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| Stuff.co.nz - 6 Jun (Stuff.co.nz)![NZ Located](/pimages/nzsmall.gif) Yarrow Stadium is still expected to be fully open in time for next year’s winter sports season. Read...Newslink ©2024 to Stuff.co.nz | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | BBCWorld - 6 Jun (BBCWorld)It could explain why women playing contact sports appear injury prone between ovulation and menstruation. Read...Newslink ©2024 to BBCWorld | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 6 Jun (PC World)Ever completely stop for a moment, struck breathless by beauty? The Phanteks Evolv X2, newly announced at Computex 2024, sparks that kind of reaction. (My mug literally paused in mid-air when I saw it.) Its shape may be like other tower cases, but its looks are altogether something else.
Though boxy and rectangular, the Phanteks Evolv X2 carries slender lines, sports a chimney layout, and comes graced with tasteful accents. It looks distinctive and fresh—and very welcome. These days, most standard tower cases are utilitarian, with air intake from the front, exhaust out the top and back, and perhaps the option to also intake from the bottom. Meanwhile glass aquarium enclosures tend to go wide with dual-chamber interiors.
The Evolve X2 blends the best aspects of each style, keeping the narrower proportions of a traditional tower by only venting air from bottom to top, while putting glass windows on all sides. It then adds striking metallic aluminum trim within the interior, while also recessing the mounts for the bottom fans and top radiator so their bulk is hidden. All together, it’s so very pretty.
Should this understated and classy vibe fail to catch your attention, Phanteks is launching other new cases as well. The NV5MKII and NV9MKII mirror popular looks while supporting back-connect motherboards, and the Eclipse G400A carries forward a more typical angular, gamery aesthetic. There’s also the Eclipse G400N, which shows off sleeved cable routing behind the motherboard.
But if you’re completely enthralled by the Evolv X2, you won’t have too long to wait for it—the expect launch is in Q4 of this year, for a price of $150 USD. In the meantime, you can get a closer look through YouTube coverage on channels like GGF Events and Gear Seekers.
Computer Components Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 6 Jun (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsVery good 20Gbps performanceIP66 weatherized and ruggedizedGood looking and svelteConsPriceyOur VerdictLexar’s 20Gbps Armor 700 USB SSD is a good performer, as well as being weatherized and ruggedized to an IP66 rating.
Lexar continues to impress me with its storage devices. This time it’s their IP66-rated Armor 700 external SSD. I like its looks and I like the way it’s ruggedized and weather-proofed. It’s a clear choice if you want a performance drive that handle the rigors of being out in the field.
What are the Lexar Armor 700’s features?
The Armor 700 is a svelte, good-looking portable 20Gbps (USB 3.2×2) SSD measuring 3.4-inches long, by 2.15-inches wide. It’s just over a half inch thick and weighs just under 3 ounces.
The drive is protected from shock by a rubberized sleeve (black on my test unit, but also available in blue) for up to a 3-meter fall, and is rated to IP66. That is, Ingress Protected against dust and jets of water. Immersion resistance isn’t claimed (that would be IP67).
You might think the lack of immersion resistance is because of the open Type-C port shown below, but we’ve reviewed IP67 devices with open ports, so they can be sealed against the weather.
The Type-C port on the Lexar Armor 700.
The Type-C port on the Lexar Armor 700.
The Type-C port on the Lexar Armor 700.
The protective cover provides a nice grip and tactile sensation, in addition to shock protection (albeit, SSDs aren’t anywhere near as susceptible as HDDs).
The drive itself is silver as you can see from the end caps. One end of the drive is home to the Type-C USB connector and status light (shown above), while the other sports embossed information about the unit (shown below) .
Our test 2TB Armor 700’s serial and part numbers.
Our test 2TB Armor 700’s serial and part numbers.
Our test 2TB Armor 700’s serial and part numbers.
Lexar didn’t specify the components, but given the performance on and off cache, we’re assuming the internals are NVMe, and the NAND is TLC.
The company warranties the drive for five years, which is no doubt limited by the amount of data written, though Lexar doesn’t post a rating. The industry norm is 600TBW (terabytes that may be written), and it’s extremely unlikely you get close to that with an external drive in five years.
How much is the Lexar Armor 700?
The Lexar Armor 700 is currently available in $150/1TB and $255/2TB capacities, with an as yet un-priced 4TB version in the works.
How fast is the Lexar Armor 700?
The Armor 700 is on par for a 20Gbps USB drive performance-wise. A shade faster in a couple of tests, a shade slower in others, and fifth overall among all the 20Gbps SSDs we’ve tested.
Only the Crucial X10 Pro was appreciably faster (in real-world transfers), and it suffers a couple of performance peccadilloes as well. Right-click and select “Open image in new tab” to see the charts full size.
The Armor 700 was right up there with the fastest 20Gbps drives in CDM 8’s sequential test. Longer bars are better.
The Armor 700 was right up there with the fastest 20Gbps drives in CDM 8’s sequential test. Longer bars are better.
