At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
[Press Release] Alphacool’s latest case series is the first of its kind. Boasting a solid build made of real carbon tubes, The Apex Pro Skeleton Carbon is great for full water cooling-based PC builds.
Alphacool boasts a distro plate specifically designed for this case that also comes with a VPP Apex pump. Thanks to the dazzling aRGB lighting, the case immediately stands out.
Image via Alphacool
Also included are three radiator mounts that make the Apex Pro Skeleton Carbon ideal for high-performance cooling setups. Similarly, the included GPU bracket allows for vertical mounting of graphics cards.
Furthermore, Alphacool states that the already installed Apex pump is strong enough to support complex water cooling loops. All in all, the Apex Pro Skeleton Carbon is made of high-end materials and boasts a level of quality rarely seen in PC cases.
If this sounds up your alley, the Pro and Standard versions are now up for sale. Note that the latter does not include the vertical GPU mount and distro plate.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
[Press Release] Corsair has announced a new series of gaming PCs with the Vengeance a7400. This lineup is designed to offer the best performance possible, with the Ryzen 9000 CPUs and GeForce RTX 40 GPUs delivering unparalleled results.
The Gaming PC Is Made Without Any Compromises
The latest AMD processors enable solid results for professional workloads like animation and 3D modelling. On the other hand, Nvidia’s latest GPUs make working with applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and Blender smoother than ever.
The large set of AI features is also helpful when gaming since DLSS and Frame Generation prove to be useful across the latest titles. Elsewhere, the Vengeance a7400 packs the latest Corsair hardware.
Whether it be cooling like the H60x Elite or Vengeance DDR5 memory, the PC comes with compelling hardware across the board. Moreover, Corsair offers an extensive two-year warranty, with more details available through this link.
The Vengeance a7400 is now available through Corsair’s official website. It can also be bought from the company’s large network of distributors across North America.
At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
Story Highlight
2024 hasn’t been great for Warner Bros. Games due to the release of Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League.
During the recent earnings call, the CEO stated that the company is looking to license its franchises to other studios.
He says there is great interest from many others in working on these IPs.
Warner Bros. Games saw massive success last year with the release of Hogwarts Legacy, which became the best-selling single-player title of the year. However, 2024 has been a poor year for the publisher since Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League became one of its worst releases.
This led to Warner Bros. Games’ revenue dropping by over 40%. Following this outcome, the publisher is now looking to license its franchises to other studios.
Why it matters: Warner Bros. Games owns some of the biggest IPs like Batman, Justice League, Looney Tunes, Harry Porter, and more. This means that there are many opportunities to experiment with different ideas and studios.
Warner Bros. Games Can Release Games Faster With This Approach
As reported by IGN, the CEO of Warner Bros. Games, David Zaslav, and the president of global streaming and games, JB Perrette, were asked about the strategic value of games to the studio during the recent earnings call.
Both of them explained that they want to grow the gaming business, and they are focused on free-to-play titles. However, both executives admitted that this part of the industry has its ups and downs.
The CEO further stated the studio is no longer solely relying on Warner Bros. Games’ eleven studios. According to David Zaslav, many other developers are looking to work on their IPs, and they are considering that option.
We have 11 studios here, and we have a lot of IP. And there’s also a lot of interest among others in coming to take advantage of some of that IP for gaming, which we’re looking at.
-David Zaslav
Hogwarts Legacy Sold Over 24 Million Copies
The recent success of Hogwarts Legacy shows that Warner Bros. Games IPs are valued much more in the gaming industry than their recent success shows. Therefore, working with massive studios would benefit the publisher.
Although it remains to be seen how the publisher will move forward, this should open up opportunities for more frequent releases based on IPs like Mortal Kombat and Harry Potter.
Perhaps some studios will even consider working on the lesser-known Warner Bros. Games IPs for unique projects.
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
God of War Ragnarok’s official system requirements have been revealed.
PlayStation recommends a GeForce RTX 3070 for 1440p 60FPS at high settings.
Overall, the requirements are quite decent, but 190GB of free storage is needed.
God of War Ragnarok is next on the list of PC ports from PlayStation. The game is finally headed to the platform multiple years after its predecessor exploded on PC, and there is palpable excitement ahead of this release.
PlayStation has also shared a list of official system requirements today. The PC port seems to be quite optimized, with the system requirements pointing to another well-rounded translation from PlayStation to PC.
Why it matters: Thanks to Nixxes Software, PlayStation has delivered high-quality PC releases one after another. After Horizon Forbidden West, the gaming giant seems to have another solid release on its hands.
According to PlayStation, the game can run well on hardware like the RTX 2060 Super.
