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Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed review: lighter and better for gaming

6:00 pm | October 23, 2023

Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed: Two-minute review

Though its name can be a mouthful, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed makes everything else easy-breezy for users. Logitech G took one of the best gaming mice ever and improved on it in many ways, from its weight and charging port to its sensor, while keeping the bits that already made it a crowd-favorite.

Being one of the most lightweight gaming mice isn’t its only accolade – although shedding 3g off its predecessor’s weight is nonetheless impressive. It’s a speedy and long-lasting one too, and focusing more on its performance and longevity also allows it a no-frills look that makes it easy to fit in any setup, whether or not you’re into flashy RGB.

As its name implies, this is a wireless gaming mouse that uses Logitech’s Lightspeed wireless technology for connectivity. That means that you won’t have to put up with cables snagging when gaming.

Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed on the tester's desk mat — (Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

If the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed looks to you very similar to the original though, that’s because Logitech G has largely kept the same simple minimalist design. That’s alright, in my opinion. It may be the era of maximalism, but that’s not necessary here. It’s also kept the same USB receiver garage at the bottom to keep that USB receiver safe, with the same round magnetic door that conveniently snaps in place, as well as the same five buttons, the same smooth-to-touch matte shell, and the same supportive form that makes it ideal for both claw and palm grippers.

That smooth finish may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as some gamers need a bit of texture for proper grippage – if only Logitech G had replicated the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed’s grippy finish. However, stuck-on grips are included in the box that aren’t too shabby as alternatives. And all five buttons are within easy reach, even for someone like me who’s got small hands, so you can rest assured that you’re gaming comfortably.

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Just like the original, there’s no Powercore module (the wireless charging puck) included, even though you can still swap out the magnetic garage door for it for wireless charging. If you already have Logitech’s Powerplay wireless charging system, then you’re all set. If not, you’ll have to spend more for that convenience, which isn’t great considering this mouse is already expensive.

There are some design improvements thrown in, however. The most welcome of them is the USB-C charging port that replaced that antiquated and frankly annoying microUSB port. And again, its weight dropped from 63g of the original to merely 60g. Finally, apart from the black and white color options, there’s also a pink one for those trying to stray from neutral shades.

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed delivers a faster and more precise performance over its predecessor. That’s all thanks to its 2,000Hz polling rate and a new HERO 2 sensor that offers up to 32,000 DPI (a jump from 1,000Hz polling rate and up to 25,600 DPI).

Admittedly, those numbers, which you can set and adjust via the Logitech G Hub, are more than what most regular gamers need, but they do mean that this gaming mouse can more than keep up during fast-paced games and battles when you’re being overwhelmed by enemies, making it future-proofed. While I’m far from a competitive gamer, it’s proven more than capable when I’m playing CS:GO and Doom Eternal.

I do have a couple of minor quibbles, however. Sadly, zero-additive PTFE mouse feet, while delivering impeccable maneuverability on some surfaces, don’t glide easily on others. I found that although they’re great on gaming mouse pads and mats, they feel fiddly on bare desks. On top of that, the lower arch of the mouse isn’t as supportive for palm grippers; wrist fatigue is real after a couple of hours.

However, the mouse makes up for it in longevity. With up to 95 hours of battery life on a single charge, you’re getting almost two weeks of gaming every day for eight hours per day. That tracks as I didn’t have to recharge once during my two-week testing period.

Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed: Price & availability

How much does it cost? $159 / £149 / AU$299
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

All those improvements will cost you. The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed is slightly more expensive than its predecessor at $159 / £149 / AU$299. That’s around the same price as the Razer Deathadder V3 Pro, which has a base polling rate of 1,000Hz (upgradable to 4,000Hz with the Razer Hyperpolling wireless dongle), up to 30,000 DPI, and up to 90 hours battery life.

That price tag is admittedly a little steep for a gaming mouse, but if you’re looking for a fast-performing wireless mouse that lasts a while, it’s a great investment. However, if you can’t afford it, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless offers 1,000Hz polling rate, up to 26,000 DPI, and an impressive 100-hour battery life for just $89.99 / £94.99 / AU$149.

Value: 4 / 5

Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed: Specs

Should you buy the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed?

Buy it if...

You need a fast and long-lasting wireless gaming mouse
It delivers speed and accurate performance, making it ideal for competitive and fast-paced gaming.

You prefer a lightweight mouse
It’s not the most lightweight wireless gaming mouse, but it is one of the lightest. If you want something light, this is a strong contender.

You hate charging your wireless peripherals
This has up to 90 hours of battery life on a single charge, which means you won’t have to charge that often.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
It is a pretty expensive investment, and there are cheaper under $100 / £100 alternatives available.

You prefer a gaming mouse with more heft
If you’re one of the many gamers who aren’t comfortable with lightweight mice, you should give this one a skip.

Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed: Also consider

How I tested the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed

Tested the mouse for a couple of weeks
Used it for playing PC games as well as for work

I spent two weeks testing the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Lightspeed, dedicating a few hours each night for gaming so I could put this gaming mouse through its paces. In the daytime, I used it as my main mouse for work.

To test it, I played a few games with it, from a couple of fast-paced titles to more leisurely-paced games, getting a feel for its buttons, ergonomics, and performance. I made sure to utilize the G Hub software to customize settings and gave it a full charge before I began testing so I could accurately assess its battery life.

I’ve been testing and reviewing PC gaming peripherals for about 10 years now. Not only do I have plenty of experience with them, but I know what makes the best ones tick and can intuitively tell you which ones are not worth your time and money.

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 October 2023

Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14 review: another win for affordable gaming laptops

8:00 pm | October 14, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers Gaming Laptops | Comments: Off

Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14: Two-minute review

Lenovo has been on a roll in 2023 with plenty of affordable gaming laptop options, and the Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14 is the latest one of the bunch. A sleek, stainless steel-looking finish with the logo machine-carved into it, it’s a very simple yet distinctive aesthetic that stands out from the traditional black-colored crowd.

It’s on the slimmer side compared to some other laptops, but when looking at the Razer Blade 14 or the Origin EON 16SL, it’s harder to place this machine under the best thin and light gaming laptops, though it could easily net a spot on best cheap gaming laptops. That said, thanks to its very lightweight and 14-inch display, it really is a portable machine that can easily fit into most bags without weighing them down.

As with most other Lenovo gaming laptops, the majority of the port selection is located in the back, which can be inconvenient for some as it requires a bit of reach. Thankfully the back ports are labeled with icons to make locating them easier.

The major benefit to using three sides for ports is a robust port selection that includes two USB Type-A ports, two USB Type-C ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, an audio combo jack, an e-shutter for the webcam, and a charging port. However, it’s disappointing to see an ethernet port missing from the bunch, which is bizarre considering that there was plenty of space to put it in the back.

Opening the laptop up, we have the standard Lenovo laptop keyboard and touchpad, which is certainly not a bad thing. The keys are well-sized and well-spaced with a satisfying snap while the touchpad is responsive and just as snappy as the keyboard. There’s a soft white backlight for late-night typing, a more subtle option compared to the glare of RGB.

The specs are solid with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS CPU, up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB of storage, and a lovely 14-inch WQXGA+ 120Hz IPS (2880 x 1800p) display. There’s a nice balance between what gives solid performance but which also keeps the pricing more budget-minded.

As a result, we have some quite competitive benchmark scores that nearly match what the best gaming laptops with a much higher pricetag put out, which has been something that Lenovo’s also mastered this generation. And general performance with the best PC games nets some truly impressive results.

Sound quality is also pretty solid, especially since the speaker is located above the keyboard. Audio is clear whether you’re streaming movies, listening to music, or gaming, and at high volumes the sounds don’t lose too much. The webcam is 1080p but is of average-at-best quality, requiring great lighting for a clearer image. It comes with a physical e-shutter, which is excellent for safety and should be standard on any laptop. All in all, this is a very solid win for Lenovo–and any gamer on a budget, for that matter.

Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14: Price & availability

keyboard closeup — (Image credit: Future)

How much does it cost? Starting at $1,439.99 / £1,399.99 (including VAT) / AU$2,949
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Pricing is quite good for the Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14, starting out at $1,439.99 / £1,399.99 (including VAT) / AU$2,949 though, at the time of this writing, there’s a discount making it about $200 cheaper. My review unit is a bit pricier at $1,634.99 / £1,630 (including VAT) / AU$2,998 thanks to the RTX 4060 replacing the RTX 4050 in the base configuration. The most expensive configuration will run you $1,884.99 / £1,780 (including VAT) / AU$3,397, which is still lower than a lot of competing gaming laptops, thanks to keeping the RTX 4060.

