I spent plenty of time checking for ghosting, screen-tearing, and latency while also toggling HDR to see what effect it had. I also checked out the various features included to see how they worked, particularly the KVM feature. For this review, I used two computers. One had an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 while the other had an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060.

Having spent the last few years reviewing tech gear for gaming and otherwise, I’ve gotten a feel for what to look for and how to put a piece of kit through its paces to see whether it’s worth the recommendation. And, I’ve spent even longer playing computer games so I have an understanding of what gamers look for to get the most out of their titles.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2023

Cooler Master MM712 review: almost esports-ready

12:00 am | May 30, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: Death Stranding, Far Cry, Red Dead Redemption | Comments: Off

Cooler Master MM712: Two-minute review

Whenever a product gets overhauled, it better be worth it. And, that’s certainly the case with the Cooler Master MM712. This update of the MM711 eschews the honeycomb design meant to minimize its weight for a more conventional, and frankly better, looking mouse. Add to that an upgraded sensor and multiple forms of connectivity, and there’s little reason to go back to this model’s predecessor (except if you find it on a deep sale).

However, we have a lot of choices beyond just what Cooler Master happens to offer, so you still have to consider how the MM712 compares to the competition. Depending on your needs, you might consider this the best gaming mouse for you. There are plenty of people that won’t, chief among them competitive gamers.

As we’ll talk about, the MM712 has some limitations that will hinder certain types of gaming where having quick access to DPI changes is a necessity. However, if you don’t need something like a Sniper button, and mostly play games like Death Stranding or Red Dead Redemption 2 like I do, then you’ll find little to fault. In fact, for my personal needs, I would rank it up there with the best wireless mice to use for both work and pleasure.

On the surface, the Cooler Master MM712 is somewhat basic and almost nondescript. Available in matte black and matte white, it has a symmetrical, ambidextrous design that may not stand out from the crowd but does make it perfectly usable for any lefties out there. The only bit of color, besides some gray accents on the white version, is an RGB outline on the palm rest in the shape of the Cooler Master logo.

While it’s not going to excite anyone the way something like the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro will, the MM712 is still a well-designed mouse. Most notably, Cooler Master has managed to make it just 58g (0.13 lbs) without using that love-it-or-hate-it honeycomb shell that most lightweight mice like the MM711 use. Additionally, some very effective PTFE feet for frictionless gliding means using it requires very little effort.

Possibly my favorite part of what the MM712 has to offer is its multiple forms of connectivity as it has wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.1 connections available, making it easy to use with multiple sources. Additionally, if you need to use it in wired mode, the ultraweave cable is made so that you won’t feel it pull as you move your mouse around.

Where the mouse falls flat a little is in its button layout. The Cooler Master MM712 comes with the typical six buttons that you’ll find on the majority of standard gaming mice. However, the DPI button is not right behind the middle wheel as is normal. Instead, it’s underneath where you’ll find the dongle garage and power button. That means that you have to either remap one of your side buttons, losing them for other potential uses, or literally pick up the mouse every time you want to change the DPI.

But, at least it’s fast. While I can’t imagine anyone actually needing 19,000 DPI, the Cooler Master MM712 can reach those lofty heights thanks to its optical sensor. Yes, there are mice with even higher DPI on hand, but I found its DPI range far more than adequate, whether I was trying to take out counter-terrorists in CS:GO or secure a base in Battlefield 2042.

To keep with the speedy performance, the MM712 also uses optical switches for near-instantaneous responses. Though the company doesn’t mention its actuation or debounce specs, even a light pressure will result in a press, so you should have no issue spamming enemies in your favorite games.

With a polling rate of 1,000Hz, performance is not only fast but smooth. Though it’s true that you’ll find some mice with even higher polling rates, this is just like the DPI where that extra bit of performance is, in my opinion, beyond what we can perceive so won’t make much difference to any but the most perceptive gamer.

However, there is one specific issue that registers all that fantastic performance moot for any gamer that needs a Sniper button. While the mouse can be customized in quite a few ways through the Master Plus app – you can remap every button including the DPI button underneath to all sorts of mouse, keyboard, and macro functions – you can’t create a Sniper button. It’s just not available in the software. So, if you need that, you’ll have to create a workaround by creating a Macro or giving up the two side buttons so that you can switch between two DPI settings. Considering this mouse is marketed towards gamers, this is quite the omission and one that should be easily fixed through a firmware update. But as it currently stands, you’ll have to live without the Sniper function ability or look for a different mouse to use when playing competitive games.