Pairing this GPU with a CPU like the Ryzen 5 3600 should lead to 1080p 60FPS gameplay at medium settings. This is a better experience than the base PS4 iteration of the title.
God of War Ragnarok does not need too much power at 1440p, either. The requirements point to an RTX 3070/ RX 6800 and i7-7700K/ Ryzen 7 2700X combination for 60FPS at high settings.
All in all, the PC port seems to run well without being too demanding. Even at 4K ultra, the recommended settings list an RTX 4070 Ti, though an RTX 3080 Ti can also work at the same resolution when using high settings.
Finally, PC gamers should prepare their SSDs since the title is said to take up nearly 200GB of storage.
God of War Ragnarok Was Quite Well Received On PlayStation
It is important to note that God of War Ragnarok was originally designed for the PS4. This may be one of the reasons for the system requirements being fairly light. However, PC users will receive the best version of this title possible.
Santa Monica’s latest release arrives on PC later next month. As the release date approaches, PC gamers should note that it won’t be supported across all Steam regions.
At Tech4Gamers.com, I cover the latest news and rumours in the gaming industry, from new game releases to hidden gems and video game leaks. Furthermore, I occasionally write tech articles about video game consoles, providing insights into the hardware and software that powers our gaming experiences.
Story Highlight
Contrary to the usual effect, the Black Ops 6 leaks are generating positive excitement within the Call of Duty community.
Leaked gameplay showing off mechanics like omni-directional movement have fans pumped for the beta.
An insider has also revealed the feature to pause and save progress in solo zombies.
Black Ops 6 has everyone excited about its arrival on various platforms and Game Pass soon.
The game has been getting leaked heavily for the past few days, but the leaks seem to have done more good than harm. Many hardcore fans seem to like the new omni-movement options and the general flow of gameplay.
Why it matters: These leaks are working in Activision’s favor, as most fans appear to be excited about the leaked maps, weapons, and new features.
Leaks are often considered hype killers before a game’s release. However, this does not seem to be the case for Call of Duty.
The community is actually loving the leaks ahead of the Black Ops 6 beta. Fans are especially excited about the new movement system and the return of the round-based zombies experience.
There’s also a lot of anticipation about the new maps, weapons, and achievements. The leaks started coming out in July 2024, when people with jailbroken PS4s revealed many details about the weapons, maps, movements, and other features.
Although much of the leaked content has been taken down by Activision, hundreds of players seem to be playing the beta build online. Enthusiast fans like how Treyarch’s overall gameplay looks.
The omni-directional movement seems to work much better than expected, adding a new dynamic to combat engagements. This mechanic should also add a major skill barrier in the multiplayer mode.
Moreover, Black Ops 6 appears to address basic problems from recent entries. It improves upon the UI elements, adds the pause button to zombies again, and Treyarch is supposedly letting players quit zombies without losing progress.
Black Ops 6 is supposedly the biggest Call of Duty game ever.
Elsewhere, the leaks show various maps, weapons, and modes. A total of 43 achievements have also shown up online, highlighting how extensive the leaks have been. Following the leaks, some fans have even asked Treyarch to begin the beta earlier than announced.
Overall, the Call of Duty community seems excited about Black Ops 6. This is a far cry from the reactions last year, which were quite negative due to the recycled maps and short campaign.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlights
Nintendo Switch sales in the US are just 1.1 million behind the very successful PS2.
PS5 and Xbox Series S|X consoles have also sold quite well in the region.
The Nintendo Switch is still about 16 million units behind the PS2 in terms of global sales.
The Nintendo Switch is undoubtedly the most successful console of this decade. Released in 2017, the console has seen huge sales figures, even breaking into the top 3 best-selling consoles of all time. According to a report, it might even dethrone the PS2 in the US soon.
Why it matters: Despite the sales seeing somewhat of a decline this year, the Nintendo Switch is still going strong. It has sold over 143 million units, and there is still potential for more.
The Nintendo Switch Appeals To A Larger Audience Than Traditional Consoles
Circana’s Mat Piscatella, in a tweet, revealed that the console market isn’t dead. It’s still doing quite well, as the Nintendo Switch is trailing the PS2’s lifetime sales by just 1.1 million units in the US.
At this pace, it’s more or less guaranteed to overtake the PS2 in the US. However, Jim Ryan recently revealed that the PS2 sold 160 million units globally. Therefore, Nintendo’s latest console still has some catching up to do, even if the goal seems attainable.
According to Piscatella, the PS5 is 7% ahead of the PS4’s sales in the region. Moreover, despite all the challenges around the Xbox Series S|X consoles, they have managed to match the sales of the Xbox 360 in the US.
Overall, he believes the console market is doing fine for the time being.