The UK version has similar pricing to the US, though there’s an interesting difference in that you can opt for no operating system, which saves you £90 off the cheapest configuration. And the Australian version doesn’t come with that option, like the US.

The Legion 5 Slim 14 compares best in price with the Origin EON 16SL starting at $1,949 / £1,763.64 (around AU$3,050) and one of Lenovo’s other offerings, the Lenovo Legion 5i (2022) starting at $1,099.99 / £1,293.49 / AU$2,349. The latter is a truly budget option while the former offers similar specs and pricing, really boiling down to which aesthetics you prefer.

Price score: 5 / 5

Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14: Specs

The review unit I received comes with the following configuration: an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB of storage, and a 14-inch WQXGA+ 120Hz IPS (2880 x 1800) display.

The Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14 doesn’t come in separate models, allowing buyers to somewhat configure the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage space. The US and Australian versions let you choose between 16GB and 32GB of RAM, while the UK model only has 16GB. Another oddity with the Australian version is that if you choose the Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU, then you can only choose the 16GB RAM option.

Specs score: 4.5 / 5

legion logo

(Image credit: Future)

Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14: Design

Solid port selection
Excellent display
Great keyboard and touchpad

Lenovo tends to use a stainless steel-type look for most of its gaming machines, with the manufacturer's logo machine-carved into the side. It gives the laptops a very distinctive and appealing aesthetic, which really works to stand out against the sea of boring black laptops that gamers so often get saddled with.

Though it says Slim in the name, it doesn’t look very thin compared to other laptops in that particular market, though the weight and 14-inch display size make up for it as it’s quite manageable carrying it around.

Port selection is solid, including two USB Type-A ports, two USB Type-C ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, an audio combo jack, an e-shutter for the webcam, and a charging port.

Pretty much every option except for an ethernet port, which makes little sense both because it’s a gaming laptop and a stable internet connection is paramount to competitive play, as well as the fact that it has ports on the back and plenty of space there to stick an extra port there.

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black gaming laptop — (Image credit: Future)

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side of black gaming laptop — (Image credit: Future)

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Its display is the crowning 14-inch jewel with WQXGA+ 2.8K (2880 x 1800) resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, with up to 500 nits of brightness, 100%DCI-P3 color gamut, and HDR support. The result is a screen that showcases any game with a lovely depth of color and brightness. The color gamut also means that creatives can use this laptop effectively.

The keyboard is the same reliable Lenovo one, meaning wide keys that have a nice snappiness and a white backlight that’s much easier on the eyes while still useful for late-night typing. The trackpad is also the same quality type, with an equally snappy feel and high responsiveness.

Unfortunately, the webcam is also more of the same, needing work office-level lighting to make your image look good. It’s fine for conference calls but grab one of the best webcams if you need to stream.

The sound quality is also very good thanks to the speaker located above the keyboard, allowing you to hear the various layers of instrumental music, as well as vocals, and sound design. Ideal for gaming for sure.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14: Performance

Solid all-around performance
Doesn't play nice with ray tracing

Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14: Benchmarks

Here's how the Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Night Raid: 49,967; Fire Strike: 24,906; Time Spy: 10,540; Port Royal: 5,951
GeekBench 5: 1,951 (single-core); 11,595 (multi-core)
Cinebench: 16,671 (multi-core)
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra): 87 fps; (1080p, Low): 207 fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 94 fps; (1080p, Low): 122 fps
Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra): 63 fps; (1080p, Low): 95 fps
25GB File Copy: 19.3
Handbrake 1.6: 4:26
CrossMark: Overall: 1,886 Productivity: 1,834 Creativity: 1,987 Responsiveness: 1,753
Web Surfing (Battery Informant): 7:46:44
PCMark 10 Home test: 7,871
TechRadar Movie Battery test: 4 hours and 33 minutes

General performance is impressive, especially for its cheaper price point. Benchmark scores are comparable to more expensive gaming laptops including for 3DMark, PCMark10, Cinebench, and Geekbench. It shows that you don’t need tricked out specs in order to deliver great performance and that affordable laptops can offer a lot to even more hardcore and professional gamers.

Its results in non-gaming benchmarks like the 25GB File Copy, Handbrake, and Crossmark tests are quite good, pairing well with its high color gamut. Creatives can rest assured that they’ll be able to double this laptop as an editing and creative machine.

The AMD CPU gives the Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14 an edge in terms of more CPU-heavy tasks, while the RTX 4060 runs even AAA games at high settings like a dream. If you need ray tracing and resolutions higher than 1080p, you need to prepare for those framerates to drop significantly, with the worst offender being Cyberpunk 2077.

Ventilation is solid between productivity work and normal gaming sessions, though not as excellent as I would have expected considering how much Lenovo brags about the cooling system. According to the manufacturer, it features phase-change thermal compounds, hybrid copper heat pipes, air intake and exhaust systems, and a 12V dual liquid crystal polymer fan system. But temperatures can still get quite a bit hot on the underside.

Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14: Battery

Works well with normal use
Not so much with video streaming

The battery life is very interesting, as it scored very well on the web surfing testing, nearly netting eight hours. I also found that it lasts for about seven hours when using it for daily productivity work.

However, on the TechRadar movie test, it managed only four and a half hours. Extremely inconsistent results on opposite ends, though still better than most other gaming laptops.

Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14?

Buy it if...

You want an easy-to-carry laptop
Though it's a little thick to be called "Slim" the 14-inch screen and uncumbersome weight still makes it extremely easy to carry around.

Don't buy it if...

You want a better webcam
The webcam in this is pretty average, especially if you plan on using it to livestream.

Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14: Also consider

If my Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14 review has you considering other options, here are two more laptops to consider...

How I tested the Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14

I tested this laptop for about two weeks
I tested the gaming performance as well as productivity work
I used a variety of benchmark tests as well as high-end PC games to test this laptop.

To test out the Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14 I used a full suite of benchmarks to rank both CPU and GPU performance, with more emphasis on the latter. I also tested out frame rate performance on max settings with a range of high-end PC games like Cyberpunk 2077, Dirt 5, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, and more.

This laptop would primarily be used for gaming, specifically hardcore gaming. Due to its GPU and high color gamut, it can also be used for creative and editing projects, and its CPU means that productivity work is a breeze as well.

I’ve tested out many laptops, especially gaming ones, which gives me plenty of experience with properly benchmarking them. I also have extensive knowledge of testing out general performance such as framerate and graphics.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2023

Corsair M75 AIR review: a solid gaming mouse that falls short of perfection

4:00 pm | October 12, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computer Gaming Accessories Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers | Comments: Off

Corsair M75 AIR: Two-minute review

The Corsair M75 AIR is another entry in the premium gaming mouse market, with the main draw being its super light weight – think only 60g, which is absolutely unreal. And yes, you feel that near airiness as you use it. I compared that to the 86g of the Alienware AW720M, and the difference was literally night and day. The only other gaming mouse I can recall having a similar weight is the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro at only 64g.

It boasts an incredibly high DPI of 26,000, which should be more than enough to satiate even the most thirsty gaming mouse enthusiasts. It also features an excellent polling rate of 2000Hz / 0.5 msec, 650 IPS tracking, and up to 50G acceleration.

While testing out this mouse on first-person shooters like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Cyberpunk 2077, the delay between right and left click switches were completely unnoticeable, as well as between other buttons I mapped out. Between the responsive switches and feather weight, this mouse is tailor-made to eat competitive first-person shooters for breakfast.

The only downside to its physical build is its 100% PTFE skates, which unfortunately don’t work on metal surfaces. Most desks are made of wood and it performs exceptionally well on those surfaces, so the metal issue shouldn’t impact most gamers, but it’s still an odd issue.

There are two connectivity options: 2.4Hz wireless and Bluetooth. The former requires both dongle use and software installation, as it’s meant for hardcore gaming, and the latter is for everyday productivity and casual use. It would have been nice for the wireless mode to not require an installation like other gaming mice on the market don’t, which hurts its chances at claiming the best wireless gaming mouse crown.

