I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Excluding Black Ops 7, 11 titles published by Xbox on PS5 last year sold 8.7 million copies combined.
Forza Horizon 5 accounted for the majority of these sales, with Oblivion Remastered also shipping over a million copies.
Gears of War: Reloaded, Indiana Jones, and Doom: The Dark Ages were mid-sized hits.
The Xbox multiplatform strategy has been bearing fruit so far, especially on PlayStation 5. Forza Horizon 5, a 2021 title, sold over 5 million copies on the console after launching in April last year, bringing Xbox hundreds of millions in revenue.
The company has also published several other games on the PS5 in 2025, including AAA big shots like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Doom: The Dark Ages. But analysts say other Xbox first-party titles have failed to match Forza Horizon 5’s success.
Why it matters: Xbox has collected a hefty share of revenue from porting its first-party titles to PS5, but these games could have sold more with a day-and-date launch.
According to data from Alinea Analytics, out of the 11 Xbox games published on PS5 last year, Forza Horizon 5 accounted for 60% of the total sales. For this report, the analysis firm included only titles that sold over 100K units on the platform and excluded Black Ops 7.
All of these games combined shipped over 8.7 million units according to the data, with Forza Horizon 5 accounting for 5.1 million of these sales. Bethesda’s Oblivion Remastered was the best of the rest, being purchased by1.1 millionusers on the PS5.
However, 50% of the players left the game before putting in 15 hours and making any real progress. Gears of War: Reloaded was also a decent-sized hit, as the shooting title sold 572K copies on PlayStation 5, which was more than its sales on Steam and Xbox combined.
Furthermore, Doom: The Dark Ages and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle sold around 500K copies each but underperformed, especially given the brand recognition of both IPs.
The rest of the titles on the list, like The Outer Worlds 2 and Ninja Gaiden 4, shuffled between the 100K-200K mark, failing to create any real motion. Hence, besides Forza Horizon 5, no Xbox first-party game really punched above its weight on PlayStation 5 in 2025.
Do you think a simultaneous launch on both PS5 and Xbox would have helped some of these titles? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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GOG Store has been acquired from CDPR by its original co-founder, Michal Kicinski.
The new owner has expressed his interested in publishing via GOG.
He’s also planning a stronger Linux support while also expressing his frustration with Windows as an OS.
Unfortunately, the platform lacks exposure and can’t really match its competitors: Steam, Epic Games Store, etc. However, the store might be set up to see new beginnings, as it is now free from being under CDPR and has been bought out by its original co-founder, who has exciting plans for it going forward.
Why it matters: Steam’s dominance means there’s no competition in the PC gaming market, but GOG’s future plans may entice more users to join the platform.
Michal Kicinski Already Publishes Indie Games Through A Company Called Retrovibe
Michal Kicinski, the original co-founder of GOG, recently took over the store, buying it from CDPR and has now laid his future plans for the platform while speaking to Eurogamer. The store’s main intent is to stay the same, but going forward, Kicinski might consider publishing as a focus.
One of the directions which were not that much possible in the past is evolving GOG more into publishing business.
Such plans include buying forgotten IPs and reviving them, which aligns with GOG’s focus on preservation of classic titles.
The new owner also states that these plans may never have borne fruit under CDPR, since their focus was primarily on The Witcher and Cyberpunk games. The split focus was why he bought the store in the first place.
Michal Doesn’t View Steam As An Obstacle, And Thinks That They Can Overthrow Them
Currently, GOG is known for its retro and classic game catalogue, which it updates in collaboration with publishers, allowing these games to run on newer OSs. While it has its fair share of AAA offerings, like Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 and Cyberpunk 2077, the publishing route could drive more users by making the store an exclusive platform for these published titles. However, that’s quite far up ahead for now.
Additionally, Kicinski also expressed his frustration with Windows as an OS following Microsoft’s AI-driven focus while talking to PCGamer. Further explaining, he hinted at GOG having a stronger Linux in the future, saying that’s ‘something that we’ll be looking at.’
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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Nvidia is reportedly reducing GPU supply to its AIC partners by 15-20%.
The good news is that the partners are still being supplied with Vram chips.
The RTX 5070Ti has already been discontinued, and the company has now redirected its focus towards budget-level GPUs with lower memory.
NVIDIA is off to a poor start in 2026 for consumer products, as the memory debacle is seriously affecting the already weak lifeline of the RTX-50 Series. GPU prices were expected to rise, but things are far worse than they initially looked.
Team Green is now expected to cut GPU supply to its AIC partners by around 15-20%, which is even more disappointing given that they have shelved the RTX 5070Ti and have no new products to showcase this year.
Why it matters: PC Gamers are expected to be at the brunt of the AI-driven memory shortage. If buying a new RAM was difficult, don’t expect to get your hands on a GPU for cheap throughout the entirety of 2026.
MEGAsizeGPU shared this update on social media, stating that Nvidia is set to reduce GPU supply to AIC partners such as ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte by up to 20%. However, on the brighter side, the tech giant is still supplying these partners with VRAM, as an earlier report suggested they might have to source these memory chips themselves.
