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
Nvidia announces the RTX 5060 GPUs.
The base RTX 5060 costs $299, while the Ti version costs $379 and $429 for 8GB and 16GB variants.
The RTX 5060Ti costs less than its predecessor.
The flagship GPUs from Nvidia’s Blackwell lineup were disappointing, with driver issues, stock shortages, and higher price tags that didn’t justify the performance. Nvidia’s midrange options will shake things up, though.
Nvidia has finally announced the RTX 5060 GPUs, starting from $299 and are priced similarly to what was previously expected.
Why it matters: While the earlier RTX 50-Series cards disappointed, Nvidia is set to slightly redeem itself with more affordable options that offer decent performance.
Nvidia Finally Announces The RTX 5060 GPUs || Source: X
The RTX 5060 Ti features 4,608 CUDA Cores—a modest 5.88% increase over the RTX 4060 Ti—alongside a TDP of 180W. It is available in 8GB and 16GB variants, priced at $379 and $429, respectively, reflecting a $70 and $30 drop compared to its predecessor.
Benchmarks show a 5.8x performance boost for the RTX 5060 Ti in titles like Alan Wake 2 at 1080p resolution, with DLSS and Ray Tracing enabled.
The base RTX 5060, meanwhile, comes with 3,840 CUDA Cores—a solid 25% jump over the RTX 4060—and maintains a 150W TDP. It retains the same launch price as its predecessor.
Nvidia has also announced laptops featuring the RTX 5060 cards, expected to start at $1100, though this price may be subject to change.
The RTX 5060 delivers up to a 6.3x performance increase in Alan Wake 2 over the RTX 3060 on max settings at 1080p, again with DLSS and Ray Tracing enabled.
Nvidia Also Reportedly Preparing An Entry-Level RTX 5050 For Desktops
While the newer xx60 GPUs may cost less or the same, their TDP has slightly increased over the predecessor, like the rest of the 50-Series lineup.
The RTX 5060Ti will be available starting tomorrow, and reviews will go live tonight. Conversely, NVIDIA will release the base RTX 5060 next month.
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
Intel has confirmed that it is aiming for much higher with discrete GPUs despite the success of Battlemage cards.
The remarks were further confirmed with a plethora of job listings by Intel relating to discrete GPUs that recently went up.
This development suggests that Intel might next target the high-end GPU market, aligning with the current rumors.
The B580 and B570 cards were ideal for the entry-to-mid-level GPU market because of their friendly prices, but Intel appears to have even bigger plans. It wants to shoot ‘for much higher’ with discrete GPUs.
Why it matters: Intel’s not giving up on discrete GPUs and amping up its plans for the future, which suggests that AMD and Nvidia could face stiff competition in the GPU market from the conglomerate.
Intel has published many job listings relating to discrete GPUs, suggesting it has big plans for the future.
Intel’s statement on LinkedIn, spotted by Twitter user @Haze2K1, appears to tease that it is preparing GPUs that target the higher-end GPU market. The company has multiple new job listings for its discrete GPU department.
Intel’s second generation Discrete Graphics, aka BattleMage, has received strong market feedback. However, we are shooting for much much higher!
Intel’s new co-CEO, Michelle Johnston Holthaus, made similar remarks earlier this year during the CES event, confirming that the conglomerate is committed to discrete graphics and Arc GPUs.
Additionally, these job listings show an increase in the activity of its discrete GPU department, affirming that we will likely see more stellar launches from Intel in the near future.
Do you think Intel plans to penetrate the GPU market with new higher-end variants in the Battlemage series, or is this just PR talk? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
I’ve been the Journalist & Editorial Writer at Tech4Gamers since July 2022. I spearhead our hardware coverage, including overclocking GPUs, benchmarking CPUs, reviewing peripherals, and fine-tuning custom PC builds for every budget. Daily, I report on breaking gaming news, from major launches and studio updates to the latest industry trends, ensuring our community stays informed. Beyond news briefs, I write in-depth feature articles on gaming culture and emerging technologies. And by collaborating closely with the editorial team on content planning, SEO strategy, and our publishing calendar, I help us consistently hit our traffic and engagement targets.
I just got my hands on the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S, and I have to say, it’s pretty good. I’m excited to share my thoughts on this. Previously, I’ve had a great time with AVerMedia X’TRA GO, the Live Gamer 4K 2.1, and even the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1, each with its own charm. Now, with the AverMedia Live Gamer Ultra S, AverMedia seems to have taken it up a notch.
