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Seasonic Vertex GX-1200 Gold ATX 3.0 Review: Built To Last

There are still a few companies in the PC industry that have stayed true to their superior quality without getting diluted with all the extravagant features, marketing gimmicks, and bells & whistles that we get to see in almost every brand these days; Seasonic is surely the one among those.

Seasonic is also one of the handful of brands that designs and manufactures their own PSUs, unlike others who rely mainly on several different OEMs and their engineering.

Seasonic’s Vertex GX series is their first lineup that tackles the new and aggressive ATX 3.0/3.1 specifications for modern power-hungry CPUs & GPUs. Though Seasonic has now upgraded this exact series for ATX 3.1 specs because we received this unit quite a while back, our unit comes with slightly older ATX 3.0 specs listed on the box.

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.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we test peripherals).

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 Seasonic Vertex GX-1200 is a great power supply that runs quietly, handles heavy loads well, and is built to last with solid quality and a long warranty
  • You should buy the Vertex GX-1200 if you want a reliable power supply that will last you for several years to come without any performance hiccups.
  • The only reason to avoid the Season Vertex GX-1200 is if you don’t want to spend big bucks on a gold-rated power supply. After all, there are some competitors that beat it in our tests.
[toc]

Here are the specifications:

Specification Detail
80 PLUS Efficiency Gold
Modular Fully
Cable Type Braided Pattern
Total Power 1200W
Input Voltage  100-240V
Input Current 15-7.5A
Input Frequency 50-60Hz
Fan Size 135mm
Operating Temperature 0 – 50°C
MTBF 100,000 hours
Protection OPP, OVP, UVP, OCP, OTP, SCP
Dimension (D x W x H) 160 × 150 × 86 mm

Packaging & Unboxing

Unlike most other PSUs I have tested, the Vertex GX-1200’s box does not have the PSU’s picture on the front. Other than that, we get a good-looking black-gray theme with a big emphasis on 10 years warranty (rightly so). At the back, you’ll find an efficiency graph and some information about the key features like ATX 3.0 compatibility, voltage regulation, modular design, and its 135mm FDB fan.

Opening the box greets us with some documents. There is an installation manual, a 12VHPWR connector guide, and a flyer about entering a $50 Steam eGift competition. Apart from that, the power supply is protected with black foam, along with a nylon bag for the cables.

Design

The fan grill of the PSU is focused quite a lot on airflow with big cutouts around it. On the other side, we get our typical power connector and a hybrid mode switch. This gives you the option to either have the fan turned on at all times or have it only spin when the PSU load increases, meaning on idle, the PSU will be completely silent.

Alongside the Seasonic Vertex logos at the side, there is also a beautiful embossing. At the back, you can go through the power requirements and other specs of the power supply.

Cable & Connectors

The braided cables feel both premium and durable. All cables are of adequate length, and there shouldn’t be any installation problems, but I have to give a shout-out to the four SATA cables. At 950mm (95cm), these cables are very long. It is good to see Seasonic has included a PSU jumper, this way, you don’t have to connect the power supply to a PC (for testing).

Connector Details
Motherboard 24 (20+4) pin 1x 610mm
CPU 4+4 Pin 2x 650mm
12V-2×6 12+4 pin 1x 700mm
PCIe 6+2 pin 3x 750mm
SATA 4x 950mm
SATA 3.3V 1x 550mm
4P Molex 1x 690mm

As stated in the beginning, our review unit is ATX 3.0 compliant, and now there’s a new intel ATX spec in town, ATX 3.1. This new spec is kind of confusing as it’s a slightly downgraded version of the previous ATX 3.0 specifications because intel now allows for a minor decrease in hold-up time, which now allows manufacturers to use less expensive bulk capacitors which eventually reduces the final cost of the unit (for them at least). This way, all the ATX 3.0 compliant PSUs can automatically be ATX 3.1 ready.

The only major difference in the newer ATX 3.1 specifications is the use of an improved 12VHPWR connector, which is now referred to as a 12V-2×6 connector (maybe this way, people will forget all those burnt 12VHPWR connector/cable issues). Our review unit, being of an older spec, comes with an older 12VHPWR connector, but the new version of the Vertex GX series now comes with an improved 12V-2×6 connector. We highly recommend our viewers get this PSU with this new connector by ensuring that ATX 3.1 & PCIe 5.1 tags are on the box.

Teardown & Component Analysis

When you see a PCB in its famous green color and a clean layout accommodated by shiny aluminum heatsinks separated for each primary and secondary section, you have probably spotted a Seasonal platform.

Seasonic Vertex GX-1200 Gold 1 - Top Teardown
Top Teardown (Image By Tech4Gamers)

In 2024 when there’s a massive change in PSU specs (in the form of ATX 3.X specs) and where every major brand is now trying to compete in this market with every possible minor innovation, especially for improved efficiency and superior performance gains, we have been seeing a few leading OEMs adopting to advanced topologies like Interleaved PFC and even Totem-Pole Bridgeless topology, Seasonic seems to lack in this innovation and still relying on quite an older design, not only for their Gold rated PSUs, but also for their Platinum ones.

I was disappointed with this, especially considering the high price tag of Seasonic GX-1200, but I still have decent enough hopes for its actual performance.

Traditional design/topology aside (APFC, Full-Bridge, LLC & DC-DC), Seasonic uses top-tier components throughout this platform, justifying its 10 years of warranty claim (but still not justifying its high price tag). From the APFC’s MOSFETs & Boost Diode to the main transformer switching MOSFETs and the secondary side’s 12V MOSFETs, all are from reputable and industry-leading manufacturers.

The platform utilizes separate and more than adequate aluminum heatsinks for the Primary and Secondary side components, making the use of Hybrid Fan Mode much easier to achieve. 12V rail MOSFETs are all mounted on the top layer of the PCB, and a small but well-spread aluminum heatsink soaks up their heat.

Using top of the line Japanese Electrolytic as well as Polymer capacitors from brands like Nippon-Chemicon, Nichicon & Rubycon make Vertex GX-1200 a “buy once and forget the rest” kind of investment for the PC enthusiasts.

Just like its superior performance, Seasonic is also known for its silent operation, hence why Vertex GX-1200 comes with a Hybrid Fan Mode which in our testing, made the fan spin when the load exceeded 400W.

Thanks to a 135 mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing fan from Hong Hua, this PSU will run absolutely silent even when running a decent load.

PSU Load Testing

Seasonic Vertex GX-1200 Gold Testing
Seasonic Vertex GX-1200 Gold Testing (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Voltage Regulation

Percentage Difference In 12V Rail Regulation (1000W+, September-1)
Percentage Difference In 12V Rail Regulation (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Load in % 12V 5V 3.3V
20% 12.16V 5.07V 3.34V
50% 12.11V 5.07V 3.33V
70% 12.09V 5.07V 3.33V
90% 12.10V 5.07V 3.33V
100% 12.07V 5.06V 3.33V

Voltage regulation is superb even when the load is dialed all the way to the max 1200W! If we hadn’t seen test results of the current offerings from other PSU brands or OEMs then we would have certainly been amazed seeing these numbers.

PSU Efficiency

Average Efficiency (1000W+, September-1)
Average Efficiency 
Load in % Efficiency Power Factor
20% 91.67% 0.927
50% 93.53% 0.961
70% 93.33% 0.97
90% 92.07% 0.975
100% 91.53% 0.977

Seasonic Vertex GX-1200 is a very efficient PSU that even slightly exceeds Gold efficiency numbers.

Voltage Ripple Performance

Maximum Ripple (1000W+, 2nd Week Sep Testing)
Maximum Ripple (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Load in % 12V Max Ripple
20% 17.6mV
50% 10.4mV
70% 12.8mV
90% 13mV
100% 15.2mV

Voltage ripple performance has been really good throughout our tests. Because of the in-house engineering, Seasonic has had a stronghold in this test for years, but now many OEMs have caught up and improved their design so well that it has become hard for us to get impressed with even 17.6mV of voltage ripple.

