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Corsair’s new Void v2 MAX Wireless takes one of the best mid-range gaming headsets and makes it even better

9:00 pm | December 25, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: Nintendo Switch, PC | Comments: Off

Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless review: one-minute review

If you’re in the market for a new headset, you don’t want to sleep on Corsair’s new Void Max Wireless V2. It’s the upgraded version of the Corsair Void Wireless V2, one of the best wireless gaming headsets we’ve tested, adding Sonarworks SoundID through iCue and simultaneous dual connectivity to the mix, to the tune of a small price increase.

It offers solid connectivity, offering both 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth across PC, PlayStation 5 (using the dongle), Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, and mobile, with an Xbox version sold separately. Plus, with extensive battery life of up to 130 hours over Bluetooth and up to 70 hours over wireless, the Void v2 MAX is comfortable and performs great on test, making it a fantastic headset for long gaming sessions.

Still, I wish it had a wired option, and perhaps a detachable microphone – that would have perfectly rounded out the feature set in this Max version, for me, but it’s nonetheless a fantastic mid-range option with ample fun and useful features.

Corsair VOID Max Wireless v2 — (Image credit: Future)

Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless review: price and availability

List price: $149.99 / £119.99 / AU$249
Announced September 2025
Lands in the mid-range of wireless gaming headsets

Sitting comfortably in the mid-range price bracket, Corsair’s Void v2 MAX Wireless justifies its price with a neat design, decent customizability and some great sound smarts, offering a slightly more interesting look and experience than the more budget-friendly alternatives. It skips the deluxe design, features and audio specs from much more pricey options like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite while still hitting the mark on most of the must-haves.

It’s $30 / £20 / AU$60 more expensive than the original Void v2 Wireless released in April 2025, and while it largely offers the exact same experience, the added option for simultaneous 2.4Ghz and Bluetooth connectivity in addition to the Sonarworks SoundID through iCue sweetens the deal.

Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless review: Specs

	Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless
Price	$149.99 / £119.99 / AU$249
Weight	10.7oz / 303g
Drivers	Custom 50mm driver
Compatibility	PC, PS5 (with dongle), Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, Mobile. Xbox version sold separately.
Connection type	Simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections.
Battery life	Up to 70 hours (2.4GHz), Up to 130 hours (Bluetooth)
Features	Custom 50mm Neodymium drivers, omnidirectional microphone, RGB lighting, dual connectivity, custom button mapping
Software	Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio (PC), Corsair iCUE (PC), Tempest 3D Audio (PS5)

Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless review: Design and features

Easy, quick connectivity
Stylish design
Flip-to-mute mic – but it’s not detachable

There are no significant design changes between the standard and Max versions of Corsair’s Void v2 headset. Out of the box, the Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless comes with just the headset, USB 3.0 dongle, USB 3.0-to-USB-C charging cable, and a QR code to open out the instruction manual.

Available in white and black, the design of these headsets is sleek yet unmistakably gamer-coded headsets thanks to the two slim RGB light strips. The geometric cups are cushioned with breathable memory foam padding, and the adjustable frame ensures a comfortable fit over your head. There are two buttons on the left: one to turn the headset on and off, and the other is customizable to different functions, as well as a small scroll wheel to control the volume on the side.

Corsair VOID Max — (Image credit: Future)

The mic arm can be flipped up to mute input or keep it out of your face when not in use, but it’s a real shame they didn’t opt to make it removable for this more premium option – if they had, these would be more socially acceptable to use in place of the best wireless headphones while you’re out and about. Instead, the Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless remains confined to my gaming desk. To the same end, I wish they’d offered a dongle adapter with this version; the USB 3.0 receiver feels dated when many consoles and machines are moving towards USB-C.

After charging, it’s simple to set up the headset; if you’re using the dongle, it’ll automatically pair with your headset, or you can pair via Bluetooth by pressing and holding the lower of the two buttons on the left side of the headset. When using the Void v2 MAX Wireless on PC, you’ll want both the Dolby Access app and the Corsair iCUE software; the former allows you to enable Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio, while the latter offers device customisation. When playing on PS5, simply head to the console’s sound settings and enable the Tempest 3D Audio.

Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless review: Performance

Superb battery life
Lightweight and comfortable in use
Excellent audio performance

As you can expect from Corsair, performance is reliably good across the board. The audio and microphone quality is great, and they’re comfortable to wear, to boot.

I’ve been using the Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless as my main gaming headset for a month, often playing for hours on end, and I’ve yet to experience any discomfort. Its memory foam cushions, lightweight design and excellent battery life make it a go-to for extended gameplay sessions, whether I’m hooked up to my Nintendo Switch 2, PS5 or my PC.

I’m still not quite over my Baldur’s Gate 3 era, and the Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless headset was the perfect companion to enjoy the rich audio landscape of the Sword Coast and the lively voice acting of its fantastic cast. The headset’s noise suppression works wonderfully in tandem with iCue software’s EQ, meaning everything was rendered with great clarity and depth. I also spent some time in Valorant on PS5, finding it super easy to pick out environmental cues thanks to the impressive audio clarity and Tempest 3D Audio.

Dual connectivity worked well on test, and came in handy a few times I wanted to answer calls or listen to a podcast on my phone while playing a less audio-reliant game, and when I used the headset to chat with friends over Discord, I received several comments on the solid microphone quality.

Best of all, I could complete most of my testing without ever needing to recharge the headset, because it offers around 70 hours of battery life via 2.4GHz wireless and an impressive up to 130 hours on Bluetooth; based on my testing, that’s an accurate benchmark from Corsair.

Should you buy the Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless?

Buy it if...

You want long battery life
Offering an impressive up to 70 hours of battery life via 2.4GHz wireless and up to 130 hours on Bluetooth, you can game for days on end without reaching for your charging port.

You want dual connectivity
If you’ve got a burning desire to listen simultaneously across devices or be able to take calls while gaming, this presents an easy option.

You want a great all-rounder
It’s simple to use, comfortable, offers great connectivity, looks great, and performs well on test; what more can you ask for?

Don't buy it if...

You were hoping for Xbox compatibility
Unfortunately, the Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless isn't compatible with Xbox, although there is a specific model available for Xbox users.

You have a premium headset already
While it’s really impressive for its price point, the Void v2 MAX Wireless isn’t a premium headset-beater, so you’re best off sticking with a pricier model if you already own it.

Also consider...

Still not sold on the Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless? Here’s how it compares to more of the best gaming headsets.

	Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless	Razer BlackShark V3 Pro	SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Price	$149.99 / £119.99 / AU$249	$249.99 / £249.99 / around AU$510	$349.99 / £329.99 / AU$649.00
Weight	10.7oz / 303g	12.9oz / 367g	11.9oz / 337g
Compatibility	PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android	PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, iOS, Android	PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Connection type	Wireless (via USB 3.0 dongle), Bluetooth	Wireless (via USB 3.0 dongle), Bluetooth	Wireless (via base station), Bluetooth, 3.5mm wired
Battery life	Up to 70 hours	Up to 70 hours	Up to 44 hours
Features	Custom 50mm Neodymium drivers, omnidirectional microphone, RGB lighting, dual connectivity, custom button mapping	Razer TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers, advanced passive noise isolation, detachable microphone, dual connectivity	Custom 40mm Neodymium drivers, retractable microphone, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, dual connectivity, AI-powered noise-canceling mic
Software	Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio (PC), Corsair iCUE (PC), Tempest 3D Audio (PS5)	THX Spatial Audio (PC), Windows Sonic Spatial Audio (PC/Xbox), Tempest 3D Audio (PS5)	360 Sonar Spatial Audio (PC), Tempest 3D Audio (PS5)

Razer BlackShark V3 Pro
It’s a fair bit pricier, but the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is one of the best gaming headsets we’ve reviewed. Offering much the same features but throwing Xbox compatibility into the mix as well as awesome ANC, it’s a superb set of wireless audio-givers.

For more information, check out our full Razer BlackShark V3 Pro reviewView Deal

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Again, a pricier option compared to Corsair’s Void Max v2, but with a few extra features that sweeten the deal, such as a wireless base station for dual connectivity rather than one through Bluetooth, plus a fully retractable mic that makes it a little more discreet if you want to use them while you’re out and about.

For more information, check out our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless reviewView Deal

How I tested the Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless

Used as my main gaming headset for four weeks
Connected to my Nintendo Switch 2, PC and PS5
Played a variety of games across genres

Typically, I use my iconic Razer Kraken Kitty V2 wired headset, but putting this to one side to try the Corsair Void v2 MAX Wireless granted a better all-round experience and the benefits of dual connectivity. I used it with my Nintendo Switch 2, gaming PC, and PlayStation 5, playing everything from first-person shooters to RPGs like Baldur’s Gate III and Assassin's Creed: Shadows to see how the headset works in different environments.

I used all of the advertised features, and exhaustively used the headset over my four weeks of testing to see what the long-term experience is like and ensure comfort, performance, and software all work as promised.

First reviewed November-December 2025

Read more about how we test

The Competitor is a no-nonsense symmetrical Xbox controller that barely puts a foot wrong

8:00 pm | December 19, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: Final Fantasy, PC, UK, US | Comments: Off

The Competitor: one-minute review

The Competitor is an Xbox and PC-compatible controller from manufacturer Hyperkin that adopts a DualSense-like appearance and symmetrical thumbstick layout. While it does feature niceties like drift-resistant Hall effect sticks and triggers, I’ve found it to be a blissfully simple controller.

The Competitor has no fancy RGB lighting, no gyro sensors, no trigger locks, no wireless connectivity options, and no supporting apps or software. It’s also impressively cheap, has a nice design, and a great idea or two of its own. Its straightforward nature serves it well, and it’s one reason why it’s one of the best Xbox controllers I’ve tested in quite a while.

Some of my favorite controllers in recent years have been the likes of the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro and GameSir Tarantula Pro - both gamepads that are stuffed with desirable features that definitely make their price tags trend upward. The Competitor’s stripped-back, simplistic nature is actually quite refreshing in comparison, and is a staunch reminder that controllers don’t need to be a smorgasbord to remain appealing in the contemporary market.

There are some slight missteps. I’ve never been a fan of the PlayStation-style D-pad adopted here, the Menu and Share buttons are rather awkwardly-placed, and - while this is certainly personal preference and not indicative of The Competitor’s quality - it lacks wireless connectivity. Though at its relatively low price point, it’s easy to forgive these shortcomings.

The Competitor review: price and availability

List price: $49.99 / £39.99 (around AU$74.95)
Available from most major retailers in the US and UK
Compares in price to similarly cheap controllers like the GameSir Kaleid

You can get The Competitor today for $49.99 / £39.99 (around AU$74.95), making it one of the cheaper Xbox and PC controllers that’s actually worth recommending. Readily available at Amazon in the US and the UK, you’ll also likely find it at your local retailers of choice, including Best Buy in the US and Argos in the UK.

The cheaper Xbox controller spectrum has gotten broader in recent years, with pads like the GameSir Kaleid ($49.99 / £59.99) and 8BitDo Pro 2 ($44.99 / £39.99) also coming in at similar price points. The Competitor, rather fittingly, has some tough competition in the space, then, but I’d definitely say it’s comparable in quality to those aforementioned pads.

The Competitor review: Specs

Price	$49.99 / £39.99 (around AU$74.95)
Weight	7.1oz / 200g
Dimensions	6.2 x 5.0 x 2.5in / 158 x 127 x 64mm
Compatibility	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Connection type	Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	N/A

The Competitor review: design and features

The Competitor differs from most Xbox controllers in its symmetrical thumbstick layout and design that’s practically identical to that of the DualSense Wireless Controller. You’ll find the same boomerang-esque shape here, with similarly designed D-pad and face buttons.

I wouldn’t say build quality is luxurious, certainly not up to the DualSense standard, but it does the job at its price point. That is to be expected, though, given the lower price. Otherwise, nothing about the controller screams cut corners or lazy design; it’s an extremely tight ship. Usually, you’d expect one or two blemishes to stand out on budget-friendly controllers.

But my only issues, really, are the slightly awkward placement of the central Menu and Share buttons, as well as the spongy-feeling PlayStation-style d-pad. However, the latter comes down to personal preference more than anything else.