The Armor 700 was right up there with the fastest 20Gbps drives in CDM 8’s sequential test. Longer bars are better.
The Armor 700’s CrystalDiskMark 8 random performance is right up there with the best 20Gbps SSDs.
Random performance under CrystaDiskMark 8 was also on par. Longer bars are better.
Random performance under CrystaDiskMark 8 was also on par. Longer bars are better.
Random performance under CrystaDiskMark 8 was also on par. Longer bars are better.
Though it couldn’t keep pace with the mighty Crucial X10 Pro in our 48GB transfers, the Armor 700 was in line with the other competitors — Lexar’s own SL500 and the Samsung T9.
The Armor 700 couldn’t match the Crucial X10 Pro in our 48GB transfers, but was hardly slow. Shorter bars are better.
The Armor 700 couldn’t match the Crucial X10 Pro in our 48GB transfers, but was hardly slow. Shorter bars are better.Jon L. Jacobi
The Armor 700 couldn’t match the Crucial X10 Pro in our 48GB transfers, but was hardly slow. Shorter bars are better.Jon L. Jacobi
Jon L. Jacobi
The Armor 700 turned in a nice 450GB write time, if not quite in the same league as the #1 Crucial X10 Pro’s. But neither were the SL500 or T9 in the same league.
The Armor 700 turned in a nice 450GB write time if not quite in the same league as the Crucial X10 Pro’s. Shorter bars are better.
The Armor 700 turned in a nice 450GB write time if not quite in the same league as the Crucial X10 Pro’s. Shorter bars are better.
The Armor 700 turned in a nice 450GB write time if not quite in the same league as the Crucial X10 Pro’s. Shorter bars are better.
Overall, the Lexar Armor 700 delivers very good 20Gbps performance. No complaints, though of course, there’s X10 Pro elephant in the room.
Note that while Apple supports 20Gbps USB4, it doesn’t support USB 3.2 X 2 20Gbps. Therefore, you will only get 10Gbps performance from the Armor 700 on a Mac.
Should you buy the Lexar Armor 700?
The Lexar Armor 700 is a worthy contender for your high-performance, external storage dollar. It’s fast, IP66-rated, good looking, and very portable. My recommendation is only hedged by the fact that the Armor 700 is quite pricey compared to even more capable rivals, such as Crucial X10 Pro.
How we test
Storage tests currently utilize Windows 11, 64-bit running on an X790 (PCIe 4.0/5.0) motherboard/i5-12400 CPU combo with two Kingston Fury 32GB DDR5 4800MHz modules (64GB of memory total). Both 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 4 are integrated to the back panel and Intel CPU/GPU graphics are used. The 48GB transfer tests utilize an ImDisk RAM disk taking up 58GB of the 64GB of total memory. The 450GB file is transferred from a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro which also runs the OS.
Each test is performed on a newly NTFS-formatted and TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that in normal use, as a drive fills up, performance may decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, as well as other factors. This is less of a factor with the current crop of SSDs with their far faster NAND.
Caveat: The performance numbers shown apply only to the drive we were shipped and to the capacity tested. SSD performance can and will vary by capacity due to more or fewer chips to shotgun reads/writes across and the amount of NAND available for secondary caching. Vendors also occasionally swap components. If you ever notice a large discrepancy between the performance you experience and that which we report, by all means, let us know.
Computer Storage Devices, Storage Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 6 Jun (PC World)Montech may not be as prominent as Lian Li, Phanteks, or Corsair, but it’s known for fashionable budget PC cases. The company is also apparently not one to shy away from controversial design choices. Just look at the Computex 2024 announcement of the Montech HS01 Mini, a small form factor case trimmed in leather.
Yes, that’s correct. Rather than going with wood (the current “it” material) for accents, the HS01 Mini sports bold diagonal swaths of leather along its sides. Additionally, a thin strip highlights the front ports, while a charming strap forms a carrying handle.
Without that handle, the less charitable might have gotten away with mocking comments about this case’s looks (I can hear the references to cows and sheer ugliness already). But the carrying strap gives the HS01 Mini the air of practical haute couture.
And sensible it is, as surprisingly large hardware can fit inside the diminutive interior. The HS01 Mini accommodates a top-mounted 360 radiator, both regular and back-connect micro-ATX motherboards, and apparently GPUs up to four slots in width (!). You can also choose three different positions for the power supply. When this SFF chassis launches in Q2 of 2025 (sigh) for a estimated price of $95.90, you’ll be able to choose between white and black colors. The black colorway might end up even more chic than the white version—a little more understated hi-fi vibes.
At least, I think so. And any of my friends who might tell me otherwise if I end up with an HS01 Mini are welcome to find my front door and show themselves out.
Computer Components Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 5 Jun (PC World)Most people when trying to maximize their gaming experience focus on the quality of the game and their computer’s processing power. But an often-overlooked variable that can greatly affect the experience is a decent gaming headset. It’s especially important if you plan on getting the best out of multiplayer games, where you’re just as likely to use your headset to chat with friends as you are to use it as a strategic tool to help you win.