At least, the battery life is good. In 2.4GHz Wireless mode, the MM712 can reach up to 80 hours before needing to recharge, while Bluetooth mode will give 180 hours. If you keep the RGB on, that will bring those numbers down a bit. That said, in a week of constant use, switching between both wireless modes, I had to only charge once.

Having that solid battery life is especially nice for my needs as I have a multi-computer setup where I constantly switch between a MacBook Pro and a gaming computer. And, I can do all that with just this one mouse. I don’t need to worry about the battery or the performance. I only really need to adjust when it comes to messing with the DPI or playing without a Sniper button. It also helps that this mouse is fairly cheap.

Cooler Master MM712: Price & availability

How much does it cost? $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$99
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

At $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$99, the Cooler Master MM712 is not quite budget-level. However, that’s still a pretty reasonable price for an incredibly lightweight mouse with superb gaming performance. When you take into account the multiple forms of connectivity, this model’s value far outweighs its cost.

For comparison, the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro, which does come with some additional features and more impressive performance stats, goes for over double the price at $159 / £159 / AU$289. Why am I comparing a mid-range mouse with a flagship one? Because I was using the Basilisk V3 Pro before switching to the MM712, and the MM712 has mostly kept up.

Even looking at more mid-range options, the Cooler Master MM712 looks like quite the deal. The Roccat Kain 202 Aimo is a pretty solid wireless mouse with some great performance but doesn’t have Bluetooth and comes in at a higher $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$218.

Price: 5 / 5

Cooler Master MM712: Specs

Should you buy the Cooler Master MM712?

Buy it if...

You want speedy gaming performance
While there are some issues that will affect esports games, the Cooler Master MM712 really does have the goods to keep up in almost any gaming situation. If you don’t need a Sniper button, you’ll find this speedster easy to use no matter the genre of your favorite titles.

You need wireless connectivity
Without trying to push my own bias as I have multiple computers to switch between, the connectivity on here will let you easily switch between computers. Or, it will at least give you gamer-level performance without being tethered.

Don't buy it if...

You need a Sniper button
It’s beyond me why there’s no way to create a Sniper button. If you play competitive games like CS:GO, you should probably consider different options to get the most out of your gaming sessions.

You need a flagship mouse
While I’m pretty satisfied with the MM712, this isn’t the most premium option out there as evidenced not only by its price but minimal aesthetic. So, if you’re looking for something to show off or have all the features ever created for gaming mice, then you’ll want something like the aforementioned Razer Basilisk V3 Pro.

Cooler Master MM712: Also consider

How I tested the Cooler Master MM712

Tested over a week
Tested with different and different kinds of games
All included features were explored

To test the Cooler Master MM712, I spent a week with it, playing all sorts of games from fast-paced titles like Battefield 2042 and CS:GO to adventure and open-world titles like Control and Far Cry 6.

While testing, I spent plenty of time checking the feel and responsiveness of the mouse, specifically the buttons and sensor. I used all the different forms of connectivity and played around with the app to see everything it could do.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2023

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023) review: a feature smorgasbord in a wireless package

7:50 pm | May 15, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: Far Cry | Comments: Off

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023): Two-minute review

The short version of what makes the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023) so great is its excellent balance of competitive-level performance and everything-but-the-kitchen-sink feature set with a small but not tiny TKL form factor.

Unless you have certain specific demands such as a dedicated number pad or macro keys, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023) can go toe-to-toe with any of the best gaming keyboards out there to satisfy your typing needs. That’s doubly so if you’ve been considering the best mini keyboard.

Of course, like most models at the top of a company’s product line, the Apex Pro TKL Wireless comes with a pretty substantial price tag. It’s not more expensive than other premium options from other brands, but it is significant. And, if price is a big factor, you can probably get away with spending less than half for a still excellent keyboard.

That said, if you want everything packed inside this small keyboard, it’s worth it no matter if you’re looking for gaming performance or the best mechanical keyboard.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023) — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

At first glance, this keyboard looks much like most models from the big-name manufacturers. You’re not getting funky keycaps or colorways. Instead, this all-matte black affair keeps things mostly traditional. Any color you’ll experience comes from the fairly bright RGB lighting.