The color scheme of The Competitor is quite pleasing, too. It sports a black and white aesthetic in a sort of ‘X’ pattern across the front of the pad. The face buttons and d-pad have a translucent, glossy finish that feels quite nice against your thumbs, too.

The Competitor review: Performance

The Competitor is a strictly wired controller. However, that’s not strange at its relatively low price point, so easy to forgive. That said, if you’d prefer a wireless model, you may be better off checking out similarly priced gamepads like the Xbox Wireless Controller or 8BitDo Pro 2.

What isn’t a guarantee for cheap controllers is the inclusion of drift-resisting Hall effect thumbsticks, but they are here on The Competitor. The sticks themselves feel great, too, with solid responsiveness and a rugged textured finish around the edges.

The Competitor features two remappable buttons on the rear of the controller. And these are easy enough to customize by holding the mapping button on the back, in conjunction with one of these rear buttons and one of the main ones on the front.

These remappable buttons are assigned by default, which I typically find a touch annoying. However, this is alleviated by a handy feature you don’t see on all that many controllers. There are lock switches for both remappable buttons, which can prevent them from being pressed in entirely. It’s arguably a bit of a workaround to keep them unassigned, but I welcome the ability to manually enable or disable them in such a way.

Should I buy The Competitor?

Buy it if...

You want an affordable, effective controller
The Competitor simply does what it says on the tin (or, um, the cardboard box, I suppose). It’s a straightforward gamepad with no obvious flaws, available at a fittingly competitive price point.

You’re looking for a drift-beating option with light features
Hall effect sticks and two remappable buttons are present here. It’s on the lighter side in terms of features, but it’s really all a controller at this price needs to stand out.

Don't buy it if...

You want a more robust D-pad
Some game genres, like fighting games and platformers, benefit from a more well-rounded d-pad than the one on The Competitor. I actually love the circular design of the Xbox Wireless Controller's d-pad, and would recommend it over The Competitor if that's something that will be important to you.

You’re on PS5
The Competitor isn’t compatible with PlayStation hardware, despite the DualSense-looking design. Consider checking out our best PS5 controllers guide if you’re shopping for a Sony gamepad instead.

The Competitor review: Also consider

If The Competitor isn’t quite competitive enough for you, here are a couple other options very much worthy of consideration.

	The Competitor	Xbox Wireless Controller	GameSir Super Nova
Price	$49.99 / £39.99 (around AU$74.95)	$59.99 / £54.99 / AU$74	$44.99 / £49.99 / AU$89
Weight	7.1oz / 200g	8.5oz / 241g	9.3oz / 263g
Dimensions	6.2 x 5.0 x 2.5in / 158 x 127 x 64mm	5.9 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 150 x 105 x 60mm	6.1 x 4.2 x 2.3in / 156 x 106 x 59mm
Compatibility	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC	PC, Switch, Switch 2
Connection type	Wired (USB-C)	Wireless (Xbox), Wired (USB-C)	Wireless (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz USB dongle), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	N/A	Varies, around 20-40 hours	15 hours

Xbox Wireless Controller
Always an incredibly solid choice, the official Xbox Wireless Controller isn’t big on bonus features, but it offers incredible reliability and is available in countless color options these days.

Read our full Xbox Wireless Controller review

GameSir Super Nova
While losing Xbox compatibility, this is a fantastic and affordable wireless controller for PC and the Switch family of consoles. I’d go for this one if you’re after a PC controller and interested in a budget-friendly wireless option. Oh, it comes with a charging dock and some lovely color options, too.

Read our full GameSir Super Nova review

How I tested The Competitor

Tested for one week
Primarily tested on PC
Played a wide range of games

I tested The Competitor over the course of about a week, putting the wired wonder through its paces primarily on a gaming PC with my Steam library. All my go-to games were present here, including Final Fantasy 14 Online, Tekken 8, Elden Ring Nightreign, and Tokyo Xtreme Racer.

Given the shape and feel of the controller, I tried to compare the experience of playing with The Competitor to that of the DualSense Wireless Controller. Obviously, the PlayStation controller is more feature-rich, with bespoke haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, as well as its touchpad. Build quality isn’t quite as strong with The Competitor, in comparison, but it’s certainly not miles off, given the price.

First reviewed December 2025

Read more about how we test

I tested the Geekom AX8 Max – and this mini PC is ideally balanced for the office, but I’m not sold on the color

10:47 am | December 18, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets | Tags: CPU, PC, RAM | Comments: Off

Geekom AX8 Max: 30-second review

The Geekom AX8 Max is a mid-range mini PC designed for office workers using Microsoft Office and Google Docs, but also needing a machine powerful enough for some light multimedia editing. Inside is a relatively powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS CPU, complemented by an integrated Radeon 780M graphics processor that enables support for up to 4 displays or a single 8K monitor.

The small size of the machine is ideal for small home offices as well as general offices, with plenty of connection options for easy integration. One of the features I always like to see on a mini PC is a VESA mount on the back, so it can be neatly tucked away, further helping to save space.

The Geekom AX8 Max is a well-specified mid-range machine, and this is reflected in its price point. The mix of a new AI-ready CPU and PCIe Gen4 SSD all comes together in a solid mini PC that will suit many different types of users, although Geekom have tried to make this mini PC a little more interesting by giving it a slightly peculiar pale blue colourway.

For most day-to-day office tasks, the AX8 Max fares exceptionally well, ploughing through large PowerPoint presentations without issue. When working with Word and Excel on dual 4K monitors, it takes the whole process in its stride. Surprisingly for a mid-range machine, it also handles Premiere Pro, editing HD and straight 4K video, as long as the edits don't get too complex and there isn't too much colour grading applied. However, as the render process builds up for more complex projects, you can start to hear the fans kick in, helping to keep everything cool and avoid any thermal throttling.

Having edited a 30-minute video, it was possible to feel that some thermal throttling was happening, as the inner workings of the machine were pushed with 4K video from the Sony A7 IV. However, considering the form factor, it fared incredibly well, and whilst the fans were audible, they were by no means the loudest I’ve come across.

In reality, mobile phone 4K and HD video is better suited for editing on this machine. While it does have the power to edit higher resolution video, the limited upgrade options when it comes to memory, with maximum internal storage only reaching 2 TB and RAM capped at 64 GB, mean even with an upgrade, it only has enough clout for base 4K video editing, with little headroom if effects do get more complex.

When it comes to storage, there is the ability to upgrade the internal capacity. However, with two USB4 ports on the back, you have instant expandability with external SSDs that will provide very decent 40 GB/s transfer rates.

Another point that lends itself towards office use is the wide range of connectivity options. There are plenty of USB-A ports across the front, but unfortunately, no USB-C. Around the back, there’s a full array of HDMI, USB-A and USB4 ports, including network LAN, meaning if you’re working in an office, it’s easy to hook this into your network as well as connect accessories.

Like many of the best mini PC machines I've tested this year, the performance all around is exceptionally good. While its Windows Experience score was like other mid-range machines, an exceptionally fast SSD and DDR5 RAM ensure most applications run quickly and smoothly, giving extremely solid performance throughout the test.

Gaming, as with multimedia editing, is well-handled, but again, the fans kick in with anything too complex. Most games play without issue, and if you're into just a bit of light gaming, even with high-end titles, this small machine will suffice.

My only other comment on this machine is the colorway, which appears to be pale blue. While this machine is exceptionally good considering its mid-range profile, that seems a bit of an odd choice.

Geekom AX8 Max: Price and availability

How much does it cost? From £629 / $629
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Directly from Geekom or Amazon.com

The price of mid-range mini PCs has definitely escalated, but then again, so has the processing power. The Geekom AX8 Max certainly raises the bar when it comes to what we now expect from a machine at this price level.

The review machine I tested will set you back around $629 directly from the Geekom website and can also be purchased through most major online retailers, including Amazon.com.

Value: 4 / 5

Geekom AX8 Max: Specs

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS
Graphics: AMD Radeon 780M integrated GPU
RAM: Dual‑channel DDR5, up to 64 GB
Storage: M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4×4 SSD, up to 2 TB
Front Ports: 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 3.5mm headphone, Power
Rear Ports: DC Jack, HDMI 2.0, 2 x USB4, 2 x 2.5G RJ45
Connectivity: Dual 2.5G LAN, Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Audio: HDA CODEC
Size: approx. 135 × 132 × 46.9 mm
OS Installed: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
Accessories: VESA mount, HDMI cable, power adapter, user manual

Geekom AX8 Max: Design

Geekom mini PCs have continued to evolve, and with the AX8 Max, you can see an update in the quality of the design. The small mini PC feels exceptionally well built and robust, with a metal chassis that means it's equally at home in a static office setup, used in a van, or taken between locations as a powerful portable mini PC. As a choice for Van Life it’s also well suited offering more protection against moisture, shock and dust than most.

As I mentioned earlier in the review, while the build quality of the mini PC is exceptionally good, it is finished in a slightly peculiar colourway which will appeal to some, but for me personally is a little off-putting and doesn’t really feel very office-centric.

The size is also on the larger side for a mini PC, measuring 135 x 132 x 46.9 mm, still small, but slightly larger than what we've seen recently. Weight-wise, it's also well balanced, coming in at 800 g for the machine with an additional weight for the power adapter, meaning it's equally at home placed on the desktop or mounted onto a VESA mount and placed out of sight behind a monitor or on a dedicated wall mount.

Despite the colourway, it does have a premium finish, and this is reflected in the slightly higher mid-range pricing. This also reflects the quality of the internal components that enable this mid-range mini PC to make an impact with higher-demand applications that would have overwhelmed some older mid-range options.

Around the body, there's a good volume of ports. Across the front of the machine, there are 4 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a 3.5 mm headphone jack and the power button. It is a bit of a shame there’s no USB Type-C on the front of any denomination. However, around the back, again, there's a good volume of ports. Alongside the DC jack for power, there are also 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, 2 USB4 ports, 2 2.5G RJ45 ports, a USB 2.0 Type-A and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A — enabling accessories both new and old to be plugged in without much issue.

Inside the machine, there is dual-channel DDR5 5600 MT/s RAM with a maximum of 64 GB. In the review sample, it arrived with 32 GB of RAM — more than enough for day-to-day office tasks and just enough for light multimedia editing. Surprisingly, the SSD storage is a little limited: it's only possible to install an M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4×4 SSD up to 2 TB. This is quite limited for this level of machine, and I would’ve expected support for at least 4 TB. However, while the maximum capacity is limited, I think more due to heat dissipation than anything else, it is exceptionally quick and one of the fastest internal SSDs I’ve seen in recent mini PC tests.

Helping to keep everything cool is the IceBlast 2.0 cooling system, which features air outlets on both sides of the machine to help dissipate internal heat from the CPU, memory and SSD. Access to these components is made through the bottom of the machine by simply undoing the screws and lifting away the base plate. Once removed, it reveals the dual-channel RAM and SSD slot, allowing quick upgrades or replacements.

Design: 3.5 / 5

Geekom AX8 Max: Features

The speed and specifications of mid-range mini PCs have recently improved with the integration of the latest AI-ready CPUs. The Ryzen 7 8745HS features eight cores, 16 threads, and has been coupled with the integrated Radeon 780M GPU, which has a good track record for performance in mini PCs.

This combination of CPU and GPU, along with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and a PCIe Gen4×4 SSD, is well-suited for anyone looking to use the machine for software beyond standard office applications, including creative programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop and Lightroom, and even photo and video editing at 1080p and light 4K.

What sets this mini PC apart from other mid-range options we’ve seen in the past is that it features the Ryzen 7 8745HS CPU, which includes AMD’s XDNA-based NPU architecture. This means it’s better able to handle lightweight AI workloads locally, such as background blur in video calls, speech transcription, and voice assistants in applications like Photoshop and Premiere Pro. It also enables faster localised AI processing.

It’s not just the CPU that has an AI boost, the integrated Radeon 780M GPU also supports AI-enhanced media. Although it doesn’t feature dedicated AI silicon, it still improves processing in enhanced video encoding and supports hardware-accelerated AV1 codec, which is useful for both DaVinci Resolve and Adobe products.