I mean, if you thought AVerMedia’s previous models were impressive, then this one might just hit that sweet spot between top performance and everyday usage without costing as much as some of those at just $129.99. If you’re like me and are into streaming or recording your gaming sessions in top-notch quality, this capture card might be worth a look.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Abdul Hannan is our peripherals expert who has been testing different mice, keyboards, headphones, microphones, and more for years.
130+ peripherals tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
500+ hours spent testing different peripherals for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
Key Takeaways
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S handles up to 4K60 HDR with VRR pass‑through and captures ultra‑wide resolutions. Moreover, setting it up is a breeze thanks to USB‑C plug‑and‑play, and you get vibrant RGB24 visuals and 5.1 surround audio.
Buy the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S if you want next-level capture quality without the high-end price tag, need a hassle-free setup, and want to capture high frame rates and smooth gameplay.
Don’t buy the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S if you need an onboard recording or SD card support, prefer simple, beginner-friendly software, and your setup has basic specifications.
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S introduces several enhancements and sets itself apart from its predecessors and competitors. Building upon the Live Gamer Ultra’s foundation, the Ultra S variant maintains a 4K60 HDR capture option but adds VRR ass-through support. Additionally, it reduced power consumption by approximately 3.05W compared to the previous model. Compared to competitors, the Live Gamer Ultra S offers ultra-wide resolution support, which is ideal for gamers using ultra-wide monitors.
Packaging & Unboxing
Packaging & Unboxing
1 of 3
Box Front (Image by Tech4Gamers)
Unboxing (Image by Tech4Gamers)
Box Contents (Image by Tech4Gamers)
Seeing the packaging for the first time made me excited to get it open since the presentation itself was done quite wonderfully. It wasn’t too flashy but rather neat and minimalistic. I was pleased to see that the packaging was strong enough.This means that they care about shipping and handling. Everything inside is laid out neatly.
Here is what’s included in the box:
Live Gamer ULTRA S (GC553Pro)
HDMI 2.0 Cable
Type C to Type A Cable
Quick Start Guide
Design
Design (Image by Tech4Gamers)
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S looks much better than the other models I’ve used. The casing is more durable, and it’s harder to leave your fingerprints on it. It feels much more minimalistic than the last models but retains that premium level.
In my opinion, it is a bit more of a refined design due to its great build quality and weight, as it is strong yet feels light, weighing just 99 grams. It saves a lot of desk space because its dimensions are 112.6 mm in width, 66.2 mm in depth, and 26 mm in height, which are quite compact. All of this makes traveling with it much easier.
Regarding ventilation, the Live Gamer Ultra S comes with well-placed vents for cooling, and the placement of the LEDs is well done, too. They are not overly flashy while clearly stating whether the device is on standby, recording, ready to capture, or if there is an error. Here is how the LED indicators interact:
Solid Blue: Ready—go ahead and start streaming or recording.
Slow Flashing Red: Recording is happening now.
Slow Flashing Blue: You’re live and streaming.
Fast Flashing Red: Your disk is nearly full.
Solid Red: Error—streaming/recording stopped. Check your settings or connections.
Flashing Green: Connected via USB 2.0.
Flashing Red: Device issue—give it a quick check.
Features
Features
1 of 2
Pass-through and Capture Resolution Chart
Capture Capability Breakdown by Video Format
The Live Gamer Ultra S supports capture quality of up to 4K60 HDR, 1440p144 HDR, and 1080p240 HDR. You’re in luck if you are an ultrawide gamer looking for a capture card. This also supports 3440×1440 and 2560×1080, letting you capture the 21:9 ratio gameplay without cropping anything.
This also goes beyond HDR and gets even better with passthrough capabilities. It supports VRR, which reduces screen tearing and makes game recording even smoother than expected. Also, even though the primary focus of this card is to deliver high-quality visuals with RGB24 output, it doesn’t ignore the other encoding options.
Fortunately, it also works with H.265 and H.264 encoding options for recording gameplay, which helps you record your gameplay at a manageable file size while maintaining quality. It seems to me a wonderful balance. As for audio, you get 5.1 multichannel.
Setting Up
HDMI Ports (Image by Tech4Gamers)
USB Port (Image by Tech4Gamers)
The Live Gamer Ultra S comes with two HDMI ports for both input and output, plus a USB-C connection, making it quite a simple process to set up to your PC, console, or even a handheld device. The ports are all labeled very well. Fortunately, it is fully compatible with PS5 and Pro Version, PS4 and Pro version, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X, Switch, and more.
