At Tech4Gamers, I began as a comparison writer, analyzing GPU and CPU performance. Now, I focus on writing reviews and contributing to the best-ofs section, sharing personal insights after hands-on testing.
Story Highlight
The Corsair 4000D Airflow provides incredible airflow because of its strategic front panel design and attention to detail for cable management.
The chassis isn’t expensive and is big enough to house the newer high-end GPUs without issues while maintaining positive airflow.
Like any other product, it has its cons. The chassis could have been improved by adding additional front USB ports.
It’s barely been ten days since 2025 started, and we already have many new PC products launching soon. Corsair unveiled its latest FRAME 4000D chassis as well, and it’s amazing. However, I was looking for something vintage, so I revisited an iconic PC case with my first 2025 build, and believe me, it’s still a worthy option. I went from a budget Cougar Archon 2 RGB chassis to the Corsair 4000D Airflow. Yes, I know it’s old, but it still has what it takes for the latest PC systems. Don’t believe me? Find out more below!
The Improved Airflow Is A Godsend
Showcasing the front panel of the Corsair 4000D Airflow chassis. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The chassis doesn’t have “Airflow” in its name for no reason. If you don’t want a massive PC case, the 4000D is a decent mid-range option to keep temperatures low with better airflow circulation for any PC you’re building. I love the mesh design in the front while maintaining a metallic structure on the sides, which improves how air travels inside the chassis with the intake fans.
Moreover, because the chassis is slightly elevated from the bottom, there’s more room for positive air pressure if you choose to install intake fans at the bottom. I’m going with a straightforward horizontal positive airflow build for now. Still, the opportunity does exist to install a 240mm radiator at the top and 2x 120mm fans at the bottom for a chimney-like airflow pattern.
Additionally, the cable management is so simple with this chassis; it’s amazing. There’s around 25mm of space behind the motherboard to route all the cables easily, and you also have cable straps to ensure everything is in place and looks neat. Unlike my previous chassis, there are almost no unneeded cables strangling at the front, and the overall aesthetics have improved, too.
Here’s a before and after of my PC temperatures in a few games:
Average PC Temperatures With The Corsair 4000D Airflow
1 of 2
Average CPU Temps At 1080p With Corsair 4000D Airflow. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Average GPU Temps At 1080p With Corsair 4000D Airflow. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
It’s Fantastic For Multiple PC Upgrades
Showing my PC in the Corsair 4000D Airflow. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
I know it’s an ATX chassis, but even then, there’s more than enough space to install mostRTX 4090 variants. I could probably fit the largest Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 4090 Master if I place my front intake fans towards the outer end of the chassis. You can’t have an E-ATX motherboard setup, but you’re probably not looking for something like that with the Corsair 4000D Airflow anyway.
GPU clearance after installing the MSI RTX 3060 Gaming X Trio in the Corsair 4000D Airflow. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
As I stated above, I can easily shift to a 240mm AIO cooler (or a 360mm AIO cooler based on my requirements), install a 360mm radiator (or vice versa), and have enough space for more fans at the bottom of the case. To make things even better, you can place the GPU on a vertical mount to avoid missing out on the aesthetics. However, as you can see, I have opted for the traditional GPU layout.
It’s Not The Perfect Solution
Corsair 4000D Airflow I/O Ports And Size Constraints
1 of 2
Corsair 4000D Airflow I/O ports at the front. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Corsair 4000D Airflow size issues. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Like any other product, the Corsair 4000D Airflow isn’t perfect either. It’s amazing in many ways, especially the value it brings with its budget price (spoiler alert: I got mine for dirt cheap!), but even so, I have a few issues. For starters, the I/O at the front is sad. Corsair only provides a USB 3.0 Type-A port and a USB 3.1 Type-C port. Moreover, there’s a single audio/microphone jack and a reset button. That’s practically it.
I would have loved to see at least one more USB port at the front, but whatever. The second issue with the chassis is that it’s almost too big. Usually, that’d be a good thing for an ATX case, but I almost ran out of space on my table. For another ATX chassis to be that much bigger was beyond my expectations. It’s like a double-edged sword, and honestly, it’s good and bad at the same time. I highly advise you to take note of the space you have on your desk before purchasing this chassis.
The 4000D Airflow Is Still Worthy
As I said at the start, I revisited an iconic PC case with my first 2025 build, and believe me, it’s still a worthy option. Better options are available now, but I can’t look beyond the Corsair 4000D Airflow when it comes to value and future-proofing. If you’re not planning an E-ATX build anytime soon, you’ll be fine with this chassis for many years.
On the other hand, you may have to think beyond this PC case if you require more USB ports on the front. Overall, it’s still a great chassis that offers decent future-proofing for most use cases, and I’ve been enjoying it these past few days. I’m sure it’ll be a good addition when I upgrade the rest of my PC and take you guys on the ride again.
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 investor meeting, Nintendo CEO Shuntaro Furukawa said that exclusives are necessary for Switch 2’s success.
His remarks suggest that Nintendo will continue to value exclusives to ensure the new hardware sells well over the coming years.
Nintendo Switch games will also continue to be developed to keep players of both consoles engaged with new content.
After Nintendo Switch’s dominion over the handheld gaming scene, all eyes were heavily anticipating the console’s next iteration. Unfortunately, the vague reveal did not answer many of the community’s desperate questions.
Now, the Nintendo president and CEO, Shuntaro Furukawa, has come forward to reassure fans on one major concern. He clarified that launching exclusive games remains the biggest priority for Switch 2. In other words, the company will rely on the same strategy it has used for the original Switch platform all these years.