Now these numbers are still pretty impressive and can easily handle OCing of the highest-end CPU & GPU combos, but with such a high price tag, competitors seem to be getting a better advantage.

Temperatures

Thanks to Seasonic’s unique and wider fan grill design, which not only allows unhindered airflow when the fan is spinning but also helps keep the PSU cool when the PSU is in Hybrid Fan Mode. We still saw a massive temperature rise on the back of the PSU (where the 12V rail MOSFETs are present), reaching 66.4C! Though it does come under a concerning level considering the fact that Seasonic has a thermal pad layer underneath, which helps in soaking up the heat of all those 12V rail MOSFETs to the PSU chassis, it doesn’t sound that bad then.

Should You Buy it?

Buy It If

✅You believe in the name Seasonic. Seasonic is considered the most prestigious PSU brand, and you can always count on it when it comes to reliability.

✅Better Future-Proofing: Seasonic Vertex GX-1200 will be suitable for the most high-end Gaming PCs of the current and future generations, even when you dial the OC to the max.

✅10 Years of Warranty: When a brand that has existed for several decades boasts such warranty numbers, trusting them blindly is pretty much a common drill at this point.

Don’t Buy It If

❌Expensive for Gold rating: Being only a Gold-rated PSU with its performance matching or even getting beaten by similar spec PSUs that cost less, we find Seasonic Vertex GX-1200 to be a rather expensive pick.

My Thoughts

Seasonic, which has been a dominant PSU brand in the PC industry for decades, now enters the latest ATX 3.0/3.1 spec PSU market with its improved Vertex GX series and with the tough competition from other competing brands/OEMs, surprisingly found themselves in a very tough and not that impressive position.

Seasonic must consider the fact that other competing brands have all caught up with the advancement in PSU design and now are adapting to new technologies & topologies, Seasonic has got to do the same and make use of their super capable engineering resources.

Community Poll

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Coming Next: Enermax Revolution D.F.2 1200W Review

 

Lucky65 Custom Keyboard Review: A Near-Perfect “Cheap” Aluminum Keyboard

Over the past few years, the custom keyboard hobby has seen many newcomers offering new and innovative products for the masses. Every now and then, you see a milestone keyboard, like the TM680, QK65, or GMK67, that shapes the builds of that time and progresses the entire community forward. We now have another entrant that’s making waves.

Weikav is no stranger to making budget keyboards, in fact, they’re a prominent manufacturer in the Chinese market having already released a hit with the Sugar65 last year. This time, they’re back with their upgraded model the Lucky65 and since its launch, its easily become one of the most talked-about custom keyboards on the planet. Let’s take a look.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers
  • Huzaifa Haroon is our keyboard expert with years of experience in building and testing custom keyboards.
  • 130+ peripherals tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 500+ hours spent testing different peripherals for our reviews.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we test peripherals).

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

  • Lucky65 is the best aluminum keyboard that’s genuinely cheap and readily available for everyone, with plenty of colorways to choose from.
  • Buy the Lucky65 if you want a keyboard that’s built extremely well, has enough versatility, and has a great stock sound and feel with perfect stabilizers. 
  • Avoid the Lucky65 if you can’t work without function keys or a numpad or if VIA support is imperative to your daily work.
[toc]

Unboxing Experience

Lucky65 comes in a pretty standard cardboard box with no frills, typical of budget keyboards. It has a nice Irish overtone to it with the green color and some aesthetic flourishes, but nothing too noteworthy. Inside, you get the keyboard itself wrapped in plastic topped with a protective cover. The accessories are toward the side in their own box.

Lucky65 has a simple box
Lucky65 has a simple box (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The package includes:

  • 1x Lucky65
  • 1x USB-C Cable
  • 1x Keycap/Switch Puller
  • 1x 2.4GHz Wireless Receiver
  • 1x Manual
Lucky65 - Package Contents
Package Contents (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Design & Build Quality

The Lucky65 has a simple box-on-wedge design with a somewhat boring side profile. This is common in a lot of keyboards, but it works wonders here because you’re getting it for so cheap. The front height is 20mm with a 7-degree typing angle, making it comfortable to type on without a wrist rest.

The side profile looks clean despite its modesty
The side profile looks clean despite its modesty (Image By Tech4Gamers)

On the back, you see a gold weight with a clover leaf engraving in the bottom corner. This solves my gripe with many budget aluminum keyboards that they have a plain back with not a single distinguishing feature to set them apart. The Lucky65 not only includes that weight to break up the monotony, but the clover adds just enough flair to make it look a touch more elevated than everything else.

The build quality is arguably the highlight of the Lucky65. If it features a fully CNC aluminum case that feels very premium, the weight is also made of the same material. The whole thing is thick, dense and has some heft to it. There is absolutely no creaking or case flex whatsoever. The unbuilt board weighs about a kilogram.

Looking closely at the anodization, it’s smooth and has almost no texture you can feel. It does have a somewhat grittier appearance than, say, a MacBook’s finish. The same goes for that gorgeous weight on the back. The gold color looks and feels high-quality, and there’s no jarring seam between the weight and the rest of the case.

Features & Layout

If you haven’t already guessed by the name, Lucky65 is a 65% custom keyboard that is gasket mounted. It comes as a barebones kit and features south-facing 5-pin hotswap sockets with RGB, manufactured by JWICK. It comes with plate-mount stabilizers with, unfortunately, no support for screw-in stabilizers. 

South-facing sockets ensure no interference with Cherry profile keycaps
South-facing sockets ensure no interference with Cherry profile keycaps (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Lukcy65 also isn’t VIA or QMK compatible; instead, it relies on custom software that’s actually pretty good. The board is fully wireless with both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz radio, but the USB receiver has no place to sit in the keyboard, so you might lose it easily. 

Lastly, you’ll see plenty of foam inside the Lukcy65, with a total of 5 layers. Going from the top, there’s the PE Foam and the PET Sheet on top of the PCB. Between the PCB and plate, you have the Plate Foam. Underneath the PCB, there’s Case Foam and, finally, an ESD foam sheet that sits at the bottom to protect the PCB from accidentally shorting if it ever comes in contact with the case.

Different foams help accentuate the sound of a keyboard
Different foams help accentuate the sound of a keyboard (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Editor`s Note
Image

It’s important to understand how different foams affect the sonics of a keyboard. In general, it’s almost impossible to build a budget keyboard without some sort of foam to help tighten up the sound. In that regard, the main foam you’ve probably heard of is the PE Foam (also known as IXPE), but something new called “PET” is also in the mix now.

PE Foam makes a keyboard sound creamier. It mostly plays with the mid-end frequencies and works as a sort of auto-tune for the switches. Therefore, you’ll hear a lot of enthusiasts complain that it masks the unique characters of different switches, making them sound similar to each other.

The PET sheet, on the other hand, brings up the high-end making boards sound clackier. In the Lucky65, both of these work together to create the most mass-market, pleasing sound possible that also opens up room for further customization based on your preference.

– Huzaifa Haroon

New PCB, Old Plate

Lukcy65’s PCB looks very similar to the Sugar65, which is its predecessor. The major difference between the two is that this time we’re getting wireless functionality. The PCB has tons of flex cuts and does have some additional layout options, but the supplied polycarbonate plate holds it back.

The default configuration is ANSI, and even though Weikav has baked-in ISO support in the PCB, it’s hard to get the right plate for it. Some large vendors like Velocifire will let you choose between an ANSI or ISO plate, but for a lot of us who’re buying from local marketplaces like AliExpress or Taobao, you’ll be stuck with the ANSI layout.

The polycarbonate plate is very flexible
The polycarbonate plate is very flexible (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The PCB also supports split-spacebar and split-shift, but once again, there is no plate to take advantage of that. Interestingly, because the gasket socks are mounted on the PCB, Lucky65 can technically be built plateless, a luxury often reserved for boutique high-end customs. Unfortunately, due to the lack of support for PCB-mount stabs, that luxury quickly goes out the window.