Where the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023) differentiates itself from many other robust but functional keyboards is the OLED display and accompanying control wheel and button. Through the display, it’s easy to make on-the-fly adjustments like changing profiles, adjusting brightness and actuation distance, and even creating macros without having to open the app.

Since this keyboard is made with competitive gamers in mind, it comes with SteelSeries’ own speedy OmniPoint 2.0 switches with up to a 0.2mm actuation. In fact, one of the marquee features of this keyboard is the inclusion of dual actuation, something I think is only possible with having switches that are this fast.

That dual actuation is a welcome addition here. While macro users will delight in setting up all sorts of shortcuts for using spells, I found it to be incredibly useful for every game where you have to hold down the shift key to go from walking to running in-game. Instead of pressing shift, I set the initial actuation at a very quick setting, around 1mm, and then the dual actuation binding at a deeper point, around 2.7mm, freeing up my pinky. Any time I want to run in a game, all I have to do is bottom the key out.

Lastly, it comes with triple connectivity (Wired, 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0) making it ideal for those with a multiple computer setup like myself. Instead of moving a dongle from one computer to the next, I can just flip a switch on the back of the keyboard to go from wireless to Bluetooth for when I want to go from my gaming computer to my MacBook Pro. Just be aware that Bluetooth, though lag-free, has a polling rate of 125Hz instead of the 1K rate of the other connectivities.

With that 1,000Hz polling rate and up to 0.2mm actuation, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023) can keep up with the pickiest of competitive gamers. I tested this keyboard with a number of games including CS:GO, Battlefield 2042, Rocket League, as well as a number of single-player games. No matter what was required of me, I had no issues with missed presses, latency, or any performance problems.

Additionally, I’m able to set the Apex Pro TKL Wireless for a much quicker actuation. That way, I can get an even faster reaction from the games I play with just a light press. On top of that, having dual actuation available opens up a lot of options for shortcuts so that I don’t have to do any dancing around the keyboard to trigger things like throwing grenades or activating spells.

Adjusting the dual actuation requires the use of SteelSeries’ GG Engine. The app, where you can control all the usual keyboard-related features, such as adjusting RGB lighting and remapping keys (this keyboard is fully remappable), is not the most intuitive when it comes to setting up that dual actuation. That’s because there’s one page where you adjust the initial actuation of the keyboard or individual key, another where you set the dual actuation, and then a third page where you map out what the dual actuation does. Since it’s not streamlined, it took me a little bit to figure out how to properly set up the dual bindings that I wanted.

However, once you understand it, it’s easy to set up and has all the options you get with general remapping such as macros, alphanumeric values, and media functions among many others.

The battery life, though good, is not quite as impressive as the other aspects of this keyboard. Rated at 37 and a half hours on wireless mode and 45 hours on Bluetooth, it actually goes pretty quickly for me as I use it for both work and play. That means that I have to charge it about once a week. Backlighting and speedy features require energy so if battery life is more of a priority than gaming performance, this might not be the keyboard for you. That’s especially true as I have found that it takes a few hours to charge back up from 0 to 100.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023): Price & availability

How much does it cost? $249.99 / £229 / AU$289.99
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

As fully featured as the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023) is, and as good as its gaming performance may be, its accompanying price tag of $249.99 / £229 / AU$289.99 is a bit hard to stomach. In fact, the biggest issue with this keyboard, in my opinion, is the size of the hole it will leave in your wallet.

That’s not to say it’s not worth it. After all, many of the best wireless keyboards sit in the same range. The Asus Rog Azoth is a similar size, also delivers excellent performance, and goes for the same price (unless you live in Australia) of $249.99 / £269.99 / AU$399. While it has much deeper customization options than the Apex Pro TKL Wireless reviewed here like being able to change out keycaps and switches, it doesn’t have that dual actuation.

If you’re hoping for something less expensive, consider forgoing wireless connectivity. Dell’s new Alienware keyboard, the Alienware AW420K, not only provides stellar gaming performance but stunning RGB as well. And, it goes for a much more accessible $149.99 / £145 / AU$238.70.

Price: 4 / 5

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023): Specs

Should you buy the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023)?

Buy it if...