As you’d expect, there’s no shortage of gaming headsets out there. No one wants to wade through the myriad options only to settle on one that ends up leaving you disappointed. That’s why I’ve done all the heavy lifting for you, testing a ton of different headsets to find the best.
Why should you trust me? Because I’m a hardcore gamer and tech user like you, which means I’m always on the hunt for better gear to improve my own experience. More than that, I’ve spent many years weighing the pros and cons of the latest new-release gaming headsets, so you could say I know more than a thing or two about them.
To see the criteria I use to test each product and some helpful buying advice, be sure to read my rundown of how we test gaming headsets at PCWorld.
Updated May 29 2024, to include the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 as my pick for the “Best budget wireless gaming headset.” It has clear audio, a long battery life of up to 80 hours, excellent cross-platform compatibility and — best of all — controls to customize and optimize your gaming experience.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – Best dual-purpose wired/wireless gaming headset / Best overall
Pros
Great-quality audio
Dual wireless functionality
Lots of software options for personalization
Cons
Quite expensive
Active Noise Cancellation won`t block out all external sound
Best Prices Today:
$294.99 at Amazon$349.99 at Best Buy
Why I like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
I have to nit pick very hard to find any flaws with this premium headset that offers the versatility of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, as well as a wired connection. In wireless mode, it delivered crisp sound in 44.1KHz/16-bit standard resolution at up to 40 feet from my computer. But when I wanted to enjoy a richer sound, I could plug into a GameDAC controller that let me access a higher 96KHz/24-bit hi-res audio. The GameDAC also let me switch between my PC and Xbox One or Xbox X/S at the press of a button — which saved me the hassle of having to buy separate headsets for my consoles.
Active Noise Cancellation and 360 Degree Spatial Audio technologies also boosted the headset’s audio experience for me, the standout of the two being the latter, which utilizes 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound tracks to accurately reflect the direction of sounds. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless also has the finest software support I’ve seen for a gaming headset, allowing me to choose from among 23 pre-made EQ presets designed for games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Fortnite, Dota 2, Forza Horizon V, and Call of Duty: Warzone, to name just a few.
Who should buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Gamers serious about their audio setup who want excellent cross-platform compatibility, clear sound, and a spatial audio that better enables them to hear the direction of sounds in games. There’s a lot to personalize with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, so if you love tinkering with settings, this headset is just the ticket.
Read our full
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review
Audeze Maxwell Wireless – Best audio quality
Pros
Impressive audio that sounds warm and full-bodied
Strong and robust design
Excellent cross compatibility
Cons
It`s quite heavy and large
The headband isn`t extendable
The software app is too simple
Best Prices Today:
Not Available at Amazon
Why I like the Audeze Maxwell Wireless
It has undoubtedly the best audio of any gaming headset I’ve used. Audiophile-grade headsets are usually the domain of high-end music studios and not gaming dens. But Audeze’s Maxwell Wireless is an exception, being a studio-grade headset especially made for gamers. Its secret sauce is its 90mm planar magnetic drivers, which produce a more natural, full-bodied audio signature than headsets with 40- to 50mm neodymium drivers.
To fit such large drivers, the Maxwell Wireless is extremely big and heavy — it weighs a little more than a pound (490 grams). Although, you wouldn’t know by wearing it — the comfort onboard is very luxe; soft memory foam sits under plush leatherette for a premium feel and there’s an inner adjustable suspension band that balances out the headset’s weight across the top of your head.
The Maxwell Wireless works with just about any device — Windows PC, Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS devices, and PlayStation 5. It supports Dolby Atmos for surround sound in games. For connectivity, you get a USB cable and an adapter for making a wired connection, a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle for low-latency Wi-Fi, and a 3.5mm cable for making an old-school analog connection. Although simultaneous Bluetooth isn’t available using the Wi-Fi dongle, you can still hook up simultaneous audio using the headset’s Bluetooth and a wired connection.
Who should buy the Audeze Maxwell Wireless
Anyone who’s really particular about the fidelity of their gaming audio and wants the best they can possibly find. Also, anyone who wants to use their gaming headset like a premium pair of headphones to listen to music. The Maxwell Wireless stands above many headsets for its sound quality, so if you’re an audiophile, it will definitely impress you.
Read our full
Audeze Maxwell Wireless review
Roccat Syn Max Air – Best RGB headset / Best for people who wear glasses
Pros
The audio sounds balanced
Simultaneous Wi-Fi and Bluetooth lets you listen to multiple audio sources at once
The futuristic styling looks fantastic
Cons
The microphone picks up a lot of ambient noise
The controls are reasonably basic
It`s expensive considering there`s no ANC
Best Prices Today:
$113 at Amazon$249.99 at Roccat
Why I like the Roccat Syn Max Air
I thought the Roccat Syn Max Air headset had a knockout futuristic aesthetic thanks to it cuboid shaped earcups that also have mesmerizing programmable RGB zones. The cups also feature ProSpec earpads, meaning if you wear glasses the frames will easily fit through the sides of the cups for a comfortable fit.