Connect the HDMI In port to your source device, such as a console. Then, take the HDMI Out and connect it to your display, like a monitor. Lastly, plug the USB out port into the PC or laptop from which you are streaming. Overall, this is a straightforward setup.
I connected it through USB 3.2, and there were no issues, so it was detected immediately. It is surely a relief that there are no extra drivers to deal with to start capturing your gameplay footage. Everything seems very orderly, and once the devices are connected, you can easily stream your gameplay or content without any additional hassle.
Software
Software
1 of 6
Streaming Center Software
Adding Software
Streaming Center Plug
5.1 Multi-Channel Audio Capture
Assist Central Pro Software
Device Settings
After connecting the device, I went to AVerMedia’s site, and you should, too. There, you will come across the Streaming Center software. You need to download it to tweak the recording or capturing settings. My first impression of the software was that the interface was user-friendly and straightforward. Here, you can easily expand the function bar by clicking the familiar three-line icon, which allows quick access to the device settings, save folder, profile, and settings.
Moreover, the scene device panel lets you add your cameras, capture cards to the source, and even microphones with just a few clicks. On the other hand, if you prefer using OBS, you can also consider downloading the Streaming Center Plug, which brings selected streaming center features directly to your OBS workflow. It is as effortless to install as the primary software.
Recording Performance
My experience with the Live Gamer Ultra S showed great recording performance on all supported resolutions, such as 2160p60, 1440p144, and 1080p240. The results far exceeded my expectations. The capture quality was consistent across the board, and I noticed that almost all recordings or streams had little to no latency. Practically, there were no frames dropped, which is quite impressive. Moreover, it handles variable refresh rates well, even during high-intensity, fast-paced gaming scenarios.
In addition, when I switched to ultra-wide resolutions of 3440×1440 and 2560×1080, the picture quality remained sharp and held true to the original, which is ideal for ultra-wide. To test the colors, I used the RGB24 format and was amazed at how lifelike the colors were, and every shade was vibrant.
Audio Performance
The 5.1 multi-channel audio support is a big deal, especially for Windows users who want to enjoy surround audio, as it offers the whole experience of surround sounds. When live streaming and recording, the sound was clear, and there weren’t any noticeable issues with synchronization. Fortunately, I did not see any serious problems here. Everything stayed perfectly in sync, and that’s really important when you’re streaming fast-paced gameplay.
Similarly, compared to some of the older models I’ve tested, the audio quality here feels clean and balanced. While streaming, the audio was rich, required little adjustment, and the details were crisp during recording. Sure, suppose you’re picky about every little detail here or there. In that case, you will need to adjust some of the settings, but the performance here is unmatched.
Should You Buy It or Not?
Buy it if
✅ You want next-level capture quality without the high-end price tag: The Live Gamer Ultra S supports high resolution up to 4K60 HDR capture along with ultra-wide resolution and RGB24 color clarity and delivers outstanding performance for just $129.99.
✅ You need a hassle-free setup: With its plug-and-play design and immediate detection across consoles, PCs, and handheld devices, this capture card is incredibly easy to set up. There are no extra drivers or complicated configurations required.
✅ You want to capture high frame rates and smooth gameplay: With support for high frame rates such as 1440p144 and 1080p240 along with VRR passthrough support, it provides smooth, tear-free gameplay recording without lag or frame drops.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You need an onboard recording or SD card support: The Live Gamer Ultra S doesn’t feature any internal storage options or standalone recording
❌ You prefer simple, beginner-friendly software: While the AVerMedia Streaming Center and Assist Central Pro offer powerful tools, they can take some time to understand fully. If you’re new to capture cards, the initial learning curve might not be beginner-friendly.
Final Verdict
As mentioned, the Live Gamer Ultra S met and, in some cases, far exceeded my expectations. It definitely proves its worth. The capture device’s functionality when live streaming and recording seems to perform well because of its capture quality, pass-through performance, and ease of setup. Moreover, it performed exceptionally well with every tested resolution while maintaining clear visuals and detail at every frame rate option.
The audio performance is also solid, and the design is a definite upgrade from older models. It has exceptional color accuracy, VRR support, and more energy efficiency. If you are a full-time dedicated streamer looking for a capture card that provides outstanding performance, I believe this should be seriously considered. Give it a try, as it can be a good investment that could enhance your streaming or recording setup.
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
Korean media and fans have called out Xbox for neglecting their gaming market.
Despite being the 4th largest market, first-party games have no localization.
The criticism first surfaced with the release of Starfield and later with Avowed.
Korea is one of the most important gaming markets in the world. Now, more than ever, the region has become more prominent thanks to recent hits like Lies of P, Stellar Blade, and more by studios like Shift Up and Neowiz.