If you're looking for an AI workstation for development and thinking this mini PC might be a great option, then it’s worth noting that it's not designed for deep learning or running an LLM chatbot locally. Instead, it’s better suited for more mainstream AI use. For something more AI-tuned, it’s probably best to look at something like the Sapphire Edge AI 370.

As covered in the design section, there’s a good number of ports, including exceptional connectivity with USB4 ports on the back that offer 40 Gbps transfer and 100 W PD power. So, if you have other devices that need quick charging, that port is an option. Alongside the physical ports, there's also Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting most wireless keyboards and mice, and Wi-Fi 6E for fast internet connection speeds.

Another big feature is the ability to connect up to four 4K monitors — two through USB4 ports and two through the HDMI 2.0 ports. There's also the option to connect an 8K monitor, although you’ll only be able to use one 8K monitor at a time, rather than four 4K displays.

Features: 4 / 5

Geekom AX8 Max: Performance

Benchmark scores

CrystalDiskMark Read: 6,731.02 MB/s
CrystalDiskMark Write: 6,023.3 MB/s
Geekbench CPU Multi: 12,660
Geekbench CPU Single: 2,440
Geekbench GPU: 29,050
PCMark Overall: 6,741
Cinebench CPU Multi: 15,518
Cinebench CPU Single: 1,703
Fire Strike Overall: 7,346
Fire Strike Graphics: 7,965
Fire Strike Physics: 27,074
Fire Strike Combined: 2,746
Time Spy Overall: 3,162
Time Spy Graphics: 2,808
Time Spy CPU: 11,076
Wild Life Overall: 16,022
Steel Nomad Overall: 499
Windows Experience Overall: 8.2

Getting started with the Geekom AX8 Max is relatively straightforward. Once plugged in, all you need to do is run through the Windows 11 Pro setup screens, log into your Microsoft user account along with any others, and the machine is ready to go. This process now takes between five and ten minutes to complete, as Microsoft tries to encourage sign-ups to its various services.

However, once done, you don’t have to go through it again, and the speed of the internet connection from the outset, provided by the Wi-Fi 6E, helps speed things up.

During setup and plug-in, it’s worth noting that, while this mini PC is compact, the power adapter must also be considered. While not especially large, it is still a bulky addition.

Starting the tests, both Microsoft Office and Google Docs ran exceptionally smoothly. Microsoft Office applications opened quickly and ran without issue. Checking through the benchmark tests, the Windows Experience score of 8.2 is about average for mid-range mini PCs. While some may experience slight lag in more media-intensive apps like PowerPoint, the very fast SSD ensures image and large file processing is handled exceptionally quickly.

In fact, when I started looking at more advanced applications, I felt like this small machine was able to cope with a lot more than expected. That’s in part due to the speed of the internal SSD, which recorded one of the fastest transfer rates I’ve tested this year, 6,731.02 MB/s read and, more impressively, 6,023.3 MB/s write. This meant it didn’t just handle media-intensive Microsoft applications quickly, but also large image files in Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as video data within Premiere Pro.

This makes it a great option for office workers who need to create large presentations with images or video, or for those involved in multimedia creation using CapCut or Premiere Pro.

Taking processing demands up a notch I loaded a few images from the Canon EOS R5C into Photoshop, the speed was good, and it handled high-resolution image files, applying adjustment layers and effects without noticeable lag.

As I experimented with Lightroom, general use was excellent, and even batch editing was handled without issue. The only time I noticed a slowdown, compared with my desktop, was when using AI features such as Denoise or Enhance Details. While it processed the images, there was a marked difference compared to my desktop machine. In Photoshop, day-to-day work, including layers, effects and exports, was all good, but when using local smart features like Neural Filters or Smart Portrait, some slowdown was noticeable, especially with tasks requiring GPU power.

In multimedia production, starting with CapCut and footage from the iPhone 15 Pro, the machine handled the data with no issue. As templates were applied, the speed remained solid, and CapCut ran smoothly, making editing easy.

Upgrading the production using Premiere Pro, things began to slow down slightly, but the machine still handled thumbnail and timeline renders at a decent pace. It was only when I loaded in 4K video that it started to struggle, with the fans kicking in, especially during grading.

One of the main issues with Premiere Pro was that, while 1080p footage from an iPhone or DJI Action 5 edited without issue, moving to 4K footage led to stuttering during playback and increased render times, along with noticeable fan noise.

When it came to AI features such as Auto Reframe, Scene Edit Detection and Speech to Text, processing was considerably slower compared to my desktop PC.

To finish the test, I played a couple of games, Hogwarts Legacy and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Both were fortunately playable, but settings had to be reduced for smooth playback. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, in particular, showed noticeable stutter, the kind you often get when the CPU and GPU are struggling with the detail.

So overall, this is definitely a machine designed for mid-range office and light multimedia work, less suited to anything beyond that, and especially not a great option if you are gaming.

Performance: 4 / 5

Geekom AX8 Max: Final verdict

The Geekom AX8 Max is a great option for any office looking for a slightly quirky-coloured mini PC that enables them to complete day-to-day tasks, create relatively complex presentations, and do a little light multimedia editing.

Some highlights of this mini PC include its connectivity, with two RJ45 ports at the back enabling direct network connection and offering plenty of storage expansion. I also like that it comes with two USB4 ports, allowing connection to mass external storage or ultra-fast PC accessories.

Colourway aside, the build quality is exceptionally good, and with all those ports, it offers a great office solution. I am, however, a little surprised that upgrade options are limited to just 64 GB RAM and 2TB internal storage.

If you are in the market for a slightly quirky-coloured mini PC, this offers solid performance across the board and is reasonably well priced, particularly compared with a machine like the Beelink SER9.

Should I buy the Geekom AX8 Max?

Value	Good value for money for a solid office machine that allows light multimedia editing	4
Design	Solid design with plenty of ports that enable easy connectivity — just a shame about the colour	3.5
Features	A well-balanced mid-range mini PC with a good range of features, including AI readiness	4
Performance	SSD transfer speeds are exceptionally good, giving the CPU and GPU a performance boost compared with similarly specced machines	4
Overall	A great no-fuss machine for the office that offers excellent speed for day-to-day administration and multimedia editing	4

Buy it if...

You need office desk space
You want a compact PC that doesn’t take up much desk space but handles office, coding and creative workloads smoothly.

You're creating a multi‑monitor setup
You need 4K/8K output, multiple displays or a hidden setup, but still want good performance in a small form factor.

Don't buy it if...

You're running heavy‑duty GPU workloads
You plan extensive 3D modelling, rendering, high-end gaming or anything where a GPU is needed.

You demand maximum performance under load
If your workflows involve sustained heavy multi-core or graphics tasks, thermal throttling might limit performance compared with a full-size desktop tower.

Want to run and train an LLM model locally? I found the Minisforum MS-S1 Max mini PC to be an affordable option in my tests

10:47 am | December 16, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets | Tags: CPU, Indiana Jones, PC, RAM | Comments: Off

Minisforum MS-S1 Max: 30-second review

For a machine that just fits the mini PC classification, the Minisforum MS-S1 is something on another level and almost by definition, and this is reflected in the near £2,500 / $2,500 price tag. That price affords the latest components and technology inside, as well as an incredibly solid build. If you're thinking about buying this powerful mini PC, there are a few things to consider.

First and foremost, this isn't your average desktop machine. Sure, it will run all the usual applications like any other mini PC or desktop, but it goes far beyond, with its AI-tuned AMD CPU/GPU providing a perfect localised development workstation for AI or AI-enhanced applications.

It's also worth considering that the major components of this machine are soldered in place, so there's no option, unlike a desktop, to replace the CPU, GPU or RAM. However, there are plenty of options to boost the internal storage capacity, or even boost the graphics with a discrete card, as the machine has space for a full-sized PCIe x16 expansion, though you do need to consider that this is a mini PC, so whatever card you opt for will need to be relatively small.

Looking through the rest of the specifications, all features are cutting-edge, and Minisforum haven’t held back on any part of this machine, with unified RAM, those AI processes, USB4 and PCIe 4.0, with the ability to install up to 8TB of internal storage in the M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slot.

The specification of this machine is impressive, but it’s only once you navigate Windows that you can really start to feel that boost in processing power and the speed at which Windows 11 Pro operates. Applications open almost instantly. When you load Microsoft Office, everything is exceptionally fast and responsive. Copying and pasting huge documents from one application to another presents no issue, and even when you start to load up memory-hungry applications such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, this machine just takes them in.

The real difference comes when you start to utilise the AI features in those applications, and even in Premiere Pro, with the CPU and GPU capable of processing Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro’s AI-at-heart features quickly, both locally and utilising remote processing options.

If you are into AI development, then the AI setup is going to work as a perfect starting point, with the ability to install a local LLM such as LM Studio on your machine.

Throughout the test, the machine just impressed. While the AMD Radeon graphics lag slightly behind Nvidia alternatives, it is still incredibly capable, flying through all video production I threw at it, as well as performing well when it came to gaming.

The Minisforum MS-S1 Max is essentially a specialist machine, especially when you consider its price point and the fact that it has been made to fit neatly into a U2 rack system, meaning that whether you use it on your desktop as a very compact and powerful mini PC for content creation, or as a machine that can take full advantage of most programs’ AI-enhanced features, or you’re looking to use the best mini PC for local AI development, the Minisforum MS-S1 Max is an option, especially when you cluster it with others.

What really appeals to me is that because of its small size and its durability, thanks to its full aluminium build, it’s also a great option to utilise in the field, offering a relatively compact and lightweight, yet extremely powerful machine that rivals many desktop video workstations.

Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Price and availability

How much does it cost? From £2399 / $2499
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Directly from Minisforum or Amazon

The Minisforum MS-S1 Max is widely available and can currently be purchased directly from the Minisforum US for $2,499 and Minisforum UK for £2,399, down from the recommended price of £2,999 / $2,999. I'm also seeing it available on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Value: 4 / 5

Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Specs

CPU: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (16-core Zen5)
Graphics: AMD Radeon 8060S (Integrated)
RAM: Up to 128 GB LPDDR5x-8000MT/s
Storage: M.2 2280 SSD
Left Ports: 1× USB4 v2, 2× USB-A, Mic jack
Right Ports: 1× USB4 v2, Power, DisplayPort, HDMI, PCIe slot
Connectivity: Dual 10GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Audio: 3.5mm combo jack
Camera: None
Size: Compact chassis; fits on desktop or 2U rack.
OS Installed: Windows 11 Pro
Accessories: Power cable, mounting options

Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Design

While the Minisforum MS-S1 Max is classed as a mini PC, you can tell from the outset that it is something far more, with a matte black industrial design that feels a level up from even standard premium mini PCs. The design is exceptional, with rubber feet on one of the longer edges as well as the base, so you have plenty of options for how to position it on your desk. It’s also been designed to fit directly into a U2 rack, so if you want to place it alongside your server, that’s easy enough.

The size, whilst not as small as most mini PCs, is still relatively compact at 222 x 206 x 77 mm, and it comes in at 2.8 kg, so it's substantially heavier than we usually expect.

However, unlike most mini PCs that remain small and compact yet always come with a power adapter that is almost the same size and weight as the actual machine, here with the MS-S1 Max, the power supply is built-in, so all you need is a standard kettle lead for the power.

Checking over the body of the machine, there are plenty of connectivity options. Very neatly on the front, there’s a single USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A with 10Gb/s transfer rate and 2 USB4 offering 40Gbps DP 2.0, PD power out (15W), and next to this is a 3.5mm audio combo jack enabling you to use standard headphones and mic.

Round the back, the selection of ports is equally impressive, with an HDMI 2.1 capable of providing 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz, 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB4 v2 (80Gbps, DP 2.0, PD out 15W), two USB 3.2 Gen 2, two 10GbE LAN RJ45 ports, anti-theft lock, and a reset hole to help clear the CMOS if you’ve been doing some development that’s gone wrong.

All these connections and interfaces are cutting-edge, but most mini PCs would stop there. Here with the MS-S1 Max, there’s a little bit more to it - and a feature that makes this closer to a desktop PC than a mini PC.