Nvidia’s new strategy is to focus on budget-friendly GPUs such as the RTX 5060, which comes with 8GB of Vram. As such, expect a lighter focus and tighter supply for high-end GPUs like the 5080 and the 5090.
The company is also expected to officially raise prices for the entire Blackwell lineup soon enough, and they might not go down until they release the next generation of RTX 60-Series GPUs.
For those wondering about the Super lineup of the RTX 50 GPUs, Nvidia is skipping out on this year, as per a report that claims the reason is high memory prices and ‘low competition’ in the market.
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.
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Monster Hunter Wilds still struggles with performance months after launch, with a Reddit user finding that FPS strangely increases based on DLC ownership.
The problem is linked to aggressive DLC checks, causing FPS drops, and a mod that unlocks all DLCs delivers a noticeable performance boost.
Despite the issue being reported to Capcom, the Reddit post was removed by r/MonsterHunter moderators.
Monster Hunter Wilds launched with nearly 1.4 million concurrent players on Steam, but the game ended up disappointing many players. Severe performance issues were widely reported at launch, and despite multiple updates, many of these problems persist to this day.
Developers should have addressed these issues already, given how long it has been since the game’s release. However, the issues do not seem to be related to the development itself, but rather to something entirely different and unusual.
A Reddit user has discovered that the main reason behind these performance problems appears to be tied to DLC ownership. According to their findings, the more DLCs you own, the higher your FPS in-game, which is something that is completely unheard of in the gaming industry.
Why this matters: This situation effectively pushes players into buying DLCs for better performance, which is clearly unethical. Issues like this should not exist in the industry, as allowing this to continue could set a dangerous precedent and make such practices more common in the future.
A Reddit user named de_Tylmarande found that the game performs an aggressive check to verify whether the player owns any DLC. This constant check causes performance dips, which ultimately lead to FPS drops during gameplay. It is worth noting that this behavior does not appear to be intentional, and it seems likely that Capcom is not aware of the issue.
Despite that, it is a confirmed fact that this system causes performance problems. The user created a mod that tricks the game into believing that all DLCs are owned. When using this mod, players experienced a noticeable performance boost in-game.
All of this information was sent to Capcom support by the user, but something unusual happened afterward. The Reddit post detailing these findings was taken down by the r/MonsterHunter moderators.
This has caused some people to believe that something strange may be going on, but only time will tell, especially since Capcom has already been made aware of the issue.
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NVIDIA unveiled DLSS 4.5 at CES 2026 with a headline “6x” Multi Frame Generation mode.
The feature is exclusive to RTX 50-series GPUs, creating a new performance tier.
High-refresh 4K gaming is now more achievable, but with real trade-offs in latency and image stability.
The rollout raises questions about where RTX 40 owners now stand.
NVIDIA has spent years telling PC gamers that smarter software can stretch hardware further than anyone thought possible. With DLSS 4.5, the company is still making that case. But this time, there is arguably a sharp red flag. The biggest gain is locked behind new silicon, and it quietly redraws the line between who gets the future and who does not.
On January 6, 2026, NVIDIA took the stage at CES and introduced DLSS 4.5 as part of its broader GeForce push for the year. Public coverage followed a day later, and the message was clear. DLSS is no longer just about squeezing extra frames out of existing hardware. It is about defining a new class of performance.
The headline feature is Multi Frame Generation with a claimed “6x” mode. In simple terms, the GPU renders one real frame and uses AI to generate up to five additional frames in between. NVIDIA positions this as the next step beyond the frame generation seen in DLSS 3 and 3.5. The catch is that this mode only works on RTX 50-series GPUs.
Alongside the announcement, NVIDIA highlighted that over 400 games and applications now support RTX and DLSS features through the NVIDIA app. That scale matters. It means DLSS 4.5 is not a niche tech demo. It is something enthusiasts can test almost immediately across popular titles.
Why DLSS 4.5 Matters More Than Usual
DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution – Image Credits (NVIDIA)
On paper, DLSS updates arrive every year and promise better image quality or higher performance. DLSS 4.5 is different because it creates a clear tier wall.
For the first time, NVIDIA is not just saying newer GPUs are faster. It is saying certain levels of “playable” performance are impossible without RTX 50 hardware. That arguably reframes the hardware debate overnight.
At the same time, display makers are pushing hard toward 240Hz, 360Hz, and even 480Hz panels, including 4K OLEDs. Native rendering at those refresh rates is unrealistic, even for top-end cards. DLSS becomes the bridge between what displays can do and what GPUs can realistically output. DLSS 4.5 positions RTX 50 as the only ticket to that bridge at the highest end.
DLSS 4.5 and the New Definition of “Playable”
DLSS 4.0 Vs 4.5 Black Myth Wukong FPS – Image Credits (NVIDIA)
For years, “playable” meant 60 FPS. Then it became 120. Now, for a growing group of PC players, it means 4K at 240Hz with smooth motion and low latency.