However, while other major players consider the country a focal point of their marketing strategies, Xbox has been heavily criticized for neglecting the Korean gaming market.
Why it matters: Companies like PlayStation and Nintendo heavily invest in Korea for their upcoming titles, but Xbox is notably missing among the big-name players.
Starfield was the first title that received criticism.
A Korean media outlet, Global Economic, recently published an article that reveals that people are calling out Microsoft for repeatedly leaving the region out of its first-party games localization support compared to the other big publishers.
The criticism first surfaced with the release of Starfield. What was seemingly Microsoft’s flagship title for this console generation totally neglected localization. Making this an even bigger deal was that most of the arketing for the game happened in Korea.
The Outer Worlds 2 won’t feature Korean language support either.
This happened with Avowed, which was initially announced with Korean language support. The source contacted Microsoft to ask about the support for The Outer Worlds 2, which the company said wasn’t planned.
This frustrates the Korean audience and could lead to a huge loss of popularity for the brand in the region. Also, considering that Korea is the fourth largest gaming market in the world, this doesn’t sound like the right move.
What are your thoughts on Xbox getting criticized for neglecting the Korean market? Let us know your opinions in the comments, or join the discussion on the 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
The PS6 portable will be able to run PS5 games, says leaker.
The handheld console is expected to perform between PS5 and Xbox Series S.
The console is reportedly also a 15w SoC on 3nm.
After over a decade of silence, Sony is expected to return to the handheld market. Following Switch 2’s reveal, PlayStation has already started sending out surveys teasing its next portable console.
The new PlayStation handheld is expected to be released alongside the PS6 console. While other details remain scarce, a leaker has suggested that the PS6 portable can run PS5 games.
Why it matters: Sony is considered a pioneer in the handheld market, with a solid track record of producing consoles like the PSP, PS Vita, etc. The PS6 portable’s ability to run PS5 games suggests another great handheld is on the way.
KeplerL2, a credible leaker, has stated that the PS6 portable would be able to run PS5 games, just on a lower resolution. This is due to the handheld’s limited memory bandwidth.
Additionally, he expects the PS6 portable’s performance to be between the Xbox Series S and the PS5 console, suggesting it may be the most powerful handheld. However, he clarified that the portable console uses an unreleased GPU uarch, so nothing has been confirmed yet.
The same leaker previously said the PS6 portable’s chip is a 15w SoC on 3nm. We suggest readers take this information with a grain of salt until PlayStation officially confirms it.
Xbox and Asus are also expected to release their collaborated handheld console this year. However, the PS6 portable may be a while before we see it, as it is expected to be released alongside the next-gen PlayStation console in 2028.
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
Nintendo is losing its identity, says former PlayStation boss.
Shuhei Yoshida wasn’t too pleased with Switch 2’s reveal.
He says the prospect of third-party games arriving on the console is less exciting for multiple console owners.
Nintendo Switch 2 followed the suit of the rest of the handheld consoles on the market by introducing powerful hardware capable of running AAA third-party games. This increase in hardware power also came with a hefty price tag of $449 for non-Japanese customers.
The reception for the handheld has been conflicting, with many expressing disappointment over Nintendo for completely shifting its focus. The former PlayStation boss has also spoken on this topic, saying that Nintendo is losing its identity and chasing power, which other companies do.
Why it matters: One of the biggest reasons why the original Switch console was so successful was the focus on casual gamers with a lower price tag. However, the newer console rendition seemingly focuses on the AAA market, which may be bad.
Shuhei Yoshida Speaks On Switch 2’s Reveal || Source: X
In a new interview, Shuhei Yoshida shared his thoughts on the Switch 2 direct and said the following:
To me it was a bit [of a] mixed message from Nintendo.
-Shuhei Yoshida
Additionally, he also talked about how the Japanese gaming giant’s shift has focused on the latest reveal:
In a sense, I think Nintendo is losing their identity, in my opinion — And because it’s a better Switch, the core premise of the whole Switch 2 is ‘we made things better’, and that’s something other companies have been doing all the time.
According to Yoshida, the powerful hardware in the Switch 2 is a good thing, as it can introduce third-party titles like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 to the handheld platform.
However, he calls this prospect less exciting for people who already own multiple platforms and can play those AAA titles on PCs or consoles. 71% of the first Switch owners already had other platforms to play on, further supporting his argument.
Nintendo will retain its exclusivity approach and won’t directly compete with platforms like the Steam Deck or Asus Rog Ally.