The PS2 Remains Sony’s Best-Selling Console
The big news is the competition between the PS2 and the Nintendo Switch. The former has reigned as the industry’s best-seller for decades, but a new competitor is on the verge of beating it.
A new generation of Nintendo hardware is also coming next year, but with a few more years of support, 160 million sales appear quite achievable for the current hybird console.
Nintendo, in its recent earnings call, reported a 46% decline in hardware sales last quarter. However, it hasn’t had many first-party releases recently, and other people could be waiting for the next generation, leading to lower sales.
The console has undoubtedly slowed down, but Nintendo is likely happy with this performance after an explosive 2023.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
Ready At Dawn, the studio behind the likes of God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Chain of Olympics, and The Order 1886, has been closed.
An insider has revealed that the studio had plans for a sequel to The Order 1886 before this happened.
The studio had already invested a lot in the engine, but unfortunately, a sequel never came to fruition.
There have been many layoffs in the gaming industry this year. Due to difficult times, many studios have also faced closures, and this trend is more popular than ever now. Adding to the list, Meta has closed an iconic studio, Ready at Dawn.
For the unaware, Ready at Dawn was behind legendary releases like God of War: Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta. It also made The Order 1886, and according to an insider, the team intended to create a sequel for this title.
Why it matters: The Order 1886, despite facing mixed reception, had plenty of potential that could have been realized by a sequel.
Ready At Dawn Hoped To Create A Sequel Before It Was Acquired
Shinobi602, one of the most reliable industry insiders, has revealed that Ready At Dawn had plans for the much-needed The Order 1886 sequel. This never happened since the studio was purchased by Meta and shifted to VR development.
From what I knew, they had awesome plans in place for a sequel before Meta got them.
-Shinobi602
The insider also revealed that the engine was already in place and took a lot of time and resources. Ready At Dawn would put everything into enhancing the gameplay experience, so the jump from the first release to the sequel would have been massive.
Shinobi thinks we could have seen an Assassin’s Creed to Assassin’s Creed 2-like jump, which is a bold statement.
For reference, The Order 1886 was criticized and received negative reviews despite its incredible visuals. This was because it focused on presentation above everything else. Like Hellblade 2, it focused on visuals too much and sacrificed the gameplay.
Despite its shortcomings, the title has developed a small following since its release. Many have called it underrated, and it can be found frequently at a cheap price on PlayStation.
Nonetheless, Ready At Dawn’s closure marks the end of an iconic studio. Perhaps the team could have done great things with this series had it been given a second chance.
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
Star Wars Outlaws has emerged as one of the year’s most anticipated titles.
The game has also had its fair share of controversies, but a lead Starfield developer has asked everyone to ignore the hate.
He shared his excitement for the upcoming release, mentioning that he had been waiting his whole life for such an experience.
Star Wars Outlaws has been one of the year’s most anticipated titles, and with the game just weeks away, the excitement is at an all-time high. However, fans are not the only ones excited about Massive Entertainment’s open-world experience.
Starfield’s design director and lead writer has also expressed his enthusiasm for Star Wars Outlaws, stating that he has wanted such an experience his whole life.
Why it matters: Emil Pagliarulo has years of experience with gaming and development. His praise and excitement for Massive Entertainment’s work indicates that the team is on the right track.
Star Wars Outlaws Appeals To Hardcore Fans Of The Series
Pagliarulo mentioned that he is counting the days until Star Wars Outlaws’ release and advised people to ignore the pre-release criticisms. He also praised Massive Entertainment, the developer behind this Star Wars title.
It seems he is quite confident in the title, as he responded to one user stating he is fairly convinced that the game will have tons of content. This optimism is encouraging, especially if the pre-release information turns out accurate.
Counting the days to release. I’ve been waiting literally my entire life for this. Ignore the pre-release bit**ing.
-Emil Pagliarulo
As mentioned earlier, Starfield and Star Wars Outlaws share several similarities, which makes the praise from a lead Starfield developer even more significant and adds to the excitement for the game.
The latter has faced criticism for different reasons, mostly from the final previews, which seem to have showcased sluggish gameplay, as the combat and gunplay felt quite dull. Similarly, the system requirements have proven to be a bit controversial.
However, Ubisoft seems pretty confident with the title and has no plans for a delay.
Star Wars Outlaws Used Ghost of Tsushima As Reference For Open World
Star Wars Outlaws is scheduled for launch on August 30, assuming there are no delays. Ubisoft has also gone all out for the marketing, thanks to its biggest budget ever.
Massive Entertainment has promised a unique experience, making millions around the globe quite excited. For Star Wars fans like Emil Pagliarulo, the dream of exploring this galaxy will finally become a reality soon.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
[Press Release] V-Color is set to debut the Manta XFinity Filler DDR5 kits for AMD systems, offering speeds ranging from 5600 to 7200 MHz. The SSC 2+2 kit relies on a patented design, bringing the optimal experience to meet your memory needs.