Despite support for alternative layouts, there's no plate for it
Despite support for alternative layouts, there’s no plate for it (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Performance & Battery Life

I spent most of my time with the Lucky65 plugged in; that’s what I’d recommend if you were playing competitively. The software also only works when wired. As expected with a modern 1000hz keyboard, the experience was flawless, and I never felt like I was being held back because of using a custom.

Wireless performance, on the other hand, is good but could be better. I had no major issues with the wireless receiver, but you can definitely tell that it has a hiccup here and there. I kind of foresaw this, knowing the thick metal case could interfere with the wireless signal. For casual gaming, though, it should be fine.

You charge the Lucky65 via its USB-C port
You charge the Lucky65 via its USB-C port (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Lucky65 has a subpar latency of around 25ms over the 2.4GHz dongle, which is not under the 10ms recommended for gaming. The same goes for Bluetooth; due to the 125hz polling rate you can notice a sluggishness, but still perfectly adequate for typing and navigating around. This is standard of all Bluetooth keyboards so not much you can do here.

According to Weikav, the 3750mAh battery is enough to last you up to 3 weeks without RGB. In my testing over the 2.4GHz dongle, the battery life was closer to 2 weeks with RGB off and only about a day with RGB on. Overall, it has a solid performance and great endurance that’s hard to come by at this price.

Typing Experience

Right off the bat, the first thing that stood out to me when building the Lucky65—aside from the build quality—was those stabilizers. They’re hands down the best stock stabs I’ve ever heard. In my daily driver unit, they’re practically perfect, and even in other units I’ve tried, they’re still about 95% there.

Now, I’ll be doing two separate builds with the Lucky65, both with the red case. The first one will be stock—simply put in the switches and keycaps, plug in and start using. The second one will be a bit more hands on where I open the board to do some modding.

First Build (Stock)

I’m using the MMD Princess linear switches for my stock config as it’s a solid neutral switch that comes with excellent factory lubing. I’ll be pairing these with the Aifei Doubleshot WOB keycaps. These are by far the highest quality “cheap” keycaps you can get online. 

The sound signature is deep, thocky and very satisfying. The MMD Princess switches play nicely with the PE Foam inside to adopt a more low-pitched sound. All the other layers of foam and, of course, the dense aluminum case ensures there’s no space for the sound to travel and bounce back off, eliminating all hollowness.

Overall, this is a very safe but still great-sounding build that required no effort except for sourcing the parts. Those amazing stock stabilizers paired with our value-oriented switches and keycaps produced an end product that is sure to impress anyone.

Second Build (Modded)

My next build is what I’ve been driving daily for a while now. I took apart the Lucky65 and tape-modded the PCB with a layer of masking tape, making sure to cover up the flex cuts. This prevents the sound from leaking through, which in turn makes the board louder. I then removed every other foam except the PET sheet.

This time I’ll be using the HMX Hyacinth V2 switches paired with GMK Cyrillic clone keycaps. Yes, I know that dupes aren’t exactly celebrated in the community, but I own some real GMK sets, too, so it’s allowed! These are dye-sub instead of double-shot, but they still look great. 

With only the PET sheet clacking things up and no IXPE to mellow out the sound, we get a high-pitched, clean and loud foamless sound. It feels extremely bouncy to type on, and the PCB plate assembly regularly bottoms out (touches the case) because there’s no foam in the way. Despite that, the sound is still enjoyable for a snob like me.

Disassembly Made Easy

Taking apart the Lucky65 is as easy as unscrewing the eight hex screws at the back, though they’re extremely tight, and Weikav doesn’t include a screwdriver for them. Once it’s open, the top and bottom cases come off easily, letting you remove the layers one by one.

The internals are all high quality
The internals are all high quality (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Starting off with the plate, you have some foam, then the PCB, and finally, more foam. At the bottom, there are six screws for the weight and five for the battery cover, plus two more for the daughterboard. What I really liked is that Weikav used the same Phillips head screw for everything, so no need to worry about mixing them up.

The Software

Lucky65 comes with its own software that only works when you have it plugged in. Despite the lack of VIA support being a major con of this board, the custom software is built well and quite useful. Some of the functions are confusing, but thankfully, u/irlrobins has made a great Notion document going over what each button does.

The software includes all the basics you’d expect, like RGB settings, key mapping, recording macros, and on-board saves. It also has some nice extras like fully custom per-key RGB lighting and profile support so you can export/import various loadouts. The layers functionality makes me miss VIA a little less too, but it’s not nearly as intuitive.

Why the Lucky65 is Different

In the onslaught of budget customs, especially the newer ones milled with aluminum, the Lucky65 is perhaps the first time all the fundamentals have been nailed. The overall package with its build quality, stock performance, connectivity and easy attainability offers a value proposition currently unparalleled in the industry. Lucky might be beat in a single category by this keyboard and in another by that, but it plays its cards right to become the perfect jack of all trades.

Should You Buy It?

Buy It If:

✅You want satisfying stock sound that’s effortless and easy to achieve with any keycap and switch combination.

✅You want great stabilizers that come lubed and tuned from the factory with no rattle, ticking or weird wobble.

✅You appreciate premium build quality at a low cost that doesn’t sacrifice any fundamentals and comes packaged in a beautiful design.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌You are a competitive gamer who prefers to play wirelessly as the latency might hold you back in intense situations.

❌You want a rotatory encoder (knob) to control volume and other functions. Consider the Womier SK65 if that’s really important for you.

❌You want QMK/VIA compatibility and find other software clunky or challenging to use. Weikav’s custom software for Lucky65 is nowhere near as clean.

Two similar looking yet very different Lucky65 builds
Two similar looking yet very different Lucky65 builds (Image By Tech4Gamers)

My Thoughts

The Lucky65 is one of the best budget aluminum keyboards on the market right now, period. As a barebones kit, it does an excellent job of catering to both seasoned enthusiasts and first-time entrants into the hobby. The board nails all the fundamentals while keeping the cost low.

The stock sound and feel are satisfying with nearly every switch, and those perfect stabilizers are just the cherry on top. You can enjoy it straight out of the box as is or modify it to your heart’s (or ear’s?) liking. This highly flexible nature, combined with a solid, no-frills build, earns it a recommendation and a place on my desk.

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Final Fantasy 16 Launches On PC With An Underwhelming 9K Players

Story Highlight
  • Final Fantasy 16 has just been released, but the launch is quite underwhelming. 
  • The game launched to only 9K concurrent players due to bad optimization and the fact that it isn’t available in most countries. 
  • FF16 had a pretty solid launch on PS5 as it sold over 3M copies in just 6 days. 

Final Fantasy is one of the biggest franchises in the gaming industry. However, its exclusivity to PlayStation upsets many fans, which is why the developer is now aiming to release its games on Xbox, too.

Of course, the games are coming on the PC platform, too, as Final Fantasy 16 just released today. However, it has seen a pretty underwhelming launch with just 9k players. This is mostly due to the severe performance issues and the fact that the game is not even available in the majority of countries. 

Why it matters: Now every PlayStation game coming to PC isn’t available in the majority of the company due to the absence of PS Plus, and that is one of the main reasons why the games are missing out on a lot of sales. 

FF16 Steam Launch
Final Fantasy 16 Launch On Steam Is Pretty Disappointing So Far | Source: SteamDB

As you can see in the image above, the game is live on Steam but has a pretty low concurrent player count. Final Fantasy is a massive series so these numbers are pretty underwhelming. 

Final Fantasy 16 sold 3 million copies in just 6 days on PS5, so compared to that, the player count on PC is literally nothing. Square Enix would not be happy to see this, but what did the developer expect? 

It is also worth noting that the Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s peak concurrent players were less than 14K. So, compared to that, Final Fantasy 16 is performing a lot worse. While the all-time peak can still be improved, this start is pretty disappointing.  