Looks aside, this headset impressed me with its list of gamer-centric features. Connectivity comes in the form of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a wired connection, and the Bluetooth can be used simultaneously with the Wi-Fi so that you can enjoy an extra audio source while gaming. In my review I thought its 50mm Nanoclear drivers produced a nice balanced sound that was a marked improvement over its predecessor the Syn Pro Air. It also comes with a convenient dock for charging between uses.
Who should buy the Roccat Syn Max Air
Players who want to rock the RGB look and be able to personalize the lighting effects in their headset. The headset’s spectacles-friendly design also makes it a great choice for gamers who wear glasses.
Read our full
Roccat Syn Max Air review
HyperX Cloud Alpha – Best wired gaming headset
Pros
Fully removable cabling and smarter inline control placement
Comfortable
Excellent audio quality
Cons
More expensive than the original Cloud, with fewer accessories
Upper audio range can be a bit muddled
Best Prices Today:
$74.49 at Amazon89.02 at HyperX
Why I like the HyperX Cloud Alpha
Cloud Alpha is a chip off the old block in HyperX’s Cloud series, combining comfort with impressive audio quality. The impressive sound comes courtesy of a dual driver chamber design that separates out bass notes from mids and highs — ultimately producing clearer, smoother output.
The Cloud Alpha’s earcups are the secret sauce behind its comfortable feel. These generously padded cups sit tightly on your head but without squeezing your temples, so they’re perfect for long gaming stints where you can forget you’re wearing them. In our PCWorld review our reviewer was impressed by the fact that you can fully remove the HyperX Cloud Alpha’s cables in the event they break, rather than having to buy a whole new gaming headset.
Who should buy the HyperX Cloud Alpha
Those who don’t need wireless functionality but want excellent audio fidelity and comfort while they’re gaming. The HyperX Cloud Alpha’s metal frame and headband should also please gamers wanting a tough device that won’t break easily.
Another wired option that’s a little cheaper than the HyperX Cloud Alpha but still has great audio is the Astro A10.
Read our full
HyperX Cloud Alpha review
Razer Barracuda Pro – Best surround sound
Pros
Excellent audio through the bass, mid, and high tones
THX Spatial Audio is a treat in games
Lightweight and comfortable design
Cons
No boom mic means the mic audio suffers somewhat
ANC works but could be better
Best Prices Today:
$238.99 at Amazon$249.99 at Razer
Why I like the Razer Barracuda Pro
The Razer Barracuda Pro delivers excellent-quality sound, producing deep commanding bass tones, and clear mids and highs in both games and movies. On top of that, it features THX Spatial Audio technology, which elevates your audio to a rich and satisfying surround sound experience. Unlike some spatial audio support for headsets, Razer’s Synapse app gives you quite a lot of control, allowing you to personalize the directionality of the sound with easy-to-navigate dot diagrams. You can also tailor-make and assign presets for your specific games or media.
The Razer Barracuda Pro also features decent connectivity options including 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 wireless, as well as a USB-A-to-USB-C (wired) adapter for plugging it in. It’s compatible with Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Android devices, so you won’t have to buy separate headsets for each of your devices.
Who should buy the Razer Barracuda Pro
Spatial audio aficionados who want more control over the directionality of the sound in their games. With no boom mic, but Bluetooth functionality, the Razer Barracuda Pro is another great option for players who want to use their gaming headset as a premium pair of headphones on the go.
Read our full
Razer Barracuda Pro review
Corsair Virtuoso Pro – Best for streaming
Pros
High-quality workmanship and elegant design
High sound quality
Two connection cables for flexibility
Robust hardcase transport bag
Multi-platform compatibility thanks to jack connection
Many interchangeable parts
Cons
High price
Open design not ideal for noisy environments
Hardly and sound shielding to the outside
Best Prices Today:
$199.99 at Amazon$199.99 at Corsair
Why I like the Corsair Virtuoso Pro
With an open-ear design in the earcups, the Corsair Virtuoso Pro headset lets in more sound than most gaming headsets, which is perfect if you like to stream your games and want to monitor your own voice or hear your talent interviews in real time. The headset’s design is both elegant and comfortable too. Comfort comes courtesy of an adjustable headband, soft memory foam earpads, and a lightweight frame that weighs just 13.6 ounces (338 grams). The headset’s build quality is very decent — it’s comprised of robust plastic and metal.
In our review, we found that the Corsair Virtuoso Pro’s 50mm graphene drivers produced deep bass and clear treble tones with great detail. While that makes for a great audio experience while gaming, the lack of protective shielding in the earcups does mean that this headset isn’t that effective at blocking ambient noise, so it’s best used in quiet environments.
Who should buy the Corsair Virtuoso Pro
Aspiring or experienced content streamers or gamers who want to make Let’s Plays, walkthroughs, or game tutorials for YouTube or another video platform.