Why it matters: The Nintendo president’s remarks have reassured many fans who were worried about his strategy regarding Switch 2. This is important because Xbox and PlayStation lacked major exclusives for their latest consoles during the first few years.
In a new investor meeting Q&A, Shuntaro Furukawa mentioned that launching exclusives for Switch 2 is necessary for it to succeed. Many gamers in the Nintendo ecosystem only buy these consoles for the hearty exclusives, after all.
Q10: With Nintendo Switch 2 announced, will new games still be released for Nintendo Switch?
We have already announced Pokémon Legends Z-A and Metroid Prime 4 Beyond for Nintendo Switch in 2025.
We will continue developing Nintendo Switch titles, but launching exclusive games for Nintendo Switch 2 is essential for its success.
However, this does not mean that Nintendo Switch will be left behind to gather dust on our shelves; the CEO said that the company will continue producing Switch games in the future. He is aiming for a smooth transition by the community between both platforms.
It’s worth noting that giants like Microsoft are also already developing a bunch of third-party ports for the upcoming Switch 2, with rumors talking about games like Perfect Dark, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Halo, and much more.
Do you think Nintendo will continue to utilize the traditional way of exclusives to keep Switch 2 relevant for years to come? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the official Tech4Gamers forum.
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
Nintendo has shared a few hints about the Switch 2 price.
The company’s president states that pricing will take both affordability and inflation into account.
The new hardware will follow the same philosophy as past consoles when it comes to pricing.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially unveiled, but there is still a lot that remains a mystery about the console. One major detail that fans are curious to learn is the price, which could make or break the new hardware.
Various rumors and analysts have previously discussed the possibility of a $400 and $500 launch price. While Nintendo has yet to comment, the company’s president has assured fans that affordability will be a major focus with the new hardware.
Why it matters: The PS5 and Xbox Series S|X already exist close to the $400-500 price point, so the new hybrid console must carefully navigate the market.
The New Hardware Will Push Older Games To The Limits
As per President Shuntaro Furukawa, the Nintendo Switch 2 pricing will take various factors into account. The gaming giant will be careful not to ignore Japan’s increasing inflation, and it will also consider the evolving exchange rate.
Above all, Nintendo intends to retain its historic appeal of affordability which has been a common theme throughout the years. While the company’s president had nothing else to say, he certainly gave fans hope to cling to.
We must take into consideration the affordable prices our customers expect.
-Shuntao Furukawa
If this comment is anything to go by, the console is unlikely to be priced above $400. While this would still make it more expensive than the original Nintendo Switch, it would put the new console on par with the likes of Valve’s Steam Deck, which received a price cut after the OLED model launched.
The New Console May Aim For 4K Gameplay
The gaming giant previously confirmed a new Direct for April. Details on the specs and pricing should be revealed during this presentation, in addition to new game announcements.
However, new leaks could also show up ahead of this Direct, potentially traveling the price before the announcement. What are your thoughts on Shuntaro Furukawa’s comment? Do you think the new hardware will be priced appropriately? Let’s discuss this in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.
At Tech4Gamers, I proudly wear the title of Comparisons Specialist. Focused on CPUs and GPUs, I bring forth a wealth of hands-on experience and a keen eye for detail to provide our audience with the latest insights and analyses.
Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
Rated: 8.2/10
Intel Core i5-14600K
Rated: 8.4/10
Pros And Cons
CPU
Pros
Cons
Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
✅ Capable integrated graphics
✅ Power Efficient
❌ Performance degrades
❌ Costly for this performance
Intel Core i5-14600K
✅ Superb gaming performance
✅ Support DDR5 and DDR4
❌ Power Hungry
❌ No upgrade path
Key Takeaways
In our gaming tests, the Core i5-14600K delivers a remarkable 6.3% performance boost, whereas the Ultra 5 245K shows a 4.5% improvement in productivity.
Despite only a 6.3% performance difference, the Core Ultra 5 245K uses 28.8% less energy and stays approximately 10.6% cooler than the Core i5-14600K.
As of January 2025, the Ultra 5 245K retains its launch MSRP of $319, while the Core i5-14600K is listed for approximately $214.
We suggest the Core i5-14600K for enjoying an enhanced gaming experience, whereas the Ultra 5 245K excels in operational efficiency and productivity.
Architecture: Intel’s new Ultra 5 245K employs an inventive and efficient Arrow Lake architecture, whereas the Core i5-14600K utilizes the power-hungry Raptor Lake Refresh.
Process Node: The Ultra 5 245K is built on TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm process, a significant upgrade over the older 10nm technology of the Core i5-14600K.
CPU Socket: Intel used its FCLGA1700 socket for the previous generation Core i5-14600K processor. In contrast, the Ultra 5 245K features the FCLGA1851 socket, which has 1851 pins for better processing speed.
Clock Speed: The Ultra 5 245K features a 0.7 GHz faster P-Core base clock. It also provides a 0.6 GHz higher E-Core turbo clock, whereas the Core i5-14600K offers a 0.1 GHz higher P-Core turbo clock.
CPU Memory: The Ultra 5 245K and Core i5-14600K support up to 192GB of DDR5 memory across two channels. The Ultra 5 245K has a 14.3% greater memory bandwidth than the Core i5-14600K.
Integrated Graphics: Intel equips the Ultra 5 245K with Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU, while the Core i5-14600K features UHD Graphics 770. The graphics max dynamic frequency of Ultra 5 245K is 22.6% greater.