After releasing a poorly optimised game that would even make a beast like 4090 struggle to maintain 60FPS in a boss fight at 4k native resolution, this type of release was expected. Also, as mentioned before, the game isn’t even available in the majority of countries, so a lot of gamers didn’t even get a chance to play it. 

Latest Updates

The PC Port also features Denuvo, so in addition to having bad optimization, it has a DRM that makes it run even worse. Hopefully, Square Enix will consider the performance issues and improve the game so more fans can actually try it out. 

We Tested The BEST CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT

Boasting the new RDNA 3.0 architecture, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT are the fastest and second-fastest graphics cards from AMD. However, apart from a few dialed-up specs and a $100 price bump, the CPU compatibility of the two GPUs is actually quite similar. I have tested and reviewed a bunch of different CPUs from both Intel and AMD to compile my list of the Best CPUs for RX 7900 XTX & 7900 XT.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers
  • Sameed Hussain is our hardware expert who has been testing graphics cards, processors, CPUs, and motherboards for years.
  • 50+ CPUs tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 800+ hours spent testing different CPUs for our reviews.
  • Objective testing criteria (See How We Test Processors).

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.

Here are my recommendations for the Best CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT:

CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Intel Core i7-13700K
Ryzen 5 9600X
Intel Core i9-14900K
Looks
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 8-Core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor
Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked
AMD Ryzen™ 5 9600X 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
Intel® Core™ i9-14900K Desktop Processor
Award
Best AMD CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
Best Intel CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
Best Budget CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
Best High-End CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
What We Liked
Best Gaming CPU, 96MB L3 Cache
Overall Performance, Overclocking Potential
Top-notch single-threaded performance, Outstanding power efficiency and thermal performance
Exceptional Gaming and Productivity Performance
What We Disliked
Locked Multiplier, High Thermals
High Thermals and Power Consumption
Unimpressive multi-threaded performance
High Cost, Power Draw, and Thermals
Socket
AM5
LGA 1700
AM5
LGA 1700
Cores
8
16 (8+8)
6
24 (8+16)
Threads
16
24
12
32
Base Clock
4.2GHz
2.5 GHz, 3.4 GHz (Efficient, Performance)
3.9 GHz
2.4 GHz, 3.2 GHz (Efficient, Performance)
Boost Clock
5.0GHz
4.2 GHz, 5.3 GHz (Efficient, Performance)
5.4 GHz
4.4 GHz, 5.6 GHz (Efficient, Performance)
L2 Cache
8MB
24MB 
6MB
32MB
TDP
120W
125W, 253W (Base, Maximum Turbo)
65W
125W, 253W (Base, Maximum Turbo)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy on Newegg
Buy on Newegg
Buy on Newegg
Buy on Newegg
CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Looks
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 8-Core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor
Award
Best AMD CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
What We Liked
Best Gaming CPU, 96MB L3 Cache
What We Disliked
Locked Multiplier, High Thermals
Socket
AM5
Cores
8
Threads
16
Base Clock
4.2GHz
Boost Clock
5.0GHz
L2 Cache
8MB
TDP
120W
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CPU
Intel Core i7-13700K
Looks
Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked
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Best Intel CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
What We Liked
Overall Performance, Overclocking Potential
What We Disliked
High Thermals and Power Consumption
Socket
LGA 1700
Cores
16 (8+8)
Threads
24
Base Clock
2.5 GHz, 3.4 GHz (Efficient, Performance)
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz, 5.3 GHz (Efficient, Performance)
L2 Cache
24MB 
TDP
125W, 253W (Base, Maximum Turbo)
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CPU
Ryzen 5 9600X
Looks
AMD Ryzen™ 5 9600X 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
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Best Budget CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
What We Liked
Top-notch single-threaded performance, Outstanding power efficiency and thermal performance
What We Disliked
Unimpressive multi-threaded performance
Socket
AM5
Cores
6
Threads
12
Base Clock
3.9 GHz
Boost Clock
5.4 GHz
L2 Cache
6MB
TDP
65W
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy on Newegg
CPU
Intel Core i9-14900K
Looks
Intel® Core™ i9-14900K Desktop Processor
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Best High-End CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT
What We Liked
Exceptional Gaming and Productivity Performance
What We Disliked
High Cost, Power Draw, and Thermals
Socket
LGA 1700
Cores
24 (8+16)
Threads
32
Base Clock
2.4 GHz, 3.2 GHz (Efficient, Performance)
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz, 5.6 GHz (Efficient, Performance)
L2 Cache
32MB
TDP
125W, 253W (Base, Maximum Turbo)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy on Newegg

Last Updated:

  • September 17, 2024: After testing the Ryzen 5 9600X and Core i9-14900K, we have included them in our recommendation because they work great with both the RX 7900 XTX and the RX 7900 XT.
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Make sure to go for the best variant of the two GPUs before you look into purchasing the right CPU:

Best CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT

Following are the Best CPUs for RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 XTX that you can purchase:

  1. Best AMD: Ryzen 7 7800X3D
  2. Best Intel: Core i7-13700K
  3. Best Budget: Ryzen 5 9600X
  4. Best High-End: Core i9-14900K

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Best AMD CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT

Socket: AMD AM5 | Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | L2 Cache: 8MB | Base Clock: 4.2 GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.0 GHz | TDP: 120W

Pros

Cons

  • Locked Multiplier
  • Average Productivity Benchmarks
  • High Thermals
Get It Now

Read Our Ryzen 7 7800X3D Review

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D boasts 8 cores, 16 threads, and an impressive 96MB of L3 Cache, courtesy of its innovative 3D V-cache design. While it is regarded as one of the fastest gaming CPUs in the market, it does feature slightly reduced base and boost clock speeds at 4.2 GHz and 5.0 GHz, respectively. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D’s TDP rating sits at 120W, necessitating the need for a decent cooler to maintain safe temperatures. During my gaming tests, it achieved an average temperature of 63C, which is why a 280mm AIO is recommended for this CPU.

With the Ryzen 7 7800X3D’s excellent performance, you won’t feel the need to upgrade for a reasonably long time. The AM5 platform combined with DDR5 support also provides plenty of future upgradability; however, manual overclocking support is something you will miss out on. 

WARNING: Please note that the Ryzen 7 7800X3D does not support overclocking, limiting potential performance enhancements.
Buy It If

✅You want the best possible gaming performance: In all of my tests, I was blown away by the remarkable gaming performance of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want a cooler CPU: With the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, I found the high thermals to be quite disappointing.

What Makes It The Best AMD CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT?

The Radeon RX 7900 XTX and the RX 7900 XT are very gaming-centric graphics cards. As such, the best CPU for these graphics cards should also offer outstanding gaming performance. Therefore, the gaming performance of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is what makes it the Best AMD CPU for RX 7900 XT & RX 7900 XTX.

Performance: 9/10 Value: 8/10
Features: 10/10 Future Proofing: 9/10

Intel Core i7-13700K

Best Intel CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT

Socket: LGA1700 | Cores: 16 (8P + 8E) | Threads: 24 | L2 Cache: 24MB | Base Clock: 3.4 GHz (P-cores) | Boost Clock: Up to 5.4 GHz (P-cores) | TDP: 125W 

Pros

  • Great Overall Performance
  • Offers Value For Money
  • Overclocking Potential

Cons

  • High Thermals
  • High Power Consumption
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Read Our Intel Core i7-13700K Review

The Core i7-13700K strikes the perfect balance between gaming and productivity performance. It houses 16 cores, split into 8 performance and 8 efficient cores, with 24 threads, which are complemented by the remarkable base and boost clock speeds of 3.4 GHz and 5.3 GHz on the P-cores. You will have to spend on a high-end AIO or custom liquid cooling setup to cool down the i7-13700K. To put it into perspective, I recorded a peak temperature of 76°C with the processor despite the use of a custom 1260mm AIO radiator, which shows how thermally inefficient the Core i7-13700K is.