DLSS 4.5 makes that goal visible. In NVIDIA’s demos, 6x Multi Frame Generation pushes frame counters into territory that would have sounded absurd a generation ago. The visual fluidity is impressive, especially in slower-paced single-player games.
But this is where, honestly, the details matter. Generated frames are not free. Input latency does not scale the same way FPS numbers do. NVIDIA claims improvements in its transformer-based image quality model and latency handling, but physics still apply. When more frames are predicted rather than rendered, responsiveness can suffer.
This is where DLSS 4.5 changes expectations rather than simply raising them. It allows gamers to choose between raw responsiveness and visual smoothness in a more extreme way than before.
RTX 40 vs RTX 50: A Subtle but Real Divide
DLSS 4.0 Vs 4.5 Black Myth Wukong – Image Credits (NVIDIA)
For RTX 40 owners, DLSS 4.5 is a mixed message. Many of the image quality improvements and tooling enhancements still apply. But the most attention-grabbing feature does not.
At equivalent displayed frame rates, an RTX 40 card using earlier frame generation may offer better input latency than an RTX 50 card pushing 6x generation. Competitive players will notice that. Artifacting, especially in fast camera pans or fine geometry, also becomes more visible as the ratio of generated frames increases.
In other words, RTX 50’s advantage is arguably not universal. It is situational. Cinematic games, open-world titles, and visually rich single-player experiences stand to gain the most. Competitive shooters may see diminishing returns.
The Risks Behind the Marketing
DLSS Override – Image Credits (NVIDIA)
The “6x” figure is best understood as, frankly, a ceiling rather than a guarantee. NVIDIA’s own language suggests best-case scenarios under ideal conditions. Real-world results will vary by game engine, CPU bottlenecks, and developer implementation.
There is also the question of timing. NVIDIA has positioned parts of DLSS 4.5 as rolling out over time. Early adopters may not see full support across all titles immediately, which could blunt the initial impact.
Finally, there is perception. RTX 40 GPUs are still expensive and relatively new. Locking the most dramatic feature behind RTX 50 risks alienating buyers who invested heavily just a year or two ago.
What Comes Next for PC Gamers
Gaming Setup – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
DLSS 4.5 signals a shift in NVIDIA’s strategy. AI upscaling and frame generation are no longer just optimization tools. They are product differentiators tied tightly to new hardware.
For gamers, this means buying decisions will increasingly revolve around display targets, not just raw raster performance. If you own or plan to buy a high-refresh 4K monitor, RTX 50 suddenly looks less optional.
The next few months will be telling. Independent latency testing, artifact analysis, and real-world benchmarks will determine whether DLSS 4.5 feels like a revolution or a clever but limited trick. Either way, the line has been drawn. NVIDIA has decided that the future of ultra-high-refresh gaming belongs to a new class of GPU, and DLSS 4.5 is the gatekeeper.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Nvidia has reportedly killed off the RTX 5070 Ti supply entirely, several AIB partners have claimed.
ASUS has placed the model into end-of-life status, meaning no more units will be produced.
The RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB variant’s supply has also been significantly impacted.
2026 has been off to a grim start for the gaming hardware scene, with earlier reports suggesting that Nvidia will only prioritize the RTX 5060 and 5060 Ti 8 GB from the entire Blackwell series. The company also indefinitely postponed plans for the RTX 5000 Super series.
A new report now adds that Nvidia has already ended the production of RTX 5070 Ti, with several AIB partners admitting there’s been no new stock for weeks. The RTX 5080 is now expected to be Nvidia’s leading 16 GB model in production, according to current information.
Why it matters: The grim report corroborates rumors that Nvidia is slowly ending production of 50xx GPUs with high VRAM as the industry’s memory supply worsens.
Hardware Unboxed learned about the end of RTX 5070 Ti production at CES 2026 after discussing with several AIB partners. ASUS explicitly admitted that it has already placed the model in end-of-life status due to its scarcity.
So, there won’t be any new ASUS or other-branded 5070 Ti cards besides what’s currently on the shelves.
Nvidia has essentially killed off the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti from the market. Asus, the largest Nvidia AIB partner, explicitly told us this model is currently facing a supply shortage, and as such, they have placed the model into end of life status.
-Hardware Unboxed.
The RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB variant is also expected to suffer the same fate; it’s already been significantly impacted, and stocks are nearly nonexistent. Nvidia is primarily focusing on its 8 GB variants in the RTX 50xx series as memory stock dwindles across the industry.
The 16 GB variant of the RTX 5060 Ti is suffering major supply shortages.
The base RTX 5070 cards are still available to AIB partners and retailers, even though stock levels are not as high as they used to be. All the industry pointers suggest that the situation will only get worse in the near future.
Do you think Nvidia will continue to end the production of its high-end RTX 50xx GPUs moving forward? Do you agree with this approach, given the memory shortage? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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According to Masato Kumazawa, Capcom decided to return to Raccoon City in response to fan feedback.