Opening up the machine (which is done by removing two screws at the back), the whole backplate and internals of the machine can be removed from the metal casing, revealing the SSD slot and the PCIe 4.0 expansion slot. While the connector is full-size, you will need to be a little bit wary about the size of the expansion card you purchase, but it still gives you plenty of options for discrete graphics and possibly AI enhancement cards in the future.

Design: 4.5 / 5

Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Features

For a mini PC, the specification and feature list are slightly abnormal, featuring the latest AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, and this is coupled with an AMD Radeon 8060S GPU. It’s also backed by an AMD Ryzen AI engine that gives this machine the full range of AI potential. The configuration of this machine has been built so that you can run large AI models locally, with all-scenario AI compute that offers up to 126 TOPS and runs 128B+ LLMs locally, such as LM Studio.

One of the other points about this machine is that it’s been designed so that you can either use it as a single machine or as part of a dual-unit 235B cluster or 2U rack cluster to really boost your AI workflow and development. In the marketing material, Minisforum actually state it’ll run the 235B Q4 large model locally if configured in that dual configuration, although that does obviously mean two of these machines and double the price.

If two machines aren’t enough for what you want to do, then that 2U rack deployment is also possible, where even more MS-S1 Max machines can be distributed into a cluster. Again, in the marketing material, Minisforum states that a four-unit cluster is powerful enough to run the DeepSeek-R1671B Q4 large model locally, which is impressive, firstly considering the size of the machines, and secondly, the fact that it comes in at less than $10,000 / £10,000.

What’s impressive here is that Minisforum have created a bespoke cluster design, which means that once configured and wired up, utilising the reserved cascade power-on header, you can then power on and off all machines in one go as if they were one.

As well as the future potential and upgradability into cluster systems, out of the box with just one unit, there are also a few key AI features, such as precise voice recognition with the AI noise-cancelling mic that will support mainstream AI models and help with speech-to-text and other voice commands.

Many of the internal components are also soldered to the motherboard, and it features 128GB of unified LPDDR5X-8000 MT/s RAM.

There an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slot that’s able to take up to 8TB of storage.

As you look over the body of the machine, there are several things that really stand out. One of those features that’s really appealing is the inclusion of dual USB4 v2 and dual 10GbE LAN ports alongside Wi-Fi 7, enabling ultra-fast transfer speeds from external storage and accessories, and also the ability to connect to a local area network, and more importantly, a system for network editing.

Another of the huge differences between this machine and many others is the volume of I/O options. Including the latest USB4 v2 enables up to 80Gbps transfer rate, but on top of that, it also offers PCIe 4.0 x4, which offers space for full-length x16 slot expansion cards, giving you plenty of capability options from the outset.

As I previously mentioned, unlike other mini PCs, the PSU is actually incorporated into the casing of the machine and offers 320W, which is huge for this size of machine, but obviously needed for all the computing power it holds.

One of the other big features is the design, with the slide-out structure that enables you to slide the main computer out from the casing, so that upgrading and maintenance are exceptionally easy and fast.

There’s a lot going on with the MS-S1 Max, and cooling is essential. Here, they’ve tried to tackle this with an aerospace-grade aluminium chassis that offers both durability and superb airflow through the componentry.

Features: 5 / 5

Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Performance

Benchmark scores

CrystalDiskMark Read: 6061.76 MB/s
CrystalDiskMark Write: 5374.64 MB/s
Geekbench CPU Multi: 19,653
Geekbench CPU Single: 2,904
Geekbench GPU: 95,729
PCMark Overall: 8,425
Cinebench CPU Multi: 34,648
Cinebench CPU Single: 2,042
Fire Strike Overall: 26,639
Fire Strike Graphics: 29,838
Fire Strike Physics: 35,196
Fire Strike Combined: 12,283
Time Spy Overall: 1,106
Time Spy Graphics: 11,056
Time Spy CPU: 10,732
Wild Life Overall: 65,580
Steel Nomad Overall: 2,135
Windows Experience Overall: 9.1

Running through the setup process, it was apparent that the MS-S1 Max was quite a different machine from most of the mini PCs I tested, only the Sapphire Edge Ai 370 having hints of the same AI enhancement. The Windows 11 Pro setup required the usual final steps, signing into Microsoft and Google and downloading and installing updates.

What’s apparent with that Wi-Fi 7 connectivity is the speed at which you can connect to the wireless router (if, of course, your wireless router supports Wi-Fi 7).

Another noticeable point about this machine right from the outset is not only the number of connection options, enabling you to quickly connect up to 4K monitors. It is worth noting at this early point in the testing that the fans kick in from the outset, and this is far from a silent runner. Obviously, a lot is going on in this machine, and like any server, those fans and the cooling are consistent, unlike the almost silent running we’ve become used to with most mini PCs.

I started off with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. These all loaded almost instantly, even when I threw large documents at the machine, including a large PowerPoint presentation I’d already created on another PC. It was very evident just how well this machine can handle those larger files, and again, there was literally no lag or wait time when it came to saving the files down or editing and adjusting images within any PowerPoint presentation.

As I moved over to some of the imaging applications, such as Photoshop and Lightroom, again, it was apparent that the images from the Sony A7 IV and Canon EOS R5C posed absolutely no issue for this machine. Whilst the Radeon 8060S isn’t quite as powerful as some of the discrete graphics cards, the pure power of the CPU and iGPU is more than enough for these two applications. When it came to running the AI features, it proved just how capable this machine was, running those AI functions locally.

Moving on to Adobe Premiere Pro, I went straight in with some Pro 4K footage shot on the iPhone 15 Pro, and instantly, it was apparent that this machine was going to have no problems with that footage. I then went a level up with some RAW footage from the Canon EOS R5C.

While you could see a little bit of slowdown when it came to 4K after effects and grading, it could still handle a 15-minute edit with absolutely no issues whatsoever. If I were going to do a longer edit, I might consider putting in discrete graphics, but for most people, this machine out of the box will handle pretty much anything you throw at it when it comes to video editing.

One key point here was that I needed to transcribe one of the videos, and the speech-to-text was exceptionally fast, including expanding clips in the timeline, where the AI processing really becomes incredibly valuable.

When it came to CapCut (essentially a far lighter video editor than Premiere Pro and ideal for creating social media content for YouTube), there were no issues. Applying templates gave a really smooth experience; editing was fast and extremely agile.

Of course, this being an AI machine, I had to give some of the more in-depth AI features a go. So here I downloaded and installed LM Studio, as it’s free and has a very easy-to-use interface. Again, the performance was exceptional, and I was able to run that language model locally on the machine. While I’m still investigating the full use of LM Studio and its features, I have to say I was extremely impressed with the speed at which it was able to give responses and compute.

Finally, after trying to figure out the complexities of the AI features, I sat back for a little bit of gaming. This is where the machine starts to have a few issues, mainly because the Radeon 8060S, which, while incredibly powerful, does lag behind most discrete graphics cards I’ve recently seen in the latest Asus ProArt P16 laptop.

Still, playing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Hogwarts Legacy, both were more than playable, getting good smooth motion, although not all settings could be turned up beyond medium.

Essentially, this is an extremely powerful mini PC and sits in between a dedicated desktop workstation and a smaller format machine. The power and capability are, of course, reflected in the price. This is a machine that’s been designed with a specific purpose, to utilise the power of AI locally, either as a single machine or as part of a cluster. For that purpose, while the price of the machine might seem high, it actually offers exceptional value for something this powerful and AI-ready.

Performance: 5 / 5

Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Final verdict

This isn’t the machine that’s going to suit everyone. Even for content creators, where this machine excels with 4K video editing and image enhancement, there are cheaper and better-suited machines out there. You’ll get the same performance for Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro from machines that cost considerably less and include a dedicated GPU.

Likewise, for gaming, all the games I tried on the system worked perfectly well, even at mid to low effects and graphic settings, but again, there are gaming PCs that are far cheaper and better suited for that purpose.

This machine, then, is really designed for AI developers, engineers, and users who want to investigate what the future of computing holds. The fact that it is a single machine, relatively well priced, and offers plenty of upgrade options, with the ability to put in up to 16TB of internal storage, USB4 V2, and with a PCIe 4.0 slot for expansion cards, gives you plenty of future potential.

What’s really interesting is that this machine is not just designed as a single standard unit, but as one that can be added to, so you can run it as a dual cluster or even build it into a far larger system as your budget and needs increase. For AI developers and engineers, this is an incredibly neat and simple out-of-the-box solution.

So for AI developers, this is a superb option that, while similarly expensive, is actually cheaper than many other alternatives. For everyone else, it would be a nice machine to own, but it might be a little overkill and not really tuned to mainstream use.

Should I buy the Minisforum MS-S1 Max?

Value	Extremely high-end AI computing in a compact box at a surprisingly balanced price	4
Design	Superb design that helps to dissipate heat, offers expansion options and cluster potential	4.5
Features	The big excitement here is the AI CPU and iGPU, alongside PCIe 4.0 expansion and cluster support	4
Performance	Closely matched to mid- to high-end desktops. This mini PC is in another class compared with what we normally expect	5
Overall	AI-focused compact workstation as a perfect option for AI developers	4

Buy it if...

You’re an AI developer

You’re running LLMs, multimodal models, or training workflows locally and need 128 GB RAM with 100+ TOPS AI compute

You want a true creative workstation

It's a top choice if you’re editing 4K video, building 3D models, or running simulations where GPU and fast RAM make a difference.

Don't buy it if...

Budget is tight
While this is at the affordable end of AI development machines, if you’re looking for an affordable mini PC for browsing or light media use, this is complete overkill.

You're focused on upgrading everything

If you want to swap RAM and CPU later, unified memory and soldered components mean limited future-proofing.

I tested the MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG and it’s perfectly placed if you want a simple productivity mini PC with onboard AI

8:07 pm | December 3, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: AI, CPU, IO, PC | Comments: Off

I'm a big fan of compact desktops. The more I do and grow in my professional career, the more I appreciate their value. Not only are compact desktops great for administrative roles, but also front desks, stationary desktops for employees to be able to utilize, perhaps you have offices where part-timers, or hourly employees need to be able to work and access company data or systems, or maybe the setup that you have you need to have a compact workstation and a laptop doesn't make sense for whatever reason.

Mini PC's are phenomenal in these areas. Now, for this review, I am not going to act like this is the most powerful machine I have worked with and that it is capable of running large LLM Models, a massive codebase, edit 12K videos and teach you how to perform open heart surgery all at the same time, I understand that while there are machines that are built to be powerhouses, this is meant to be a compact machine, it's meant to give you the power that is needed at a reasonable price and a better footprint.

MSI isn't trying to break records with this machine; they are trying to create a machine for everyday users. It wanted to make a machine that can be plugged into any display and perform basic tasks, or run headless and connect to servers, run processes in the background, or something along these lines.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: Price and availability

The MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is widely available from online retailers like Amazon. I'm seeing prices starting at around the $1000 / £1000 mark depending on where you buy.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: Unboxing and First Impressions

The Cubi NUC is a simple setup. It's included in a basic package, which consists of power, a VESA mount, and an extended power button, if needed. The VESA mount design is excellent, allowing you to easily use it or forget it exists without altering the layout, restricting access to key ports, or requiring the purchase of an accessory. The VESA mount is ideal for mounting behind a monitor, TV, or display, or for attaching to the underside of a desk, wall, or other surfaces.

Like so many of the best mini PC machines I've used, the size of the Cubi NUC lends itself to plenty of different use cases as well. It's ideal for tucking away in a cabinet at a medical office, on a cart in a hospital, in a digital screen display kiosk, in a classroom, at a welcome desk, and more. That's where a machine like this thrives.

I was pleased to see the port layout, which makes quick-access ports extremely easy to reach, along with a fingerprint scanner for added security. Additionally, for setups and use cases where the computer may be tucked away, mounted, or hidden out of reach, MSI includes an external power button with a long cable, allowing you to place it in a readily accessible area and keep the machine where you ideally want it.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: Design & Build Quality

Specs

CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 288V
Graphics: Up to Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Memory: Up to 32GB
Storage: 1x M.2 2280 SSD
IO: 4x USB-A, 1x MicroSD, 1x Headphone, 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 2x RJ45, 1x HDMI
Wireless: Up to Wi-Fi 7

The design is both minimal and functional. Unlike some machines that place all ports on the back to maintain an ultra-minimal look, MSI understands that this approach is not always the most functional.

