At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
The developer behind Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 seems to support the Stop Killing Games initiative.
The Communications Director at Warhorse Studios said that the developer aims to create games that players can return to.
However, other giant publishers like Ubisoft and EA refuse to bend a knee.
The Stop Killing Games initiative has been ongoing for a while now. The petition has now surpassed 1.4 million signatures, which is a significant milestone. For those who aren’t aware, this initiative aims to prevent gaming giants from killing games at will.
This is most commonly seen in online games, as companies like Ubisoft and EA have recently been delisting entire games. Unironically, Ubisoft justified itself by saying that those who bought The Crew were never given full access to the game; instead, they just temporarily purchased the title.
Major companies, such as Microsoft and Sony, are also opposed to this initiative, but there are notable exceptions that support it. One of those gems is Warhorse Studios, the developer of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Why it matters: When most of the massive figures in the industry are against a good cause, support from every other person counts.
In a recent interview with eXputer, Tobias Stolz-Zwilling, Communications Director at Warhorse Studios, was asked, “Given that Kingdom Come is a single-player, offline-friendly experience, how do you see it aligning with the broader goals of the Stop Killing Games movement, especially when it comes to preservation and long-term accessibility?”
Tobias made a bold yet straightforward claim. He acknowledged that it is a crucial topic and that Warhorse Studios cares about creating games that players can return to, even after years.
That’s a very important topic, but also a nuanced and sensitive one. What I can say is that we, as developers, care a lot about making games that players can return to, even years down the line.
-Tobias Stolz-Zwilling
Companies That Don’t Support the Stop Killing Games Initiative
On the other hand, companies like Ubisoft have stated that nothing is eternal, and as players are being given a service, that service can be discontinued.
What do you think about the KCD2 developer supporting the Stop Killing Games initiative? Have you signed the petition yet? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
Ubisoft previously blamed gamers for the failure of Star Wars Outlaws.
The company yet again blames its consumers for the hate it receives.
Yves Guillemot has said that gamers are too sensitive to the quality of video games nowadays.
Ubisoft has been a center of criticism and controversy for a few years now, mainly because it no longer caters to its audience. The company has been focusing on things that it shouldn’t, as evidenced by its current state.
Adding Yasuke to the AC Shadows attracted a lot of hate from the fandom, but the company was firm on its decision to add him, and you can see how it went for Ubisoft. Even the shareholders bashed the company for adding Yasuke to the game.
The hate isn’t limited to just Assassin’s Creed Shadows, as almost every single game the company has released for the past few years has been below average. Instead of admitting to that, the CEO now blames the organized campaigns of criticism against its games.
Ubisoft Still Hasn’t Revealed Assassin’s Creed Shadows Sales Figure
In the recent investor’s presentation, the CEO of Ubisoft revealed that the hatred for the company and its products apparently comes from an organized group.
Ubisoft is exposed to risks of damage to its reputation resulting from online bashing, understood as massive, sometimes virulent and organized campaigns of criticism against its products, teams or public statements.
-Yves Guillemot
The company fails to admit its mistakes and continues to blame other people for the hate it receives. There is no way a game from a particular publisher can fail back-to-back if it focuses on its mistakes and caters to its actual audience, rather than one that doesn’t represent the majority.
Yves further said that these campaigns occur due to technical issues affecting games or statements perceived as controversial by certain people. While it is true that Ubisoft receives hate more than any other gaming company, it always fails to figure out the main problem and solve it.
If there are going to be certain problems in a game, the fandom is going to criticise it. The developer can only improve that problem instead of blaming the players for being overly sensitive to the quality of games.
What do you think about the statement made by Yves Guillemot? Do you think the company is responsible for its damaged reputation or the consumers? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the Tech4Gamers forums.
As a Senior Hardware Reviewer at Tech4Gamers with over a decade of hands-on experience, I dive deep into benchmarking GPUs, CPU coolers, and motherboards, pushing hardware to its limits. Passionate about overclocking and fine-tuning performance.
It all started not long ago in the mainstream market, where GPU manufacturers decided to use PTM or PCM (Phase Change Material) in their high-end graphics cards after users reported an increase in hotspot temperatures on the GPUs, questioning the durability of the thermal paste.
The phase-change material has seen an upsurge in demand after the AMD Radeon RX 7000 / RTX 40 Series GPUs experienced high temperatures (Hotspot) just a couple of months after release, due to the pump-out effect, where thermal paste disappears or is slowly pushed out by repeated cooling and heating.