The Core Ultra 5 245K arrives with a fresh design and ambitious performance claims. Can it outperform the affordable Core i5-14600K for budget-conscious gamers and content creators? Let us start with the performance analysis of the Core Ultra 5 245K vs Core i5-14600K to find a better value option.
Gaming Benchmarks
Evaluating processors’ performance in intensive gaming provides deeper insights into their potential. To this end, we tested the performance of the Core Ultra 5 245K vs Core i5-14600K in eight taxing games at 1080p resolution.
Test Bench
The test bench specifications used with these processors are listed below.
Cyberpunk 2077 Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
Starting with Cyberpunk 2077, the Core i5-14600K delivers 13.6% better average performance at 117 FPS compared to the 103 FPS of the Ultra 5 245K.
The Core i5-14600K achieves a 20.3% higher low 1% frame rate (83 FPS) compared to the Ultra 5 245K (69 FPS).
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
In Forza Horizon 5, the Core i5-14600K reaches 233 FPS, offering a 4.9% boost over the 222 FPS achieved by the Ultra 5 245K.
The Core i5-14600K achieves 177 FPS for low 1% performance, which is 9.9% higher than the 161 FPS recorded by the Ultra 5 245K.
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
During Ghost of Tsushima, the Core i5-14600K delivered a 172 FPS average, a 3.0% improvement over the 167 FPS achieved by the Ultra 5 245K.
For the low 1% performance, the Ultra 5 245K took the lead with 99 FPS, a 6.5% advantage compared to the 93 FPS rendered by the Core i5-14600K.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
While playing Microsoft Flight Simulator, the Core i5-14600K achieved an average of 126 FPS, marking a 5.88% higher performance than the Ultra 5 245K with 119 FPS.
We observed that the Core i5-14600K scores 104 FPS at its worst 1% performance in this gameplay, 1.96% more than the Ultra 5 245K with 102 FPS.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
In Red Dead Redemption 2, the Core i5-14600K(182 FPS) delivered a 5.2% higher average performance than the Ultra 5 245K (173 FPS).
At the 1% low, the Core i5-14600K maintained a slight edge, achieving 117 FPS, which is 2.63% higher than the Ultra 5 245K’s 114 FPS.
Silent Hill 2
Silent Hill 2 Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
For Silent Hill 2, we saw that the Core i5-14600K and the Ultra 5 245K delivered an identical average FPS of 139, showcasing equal performance.
At the 1% low, the Core i5-14600K (77 FPS) held a 6.94% advantage compared to the Ultra 5 245K (72 FPS).
Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
While playing Star Wars Outlaws, the Core i5-14600K achieved an average of 131 FPS, outperforming the Ultra 5 245K by 3.14% (127 FPS).
In the worst-case 1% scenario, the Core i5-14600K maintained 100 FPS, surpassing the Ultra 5 245K’s 97 FPS by a solid 3.0%.
Starfield
Starfield Benchmarks at 1080p – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
In our last gaming session of Starfield, the Core i5-14600K offered a 120 FPS average, 19.4% higher than the 113 FPS average furnished by the Ultra 5 245K.
In the worst 1% performance scenario, the Core i5-14600K maintained 85 FPS, nearly 16.4% better than the Ultra 5 245K’s 73 FPS.
Productivity Benchmarks
The Core i5-14600K demonstrated dominance across the majority of our gaming benchmarks. Now, let’s explore which processor leads in the realm of productivity performance.
The Core i5-14600K’s single-core score was 122 points in our Cinebench R24 benchmarks, around 14% lower than that of the Ultra 5 245K, which scored 137 points.
In multi-core performance, the Core i5-14600K achieved an impressive 1390 points, trailing the Ultra 5 245K’s 1522 points, a striking 9.49% lead.
Blender Open Data
Blender Open Data Benchmarks – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
Our Blender Open Data test results show that the Ultra 5 245K performs around 7.1% better than the Core i5-14600K in rendering complex 3D scenes.
In our benchmarks, the Ultra 5 245K rendered 150 samples per minute, while the Core i5-14600K rendered 140 samples per minute.
In Adobe Photoshop 2025 performance test, the Core i5-14600K scored 10,289 points, while the Ultra 5 245Kh scored 9,684.
This means that the Core i5-14600K provides a performance advantage of roughly 6.25% over the Ultra 5 245K in speedy rendering and complex image processing.
Overall Performance
Stats
Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
Intel Core i5-14600K
Average FPS
📈 143.4
📈 152.5
Low 1% FPS
📉 98.4
📉 104.5
Productivity
✏️ 9.3
✏️ 8.9
Winner: Intel Core i5-14600K
Average Frame Rate
During our 1080p gaming benchmarks, the Core i5-14600K exhibited amazing prowess, offering an outstanding 152.5 FPS. In contrast, the Ultra 5 245K achieved an average of only 143.4 FPS. These results show that the Core i5-14600K outperformed by 6.3%, highlighting its gaming prowess.
Low 1% Frame Rate
During the worst 1% scenarios, the Core i5-14600K offers a notable 6.2% advantage over the Ultra 5 245K. The Core i5-14600K produced a better average of 104.5 FPS at low 1%, compared to the Ultra 5 245K’s 98.4 FPS.
Productivity Performance
In our productivity tests, the Ultra 5 245K was approximately 4.5% more efficient than the Core i5-14600K, showcasing its expertise in handling demanding tasks. However, the Core i5-14600K offered better performance in our Adobe Photoshop performance test.