At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
Story Highlight
Bungie’s Marathon is finally coming out later this year.
Fans are already comparing the title with Concord.
Amid comparison, the former Concord developer defends the game, stating that fans should let them cook.
Bungie’s Marathon has recently been confirmed to be coming later this September, and the developers believe the title would offer a distinctive experience from the other extraction shooters.
Fans are already comparing it with Firewalk Studios Concord, which was released last year as one of the biggest failures in the industry, leading to the studio’s closure. However, one former Concord developer defends Bungie, stating that the fans should let the team cook.
Why it matters: Bungie developers have also confirmed that Marathon has no similarities with Destiny as the game isn’t for players of the PvE type.
Marathon is aiming to stand out in the crowded extraction shooter genre.
Soon after Bungie released much of the information about the Marathon, one former Firewalk Studio made a Reddit thread, stating how he has been seeing people calling Bungie’s latest project Concord 2.0 on all the social platforms.
He believes that fans should let Bungie cook as it takes a lot of courage to try something foreign, and success is never guaranteed.
I commend them for taking a chance, trying something foreign to them, that isn’t proven, nor guaranteed to succeed. It takes a lot of courage.
-Former Concord Dev
The developer further stated that it’s wild to see fans call Marathon a failure even before its launch.
But to call this game a failure before it’s even out, is wild to me.
The game is coming out later this year.
The former Concord developer also talked about how it was gut-wrenching to see the failure of Concord and to be the laughing stock of many online, but he learned from his mistakes, which drove him to succeed.
While the price of the title is yet to be revealed, a recent report has suggested that Bungie is considering a $40 price tag and will offer a similar experience to Escape From Tarkov.
Nonetheless, are you interested in Bungie’s Marathon? Would you purchase it? Please share your thoughts in the comments or join the Tech4Gamers forum.
At Tech4Gamers, I take on the role of Hardware Reviewer with pride. My responsibilities involve a thorough examination of essential hardware components like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, and CPU coolers, among others, focusing on their complexities and functionalities.
In this review, I will be testing a new budget cooler from Valkyrie. It is the A360, and it is available in 240mm and 360mm sizes in black and white color. The A360 ARGB White has an MSRP of €90. Valkyrie offers a 3-year warranty on this cooler.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Nauman Siddique is our hardware expert who has been testing graphics cards, motherboards, processors, and AIOs for more than a decade.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
This cooler features their new in-house designed pump for efficient cooling. The block has a traditional circular design, but the cooler thing is a rotatable lid so that the Valkyrie branding remains upright regardless of the cooler’s orientation. This cooler comes with 3x A12 fans, having an airflow rating of 69 CFM and a static pressure rating of 2.02mmH₂O.
This cooler is compatible with Intel LGA115x/1200/1700/20XX and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. I also recommend checking out our Valkyrie SYN360 ARGB review, especially if you want an LCD display on your AIO.
Key Takeaways
The Valkyrie A360 is an affordable 360 mm AIO cooler with good performance and wide socket support.
You should go for the Valkyrie A360 if you want a solid, bang-for-the-buck AIO that also looks neat and clean.
The only reason to skip the Valkyrie A360 is if you want a dead-silent operation, as the AIO can get noisy.
The Valkyrie A360 white, despite being a budget cooler, offers a competitive performance, giving a tough time to the high-end coolers on the market. Its fans are a bit loud, but other than that, it is a top-notch cooling solution that does not burden your wallet.
Packaging And Unboxing
Unboxing Experience
1 of 2
The shipping box is made of cardboard material and is finished in white theme. Comparing the packaging of this cooler against the SYN360, we have simple and minimalistic packaging for the A360.
Everything included in the package.
A white color Styrofoam pad contains the cooler and accessories. The following are provided in the box.
1x Cooler with preinstalled fans
1x Intel Backplate
2x Mounting Brackets
2x Intel Mounting Brackets
2x Fasteners
4x Screws for brackets
4x Intel LGA20XX Standoff Screws
4x Intel Other sockets/AMD standoff screws
4x Thumb Screws
1x Thermal Paste
2x Extension Cables
12x Radiator Screws
12x Fan Screws for Push/Pull
Design
It is time to take a look at the unit itself.
Radiator
Radiator Design
Valkyrie is also catching up with the market trend and provides three A12 ARGB White fans pre-installed on the radiator. You can see a white color side frame on the fans, providing a concealed look, though it increases the overall width of the cooler.
The fans use proprietary connectors for interconnectivity, and then there is an extension cable with standard connectors, removing the need for any control hub. I removed the extension cable while taking pictures.