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900+ hours spent testing different coolers for our reviews.
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Many companies had seen the opportunity to come forward with the solution. We’ll be taking a look at the Thermal Grizzly Phase-Sheet PTM to see how it performs.
Which Major Companies Have Adopted the PTM or PCM’s In Their Products?
RX 7900XTX / RX 7900XT (Hellhound, Red Devil) Likely RX 9000 Series
Sapphire
RX 7900XTX Nitro+ (likely Pulse)
RX 9070XT Nitro+
Lenovo
Legion Gaming Laptops (GPU & CPU cooling)
[toc]
What Is Phase Change Material?
Allow us to explain in straightforward, simple terms for our audience: The Phase-change material is a paste, but in the form of a pad. Please don’t confuse it with the thermal pads that you see on the GPU memory dies. They might look identical, but the use case is different. Well, PTM pads can be applied to the IHS or the naked dies, such as those found in graphics cards. PTM material works by changing its state from solid to liquid and back again.
This means that if your GPU is running idle at room temperature, the pad maintains its solid state. However, at certain temperatures / heat-load (45 degrees Celsius, according to Thermal Grizzly), it changes its state to liquid, filling the micro gaps on the die. Compared to the thermal pastes, the pads retain a very low viscosity in the liquid state.
Here are the specs:
Specification
Value
Color
Grey
Electrically Conductive
Non-conductive
Operating Temperature
-75°C to 150°C
Typical Application
Thermal pads for processors and graphics chips
Length
50 mm
Width
40 mm
Height (Thickness)
0.2 mm
Packaging & Accessories
Packaging
1 of 6
Unboxing
The packaging is nothing fancy; the PTM comes in a resealable red and black plastic bag. The black box is included in the packaging that contains the PhaseSheet PTM pad. There’s also a guide. The PTM is protected with a seal.
Application
Application
1 of 3
Prepping RTX 5080
PTM Application
PTM Application Close Up
How To Apply PTM On GPU
Applying PTM Phase-Change is not as easy as using the thermal-paste; it requires careful preparation and precision.
Ensure the GPU is disassembled and work on a non-conductive surface.
Clean the GPU die with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) or alcohol swabs. Ensure that you remove all the existing thermal paste from the die gently.
Optional Place the PTM pad in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. It will solidify the pad, making it much easier to apply.
The PTM pad should be cut to match the size of the GPU die with scissors or a precision knife.
Align the pad carefully with a GPU die and press it down gently with your thumb to ensure it adheres evenly.
Secure the cooler.
Testing Methodology
How We Tested PTM:
The methodology for testing PTM performance differs from that of thermal pastes, as the phase-change material requires several thermal cycles and an adequate burn-in time for optimal performance.
We’ll perform 5 to 6 thermal cycles, each cycle lasting 10 minutes while maintaining a temperature above 60 °C, followed by a 10-minute cool-down after every run.
Each cycle will be recorded as the average and maximum temperatures of the GPU.
Controlled Environment:
We have eliminated the influence of ambient temperatures in our data, and all results are presented as deltas over the ambient conditions. The tests were done in a controlled environment with a room temperature of 25°C.
Preparing System:
The GPU fans are set to 70% and power limits and clocks remain unchanged. No further adjustments have been made to the graphics card.
We’re using our GPU on the vertical PCI-e bracket. All the case fans are operating at 50% fixed PWM, and all the panels have been removed from the case.
Software:
We have ensured that no other software is running on the computer that could influence the GPU load.
We’ll be using the 3D Mark: Speedway Loop for the GPU stress tests, as it’s very GPU-intensive, and HWINFO64 for temperature reporting.
Windows Version: Windows 11 24H2 (OS Build 26100.4652)
Performance Results
Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM Performance
We ran multiple heat cycles, followed by a 10-minute cool-down period, until we reached stable temperatures. It took us almost six cycles to normalize the temperatures, and we are already impressed with the performance. The phase sheet even beats the Thermal Grizzly Duronaut in terms of temperatures.
The final cycle demonstrated a 4 °C lower average temperature than the first cycle, initially tested, and a 5 °C lower maximum temperature. Thermal Grizzly recommends a maximum of 10 cycles to achieve the best performance, but you can reach that point after the 5th or 6th cycle.