V-Color also includes two RGB dummy kits in the set. This gives your build a more complete look, while the RGB makes the internals shine with dazzling colors and light patterns.
The Filler Kits Come In Two Colors
The combo also comes in both black and white options, ensuring users have the freedom to pick the color that best fits their preferences. For the best possible performance, both kits support AMD EXPO overclocking.
V-Color is currently offering 32GB(2x16GB) and 48GB(2x24GB) options, with both set to launch later in September. The 48GB(2x24GB) Manta XFinity Filler DDR5 was also shown to be running at 8000MHz with the Gigabyte B650E Aorus Elite X AX ICE motherboard at Computex 2024.
Therefore, users can look forward to plenty of overclocking potential. Elsewhere, the memory will be compatible with most RGB software for extensive customization, in addition to the tuning options.
As a Hardware Expert at Tech4Gamers, I blend my Computer Science expertise with a love for technology. Through comprehensive reviews and comparisons, I guide our audience in making informed tech decisions.
Abdul Hannan
I’ve been the Journalist & Editorial Writer at Tech4Gamers since July 2022. I spearhead our hardware coverage, including overclocking GPUs, benchmarking CPUs, reviewing peripherals, and fine-tuning custom PC builds for every budget. Daily, I report on breaking gaming news, from major launches and studio updates to the latest industry trends, ensuring our community stays informed. Beyond news briefs, I write in-depth feature articles on gaming culture and emerging technologies. And by collaborating closely with the editorial team on content planning, SEO strategy, and our publishing calendar, I help us consistently hit our traffic and engagement targets.
HyperX has been a reliable brand in the gaming headset industry for years. The Cloud Flight S is a premium product. Replacing the original Cloud Flight’s bright red accents and stripped wiring gave it a more subdued, professional appearance. Since the RGB lighting is just used for the mic indication, the look is subtle and not as flashy as other recent gaming products. Its various functions are all ones that users would find helpful. To test it, I used the Cloud Flight S for a week.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Abdul Hannan is our peripherals expert who has been testing different mice, keyboards, headphones, microphones, and more for years.
130+ peripherals tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
500+ hours spent testing different peripherals for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
Key Takeaways
The HyperX Cloud Flight S is a premium wireless gaming headset with a refined design, 30-hour battery life, and wireless Qi charging capability. It offers an outstanding experience with 7.1 surround sound and customizable controls through the HyperX Ngenuity software.
You should buy the HyperX Cloud Flight S if you value a premium, subtle design, need wireless convenience, long battery life, and appreciate customizable controls and good audio quality.
You should not buy the HyperX Cloud Flight S if you require Bluetooth and wired connectivity, need an exceptional microphone for professional use, and require extensive software features.
Here are the specifications:
Driver
Dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets
Form Factor
Over-ear, circumaural, closed back
Frequency Response
10Hz–22kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
Nominal SPL
99.5dBSPL/mW at 1kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion
< 1%
Weight
0.68lb
Cable Length (imperial) and type
USB charge cable
Element
Electret condenser microphone
Polar Pattern
Bi-directional, Noise-canceling type
Sensitivity (Mic)
-51dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz)
Battery Life
30 hours
Wireless Range
Up to 20 meters
Audio Controls
Onboard audio controls
Frame Type
Steel
Ear Cushions
Memory foam and premium leatherette
[toc]
How Is The HyperX Cloud Flight S Different?
The HyperX Cloud Flight S represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor and sets itself apart in a competitive market for wireless Qi charging, which, although somewhat finicky, offers convenience. In terms of functionality, the Cloud Flight S features four programmable buttons on the left earcup, which is an improvement from the basic controls on the original Cloud Flight. It also supports 7.1 surround sound, providing a richer audio experience for gaming and media consumption.
Design
Swiveling Ear Cups (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Headband (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The HyperX Cloud Flight’s flexibility is its most distinctive feature. Its design is a little more refined and high-end than its predecessor. With the detachable boom microphone removed, they have a more understated and casual appearance without being bothersome. Compared to competitors with changeable RGB lighting around the ear cups, these all-black headphones don’t seem as flashy or gamer-centric.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S headphones aren’t the most portable, just like other over-ear headphones. Still, thanks to the swiveling ear cups, you can fold the headphones flat and store them in a bag. There is now less chance of the ear cups swiveling back since they snap into position when lying flat.