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Though the weight takes some getting used to, it’s a well-built and practical mouse that can take some falls without damage. Its shape is suitable for most grip types, though the claw grip feels the most natural to use for me due to its egg shape. I’m not a huge fan of the feel of its paint job, however, as it’s rather coarse, but it does allow for better gripping even when your hands are sweating.

Though it only comes in black, there are no RGB lights which, depending on who you ask, is either a supreme relief or a terrible omission. I fall into the former camp, as unlike a keyboard or the chassis of a laptop, you can’t even see the RGB lighting while gaming so it ends up only eating away at your battery power.

There aren’t any shortcut buttons on the bottom of the mouse to change the DPI from its default of 1200, meaning all customization options are done through Corsair’s software. You can create unique profiles with different settings for your mouse, which is handy to switch between depending on your current mouse needs.

Battery life is great going by Corsair’s own claims, with up to 45 hours for wireless connection and up to 100 hours with Bluetooth. While actually measuring that is too daunting, I’ve found that I’m still using the mouse on the same charge through Bluetooth for a week now.

One major gripe I have with the M75 AIR is that it could have easily been an ambidextrous mouse had Corsair just put two more buttons on the right side of it, similar to the way Dell designed the Alienware AW720M. This not only would have given the mouse more buttons to program but would have allowed left-handed gamers the opportunity to use said mouse. Such a simple fix would have elevated this mouse to not only one of the best gaming mice but one of the best mice in general.

Corsair M75 AIR: Price & availability

How much does it cost? $149.99 / £139.99 / AU$249
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Corsair M75 AIR gaming mouse is available in the US, UK, and Australia, with a suggested retail price of $149.99 / £139.99 / AU$249, making it quite the premium option.

It's pricier than the Alienware AW720M, which has an MSRP of $129.99 / £124.99 / AU$151.80, but comes in a bit cheaper than the super-premium Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro (MSRP $149 / £149 / AU$279), though it lacks many of the bells and whistles that typically justify this kind of price.

It's an excellent quality mouse, however, that doesn’t change the fact that you can still purchase a similar gaming mouse like the MSI Clutch GM51 for cheaper, or even the Cougar Airblader Tournament if you don’t mind a super-budget mouse.

Corsair M75 AIR: Specs

Should you buy the Corsair M75 AIR?

Buy it if...

You want an ultra-premium gaming experience
The specs in this mouse are incredible: ridiculously high DPI and polling rates coupled with high tracking and max acceleration. The software is also quite good for programming the buttons.

You want high-end build quality
It’s lightweight yet has good heft, and feels natural to use during even the most intense gaming sessions.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t have money to burn
Like most premium gaming mice, this one is very expensive so if you’re on a budget, it’s best to look for cheaper options instead.

You want more programmable buttons
Five programmable buttons aren't really a lot, especially since it could have been made ambidextrous if it just had two more on the right.

Corsair M75 AIR: Also consider

How I tested the Corsair M75 AIR

I used the Corsair M75 AIR for about two weeks
I tested it out using first-person shooters as well as for work
I used the Corsair software to test out various settings

I used the Corsair M75 AIR in my home office for extended periods of time. I tested out various settings like DPI and customizing button layouts, as well as how well the mouse's ergonomics felt using it in both claw and palm grips and how it held up in right-handed use.

To further test out its gaming capabilities, I tested it with first-person shooters like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Cyberpunk 2077 in order to see how quickly and efficiently I can move or shoot. Third-person shooters and action games were also played to test how flexible this mouse was.

I've reviewed a number of mice, both gaming and productivity, in my career. This allows me to know what to look for on an individual basis as well as compare the performance of this mouse to other ones I reviewed in the past.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2023

Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD) review: great performance at a reasonable price

12:00 am | October 5, 2023

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

Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD): One-minute review

The Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD) is just one of the several Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050-equipped laptops vying for budget-level PC gamers while still offering current-gen level performance. Like those models, the quality of gaming on offer is much better than a lot of other cheap offerings sporting older generations of GPUs such as an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050.

While the Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD) is not necessarily going to top the best gaming laptops, it can certainly compete with the best budget gaming laptops. The question then is how it compares to those more affordable alternatives.

As we’ll see, the Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD) is a solid consideration for cash-strapped gamers since it can handle most gaming tasks without too much sacrifice. There are some drawbacks, but they’re mostly intrinsic to lower-priced gaming laptops. That said, none of those are enough to discount this gaming laptop, especially considering the price.

Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD): Price & availability

How much does it cost? Starting at $1,189.99 / £1,080 / AU$2,199
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD), also designated as model 15APH8, is priced very reasonably. You get an AMD Ryzen 5 7640S, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD for $1,189.99 / £1,080 / AU$2,199. If you want a little more power, you can upgrade to AMD Ryzen 7 7840S, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD, which will set you back a total of $1,379.99 / £1,300 (Aussies won’t be able to upgrade to the RTX 4060).

The test unit reviewed here is much like the base model but with the more powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7840S, which has 8 cores and 16 threads to the AMD Ryzen 5 7640S’ 6 cores and 12 threads. This upgrade adds $40 / £40 for a price of entry of $1299.99 / £1,120.

Compared to other gaming laptops with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, you can spend a little less if you want. The MSI Katana 15 (2023), for instance, is a bit cheaper at $999 (about £785 / AU$1,543). However, its battery life is a bit worse during everyday non-gaming use, its trackpad is worse, and it has a somewhat cheaper look to it.

Price score: 4 / 5

Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD): Specs

Lenovo has a very limited range of options for the LOQ 15 (AMD) model. You can only choose between two AMD CPUs, the AMD Ryzen 5 7640S and the AMD Ryzen 7 7840S, and you can only choose between two GPUs as well, namely the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060. Likewise, RAM options are either 8GB or 16GB, while you can only choose between 512GB or 1TB for the SSD.

Outside of internal component considerations, there are only two other places where you have options, namely the webcam and the display. And, strangely this is only in the UK. You can upgrade the 720p webcam to 1080p for £10 and you can upgrade from a 1080p @ 144Hz display to a 1440p one with a 165Hz refresh rate. That will cost you £50. Oh, and if you care about RGB lighting, an extra £20 will upgrade the keyboard’s backlighting from white to 4-zone RGB.

Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD): Design

A bit heavy
Decent display with fast 144Hz refresh rate
Awkward port placement

One of the things that I appreciate about Lenovo gaming laptops is that they have a distinctive look. Just like Razer or Alienware, when you see a gaming laptop from Lenovo, you’ll recognize it as such.

To start, they all seem to come in what Lenovo calls Storm Gray, which is an imposing, brooding color that sounds boring on paper but works much better than a plain matte-black would.

Interestingly, like Alienware laptops, the lid opens up from about an inch into the laptop, meaning there’s a section that juts out. Just like Alienware, this is where some important heat piping is located to keep things cool. And, when under duress, the Lenovo LOQ 15 manages to do a pretty good job of that.

As this is Lenovo’s budget line, it is on the heavier side, weighing in at 5.3lbs. Compare that with the slightly bigger, slightly better, and slightly more expensive Lenovo Legion Slim 5 and its 5.07lb weight and you’ll see that keeping the weight down is not going to be as much of a factor when the price is lower.

Moving on to the display, it’s not going to wow with color accuracy or HDR, but it’s a solid 1080p IPS panel with 350 nits of brightness. Its best feature is probably its 144Hz refresh rate.

There’s a 1080p webcam that’s adequate if a bit choppy. At least, Lenovo included a manual toggle located on the side of the computer to open or close a privacy shutter.

The keyboard might not have backlighting, and its travel is not on par with an external keyboard. However, it’s easy and comfortable to type on. The trackpad is similarly capable. Since this is a gaming laptop, you’ll still need a mouse.

Lastly, the port placement is going to be a blessing or a curse depending on your preference. While there’s a USB-C port and 3.5 mm audio jack on the left side and USB-A port to go along with that privacy shutter toggle on the right, most of the ports are on the back. Along with power, an HDMI, ethernet, and two USB ports are centered along the back. This might be great for anyone who likes a clean desk and doesn’t plan on moving their laptop regularly. But, I like to have easy access to all the ports and I found having to reach behind to plug or unplug something to be a chore.