WARNING: These pads should not be used as a putty or thermal-pad replacement on VRM and Memory Modules/Drams or SSDs, as they are very adherent or sticky, especially when the pad is in a solid state. Removing the cooler/outer later may damage the ICs or essential components of the PCB during the disassembly.
Should You Buy It?
Buy It If
✅ You are aftersuperior longevity:PTM (Phase-Change) Pads have a significantly longer life span than traditional thermal pastes and they are non-conductive.
✅ You want less maintenance: PTM pads are designed to fight the pump-out effect as compared to thermal pastes, which are more prone to the pump-out effect. If you’re running the servers that need to run for years, PTM would be the option.
✅ You preferexcellent thermal performance: Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM exhibited good temperatures under the load on the GeForce RTX 5080, even better than Thermal Grizzly Duronaut.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You want affordability: PTM pads are more expensive than traditional thermal-pastes.
Final Thoughts
Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet PTM demonstrated exceptional performance in the thermals, even better than one of the best thermal pastes available on the market, Thermal Grizzly Duronaut. The pad comes in the resealable bag with the manual, which is helpful as they have instructions on how to apply the pad correctly.
If you’re running a high-end graphics card, you would probably need to jump on the PTM pad if you notice the unusual behavior in temperatures, such as high temperatures. The PhaseSheet kicked off things with 5c higher temperatures, but it settled down after five cycles.
The application is not very easy as the pads are too adherent or glued with tape. If you remove the tape, it can ruin the pads as they’re only 0.2mm thick. Hence, you need to be very careful as it needs to be stiffened up first, which can be done by putting the pads in the refrigerator for 10 minutes and slicing the pads accordingly, It needs to be the same size as your die.
The Phasesheet PTM pad costs $11.58 for the two sheets with a dimension of 50 x 40 mm (L X W), which means you can apply the pad on the CPU IHS two times and the GPU dies more than twice, depending on the die size, of course.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
WoW MoP Classic is scheduled to launch on July 21st, marking a huge moment for the game.
Those interested in a nostalgia-fueled experience can also consider boosting to skip straight to the best parts of Mists of Pandaria Classic.
Boosting can range from PvP to raids, allowing players to experience the game based on their different play styles and preferences.
The latest addition to World of Warcraft’s expansive ecosystem comes from Mists of Pandaria Classic, adding a new spin on a classic expansion. Between a slew of new and nostalgic players, Mists of Pandaria Classic is sure to attract all types of World of Warcraft fanatics, but not everyone will be willing to spend time farming like the old days.
It’s no secret that players today attempt to seek help and find tips for the best possible experience in World of Warcraft when possible, and in other cases, players attempt to boost their way to victory.
Many players are now opting for MoP Classic Boost, a service designed to alleviate the lengthy grind that awaits new and returning players in Mists of Pandaria Classic.
Why it matters: Players still hold a lot of passion for the franchise, but modern fans are less likely to deal with the less interesting parts of World of Warcraft.
A New Beginning
Mists of Pandaria originally debuted in 2012 and eventually became a fan favourite due to its numerous activities, visual style, and more. Pandaria Classic offers players the opportunity to immerse themselves in the same wonders again, but the modern era is very different.
Between the growing responsibilities of today and limited time availability, players may find it too daunting a task to set aside hours upon hours for the content in Pandaria Classic. This is precisely why so many players are already willing to buy Pandaria boost.
Why Boosting Is So Effective
For the unaware, boosting essentially refers to WoW fans receiving help from other, more experienced players.
WoW Pandaria boosting can range from the act of trying to gain levels quickly to completing raids without spending time looking for groups. Players interested in PvP ranks, titles, and better equipment in arenas, as well as Mounts, can also make use of boosting.
Why Choose Boosting
WoW MoP Classic Arrives On July 21st
As mentioned earlier, the primary function of boosting is to save players as much time as possible. However, everyone has a different reason for turning toward this method of processing through the game.
For some, the lack of time is a reason enough to seek expert help, but others may pursue boosting to catch up with their higher-level friends. Players can also opt for boosting to skip through the boring parts of Mists of Pandaria for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Ultimately, this approach encourages playing the game based on specific preferences.
The Costs of Boosting
WoW MoP boost price can vary based on several factors. A player’s current progress, requested items, and chosen format can all impact the cost. Moreover, boosting costs can differ depending on categories like raids, PvP, and more.