Therefore, they opted to divide the ports on the front and back to maximize productivity. The quick access ports are on the front, accessible if the machine is mounted or on top of a desk, and the (typically) one-time-plug-in-and-forget-about-it kind of ports are in the back. This layout facilitates cable management, as it positions the majority of the cables to the back of the desk, or at least away from the user.

For a business machine that isn't competing in any beauty pageants, this design is excellent, focusing on productivity and functionality.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: In use

MSI's Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG has been in my fleet (yes, it's a fleet at this point, as I currently have 18 computers in my review queue) for 92 days. In that time, I've had it set up at my secondary desk in my home office, plugged into my BenQ EW2790U on my Flexispot E7 Plus Desk Setup. It's been great for background tasks, writing, emails, and some productivity work as well.

The ease of having a machine always ready to go is fantastic. I like having a server computer that I can remotely access using a VPN, Remote Desktop, or my recent favorite, Chrome Remote Desktop, to modify my network drives. Locally access my Synology, rip content without slowing down my primary machine, transfer data, or perform other tasks that don't require my primary machine.

Having a computer ready to go, plugged in at all times, is also great if you want the least amount of friction possible to get from not working to working and then back to not working again. You just have to sit down, press a key on a keyboard and you are good to go.

The dual network lines came in handy when I tested connecting to my Synology BeeStations and Disk Stations for some updates to the newest DSM software, while I also wanted to connect to my LAN. Granted, Synology allows for LAN access, but I wanted to transfer some content quickly to my NAS as well, making this a perfect solution.

Another great use case for the dual Ethernet would be if you need to connect to a redundant network, a secure network, and a more open network, a server, a network audio controller, or really any other network-controlled device. It’s a little machine like this that can take your workstation, studio, office, or role to the next level, harnessing the simplicity and power of its ease, connectivity, and possibilities as a headless unit to run tasks for you in a more efficient way.

There are some scenarios where these armrests may not be ideal, but for most, they’ll be fine, or worth the lack of adjustment if you like the style and overall aesthetic and feel of this chair.

Some chairs you give up look and design for overall comfort and features. The Serene Nox by Eureka is the exact opposite, you give up highly adjustable armrests and lumbar for the overall aesthetic.

That’s another element of this chair that you should probably know. You’re not going to want to use this chair with a cheap folding desk, nor at the kitchen table, where your temporary workspace is, you won’t even want to use this chair in a bullpen, you want to use this chair in offices, in executive corner suites, you want this chair at the reception desk of a high end corporation so that it can look the part and still provide comfort.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: Final verdict

The MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is not for everyone. In fact, it may not even be for most people. But it's well-specced for those who need an easy office machine. It'll capably handle tasks like a Windows headless unit to run a server, running multiple digital displays, or an always-on machine that can be on dual networks at once.

It’s a discreet and smart machine that may just be the building block to a more efficient chain of automations, or simplified workflows, or introducing AI into your sphere, all without taking up precious real estate on your desk, or locking you into a non-upgradable display that may or may not meet your desired specifications.

Should you buy a MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG?

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Value	Upper mid range, strong ports and usability for the right business applications	4 / 5
Design	Sleek, compact, and thoughtful layout and port offering	4 / 5
Hardware	Modern chips, great ports, Thunderbolt, fingerprint sensor	4 / 5
Performance	Quiet, responsive, reliable, great for headless access and server access	3.5 / 5
Overall	A great mini PC for the right user, always-on needs, digital signage, server companions, and perhaps remote access	4 / 5

Buy it if...

You need a compact, always-on, Windows machine
While this may not be the powerhouse your creative department needs, this could be what your development team could use for accessing servers, running background processes, or running digital signage

You want a solid, redunant-backed, connection
Dual LAN ports are vital for those who want a redundant backup for a vital piece of machineryView Deal

Don't buy it if...

You need a machine for your creative department
This is not the machine you want for graphic intensive proceses or workstation-level performance.

You need something portable
While this mini PC is ultra-portable, it's still nowhere close to the power and performance you can get in a quality laptop, so unless there is a unique usecase, check out some of our best laptops.

For more professional-grade computing, we've tested the best business laptops and best business computers.

The BattlerGC Pro is one of the best retro gaming controllers I’ve ever tested

1:00 am | November 12, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming Nintendo | Tags: Nintendo Switch, PC | Comments: Off

BattlerGC Pro: one-minute review

I’ve spent this past week being seriously impressed with the BattlerGC Pro.

To me, it’s everything a modern take on the iconic GameCube controller should be, making it one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories to date. Compatible with Switch and Switch 2 as well as PC, its real ace in the hole is the included wireless GameCube adapter, which works brilliantly with Nintendo’s sixth-generation purple wonder as well as its successor, the Wii.

While the Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller is a great recreation, it’s very much a case of ‘what you see is what you get.’ The BattlerGC Pro takes that template and fully modernizes it, bringing Hall effect sticks, remappable rear buttons, and multiplatform compatibility to the table. Its d-pad and clicky triggers, especially, are a monumental improvement over Nintendo’s official controller.

The BattlerGC Pro is probably not going to be your go-to for many of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games, given its adoption of the GameCube controller’s unorthodox face button layout. But it’s a dream to use with Nintendo Switch Online’s growing GameCube library. And of course, compatibility with original hardware and PC means it’s excellent if you still have a GameCube or Wii game collection, or you enjoy your games enhanced via emulation.

There are some slight issues to make note of here. Battery life isn’t particularly impressive, and the Home button is smack in the center of the pad, meaning you really have to reach your thumbs over to press it. But these are very tiny blemishes on what is otherwise a very accomplished retro-facing controller.

In short, don’t feel like you have to shell out for a second-hand WaveBird to enjoy wireless play on GameCube or Wii. The BattlerGC Pro is much more cost-effective and, ultimately, a much better controller overall.

BattlerGC Pro review: price and availability

List price: $69.95 / £59.99 / AU$99.95
Available to buy now from Retro Fighters or regional retailers
Slightly pricier than the official Switch 2 GameCube controller ($64.99 / £58.99 / AU$89.95)

You can pick up the BattlerGC Pro controller today for the retail price of $69.95 / £59.99 / AU$99.95. It’s available in various colors from manufacturer Retro Fighters’ website (Black, Purple, and a translucent ‘Glacier’ color, too), or regional big box retailers.

The BattlerGC Pro actually comes in slightly more expensive than the official Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller, which retails at $64.99 / £58.99 / AU$89.95. That said, I think the features offered by the BattlerGC Pro - not to mention its multiplatform compatibility - certainly make it well worth the extra asking price.

BattlerGC Pro review: Specs

Price	$69.95 / £59.99 / AU$99.95
Weight	7oz / 198g
Dimensions	6 x 3 x 2.8in / 152 x 76 x 71mm
Compatibility	Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, GameCube, Wii, Wii U (requires Wii U GameCube adapter)
Connection type	Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, GameCube adapter), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	Around 10 hours

BattlerGC Pro review: design and features

Like the OG Xbox’s ‘Duchess’ to the ‘Duke’ controller, the BattlerGC Pro looks and feels like an intelligent revision of the Nintendo GameCube controller. Or more accurately - given the feature set - the wireless WaveBird variant.

Years and years of third-party controller features and refinements have clearly informed the design of the BattlerGC Pro.

First of all, the BattlerGC Pro does address some of the original GameCube controller’s shortcomings. There are two shoulder buttons here as opposed to just the one, and the triggers have been completely redesigned. As has the d-pad, which is slightly bigger and offers a more satisfying press. The thumbsticks can also click inwards now, offering L3 and R3 button inputs. But for the most part, that GameCube layout remains unchanged.

The rear of the BattlerGC Pro houses two remappable buttons, as well as a switch for swapping between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connectivity options. You’ll also find a small ‘program’ button back here, which can be held in conjunction with other buttons to assign those remappables to your liking.

I’m a huge fan of the GameCube’s aesthetic, and it’s been successfully replicated and modernized with the BattlerGC Pro. The color scheme is on point, from the purple casing to the green, red, and yellow of the A and B buttons and C-stick, respectively. New additions are made tastefully, and are discreet enough (like those remappable buttons) that they don’t intrude on that classic GameCube look.

BattlerGC Pro review: Performance

One look at that GameCube-style button layout should be enough to tell you that the BattlerGC Pro is not designed with modern games in mind. I confirmed as much by jumping into Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, and had to actively look at the controller to reorient myself.

But realistically, you’re not buying the BattlerGC to enjoy the latest releases on Switch 2 or PC with. It’s specifically designed for use with GameCube titles, or other games that aren’t hampered by a reliance on that unorthodox button layout. On this front, the BattlerGC Pro really delivers.

I sampled games across systems that the BattlerGC Pro is compatible with. Starting with Luigi’s Mansion and F-Zero GX on Nintendo Switch Online, then moving onto original GameCube hardware with killer7, Tales of Symphonia, and Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2, using that wireless GameCube adapter, which slots into the console’s controller ports. The pairing process was blissfully simple, too; I just had to hold in the Home button, and the adapter recognized the controller in seconds.

The experience felt incredible across both platforms and certainly helps to breathe new life into the GameCube library. Even over a wireless connection, input latency was impressively untraceable. There’s just something so nice about revisiting an older platform with a wireless connectivity solution.

The biggest disappointment, though, is definitely with the BattlerGC Pro’s battery life. 10 hours is far from awful, but do expect to be topping it up a lot more often than Nintendo’s own Switch 2 GameCube controller, as well as the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

Should I buy the BattlerGC Pro?

Buy it if...

You own original GameCube or Wii hardware
The BattlerGC Pro presents a fantastic excuse to dust off your GameCube or Wii console and get stuck in with some classic games. Especially with its wireless connectivity options.

You want a multiplatform-capable retro-friendly controller
Compatible with both Switch consoles and PC, as well as Wii and GameCube, the BattlerGC Pro is great for arcade-style titles on more modern platforms, as well as the classics.

Don't buy it if...

You hate the GameCube controller layout
The GameCube controller’s weird button layout certainly isn’t for everyone. And you’re going to be stuck with it here.

You were hoping for more battery life
At just 10 hours, the BattlerGC Pro does falter somewhat on battery life. Consider the official Switch 2 GameCube controller or the Switch 2 Pro Controller if you want to charge your pad up less often.

BattlerGC Pro review: Also consider

If the BattlerGC Pro isn’t impressing you, here are a couple of strong Switch 2-facing alternatives for you to consider as well.

	BattlerGC Pro	Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller	Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Price	$69.95 / £59.99 / AU$99.95	$64.99 / £58.99 / AU$89.95	$84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95
Weight	7oz / 198g	7.4oz / 210g	8.3oz / 235g
Dimensions	6 x 3 x 2.8in / 152 x 76 x 71mm	5.5 x 3.9 x 2.6in / 140 x 100 x 65mm	5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60mm
Compatibility	Switch, Switch 2, PC, GameCube, Wii, Wii U (requires Wii U GameCube adapter)	Nintendo Switch 2	Nintendo Switch 2
Connection type	Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, GameCube adapter), Wired (USB-C)	Wireless (Switch 2 native)	Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB Type-C)
Battery life	Around 10 hours	Around 25-30 hours	Around 40 hours

Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller
Specifically designed for use with Nintendo Switch Online’s GameCube game library, the Switch 2 GameCube controller is a warts-and-all re-release of the original. It adds gyro aiming and a GameChat button for online play, but expect a very similar-feeling pad overall. Great battery life, too.

Read our full Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller review

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Easily the best controller for Switch 2. It offers impressively smooth thumbsticks, rock-solid build quality, and class-leading battery life of around 40 hours. It’s pricey, but worth every penny and a massive upgrade over the Joy-Con 2 controllers.

Read our full Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review

How I tested the BattlerGC Pro

Tested for one week
Used across Switch 2, PC, and original GameCube hardware
Compared to the official Switch 2 GameCube controller and Switch 2 Pro Controller

I tested the BattlerGC Pro for this review over the course of a week. While I primarily used it to play games on Nintendo Switch 2 - including Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer, and Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S - I also had the chance to try it out with original GameCube hardware.