Design score: 4 / 5

Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD): Performance

Good 1080p gaming performance
Great for competitive games
Decent speakers

Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD): Benchmarks

Here's how the Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD) performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Port Royal: 4,773; Fire Strike: 19,991; Time Spy: 8,858
GeekBench 6: 2,367 (single-core); 8,157 (multi-core)
25GB File Copy: 27.5
Handbrake 1.6: 6:24
CrossMark: Overall: 1,571 Productivity: 1,588 Creativity: 1,636 Responsiveness: 1,345
Far Cry 6 1080p (Ultra) 68 fps
Cyberpunk 2077: 1080p (Ultra) 21.66 fps
Web Surfing (Battery Informant): 6:29:49
PCMark 10 Battery Life (Gaming): 0:46

One of the impressive things about this recent slate of Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050-equipped laptops is the fact that they all are capable of good 1080p performance and that’s certainly the case with the Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD). Obviously, there are plenty of limitations – just look at its performance during our Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark where it got just 22 fps on Ultra. For comparison’s sake, the MSI Katana 15 gets almost 39 fps in the same game, which might be due to the fact that it comes with 16GB to the Lenovo LOQ 15’s 8GB.

In more real-world testing, I was able to get playable though not completely smooth results in Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, and Starfield on medium settings. I did experience a little bit of stuttering but it was a minor amount. But, playing those taxing games on low settings was rock solid.

Outside of these top-tier and well-known resource-heavy games, not to mention two of them are brand new and the other just got a 2.0 update, everything I played including Battlefield 2042 was rock solid. While you probably won’t be hitting that 144 fps that the display is capable of on more taxing games, the hardware is there for competitive games that are a bit more lightweight. For example, Rocket League was smooth as silk.

In essence, this is great for those playing competitive games while good enough to experience heftier AAA titles though with some limitations.

The sound quality of the built-in speakers is very serviceable. It won’t make you give up on your favorite gaming headset, but it still offers a somewhat decent soundstage and frequency response. It will sound a bit boxy and don’t expect rumble, but it’s more than adequate. Plus, there are some controls through the Nahimic app for EQ and spatial audio that are nice if a bit subtle.

Performance score: 4 / 5

Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD): Battery life

Quickly drains when gaming
Decent battery life with basic use

When it comes to battery life, the Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD) isn’t setting any gaming laptop precedents. Under a heavy load such as the PCMark 10 Battery Life gaming benchmark, it lasts a paltry 46 minutes. I even experienced its weak battery life inadvertently when I left it unplugged but asleep for a few hours only to find the battery completely empty.

However, for basic use as shown in our Battery Informant benchmark, it can last a decently long six and a half hours. That’s pretty good compared to other gaming laptops not named Rog Zephyrus. Of course, that’s not anything special compared to most other portables.

Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD)?

Buy it if...

You want good 1080p performance
This laptop is more than capable with most games available right now. And, all but the most demanding can run on fairly high settings.

You want to play competitively
There’s more than enough power to run any competitive game on max settings. And, the 144Hz refresh rate is perfect for providing a smooth, speedy gaming experience with those titles.

Don't buy it if...

You want excellent performance no matter the game
While you can get great performance in some games, there are already some games, as mentioned above, that you can’t play with the settings maxed out. If you want to see a game like Starfield at its full potential, you’ll need something more powerful.

Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD): Also consider

If our Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD) review has you considering other options, here are two laptops to consider...

How I tested the Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD)

Tested for a couple weeks
Pushed it as hard as possible gaming-wise
Played with various settings

I used the Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD) for a couple of weeks, playing several demanding games like Starfield, Hogwards Legacy, Control, and Cyberpunk 2077. While doing so, I ran the games at various settings, particularly at the highest ones with ray tracing on wherever possible, and took note of the results. I also tested each aspect of the laptop from the keyboard and trackpad to the webcam and speakers.

After spending time with the Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD), it’s clear that the company managed to balance solid performance with an accessible price point for those wanting great gaming on a budget.

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.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2023

Corsair Virtuoso Pro review: Open-back gaming headset? Don’t mind if I do

4:01 pm | September 19, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computer Gaming Accessories Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers | Comments: Off

Corsair Virtuoso Pro: Two-minute review

If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense to use a pair of open-back headphones when gaming as that tends to give the audio a bit more room to breathe, which should lend itself well to delivering that immersive soundstage and accurate sound imaging you want during gameplay. So, it’s kind of strange that not many gaming headset manufacturers are keen to jump on that bandwagon.

Luckily, Corsair is making up for lost time with its bold new Corsair Virtuoso Pro, an open-back addition (its very first) to its already excellent gaming headset line, many of which are among the best gaming headsets on the market.

Corsair isn’t, of course, a pioneer in the open-back gaming headsets scene – Epos, Audio-Technica, and even Philips all got there first. Still, this new arrival is a big deal, as none of the big gaming peripheral manufacturers have been intrepid enough to explore it.

And what an impressive first entry it is, effortlessly rising to the ranks of the best wired gaming headsets out there and so much so it might convince Corsair’s rivals to make their own. It has me convinced.

Corsair Virtuoso Pro on a seat next to a pillow — (Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

Coming in black and white colorways, the Corsair Virtuoso Pro doesn’t stray very far from Corsair’s signature look. It has all the telltale signs – the elegant curves, the brand logo on the ear cups and yokes, and the luxurious but solid finish. It’s just as beautiful, in fact, as all of Corsair’s recent gaming headset releases, especially in white.

Understandably, as it is its very first attempt at an open-back gaming headset, there are design choices that could have been better. The headband foam is on the thinner side and not very plush, and the earpad fabric isn’t the softest. Plus, the headset itself, while fairly lightweight, isn’t the lightest out there at 338g, although that isn’t surprising as wired open-back gaming headsets do tend to be on the heavier side.

The one thing I don’t like about the design is the fact that the mic, which is detachable, is attached to the dual 3.5mm audio cable that also attaches to the right earcup for audio. It’s really not a lot different from a regular 3.5mm cable, but it just feels a lot more cumbersome in practice. Now that I think about it, it’s really the mic that’s the Virtuoso Pro’s weakest point, but more on that later.

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Despite those minor shortcomings, there’s plenty to love about the gaming headset’s design. The earpads are plush, big, and made of breathable fabric, enveloping your ears while still keeping things airy – though that is also the nature of open-back headphones. The ear cup yokes offer a lot of swivel, allowing the ear cups to conform to just about any head shape. And, the overall build is as premium as Corsair’s other high-end offerings. So, expect a cool and comfortable gaming session when you’ve got these on.

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The Virtuoso Pro is also extremely customizable. The speaker tags on the ear cups are replaceable and interchangeable – I’m assuming here that Corsair will roll out a line of accessories at some point. As are the earpads and the headband cushion, though the headband cushion takes a little bit of finagling to pry off.

As you may have concluded already, this is a wired 3.5mm gaming headset, which means that you will be tethered to your laptop or PC. But, you do get a nice set of cables in the box, a 3.5mm to dual 3.5mm audio cable with the mic boom, a 3.5mm to dual 3.5mm audio cable, and one y-adapter cable, which is necessary if you're connecting to your gaming PC.

If you’re not familiar with open-back headphones and gaming headsets, there are a few things to keep in mind. Open backs are generally more spacious and wider in soundstage as the sound is going everywhere, instead of being stuck inside the ear cups. They also tend to have brighter highs that deliver lots of details and clarity. And, for better or worse, that sound tends to bleed out, which means your office neighbors might hear heavy gunfire or whatever beats you’re listening to if you don’t keep that volume down.

And, that’s basically what you’ll get with the Corsair Virtuoso Pro. This headset delivers a lot of space, its soundstage even wider than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. I AB’ed the two during testing, and my beloved Arctis Nova Pro now feels very confined next to it. And its sound imaging is just as impressive. When playing Hogwarts Legacy, it was apparent that all the sound elements had clarity to them, and I could hear precisely where they were in the soundstage, resulting in a very immersive experience.

It helps that it has 50mm graphene drivers – similar to those in the Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed – that also contributes to its very detailed audio quality. Speaking of detailed audio, the highs are incredible here, bright without being painful or fatiguing except in a handful of situations, and with lots of detail and clarity. The synths and highs in Taylor Swift’s Bejeweled were bright and sparkly, and the ukelele in Florence and the Machine’s Dog Days Are Over was bright and clear.