For instance, pumping is relatively basic and costs less than a full set of raid gear. Self-play can also add to the costs, but transparent calculators included with the service make it easy for players to gauge how much they will spend on specific types of boosting.
It should also be noted that the WoW Pandaria classic boost needs to be pursued with certain precautions for the safest possible experience. Looking at ratings, cooperating with reliable players, and avoiding password sharing are some practices that players can follow for a safe experience.
Ultimately, WoW Mists of Pandaria offers players a chance to revisit some of the game’s best content.
However, not everyone will find it fun to play through old content to get to the best parts, making WoW MoP Classic Boost a reliable way of alleviating the grind associated with WoW Mists of Pandaria.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
Story Highlight
A new Sony patent proposes a universal system for instantly trying gameplay segments.
It argues that most studios no longer create game demos because they consume time and budget.
Developers and players can easily share short game demos featuring built-in gameplay chunks like quests, levels, or races.
Game demos have been a considerable part of the gaming scene, as players can discover whether a title appeals to them. However, as the AAA gaming scene has progressed over the years, studios have started skipping them entirely. Now, Sony might be pushing for their return.
We have found a new Sony patent that discusses a universal system to simplify the game demo creation process for developers. The proposed system also wants to make it a quick and convenient option for gamers to try specific chunks of gameplay.
Gameplay elements like quests, levels, or races can be instantly deployed as demos without extra development, allowing gamers to play them via quick downloads or cloud streaming.
the activities scheme is re-purposed to provide one or more demos. In particular, a demo file is produced that typically identifies the particular game, and also one or more activities of that game that should form the demo for that game.
Why it matters: The new Sony system could inspire many AAA teams and even players to start creating bite-sized demos to attract a bigger audience.
The figures are a schematic diagram of a computer system and software components, according to the patent.
The patent dubbed ‘VIDEOGAME APPARATUS AND METHOD’ talks about using existing game activities, a unit of gameplay, to create demos instead of developing a separate build. Developers can select any of the existing activities to include in the demo.
Sony argues that producing game demos currently takes time and resources, which deters developers from going for them entirely these days. Therefore, using the new system can be a quick way of satisfying both studios and gamers.
The flow diagrams detail the process of creating and providing a video game demo.
The patent also talks about letting users create demos out of owned games using the existing activities and sharing them with others.
However, a lot of built-in safeguards are discussed to prevent this system from being abused in any way, such as limiting how many activities can be played, time constraints, and more.
Sony has also secured many other outlandish patents, including one to support hardware-level backward compatibility features for possibly PS6 and another one to introduce virtual buttons on controllers that work with finger gestures.
Do you think the new demo creation system for games will make it easier for developers to create demos? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlight
Ubisoft says Shadows launch was a defining moment for the company.
The title will be the bar for the company’s future open-world games going forward.
However, the game didn’t receive critical acclaim and has mixed overall reviews.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows had a lot riding on it. The game needed to be successful to help Ubisoft recover from the stock crisis it had been experiencing for quite some time. While its reception was decent, it couldn’t do any wonders.
However, Ubisoft executives seem to be thrilled with the quality of Assassin’s Creed Shadows and state that the title has set the bar for their future open-world games.
Why it matters: Shadows was a step towards improvement and did resolve a few long-standing issues with Ubisoft titles, but it still suffers from open-world fatigue and gets straining after a while.
Ubisoft CEO says Shadows launch was a defining moment for the company
Speaking at the shareholder meeting, Ubisoft’s CEO said that the company is quite pleased with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, calling its launch a defining moment. He also says it received a very positive response from the global community.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows received a very positive response from the global community, and it sets the tone for a new focus on consistent, high-quality releases.
– Yves Guillemot
This isn’t entirely true, considering the overall thoughts around the title are quite mixed. People praise it for its breathtaking visuals, but it still has the same old issues, like repeated gameplay, open-world fatigue, and mediocre animations.
The overall reception of the game was mixed
Even the company’s shareholders recently criticized the game for the inclusion of Yasuke. The game had a huge ‘woke’ controversy around it as it depicted history incorrectly, which led to many negative reviews as well.
He also said that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be the bar for future Ubisoft open-world games. This means that we might see the same mistakes repeated with future games in the franchise and even with the Black Flag Remake.
What are your thoughts on Ubisoft calling Assassin’s Creed Shadows the bar for its future games? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
Story Highlight
Reports suggest that FromSoft is working on a Dark Souls 3 Remaster that is deep into development.