Power Efficiency
Game
Intel Core Ultra 5 245K (W)
Intel Core i5-14600K (W)
Cyberpunk 2077
76
104
Forza Horizon 5
60
88
Ghost of Tsushima
44
68
Microsoft Flight Simulator
43
67
Red Dead Redemption 2
66
94
Silent Hill 2
63
80
Star Wars Outlaws
78
103
Starfield
82
115
Average Gaming Power Draw
64.0 ⚡
89.9 ⚡
Winner: Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
During our power efficiency tests for the Core Ultra 5 245K vs Core i5-14600K, the Ultra 5 245K drove incredibly lower power, averaging 64.0 watts, which is 28.8% less than the Core i5-14600K’s 89.9 watts. This efficiency helps it to yield enhanced performance for every unit of energy expended.
Thermal Efficiency
Game
Intel Core Ultra 5 245K (°C)
Intel Core i5-14600K (°C)
Cyberpunk 2077
53
61
Forza Horizon 5
51
55
Ghost of Tsushima
46
53
Microsoft Flight Simulator
48
52
Red Dead Redemption 2
51
56
Silent Hill 2
52
55
Star Wars Outlaws
54
59
Starfield
54
61
Average Gaming Temperature
51.1 🌡️
56.5 🌡️
Winner: Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
The temperature difference between the Ultra 5 245K and the Core i5-14600K is evident across various games. On average, the Ultra 5 245K maintained a cooler 51.1°C, while the Core i5-14600K reached 56.5°C. So, we conclude that the Ultra 5 245K is approximately 10.6% more thermally efficient.
Price And Value
Prices
Intel Core Ultra 5 245K
Intel Core i5-14600K
Price Difference
Launch MSRP
💲319
💲319
0.0%
Current Price
💲319
💲214
49.1%
The Intel Core i5-14600K delivers impressive performance and exceptional value at its current price of $214, offering a 49.1% savings compared to the Ultra 5 245K. Regarding availability, these processors are readily available in the online and offline markets.
What Do We Recommend?
Intel Core Ultra 5 245K: This efficient processor offers reliable productivity capabilities. It is well-suited for multitasking while maintaining low power draw and temperatures. However, its overall performance could be better for this price.
Intel Core i5-14600K: This Processor excels in 1080p and 1440p gaming and productivity tasks. Its strong performance metrics and attractive price point make it a good option for low-budget users who demand more performance per dollar spent.
We recommend the Core i5-14600K to gamers seeking higher performance at a more affordable price. The Core Ultra 5 245K is good for office work where users need productivity, multitasking capabilities, and operating efficiency
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Core Ultra 5 245K suitable for gaming?
The Core Ultra 5 245K is an efficient processor more suitable for productivity. However, we find the Core i5-14600K better for gaming performance.
Is the Core i5-14600K future-proof?
The answer depends on the situation. One crucial point is that the coming generations integrate advanced motherboards, which can not be used with 14th-generation processors.
Is the Core Ultra 5 245K good for multitasking?
Yes, it works well for multitasking, handling multiple applications smoothly without slowing down.
What is the maximum clock speed of the Ultra 5 245K?
The max turbo clock speed of the Ultra 5 245K is up to 5.2 GHz.
Can I use a Z790 motherboard with the Ultra 5 245K?
No. The Ultra 5 245K has an FCLGA1851 socket, and this processor requires a Z890 motherboard.
As a Hardware Expert at Tech4Gamers, I bring my decade-long expertise in electronics design, embedded solutions, and prototyping. My knack for exposing misconceptions in the tech world finds a perfect outlet here.
The new ATX 3.0/3.1 specification from Intel not only disrupted the whole PSU market by forcing manufacturers/OEMs to beef up their PSU platforms to tackle extreme power excursions caused by the latest GPUs & CPUs, it also paved the way for the new players to enter in the PSU market.
I am personally excited to take an in-depth look at ASRock Steel Legend SL1000GW because it’s always refreshing to see new brands in this particular segment and how well they maintain their quality compared to others and their own standards.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Arsalan Shakil is our power supplies expert who loves to put the latest PSUs through their paces and even take them apart.
20+ PSUs tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
180+ hours spent testing different power supplies 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 ASRock SL-1000GW is the company’s one of the first power supplies with the ATX 3.1 spec. It has a 1000W capacity and features 80+ GOLD and Cybenetics Platinum efficiency certificates.
You should buy the ASRock SL-1000GW if you’re after exceptional efficiency and want a beautiful, white power supply that offers overall good performance.
You should not buy the ASRock SL-1000GW if you want the most extreme performance out of your money, as its voltage ripple has some room for improvement.
It is important to remind our readers that the PSUs prior to ATX 3.0 specifications are no longer recommended to be used with the latest and exceedingly power-hungry GPUs such as RTX4090 & RTX5090 for their huge power spikes or power excursions that may very easily exceed 600W!
The latest ATX 3.0/3.1 specification makes sure that the PSU has enough horsepower to handle these immense power demands, but also, with the integration of a new 12VHPWR connector (which is now referred to as 12V-2×6 connector) allows a single power cable to safely and conveniently provide upto 600W of power to the GPU. These significant changes are forcing users to upgrade their existing PSUs if they want to run the latest offerings from their beloved hardware brands and to give their builds more future-proof compatibility.
– Arsalan Shakil
Packaging & Unboxing
Box Top
Box Back
Being a Steel Legend white power supply, we get beautiful white packaging. The box front has plenty of logos and a picture of the PSU itself, highlighting its white design.