There’s plenty of bass as well. It’s not in your face like other gaming headsets, but it has good low-end response, especially considering that it’s an open-back headset. Both Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s All the Stars and Kavisky’s Nightcall had good bass and even decent rumble.

It’s not all perfect, performance-wise, however. The mids are a little pulled back, and since the high end is pushed forward, you’re getting harsher guitars, which means that the sound can be unpleasant with rock songs. Listening to The Strokes’ Reptilia hurt my ears and gave me a mild headache.

Then there’s the mic. Your voice will come through loud, clear, and audible here, which means that your teammates (or coworkers, if you choose to use this as your work headset as well) won’t have trouble understanding you. However, your voice will come through a little compressed and harsh-sounding. There will be some sibilance as well. To its credit, it is a very directional mic so that folks you’re chatting with won’t be able to hear any background noise – yes, that includes you tapping or button-mashing away at your keyboard.

Those flaws are minor at best, however. Overall, you’ll find the Corsair Virtuoso Pro a pretty impressive gaming headset – perhaps one of the best in the market right now. Not too shabby at all for a first entry in the open-back gaming headset game.

Corsair Virtuoso Pro: Price & availability

How much does it cost? $199.99 / £169.99 / AU$239
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Corsair Virtuoso Pro is not a cheap purchase. At $199.99 / £169.99 / AU$239, it sits in the premium market, especially considering that it’s wired. In fact, you’ll find that it’s a bit more expensive than offerings from Epos and Audio-Technica. However, I can guarantee that it’s worth the splurge over the competition - if you have the money to spend.

That’s especially because it is cheaper than both the wired SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and the graphene-driver-fitted Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed, which sit at the top of the gaming headset pile in terms of performance and value.

If you are ready to explore the world of open-back gaming headsets, however, and you just don’t have that money to spare, I would look at some of Philips’ offerings. They are a lot cheaper, and they’re better-reviewed than what AT has on offer.

Value: 4 / 5

Corsair Virtuoso Pro: Specs

Should you buy the Corsair Virtuoso Pro?

Buy it if...

You want an open-back gaming headset
This might not be the first open-back gaming headset or the most affordable, but if you want top-notch sound for gaming, this is the best.

You don't care for wireless
If you don't want the hassle of needing to charge every few days, this is one of the best wired gaming headsets out there.

You got a collection going
If you're a gaming headset collector like me, this is a fantastic addition to your collection. It's more expensive than other open-back gaming headsets, but it's worth it.

Don't buy it if...

You prefer closed-back headsets
If you're not ready to jump on the open-back gaming headset bandwagon, you should skip this one... for now.

You're on a tight budget
If you are ready to experience the joys of open-back but don't have the money, Philips has a few cheaper alternatives.

Corsair Virtuoso Pro: Also consider

How I tested the Corsair Virtuoso Pro

Spent a week testing it
Used it for gaming, streaming, and music listening
Tested it with a variety of games, songs, and movies

I tested the Corsair Virtuoso Pro for a week, using it as my main headset for gaming, media consumption, and work video calls. I made sure to test its open-back quirks, AB'ing it with my favorite closed-back gaming headset, and put its features through their paces, making note of its build quality and comfort in the process.

I’ve been testing, reviewing, and using gaming headsets for years as a freelance tech journalist and now as one of the Computing editors at TechRadar. My years of experience along with my discerning audio tastes make me more than qualified to test and vet these devices for you.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed September 2023

SteelSeries Arena 3

6:25 pm | September 23, 2022

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers Gaming PCs | Comments: Off

Editor's Note

• Original review date: September 2022
• Still on sale
• Launch price: $149 / £149 / AU$289
• Official price now: $129 / £129 / AU$199

Update: February 2024. These remain some of the best computer speakers you can buy right now - especially as since their launch back in 2022, there have been some decent price cuts, making them better value than ever. As PC speaker tech doesn't move that quickly, we can safely continue to recommend the SteelSeries Arena 3 nearly two years after we first reviewed them.

SteelSeries Arena 3: One-minute review

The SteelSeries Arena 3 joins a line of PC audio peripherals that has long-established a legacy of delivering great sound to users who aren't very discerning in terms of audio quality. In many ways, SteelSeries, more specifically its Arctis gaming headset family, has helped elevate not just the gaming headset scene but also the way gamers experience sound in gaming.

That means that the SteelSeries Arena 3 has a lot to live up to and massive shoes to fill especially in a world where even the best PC speakers are no longer as compelling to gamers as PC gaming headsets.

Luckily, SteelSeries is also a master at offering a wide range of options in a way that’s inclusive to all gamers, not just the ones who have the money to splurge. And, alongside the Arena 3, it also rolled out the 2.1 Arena 7 that comes with a subwoofer and the expansive (and impressive) Arena 9 whose surround sound prowess absolutely blew us away.

Those two speaker systems take the pressure off the Arena 3 whose main job is now to meet the needs of PC users and gamers who just want an affordable pair of PC speakers that will get them through their daily listening needs. And, as that, it’s a great option, one that has a cute design, good soundstage, and a lot of volume.

It isn’t going to blow you away like the Arena 9 does, but it’s a great pair of PC speakers in its own right.

SteelSeries Arena 3: Price and availability

How much does it cost? $149 (£149, AU$289)
Where is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, the UK, and Australia

SteelSeries Arena 3: SPECS

Frequency range: 50-20,000 Hz
Drivers: 4-inch full range
Supported Connectivity: Bluetooth
Audio Inputs: 3x 3.5mm for PC wired, aux, and wired headset audio
Outputs: N/A

Now available for purchase in the US, UK, and Australia, the SteelSeries Arena 3 will set you back $149 (£149, AU$289), putting it squarely in the mid-range.

If you’re on a budget, there are definitely cheaper options available that will deliver comparable audio quality. There are also some bookshelf speakers that are around the same price that deliver better sound – although those typically have a larger footprint. However, if you do want that nice balance in sound quality, portability, and cost, the SteelSeries Arena 3 is a good choice.

If you want better and more immersive audio with a bit of oomph – and have the space and the budget for it, the SteelSeries Arena 9 is the ticket. Although, it is much more expensive as well.

Value: 3 / 5

SteelSeries Arena 3: Design

SteelSeries Arena 3 in a gaming setup — (Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

Egg-shaped design
Multiple inputs and adjustable stand
Not very customizable via Sonar

We appreciate SteelSeries’ attempt to come up with an appealing and unique design. Shaped like an egg mounted on a stand, the SteelSeries Arena 3 speakers actually remind us of soft-boiled eggs served in egg cups at breakfast, which we don’t mind as we love eggs, and these speakers are undeniably adorable.

Granted, there are smaller and more portable speakers out there, but these don’t take up a lot of space either. At least not as much as the boxy bookshelf speakers that some people do use as PC speakers. It helps that these have smaller adjustable stands that still keep them stable. These stands also allow you to tilt the speakers for better listening.

Above the four-inch driver on each speaker is a bass port, which is basically a directional empty space designed to amplify certain sounds, usually the bass frequency. Unfortunately, they don’t help that much in terms of sound quality.

The right speaker comes with a volume wheel-slash-multifunctional button that serves as the main speaker control for muting, switching input sources, and more. And, in the back, it has three audio ports – PC wired, aux, and wired headset – to plug in three different audio inputs simultaneously. That’s on top of the Bluetooth connectivity these speakers also come with.

There’s a fair amount of customizability here thanks to Sonar, the new add-on to SteelSeries’ GG software that’s specifically designed for the brand’s audio devices. With Sonar, you can customize the Arena 3 to do things like toggle the ChatMix, adjust the Master Volume, and experiment with the parametric EQ to fine-tune the sound.

The presence of the Parametric EQ in Sonar is a treat. It’s not something gamers see often, as only audiophiles and audio engineers utilize it. So, having it handy is a big deal and allows for A LOT of finetuning.

There’s also a Gain and Smart Volume (compressor), which makes loud bits quieter and quiet bits a little louder – you know, the thing that Christopher Nolan almost always forgets exists when mixing his movies. Finally, Sonar allows you to enable and fine-tune Spatial Audio – although on the Arena 3, it merely expands the soundstage just a touch.

Design: 4 / 5

SteelSeries Arena 3: Performance

A lot of volume
Mids are the fairly well balanced, not a lot of bass
Soundstage is good

For a small-ish pair of PC speakers, the SteelSeries Arena 3 speakers have a powerful set of pipes and can fill a medium-sized room when its volume is turned all the way up. That’s without a lot of distortion. Turn that volume up halfway, and it can fill a small room as well.