The game could be released sometime in 2026 as a multiplatform title.
FromSoft is yet to revisit Bloodborne with the bare minimum demand for just a PC port still not met in nearly a decade.
2011 was the year for FromSoft, with the developers creating a new genre that would take at least a decade more to transform the gaming industry completely. Despite swaying away from the Dark Souls series over the years, fans haven’t completely forgotten the genre-defining saga.
Ten years later, the developers may be returning to the franchise that made them popular in the first place. According to a new report, FromSoft is currently working on a Dark Souls 3 Remaster, all set for a 2026 release.
Why it matters: Despite colossal successes like Elden Ring and Sekiro, Dark Souls has been deeply missed by Souls fans. Even though it’s a remaster, fans will be glad to know they’ll be revisiting the series in just a year.
Dark Souls 3 Has Sold More Than 10 Million Units To Date
As previously reported, FromSoft had an unannounced multiplatform title deep into development, slated for 2026. Now, Dexerto has confirmed that the said title is a Dark Souls 3 Remaster that is “already deep in development.”
The project codenamed FMC has historically been referred to as a Dark Souls or an Armored Core release. With the latter franchise already receiving a new entry in 2023, it’s only natural for the developers to revisit the Dark Souls series.
FromSoft Returning To Traditional Single-Player Experience After Bloodborne
Interestingly, another report from last year also suggested that a Dark Souls 3 Remastered was under development. We’ve already received a Remaster of the first two entries, so it’s only natural that the whole trilogy gets the same treatment.
Still, it’s unfortunate that FromSoft still won’t revisit the Bloodborne series, despite such a massive demand over the years. Miyazaki has previously expressed his interest in making a Remaster/sequel, but only when his schedule is clear, which likely won’t happen for at least a few years.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
Story Highlight
In a new interview, Gabe Newell urged developers to learn about the technical side of AI if they want to survive in the industry.
The Valve President stated that people who know how to use AI tools will be more valuable than seasoned programmers.
If developers want to survive in the industry, they need to understand the technology.
Like every other industry in the world, AI has infiltrated the gaming world, with major players like Microsoft actively working to implement the technology for improved efficiency. Of course, the moral implications of this practice are still up in the air as AI has its fair share of critics.
However, it does feel like Artificial Intelligence will be an integral part of the future of gaming, and Gabe Newell, the President of Valve, shares the same opinion.
Why it matters: One of the most influential figures in the gaming world, underscoring the importance of learning AI, hints at how important it is for the future.
In a new Q&A with YouTuber Zalker Saliev, Newell emphasized that people who understand and learn about AI will be more valuable in the long run than veteran programmers who have been coding for a decade.
People who don’t know how to program, will become more effective developers of value than people who’ve been programming For a decade.
-Gabe Newell
Gabe Newell further explained his stance, saying that developers need to learn the technical side of these tools while also figuring out how to use them most efficiently. Otherwise, they will be left behind by newcomers who better understand what underlies these AI tools.
The Valve President also predicted that AI will become an essential component of the industry, and games using these tools will keep increasing. Hence, if developers want to retain their value in an ever-changing industry, scaffolding their skills by learning about AI is their best bet.
Sony is already implementing AI to help develop its remasters.
The technology is already in rampant use in video game development, with Sony using it to accelerate production on remasters, and Xbox also preferring AI tools over human developers. Even Gabe Newell’s Steam has been taken over by AI, with one in every fifth game on the platform being AI.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
It has been over a month since Nintendo Switch 2 was released.
Digital Foundry has revealed that over time, the console’s performance and image quality can decline.
The console is running some games at native 360p, so there are concerns that it may worsen in the near future.
It has been over a month since Switch 2 was released, and while the console sold like hot cakes, it attracted a lot of controversy. A report revealed that Switch 2 made history as the biggest console launch of all time, which is kind of a given, given its predecessor managed to form a literal cult.
Why it matters: As we are already seeing games at Nintendo Switch 2 being rendered at 360p, it won’t be long before we see one at 240p.
After over a month of analysis, Digital Foundry has come to the conclusion that the performance and image quality of the console are concerning factors.
During their video, Digital Foundry was asked a question: “Should we be worried about Switch 2’s image quality/performance long term, since we are already seeing games rendering at 360p?” To this, Oliver replied, “Uh, short answer is yes, I would be.”