At the back, we find more information about the PSU’s cables, key features, efficiency, and specifications.
Box Open (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The unboxing experience is not on par with other PSUs we have reviewed before. I would have appreciated a separate pouch for the accessories and cables. Right now, it feels like they were just shoved into the box next to the power supply, which, thankfully, is in a protective foam.
Design
PSU Top
PSU Side
As far as the design goes, ASRock has done a very good job of making the PSU stand out with its beautiful design. The top has a big grill, and the side has a rather aggressive-looking sticker.
PSU AC Power Side
PSU Back
The grill design follows the power side, but this time, the holes are bigger for more ventilation than the top. There is also the iCOOL button, which is ASRock’s way of integrating a hybrid fan mode.
Cable & Connectors
Cables & Accessories
12V-2×6 Cable
There are no braided cables, but this is not a big deal, especially considering the price. Overall, the cables and connectors are plenty and shouldn’t cause any issues in building a standard ATX PC.
Connector Type
Quantity
Motherboard cable (24-pin)
1x
EPS 12V CPU connectors (4+4-pin)
2x
PCIe5.1 connectors (12+4-pin) Dual Color
1x
PCIe connectors (6+2-pin)
3x
4-pin Peripheral connectors
3x
SATA 5-pin connectors
9x
12V-2×6 GPU Connector (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Here is the modular bay of the power supply. Since it is an ATX 3.1 PSU, we see a 12V-2×6 power connector instead of the 12VHPWR, which was introduced in ATX 3.0
12V-2×6 Cable Closeup (Image By Tech4Gamers)
With the ongoing debate and safety for the new 12VHPWR GPU connector where we saw many users end up with burnt 12VHPWR connectors (when the connector is not fully plugged in), ASRock seems to follow what MSI did a while back by painting the 12VHPWR cable a green (MSI painted it yellow). This simple but clever approach helps users figure out whether they have properly inserted the cable into the GPU’s 12V-2×6 connector or not.
Teardown & Component Analysis
PSU Teardown Top (Image By Tech4Gamers)
ASRock went with HEC for its Steel Legend series PSUs. HEC is the OEM that offers a blend of quality and cost-effectiveness combined. I have seen a similar-looking platform from HEC in Corsair’s RMe PSU lineup which was targeted towards budget cautious gamers. But ASRock with its SL1000GW, didn’t seem to compromise on any of the components and went all-in by opting for 100% Japanese Electrolytic and Polymer capacitors from Nippon Chemi-Con and Rubycon.
Overall the platform seems to have adequate spacing among each section which is always a good sign for better cooling.
Electrolytic Bulk Capacitor
Polymer Filtering Capacitors
A single bulk electrolytic capacitor from Nippon Chemi-Con having only 680uF of capacity in a 1000W PSU is something I have seen for the very first time. New intel ATX 3.1 specifications now have a slight decrease in the allowed hold-up time duration which simply lets OEMs use bulk electrolytic capacitors of much lesser capacity.
Primary Side Heatsinks
APFC MOSFETs & Boost Diode
Even being a 1000W brick, we don’t see a big pile of aluminium heatsinks. ASRock & HEC must be confident at this point for the efficiency figures (which we will see in our test). There’s a separate heatsink for the bridge rectifier that converts the main AC to DC which later gets boosted to around 390V DC via an APFC boost circuit consisting of 3 MOSFETs, a single boost diode along with a huge Inductor.
Teardown
1 of 4
Main 12V Rail Transformer
Half Bridge LLC MOSFETs Heatsink
12V Rail MOSFETs Heatsink
12V Rail MOSFETs Heatsink
There’s an ASRock branded main Transformer responsible for generating 12V rail via LLC resonant converter coupled with two MOSFETs that make Half-Bridge topology. Weirdly enough the ASRock branding can not be seen through the top fan grills of the PSU, maybe this is just an easter egg for us reviewers?
A flat heatsink adjacent to the transformer soaks the heat of surface-mounted MOSFETs that generate 12V.
DC-DC Converter + Fan Controller + Supervisor IC (Image By Tech4Gamers)
There’s a vertically mounted PCB that holds DC-DC converters for 5V and 3.3V minor voltage rails, a fan controller, as well as a supervisor IC which provides safety and protection features such as OPP (Over Power Protection), OVP (Over Voltage Protection), OCP (Over Current Protection) etc.
135mm HDB Fan
Hybrid Fan Mode Switch
ASRock SL1000GW uses a 135mm HDB (Hydro Dynamic Bearing) fan which ASRock calls Scythe-shaped Striped Blades for enhanced air flow. ASRock Steel Legend PSU lineup also offers the “iCool” feature which is a fancy name for Hybrid Fan Mode which if turned on, only makes the fan spin when the load exceeds a specific threshold (405W to be exact in our test).
Cable Routing for the Fan & Hybrid Fan Switch (Image By Tech4Gamers)
PSU Load Testing
PSU Testing (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Here are the test results.
Voltage Regulation
Voltage Regulation Results Of ASRock SL-1000GW Gold (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Load in %
12V Rail
5V
3.3V
20%
12.04
5.13
3.3
50%
11.99
5.12
3.3
70%
11.95
5.12
3.3
90%
11.93
5.12
3.3
100%
11.94
5.11
3.29
Asrock SL1000GW performs very impressively in this test, matching the performance of some of the high-end PSUs.
Tight voltage regulation defines the well-built quality of a PSU and Asrock SL1000GW surely does prioritize it.