Sound quality is good, but you’ll definitely miss the absence of a subwoofer, however, especially when playing tunes like Dua Lipa’s ‘Levitating,’ which, being a dance song, usually has a punchy kick, and Tierra Whack’s ‘Unemployed,’ a song with a lot of low end. If you’re expecting a lot of rumble, you might be disappointed. There’s no sub bass here because, well… there’s no subwoofer.

To make up for that missing real low end, the lower mids are pretty prominent and boosted. It’s not a very effective solution, but it works for certain things. Maneskin’s ‘Mammamia’ isn’t as punchy either, but because this is essentially a rock song, you don’t miss the bass as much. Rock is more mid-focused musically, and because these speakers have boosted lower mids, the song sounds fuller.

The rest of the mids are fairly well-balanced. However, the highs are rounded off so there isn’t as much detail here or brightness and treble is rolled off so you’re losing a little bit of presence as well.

Even though you’re not getting that nice rumble when playing Cyberpunk 2077, the environmental elements come through pretty clearly, which is a nice surprise since the high end is rounded off in music. The soundstage is about what you’d expect from bookshelf speakers – there’s obviously no real surround sound here, just your typical stereo soundstage. But, you can hear elements going from left to right, or moving away or towards you.

Turn on the Spatial Audio feature on GG’s Sonar, and the soundstage becomes wider, if only just a little, and the addition of the reverb almost sounds like there are more elements as it gives sound elements space, which in effect gives them more dimension and a little more weight.

Performance: 3.5 / 5

Should I buy the SteelSeries Arena 3?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

SteelSeries Arena 3: Report card

First reviewed September 2022

How we test

Read more about how we test

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

6:00 pm | August 15, 2022

Author: admin | Category: Computer Gaming Accessories Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers | Tags: ANC | Comments: Off

Editor's Note

• Original review date: August 2022
• No new version out
• Launch price: $349 / £329 / AU$649
• Official price now: $349 / £329 / AU$649

Updated: January 2024. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless remains one of the best PC gaming headsets on the market, even almost two years after its initial release. Many gaming headsets have tried to offer its impressive feature set that includes multi-device-and-platform connectivity and a swappable battery, but very few have matched its luxurious comfort and none have surpassed its excellent sound quality. In fact, if it wasn't for its high price tag, we'd put this at the very top of the list. And unfortunately, it has yet to go down in price, though you might find it discounted at some online retail stores. The rest of this review remains as previously published.

SteelSeries Arctic Nova Pro Wireless: One-minute review

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless launch might be one of those defining moments in gaming peripherals history. Ladies and gents, we might just be looking at the future of gaming headsets right now – a dual-purpose, multi-connectivity hybrid that comes with everything you want from the best gaming headset: a detailed sound, immersive soundstage, a long battery life, and off-the-charts comfort.

While we might be a little biased – this author has long been a fan of the Arctis line’s excellent audio quality – there’s no denying the ambitious undertaking that SteelSeries has successfully implemented in this wireless gaming headset.

Admittedly, some design elements need tweaking such as that secondary button on its base station that works only 25% of the time and the slightly confusing, non-intuitive physical controls on the headset. But, considering that this is the whole gaming headset package, those barely spoil all the fun you’re getting.

Not that this whole do-it-all thing hasn’t been done before. Another personal favorite, the Astro A50, did it first. But, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless takes the A50, slaps on some hi-res audio to rival the Audeze Penrose, and tops it all off with elements you’d see on a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is quite literally the one gaming headset that does it all. How could you want anything less?

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Price and availability

How much does it cost? $349 (£329, AU$649)
Where is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

All that doesn’t come cheap. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless will cost a pretty penny – $349 (£329, AU$649) to be exact. And, if you want to customize it with the Nova Booster Pack, which comes in Cherry Red, Lilac, Mint, and Rose Quartz, you’ll have to pay an extra $34 / £29.

That isn’t surprising. Flagship SteelSeries gaming headsets have always sat around that price range. And, so does the competition. However, you’re getting a lot more value for your money with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.

The Astro A50, for example, costs $299 (£349, AU$489), and that’s without the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless’ Bluetooth connectivity and wider frequency range. Meanwhile, the Audeze Penrose will set you back $299 (£299, AU$399) but doesn’t have its multi-device connectivity, comfort level, and active noise cancellation.

Value: 3.8 / 5

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless on a white table next to a Switch — (Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Design

Beautiful gaming headset-cum-headphones design
Multi-platform, multi-device connectivity
One of the most versatile headsets we've tested

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless boasts a beautiful, elegant look, luxurious fit and comfort, and all-around connectivity. And, despite its fiddly controls and perhaps ear foams that could be a little more breathable, this is one of the best-designed headphones we’ve tested.

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SteelSeries Arctic Nova Pro Wireless — (Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

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It’s relatively lightweight at 337g and comes with plush ear cushions draped in soft-to-touch leatherette, a floating ski headband that’s thinly padded, and earcups that have a lot of swivel to fit different head shapes. Overall, you’re getting an incredibly comfortable gaming headset with good enough hold and size that fits most heads. We only wish that the leatherette is a lot more breathable than it is.

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That design is a classier, more accessible, and toned-down version of a gamer’s aesthetic, in an attempt to go for a more all-purpose look so you won’t be embarrassed about wearing it as Bluetooth headphones in public. A good example of this is the mic boom, which seamlessly tucks away inside the left earcup while still offering mic functionality.

It isn’t the first gaming headset to implement this hybrid design approach – Razer’s done something similar as well – but SteelSeries has done such a good job with it. It looks just as great as a pair of headphones as it does a gaming headset, and we can’t wait to take it with us on our next vacation.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and base station on a gaming mat — (Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

Luckily, it comes with two Fuji lithium-ion batteries that are swappable and offer 22 hours of battery life per. You slot one in the right earcup behind a removable (and customizable) magnetic plate, then swap it out for the other when it runs out of juice.

Both batteries need charging? Pop one in the built-in battery charging slot in the base station, keep the other in the headphones to charge via the USB-C port behind the left earcup magnetic plate, and charge simultaneously. Easy peasy. SteelSeries has also added fast charging for good measure, so you’ll get three hours of play after 15 minutes of charging.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless on a white table — (Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

Sadly, the controls are confusing and non-intuitive. You’ll likely need to memorize that part of the manual first before you can use them seamlessly. And, even then, there’s still a lot to be desired.

There are two separate on/off buttons, for example, for when you’re using Bluetooth and when you’re using wireless connectivity. Simply turning the headset off using the power button doesn’t mean you’re turning it off completely. If Bluetooth is on, it’ll keep its current connection and still play music from that source. Meanwhile, the wireless base station has a second button that only works 25% of the time.

Speaking of the base station, it gives the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless its multi-platform, multi-device prowess, which when coupled with its Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, makes it perhaps the single most versatile headset on the market right now.

The base station allows it to be connected to two sources wirelessly and simultaneously. But, you also do not need it to use the headset, thanks to the Bluetooth and the 3.5mm wired connection that it also offers. Connect it to a mobile device via Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable, and you can use it as a pair of standalone headphones you can take with you on hikes, during your commutes, or on a long-haul flight.

Nifty, right?!

Design: 4.6 / 5

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Performance

Hi-res audio with 10Hz to 40KHz frequency range
Amazing, detailed audio
ANC not very good, sadly

With a frequency range of 10Hz to 40KHz, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless delivers a little more sub-bass and high-res audio.

Sound quality is, therefore, exquisite here, giving us deep bass with a lot of rumble even at under 75% volume, a beautifully-present treble with a lot of detail, and well-represented mids. That’s whether we’re playing a game like Sable whose sound elements are very much a part of and vital to your gaming experience, listening to Florence and the Machine’s “Dance Fever,” or watching the movie, “Prey.”

We’ve tested gaming headsets that have a much wider soundstage. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless still delivers a great soundstage. More importantly, thanks to its 360° Spatial Audio feature, its sound imaging is very much on point. We really feel the movements of the different game and movie elements when using it, whether it’s a bear chasing the main protagonist in the woods or background game characters moving from left to right.