You want gaming performance in a small package
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL WIreless (2023) might be smaller than a typical keyboard, but don’t let that fool you. Its gaming performance is as capable as anything else out there.

You’re looking for dual actuation
It might not be a must-get feature, but it’s a pretty nifty one that can really streamline the way you interact wIth your games.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
The price accompanying the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023) sits firmly in premium territory. If you’re strapped for cash, you can find solid gaming keyboards for much less.

You want a full-size keyboard
As great as the TKL form factor is, it’s not for everyone. If you need a full numpad or dedicated macro keys, something like the Razer Huntsman v2 Analog might be the way to go.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL WIreless (2023): Also consider

How I tested the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023)

Tested over a month
Tested with different and different kinds of games
All included features were explored

To test the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023), I spent a month with it, playing all sorts of titles including fast-paced games like Battefield 2042 and CS:GO as well as single-player adventures like Far Cry 6 and Cyberpunk 2077. I also typed quite a bit on it including some of the recently published articles I’ve written.

While testing, I spent plenty of time seeing if it could keep up with even the most fast-paced action as well as how well the features were implemented, not to mention checking how useful they really are.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2023

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM review: gorgeous display that doesn’t quite justify the price

8:00 pm | May 9, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: Far Cry, HDR | Comments: Off

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM: Two-minute review

There’s a lot to say about the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM, and if you ignore its price tag, it’s almost entirely positive. Asus knows how to satisfy gamers, and this monitor does its job for everyone except for maybe those that prioritize getting the highest resolution possible.

This Asus ROG Swift display is not going to look quite as sharp as the best 4K monitors with its 1440p resolution. But, this is a 26.5-inch monitor that will presumably be sitting just a couple feet away from you where that won’t matter, especially for competitive gamers who prefer smaller screens.

So, if you’re willing to splurge and have been saving up for one of the best gaming monitors for your setup, the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM is worth consideration. Its high price is most likely due to the inclusion of that OLED panel as well as all the custom heatsink Asus has crammed in to minimize potential burn-in.

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM on a gaming desk — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

Surprisingly, this is a very sleek monitor. The panel itself is very thin and where the heatsink is attached is not that much thicker. Also adding to that slim figure are its almost non-existent bezels.

Image 1 of 2

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Asus also made sure that the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM can’t be mistaken for anything other than a gaming monitor. That’s most noticeable through the included backlighting, which is controlled through the OSD menu. There are two zones: an RGB one displaying the Asus logo on the rear cover with five different presets and a red LED projecting down at the desk from the base of the Asus’ stand. That unfortunately can only be dimmed or turned off.

Whether you care about RGB or not, the ports are a key consideration when looking at gaming monitors, especially if you like to have multiple sources connected. There’s a DisplayPort and two HDMI, as well as a USB hub though you only get two usable ports. And, while the lack of USB-C is typical for these types of monitors, it would have been appreciated here. After all, anyone dropping $1,000/£1,00 on a display is probably not going to want to buy another one just to use with their Ultrabook or Macbook when it’s time to get some work done.

That said, gamers have quite the number of features on hand to make the most of the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM. To start, it supports both AMD Free-Sync and G-Sync and will automatically show you one or the other depending on the graphics card of your computer. It also lets you change the screen size with just a few presses in the OSD menu or software. If you like playing CS:GO in a 1080p resolution at 25 inches, you can do so that easily.

There are also a number of screen modes to adjust the color temperature and brightness based on what kind of game you’re playing (or if you’re watching a movie) as well as a Shadow Boost option that will brighten shadows to help you see enemies in the dark.

HDR is also available. However, if you turn on HDR, those various presets as well as the Shadow Boost are disengaged. Instead, there are a few HDR presets available to choose from such as HDR Game and HDR Cinema to name a few.

Unfortunately though, the HDR comes in the ever disappointing HDR10 standard. When toggling the HDR on and off for games like Far Cry 6 and Battlefield 2042, I had trouble seeing much of a difference. It was more noticeable with a game containing much more shadow such as Control, where the HDR did offer a more natural-looking environment and a little more dynamic contrast. However, it’s not the eye-popping experience that I experience when enabling HDR on a monitor with a Vesa-certified rating. Really, outside of that price tag, this is the biggest disappointment here.