Read our full
Corsair Virtuoso Pro review
ROG Delta S Wireless – Best for casual gaming
Pros
It comes with two sets of earpads to personalize comfort
The headband and cups allow for a good amount of head movement
The audio sounds great across the spectrum
The build quality is robust
Cons
The AI Noise Cancellation could be better
It lacks a boom microphone
No simultaneous Bluetooth functionality
Best Prices Today:
$153.15 at Amazon
Why I like the ROG Delta S Wireless
If you want a premium wireless gaming headset with both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Wireless connectivity that you can just pop straight on for no-fuss casual gaming, then the ROG Delta S Wireless is ideal. With unique D-shaped earcups and a robust metal headband, it has plenty of gamer-centric appeal. It also features excellent cross compatibility, connecting to most devices (with the exception of Xbox), including PCs, Macs, PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.
In my playtesting, the two pairs of interchangeable earpads really allowed me to personalize my comfort. For long gaming stints, the 100 percent protein leather set with one-inch-thick memory foam kept my ears luxuriously comfy, while the hybrid mesh earpads cooled things down when they got too hot.
The ROG Delta S Wireless also sounds terrific — its 50mm neodymium drivers are loud and they comfortably produce clear sound at the far ends of the audio spectrum. One nitpick is that the microphone isn’t the best. Indeed, the ROG Delta S Wireless’s internal beamforming mic can’t quite block out as much background noise as other headsets that rely on external boom microphones but doesn’t sound terrible either.
Who should buy the ROG Delta S Wireless
Casual gamers who want a great all-rounder pair of cans with equal dollops of great sound quality and great comfort but don’t necessarily want to tinker endlessly with their sound settings.
Read our full
Asus ROG Delta S Wireless review
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro – Best for FPS games
Pros
Punchy audio that`s great for FPS games
Solid attractive and versatile design
Very good noise cancellation
Cons
Lacks support for spatial audio
The batteries need frequent changing
It`s expensive
Best Prices Today:
$243.78 at Amazon
Why I like the Turtle Beach Pro
It’s a premium headset brimming with an almost complete list of premium features. It has excellent cross-platform compatibility and worked across almost all my devices. Plus, it has 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, which meant I could wander away from my PC and still enjoy my gaming audio.
The Turtle Beach Pro sounded punchy with a great level of detail across the spectrum. It was especially well-tuned for FPS games like Halo, CounterStrike 2 and Battlefield I, where it delivered realistic thuds, clinks, and ricochets. A feature specific to Turtle Beach headsets called SuperHuman Hearing made it super easy for me to hear my opponents’ footsteps as they approached.
Who should buy the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro
Keen FPS gamers will really benefit from the headset’s punchy audio that’s ideally tuned for the games they play. The headset can easily pass off as a high-end headphone, so it will also suit gamers that want to use it on the fly.
Read our full
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review
Corsair HS80 Max – Most comfortable design
Pros
Great audio performance with neutral mid-tones
Lightweight, comfortable design
Mesh coverings on the earcups minimize sweat
Flip-to-mute mic
Cons
The omnidirectional mic is not detachable
Lacks true simultaneous audio for listening to multiple audio sources
The small RGB light zones feel like an afterthought
Best Prices Today:
$179.99 at Amazon$179.99 at Corsair
Why I like the Corsair HS80 Max
Corsair has made a brave move to prioritize comfort for gamers even at the expense of what most gamers might expect from a premium gaming headset’s design. How so? The HS80 Max eschews leatherette for a cooling mesh fabric on its earcups, and swaps metal for plastic in the headband, making it extremely lightweight and relatively sweat-free for long gaming sessions.
On the audio front, the HS80 Max sounds terrific — its 50mm audio drivers produce a clear, high-resolution audio signature with neutral mid-tones, which really enliven sounds like footfalls and ricochets. It has both 2.4GHz low-latency Wi-Fi connectivity as well as Bluetooth, which you can’t listen to at the same time, but both connectivity types do have a long signal range that allows you to keep listening while taking breaks away from your rig. The non-detachable flip-to-mute mic does a great job reproducing natural-sounding speech for team chats.
Who should buy the Corsair HS80 Max
Anyone who suffers from sweaty, hot ears when they wear leather or leatherette covered earpads and want a cooler less sweat-inducing pair of cans. It’s also ideal for players that feel the burden of wearing heavy headsets and want a lighter option.
Read our full
Corsair HS80 Max review
Logitech G Pro X – Best microphone
Pros
Beautiful throwback look
Outperforms headsets two or three times the price
Fantastic microphone, with lots of software-side options
Cons
Wired headset
Built-in controls feel cheap
A bit tight until it breaks in
Best Prices Today:
$98.80 at Amazon$99.99 at Logitech G$99.99 at Logitech Gaming
Why I like the Logitech G Pro X
A while back Logitech acquired the microphone manufacturer Blue, which explains why we found the Logitech G Pro X’s mic to be so capable in our PCWorld testing. Although not physically that different from other mics, it benefits from Blue-branded software support in Logitech’s G Hub app, including presets that make it sound convincingly like a desk microphone.