This is an edge the BattlerGC Pro has over the likes of the Switch 2 GameCube Controller and Switch 2 Pro Controller - its multiplatform capabilities. I can highly recommend it to those who own an original GameCube or Wii console, thanks to its wireless connectivity solution.

First reviewed November 2025

Read more about how we test

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. is, by default, the best Xbox controller from the brand to date – but the lack of improvements is disappointing

4:00 am | November 6, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: Final Fantasy, PC, UK, US | Comments: Off

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: one-minute review

We’re big fans of Thrustmaster’s eSwap products at TechRadar Gaming but the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. isn’t exactly the big leap forward the brand’s controller lineup needs. As for changes, the clue’s in the name. The H.E. packs in a pair of Thrustmaster’s H.E.A.R.T. Hall effect thumbsticks, which is nice, and means you won’t need to buy them separately. It's one of the best Xbox controllers, but slightly better.

If you’re buying an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. is definitely the one to get. By default, it is the best eSwap gamepad to date by packing those Hall effect sticks in with the already excellent eSwap X2. And yes, you can still expect brilliant build quality and Thrustmaster’s commitment to accessibility and customizability through its swappable stick and D-pad modules.

But don’t expect any changes beyond that, which also means issues that we had with the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 are still present here. It’s a bulky controller that, while ideal for big-handed players, can be a bit unwieldy for anyone else. I also found the D-pad to be a little uncomfortable over long play sessions.

Finally, I’m still baffled by the lack of a wireless connectivity option, given the relatively high price of the controller. This is a competitive-facing controller, and naturally wired connections offer little to no input latency. However, as we see in rival controllers like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, wireless polling rates are improving, further reducing input lag over 2.4GHz wireless connections on PC. It’s something I’d like to see Thrustmaster at least consider if and when it gets around to making the eSwap X3.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: price and availability

List price: $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
Cheaper than the eSwap X2 in the UK
Price remains identical to the eSwap X2 in the US

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. launched on October 1, 2025, and is available to buy from Thrustmaster’s website and other stocking retailers for $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260). In terms of price, it’s on par with the original Thrustmaster eSwap X2 in the US. In the UK, the eSwap X2 H.E. is £10 cheaper than the first eSwap X2, coming in at £149.99 as opposed to the prior model’s £169.99. Bonus.

Looking at the wider controller market, when it comes to pads compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. finds itself among a busy crowd. While cheaper than the excellent Razer Wolverine V3 Pro ($199.99 / £199.99), it finds company with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($179.99 / £159.99).

And frankly, I’d recommend the eSwap X2 H.E. over that official Xbox pad in a heartbeat, due to the former’s Hall effect sticks and generally superior build quality.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Specs

Price	$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
Weight	10.6oz / 0.3kg
Dimensions	6.3 x 4.7 x 2.4in / 160 x 120 x 60mm
Compatibility	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Connection type	Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	N/A

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: design and features

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. remains largely identical to the original eSwap X2 in design. It’s the exact same shape and has all the same features. That includes swappable thumbstick and D-pad modules, trigger locks, and four remappable buttons on the rear of the pad.

You also have a row of on-board function buttons at the bottom of the controller, and these are for headset volume and mic muting, as well as swapping between custom button profiles. You can hit a ‘map’ button to customize the rear remappable buttons, too, if you don’t like the fact that they’re assigned to the four face buttons by default.

The controller does feel quite bulky in the hands, and the thumbsticks rest higher than what you’ll find on the average pad. As such, it really benefits players with larger hands, or those looking for an especially sturdy grip. It’s not quite to my personal preference, but I absolutely can see it being many players’ go-to pad for specifically this reason.

Much like the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. supports swappable stick and d-pad modules. These are magnetic, and pop out either by pulling them (don’t worry, you’re not at risk of breaking these as they’re especially sturdy and there’s no physical connection), or the included screwdriver which slots into the D-pad. This makes it easy to adopt a symmetrical stick layout if you prefer, or to swap out with other Thrustmaster modules that are sold separately.

As was the case with the eSwap X2, you can expect build quality to be solid here. After all, it is for all intents and purposes also an eSwap X2, just with the addition of those Hall effect sticks included in the box. So no movement or changes on that front.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Performance

The inclusion of Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T. thumbsticks really is the selling point here. These resist stick drift and are a massive improvement over the eSwap X2’s default sticks. They feel super smooth, too, reminding me greatly of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller’s sublime stick feel.

Like the original X2, the face buttons here are impressively responsive and tactile, offering a mouse click-esque press. You’ll feel the difference immediately if you’re used to the softer, spongier button presses of cheaper pads like the Xbox Wireless Controller. The immediacy of presses here are super satisfying, and that also goes for the clicky bumpers and D-pad.

Speaking of, the D-pad here actually isn’t among my favorites. While I appreciate its responsiveness, the raised, bumpy design is something I found to be quite uncomfortable to use over longer stretches of time. It’s far from horrible, but for platformers, arcade-style games, and the best fighting games, it’s not a great fit.

One other thing to note is that the H.E. is still a strictly wired controller. To an extent, this is to be expected, as what we have here is essentially a slight revision of the eSwap X2. The ‘definitive’ version, quite possibly. I’d definitely like to see Thrustmaster offer a wireless solution for its next big gamepad release, though, as I strongly feel the option should be there when your controller is north of the $120 / £120 mark.

Should I buy the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.?

Buy it if...

You’re new to the eSwap line
If you’re looking to buy an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. really is the only choice you need to make. Depending on where you live, it’s the same price or slightly cheaper than the standard eSwap X2, and offers Hall effect sticks in the box.

You want a chunky, sizable controller
There aren’t many controllers that seem designed primarily for larger hands. This may not have been the intended design goal with the eSwap X2 H.E., but its chunky build and high quality make it extra comfortable if your hands are on the larger size.

Don't buy it if...

You own an eSwap X2
Quite simply, if you already have a Thrustmaster eSwap X2 controller, there’s no reason to buy this latest revision. Instead, you should consider picking up the H.E.A.R.T. modules from Thrustmaster’s website.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Also consider

Not too keen on the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.? Here are a couple more controllers worth considering if you’re planning to upgrade from the stock Xbox Wireless Controller, or otherwise.

	Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.	Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded	Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
Price	$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)	$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)	$199.99 / £179.99 (around AU$300)
Weight	10.6oz / 300g	9.3oz / 265g	11.53oz / 327g
Dimensions	6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm	6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm	7.5 x 7.4 x 3.5in / 190 x 189 x 89mm
Compatibility	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (PlayStation version sold separately)	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Connection type	Wired (USB-C)	Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)	Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	N/A	Around 20 hours	Around 10 hours

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded
The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is more expensive, but offers wireless connectivity and a similar module-swapping tech to the eSwap X2 H.E. You’re even getting a ‘fightpad’ module in the box that works excellently with fighting games or your favorite arcade classics.

Read our full Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
Certainly a strange one at first glance with its built-in LCD display. But this ends up being the Revolution X Unlimited’s best feature, offering plenty of convenient options and features right on the deck without needing to open any external software. A real winner and one of my favorites.

Read our full Nacon Revolution X Unlimited review

How I tested the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.

Tested for a week
Played a variety of games across Xbox and PC
Compared to the previous eSwap X2, and the Victrix BFG Pro Reloaded among others

I tested the eSwap X2 H.E. for about a week for this review. I was already familiar with the original eSwap X2 via its excellent Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree special edition, and I found the H.E. to be completely identical in design and performance, with the addition of those included Hall effect sticks.

I played games across Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC, including Final Fantasy 14 Online, Tekken 8, Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage.

I compared my time with the eSwap X2 H.E. primarily with that of the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. Victrix’s pad is the most similar to Thrustmaster’s with its swappable modules. While I do prefer the Pro BFG Reloaded overall, that mainly comes down to personal preference given its aptitude for fighting games and a comfier build for my smaller hands. Still, the eSwap X2 H.E. is more affordable, which is a strong reason to consider it here.

First reviewed October/November 2025

Read more about how we test

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. is, by default, the best Xbox controller from the brand to date – but the lack of improvements is disappointing

4:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: Final Fantasy, PC, UK, US | Comments: Off

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: one-minute review

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: price and availability

List price: $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
Cheaper than the eSwap X2 in the UK
Price remains identical to the eSwap X2 in the US

And frankly, I’d recommend the eSwap X2 H.E. over that official Xbox pad in a heartbeat, due to the former’s Hall effect sticks and generally superior build quality.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Specs

Price	$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
Weight	10.6oz / 0.3kg
Dimensions	6.3 x 4.7 x 2.4in / 160 x 120 x 60mm
Compatibility	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Connection type	Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	N/A

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: design and features

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Performance

Should I buy the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Also consider

Not too keen on the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.? Here are a couple more controllers worth considering if you’re planning to upgrade from the stock Xbox Wireless Controller, or otherwise.

	Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.	Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded	Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
Price	$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)	$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)	$199.99 / £179.99 (around AU$300)
Weight	10.6oz / 300g	9.3oz / 265g	11.53oz / 327g
Dimensions	6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm	6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm	7.5 x 7.4 x 3.5in / 190 x 189 x 89mm
Compatibility	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (PlayStation version sold separately)	Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
Connection type	Wired (USB-C)	Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)	Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
Battery life	N/A	Around 20 hours	Around 10 hours

Read our full Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review

Read our full Nacon Revolution X Unlimited review

How I tested the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.

Tested for a week
Played a variety of games across Xbox and PC
Compared to the previous eSwap X2, and the Victrix BFG Pro Reloaded among others

I played games across Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC, including Final Fantasy 14 Online, Tekken 8, Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage.

First reviewed October/November 2025

Read more about how we test

I review computers for a living and I was wowed by the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 as soon as I started using it

12:30 pm | November 1, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Desktop PCs Gadgets Windows PCs | Tags: CPU, OK, PC, RAM | Comments: Off

Lenovo Yoga AiO 27: One-minute review

The Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 might make me a convert to the all-in-one PC, thanks to its sleek and ergonomic build, vibrant screen, and solid performance. The fact that it can be used as an external monitor is not only the cherry on top, but a point in favor of it being considered among the best all-in-one computers out there.

Of course, the lack of modularity, as with any all-in-one, can frustrate those who are used to digging into cases and upgrading parts, but as far as a hassle-free package, this is one of the best computers you're going to find on the market.

That said, even outside of its form factor, there are a few issues, such as the 'just okay' sound quality and a confusing array of configurations.

I will admit that if you go on the Lenovo website or Best Buy in the US (where my review unit can be purchased), you won’t be quite as confused as me. But UK and Australia shoppers will have some very different configurations available to you.

Whatever configuration you go with though, they're all more than enough to satisfy your general computing and productivity needs, so if you’re in the market for an all-in-one PC, the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 is a very easy recommendation.

Lenovo Yoga AiO 27: Price & availability

Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 colors and contrast on screen — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

How much does it cost? Starting at $979.99 / £1,020.00 / AU$1,149.00
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Thanks in part to the continuing relevance of the Apple iMac and its current iteration, the Apple iMac 24-inch M4, every brand has some kind of sleek, attractive all-in-One computer on offer. And like the iMac, the hardware seems eerily similar to what you would get from a powerful Ultrabook or Macbook.

As such, AiO models like the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 are generally reasonably priced. The Yoga AiO 27 starts at $979.99 / £1,020.00 / AU$1,149.00, while the iMac M4 has a more expensive starting price of $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$1,999, plus it has a smaller 24-inch screen. On top of that, Apple’s upgrades, whether for RAM or hard drive space, come at a premium.

Another good benchmark as far as price goes is the HP OmniStudio X 31.5. Its lowest configuration is actually cheaper at $830.99 (about £620 / AU$1,270) for an Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD, as well as a 1080p 27-inch screen.

It’s worth noting that there are some serious variations between what’s available in the US, UK, and Australia. The UK and Australia both have customizations (more on that below) unlike the US with Australia actually offering discrete graphics.

So, Australians, at least, can probably game with this AiO, though everyone else will need to temper their expectations.