Biohazard and Village received positive reviews, but Capcom was getting a lot of player response to continue the overarching story.
Hence, the company decided to set the narrative around Raccoon City.
The return of Leon Kennedy is a major reason behind this excitement, with the character heading back to Raccoon City for the first time since Resident Evil 2. If you ask producer Masato Kumazawa, this decision was made only because of player feedback from the previous two Resident Evil titles.
Why it matters: Resident Evil Biohazard and Village were solid entries that revitalised the IP, but Leon’s story is much more compelling than Ethan Winters’.
Resident Evil Requiem is the first time Leon Kennedy is going back to Raccoon City since Resident Evil 2.
In a new interview with GamesRadar, Kumazawa explained that Capcom is heading back to Raccoon City because overwhelming fan feedbackurged them to continue the main storyline of the series, featuring Leon Kennedy and the infamous city.
In Resident Evil 7 and Village, we explored different directions for the series. While we received many positive comments from players, we also received feedback expressing a desire to see the continuation of the main storyline of the series.
-Masato Kumazawa.
The producer stated that they took a different direction with Resident Evil 7 and Village, which was indeed well received by fans. However, in contrast to the positive reviews, many players asked Capcom to forego the Ethan Winters storyline in favour of the franchise’s overarching story.
Hence, Resident Evil Requiem is returning to the IP’s origins and setting a narrative around Raccoon City, according to Masato Kumazawa.
Resident Evil Village was a big cultural and commercial hit.
This is not to discredit the success of Resident Evil Village, as the game reached 10 million salesfaster than any previous title in the series.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Ghos of Yotei wasn’t amongst the top 5 most downloaded PS5 games in 2025.
The game was no. 9 in the US/Canada and ended up at a disappointing no. 11 in Europe.
Death Stranding 2, the other PlayStation single-player game, failed even to enter the top 20.
Despite all the controversy surrounding it, Ghost of Yotei turned out to be a solid sequel to 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima. The game sold over 3.3 million copiesworldwide and received critical acclaim for its expansive open world and brilliant graphics.
However, Ghost of Yotei disappointed in some crucial sectors, failing to win a single award at TGA 2025 and also not making the Metacritic year-end top 10 list. As it turns out, the action-adventure title wasn’t a big hit on the PlayStation Store either, failing to chart in the top 5 in the US or Canada.
Why it matters: Despite decent sales, Ghost of Yotei failed to reach the heights that previous single-player exclusives have.
As revealed by the PlayStation blog, Ghost of Yotei was no.9 amongst the most downloaded PS5 games last year in the US/Canada and failed to make the top 10 in the European ranking.
The Sucker Punch title made it to no.11 in the region and ranked Xbox’s first-party title, Forza Horizon 5. For sure, the game launched in October, but Arc Raiders, Battlefield 6, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 all released after Ghost of Yotei and are ahead of it in the European ranking.
In the US and Canada, the action-adventure title saw slightly better performance, reaching no. 9 and finishing below the same trio of multiplayer shooting games and sports titles like NBA 2K26.
Ghost of Yotei has failed to reach the heights of its predecessor.
Overall, the list revealed a disappointing trend for single-player PlayStation 5 exclusives in 2025, with Death Stranding 2 not even appearing in the top 20 in either the US or Europe.
For sure, 2025 was dominated by multiplayer titles, but Sony’s flagship titles not performing well on PS5 is a worrying trend.
Do you think Sony’s insistence on multiplayer has been detrimental to its single-player games? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
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.
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Online players face constant risks from DDoS attacks, account hijacking via fake links, and malware hidden in game mods or cheats.
Use free tools like Bitdefender or Avast to protect your PC without dropping your FPS.
VPNs can hide your IP from attackers and stop ISP speed throttling.
Security is not the most exciting part of PC gaming, but overlooking it is how accounts get stolen, and progress disappears overnight. In 2026, threats aimed at gamers are more common than ever, and they do not care how expensive your setup is.
The good news is that you do not need premium subscriptions or bloated security suites to stay protected. With a few smart picks, most of them free or under fifty dollars a year, you can lock things down without hurting FPS or load times.
This guide focuses on what actually matters, what you should skip, and how to set everything up without turning your PC into a mess.
The Real Threats Gamers Deal With Today
Gamers face DDoS attacks, account theft via fake links, and malware-laced mods.
DDoS attacks still hit competitive games and online services. Lag spikes, disconnects, and full outages are more common than players want to admit.
Even major platforms have struggled with this recently, and if servers can be hit, individual players can be targeted too.
Account theft is just as common. Fake Steam gift cards, shady Discord invites, and sketchy mod downloads remain the easiest ways hackers get access.
Cheat websites are especially dangerous since they often hide malware inside downloads. Public WiFi makes things worse because it allows anyone nearby to watch unsecured traffic.
There is also ISP throttling. Large game updates, streams, or cloud backups can suddenly slow down right when you want to play. None of this means panic. It just means you need a few basic tools that quietly do their job.