As well as sporting an exceptional microphone, the G Pro X is one of Logitech’s best-looking headsets, its flat-black leatherette headband, metal forks, and pill-shaped earcups exude a retro aesthetic reminiscent of the golden era of 1940s broadcasting.
Who should buy the Logitech G Pro X
If you want your voice to sound fantastic in your gaming chats or want to record audio that’s convincingly like that of a desktop microphone, then you need this headset.
Read our full
Logitech G Pro X review
Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless – Best wireless gaming headset
Pros
The styling is very appealing
The 40mm drivers produce a natural sound
The cans are very soft and comfortable
Cons
Some moving parts feel a bit tight
Leatherette in the cups can get sweaty on hot days
Battery life is decent but not excellent
Best Prices Today:
$189 at Amazon$229.99 at Logitech G
Why I like the Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless
Not only does the Logitech Astro A30 produce a clear and natural sound, but its connectivity is also excellent. It sports dual wireless and wired connections with cross-platform compatibility, so you can easily hook it up to your PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S consoles, or even a Mac. The headset’s Bluetooth can also be used simultaneously with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection, which means you can take phone calls and participate in team chats, all the while losing absolutely none of your gaming audio.
All this functionality could have been delivered in a stock standard design, but the Astro A30 is one of the best-looking pair of cans I’ve seen in a long time. I especially like its plush leatherette earcups, stylish Astro logos, and removable speaker tags that you can swap out to personalize exactly as you wish.
Who should buy the Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless
Gamers that want a futuristic, trendy-looking headset with great sound and the option to personalize the headset’s look. Its excellent cross-platform compatibility will suit gamers that like to game on multiple devices.
Read our full
Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless review
Logitech G Astro A50 Wireless – Best wireless gaming headset runner-up
Pros
Charging cradle is smaller and still very unique
Switches to the more reliable 2.4GHz band (finally)
Comfortable and durable
Cons
Middling battery life
Poor noise isolation
Expensive
Best Prices Today:
$218.99 at Amazon299.99 at Astro
Why I like the Astro A50 Wireless
Although expensive, the Astro A50 is dependable, providing decent sound over a quick 2.4GHz wireless connection. The audio drivers located in the A50’s earcups deliver strongly through the mid-range so the A50’s sound is warm and punchy in games and while listening to music.
While previous Astro wireless gaming headsets have featured large chunky charging cradles, the A50’s is quite compact so it takes up much less space on your desk. The cradle also has a built-in display so that you can tell which EQ profile you have selected, or whether you have Dolby or stereo modes switched on.
Who should buy the Astro A 50 Wireless
Anyone who likes the convenience of simply being able to store and charge the headset in a charging cradle between games. The built-in display is also really nice to have. It’s a feature that should appeal to gamers who like to tweak and refine EQ profiles for their games.
Read our full
Logitech G Astro A50 (2019) review
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 – Best budget wireless gaming headset
Pros
Clear refined audio profile
Great control selection that you can personalize further
Attractive and comfortable design
Cons
PC and PlayStation versions lack XBox connectivity
No USB-A to USB-C adapter
Slightly heavier than the previous generation
Best Prices Today:
$99.99 at Amazon
Why I like the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
It has just about everything I want in a gaming headset — a comfortable and lightweight design, excellent cross-platform compatibility options, and a whole lot of controls.
It also has both 2.4GHz Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth connectivity. I also really like Turtle Beach’s SuperHuman Hearing, which is a Turtle Beach-specific feature that accentuates some game sounds like player footfalls. An exceptionally long battery life of up to 80 hours meant I could go for days without a recharge, too.
The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 also features a flip-to-mute microphone with AI noise cancellation, which produces clear-sounding audio in my gamer chats. Thanks to the 10-band EQ chart in the headset’s companion app, I could really fine-tune the audio profiles for my games, which isn’t something I can do with every gaming headset.
Who should buy the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
Casual gamers who want an all-around great headset with decent sound and a whole lot of gamer-centric functionality. At just $100 the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 punches well above its price range on the balance of its features and functionality, so gamers on a budget can save money on these cans.
If you’re on the hunt for a sub-$100 headset the HyperX Cloud Core Wireless is also a great option. It has a durable aluminum frame, comfortable memory foam earpads, a detachable microphone, and also features DTS Headphone: X support for an immersive spatial audio experience.
Read our full
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 review
Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed – Best mid-range wireless gaming headset
Pros
Ultra-light and comfortable
Excellent microphone quality
Long-lasting battery life and fast charging option
Versatile connectivity options
Cons
Sound tuning favors esports
Material quality could be better
Non-detachable microphone
Best Prices Today:
$128.99 at Amazon$129.99 at Razer
Why I like the Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed
The headset’s microphone quality is very close to broadcast quality. It also weighs less than 10 ounces, so it’s ultra-light weight. Despite that, it has large 50mm audio drivers that cover a broad frequency spectrum of 12Hz to 28KHz and produce a detailed soundscape with a low bass tone. The headset’s connectivity is also very good, with all three connectivity types available: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a wired connection via USB-C.