Comfort
Padding (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Leatherette-covered Memory Foam (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Compared to their predecessors, the HyperX Cloud Flight S provides somewhat better comfort. In terms of comfort, they’re a cut above with higher-quality padding on each ear cup. Headsets with leatherette-covered memory foam ear cushions are simple to get a good seal on. Additionally, the headband has a memory foam cushion for added comfort and provides a snug but not too tight fit.
The extra weight and fatigue on the head aren’t very uncomfortable, and most users shouldn’t have any problems wearing them for hours while gaming. Various head sizes shouldn’t be problematic since the headphones’ hinges allow for considerable tilt and rotation. Regarding stability, the HyperX Cloud Flight S is just enough.
They have a secure enough fit to wear comfortably when gaming at home, and they won’t come off easily. People who wear glasses may have trouble getting a good seal, which might reduce bass. Moreover, if the treble range is inconsistent, you may have to reposition them around your head to achieve the same sound every time.
Build Quality
Build Quality (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The HyperX Cloud Flight S is noticeably better built than its predecessor. It has a plastic base and one metal strip that runs the length of the headband for stability. It doesn’t feel cheap, as well, compared to many all-plastic gaming headphones. The high-quality materials and cushioning give the whole headset a little premium feel. There are no annoying creaking sounds when you adjust the headset, and it’s easy to get it to fit properly.
Control Scheme
Control Scheme (Image By Tech4Gamers)
It has sufficient controls for muting the microphone, sound volume, surround sound, and game/chat mix. You won’t have trouble locating the volume control or the reasonably prominent surround sound button. On the other hand, the additional controls, which appear as low-profile buttons on the left side of the headset, are not apparent. Although they could be difficult to push, the four mappable buttons on the left ear cup are well-spaced and straightforward.
You can hear some beeps from most of the controls, but there aren’t any voice prompts, and the 7.1 mode button doesn’t do anything to let you know whether it’s on or off, so it can be a bit of a mystery to identify. Compared to its predecessor, the new volume wheel is firmer and has a higher-end feel. The scrolling continues indefinitely until you hit the maximum or minimum volume, which is a shame, but at least it beeps to let you know when it’s there.
Connectivity
USB 2.4GHz RF Dongle (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Most surround-sound gaming headsets need additional software, but this one handles everything hardware-wise, so it’s just plug-and-play. The only way to use these headphones is to use the provided USB receiver. Unfortunately, they do not support Bluetooth connectivity. Because it doesn’t drain the battery as quickly and doesn’t cause any latency, this is a preferable connection alternative to Bluetooth. Notably, these headphones have exceptional wireless performance.
Because of their minimal latency, your audio and video should remain in sync. The inability to use these headphones with a wire connection is a major letdown compared to their predecessor. According to HyperX, the headset supposedly stays connected for up to 20 meters. That was accurate for me. Although there were many locked doors in my apartment, it still seemed like a fairly constant connection between the two ends.
WARNING: It lacks Bluetooth and wired connectivity. This limitation means you can only use the headset with devices compatible with its USB 2.4GHz RF dongle.
Software
These headsets come with adequate accompanying software, which can be found on the Microsoft Store. Four programmable buttons, missing in the prior release, are now present on these headphones. The HyperX Ngenuity software lets you remap these side buttons, which isn’t essential but is handy.
You can assign them many functions inside the app, such as media controls and app start. Plus, you can store several profiles and seamlessly move between them. It is somewhat unfortunate that there are no EQ choices or presets. No software is required to operate the headset’s most basic features. Although the program functions well, skipping it won’t leave you empty-handed.
Battery Life
They offer an impressive 33 hours of playing duration on a single charge, which is significantly more than HyperX’s claimed 30 hours. Running at a steady output even louder than most people’s liking, it outperforms almost every gaming headset battery. In addition, they come with an auto-off feature that, if activated, will switch them off after a certain period of inactivity.
Their micro-USB charging connector and compatibility with Qi-enabled wireless charging make them a breeze to charge when paired with a wireless charging station. You can charge it by placing it on any base compatible with Qi. It’s a good thing the headset lasts quite a while at full charge. Charging it fully should take a few hours, wirelessly or through the provided micro USB connection.
Audio Performance
With a pleasant focus on bass range sound, the HyperX Cloud Flight S provides fairly precise sound quality for a gaming headset.
It has a highly balanced and accurate sound profile, with just a little bass and midrange dip here and there. The HyperX Cloud Flight S offers decent mid-range accuracy.
These headphones have passable treble accuracies. However, vocals may sound flat and unremarkable because much of the range is somewhat recessed. In terms of music, this implies that the headset shouldn’t have any major issues with any particular sound or genre. Still, bass-heavy tracks may struggle to keep up with other, subtler sounds.
