Reviews

The ASRock Phantom Gaming B850 Riptide WiFi is an outstanding budget motherboard for AMD's latest CPUs. It comes with an impressive 14+2+1 phase power design VRMs, with 80A Dr.MOS SPS. PCIe Gen 5.0, an M.2 Gen 5 slot, an EZ heatsink toolless design, and more features help improve its incredible value. The 2.5G LAN network and the absence of a heatsink on the M2_2 are a few cons of the motherboard.

The ASRock PG B850i Lightning WiFi is a mini-ITX motherboard that can cost you $209.99. The motherboard offers many features, and one of its highlights is its support for a thermistor. Which lets you monitor components’ temperatures from an external POV. Furthermore, the neat aesthetics, compact size, and high-speed memory support have impressed us equally.

The MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi is an impressive addition to MSI’s X870E arsenal. It prioritizes performance over looks, with a minimalistic design but solid numbers across all our tests. Its VRM setup (14+2+1 DRPS with 80A SPS for VCore) should handle any AM5 CPU (but don’t expect serious overclocking). Additionally, the I/O (5G LAN, WiFi 7, dual Gen 5 M.2, and more) and EZ-DIY features make this an overall solid option for $299.

The Ajazz AK820 Max is a good budget keyboard let down by its frugality. It offers a competent overall package with satisfying sound and feel, along with strong build quality but it fails to extend its appeal beyond that. With boards like the Aula F75 still thriving, the AK820 Max, despite being a robust keyboard, can only live in its shadow as a substitute. It serves as a good replacement rather than a good first choice.

The Epomaker RT80 is an ambitious keyboard that features dual screens and a unique layout, aiming to stand out in the crowded budget mechanical keyboard market. While it excels in certain areas like build quality and wireless performance, it falls short in others, particularly in the practicality of its features. The touchscreen is tricky to use and, in turn, makes typing on what’s an otherwise excellent stock experience harder than it needs to be.

The MSI MAG B860 Mortar WiFi is a compact microATX motherboard that delivers impressive performance and features for its size. With support for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, DDR5 memory, Gen5 PCIe, and Gen5 M.2 connectivity, it offers excellent value at $219. Its standout features include WiFi 7, a Thunderbolt 4 port, robust cooling for the VRM and M.2 slots, and a redesigned BIOS interface. While it lacks some high-end extras, this motherboard is a solid choice for gamers and mid-range PC builders looking for a feature-packed, space-efficient option.

The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is a solid mid-range motherboard designed for Intel’s Core Ultra Series 2 processors. Priced at $239, it offers great features like Gen 5 PCIe support, DDR5 memory, Thunderbolt 4, and WiFi 7, making it ideal for gamers. It delivers reliable performance with strong cooling, a user-friendly BIOS, and handy tools like EZ PCIe Release, though its basic audio solution and lack of a debug LED might not appeal to everyone. Overall, it’s a great choice for those looking for good value and future-ready tech.

The Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 PWM is a high-performance, ultra-quiet 140mm fan designed with meticulous engineering and premium materials like Sterrox LCP. It combines impressive thermal efficiency, low noise output, and exceptional durability with features like advanced anti-vibration components and a six-year warranty.

The Ocypus Iota A62 is a dual-tower, 120mm air cooler offering competitive performance at an affordable price of $64.99. It has a clean white design, solid thermal capabilities, and a basic digital display that shows live CPU or GPU temperatures. Despite its limited orientation due to the display and the need for a spare USB 2.0 header, it delivers excellent value with its simple installation, support for modern sockets, and quiet operation.

The Ocypus Iota L36 White is a well-rounded 360mm AIO cooler that combines solid performance with eye-catching design. The cooler stands out with its sleek white design, digital display showing CPU or GPU temperature, and subtle A-RGB lighting. The fans are quiet and the installation is straightforward, though it does require a USB 2.0 header for the digital display functionality. At an MSRP of $99.99, it offers good value for money.

The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi is an excellent mid-ranger and a great option for stepping onto the latest platform with your Ryzen 9000 CPU. It has a decent 14+2+1 DRPS design with 14x 80A SPS for the CPU, enough for even the AM5 big dogs. 5G LAN, WiFi 7, dual Gen 5 M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0 x16, and EZ-DIY are the highlights on the board. The lack of dual-sided thermal pads for the Gen 5 M.2 slot is a disappointment.

There are very few “reputable” brands in the PSU market who actually make their own PSUs. One of the biggest advantages of in-house design/production...