The Core i7-13700K comes with support for both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM while also offering an upgrade path to Intel’s 14th gen offerings, in case you want a performance uplift. Being a “K” series chip, the i7-13700K can be overclocked with ease as long as you have a high-performance cooler to keep up with the processor.

Our hardware reviewer, Nauman Siddique, found the Core i7-13700K’s balanced performance to be its best aspect, stating:

“If you seek both gaming excellence and extra performance, the Core i7-13700K is the choice to make.”

Buy It If

✅You want balanced productivity and gaming performance: Given the performance figures that the i7-13700K has to offer, it is truly the best gaming and productivity CPU to go for with the RX 7900 XTX or the RX 7900 XT.

Don't Buy It If

❌You want an easy-to-cool CPU: You will have to invest in a high-end AIO to cool down this beast. 

What Makes It The Best Intel CPU for RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT?

The Core i7-13700K lived up to its name in all my tests. The processor performed exceptionally well in both gaming and productivity costs. Plus, its support for DDR4 and DDR5 RAM increases the overall appeal as well. All of these reasons and more make the i7-13700K the Best Intel CPU for RX 7900 XT & RX 7900 XTX.

Performance: 9/10 Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10 Future Proofing: 8/10

Ryzen 5 9600X

Best Budget CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT

Socket: AM5 | Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | L2 Cache: 6MB | Base Clock: 3.90GHz | Boost Clock: Up to 5.40GHz | TDP: 65W

Pros

  • Top-notch single-threaded performance
  • Outstanding power efficiency and thermal performance
  • New curve shaper feature
  • Decent overclocking performance

Cons

  • Unimpressive multi-threaded performance
  • No improvements in gaming performance
Check Price

Read Our Ryzen 5 9600X Review

AMD’s latest Ryzen 9000 series CPUs have garnered much attention, bringing incredible thermal and power efficiency boosts. The Ryzen 5 9600X is similar, boasting six cores, 12 threads, and a low 65W TDP. So, with the lower TDP, the CPU was 36.7% more power efficient during our performance benchmarking than the Ryzen 5 7600X. Similarly, the processor was also 21°C cooler (or 34.4% cooler) than its predecessor.

Aside from these gains, the Ryzen 5 9600X doesn’t show any substantial improvements in gaming performance, even with the Windows 11 24H2 update. Therefore, although the CPU sees phenomenal improvements in one sector, it’s not the best future-proof option if you’re upgrading from a Ryzen 7000 series processor. However, I’m still happy with the processor’s performance, especially considering its price.

Here’s what our hardware reviewer, Usman Saleem, commented in his review of the Ryzen 5 9600X:

The Ryzen 5 9600X emerges as the new mid-ranger from AMD’s lineup, but not as the ideal one. It shows great single-core performance numbers and supports AVX-512 but is limited heavily by reduced power targets and clock speeds. This does mean that power and thermal efficiency are great, but gaming performance numbers have barely improved over the last gen, and AMD continues to trail Intel in multi-threaded performance.

PRO TIP: Don’t forget to update your Windows 11 to the 24H2 patch to get the full potential of the Ryzen 5 9600X CPU.
Buy It If
✅ You prefer efficiency: I recommend purchasing the Ryzen 5 9600X if you want your CPU to consume less power and be cooler even at higher loads. During our testing, the CPU averaged 52W in 1080p gaming, and the temperatures did not exceed 61°C during our Cinebench R23 test.
Don't Buy It If
❌ You want to see greater improvements in gaming performance from your upgrade: This CPU is not for you if you’re looking for a greater performance boost from your previous processor. We only saw a 2 FPS difference between the 7600X and the 9600X CPUs at 1080p resolution.

What Makes It The Best Budget CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT?

The Ryzen 5 9600X is a great processor for its price, requiring less power and cooling capabilities. It has top-notch single-threaded performance and showcases decent overclocking headroom, making it the best budget CPU for the RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT graphics cards. If you’re looking for efficiency, this CPU is perfect for you.

Performance: 8/10 Value: 10/10
Features: 9/10 Future Proofing: 8/10

Intel Core i9-14900K

Best High-End CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT

Socket: LGA1700 | Cores: 24 (8P + 16E) | Threads: 32 | L2 Cache: 32MB | Base Clock: 3.2 GHz (P-cores) | Boost Clock: Up to 5.8 GHz (P-cores) | TDP: 125W 

Pros

  • Unparalleled Productivity Performance
  • Excellent Gaming Performance

Cons

  • Very Expensive
  • Needs High-End Cooler
  • High Power Consumption
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The processor comes with 8-P and 16-E cores, which brings its total core count to 24. Combine that with its 32 threads, and you get a processor that does not break a sweat in both intensive single-core and multi-core workloads. The P-cores can reach up to an extraordinary 5.8 GHz frequency, further adding to its performance. The i9-14900K is the hottest CPU I have tested, which means cooling the processor can be a challenge. With a base power of 125W, the i9-14900K can draw north of 253W at intensive workloads. so you will have to go with a top-tier AIO or a custom cooling setup to tame this beast. 

Whether it was productivity benchmarks or gaming, the processor nailed every workload I threw at it and handled it with perfection, making it the ideal processor for anyone looking for a future-proof option.

PRO TIP: For maximum stability, ensure to pair the i9-13900K with a high-wattage PSU to meet the demanding power requirements of this high-end processor.
Buy It If

✅You prioritize performance: If you are a performance enthusiast who wants the best of the best processors for your RX 7900 XTX or RX 7900 XT, then the i9-14900K is for you.

Don't Buy It If

❌You don’t want a power-hungry CPU: Your PSU needs to be well-built with a high capacity as well to support the entire rig.

What Makes It The Best High-End CPU For RX 7900 XTX & RX 7900 XT?

The specs on paper, the productivity benchmarks, and the gaming performance, everything about the i9-14900K make it the Best High-End CPU For RX 7900 XT & RX 7900 XTX.

Performance: 10/10 Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10 Future Proofing: 9/10

Our Tested Gaming Benchmarks

Both the RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT are fantastic graphics cards for gaming. Therefore, the processors I am recommending should also pack enough performance to complement these high-end GPUs. I tested these processors through various productivity software and games to gauge them based on their performance, temperatures, and power consumption. These tests helped me recommend the best CPUs for RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 XTX.

Important CPU Key Terms

There are many technicalities revolving around CPUs. Here are a few key terms to look out for whenever you’re searching for a CPU:

  1. Cores: The actual execution of tasks and computation falls on the cores’ shoulders. A good gaming CPU should have 8 or more cores. 
  2. Threads: Applications or programs issue logical instructions known as threads to the CPU cores for execution.
  3. Multi-Threading: Multi-Threading (AMD) or Hyper-Threading (Intel) allows a single CPU core to execute two or more threads simultaneously.
  4. Cache: The cache is a little chunk of quick memory that is permanently attached to the CPU die. The cache is divided into three levels: L1, L2, and L3. L1 cache is the fastest and closest to the CPU, but it also has the smallest capacity. 
  5. Clock Speed: The amount of data cycles a processor can perform in a second is known as its clock speed. The base clock is the speed at which the processor will operate at all times, and the boost clock is the speed at which it will operate under high workloads.
  6. TDP: The amount of heat generated by a processor is called its TDP. The TDP number indicates the type of CPU cooler you need. The higher the TDP, the more heat the CPU will generate, and hence, you will need a bigger cooler.
  7. Overclocking: By giving additional power to the CPU, you can have it run at clock speeds higher than its stock settings.

Specs Comparison Table

CPUCoresThreadsL2 Cache (MB)Base Clock (GHz)Boost Clock (GHz)TDP (W)Average 1080p Gaming (FPS)Average Gaming Power Consumption (W)
Ryzen 7 7800X3D81684.25.012023147
i7-13700K1624243.45.4125210109
Ryzen 5 9600X61263.905.406519752
i9-14900K2432323.25.8125219.2145

How We Tested These CPUs

To ensure that the CPU I recommend you are undoubtedly the best for these graphics cards, I tested them over several factors.