However, this won’t be the case in all games, as the slower ones that operate with similar resolutions to the fast fusion ones, when using DLSS, do not appear worse. Hogwarts Legacy would be a good example of such a game.
Nintendo’s Latest Console Is Yet Again In Another Controversy.
Oliver further explained that he won’t be too worried about the titles that are going to be released on Switch 2, which would fall into the category of PS4-class games in terms of visual technology.
However, when it comes to AAA games with virtualised geometry and RTGI, such as Star Wars: Outlaws, the leading cause of concern would be the reduction in resolution.
What do you think about Digital Foundry’s latest claim on Nintendo’s latest console? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the Tech4Gamers forums for discussion.
Lead the comparison and blog writing teams at Tech4Gamers.
Oversee teams with a keen eye for detail and precision.
Ensure hands-on writing, with benchmarks and testing as guiding principles.
Guarantee the delivery of the best possible results in concise yet impactful tech tales.
Story Highlights
While $150+ coolers dominate the market, Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 ($72) and Thermalright’s Frozen Magic Scenic V2 ($54) still exist.
In 30 minutes of Cinebench stress test with i7-13700K, the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 performs with 82°C among other popular and expensive coolers.
The Thermalright’s Frozen Magic Scenic V2 comes in second place with 81°C in the same test, proving to be the best value for money.
I used to hate the idea of getting an affordable AIO cooler because we live in a world where $150+ coolers dominate the market. It couldn’t fathom that coolers under $100 could perform well.
Instead, these coolers seemed like they were prone to thermal throttling and noisy pumps, and felt like they were only gimmicks because how can a cooler this cheap perform well? This was the case until I looked at the performance of these two coolers: the Thermalright’s Frozen Magic Scenic V2 and the Enermax’s LiqMaxFlo 360.
Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360
Firstly, let’s talk about the one, which comes at a price of around $72, depending on sales. Looking at this price tag alone was surprising for me because I’ve seen many entry-level 240mm coolers that start at this price.
RGB Showcase (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Aesthetics
In terms of design as well, you get a caged look with the 60mm fan on the pump block, which to me isn’t that impressive since I prefer minimalist design and sometimes like the gimmicks like a screen on the block; however, for this price, I can’t really complain.
Pump Block
This uses the SCT design that increases the heat dissipation process. You also get ceramic bearings in the pump that are rated for 50,000 hours. The pump block fan has a speed of 500 RPM that can ramp up to 3000 RPM.
Radiotor Fans
As for the radiator fans, you get 5-bladed RGB translucent fans that are similar to the ones used in EK Nucleus coolers, especially when they’re lit when the RGB is turned on. I have noticed, though, that they aren’t as bright as the Nucleus fans. They come with an airflow of 58.03 CFM and 2.4mmH₂O of static pressure, both of which are sufficient for cooling, on paper.
Enermax Liqmaxflo 360 – Fans (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Dimension
Speaking of the size, it comes with a dimension of 400x120x38mm, and it reminded me of another legendary cooler that it shares a stark similarity with, the Arctic Liquid Freezer 360, which comes with a dimension of 398x120x38mm.
Thermalright’s Frozen Magic Scenic V2
Now, before we take a look at the performance of both of these coolers altogether, let’s see another cooler. Now this cooler has shocked me a lot, not just because of its performance but also because of its price, because it is only $54, which even puts the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 to shame.
Aesthetics & Dimension
Now speaking in terms of aesthetics, this is top notch. Not only does it have a minimalist pump block, but it also has subtle RGB around it. With a dimension of 397x120x27mm, it appears rather slim and doesn’t have the bulky look to it.
Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 – Scenic V2. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Fans & Pump Block
It uses 120mm pre-installed fans that are similar to Noctua NF-A12x25, which look extremely premium. These 9-bladed fans go up to 2150 RPM, and they have an airflow of 69 CFM and a static pressure of 2.87 mmH2O. The pump block has a speed of 5300 RPM ±10% and it also features a ceramic bearing rated for 40,000 hours of lifespan.
Performance: I’m Blown Away
But the specs won’t cut it if the performance isn’t there. That’s when it was time to put it to the test against various other coolers. Running the Cinebench stress test with the i7 13700K processor, I found the results to be astonishing, to say the least.