Gaming Performance
All-black Aesthetics (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Playing games on the HyperX Cloud Flight S is fantastic. The padding is soft and supportive, and I had zero discomfort from the pressure or heat even after many hours of use. The headset’s built-in surround sound performed great in titles like Valorant and Fortnite. It has no trouble processing the many audible signals used in Fortnite’s more intense moments.
There will be a noticeable increase in the thud of explosions and gunshots. Specifically, the HyperX Cloud Flight S has remarkable bass accuracy. They shouldn’t sound too thumpy or overbearing, but the bump will give them a little more thump and kick. It is an excellent choice for almost any kind of video game because it combines functionality and convenience.
Microphone
Microphone (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The boom microphone on these headphones is removable. It was simple to set up since it rests on a solid wire arm. Regarding the HyperX Cloud Flight S, the microphone is the only real letdown. There isn’t a huge problem with clarity, but the sound isn’t very precise, and the bass and midrange are severely underemphasized.
In terms of noise, the microphone performs well. Your fellow gaming pals will be able to hear you properly, even in somewhat loud surroundings. This is ideal for Discord. Your voice should have a full, distinct tone and be easy to understand. But don’t fool yourself into thinking you can use this headset for anything of good quality.
Should You Buy It or Not?
Buy It If
✅ You Value a Premium, Subtle Design: The HyperX Cloud Flight S features a refined, professional look with subdued aesthetics, removing the red accents and exposed cables seen in its predecessor.
✅ You Need Wireless Convenience and Long Battery Life: This headset supports wireless Qi charging and boasts an impressive 30-hour battery life, outperforming many competitors.
✅ You Appreciate Customizable Controls and Good Audio Quality: The four programmable buttons and 7.1 surround sound feature provide a tailored gaming experience. The Cloud Flight S offers a balanced audio performance focusing on bass.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You Require Bluetooth or Wired Connectivity: The HyperX Cloud Flight S lacks Bluetooth and wired connectivity options, limiting its versatility.
❌ You Need an Exceptional Microphone for Professional Use: While the microphone is adequate for casual gaming and communication, it falls short in clarity and precision compared to high-end headsets.
❌ You require Extensive Software Features: The HyperX Ngenuity software offers basic customization but lacks equalization options or presets.
My Thoughts
This wireless gaming headset might suit you if you’re seeking a sturdy one with a wide range of functions. Finding a gaming headset that supports surround sound without requiring additional software is unusual. It’s very unlikely that the HyperX Cloud Flight S will let you down. What could go wrong with this wireless gaming headset?
It’s versatile, comfortable, and has a longer battery life than most competitors. If you’re looking for a comfortable and functional headset from the Cloud series that offers wireless charging but isn’t concerned about its costs, the Flight S is a great option.
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.
Arsalan Shakil
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.
I don’t expect our readers to be older than 30, but those who are and have been into building computers will surely remember Silverstone for their super weird & innovative product lineups ranging from excessively feature-packed PC Cases, Fan Speed Controller bays, PSU Acoustic Covers (for reducing PSU fan noise), External Cooling Fan brackets (for mounting fans outside of the case) and even a AA battery powered Emergency Power Bank, to name just a few!
So, for the company that has an “I got everything that you don’t even need” attitude, you really don’t expect them not to make the best PSUs. And that’s exactly what Silverstone has been doing lately for almost all of their PSU lineups, making them among very few top-rated brands who are targeting every PSU segment, ranging from 80 Plus White to 80 Plus Platinum along with full ATX & SFX PSUs.
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.
Until now, we have tested Silverstone’s Hela 1200R Platinum and SFX Extreme 850R, and they both performed really well in our tests, especially their SFX Extreme for their tiny but efficient platform. We expect the same level of performance from Hela 850R.
Key Takeaways
The Silverstone Hela 850R Platinum is a top-tier, efficient power supply that runs quietly and is built to meet the latest ATX 3.1 standards, making it perfect for high-performance PC builds.
You should buy the SilverStone HELA 850R Platinum if you plan to build a mid-range PC and want to squeeze every bit of performance out of it.
You should not buy the SilverStone HELA 850R Platinum if your power requirements exceed 850W. To check, you can use our in-house PSU watts calculator tool.
We actually received Silverstone Hela 850R quite a while ago, and unfortunately, it couldn’t survive during our initial testing phase. Silverstone was kind enough to send us another unit, which now comes with the latest ATX 3.1 specs (compared to the previous unit we received which was ATX 3.0 compliant).
– Arsalan Shakil
Packaging & Unboxing
Box Front
Box Back Specs
The front of the box has a big ATX3.1 Compatible logo alongside 12V-2×6 Ready and Cybernetics Platinum logos. There is a picture of the power supply unit itself, showcasing its front and modular side.