Voltage Ripple & Efficiency (which we’ll be looking at right after) are the two very important factors that dictate how well-designed and well-tuned a PSU really is, and in these two fields specifically, I have been observing OEMs putting great effort these days.
PSU Efficiency
Average Efficiency Results Of ASRock SL-1000GW Gold (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Load in %
Efficiency
Power Factor
20%
92.59%
0.925
50%
94.00%
0.964
70%
93.86%
0.972
90%
93.16%
0.978
100%
92.76%
0.98
This is the test where ASRock SL1000GW throws every competition in the 80 Plus Gold category out of the window and even goes to challenge contenders from the 80 Plus Platinum arena, with its massive average efficiency of 93.27%. HEC & ASRock has built a rock-solid platform when it comes to achieving higher efficiency levels.
Voltage Ripple Performance
Max Ripple Test Results Of ASRock SL-1000GW Gold (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Load in %
12V Ripple
20%
16.8mV
50%
19.2mV
70%
23.2mV
90%
24.8mV
100%
26.4mV
Exceptional result in voltage ripple performance makes a PSU work exceptionally well and stable for extreme OCing scenarios. Though I won’t call 26.4mV an exceptional result because, again, I have seen much better outcomes in some of the recently launched PSUs, it is still decent to satisfy your inner OCing enthusiasm quite well.
Temperature
Thermal Test Results
1 of 3
PSU Max Exhaust Temp
PSU Max Cable Side Temp
PSU Max Back Temp
Thanks to ASRock SL1000GW’s higher efficiency levels, temperatures throughout the test have been well controlled even at max 1000W load. The 135mm FDB Scythe-shaped Striped Blades fan has been decently quiet throughout different load variations.
Should You Buy it?
Buy It If
✅You are after rock-solid efficiency: The ASRock SL1000GW is the most efficient PSU in the 80 Plus Gold category I have had the chance to test as of yet, so if you are after efficiency, it is worth considering.
✅You want a great investment for future-proofing: With its ATX 3.1 spec and 1000W of rated power, the SL1000GW is a great value for future upgrades.
✅You prefer a lengthy warranty: ASRock is offering a whopping 10-year warranty with the SL1000GW, making it a very good choice for those who prefer peace of mind.
Don’t Buy It If
❌You want the most extreme PSU: The SL1000GW performs really well in our tests (and exceptionally well in efficiency) and though it’s extremely difficult for us to come up with a “why not to buy?” reason when a PSU already matches the performance of some of the high-end PSUs, but if I still were to nitpick, then due to slightly higher voltage ripple measurements compared to other similarly priced offerings hit the mark!
My Final Thoughts
ASRock, with its recent entry into the PSU market, wants to grab the attention of every famer by offering four different PSU lineups that cover every single budget segment. ASRock’s commitment to superior quality, performance, and reliability can surely be seen in SL1000GW just like in their other offerings such as motherboards which ASRock is more famous. I am now more intrigued to get my hands on ASRock’s high-end Taichi PSU to be able to conclude how well ASRock is committed to stretching its muscles and challenging some big names in this industry.
Overall, the ASRock Steel Legend SL1000GW is a solid addition to the power supply market, bringing good efficiency, strong performance, and the ATX 3.1 standard to the table. The power supply has enough power up its sleeves to handle the latest, power-hungry graphics cards while maintaining stable, reliable performance. The 10-year warranty is a nice bonus, showing ASRock’s confidence in the PSU’s durability. Although the packaging and unboxing could be improved, the PSU itself delivers where it counts.
When it comes to performance, the SL1000GW does a good job, especially in efficiency, where it beats many other PSUs in the 80 Plus Gold category. Overall, if you want a well-built, future-proof PSU from a reliable brand, the ASRock Steel Legend SL1000GW is definitely worth a look.
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.
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Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has proven to be a popular sequel, as it has surpassed a huge player milestone after launch.
The game has achieved nearly 160K concurrent players on Steam, with the average hovering around the 100K mark.
The RPG is also rated with over a 90% positive rating on the platform.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 was one of the most awaited releases of this year, and it seems to have lived up to most players’ expectations so far.
The game has achieved a high daily active player count on Steam for a single-player game. Additionally, it is also rated very positively on the platform.
Why it matters: Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has been hailed as an upgrade over its predecessor in many ways, whether it’s in visuals, NPC AI, or other gameplay mechanics. These milestones further solidify that notion.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has nearly climbed up to 160K players on Steam right after launch.
As per the Steam tracking site, SteamDB, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 boasts nearly 160K players who enjoyed the new chronicles of Henry. This milestone was achieved right after launch, so the daily peak could climb more during the weekend.
The sequel is also rated with over 90% positive reviews on Steam, a feat not many new AAA releases have been able to enjoy for a long time.
On the flip side, KCD2 is steeped in controversies because of the game’s DEI elements that caused a lot of backlash from some veteran and new players. Additionally, there were also exclusive pre-order quests and some harsh critic reviews that sullied its image.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is also rated very positively both by new and old players alike.
A Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 writer told the criticizers not to buy the game in response to the backlash, while other developers claimed the sales still remained strong. Regardless, a review roundup has suggested that KCD2 was received with a positive reception.
Do you think Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has checked all the boxes that you would expect from a good sequel, or is it still lacking? Drop your thoughts 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.
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Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 launch has been quite successful for a former Indie Studio
However, controversy arose when writer Daniel Vivra responded to criticism with “Don’t Buy The Game,” sparking backlash from fans who felt betrayed.