  • Performance: I ran several gaming and productivity tests to judge the performance of each CPU. This way, I had a clear picture in mind as to which processors pack the necessary performance to go with the RX 7900 XTX/XT. Similarly, whenever you’re buying a processor, make sure to search for its benchmarks and tests to analyze its performance.
  • Value For Money: If you are ever in the market for processors, make sure to do thorough research into similarly priced processors and compare them based on their performance and other stats. This way, you will get the best bang for the buck CPU.
  • Power Consumption and Thermal Efficiency: High power consumption equates to high temperature, which ultimately means more AIO expenses. Well, if you are after a performance-centric build, then there is not really an escape from high temps, and you will have to go for a good quality CPU cooler.
  • Overclocking: I also tested the overclocking potential of my recommended processors. I overclocked these processors to determine the maximum stable clock speeds I could achieve, and now you also have an idea of how much performance you can get out of your CPU.

FAQs

Which CPU should I get for the RX 7900 XTX/XT?

Processors like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Core i7-13700K are the best for RX 7900 XT/XTX. If you are after a budget CPU, then the i5-13600K is also a good choice.

What is the minimum CPU for RX 7900 XT/XTX?

If you are building a gaming PC with the latest AMD graphics cards like the RX 7900 XT or the RX 7900 XTX, then you should go with at least the Ryzen 7 5800X3D.

What CPU won’t bottleneck an RX 7900 XTX or RX 7900 XT?

The Core i5-13600K and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D won’t bottleneck the RX 7900 XTX/XT.

Also Read:

Recent Updates

  • April 1, 2024: Based on my testing, I have included the Cinebench R23 score, 1080p gaming performance, and average power consumption of my picks.
 

Red Dead Redemption: Rockstar Gearing Up For PC Port Announcement

Story Highlight
  • The Red Dead Redemption PC port has been rumoured to be in development for a very long time.
  • However, a recent Rockstar Games Launcher update suggests the developers are finally gearing up for a PC port announcement. 
  • While nothing much is known, an official announcement could soon be made.

Red Dead Redemption has been one of the biggest and second most successful Rockstar Games franchises, selling over 65 million units worldwide.

While Red Dead Redemption has been a great success on consoles, PC fans have been waiting for years to enjoy the title. Recent reports have suggested that a PC port is on the way, and now this appears to be more than true. 

A new Rockstar Games Launcher update suggests that Rockstar is gearing up to announce the PC port of Red Dead Redemption.

Why it matters: Although the game is already playable on PC through emulation, fans have waited for the longest time to enjoy the native port.

Red Red Redemption PC Port
Red Dead Redemption PC Port New Detail Has Appeared

Just recently, it was noted that a new Rockstar Games Launcher update revealed more plans for the release of Red Dead Redemption on PC.

A new config folder can be found under the Windows documents, which contain many folders, including one for the Red Dead Redemption. However, it has also been suggested that Rockstar has reverted the changes, and the folders can no longer be found in your documents if you update the launcher.

Therefore, it’s likely that the developers are planning to announce the PC port of Red Dead Redemption at the upcoming earnings call. 

Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 Is The 7th Best Selling Title Ever

However, taking this news with a grain of salt is still best. These are just speculations, and while an official announcement is inevitable, it is not confirmed when Rockstar Games plans to make it. 

Latest Updates

Nonetheless, PC fans will finally have their hands on Red Dead Redemption sooner or later. A remastered version of the title has also been rumoured to be in the works, so the coming months will be interesting for franchise fans. 

Elder Scrolls 6 Unlikely To Meet Expectations, Says Bethesda Veteran

Story Highlight
  • Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is often regarded as the best RPG in gaming history. 
  • Due to that, its sequel has a lot of hype and anticipation behind it. 
  • However, a Bethesda Veteran thinks it would be impossible for Elder Scrolls 6 to meet expectations. 

Elden Scrolls 5: Skyrim is arguably one of the best RPGs to ever exist. Many even consider it the best RPG in the gaming industry so its sequel will have a hard time filling in its shoes. It might be difficult for the Eder Scrolls 6 to be able to meet the expectations the Skyrim fandom has. 

This has more backing now, as a Bethesda Veteran has claimed that it will be impossible for this upcoming RPG to meet expectations. While his words have weight, Elder Scrolls 6 will be an amazing game. 

Why it matters: Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim undoubtedly set new standards for the RPG, and it would be too difficult to top it.

In a recent interview with Kiwi Talkz, Bruce Nesmith, a former Bethesda developer, discussed the upcoming Elder Scrolls game. He said that the fans who are waiting to buy the game have such high expectations that it will be almost impossible to meet them. 

The fans who want to buy Elder Scrolls 6, their expectations are going to be almost impossible to meet.

-Bruce Nesmith

For reference, Nesmith has worked on games like Fallout and Starfield. He thinks whenever the next Elder Scrolls is going to be released it will be compared with all of the previous Bethesda games. 

Now, Bethesda has made some incredible titles, so the bar is set pretty high. While Nesmith admits that Eder Scrolls 6 will undoubtedly be an amazing game, he thinks it will not meet the fans’ expectations. 

Elder Scrolls 6
Elder Scrolls 6 Expectations Are Pretty High Thanks To Skyrim

Given Skyrim’s success, we kind of understand what he means. Also, he explains that games like Fallout 4, 76, and Starfield faced the same problems. Many compared these to the old Bethesda games and criticised them. 

Latest Updates

He also admits that a game that isn’t perfect would never get a score above 95 on Metacritic, and a product can be criticised and deemed a failure. The developers fear such things, which is exactly why they find it too hard to meet expectations. 

However, he said that the developers shouldn’t really try to manage the expectations. Rather, they should try to set them. Hopefully, Bethesda can make a game worthy of being called a sequel to Skyrim. The game will not be released before 2028, so the developer has a lot of time.

PS5 Pro Price Tag ‘Makes Sense’, Says Battlefield Boss

Story Highlight
  • Respawn and Battlefield boss Zampella has defended the price tag of the PlayStation 5 Pro. 
  • He says that the PS5 Pro makes sense considering the inflation and price of a similarly specced PC.
  • The console has been under fire ever since Sony announced it due to the high MSRP. 

Since the PS5 Pro’s mammoth price tag was revealed, it has garnered a lot of unwanted attention. Fans have been criticizing EA for making the price too high. Despite this,  Respawn and Battlefield boss says the PS5 Pro price makes sense. 

Why it matters: Yes, the PS5 Pro offers an upgraded GPU, but it still has the same CPU which is a bottleneck and does limit performance according to testing. Therefore, justifying the $700 price tag isn’t a very good idea. 

Battlefield boss defends the PS5 Pro MSRP despite heavy criticism

Vince Zampella defended (IGN) the PS5 Pro MSRP, saying that if you count inflation, the price is comparable to some older consoles. This is the reason that the $700 price for the upgraded console makes sense. The price is shocking at first, but it isn’t that bad. 

at first seemed a little shocking, but it’s kind of like, it’s actually not that bad.

-Vince Zampella

He further said that if you build a PC for the same price it won’t have the same performance. So, it is a nice balance that you get for paying more. It would’ve been better if it cost less, but it isn’t for everyone, so it is fine.

Indeed, some older consoles were similarly priced if we account for inflation. However, there are some big differences. While inflation has increased, salaries haven’t been adjusted accordingly, so the buying power isn’t there, therefore the uproar on the price. 

Plus, Digitial Foundry’s recent analysis showed hardly any difference between the performance of the base PS5 and the PS5 Pro. So, games like Alan Wake 2, which ran at 800p on 60 FPS, perform similarly on the PS5 Pro as well. 

Latest Updates

Added: So, accounting for all these things, the price tag does turn out to be ridiculously high. Sony has been capitalizing on Xbox’s lack of competition, which has allowed it to go all out with this price tag.