Value: 4.5 / 5

Lenovo Yoga AiO 27: Specs

Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 ports — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

Soldered RAM
Configurations can vary widely by region

The offerings from Lenovo on the Yoga AiO 27 (specifically the 27IAH10 model) is pretty straightforward, however, there’s a lot of variance between territories.

In the US, you have two models available directly through Lenovo. The base configuration comes with a Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD.

The more expensive model is the same, but with a more powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 255H CPU and 1GB SSD. Best Buy offers a different model that’s similar to the more robust one, but without the touchscreen, which is what was reviewed here.

Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 specs
	Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 base configuration	Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 review configuration	Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 max configuration
Price:	$979.99 / £1,020.00 / AU$1,149.00	$1,319.99 (about £990 / AU$2020)	AU$4,559.00 (about $2990 / £2230)
CPU:	Intel Core Ultra 5 125H	Intel Core Ultra 7 255H	Intel Core Ultra 9 285H
Graphics:	Integrated Intel Arc Graphics	Integrated Intel Arc 140T GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 6GB GDDR6
RAM:	16 GB LPDDR5X-7467MT/s (Soldered)	16 GB LPDDR5X-7467MT/s (Soldered)	32 GB LPDDR5X-7467MT/s (Soldered)
Storage:	512 GB SSD M.2	1 TB SSD M.2	1 TB SSD M.2
Display:	27" QHD (2560 x 1440), IPS, Anti-Glare, Touch, 99%sRGB, 400 nits, 120Hz, 4 Side Narrow Bezel	27" QHD (2560 x 1440), IPS, Anti-Glare, Non-Touch, 99%sRGB, 400 nits, 120Hz, 4 Side Narrow Bezel	27" QHD (2560 x 1440), IPS, Anti-Glare, Touch, 99%sRGB, 400 nits, 120Hz, 4 Side Narrow Bezel
Ports:	Ethernet (RJ45), USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI-in, HDMI-out / Side: USB-C (USB 10Gbps), USB-A (USB 10Gbps), Headphone / mic combo	Ethernet (RJ45), USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI-in, HDMI-out / Side: USB-C (USB 10Gbps), USB-A (USB 10Gbps), Headphone / mic combo	Ethernet (RJ45), USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI-in, HDMI-out / Side: USB-C (USB 10Gbps), USB-A (USB 10Gbps), Headphone / mic combo
Wireless:	Wi-Fi 7 2x2 BE 160MHz & Bluetooth® 5.4	Wi-Fi 7 2x2 BE 160MHz & Bluetooth® 5.4	Wi-Fi 7 2x2 BE 160MHz & Bluetooth® 5.4
Camera:	5MP IR/RGB with Dual Array Microphone	5MP IR/RGB with Dual Array Microphone	5MP IR/RGB with Dual Array Microphone
Weight:	Starting at 18.51 lbs \| 8.4 kg	Starting at 18.51 lbs \| 8.4 kg	Starting at 18.51 lbs \| 8.4 kg
Dimensions (H x W x D):	22.26 x 24.13 x 9.25 ins \| 565.5 x 613 x 235 mm	565.5mm x 613mm x 235mm / 22.26″ x 24.13″ x 9.25″	565.5mm x 613mm x 235mm / 22.26″ x 24.13″ x 9.25″

In the UK, you can choose CPUs including an even more powerful Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, between 512GB and a 1TB SSD, and you can choose between touch and non-touch screens. You are locked into 32GB of RAM.

Australia only allows you to choose the size of the hard drive, but is more powerful since it has that Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, 32GB of RAM, and actual discrete graphics in the form of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU.

Regardless of what you choose (or have available to you), the RAM is soldered in, unfortunately.

As mentioned earlier, you are able to choose between a touch and non-touch screen, though the resolution (1440p), refresh rate (120Hz), and basically everything else about it is the same.

You can also choose whether you get an IR-enabled webcam or not for a nominal upgrade. Otherwise, everything on the exterior including the color called Luna Grey is the same regardless of model.

Specs: 3.5 / 5

Lenovo Yoga AiO 27: design

A Lenovo Yoga AIO 27 on a desk — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

Sleek, attractive look with good ergonomics
Good ergonomics
Great looking screen that can be used with other computers

I remember when I first started seeing Windows all-in-one computers start to pop (long before I was a writer) and they were not pretty. The word I would probably use is egalitarian. So it was a bit of a surprise when I got the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 in all its Ultrabook glory.

Yes, in my opinion, this AiO is basically what you get when you take a Lenovo Yoga laptop and turn it into an all-in-one. It’s sleek, comes in a very attractive colorway called Luna Grey, and has a gorgeous screen (more on that later).

In fact, it’s so nice looking, I had to double check that it didn’t have an aluminum case. Instead, it’s made of 30% ocean-bound plastic – pretty cool for those worried about the environment. The box it comes in is also fairly sustainable as it’s all paper or cardboard.

Back to the computer, it has some good ergonomics. First, it has a round base that can pivot in either direction 90 degrees, while the screen itself can pivot and additional 45 degrees to each side. Its tilt is up 10 degrees and down 5, which I do wish was a little more. And it has a lift of 70mm. It’s pretty easy to adjust the screen to your liking.

Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 keyboard and mouse — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

Speaking of the 27-inch screen, its resolution is decent at 1440p, much higher than I'm used to seeing on AiOs. But what’s more impressive are its other aspects. It has a solid refresh rate of 120Hz, supports HDR (though Lenovo doesn’t specify to what degree), and has quite wide color coverage and accuracy.

In our benchmarks, it had a sRGB rating of 116.5% and DCI-P3 of 82.6%, meaning it’s great for colors but not as good for contrast. It does have an accuracy of Delta>0.21.

Other design details include two three watt tweeters and two five watt tweeters to support Dolby Atmos, dual microphones, and a five megapixel camera.

Some models have IR capabilities like the one reviewed and some do not, a feature useful for Windows Hello that unlocks the computer when you log in instead of having to type in a password or use a fingerprint reader.

If that’s worrisome, don’t worry. Among the buttons on the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 is an e-privacy shutter.

Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 another computer plugged in closeupA Lenovo Yoga AIO 27 on a desk — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

There’s also a power button, an OSD button for controlling screen settings, and a switch button as you can actually use the screen as a standalone screen for another computer or use just the computer part with an external screen.

That means that there are two HDMI ports, one out and one in. The port selection in general is pretty robust and also includes three USB-A and two USB-C ports along with an ethernet and aux jack. Some of them are on the back of the stand while some of them are on the side.

Lastly, the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 comes with its own matching keyboard and mouse. They’re both wireless and work fine, but if you’re particular about your accessories, you might want to upgrade to one of the best keyboards and best mice, especially the mouse as it doesn’t have any side buttons.

That said, I didn't have any issues with them during general use or even spending a bit of time working on them.

Design: 4.5 / 5

Lenovo Yoga AiO 27: Performance

A Lenovo Yoga AIO 27 on a desk playing Grand Theft Auto IV — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

Good performance for most work
Using it as a monitor for another PC is seamless
Sound quality is OK

Here's how the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

GeekBench 6.4 (single-core) 2889; (multi-core): 15,500

3DMark Fire Strike: 8,072; Time Spy: 4,396; Night Raid: 34,260

CrossMark Overall: 1,865; Productivity: 1,756; Responsiveness: 1,430; Creativity: 2,164

Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm (1080p, High): 56 fps; (1440p, High) 47 fps

I threw around the Ultrabook label earlier for the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27, and I mean it. The PC comes with the same CPU, integrated graphics, and RAM configurations that you would find on one of the best laptops that wasn't specifically for gaming.

In terms of day-to-day use, that means you can easily have a bunch of tabs open and do just about any productivity work you could think of. It can handle some creative work, such as photo editing, but is a bit underpowered for editing video or 3D design. That is unless you like long rendering times.

It can do light gaming, but won’t be able to handle the latest AAA titles unless you can get your hands on a model with a discrete Nvidia GPU, which is currently limited to Australia.

Really, I find this best for having a large, pretty screen to do regular productivity work and maybe some streaming.

I’m more impressed by the fact I can use the screen as a monitor for another computer. That 1440p resolution can be limiting if you have a souped up gaming laptop, but it does allow some device consolidation if you like to have one computer for productivity and one for gaming. Regardless, using it as an external monitor is pretty seamless.

While it’s nice that the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 can support Dolby Atmos, the sound quality is decent but not great. It’s a bit mid-heavy and doesn’t quite have the clarity that having the best computer speakers would.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should you buy the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27?

Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 scorecard
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	Though the various configurations in different territories is a bit confusing, what you get for the price is pretty good.	4.5 / 5
Specs	The specs on the Yoga AiO 27 are more akin to an ultrabook than a dedicated desktop PC, but its components are more than enough for general computing, streaming, and even light gaming in some cases.	3.5 / 5
Design	It’s sleek and attractive. More importantly, it has a great screen and very flexible ergonomics.	4.5 / 5
Performance	The performance is more than enough for most people. The only real let down is the sound quality, which is still fine.	4.5 / 5
Total score	As a package, the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 punches above its weight considering the price, flexibility, and vibrant screen.	4.25 / 5

Buy the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 if...

You want an attractive all-in-one computer
This AiO is not like the models of yore. It’s sleek and attractive the way Ultrabooks are. Plus, it has a great, vibrant screen.

You need ergonomics
This AiO can turn every which way, so it’s very easy to adjust it to your eye level or to swivel it around to show someone else your screen.

You want something that also works as a monitor
The fact that you can plug another computer into the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 as if it’s a monitor is a very cool feature and adds to its versatility.

Don't buy it if...

You want upgradability
This computer is the opposite of upgradability. Not only is the screen and computer in one package (as is always the case with these types of computers), the RAM is soldered in place. There’s no upgrading this down the line.

You want discrete graphics
If you’re in Australia, you can get this with an Nvidia GPU. Otherwise, you’re just not going to be able to get it (at least for now), meaning demanding tasks like 3D design, video editing, or AAA gaming will struggle.

Also consider

If my Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 review has you considering other options, here are two other AiO PCs to consider...

Apple iMac 24-inch M4
The Apple iMac 24-inch M4 is the pinacle of this type of computer and still sets the bar, especially in the looks department. It’s also fairly powerful thanks to Apple’s M4 chip, but it hasn’t gotten a meaningful update outside of that Apple silicon and upgraded RAM in quite awhile.

Read the full Apple iMac 24-inch M4 review

HP OmniStudio X 31.5
The HP OmniStudio X 31.5 is a bit more powerful than the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 thanks to its discrete graphics, plus it comes with a 4K display. It is a bit more utilitarian, though, not to mention its base model is much weaker than the Yoga AiO 27 I've been using.

Read the full HP OmniStudio X 31.5 review

How I tested the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27

Tested for a couple weeks
Used it for productivity, streaming, gaming
Tried out its various features

I used the Lenovo Yoga AiO 27 for a couple weeks, mainly for productivity, and I also used it for some streaming and tried to do some light gaming as well, not to mention tested its various features.

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.

First reviewed November 2025

I test gaming PCs for a living, and the Quoted Tech Shield is a great entry point for getting into PC gaming

12:54 am | October 31, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Desktop PCs Gadgets | Tags: PC, RGB, UK, US | Comments: Off

Quoted Tech Shield: Two-minute review

The Quoted Tech Shield is the latest pre-built gaming PC from boutique Canadian PC maker, and it's an ideal gaming PC for anyone looking to get started playing the latest AAA games.

Everything about the Shield feels like it’s made to bring first-time PC gamers into the hobby by offering great components, easy setup and access to internals, and simple repairs (and warranties) in case things go awry.

The configuration I received, the Shield Extreme—which currently retails for CA$1299 (US$927, £975, AU$1,993)—features an AMD Ryzen 7 9700X CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 2TB SSD storage. This is a fantastic spec for blistering-fast framerates at 1080p and with very respectable framerates at 1440p, though some settings tweaks might be necessary for QHD gaming.

First-time PC gamers might not immediately appreciate just how easy everything is to set up. I have reviewed dozens of gaming PCs over the years, and I can say that few gaming PCs make it this straightforward to get going, while lower-quality PCs can be a downright nightmare.

This extends to the easy access to the internals through a pin-drop hinged door, and the relieving lack of complicated bloatware that plagues most pre-built PCs.