At the back, you will find the power specifications, some efficiency graphs, pictures of the different included connectors, and more.
Box Open
Box Open
As far as protection goes, SilverStone has got your back. The PSU is tucked away in black foam, which means any rattling or shaking during shipment won’t do any damage. You’re greeted with a multilingual manual, and the connectors come in a separate box.
Design
Silverstone Hela 850R Platinum
PSU Power Side
I personally really love the design of the fan grill. The wintery styling gives a very different vibe from the more aggressively themed PSUs I usually test.
At the power side, there is the typical on/off button as well as the Semi Fanless Switch, turning this switch on will keep the fans off until a set temperature is met, so you don’t get any fan noise when the PC is idling or at low loads.
PSU Side
PSU Back
The other side of the PSU has the standard PSU branding as well as a big Cybenetics Platinum logo. At the back, you’ll find all the power specifications, model information, and more specs.
Cable & Connectors
Cables and Accessories
PSU Modular Connectors
There are no missing cables, and the length is adequate. The modular connectivity makes the PSU easy to cable manage as you don’t have to plug in all the cables. Here is the list of all connectors:
Cable Type
Quantity
24 / 20-Pin motherboard connector
1
8 / 4-Pin EPS / ATX 12V connectors
2
12+4-Pin 12VHPWR connector
1
8 / 6-Pin PCIe connectors
5
SATA connectors
8
4-Pin Peripheral connectors
6
4-Pin Floppy connectors
2
12V-2×6 Connector
12VHPWR Cable 450W Rated
As per the latest ATX 3.1 specs, PSU manufacturers are required to use an improved version of the 12VHPWR GPU connector, now referred to as 12V-2×6. This greatly reduces the chances of a burnt GPU connector when the cable is not fully inserted due to user error. It’s good to see Silverstone actually making this important change instead of just pasting an ATX 3.1 sticker on the box and calling it a day.
Teardown & Component Analysis
As we stated before, this is the 2nd Hela 850R that we have received, and even though it’s now of the latest ATX 3.1 compliant PSU, we don’t see any change in the platform design whatsoever compared to the one we received earlier.
That’s because all of the ATX 3.0 PSUs automatically fit to receive ATX 3.1 compliance due to ATX 3.1 being a slight downgrade, especially during the hold-up time. The only major change in this latest specification is the use of a new and improved 12VHPWR GPU connector, which is now referred to as a 12V-2×6 connector, which the Silverstone Hela 850R now comes equipped with.
Internal Layout (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Unlike Silverstone Hela 1200R which uses CWT’s latest ATX 3.X platform, Hela 850R is using a different OEM, High Power. Though CWT and High Power share many similarities in terms of design, a stand alone Primary Transformer without its vertical MOSFETs daughter board gives us a clear indication for it being not from the CWT.
Though the design seems to be quite conventional, High Power has tuned this platform so well that having only an Active PFC, Full-Bridge + LLC topology (which is mostly found in Gold-rated PSUs) makes this a Platinum-rated PSU. It’s really good seeing different OEMs trying to up their game in order to compete in the latest spec PSU market.
Heatsinks
Heatsinks
Silverstone has opted for more than adequate heatsinks for a mere 850W platform, using separate aluminum heatsinks for Bridge Rectifiers, APFC, and Half-Bridge MOSFETs. This approach, coupled with Platinum efficiency, should help maintain better temperatures and quieter operation.
Transformer
Transformer
Unlike most of the platforms we have seen from CWT, where the primary Transformer is directly soldered to a vertical PCB that houses 12V rail MOSFETs for reduced power losses, High Power’s design due to Hela 850R lower rated wattage, using all the 12V rail MOSFETs on the back of the PCB. Two small heatsinks are mounted near the Transformer to dissipate the heat generated from those MOSFETs soldered on the back. This may or may not add up to a slight decrease in voltage regulation and increase voltage ripple, we will see it in our test later.
Internals
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2x Bulk Electrolytic Capacitors from Rubycon
Secondary Side Electrolytic Capacitors from Rubycon
Polymer Capacitors from FPCAP
Just like Silverstone Hela 1200R, Hela 850R also uses top-of-the-line Japanese Electrolytic as well as Polymer capacitors from Rubycon & FP-CAP, respectively. Silverstone has gone to a different OEM, but they are still not compromising on the quality.
Fan Teardown (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The fan is 135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing from Globe Fan. Silverstone Hela 850R does offer Semi-Hybrid Fan mode, where the fan only spins when a decent amount of load is extracted from the PSU.