This reaction is hypocritical, given Vivra’s past criticisms of AAA studios for insulting customers.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has outshone every other February release by already having a player count of over 150K in less than 24 hours from its release. Warhorse Studios absolutely nailed the sequel, giving fans everything they wanted or loved from the original game.
However, the developers have not been taking kindly to criticism. Now, a game writer has replied to the game’s criticism by saying, “Don’t buy the game,” which has backfired on him as players express their disapproval.
Why it matters: Negative responses from developers always backfire on them. By responding harshly, Warhorse Studio is potentially ruining a strong release start for Kingdom Come Deliverance 2.
Daniel Vivra Couldn’t Take Criticism Lightly | Source: X
Under a post celebrating the game’s launch, a user responded with a screenshot of a romance option with Captain Hans from the game, asking if such an addition was even necessary.
Instead of explaining or replying with an explanation, Daniel Vivra, the writer behind Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, straight up said, “Don’t buy the game.”
Since then, the replies have been full of fans criticizing the game writer for such a harsh response. Additionally, they’re also complaining about the unnecessary DEI elements.
Fan Responding To Daniel Vavra’s Comment Saying He’s Become What He Swore Against.
Daniel Vivra previously criticized AAA studios’ response to criticism, saying it was insulting to the customer. Now, he is doing it again, and players are calling him out.
DEI elements have always ruined video games. Negative responses to such comments backfire even more on the developers.
Warhorse Studio Mocks Famous Media Outlet For Giving An Average Review.
Moreover, this response is even more upsetting, considering how fans have supported Warhorse Studio over the years, transforming the former indie studio into such a big deal.
What do you think about Warhorse Studio becoming a shell of its former self? Let us know in the comments below, or join the discussion at the official 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.
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Battlefield 6 is launching sooner than we thought, with EA planning to release it sometime during the 2026 fiscal year.
EA’s current fiscal year is ending this coming March, suggesting we’ll get the game before April 2026.
Meanwhile, EA has also launched a new playtest initiative, Battlefield Labs, to playtest the game as it is refined.
EA has a lot to prove with the next Battlefield after the last few mess-ups in the franchise, with Battlefield 2042 proving to be one of the biggest disastrous launches in recent gaming history. However, EA has managed to get the fans excited again, with a first look into Battlefield 6.
Now, the company has gone as far as to confirm a launch window for Battlefield 6 in its latest financial report. EA is planning to release the game sometime during the 2026 fiscal year, which begins next month.
Why it matters: Battlefield 6 is already in the pre-alpha stage, and now we can expect it to be released within a 12-month release window unless there’s a delay.
As per EA’s latest earning report, we can expect Battlefield 6 to launch globally before April 2026 rolls around, which would be the end of FY2026 for the company. So, unless there’s a delay, we will see the game go from pre-alpha to the final version within the span of a year.
EA unveiled Battlefield Labs, a new initiative allowing player-driven testing and innovation
ahead of the franchise’s expected fiscal year 2026 release.
This confirmation shows that EA is quite confident in the four studios—along with BioWare’s assistance—that are developing various aspects of Battlefield 6. Although, over 98% of these devs have reportedly not worked on a past Battlefield title.
Do you think Battlefield 6 will be able to recover the series’ legacy and put it on the right track once again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on 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
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has come under fire for having exclusive pre-order quests.
Fans think that only studios like Ubisoft shouldn’t get criticism for such paid expansions and quests.
The Warhorse RPG has received universal acclaim so far.
Since its release, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has taken over the gaming world with fans and critics alike giving the RPG rave reviews.
But, the game has had to face its fair share of controversy to come this far and it doesn’t look like it’s ending soon. Fans are now calling out the game for having exclusive quests for players who pre-ordered the title, citing the practice similar to Ubisoft.
Why it matters: Similar to how studios like EA and Ubisoft get called out for anti-consumer practices, it’s ok to make smaller developers aware of such issues.
A user on Reddit pointed out this aspect of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, saying that the game has several quests behind the pre-order paywall and has multiple expansions. Furthermore, the post relays that Ubisoft shouldn’t be the only studio that comes under fire for such practices and Warhorse deserves criticism for this.
Replies under the Reddit post agreed with the original poster, amplifying that the pre-order quest bonus is rather annoying. Many called the inaccessible quests and the items resulting from them “gross“, but the expansions were given some leeway.
I loved KCD, and so far, the second is pretty good, but yes, it does deserve criticism.
-Reddit User
Many fans under the post thought it is natural for a game of such scale to have a few paid expansions as they are new additions to the storyline. But, many gamers agree that a bigger studio like Ubisoft would be flamed for exclusive quests.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has been at the end of some anti-woke backlash
Warhorse’s RPG has had its fair share of controversy so far, with the game’s creative director calling out the anti-woke narrative against it following its ban in Saudi Arabia. But overall, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has been a critical hit, apart from Eurogamer of course.
Do you think Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 will be a Game of the Year contender? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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Daniel Vavra, the Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 director, states Unreal Engine 5 is a poor choice for open-world games.
He highlights that a familiar source shared information on The Witcher 4, revealing that CDPR has made little progress on the RPG’s open world.
This is also why the director skipped Unreal Engine for Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 and went with the CryEngine.
CDPR gave the world its first glimpse at The Witcher 4 last year. Promising lifelike NPCs, improved combat, and more, CDPR has set its sights on redefining the RPG genre once again with its latest release.
However, as great as The Witcher 4 sounds, it may suffer from turmoil that fans are unaware of. According to a prominent game director, the switch to Unreal Engine 5 is causing various problems for the team.