A closer look at the fins.
Tubes connection on the radiator.
The aluminum radiator has dimensions of 397x120x27mm (LxWxH). Here, 27mm refers to the height of the unit. The overall height with 120x25mm fans is approximately 53mm.
The radiator has a 20 FPI count. The radiator has 12 channels for the coolant flow. A gap of 105mm is there with two mounting holes on opposite ends.
Valkyrie has used white metallic clamps to conceal the connection between tubes and barb fittings. You can see a sticker label showing the serial number of the unit.
I am showing the side view of the unit. You can see Valkyrie branding in the middle of the radiator frame as well as on the fan cover. My Valkyrie uses a Corrugated Braided Sleeve tubing. The tube length is 425mm. You can see that the far head has a slim size compared to the large size near the head on the radiator.
You can see proprietary connectors on the fan with short-length cables running between fans. The fan cover is easy to remove and install. It is made of plastic and has tabs or latches that can be installed on the fans.
Pump Block
Let’s take a look at the design of the pump block.
Block Design
The pump housing has a traditional ring design. The top lid features an extended area on which Valkyrie branding can be seen. You can rotate the top lid so that the branding remains upright regardless of the cooler’s orientation.
The block housing has a dimension of 84.5×78.5x53mm. The top has A-RGB LEDs for vivid backlighting effects. The A-RGB light fills the entire top, giving a solid output that looks good in person.
Block Rotatable Cover
Block Base View
I have rotated the lid just to show you its function. There is no style or stenciling on any other part of the housing. The base has mounting holes on each side on which the mounting brackets are installed using screws.
Block Rear View
Block Cable
Looking at the backside of the housing, you can see the 90ᵒ fittings with tube connection. The tube connections can be rotated to adjust for any user requirement. Two flat cables come out from the side of the main housing.
One cable has a standard 4-pin PWM connector to regulate the speed of the pump. The other cable has a 3-pin 5V A-RGB connector for A-RGB LEDs on the block.
Copper Base
The copper base comes with a pre-applied thermal paste. Another good thing is that Valkyrie has provided a tube of thermal paste as well. It will come in handy when redoing the cooler in the long run. I took the picture after testing; hence, you don’t see the pre-applied thermal paste.
Fans
Fan Front View
Fan Back View
This cooler comes with three white A-RGB A12 fans. Each fan features translucent blades. The frame is square and has white anti-vibration pads.
There is a slopedown design on the border of the main frame. The center has a Valkyrie-branded sticker.
The 4 arms on the backside have an angular pattern shaping the airflow coming out from the blades. These fans are rated for 12VDC and are made in China. The slope design can be seen here as well. Bearing information is not mentioned by Valkyrie.
Fan Side View
Fan Cable
Each fan has a proprietary 8-pin header. The fans are interconnected in a neat manner using short cables.
The fans are connected using proprietary connector cables. There are three adapter extension cables that have 4-pin PWM and 3-pin 5V A-RGB connectors to control the speed and lighting effects of the fans.
There is an 8-pin proprietary connector on each fan for interconnectivity.
Installation
The cooler is tested on an MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX motherboard using Intel Core i7 13700k. The installation steps include:
Install the mounting brackets over the block using 4x screws.
Place the backplate under the motherboard.
Use Intel LGA1700/1851 Standoff Screws to secure the backplate.
Place the block over the CPU such that the threaded portion of standoff screws passes through the holes on the brackets.
Use thumb screws to complete this part of the installation.
Rotate the top lid so that the Valkyrie text remains upright.
Install the radiator.
Connect the cables.
Installation is completed.
Clearance
This cooler has dimensions of 397x120x53mm with a fan assembly. Make sure your PC Case supports this dimension.
A-RGB Lighting
RGB Showcase
1 of 3
This cooler uses a standard 5V, 3-Pin A-RGB connector on the pump head, making it compatible with the RGB sync technology of motherboard manufacturers, including:
ASUS Aura Sync
ASROCK-Polychrome Sync
GIGABYTE RGB Fusion 2.0
MSI Mystic Light Sync
The cooler was tested on an MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX WiFi motherboard, and A-RGB lighting was responding well to the changes in the MSI Mystic Sync app.