Probably the most impressive part of the Shield is its three-year parts and five-year labor warranties, which deliver peace of mind for first-timers navigating their way through the intricacies of a gaming PC by ensuring a more reliable and less complicated experience than many established competitors.

A Quoted Tech Shield gaming PC on a desk — (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Those positives don’t mean that there aren’t some issues potential buyers should understand before buying.

Most of the Quoted Tech Shield’s problems are with the case design and port selection.

First, the Shield skips out on USB-C ports entirely, which might complicate things if you want to buy the best gaming mouse and best gaming keyboard you can afford to complement your new PC, as many modern peripherals are making the move to USB-C.

The overall case design also feels a bit fragile, and more serious PC gaming enthusiasts may have an issue with the lack of personalization software—especially RGB aficionados, as the Shield only has a few pre-configured RGB effects that you can cycle through with buttons on the top panel. That said, the Shield is all about keeping things simple, so the lighting presets might actually be a plus for some users.

Overall, however, the Quoted Tech Shield makes up for its faults by delivering fantastic 1080p and strong 1440p performance, quiet operation, and a user-friendly design to account for future upgrades. Combined with its generous three-year parts and five-year labor warranties, the Shield is unquestionably one of the best gaming PC options available for an inviting, low-risk PC gaming experience without the intimidation of traditional PC building or more complicated pre-built offerings.

Quoted Tech Shield: Price & availability

The Quoted Tech Shield starts at $1299 CAD (about USD $930 / £975 / AU$1,995)
Available now in the US, UK, and Australia through Quoted Tech's website

The Quoted Tech Shield can be purchased through the company's website, starting at $1299 CAD (about US$930 / £975 / AU$1,995).

There are eight different configurations ranging from the starting 1080p esports build to high-end 4K set-ups, which will set you back CA$3,049 (about US$2,205 / £1,820 / AU$3,530).

My Quoted Tech Shield "Extreme" configuration targets 1440p gaming, and will set you back CA$2,449, or about US$1,775 / £1,465 / AU$3,530.

Overall, these are respectable price points for a gaming PC at any level, though those looking for something cheaper or more premium can easily do so.

Value: 4 / 5

Quoted Tech Shield: Specs

Quoted Tech Shield specs
	Starting configuration	Review configuration	Max configuration
Price	$1,299 CAD (about USD $930 / £975 / AU$1,995)	CA$2,449 (about US$1,775 / £1,465 / AU$3,530)	CA$2,449 (about US$1,775 / £1,465 / AU$3,530)
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 7500F	AMD Ryzen 7 9700X	AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
GPU	Nvidia RTX 5050	Nvidia RTX 5070	Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti
Memory	16GB DDR5-5600	32GB DDR5-5600	32GB DDR5-5600
Storage	1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD	2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD	2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Connectivity	WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 1Gbps Ethernet	WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 1Gbps Ethernet	WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 1Gbps Ethernet
Ports	9xUSB-A	9xUSB-A	9xUSB-A
CPU Cooling	120mm Tower Air Cooler	120mm Tower Air Cooler	120mm Tower Air Cooler
PSU	650W 80+ Bronze (Non-modular)	650W 80+ Bronze (Non-modular)	750W 80+ Gold, Full Modular
Dimensions (L x W x H)	40.5 x 21.0 x 42.5 cm	40.5 x 21.0 x 42.5 cm	40.5 x 21.0 x 42.5 cm
Weight	25 lbs \| 11.34kg	25 lbs \| 11.34kg	35 lbs \| 15.88kg

Specs: 4 / 5

Quoted Tech Shield: Design

Internals are easily accessible through the hinged side panel
Chassis is very basic and lacks customizable RGB lighting
No USB-C ports

One of the best things about the Quoted Tech Shield design is how simple everything is, from the side panel that’s opened with a simple pin-drop hinge to the easily removable front panel screen for quick fan maintenance.

There isn’t a part that doesn’t have easy access on this gaming PC, making future upgradability a straightforward process, especially for those who are new to PC gaming.

That does come at the cost of a case that doesn’t necessarily feel durable. In fact, I would go further to say that the overall design of the chassis feels somewhat flimsy compared to others on the market.

Though the all black colorway looks great, the case feels like it's made of very thin steel; something that was apparent when our review unit arrived and the rear panel port panel and front screen panel had small dents in them. As such, the Quoted Tech Shield isn’t the type of gaming desktop that you'll0 want to move around too much if you're concerned about its aesthetic.

The RGB lighting will also strike you as entirely simple or entirely problematic, depending on your tastes. The Quoted Tech Shield prides itself on not offering bloatware, which I genuinely love, but that means you need to cycle through preset RGB color schemes via a button on the top panel. Thankfully, one of the settings allows users to turn off the lighting completely.

When it comes to port selections, there are plenty of standard USB-A ports, including three top-panel USB-A ports, as well as a pair of 3.5mm jacks for a headset and a dedicated mic. That’s more than enough for many gamers, content creators, and everyone else in between.

The biggest problem comes from the lack of a USB-C ports, as many accessories are making the switch to this interface, so you might have to invest in USB adapters to use new peripherals in the future.

Design: 3 / 5

Quoted Tech Shield: Performance

1080p performance is outstanding
1440p performance is respectable
Don’t expect any performance customization options

The plug-and-play design of the Quoted Tech Shield Extreme configuration I received is complemented by its impressive gaming performance. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700X and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 serve as a solid middle ground between basic gaming and high-end 4K performance, with very high frame rates at 1080p resolution and great performance at 1440p, even without having to rely on frame generation.

As mentioned previously, this is great for those who don’t feel like thinking much about customizing performance modes, wattage usage, fan speed, and the like.

CPU benchmarks vs competition
	Quoted Tech Shield	Alienware Aurora ACT1250	NZXT Player PC	Lenovo Legion Tower 5
Geekbench 6 (Single)	3,355	3,071	3,081	2,594
Geekbench 6 (Multi)	16,234	20,010	18,984	13,554
Cinebench R23 (Single)	2,223	2,257	2,263	1,693
Cinebench R23 (Multi)	19,778	35,446	35,226	17,376
Cinebench R24 (Single)	136	136	137	104
Cinebench R24 (Multi)	1,157	1,979	1,923	934
Crossmark Overall	2,311	2,301	2,298	1,846
Crossmark Productivity	2,147	2,152	2,159	1,734
Crossmark Creativity	2,628	2,548	2,495	2,127
Crossmark Responsiveness	1,960	2,069	2,166	1,454

For the more competitive side of gaming, the Shield Extreme will work perfectly in both 1080p and 1440p.

Games like Battlefield 6, Fortnite, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Valorant ran well past 100 fps at 1440p with settings maxed out. Meanwhile, Marvel Rivals at max settings averaged around 60fps at 1440p. All of this was without relying on upscaling, much less frame generation, so you can definitely push the visual framerate much higher for a smoother experience.

GPU benchmarks vs competition
	Quoted Tech Shield	Alienware Aurora ACT1250	NZXT Player PC	Lenovo Legion Tower 5
3DMark Fire Strike	45,474	44,913	45,049	43,845
3DMark Steel Nomad	5,308	5,224	4,967	5,495
3DMark Speed Way	5,898	5,741	5,855	5,960
3DMark Port Royal	14,318	14,062	14,139	14,302

For non-competitive titles, especially newer, more visually demanding games like Assassin's Creed Shadows and Black Myth: Wukong are going to need upscaling to maintain high frame rates at 1440p, though native-only gamers can still get high framerates at 1080p with settings maxed out without ray tracing.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows ran at about 58 fps at 1080p on ultra high settings without upscaling, while it hit around 33 fps on average without upscaling. Likewise, with Black Myth: Wukong, I was able to achieve an average of 55 fps at 1080p with Cinematic settings, and about 30fps at 1440p on the same settings without upscaling.

The worst results were for Cyberpunk 2077, which hit around 20fps on the Ultra preset at native 1440p. Turn on DLSS 4 with the transformer model set to balanced, without frame generation, and at 1440p, I consistently hit an average of 74 fps.

Gaming benchmarks (average FPS) vs competition
	Quoted Tech Shield	Alienware Aurora ACT1250	NZXT Player PC	Lenovo Legion Tower 5
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra)	69	69	70	72
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p, Highest)	204	202	201	207
F1 2024 (1080p, Very High)	99	104	97	119
Total War: Warhammer III: Mirrors of Madness (1080p, Ultra)	180	181	182	172

General computing and creative content curation worked well outside of gaming. Opening multiple tabs in Google Chrome didn’t lead to any slowdown or OS hangs, while Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro not only ran well but also exported files fairly quickly.

Overall, the Quoted Tech Shield proves itself as a strong, no-fuss gaming desktop that balances accessibility with performance, making it an appealing, well-rounded choice for both casual gamers and multitasking creators.

Performance: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Quoted Tech Shield?

Quoted Tech Shield scorecard
	Notes	Rating
Value	Regardless of which configuration you go go for, the Quoted Tech Shield offers a nice no-frills purchase backed by a nice warranty package.	4 / 5
Specs	With a very wide selection of configurations, there's a build to target every gaming resolution.	4 / 5
Design	The easy access through the pin-drop hinge is great for upgrades and maintenance. However, the chassis feels flimsy, lacks USB-C ports, or any customizable RGB lighting.	3 / 5
Performance	Though performance benchmarks favor 1080p more, 1440p resolutions run just fine at acceptable frame rates.	4 / 5
Total Score	Despite being held back by some questionable design choices, the performance, upgradability, and warranty-protection of the Shield are more than enough to recommend this PC, especially for PC gaming newcomers.	3.75 / 5

Buy the Quoted Tech Shield if…

You are looking for respectable 1080p / 1440p performance
The AMD Ryzen 7 9700 CPU matches well with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5070 for high frame rates at 1080p and 1440p from visual spectacles to competitive leaning games.

You need easy set-up and upgrade potential
Opening and closing the case is as simple as pulling the pin drop hinge. Also, anyone new to PC gaming has an easy guide to set it up.

You want some great customer-friendly additives
A three year warranty on parts will be clutch for those who have issues going down the line and five years of labor warranty couldn’t be more of a cherry on top.

Don’t buy it if…

You need a USB-C port
Many modern PC gaming accessories utilize USB-C ports, and the Quoted Tech Shield has none, forcing you to use an adapter for USB-C peripherals.

You want a more durable case
Despite having easy access to internal components and even fans, the overall chassis feels somewhat flimsy and prone to denting.

You want customizable RGB lighting
The no-frills package of the Quoted Tech Shield means no bloatware. This also means that RGB lighting is cycled through a handful of presets via a button on the top panel.

Also Consider

If my Quoted Tech Shield review has you considering other options, here are two other gaming desktops to consider...

Alienware Aurora ACT1250
The Alienware Aurora gaming desktop is an iconic gaming PC, and its latest iteration features fantastic performance at a decent enough price, though internal component access and upgradability are more limited.

Read the full Alienware Aurora ACT1250 review

Lenovo Legion Tower 5
The Lenovo Legion Tower 5 is a fantastic gaming PC with solid hardware and one of the best first-party apps for tweaking performance in the Lenovo Advantage tuner. It's a bit cramped though, making future upgradability a bit more complicated.

Read the full Lenovo Legion Tower 5 review

How I tested the Quoted Tech Shield

I tested the Quoted Tech Shield for a little over a week
I ran our standard battery of benchmark tests, as well as games like Ninja Gaiden 4, Battlefield 6, Dying Light: The Beast, Valorant, and Forza Motorsport (2023).

I spent a little over a week testing the Quoted Tech Shield, using TechRadar's standard benchmarking suite and real-world experience across a range of demanding tasks.

During work hours, I used Google Chrome for multitasking—running several tabs for productivity tools and browsing sessions—alongside Adobe Creative Suite for video editing and design work.

For gaming, I split my time between games like Dying Light: The Beast, Black Myth: Wukong, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II to measure performance in visually demanding titles.

For competitive gaming, I spent time with Battlefield 6, Valorant, and Marvel Rivals.

I've been reviewing gaming PCs for several years now, so I know exactly how a gaming PC at this level should perform, so you can trust that anything I recommend is worth the investment.

First reviewed October 2025

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