Luckily, that’s the worst aspect of this monitor. Sure, it’s not 4K, but its 1440p OLED screen is nice and sharp for just about any game I played on it. And, with a color coverage of 135% sRGB and 99% DCI-P3, it represents colors very well.

What really keeps everything looking crisp is the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM’s 240Hz refresh rate and 0.3ms gray-to-gray response time. This thing is fast! Even without any V-sync enabled, I almost never experienced ghosting, screen tearing or lag. And, if I did, it was in something poorly optimized or an issue on the PC side. All the games mentioned above performed flawlessly and looked really good.

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM: Price & availability

How much does it cost? $999.99 / £1,099.99 / AU$1,999
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Spending almost as much on a monitor as you would on a gaming PC might seem like the new norm, but it’s still hard to swallow. At $999.99 / £1,099.99 / AU$1,999, Asus is asking a lot for this model. Sure, you’re getting that OLED panel. You’re also getting a 1440p at 240Hz combo in the specs department. And, that can be pricier than one might expect.

The Samsung Odyssey G7, for instance, is also 1440p at 240Hz and goes $676 / £499 / AU$999. Of course, there’s no OLED panel, and it doesn’t have some of the features that the PG27AQDM has. Still, it’s not hard to find similar performance for $300 less. Other speedy 1440p monitors will also fit into this price-range.

If you want speed but can sacrifice on the resolution, you can spend much, much less. The Monoprice Dark Matter 27-inch gaming monitor, for instance, goes for $299 / about £220 / AU$420 and 1080p at 240Hz performance while also coming with a solid Vesa-Certified HDR400.

Value: 4 / 5

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM: Specs

Should you buy the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM?

Buy it if...

You want fast performance
With its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.3gtg response time, there are very few monitors that can go faster. And, none of them have an OLED panel.

You want gaming features
Not only is the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM with both AMD and Nvidia’s proprietary v-sync, but it comes with the ability to change the aspect ratio to a typical esports-size monitor with just a press of a couple buttons.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
If you’re willing to skip the OLED panel and maybe the speedy performance, you can get a capable monitor for far less than this display’s $1000 asking price.

You care about HDR
HDR10 always seems to disappoint. And, on such a pricey model as this, it disappoints just a little more. If you really want that deep contrast, look for something with a Vesa-certified HDR rating.

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM: Also consider

How I tested the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM

Tested over a week
Tested with different and different kinds of games
All included features were explored

To test the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM Gaming Monitor, I spent a week with it, playing all sorts of games from fast-paced titles like Battefield 2042 to more graphically intense single player titles like Control and Far Cry 6.

While testing, I spent plenty of time checking for ghosting, screen-tearing, and latency while also toggling HDR to see what effect it had. I also checked out the various features included to see how they worked. For this review, I used two computers. One had an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 while the other had an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2023

Alienware AW2524H 500Hz review: 24 inches of visual fury

4:00 pm | March 21, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: Far Cry, Red Dead Redemption | Comments: Off

Alienware AW2524H 500Hz: Two-minute review

The Alienware AW2524H 500Hz does what it sets out to do and does it well. It provides up to a 500Hz refresh rate – faster than any of the best gaming monitors out there – and a response time of 0.5ms as well as some solid HDR and surprisingly good color accuracy, at least in the sRGB space, for a visual experience that’s more than a gimmick.

The real question then is whether or not the Alienware AW2524H 500Hz is worth the upgrade. After all, not everyone can take advantage or even reach its highest levels of performance. Your gaming skill level, the kinds of games you play (open-world aficionados should look at the best 4K monitors instead), and whether your GPU can even keep up are all factors on whether this will benefit you.

Alienware AW2524H 500Hz on a standing desk — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

While the price is not outrageous compared to most other high-performing monitors, it’s enough to make the average gamer swoon. Really, it might be better to say that it’s great for a small subsection of competitive gamers.

For those people, its small footprint is actually a benefit. The Alienware AW2524H 500Hz is not an immersion machine to gallop around in Red Dead Redemption 2. Instead, it’s the perfect 24.5-inch size and form factor for competitive gaming where you’re focused on details like small, quick movements with all the action right in front of you.

That small form factor is also helpful in the fact that its base doesn’t take up too much desk space. And, if you have a somewhat cramped desk, you can tilt, swivel and raise/lower the panel quite a bit, though you won’t be able to turn it to portrait mode.