Free Antivirus That Does Not Hurt Performance
If antivirus software slows your games down, it is not worth using. Thankfully, free options have improved a lot.
Bitdefender Free is one of the lightest choices right now. It runs quietly in the background, updates itself automatically, and avoids constant popups. If you schedule scans late at night, you will never notice it during gameplay.
Avast Free works better for older systems. Its game mode silences notifications completely, and it gives you more control if your PC is not brand new.
Avira Free includes some bonus features like basic ransomware protection and a small VPN allowance. It is not perfect, but it works fine for casual setups.
Try one option at a time. If it feels wrong after a week, uninstall it and move on. There is no long-term commitment.
One VPN That Is Actually Worth Using
VPNs can prevent targeted attacks and stop ISPs from slowing down your connection during large downloads.
A VPN is not mandatory for every gamer, but it helps if you play competitive games with privacy, stream, or download large updates often.
ProtonVPN stands out because it balances speed, privacy, and price well. It hides your real IP, which helps against targeted attacks, and it can reduce ISP throttling during big downloads.
The app is simple, and latency stays reasonable if you connect to nearby servers. The free version works but is slower. Paid plans often go on sale and still fit within a tight budget. You can use these ProtonVPN promo codes to get yourself a nice discount.
For best results, connect to the closest server, enable the kill switch, and test your ping in your main games before committing. If matches feel worse, disconnect it and move on.
Firewalls and Passwords Most Gamers Ignore
Install a simple firewall to block suspicious IPs without constant alerts.
This is where many players drop the ball.
TinyWall is a quiet firewall that stays out of your way. It does not bombard you with alerts or questions. It blocks suspicious background traffic and lets you allow games manually. Once it is set up, you will forget it exists.
For passwords, Bitwarden is an easy choice. It is free, works across all devices, and stops you from reusing the same login everywhere.
Turning on two factor authentication takes only a few minutes and protects you from most account theft attempts. If you only change one habit this year, make it this one.
Cheap Hardware That Actually Helps
You do not need fancy gear, but a few small upgrades make a real difference.
A locked external SSD keeps backups safe if something goes wrong. Cable locks are cheap insurance at LAN events or shared spaces.
USB data blockers prevent sketchy charging ports from doing anything harmful. Even a basic UPS can save you from corrupted downloads during power flickers.
None of this looks exciting, but it works.
Quick Setup Without the Headache
Start by installing your antivirus and enabling game or do not disturb mode. Add TinyWall next and whitelist your games. Set up Bitwarden, import your passwords, and enable two factor authentication.
Install a VPN and test latency in your main games. Run one full scan, then schedule future scans during off hours. Finally, back up important files.
The first setup usually takes under an hour. Weekly upkeep takes only a few minutes.
Stack free tools first. Antivirus, firewall, and password management already cover most risks.
VPN discounts appear often, especially around holidays. Do not rush into long plans unless performance feels right.
Avoid all-in-one security bundles because they are usually bloated and slow. Free tools now score well in independent tests and rarely hurt performance.
If you want extra peace of mind, run a manual malware scan once a month with a secondary scanner. Otherwise, keep things simple.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not rely on game anti-cheat systems to protect your PC. They only focus on cheating, not security. Avoid free VPNs filled with ads or trackers.
Never install mods from unknown sites. Test changes one at a time so you know what affects performance.
If you are gaming on WiFi and seeing lag, switch to Ethernet before blaming anything else.
One stolen account can wipe out years of progress. Fixing it costs time, money, and patience. This setup costs almost nothing and keeps your system fast, stable, and secure.
Security does not need to be complicated or expensive. Set it up once, forget about it, and get back to playing.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Expedition 33 has reached the second-highest number of GOTY wins ever recorded in history.
The game has won 410 GOTY honors, overtaking The Last of Us Part 2 by 84 awards.
The RPG is still 25 GOTY titles behind Elden Ring, which remains at the top of the list with 435 wins.
Sandfall’s title has been praised worldwide, with Game of the Year wins spanning from Thailand to Japan. As it turns out, Expedition 33 has achieved another milestone, becoming the game with the second-most GOTY titles in history.
Why it matters: Expedition 33 achieving this level of success emphasises the importance of risk-taking in the industry.
As updated by a user on ResetEra, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has now won 410 Game of the Year awards this year, putting it second on the all-time list. The RPG has won 84 more awards than The Last of Us Part 2, which took home 326 GOTY honors at the start of the decade.
However, no matter how big a lead Expedition 33 builds over the Naughty Dog title, it is still below Elden Ring by 25 awards. The FromSoftware title is at No.1 in the all-time GOTY winner ranking, with 435 wins.
Considering how we are already two weeks into 2026, most of the Game of the Year awards have been handed out, so it will be a challenge for Expedition 33 to overtake Elden Ring.
Regardless, the Sandfall RPG has destroyed its competition this awards season, winning 376 more awards than the second game on the list, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which was awarded GOTY by only 34 outlets.