Who should buy the Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed
Tech-savvy gamers that want a lightweight headset and want to sound fantastic in voice chats. The Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed is also a very decent headset for gamers wanting to record Let’s Plays. It’s also a little cheaper than some headsets, so its suits those with mid-range budgets.
Another great mid-range option is the Logitech G935. It won’t break the bank but includes high-end luxuries like a folding boom mic, dongle storage compartment, and stylish leatherette earcups.
Read our full
Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed review
HyperX Cloud III Wireless – Best battery life
Pros
High-quality design and good workmanship
Multi-platform compatibility
Detachable microphone
Above-average battery life
Cons
Occasional sound fluctuations in DTS surround sound
Microphone adjustment required in noisy environments
No Bluetooth
Best Prices Today:
$129.99 at Amazon$169.99 at HyperX
Why I like the HyperX Cloud III Wireless
HyperX’s Cloud III Wireless headset doesn’t ace any one particular category but hits the right notes for comfort, sound, and design. In our review we found the headset’s driver configuration produces a balanced sound image with precise bass and treble tones. The headset’s best quality, however, is its long battery life that can last a full 120 hours operating at 50 percent volume.
The Cloud III wireless works with PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch consoles as well as PC; however, if you want to use the headset’s DTS surround sound, nothing less than a Windows PC with HyperX’s Ngenuity software app loaded on it will do. This headset is best for gamers who like the benefit of wireless connectivity only, since wired connectivity is not available (it’s 2.4GHz wireless connectivity only). It comes with a 10mm detachable microphone with a pop filter that does a great job muffling unwanted noise.
Who should buy the HyperX Cloud III Wireless?
The Cloud III Wireless is best suited for gamers who want a strictly wireless headset. Thanks to its long battery life, it’s an especially good option for gamers that like to get their gaming fix on the go — so players of handhelds will really dig it.
Read our full
HyperX Cloud III Wireless review
How I test gaming headsets
Because no two gaming headsets are the same, I put each product through a thorough testing protocol. I analyze everything from how comfortable and durable they are, to how they perform in games and the software support they get via their manufacturer’s apps. Here’s a list of the main categories I look at:
Design and comfort
You’ll spend an awful lot of time wearing a gaming headset, so it’s vital that it feels comfortable. Here I look at design features that either add or subtract from your overall comfort experience—features like a headset’s shape and weight, how well it fits on your head, and the amount of padding in the earcups. But design also plays a big role in a headset’s functionality, so I also look at how adjustable the band is, and how accessible the controls are.
Audio quality
There’s no point owning a headset with comfortable leatherette earcups if it can’t muster a decent sound. That said, I do a lot of listening to get an overall impression of a headset’s audio quality. I take notes on the clarity of the sound, how well the headset produces pitch, and in the case of wireless headsets, how much signal interference there is. My listening is guided by what I know about the headset’s hardware or software. For example, if a headset has Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), I’ll investigate how well the headset can isolate sound and block out noise. I also test the microphone, listening for muffled sounds, static, robotic noises, and any echoes—all signs there could be a problem.
Software support
With audio technologies getting ever more complex, gamers have more tools at their disposal than ever via headset apps. Technologies like Hi-Res audio, Spatial Surround Sound, and Parametric EQ all spring to mind, which is why I look closely at the kind of software support on offer.
FAQ
1.
Should I get a wired or wireless gaming headset, or one with both connectivity types?
Historically, gamers have mostly chosen wired headsets over wireless ones. That’s because, until recently, wired headsets were considered much better at delivering fast and secure audio signals than wireless headsets. Nowadays, thanks to the adoption of faster 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band technology, wireless headsets can also transmit audio signals very quickly and with minimal interference.
Consequently, if you’re a casual gamer and not too fussy about the very miniscule risk of your audio dropping out, a wireless headset should be completely fine for your gaming needs, the main advantage being you’ll get tons of extra mobility while still being able to listen to your game’s audio—something you don’t get when you’re tethered by wires.
Admittedly though, if you’re a serious gamer or esports player, you may still want to avoid that small chance your wireless signal will suffer some degree of loss or interference—even if that’s less likely than ever. If the stakes are high, a wired set will provide a little more surety that you won’t miss any crucial game moments, which could make all the difference in a closely contested match.
If you can’t decide, there are headsets now like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless that provide both wireless and wired functionality in one easy unit and can switch between these modes in less than a minute. These headsets can cost significantly more, so be willing to pay for the privilege.
2.
What else should I know about gaming headset connectivity?
Another thing to consider is which devices you might want to connect to, since wired and wireless headsets have different compatibilities. For example, most wired headsets connect to your computer via a USB-C connection, but unlike many wireless units, some also have 3.5 mm audio jacks, so they tend to be compatible with a broader number of devices—like smartphones, gaming consoles, and tablets.
Wireless devices on the other hand, connect to your device via a USB-C dongle or Bluetooth connection, which does narrow the number of devices you can use them with to either those that are Bluetooth compatible, or that come with USB-C ports.