Cable management built into the stand keeps things nice and tidy in the back, especially if you plan on taking advantage of all the ports that are on hand. While there’s no USB-C, an unfortunate omission for us multitaskers, it does come with DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 inputs, the latter being capped at a 240Hz refresh rate, along with a USB hub that includes four downstream USB 3.2 ports and one upstream USB 3.2 port.

Though the USB hub is a nice addition for charging devices, I wasn’t able to transmit data. I could plug a keyboard or mouse into a port for charging but not to use with the PC that the USB hub is connected to. However, the headphone jack (there’s also a line out) will transmit audio from whichever source you’re currently using.

The RGB lighting often seems like an unnecessary addition to a monitor, but its inclusion here is a nice touch. While you won’t be able to look directly at it during use, it’s bright enough to give off an ambient glow similar to what you would get from a Govee or Nanoleaf product, provided you have the gaming monitor set near a wall to bounce the RGB off.

In terms of performance, the Alienware AW2524H 500Hz is far from a paper tiger. You can really achieve 500fps. However, that comes with some caveats. To start, you need hardware capable of keeping up with this monitor. After all, its 500Hz refresh rate and its 0.5ms GTG response time – both of which are actually the overclocked settings from 480Hz and 1ms respectively – take up a lot of graphical resources.

I tested this monitor with two different PCs, one sporting an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 and one with an RTX 4090. With the RTX 2080, I could only get 500 fps with CS:GO. Rocket League would mostly stay in the 300 fps range. More graphically demanding games such as Far Cry 6 would barely make 100 fps.

The RTX 4090, however, ran CS:GO and Rocket League at a solid 500fps. Fortnite bounced between 480 to 490. Games like Far Cry 6 (170ish on low settings), Cyberpunk 2077 (250 on low), and Battlefield 2042 (280 on low) all gave results that were much better than the RTX 2080.

To that point, a lot of games are just not going to give you close to 500fps right now. Luckily, most competitive games aren’t graphical juggernauts and are meant to be enjoyed on everything from kitted-out gaming PCs to consoles. So, if you’re considering this monitor for one of those, you’ll certainly make the most out of that incredibly high refresh rate.

In general, though, the Alienware AW2524H 500Hz responded beautifully. Even the games that didn’t hit 500fps still resulted in an experience that was without any latency, screen tearing, or ghosting. They felt more immersive because they were more stable. Honestly, I would almost consider this over a 4K monitor at 60Hz. Of course, its 99% sRGB color coverage and Vesa Certified HDR400 help.

While the included HDR is not the best out there, it does make a difference. I find that not only do colors pop more thanks to the contrast but that I can use the screen with lower brightness settings and still see everything clearly since lower light areas still retain their detail.

If my experience was so solid even when I was getting fps in the 200-300 range on many games, then why not just get something with a 240Hz refresh rate? You can certainly find one that’s much cheaper than this display.

To get a handle on that, I actually tested the Alienware AW2524H at 240, 360, and 500Hz. For games like Cyberpunk 2077, the various refresh rates made little difference. But, for CS:GO and Rocket League, I experienced something interesting that I think makes this monitor worth consideration for any competitive gamer.

While I couldn’t see much of a difference (the difference between 240Hz to 360Hz, for instance, is an almost imperceptible 1.4ms), I could feel it. Everything felt more stable and more concrete like I was actually moving around in that environment instead of moving pixels around while a computer recreated an image every couple of milliseconds.

Is it worth the cost? For the right competitive gamer looking for a new monitor, possibly.

Alienware AW2524H 500Hz: Price & availability

How much does it cost? $829.99 / about £680.44 / about AU$1236.12
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, other territories not yet announced

Fast refresh rate monitors almost always come at a premium, and the Alienware AW2524H 500Hz is no exception. At $829.99, it’s out of range for all but the most committed gamers. That’s more than some budget gaming PC builds. Since it takes some serious hardware to really push, you’re also going to need a solid GPU. Gamers still using a 1000 or 2000 series Nvidia GPU – and there are many – will have to shell out to upgrade their systems to take advantage of this display.