Expedition 33 has won 376 more GOTY awards this year than the no.2 title, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Do you think Expedition 33 will overtake Elden Ring by the end of this awards season? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
As the CPU Cooler and RAM Expert, I test the latest hardware to provide tips for smart purchases. I cover everything from busting myths about CPU coolers to looking into the newest RAM designs, examining various parts of PC hardware.
420mm AIO CPU Coolers represent the pinnacle of AIO liquid cooling technology, offering unprecedented performance. Of course, the perceived performance of 420mm coolers alone is not enough to blindly pick any option without any prior research. It is imperative to weigh every aspect of a cooler to get an option that caters to your personal requirements. That is why I have tested a bunch of different 420mm AIOs to round up the top options.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
400+ hours spent testing different coolers for our reviews.
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Take a look at my selection of the best 420mm AIO, all compared with each other:
AIO Cooler
be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420
CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420
Silverstone IceMyst 420
Preview
Award
Best Overall 420mm AIO CPU Cooler
Best Performance 420mm AIO CPU Cooler
Best Value 420mm AIO CPU Cooler
Best Looking 420mm AIO CPU Cooler
What We Liked
Remarkable cooling performance, Not too noisy, Has refill port & additional coolant
Performance, LCD
Noise, Value, VRM fan
Stackable fans, Design, Performance
What We Disliked
Block orientation is restricted
Price
Looks
Noise
Dimensions
457 × 140 × 27 mm
457 × 137 × 53 mm
458 × 140 × 63 mm
456 × 120 × 28 mm
Fans
3x 140mm Fans
3x 140mm Fans
3x 140mm Fans
3x 140mm
Fan Speed
1900 RPM
1700 RPM
1700 RPM
1750 RPM
RGB
Short On Time?
An all-rounder that delivers solid perfoormance and good looks without a high price tag.
A top-tier option that offers the most cooling performance possible.
A true bang for the buck that cuts down on extra bells and whistles to focus on core cooling.
A great choice for those who want to show-off their new builds, also does a great job at cooling neighboring components.
March 25, 2025: Based on our latest testing of 420mm AIOs, I have added the be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420 as the best overall 420mm AIO because of its performance, features, and price.
Now coming over to a category where the cooler has to be good in pretty much everything. Then be quiet! Silent Loop 3 is the only one I could think of and recommend. The AIO, first off, has come up with a much improved triple chamber design. Secondly, coupled with the Silent Wings 4 fans, you’re sure to get optimal cooling for your high-end CPU. Like when we tested the AIO with all limits removed, paired with the i7 13700K, the AIO topped the chart by offering the lowest idle and full load temps of 31°C and 81°C, respectively, in Cinebench R23.2.
Not only is the performance side strong, but the cooler is impressive in other aspects. For instance, we liked that it comes with a refill port as well as additional coolant bundled with it. Furthermore, the noise levels were also not too load as per our review, 42.5 dB(A) at max speeds. Though we would have liked the design more if the be quiet! emblem wasn’t fixed, which has limited its orientation. However, the wider socket support and the rest of the pros do somewhat compensate for the shortcomings. Which makes it an overall decent choice if you have the budget.
This is what we were left to say after testing the cooler thoroughly:
Silent Loop 3 420 is one heck of a cooling product. With its classy look, premium cooling performance, and better noise output it is capable of giving a run to other 420mm coolers for their money.
✅Buy It If
You want top-notch cooling performance: The AIO performed exceptionally well in our testing and topped the chart by beating all of its competition. So if you’re looking for an AIO with the best thermal performance, then this is the one.
❌Don't Buy It If
You can’t compromise on the warranty period: While the cooler has the best performance to offer from its side and all other premium shenanigans, it still comes with only 3 years of short warranty coverage. So, if you want more, skip it.
What Makes It The Best Overall 420mm AIO CPU Cooler?
The be quiet! Silent Loop 3 not only offers extraordinary performance on the cooling side, but it also isn’t too audible. That, coupled with great minimalistic design and a subtle RGB touch alongside the practical features such as the coolant refill port and a bundled coolant bottle, qualifies it to be called the best overall 420mm AIO CPU cooler.
Performance: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10
Design: 8.5/10
CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT
Best Performance 420mm AIO CPU Cooler
Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT Pictures From Our Review
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Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT
CORSAIR iCUE H170i ELITE LCD XT. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
CORSAIR iCUE H170i ELITE LCD XT. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
CORSAIR iCUE H170i ELITE LCD XT. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
420mm coolers are heralded for their beastly performance; however, the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT takes that up a notch with its dense radiator and powerful AF140 Elite RGB fans. Speaking of which, the fans offer a maximum speed of 1700 while also peaking in at an airflow of 89 CFM. No wonder this beast kept the 13700K at 84°C after a full stress test in our in-house testing.