Test Results
With the ambient temperature being constant (24°C-26°C) for all coolers and the test running for 30 minutes, I saw that the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 was the best 2nd best performant, reaching 81°C. The Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 was a close third winner, performing extremely well with its temperature at load reaching 82°C at max.
Temperature Test Results (Image By Tech4Gamers)
XPG & TeamGroup AIO Coolers
The XPG Levante 360 has higher temperatures than this, reaching 85°C in the same test. And the shocking part is that the XPG cooler is around $150. As you go down the list, it seems the temperature is increasing, and so is the price, because the one beneath is TeamGroup Siren Duo360, which comes at a whopping $399.
Now, if we take a look at the cooler that came first in this test, the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB, you can see it only won by a difference of 1°C compared to the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2, by reaching 80°C. Not to mention, this cooler would cost you around $163.
Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Verdict
For the price-to-performance ratio, both the Thermalright Frozen Magic 360 Scenic V2 and the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 are beyond impressive. Never had I thought that a cheaper AIO cooler would perform this well. Specifically, the former is just too good because it has the looks, the performance, and the affordable price tag. I must say I’m thoroughly impressed.
At Tech4Gamers.com, I cover the latest news and rumours in the gaming industry, from new game releases to hidden gems and video game leaks. Furthermore, I occasionally write tech articles about video game consoles, providing insights into the hardware and software that powers our gaming experiences.
[Press Release] AVerMedia has confirmed that its GO Series, X’TRA GO, ELITE GO, and CORE GO support the Nintendo Switch 2. These USB-C capture-and-charge devices are designed for creators, streamers, and educators who require a simple and portable solution.
They work flawlessly with Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion GO, MSI Claw, iPads, and smartphones, offering plug-and-play streaming and recording with a single USB-C connection.
Each model combines fast charging and stable capture performance, eliminating the need for bulky setups. The X’TRA GO offers PC-free recording and expansion ports, doubling as a mobile dock. ELITE GO merges a capture card with verified 100W GaN fast charging in a proper pocket-sized form. CORE GO powers devices and mirrors gameplay to a larger screen with HDMI output and 100W GaN support.
All models are compact and feature certified safety measures to guard against overheating and power surges. Designed for real-world use, they support uninterrupted streaming and recording from any location.
Unlike many tools with unclear specs, the GO Series delivers on its promises with verified performance and consistent reliability.
The Verge called the ELITE GO the first portable dock for Switch 2 that also works as a charger and capture card. Creator feedback highlights its clear capture quality, easy setup, and dependable performance.
As Tech4Gamers’ Founder and Editor-in-Chief, I bring over 13 years of PC Hardware Reviewing and 8+ years of IT Project Management experience. Certified in Google IT Support , my focus is on providing honest product reviews and analysis and fostering a strong gaming community with 130k+ members in PPG.
Story Highlight
An analyst predicts that GTA VI will sell 85 million copies in its first two months.
The price for the standard version is expected to be $80.
The estimated development cost for the game is over $2 billion.
Since video games have been around for several decades, tens of thousands of new ones have been created. Of these, just a handful have sold over a million copies, a handful have sold over ten, and only two have sold over a hundred million. Grand Theft Auto V and Minecraft, both of which are over ten years old, are examples of the latter.
GTA VI.
We already know the release date of Grand Theft Auto VI, which is already set for May 26, 2026, but we haven’t heard of a Minecraft 2. As there is still time for GTA VI to arrive, analyst Josh Chapman, managing partner at Konvoy Ventures, shared his predictions on LinkedIn, indicating that GTA 6 will be the “greatest video game release of all time; shattering player, viewership, and revenue records.”
According to Chapman, the Rockstar’s next game is expected to gross $7.6 billion in its first two months of sales. The game is also projected to sell 85 million copies within the same timeframe.
Although the actual cost of development is unknown, it is expected to exceed $2 billion, which, if all goes as planned, will be returned in less than a month.
Another intriguing detail that has been reported is that Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to cost $80 in its basic/standard version. This contrasts with rumors that it will cost more than $100, as Rockstar Games believes the game is worth that price.
We don’t have any confirmation on the official price, but we anticipate an increase, given games like Mario Kart World for Switch 2 cost $80 in physical form.
When Red Dead Redemption 2 was released in 2018, development on Grand Theft Auto VI began. Despite being 7 years old and having an announced delay, it has lately entered a development hell period, with the decision to recreate the final chapters of the plot.