SteelSeries Arctic Nova Pro Wireless next to a Switch with its mic retracted — (Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

The mic, which still works when stowed away, is clear and crisp when retracted. Guaranteed, you’re coming out loud and clear whether you’re chatting with your friends on Discord or hopping on a quick call with your colleague via your smartphone. Unfortunately, noise rejection is only available for Windows 10/11. As in our experience, the person on the other end of that phone call will hear even the hum of the AC in your apartment.

The ANC is not very good. It’s effective in drowning out noises like the sounds of distant traffic or your AC. However, it’s not as good if you’re trying to block out all the noise. That’s ok for the most part as the audio to an extent takes care of the rest. However, if you plan on using this on the plane, it isn’t going to block out the sounds of those engines.

Performance: 5 / 5

Should I buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless?

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless on a white table next to the Switch — (Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: Report card

First reviewed August 2022

How we test

Read more about how we test

Acer Predator Orion 3000 (2022)

2:05 pm | July 18, 2022

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers Gaming PCs | Tags: CPU, RAM, UK, US | Comments: Off

Editor's Note

• Original review date: July 2022
• New model is out with updated components
• Launch price: $1,449 / £1,099
• Official price now: $1,449 / £1,099 (with new components)

Update: February 2024. We originally reviewed this model of the Acer Predator Orion 3000 almost two years ago, and we were so impressed that it went straight to the top of our best budget gaming PCs guide. Now in 2024, it is still in that list, but it has slipped down a few places, thanks to some more modern gaming PCs coming out. However, it remains a great budget buy, especially if you're looking for a compact gaming PC to play on. If you can find the model we reviewed here with the same components, you should be able to get it for a very good price as well. If you like the look of this machine but want more modern components, the good news is that Acer has released new models with 13th generation Intel processors, giving you a bit more future-proofing while keeping the same affordable price.

Acer Predator Orion 3000: One-Minute Review

The Acer Predator Orion 3000 desktop PC presents newer players with one of the best and most affordable opportunities to make their mark in the PC gaming scene. After all, there’s a reason why it sits comfortably at the top of TechRadar’s list of the best budget gaming PCs.

Acer’s latest Predator Orion 3000 line-up offers gamers the ability to choose from several mid-tier configurations that now include a 12th Gen Intel processor, an Nvidia RTX 30-series graphics card, and up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, all packed neatly into a compact micro ATX case.

Understandably, this PC series makes a few compromises in terms of its components that can only be described as cost-saving measures. For example, although the Orion 3000 features both HDD and SSD storage, the most basic configurations tend to include just 256GB of the latter. Similarly, the Predator Orion 3000 series also features DDR4 RAM as opposed to the newer industry standard of DDR5.

Still, minor shortcomings aside, the hardware featured as part of the Acer Predator Orion 3000 series lends itself well to the average gamer. Plus, the PC is relatively easy to upgrade, should the need or desire to do so ever arise.

Acer Predator Orion 3000 desktop gaming PC on a desk with RGB lighting turned on. — (Image credit: Future)

Acer Predator Orion 3000: Price and Availability

Starting at $1,449 / £1,099
Available now from the Acer store and third-party retailers
You can buy it in the US, UK and worldwide

Spec Sheet

Here is the Acer Predator Orion 3000 configuration sent to TechRadar for review:

CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12400F (2.50 GHz)
Graphics: Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 256GB M.2 SSD + 1TB HDD
Optical drive: N/A
Ports front: 1 x USB-A 3.1, 1 x USB-C, 1 x headphone jack and 1 x microphone jack
Ports back: 2 x USB-A 3.1, 4 x USB-A 3.0, 3 x analog audio jacks, 3 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, Ethernet
Operating system: Windows 11 Home
Connectivity: Intel Killer E2600 Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.0
Weight: 21 pounds (9.5 kg)
Size: 15.4 x 15.2 x 6.9 inches (392 x 386 x 175 mm)

The Acer Predator Orion 3000 gaming PC series can be found on sale in the US, UK, and worldwide, with a range of slightly varying configurations available depending on each gamer’s individual needs.

The latest iteration of the Orion 3000 series features the new Intel Alder Lake chipsets. The starting configuration is priced at $1,449 / £1,199 and includes a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU, an Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU and 16GB of RAM, as well as 256GB of SSD and 1TB of HDD storage. Pricier variations allow users to opt for either an Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti or 3070 for the GPU and a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor for the CPU.

The configuration that TechRadar reviewed is a slightly more powerful model available in the UK for £1,299 (approximately $1,600 in the US). The Predator Orion 3000 arguably presents one of the best values for money especially when you take into account its decent gaming performance and esports-ready hardware. It could be even better value if any currently available Acer promo codes bring the price down more.

Price and Availability: 5/5

Acer Predator Orion 3000 desktop gaming PC shown side-on on a desk with RGB lighting turned on. — (Image credit: Future)

Acer Predator Orion 3000: Design

Neat, compact design
Configurable RGB lighting
Loud cooling fans

The Acer Predator Orion 3000 features the classic gaming black-and-RGB design within the confines of a compact micro ATX chassis.

At the front of the case, you’ll find a single USB Type-C port, alongside a Type-A USB 3.1 and two 3.5mm headphone and microphone ports. The PC’s back panel contains all the basic ports you can expect from your average gaming computer: four 3.0 USB Type-As, two 3.1 USB Type-As, and three analog audio ports. The back of the Nvidia RTX 30-series GPU allows gamers to connect their favorite display through either HDMI or DisplayPort.

In terms of software, the PC comes with a pre-installed version of Acer’s PredatorSense, which gamers can use to monitor internal temperatures, control the cooling fans and configure the RGB lighting system. It should be noted that on full blast, the PC’s cooling fans are extremely loud almost to the point of being distracting, even when using headphones on near-full volume.

In terms of hardware and affordability, the Acer Predator Orion 3000’s closest competitor would likely be the latest HP Omen product range, which can typically be found on offer for a similar price. However, it should be noted that in terms of design, the Predator Orion 3000 is the likely winner in the match-up.

The HP Omen comes equipped with a full ATX case, which – despite its slight upgradability advantage – will wind up taking up much more desk space. Another key aspect within the match-up is that the HP Omen series often receives criticism for its uninspiring design – something the Predator Orion 3000 excels at with its sleek appearance.

Design: 4/5

Acer Predator Orion 3000 desktop gaming PC shown from the rear. A Snorlax Pokemon plushie sits next to it. — (Image credit: Future)

Acer Predator Orion 3000: Performance

Great gaming performance
Decent CPU benchmarking results
Minimal SSD storage on cheapest configurations

Benchmarks

Here is how the Acer Predator Orion 3000 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

3DMark: Night Raid: 50,215; Fire Strike: 22,948; Time Spy: 10,381
Cinebench R23 multi-core: 11,164 points
GeekBench 5: 1,436 (single-core); 7,537 (multi-core)
PCMark 10 (Modern Office): 7,160 points
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra): 78 fps; (1080p, Low): 246 fps
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 76 fps; (1080p, Low): 115 fps
Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra): 98 fps; (1080p, Low): 219 fps

Although the Acer Predator Orion 3000 can be considered an affordable option, this certainly doesn’t mean that it compromises on gaming performance as much as you would expect from a budget PC. Thanks to the inclusion of an Nvidia 30-series graphics card, the Predator Orion 3000 is capable of coasting through even the most graphically intensive games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Total War: Warhammer III, consistently hitting over 70 fps on both titles on Ultra settings.

The Acer Predator Orion 3000’s performance in our usual benchmarking tests exceeded expectations too. For example, our review unit’s duo of Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti and Intel Core i5 processor achieved 7,160 points in the PCMark 10 test. This meant that the Predator Orion 3000’s hardware scored higher than 93% of other PCs and placed higher than the average premium gaming PC from two years ago.

Overall, given the wide range of configurations available for purchase, the Acer Predator Orion 3000 line-up is perfectly capable of catering to most players looking to break into the world of PC gaming. Despite its lack of DDR5 RAM across the series and its base models including just 256GB of SSD storage, both are arguably minor shortcomings and can be easily overlooked considering the product’s reasonable price.

Although those on the lookout for more premium hardware would likely benefit from exploring other options, this gaming computer is a solid choice for those looking to balance a decent gaming performance with a more than palatable price range.

Performance: 4/5

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

First reviewed July 2022.