Weighing in at a whopping 1.95 kilograms, the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite is undoubtedly a monolithic cooler, which is precisely why it has been backed up by a solid structure. It uses an aluminum construction for the radiator, low permeation rubber for the tubing, and a copper CPU plate. Between clean-looking A-RGB on the fans all the way to the 480×480 LCD screen, the level of customizability the cooler offers is fantastic. That is further enhanced thanks to the clean black coating on the radiator, which blends well with all of the lighting on display.
Here’s what Nauman Siddique, our CPU cooling expert, had to say after testing the CORSAIR iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT:
With excellent thermal performance that is augmented by a well-executed IPS LCD Screen and extensive customization options using iCUE and lighting effects, the iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT is definitely a worthy contender should your wallet afford it in addition to your PC Case.
✅Buy It If
✅You want the best possible performance: The Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT ranks among the most powerful 420mm coolers you can your hands on.
✅You want a functional LCD screen: Its position as an enthusiast-grade AIO CPU cooler means the presence of an LCD screen is anything but extraordinary.
❌Don't Buy It If
❌You are on a limited budget: Coming in at a premium price tag, the Corsair iCUE h170i Elite LCD XT will be out of the question for anyone working with a limited budget.
What Makes It The Best Performance 420mm AIO CPU Cooler?
The Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT comes with powerful fans, a zero RPM mode, and an LCD screen for added customizability. Above all, it provides unparalleled cooling performance, taking the spot as the Best Performance 420mm CPU Cooler.
Performance: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Features: 7/10
Design: 8/10
Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420
Best Value 420mm AIO CPU Cooler
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 Pictures From Our Review
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Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420
Cooler with fans
Arctic Liquid Freezer II - 420mm Test Bench (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Much like the previous iterations in the Liquid Freezer series, the 420mm does not disappoint in terms of cooling performance. The P14 fans reach a maximum speed of 1700 RPM, which falls slightly behind the maximum operational speed of the pump, which stands at 2000 RPM. The AIO comes with fiber-reinforced tubing while also incorporating built-in cable management to hide any cables running through. In short, you get top-notch performance, and I was simply blown away by how well it handles high-end CPUs without breaking a sweat.
As for looks, the cooler comes encapsulated in a matte-black coating, which extends all the way to the P14 fans. Similarly, the water block also does not have any RGB or LCD, although its size is fairly large due to the presence of an additional VRM fan. It is worth mentioning that separate variants of the cooler do come with A-RGB fans for a little extra.
Praising the Liquid Freezer II’s exceptional noise performance, here’s what Nauman Siddique said in his review:
The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer – II 420 is a powerful cooler in the market that comes with a 6-year manufacturer’s warranty and offers fantastic thermal performance at almost silence, which is unheard of.
✅Buy It If
✅You need the best value possible: The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420’s value supersedes that of any other 420mm cooler in the market, that too by a considerable margin.
❌Don't Buy It If
❌You need fancier aesthetics: The Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420 does not necessarily excel on the basis of visuals.
What Makes It The Best Value 420mm AIO CPU Cooler?
Not only does Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420’s performance benefit from the larger 37mm radiator, but it also blows every 420mm AIO out of the water when it comes to sheer value. Combine that with the addition of an integrated VRM fan, an efficient in-house pump, and high-performance P14 fans, and you get the Best Value 420mm AIO CPU Cooler.
IceMyst has gone to extraordinary lengths to maximize the cooler’s performance. The 140mm fans it arrives with offer a maximum speed of 1750 RPM. Perhaps the biggest peculiarity the series brings is the ability to stack fans on top of the pump to cool down separate parts of the motherboard. Everything ranging from VRMs, SSDs, and RAM modules can be cooled down using these fans. As a result, not only my 13700K was kept under optimal temperatures, but my board’s VRM temps also saw a marginal decrease during stress testing.
Tou get an aluminum radiator optimized specifically for higher pressures along with a convexed copper baseplate in order to maintain better contact with the CPU. While the pump doubles down as a mount for the stackable fans, its original functionality is also utilized through the three-phase, six-pole design in order to increase its overall reliability and efficiency.
On an aesthetic level, the Silverstone IceMyst 420 outdoes most coolers it competes against. Not only is the design remarkably uncluttered, but Silverstone has managed to sneak in clean RGB elements on the pump as well as the fans. This is further evidenced by their clean cable management system, which allows you to synchronize RGB through a single header for all of the fans.
✅Buy It If
✅You are looking for a visually appealing 420mm cooler: From the silver finish on the pump to the neat RGB, the IceMyst 420’s design is certainly visually striking.
✅You intend to cool other components: Adding fans on top of the pump housing allows you to cool other components on the motherboard, which might be ideal for a motherboard that lacks onboard cooling.
❌Don't Buy It If
❌You want a silent experience: While the Silverstone ICeMyst 420 is reasonably quiet, its noise levels can be a problem for anyone who likes a quieter environment, especially if you add more fans to cool other components.
What Makes It The Best Looking 420mm AIO CPU Cooler?