Thermaltake Core P6 TG Snow Edition in an open-frame layout
Here is the settings table for testing:
Clock (MHz)
Auto
Voltage (V)
Auto
Power Profile
Intel Default – 253W
Thermal Paste
Pre-Applied
Thermal Paste Application
Even Spread
Test Run Time
30 minutes
Idling Time
10 minutes
All Fans Speed
100% PWM Duty Cycle
Pump Speed
Stress Software
CINEBENCH R23.2
Monitoring Software
HWINFO64
Take a look at the final test build:
Result
Here are the test results
Thermal Performance
I did not expect this level of performance from the budget cooler. The Valkyrie A360 white packs a solid performance punch in this price range, competing against the likes of ID-Cooling DX360 Max and other high-end coolers.
Should You Buy It?
Buy It If
✅You want a high-performance cooler: Valkyrie A360 is a perfect combination of form and function. This cooler has solid performance while costing less, and the A-RGB lighting is right on the money.
✅You need good value: This cooler, coming in at Euro 90, provides a highly competitive performance, making it a good value.
✅You are into less cable clutter: Only one cable connection is needed for the daisy-chained fans, making it convenient to handle. It also provides a clean look, thanks to fan covers.
✅You are on the LGA20xx socket: This cooler is also compatible with the Intel LGA20xx socket, which is good news for this platform’s users.
Don’t Buy It If
❌You already have a good liquid cooler: Skip this cooler if you already have a liquid cooler that is doing you well.
Conclusion
The Valkyrie A360 is a budget cooler available in 240mm and 360mm sizes in black and white. It is compatible with Intel LGA115x/1200/1700/20XX and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. The aluminum radiator measures 397x120x27mm. The total height of this cooler with 120x25mm fans is approximately 53 mm.
Valkyrie uses corrugated braided sleeve tubes with a length of 425mm. The block has a circular design. It features brilliant A-RGB lighting effects on the top. The lid has an arm or cap with Valkyrie branding. You can rotate the lid so that branding remains upright. It has a nice click to its rotation.
This cooler has a copper base and comes with a pre-applied thermal paste. In addition, there is a thermal paste tube in the accessory box. The pump is PWM regulated.
My Valkyrie has provided 3x A12 fans with this cooler. Each fan is rated for a maximum of 1800 RPM ± 10% speed, generating 69 CFM airflow while maintaining 2.02mmH₂O static pressure. The noise rating is 32.8 dBA.
These fans use proprietary connectors with a short cable for neat and clean connections concealed using a full-length cover. This daisy-chain connection is to be connected to the motherboard using an adapter extension cable.
The overall installation of this cooler’s block on Intel LGA1700 requires 15 items. The installation is simple, and I made no observations during this process.
This cooler has an MSRP of €90 and comes with a 3-year warranty from the manufacturer. When this cooler was launched, its MSRP was €75. That was a heck of a price tag for this level of performance. This budget cooler offers a top-notch performance, and it has good looks as well.
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
GSC Game World has revealed that it plans to support Stalker 2 for a long time.
The studio has launched a roadmap for updates that will improve the game over time.
The title has had a challenging development period, so it’s good to see long-term support.
Stalker 2 by GSC Game World went through one of the toughest development cycles ever. Being developed in the middle of an ongoing war, the game saw multiple delays and even became the target of a massive hack, leading to data leak.
However, the studio pulled back from it and released the final version of the game to critical success, and has now even announced it wants to provide Stalker 2 with long-term support.
Why it matters: The developers poured their entire heart into the title and plan to continue improving and evolving the game over time.
The updates will be released quarterly and will further improve the game.
GSC Game World has published a roadmap for Stalker 2, highlighting the roadmap for the upcoming updates and the title’s future. The roadmap involves various bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, and much more.
The updates to the game will be released quarterly and kicked off by the Beta Mod SDK Kit, which will add official mod support to the title. A further update will improve optimization, skip the shader compilation wait, and add new weapons.
In addition, the studio also aims to release the next-gen update for the original Stalker trilogy. The studio has emphasized taking the players very seriously, and the updates will be based on their feedback.
Nonetheless, fans will be delighted to see that Stalker 2 will continue to get support from the studio. Considering how strainous and prolonged the development cycle has been, it is also worth it.
What are your thoughts on Stalker 2 getting long-term support from the developers? Let us know your opinions in the comments, or join the discussion at the Tech4Gamers forum.
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
According to Jeff Grubb, the Elder Scrolls Oblivion remake could be shadow-dropping in the week of April 21.
The insider also stated that a new Xbox event is probable next week.
Previous rumors also stated that the remake would launch before Summer 2025.
When we talk about legendary gaming franchises, Elder Scrolls is arguably the first name that comes to mind. The RPG titan has given us one generational title after another, with the games achieving both commercial and critical success.