While many 240Hz monitors, like the AOC Agon Pro AG274QG, sit in a similar price range or are just a few hundred dollars cheaper such as the Samsung Odyssey G7, you won’t need quite as robust of a PC to get the most out of them. Plus, both run at a higher 1440p resolution. For those wanting to get fast refresh rates without spending that kind of money, the AOC CU34G2X achieves a respectable 144Hz along with a QHD resolution in a 34-inch panel for half the price of this Alienware model.

If you are considering buying the Alienware AW2524H 500Hz, then be aware that it’s currently only available in the US and China at the time of writing.

Price: 3.5 / 5

Alienware AW2524H 500Hz: Specs

Should you buy the Alienware AW2524H 500Hz?

Buy it if...

You want the latest and greatest
The Alienware AW2524H 500Hz is expensive but not unreasonable for the first 500Hz gaming monitor on the market. If you want that next-level performance that no one else has, this is for you.

You want silky smooth performance
That unrivaled 500Hz refresh rate and 0.5 g2g response time provide a performance that feels so smooth, even if it’s hard to see much of a difference.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
At over $800, this display is not cheap. Plus, you’re going to need a powerful GPU to run most games at those high refresh rates.

You have a monitor with a very high refresh rate
Going from 240 to 500Hz is not a night and day difference. You may not even perceive one. If you already have a monitor with a high refresh rate, save your money.

Alienware AW2524H 500Hz: Also consider

How I tested the Alienware AW2524H 500Hz

Tested over a week
Tested with different and different kinds of games
Used a colorimeter to test color accuracy

To test the Alienware AW2524H 500Hz Gaming Monitor, I spent a week with it, playing all sorts of games from popular esports titles like CS:GO and Rocket League, more controversial ones like Battefield 2042, and more graphically intense single player titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Far Cry 6.

While testing, I kept a refresh rate counter on and then ran each game on low and high graphical settings as well as at 240, 360, and 500Hz. I turned the HDR on and off, tested the ports, and did general checks like adjusting its ergonomics. I also tested the monitor with a computer sporting an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 and one with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed March 2023

Review: Razer Edge review

3:00 am | April 12, 2013

Author: admin | Category: Cameras | Tags: Arkham City, Docking Station, Far Cry, Razer Edge | Comments: None

Review: Razer Edge review

Introduction and design

When you hear the phrase "tablet gaming," what comes to mind? Angry Birds, Infinity Blade and The Walking Dead games?[……]

Review: Acer Iconia W510

3:02 am | February 2, 2013

Author: admin | Category: Cameras | Tags: Acer Iconia W510, Angry Birds, Far Cry, USB | Comments: None

Review: Acer Iconia W510

Introduction and Design

Don’t let the Acer Iconia W510 and its hearty hinge confuse you. It’s a tablet, not one of those convertible laptops you’ve bee[……]

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Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: One-minute review

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: Price & availability

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: Specs

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: Design

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: Performance

Should you buy the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: Also consider

How I tested the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i

HP Victus 15L: Two-minute review

HP Victus 15L: Price and availability

HP Victus 15L: Specs

HP Victus 15L: Design

HP Victus 15L: Performance

Should you buy the HP Victus 15L?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

HP Victus 15L: Also consider

How I tested the HP Victus 15L

Lenovo Legion Y32P-30: Two-minute review

Lenovo Legion Y32P-30: Price & availability

Lenovo Legion Y32P-30: Specs

Should you buy the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Lenovo Legion Y32P-30: Also consider

How I tested the Lenovo Legion Y32P-30

Cooler Master MM712: Two-minute review

Cooler Master MM712: Price & availability

Cooler Master MM712: Specs

Should you buy the Cooler Master MM712?

Buy it if...

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Cooler Master MM712: Also consider

How I tested the Cooler Master MM712

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023): Two-minute review

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023): Price & availability

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023): Specs

Should you buy the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023)?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL WIreless (2023): Also consider

How I tested the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless (2023)

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM: Two-minute review

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM: Price & availability

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM: Specs

Should you buy the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM: Also consider

How I tested the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM

Alienware AW2524H 500Hz: Two-minute review

Alienware AW2524H 500Hz: Price & availability

Alienware AW2524H 500Hz: Specs

Should you buy the Alienware AW2524H 500Hz?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Alienware AW2524H 500Hz: Also consider

How I tested the Alienware AW2524H 500Hz

Introduction and design

Introduction and Design

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