Packed with an efficient motor consisting of a three-pole, six-phase design, and great value, the Silverstone IceMyst 420 does not miss the mark when it comes to integral components. It also does not fall behind in terms of build quality, all the while incorporating the novelty of stack fans. All of that is topped off with the cooler’s sleek visual appearance, which gives it the title of the Best Looking 420mm CPU Cooler.
I’ve also tested my recommended 420mm AIO on the i7-13700K. Take a look at their results:
Our Test Results
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Test Results
be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420 - Thermal Performance
Important CPU Cooler Key Terms
It is easy to be inundated by the number of technical terms usually thrown in by manufacturers. Here are brief definitions of a few CPU Cooler key terms for anyone unaware of technical terms within the space.
TDP: The thermal design power of a CPU cooler is a direct measure of its overall cooling capacity, determining the amount of heat it can dissipate.
Liquid Cooling: Use of a liquid coolant to dissipate heat from computer components, namely the CPU in the case of an AIO cooler.
Radiator: A radiator’s job is to dissipate the heat flowing into it into the surroundings. This is done through a combination of metal fins and fans.
Pump: The pump serves the purpose of transferring the liquid to the radiator, where the heat can be dissipated.
Thermal Paste: Thermal compound is a conductive material used to eliminate gaps between two surfaces and improve heat transfer.
Noise Level: As suggested by the name, the noise output refers to the amount of noise generated from your AIO liquid cooler.
How We Selected The Best 420mm AIO CPU Coolers
There are a lot of factors you need to account for when selecting a CPU cooler. Here are a few factors I took into consideration when rounding up my top 420mm AIOs.
Cooling Performance: Cooling performance is undoubtedly the most crucial aspect of a CPU cooler. Of course, the kind of performance you require will depend on the processor you are using. To put into perspective, a flagship processor will require a top-of-the-line cooler, especially if you intend on overclocking it. Components affecting AIO coolers’ cooling performance include the fans, radiator, and pump. Every cooler featured on my list performs well, facing no issues accommodating high-end processors.
Acoustic Performance: A significant concern for triple-fan radiators can be the loud noise generated by the constant operation of the fans and the pump. In order to avoid this, you’ll need a cooler that remains quiet even under load. Thankfully, my list features several AIO CPU coolers that remain silent.
Build Quality: A well-built cooler is the key to a sustainable computer system, which is precisely why you must opt for a cooler that does not compromise on its build quality. Ideally, an AIO cooler should consist of a well-constructed radiator, an efficient pump, as well as a solid fan that provides heat dissipation.
Aesthetics: While aesthetics might not be the main concern for some, anyone interested in enhancing the look of their setup will need to purchase a cooler that matches the overall theme of the build. For instance, a white PC build will require a white cooler to match the rest of the system.
Value For Money: Lastly, one must carefully analyze the value-for-money a cooler offers. This can be done by simply evaluating the price-and-performance ratio while also weighing in other aspects, including features, aesthetics, and sound, in contrast to its price. I made sure to cover every inch of detail, making it easier for readers to gauge the actual value a cooler offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 420mm overkill?
Yes, 420mm is certainly overkill for anyone who does not require the best cooling possible.
Does AIO size matter?
The AIO size can be a determining factor of the cooler performance your cooler provides.
Recent Updates:
April 23, 2024: Some formatting changes to improve readability. I’ve also included benchmarks of my selections from their individual reviews.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlight
We are just 2 weeks into 2026, and Ubisoft has already laid off 155 employees.
This year saw headcounts reduced at Ubisoft Halifax, Massive, Abu Dhabi, and Stockholm.
The company is still trading at a low market cap and is struggling financially.
Ubisoft is in a constant state of turmoil and is at its weakest in many years. The state of the company is no secret, but what is even more unfortunate is that more and more developers are losing their jobs due to layoffs.
In the first 2 weeks of 2026 alone, Ubisoft has laid off over 150 employees across its multiple locations. These include reducing headcount at Ubisoft Halifax, Massive Entertainment, and the Abu Dhabi and Stockholm studios.
Why it matters: In the process of its ‘restructuring’, Ubisoft is constantly laying off a large number of its employees, and even closed an entire studio this year, and we are just halfway through the first month.
The studio has already laid off 155 people, and it’s just 2 weeks into 2026
To be exact, 155 employees have been laid off so far in 2026. 71 at the Halifax studio, 55 at Massive Entertainment, and the latest 29 at the Abu Dhabi Studio. The company says it’s doing this to cut costs.
Over the last year, Ubisoft has reduced headcount at least 5 times; who knows what it has planned next up. Despite the Tencent deal, the company is still struggling with a low market value, and it isn’t getting better at all.
Ubisoft has been struggling with low stock and a bad market value cap
Ubisoft has multiple games in development through which it hopes to improve. These include Prince of Persia Remake, Assassin’s Creed Hexe, and Beyond Good and Evil 2, but till then, the threat of layoffs would be looming over everyone’s heads.
What are your thoughts on Ubisoft having laid off 155 employees already in 2026? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the Tech4Gamers Forum.