Why it matters: CDPR previously promised its shift to the new engine would not halt development. It seems recent information suggests otherwise.
This report comes from Daniel Vavra, the director behind Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, a game that has just launched to impressive reviews.
Discussing the choice behind opting for CryEngine instead of Unreal Engine, Daniel Vavra described that the latter is extremely difficult to work with when it comes to large games based on open-world experiences.
He also discussed CDPR’s switch to the engine, praising the team’s old technology. As per Daniel Vavra, a source revealed that CDPR has yet to lay the foundations for The Witcher 4’s open world despite switching to Unreal Engine 5 more than a year ago.
He implies that CDPR believes that the switch was a mistake since the REDengine was already so polished and stable.
I talked to someone (from CDPR) and said to him, so what about Unreal? What about the open world? He said not yet.
-Daniel Vavra
The Witcher 4 Might Run Into Technical Issues Due To Unreal Engine 5
It’s hard to say whether The Witcher 4 will be held back by this choice a few years from now, but Unreal Engine’s technical issues are undeniable. In particular, the engine is known for its stuttery and demanding nature across all types of hardware.
What are your thoughts on this report? Do you think CDPR will break away from the trend of poorly optimized Unreal Engine 5 titles? Let’s discuss this in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.
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.
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RX 9070 announcement expected in late February, likely timed with RTX 5070 release.
Leaked benchmarks show strong performance, potentially rivaling the RTX 4080, but pricing remains uncertain.
AMD’s mid-range success depends on aggressive pricing to offset weaknesses in ray tracing, upscaling, and drivers.
AMD is still silent, but according to the latest reports, the Radeon RX 9070 will be announced at the end of February. A fairly plausible date considering that all the leaks indicate that these graphics cards will go on sale next March.
That end of February is not surprising either. A date that could be translated as “We will announce Radeon RX 9070 when the RTX 5070 hits the market to adjust the price“.
In January, AMD cancelled the official announcement of its Radeon RX 9070. On January 23, we learned that it was supposed to go on sale that day, but it had also been cancelled. We learned this because AMD had all the advertising scheduled and forgot to remove it until it was public.
AMD Radeon RX 9070 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 benchmarks show staggering results that are comparable to RTX 4080.
Performance tests were leaked, and AMD said that the final performance was going to be better than the leaked one. After the delay, at least they have taken advantage of the time to optimize the software.
The latest was on January 27th, when it was revealed that the Radeon RX 9070 XT was going on sale for $899. The Radeon RX 9070 was going to be priced at $749. An executive later denied the report, saying that was not the price. When asked, he said the price was lower. And when asked to elaborate, he said that we’ll know later.
Considering the poor generational leap of the RTX 50 series in comparison with the previous Nvidia offering, AMD might have a chance this time to dominate the mid-range segment but it all depends on the pricing.
Otherwise, as we saw with the Radeon RX 7000 Series, AMD will end up offering “the same” as NVIDIA at a slightly lower price. “The same” because we’re talking about rasterization performance.
But in the end, an inferior graphics card in terms of Ray Tracing performance, upscaling technology, and drivers support. So we’ll see what happens this time. The price has to be reduced a lot to overcome these disadvantages.
What’s your take on the Radeon RX 9070? Will it be able to dominate the mid-range market considering the performance lift from Nvidia in the RTX 50 series is not that great? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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EA aimed to produce a billion-dollar IP with Dragon Age in 2016.
The publisher hoped to release three new games for the series, with just 18 months of development in between.
These plans were abandoned once the gaming giant shifted focus to Anthem and saw how lucrative live-service gaming could be.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s failure has potentially sealed the IP’s fate for good. While fans are unhappy to see how EA’s legendary IP has been treated recently, it seems the publisher’s plans were much grander than anybody anticipated.
In a new video, a former BioWare developer revealed how EA intended to make billion-dollar IPs all the way back in 2016, and one such IP was Dragon Age.
Why it matters: Not many franchises can claim the prized $1 billion target. Because Dragon Age had a history of critically acclaimed releases and BioWare’s leadership behind it, EA believed it was possible to achieve for the series.
During his latest video, former Dragon Age boss Mark Darrah discussed thirty years of the series. He reflected upon different stages of the franchise and noted that EA was aiming for bigger and bigger games by 2016.
EA pushes for franchises to be bigger. They want billion-dollar franchises.
-Mark Darrah
This meant that, like other franchises, the publisher wanted Dragon Age to become a billion-dollar IP, and Mark Darrah was tasked with plotting a course to achieve this goal. He noted that the main idea was churning out games one after another.
Joplin, the codenamed next entry, was meant to arrive soon after 2016, followed by two sequels, each arriving 18 months after the last release.
Did it get Dragon Age to be a billion-dollar franchise? It got it closer than you would think.
-Mark Darrah
Unfortunately, things fell apart when EA became one of the many publishers to chase the live-service trend. The development of Mass Effect Andromeda and Anthem also led to the studio diverting resources away from Mark Darrah’s Joplin team.
The Veilguard Was Heavily Criticized For Its Writing
The franchise was effectively sidelined to focus on other IPs and wouldn’t receive another title until eighty years later, in 2024.
This is not the first time a publisher has dreamed of a billion-dollar franchise before completely failing to read the room. Warner Bros. hoped for a similar outcome with Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad, a game that led to $200 million in losses.
The latest RPG release in EA’s IP saw a similar outcome, completely missing its financial targets.
What are your thoughts on the publisher’s goals? Do you think EA could have achieved its goals with a proper plan? Let’s discuss this in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.