Battlefield Head Thinks The Next Entry Can Outsell Call Of Duty

Story Highlight
  • The head of Respawn Entertainment, Vince Zampella, thinks the next Battlefield title will outsell Call of Duty.
  • He claims that it is not a direct goal, but Battlefield definitely can outshine COD.
  • The next game in the series is returning to basics with a modern setting and traditional classes.

Call of Duty shows signs of recovery with its upcoming entry, Black Ops 6, but the same cannot be said for Battlefield. The franchise has been in murky waters ever since its past few releases, with its last game completely failing to meet any expectations. However, franchise head Vince Zampella thinks that Battlefield is set to achieve more than just a turnaround.

Despite poor sales in the last few years, Vance has just made the massive claim that the franchise has a good chance of outselling Call of Duty with its upcoming game.

Why it matters: The remarks made by the Battlefield head show his utmost confidence in the franchise’s upcoming entry. Battlefield outselling a Call of Duty title would also be a massive milestone in the gaming industry.

BF2042 UW
Battlefield 2042 had an extremely rough start

Speaking to IGN in a recent interview, Vince Zampella argues that it is not their direct goal to outsell Call of Duty. However, that is always something they have been targeting. The next game is the best opportunity to make that possible.

We’re not looking to take down Call of Duty. We’re making something that’s different. But yeah, it definitely has the possibility.

-Vince Zampella

Battlefield
Battlefield 1 was one of the best titles in the series, but it could not outsell the worst-selling COD title.

It is worth noting that one of the lowest-selling Call of Duty titles, Infinite Warfare, outsold Battlefield 1 back in 2016. In other words, it would be a groundbreaking milestone for the next Battlefield game to outsell Call of Duty.

Latest Updates

The next Battlefield entry is in total production and confirmed to be set in a modern setting. It is returning to a back-to-basics style seen in BF3 and 4. Additionally, you can expect traditional classes filled with intense 64-player multiplayer matches. 

PS5 Pro Can’t Do 60FPS On Every Game, Says Expert

Story Highlight
  • The PS5 Pro has a very old Zen 2 CPU that will bottleneck its new GPU.
  • Experts argue that you would be better off buying a PC if you aim to achieve 60FPS in every game.
  • The likes of GTA 6 are still expected to run at 30FPS on PlayStation’s mid-gen refresh.

The PS5 Pro promises three major upgrades that boil down to quality mode visuals while offering 60FPS gameplay. PlayStation is targeting enthusiasts with this console, seemingly offering a no-compromises experience for a whopping $700.

However, the mid-gen upgrade is hamstrung by a weak CPU. This effectively means that it won’t be able to reach 60FPS in various real-world scenarios, so the analysts at Digital Foundry argue that you should not buy the PS5 Pro for 60FPS gaming.

Why it matters: 60FPS is guaranteed for most modern releases of this generation. A few games still ship without a performance mode, but it seems the new hardware won’t always prove useful for such games.

The latest Digital Foundry Direct Weekly discusses the PS5 Pro and its nuances. The details cover various in-game resolution targets, including the same 864p performance mode for Alan Wake 2.

Comparing this console with a PC, Digital Foundry’s Alex Battaglia pointed out that the PS5 Pro may not be too great a purchase for many people. He argued that the hardware offers solid visuals, and PSSR is a great addition to the console gaming ecosystem.

However, fans will be disappointed if they expect 60FPS or 120FPS, no matter what. Similarly, those looking to truly test the limits of ray tracing won’t be too pleased with PlayStation’s latest offering.

If you want to get 60FPS in every game, don’t get a PS5 Pro.

-Digital Foundry

PS5 Pro New Featured
The Latest Addition To The PS5 Family Arrives In November

The main problem here is the same Zen 2 CPU used in the PS5 and Xbox Series S|X in 2020. This CPU will more than likely end up being the limiting factor in many instances and is the same reason why GTA 6 is expected to run at 30FPS across all consoles next year.

Latest Updates

As is the case with half-steps, the new hardware will not be able to offer a completely new experience. Therefore, it may be worth sticking with the base PS5 for now, especially for those who find the $700 price a bit too steep.

The PS5 Pro Is Exactly Why PlayStation Needs Competition From Xbox

Story Highlight
  • The PS5 Pro shows Sony’s willingness to use its position as the industry’s top dog to its advantage.
  • Xbox has previously served as an important force in keeping PlayStation in check.
  • The former should now look toward capitalizing on the current outrage over the PS5 Pro.

The PS5 Pro comes out in two months, and it will cost you an arm and a leg for the full experience, at least compared to traditional console pricing. Starting at a whopping $700, the system can easily cost as much as $900 once other costs are factored in.

Whether this price is justified is up for debate, but it’s clear that PlayStation cared little about the consumer’s wallet when designing this mid-gen refresh. As one of the biggest forces in high-end console gaming, the company is free to do as it likes.

Xbox, the last remaining hurdle in PlayStation’s path to complete domination, hasn’t put up much of a fight recently. In fact, I would argue that the PS5 Pro shows why it would be in everyone’s best interests if Xbox pulled itself together.

Why it matters: Competition benefits the consumer in the long run by driving innovations and helping keep costs down.

Arrogant Sony Is Back

PS3 all over again. WTF.
byu/Camstagramme inPS5pro

During the PS3 era, Sony was as ambitious as it was prideful. The PS3 was a marvel for its time, yet it came with its fair share of caveats. Despite its many drawbacks, some of which made it inferior to the competition, Sony dared to ask gamers to work a second job to afford the console.

Gamers were quick to dub Sony arrogant for its approach to the initial years of the PS3, and rightfully so. The gaming giant has shown glimpses of its former self during the PS5 generation, and while it has been quick to address faults, the PS5 Pro truly serves as an unneeded blast from the past.

Overpriced accessories, questionable price hikes, poor communication with the fans, you name it. The gaming giant seems to be following the same pattern as last time, and the latest announcement is the icing on the cake. However, there’s one key difference this time.

This generation has been a huge success so far, a far cry from the disastrous release of the PS3.

Xbox’s Impact On PlayStation

Speaking of key differences, PlayStation’s biggest rival in recent years is all but done for, or so it seems. Xbox has suffered from a poor first-party lineup, appalling hardware sales, and a general lack of trust this generation.

Whether it be sudden layoffs, shocking studio closures, or inconsistent messaging, the brand has practically given PlayStation an easy way out. Think back to 20 years ago, and you will recall how Microsoft quickly capitalized on the PS3’s poor launch to uplift the Xbox 360.

PlayStation answered by rapidly evolving its online ecosystem, offering price cuts on the PS3 hardware, and creating an unrivaled first-party lineup.

The xbox 360 was actually much better than the ps3 in the beginning.
byu/bobbdac7894 ingaming

 

Several years later, Xbox’s threat ensured the PS4 launched at an appropriate price and offered essential features catered to the fans. One could argue that the PS4 was so good because PlayStation had a genuine reason to compete and do its best from the beginning.

Without a rival keeping PlayStation in check, the sky is the limit. The PS6 could cost as much as $1000, and there wouldn’t be much anybody could do. It’s already been said that the lack of a mid-gen rival is one reason the PS5 Pro was priced as high as it was.

In my opinion, this would never have happened in an era when both companies were competing head-to-head.

Xbox Must Capitalize Right Now

Xbox Series S|X Controller
Xbox Should Consider A Plan To Capitalize On PlayStation’s Mistake

The PS5 Pro has turned more than a few heads for all the wrong reasons, giving Xbox a small opportunity to capitalize.

Going by recent reports, Microsoft made the right call by skipping a mid-gen refresh. If recent leaks are anything to go by, Microsoft’s second move may be yet another step in the right direction, with an early start to the next generation potentially leaving the PS5 Pro in the dust.

Sure, this console is impressive on paper. However, it falls flat with a poor CPU bottlenecking the fancy new GPU. Also important is the fact that raw rasterization is only about 20-25% better than what the Xbox Series X already offers.