Recently, however, there has been a long turnover between new entries, with the last title in the Elder Scrolls series coming out over 13 years ago. But, if rumors are to be believed, fans won’t have to wait much longer for something new in the franchise, as the Elder Scrolls Oblivion remake is dropping very soon.
Why it matters: Fans have been clamoring for the Elder Scrolls 4 remake for quite some time, and they might not have to wait any longer.
According to reliable insider Jeff Grubb, the Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion remake is set to shadow drop next week. Nothing is specific now, but the insider believes this release could coincide with a probable Xbox event on April 23.
The insider further stated that April 21 is one to look out for, as the remake can launch on any date this week. This info corroborates what we previously heard about the Elder Scrolls 4 remake, with many stating it would launch before the summer of 2025.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is considered one of the most excellent titles ever.
Hence, the Elder Scrolls 4 remake could be a major seller, and with the next mainline title not even in the alpha phase, the remake is the only Elder Scrolls thing fans will be getting from Bethesda for some time. With news about the next game coming in July, Elder Scrolls fans have much to look forward to.
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
100 units for the Switch 2 expected across GameStop in the US.
With over 2000 stores, GameStop is a major US gaming retailer, suggesting the console will be abundant.
However, accessories and games will be difficult to get a hold of.
After years of anticipation, the Nintendo Switch 2 will finally be released on June 5, 2025. However, the console’s launch isn’t expected to be smooth, considering the tariffs the US has placed on imported products.
Reports reveal that Nintendo saw this long coming and already have started distributing Switch 2 units across the US. In addition to this report, an insider claimed that GameStop stores would receive around 100 units of handheld consoles.
Why it matters: Recent console launches struggled with limited units, causing scalping and price hikes and leaving fans waiting for years. However, this report suggests that the Nintendo Switch 2 won’t face this issue.
Nintendo Switch 2 Will Be In Abundance. || Source: X
Nintendeal, a reliable insider, has uploaded a new post on social media saying that most GameStop stores expect 100 units for the Nintendo Switch. However, the games and accessories for the console will be “extremely limited.”
The 100 units for the Switch 2 are still a big number, possibly even bigger than the recent Xbox Series X|S and PS5 consoles. GameStop is one of the major gaming stores with more than 2000 retail locations across the country, and that’s a decent stock.
Accessories for handhelds include controllers, grips, docks, cases, and more. While third-party vendors will soon start manufacturing their own accessories, the same cannot be said for physical games.
Nintendo Switch 2 And GTA 6 Will Boost The Gaming Market Up To $92.7 Billion.
The Switch 2 cartridges are expected to be 64 GB and reportedly cost $16 to make. This makes sense, given that the physical games for the handheld cost $90 and will be scarce at launch.
Nintendo is trying to control scalping for the console by requiring certain criteria to buy it. Still, Nintendo has a pre-order menu on its website, which almost guarantees a unit will be available to buy at launch.
Switch 2 is expected to be gaming’s biggest launch, with almost 20 million units expected to sell within its first year of launch.
At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
Story Highlight
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows isn’t even a month old yet.
Recent data suggests the title has already become the second-highest-selling title in the US for 2025.
The title has also been the best-selling for the three weeks since its launch.
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows was released nearly a month ago. The title had a great start, scoring 82 on Metacritic. It was also released on day one on Steam and had a massive launch on the platform.
Recent data suggest that Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has become the US’s second highest-selling game this year.
Why it matters: Despite much controversy and delays, it appears that Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has been doing wonders for Ubisoft.
Here's a fun one… Assassin's Creed: Shadows has been the best-selling video game in the US for each of its first 3 weeks in market, according to Circana's Retail Tracking Service (dollar sales, latest data through April 5th). Currently ranks #2 year-to-date trailing only Monster Hunter: Wilds.
According to data from Circana’s Mat Piscatella, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has been the best-selling title in the US for the past three weeks since its launch.
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has been the best-selling video game in the US for each of its first 3 weeks in market.
The data further suggests that the title has already become the second-best-selling title in the US for 2025, just behind Monster Hunter: Wilds.
Currently ranks #2 year-to-date trailing only Monster Hunter: Wilds.
Since Monster Hunter: Wilds has been out longer, the Ubisoft latest release may likely end up beating the Capcom’s action role-playing game in the coming weeks.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Isn’t Even A Month Old Yet.
While this is massive for Ubisoft and the franchise, a recent report has suggested that the players are dropping off the title around 15 hours in, and very few players are actually finishing the second act of the title.
The title has also been helping Ubisoft as the company stock increased by 5% following the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