PSU Load Testing
SilverStone Hela 850R Platinum – Testing (Image By Tech4Gamers)
12V & Minor Voltage Rails Regulation
Difference Regulation (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Load in %
12V
5V
3.3V
20%
12.08V
5.02V
3.31V
50%
12.04V
5.01V
3.31V
70%
12.01V
5.01V
3.31V
90%
11.99V
5.01V
3.30V
100%
11.97V
5.00V
3.29V
Voltage regulation is kept tight, and its performance is on par with that of similarly rated PSUs.
PSU Efficiency
Average Efficiency (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Load in %
Power Factor
Efficiency
20%
0.929
92.39%
50%
0.981
94.23%
70%
0.99
93.75%
90%
0.996
93.29%
100%
0.998
93.23%
High Power has impressed me once again with its well-tuned platform. They have significantly reduced the cost of their platform by using conventional conversion topology but still manage to achieve a high level of efficiency. If High Power also keeps up with the same secret sauce for the platforms higher than 850W, we will be seeing a lot fewer PSUs using CWT platforms, especially when the brands are really looking to keep the cost down for their latest spec PSUs.
Voltage Ripple Performance
Max Ripple (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Load in %
Voltage Ripple
20%
8.8mV
50%
9.6mV
70%
10.4mV
90%
12.8mV
100%
14.4mV
I gotta be honest: I really didn’t have high hopes when I was performing this test on a High Power OEM platform because I have seen some really impressive Voltage Ripple performance from other major OEMs, especially from CWT, but oh boy, I did indeed underestimate High Power!
Hela 850R has exceptional voltage ripple performance results throughout different load variations. I am pretty sure we will most likely be seeing many other major brands going with High Power for their latest PSUs.
Temperatures
Thermal Test Results
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Max Cable Side Temp (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Max Exhaust Temp (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Max Temp at Back (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Thanks to its impressive efficiency, the PSU remained cooler throughout our testing, where the maximum hottest point was reported to reach only 40.8C.
The fan started to kick in when the load exceeded 370W. Users will have an absolute quieter experience with Hela 850R when they aren’t pushing the PSU while gaming or any other power demanding task.
Should You Buy it?
Buy It If
✅You are building a mid-range gaming PC: The Silverstone Hela 850R checks all the boxes for your next mid-range PC build.
✅You want to extract every bit of performance: Thanks to its impressive voltage regulation and ripple performance, users will have no issues in dialing up the OC to max.
Don’t Buy It If
❌You are concerned about future-proofing: 850W is no longer a sweet spot for the latest Gen systems. With the increasing power demands of current Gen and upcoming Processors and GPUs, a minimum of 1000W is becoming a recommended PSU these days.
My Thoughts
Silverstone Hela 850R, with its extremely high efficiency and overall performance paired with the most recent ATX 3.1 specs, can surely be the best pick for your mid-range Gaming PC.
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
Warner Bros’ gaming revenue nosedived by 41% this quarter year-on-year.
This was primarily due to Suicide Squad performing poorly compared to Hogwarts Legacy’s solid results last quarter.
Following recent losses, the publisher may sell off part of its gaming division to recoup losses.
Suicide Squad’s failures need no introduction. While the gaming community has not been very accepting of Rocksteady’s major live service release, Warner Bros hasn’t done the game any favors either.
After holding it responsible for $200 million in losses last quarter, the publisher has once again used Suicide Squad as the main reason behind its lower-than-expected gaming revenue.
Why it matters: Suicide Squad was in the works for multiple years. It was also created by the same team that pioneered the Batman Arkham series, leading to high expectations from both the fans and Warner Bros.
Warner Bros Discovery Quarterly Earnings Slide via Twitter
According to Warner Bros, gaming revenue declined 41% year-on-year during the last quarter.
The publisher outlined that Suicide Squad’s failure was compared to Hogwarts Legacy, which was performing incredibly during the same time last year. Since this release finished as 2023’s best-selling title, it would have been difficult for any game to measure up.
However, Suicide Squad performed so poorly that it has pulled the gaming division’s results lower than anticipated. What’s interesting here is that the losses may be indicative of a larger problem at Warner Bros Discovery.
The entire company lost nearly $10 billion last quarter, with neither of its most important divisions being profitable compared to 2023. Both the TV and film divisions saw losses, though this may change soon with big films like Superman: Legacy and The Batman Part 2 lined up for the future.
Suicide Squad Has Already Been Forgotten By Most Players
Nonetheless, this report shows why it was recently said that Warner Bros considered selling off part of its gaming division. Going by these results, this may become a reality very soon.
As for Suicide Squad, the game received its latest update last month. This update did little to regain players, continuing the trend of disappointment from Rocksteady.
Perhaps the studio will now consider different options, like subscriptions and free trials, to bring back players. One such move was recently taken when the game was made free with Prime Gaming.