Microsoft should use these facts to its advantage to push the Xbox Series X, which is much cheaper at $449.99 for the all-digital model. This momentum can slowly build to the next generation, which should arrive by 2026 if the leaks are to be trusted.

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A new Xbox built from the ground up would feature a much better CPU, an even more capable GPU, and AI-based tech to rival PSSR. If the stars align, this potential series of events could just be what the gaming giant needs to bounce back.

Ghost Rider Game Was Actually A Great God Of War Clone

Story Highlight
  • The 2007 Ghost Rider game borrows elements from games like God of War and Devil May Cry.
  • Despite featuring decent metal hack-and-slash combat and amazing motorcycle sequences, the game was disregarded as a God of War clone.
  • Ghost Rider deserves another shot with a faithful AAA adaptation, ideally by Insomniac.

One thing about the 2000s is that the developers were much more creative and willing to take risks with game development, showing true passion for their work. However, the same cannot be said for today’s industry, which has now regressed in creativity. 

Despite their failures, we have seen many great creative titles in the last two decades, regardless of their commercial success. 

One of the games that isn’t well remembered is 2007’s Ghost Rider, which fully copied God of War’s gameplay. But unlike the rest of the clones, Ghost Rider stood out with its metal hack-and-slash combat, cool motorcycle sections, and amazing aesthetics.

Why It Matters: Despite being a good, faithful adaptation of the character with decent gameplay, Ghost Rider was discarded for being a God of War clone. However, the game deserves more love and appreciation as it has aged well.

Ghost Rider Was The Perfect Combination Of God Of War And Devil May Cry

Ghost Rider Gameplay || Credits: xTimelessGaming on Youtube

As I mentioned before, 2007’s Ghost Rider was a tie-in game to the movies and is set between the events of the first and second movies. I absolutely adored the idea of exploring more stories within the franchise via the gaming world, and it is something that modern movies and games lack. 

Anyway, most of the game is set in hell, and without giving too much away, Johnny is tasked with killing many demons to prevent an apocalypse on Earth. The camera view and combat are similar to those in God of War.

On the other hand, the aesthetics and the theme are borrowed from the Devil May Cry games, bringing the best of both worlds. Players can fight with their bare fists or a demonic chain, much like Kratos’ Blades of Chaos.

The Combat System

ghost rider game combat
Ghost Rider Earth Elementor Boss Battle || Credits: CaleoGaming on YouTube

However, the game has a slight learning pattern, and the combos are difficult to execute, but it feels amazing when you do so.

You can also build up 2 meters to trigger a huge power; one triggers a whole round attack, damaging multiple enemies simultaneously. The other triggers Retribution, the classic Ghost Rider attack that lets you stare into enemies’ souls and kill them.

Aside from these combat sequences, the game also allows you to drive motorbikes at the end of every level toward the next ones. The Boss battles in this game are also pretty cool and a treat for Marvel fans since most weren’t included or fully explored in the movies.

Vengeance, Blackheart, and a faithful adaptation of Mephisto were all included as Boss battles in the game. However, some game ports cut the ending fight between Mephisto as a narrative section.

The game also features cameos from other Marvel characters, such as Wesley Snipes’ Blade, who can be unlocked as a playable character after beating the game.

Ghost Rider Deserves Another Shot 

Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider Is One Of The Best Marvel Characters And Deserves An AAA Video Game Adaptation

Now, despite the game being pretty good, I wouldn’t want a remake or remaster of the original game. It just wouldn’t make sense to remake a tie-in video game all these years later.

However, what I do want is for Ghost Rider to get another shot with a AAA game. Ghost Rider is one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel universe and hasn’t received a film or a solo video game adaptation in years.

We already know how well Ghost Rider can work in a video game, and who better than Insomniac to give him a proper, creative, and deserved game? 

Imagine all the destruction and amazing combat sequences possible with today’s hardware. The original Ghost Rider game was still pretty harsh on the consoles and experienced frame drops. 

Latest Updates

My dream Ghost Rider game would be an open-world M-rated game with different enemy varieties, such as humans, demons, and even archangels. Ranged weapons for combat and the ability to spawn your motorcycle.

Also, I’d love the option to switch to Johnny Blaze in the daytime and perform motorcycle stunts as more of a mini-game, just like those Quidditch Matches in older Harry Potter games.

Character Action Games: Why Are They So Rare Despite Their Success

Story Highlight
  • Every sub-genre within the Action genre has been thriving except for Character Action games.
  • Despite the success of Character Action games like God of War and Devil May Cry, developers avoid the sub-genre due to its risk involvement.
  • Though mainstream hits are rare, indie developers continue to advance the genre with innovative titles like Gori: Cuddly Carnage and Enenra: Demon Core.

The Action genre has been on a good run recently, especially because FromSoftware influences the genre. While I’ve previously mentioned that action games and Souls-Like now have a very fine line between them, the genre is evolving a lot.

While many sub-genres within the action genre have been heavily explored, Character Action games deserve more love. The sub-genre is relatively niche compared to others, and despite being famous, only big titles encompass it.

Even gaming’s biggest franchises are Character Action games, such as God of War and Devil May Cry. Why is the sub-genre so small despite these games being absolute successes?

Why It Matters: Character Action games are among gaming’s best sub-genres, and they focus more on the main protagonist with the same level of emphasis on flashy combat. 

Why The Sub-Genre Isn’t Appealable To Developers 

Phantom Blade Zero
Phantom Blade Zero Is One Of The Most Awaited Titles Of 2024

Despite being successful in their relatively smaller niche, developers and publishers don’t prefer character action games due to the extensive time they take to develop.

These games require a lot of work — from creating detailed animations and complex combat systems to producing high-quality cutscenes. This adds to longer development times and higher costs, which can be a big risk for game studios when recouping development costs.

Even if they succeed, these games barely sell well because your average gamer doesn’t grasp how these games work, and Character Action games have more to them than just kill and progress.

These games require a deeper level of understanding and more focus on combos and other mechanics, which your average gamer misses out on most of the fun and calls boring. I’d argue that Character Action games are more complex than Souls games, which are difficult, but understanding is simple.

Character Action games require developers’ best talent and creativity, which studios lack these days. Not every developer is willing to do that; instead, they copy the formula of existing games, which increases their chance of failure, e.g., Dante’s Inferno being a God of War clone.

Lack of creativity has caused the genre to stagnate, and that’s why we barely got any Character Action games from 2013 to 2018, which gave time for other sub-genres to take over.

Character Action Games In 2024 And Beyond

Hades 2
Hades 2 Lives Up To The Hype Of Its Prequel In Early Acess

Sure, while we rarely see games in the character action subgenre these days, it’s far from dead. In fact, though there are fewer titles compared to the PS3/Xbox 360 era, the genre is still evolving. Indie developers are still showing their passion and love for the craft, resulting in amazing titles being released this year. 

Gori: Cuddly Carnage, released this year, is a game in which you play as a kitten fighting in a vibrant, bloody world using a hoverboard for combat and traversal. Despite taking a unique approach with its combat and traversal, the game remains underrated and is also a testament to why the sub-genre is very niche.

The Zelda-inspired Astor: Blade of the Monolith was also released earlier this year. In terms of aesthetics, it looks closer to Immortals Fenyx: Rising but has the hack-and-slash gameplay from Devil May Cry: Enenra.

Demon Core is another indie title inspired by Ninja Gaiden and Metal Gear Rising, and I have yearned for a title like this for years.

Latest Updates

Another ambitious upcoming title is Phantom Blade Zero. The game’s fast-paced, flashy combat incorporates fresh elements, offering an innovative spin on the genre.

Meanwhile, Lost Soul Aside, developed by UltiZeroGames, blends the hack-and-slash elements of Devil May Cry and Final Fantasy. It’s a passion project for the Chinese studio and looks incredible, featuring many special moves and cinematic combat.

Still, their indie titles show that the genre is still pretty much alive. With the release of mainstream titles like Devil May Cry and another Ninja Gaiden game, maybe Character Action games will enjoy the popularity that they once had.

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