How We Test

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Acer Predator Orion 3000 (2022)

2:05 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers Gaming PCs | Tags: CPU, RAM, UK, US | Comments: Off

Editor's Note

• Original review date: July 2022
• New model is out with updated components
• Launch price: $1,449 / £1,099
• Official price now: $1,449 / £1,099 (with new components)

Acer Predator Orion 3000: One-Minute Review

Acer Predator Orion 3000: Price and Availability

Starting at $1,449 / £1,099
Available now from the Acer store and third-party retailers
You can buy it in the US, UK and worldwide

Spec Sheet

Here is the Acer Predator Orion 3000 configuration sent to TechRadar for review:

Price and Availability: 5/5

Acer Predator Orion 3000: Design

Neat, compact design
Configurable RGB lighting
Loud cooling fans

The Acer Predator Orion 3000 features the classic gaming black-and-RGB design within the confines of a compact micro ATX chassis.

Design: 4/5

Acer Predator Orion 3000: Performance

Great gaming performance
Decent CPU benchmarking results
Minimal SSD storage on cheapest configurations

Benchmarks

Here is how the Acer Predator Orion 3000 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

Performance: 4/5

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

First reviewed July 2022.

How We Test

Read more about how we test

Corsair HS65 Surround review

11:06 pm | May 13, 2022

Author: admin | Category: Computer Gaming Accessories Computers Computing Gadgets Gaming Computers | Comments: Off

Editor's Note

• Original review date: May 2022
• No new version out
• Launch price: $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$119
• Official price now: $69.99 / £79.99 / AU$119

Updated: January 2024. The Corsair HS65 Surround may be almost two years old, but it remains one of the best PC gaming headsets in our opinion. Despite all the new rivals that came after its release, this wired headset remains the best value out of all, delivering that exceptional 7.1 surround sound you would not expect at its price point. It also ticks one of the most important factors when choosing a gaming headset - comfort. You can game with it for hours without needing a break. What's more, it's slightly cheaper now in the US at just $69.99. The rest of this review remains as previously published.

Corsair HS65 Surround: One-minute review

The Corsair HS65 Surround gaming headset is the company's new high-powered and cost-conscious gaming headset that delivers exceptional 7.1 surround sound performance for PC gamers.

The 50mm Neodymium audio drivers provide exceptionally clear stereo audio and 7.1 Surround sound virtualized audio, and with the audio in the best PC games becoming increasingly sophisticated, this headset will let you hear battlefield carnage exactly the way that the developers intended.

The headset microphone offers an incredibly crystal clear response with an omni-directional polar mic pattern. Anyone who knows microphone polar patterns might be worried that the omni-directional pattern (as opposed to a cardioid pattern) would pick up too much ambient noise while you’re using the mic. Thankfully this hasn’t been an issue during Counter Strike: Global Offensive sessions or chatting over Zoom.

The surround sound capability of the headset requires you to download Corsair's iCue software off the company's website. Once installed, simply plug your headset into the USB to 3.5 mm adapter and connect it to a USB port on your PC or Mac.

There are sure to be other 7.1 Surround Sound gaming headsets hitting the market over the next few months, but keep the Corsair HS65 Surround gaming headset at the top of your wishlist. It is a fantastic, versatile headset that will please any serious gamer on a budget and is easily one of the best PC gaming headsets around for 7.1 surround sound audio.

A Corsair HS65 Surround on a reflective black table — (Image credit: Future)

Corsair HS65 Surround: Price and availability

How much is it? MSRP is $79/£79/AU$119
When can you get it? The Corsair HS65 Surround is available now
Where can you buy it? You can get it in the US, UK, and Australia

The Corsair HS65 Surround gaming headset comes in at $79/£79/AU$119, and is available globally. This is a good bit cheaper than some competing gaming headsets like the Razer Kracken V3, which is about 20% more expensive, while still offering the same audio quality.

Corsair HS65 Surround: Design and features

Outstanding comfort
Adjustable mic

The Corsair HS65 Surround is exceptionally built, featuring an adjustable headband that fits comfortably on any gamer’s head.

The ear pads and the head cushion both feature soft and comfortable memory foam underneath breathable leatherette material. Even after wearing this headset during ten hours of continuous game playing and then three more hours of intense FPS play after a break, the HS65 Surround stayed comfortable throughout.

The headset looks great, stays comfortable, and the closed ear headphones reject distracting noise. The frame is machined out of high quality aluminum and other materials to provide a strong and robust device that will last you for years. A volume control wheel is positioned on the left ear cup for quick volume level adjustments as well.

The microphone boom arm is adjustable and can bend to suit your face. It stays in place once you have set it to your liking. A quick flip up on the boom arm mutes the microphone and a quick flip down unmutes the mic, making muting and unmuting incredibly intuitive in the heat of the moment.

The iCue software itself has three functions to play around with: Equalizer, SoundID Personalization and Device Settings. The Equalizer function allows you to choose between five EQ presets as well as create your own. Unless you know what you’re looking for, set the EQ to “Pure Direct”, as this preset suits everything well.

If you are curious about the EQ presets, the presets are self-explanatory and very intuitive to work with. Presets such as “FPS Competition” will sound great for your competitive shooters like Counter Strike: Global Offensive or Valorant, while “Clear Chat” sounds exceptional during Zoom or Teams meetings.

Corsair HS65 Surround: Specs

The only real criticism here is that the SoundID function is underwhelming. The SoundID technology attempts to create a customized EQ setting for the user based on how the user rates their enjoyment of certain sound clips. Once you go through the SoundID setup process, you should have a customized EQ preset for your optimized listening preferences.

However, multiple attempts – including a full reinstall with the latest iCue software – resulted in EQ presets that often made the audio worse. Audio for games will usually be recorded and mixed by professional sound engineers anyway, so all the EQ and volume levels should already be optimized for the user’s experience. Fortunately, this isn't something you really need to dabble with. The safest bet is to just choose “Pure Direct” under the Equalizer function in the iCue software and jump right into the action, which otherwise sounds amazing.

The final function in the iCue software would be the Device settings. This is where you can enable Voice prompts, boost microphone response and change the Case color of your headphones within the iCue software. The only option that is useful here is “Mic Boost”, which gives your microphone some added sensitivity. Otherwise, this rounds out the features of the iCue software.

A close up of the earcup of the Corsair HS65 Surround — (Image credit: Future)

Corsair HS65 Surround: Performance

7.1 Surround Sound is outstanding
Great bass response
Great mic performance

These drivers on the Corsair HS65 Surround have no problem pushing sound through the 20hz-20khz audio range while its bass frequencies carry real weight. The mids and highs of dialogue and various sound effects come through incredibly clear.

The headset mic captures frequencies from 100Hz to 10 kHz, and while this seems like a limited range of frequency response, it is tailored specifically to capture the human voice really well.

The 7.1 Surround Sound capability is accessible through Corsair's iCue software with Windows Spatial Sound active, found under the properties menu of your output device in Windows' sound settings.

Any media that was recorded and mixed for 7.1 Surround will play exceptionally well over the HS6 Surround. Thankfully, most games and shows presently record for 7.1 Surround Sound, but keep in mind that not all games or media are or have. With these older games and media, the headphones themselves won’t turn a game recorded in 5.1 surround into 7.1 surround, but it will still sound stunning.

Since the iCue program itself is what creates the 7.1 Surround Sound virtualization for the headset, you can't access that feature on PC or Mac without it.

The Corsair HS65 Surround stands up well against competitors like the Razer Kraken V3 Hypersense and the HyperX Cloud Alpha. Many competing headsets offer options which you don’t really need, like detachable mics or the Kraken V3 Hypersense's haptic functionality. These options aren't high on the list of necessities with gamers, so why pay more for options you don’t need?

Older devices, monitors, and gaming consoles almost always have a 3.5mm input jack, but not every gaming headset does. With the HS Surround, you can plug in and at the very least get crystal clear stereo audio, even if you have to skip the surround sound feature.

There are exceptions, though, where you can get 7.1 Surround Sound with modern next-gen gaming consoles. The XBox Series X utilizes Dolby Atmos and the Sony PS5’s Tempest 3D Audio virtualizes the sound of 7.1 Surround Sound through the gaming console itself, and the Corsair HS65 Surround easily supports the audio capabilities of both of these consoles, making it a winner for PC gamers and beyond.