3.
Why is comfort so important in a gaming headset?
While you can possibly do without fancy styling, you should never buy a headset that’s going to cause you discomfort. That’s because even a small amount of force or abrasion from wearing your headset can be extremely unpleasant and result in neck pain, a rash, cranial pressure or worse.
A huge consideration here is how your headset fits on your head and ears. Granted, you won’t always have the opportunity to try them on, it pays to look closely at PCWorld product reviews where our reviewers have done the wearing for you and have summarized how they feel, even after extended periods of time with them on.
You should also pay close attention to product descriptions for the features that indicate that a manufacturer has made comfort a priority. Things you’ll want to tick off your check list are:
a) The headset has a flexible band to minimize pressure and that the band is height adjustable to fit your ears.There is sufficient padding on the earcups and the material is hypoallergenic so it won’t cause skin irritation.
b) The earcups are easily rotatable—since this will ensure they move with your head as it moves.If possible, you should avoid headsets that are excessively heavy, or tightly fitting, since the added weight and clamp force will undoubtedly cause problems. When it comes to comfort, the more premium headsets tend to do better, so again it can be a matter of paying more to get more.
4.
What kind of build quality and styling should I look for in a gaming headset?
Although wear and tear is an inevitable result of using a gaming headset, some will stand up to the rigors of gaming better than others simply because they’re made from tougher stuff. Ideally, you’ll want a gaming headset that has a metal frame and headband for durability, since plastic ones break quite easily. Metal bands also look more premium, so it’s a win-win.
Cushioning for the headband and earcups can be made from leather, velour, pleather, or foam. Leather and pleather (fake leather) look and feel luxurious. They also tend to be the most resistant to wear, but these materials aren’t very breathable and can cause sweaty ears during long gaming sessions. Foam is the opposite in that it’ll keep your ears cool, but disintegrate quicker. Sitting between the two, velour keeps your ears relatively cool but tends to be fairly resistant to wear and tear.
That’s more of a general rule than an absolute. If you do prefer a material other than velour you can buy anti-sweat or abrasion-resistant covers for your headset’s earcups, which will help them last a little longer.If your headphones do succumb to wear and tear, some manufacturers offer the option of purchasing and swapping out damaged parts. Replacing your earcups can refresh your headset’s look and feel. But having a headset with replaceable cabling can actually save you from having to buy a whole new set if the cabling wears right through.
5.
Is noise isolation important in a gaming headset?
How well your gaming headset isolates noise makes a big difference to its sound quality. This is especially the case when you’re playing first-person shooters (FPS), where external noise can make it more difficult to locate the direction of sounds, like the footsteps of approaching enemies. In marketing materials, manufacturers will often use terms like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and passive noise isolation, but these terms mean quite different things. Here’s a quick definition of each:
a) Passive noise isolation: How well a headset can block out external noise just by forming a physical noise-blocking barrier over your ears.
b) Active Noise Cancellation: A technology incorporated into your gaming headset that actively blocks or filters out ambient noise so the sound you hear is the clearest it can be.
If possible, you’ll want a headset that sports both passive noise isolation as well as ANC, since these noise-blocking measures both have benefits. Passive noise isolation tends to be better at blocking out higher-pitched sounds, whereas ANC is more effective at blocking out lower-pitched sounds—like background noise and the sound of traffic. How well ANC and passive noise isolation work can vary greatly among headsets, so it’s worth doing your research to find a headset that makes the cut.
6.
Why is surround sound important for a gaming headset?
Of all the technologies that come packed into gaming headsets, this one provides arguably the best tactical advantage for gamers. Headsets with surround sound utilize spatial audio technologies like Dolby Atmos to create a 360-degree soundscape. Multiple speakers deliver the sound at different positions in each earcup, telling your brain its precise location in your games.
If you play FPS games like Overwatch, Fortnite, or any of the Call of Duty or Battlefield games, this can have real-time benefits, like being able to hear players sneak up on you from behind, or pinpointing the direction of grenades rolling towards you, so that you can react accordingly. It’s the kind of technology that takes a bit of getting used to, but when you do, it can be a real game changer.
Headsets with surround sound technologies tend to be expensive, so if they’re out of your price range don’t worry too much. Most headsets also come with decent stereo, which will still do a good job relaying the general direction of sounds.
7.
What kind of microphone is best for a gaming headset?
Most games use either in-game chat or external chat apps like Discord, so a decent microphone is a must-have. Mics in gaming headsets tend to come in two flavors: hyper-cardioid, that pick up the sound directly in front of them, or omnidirectional, that pick up sound from different directions.
If you plan on using your headset just for gaming, a cardioid mic should do the trick, since you can use it to chat to folks in your game and then move it away from your mouth to chat to others in the same room. If however, you plan on also using your headset for, say, work meetings as well as gaming, an omnidirectional microphone will better pick up the sound of both you and your colleagues talking. Additionally, if you plan on using your set as a pair of headphones, you’ll need to make sure your headset’s mic is detachable.
The sound clarity and ease-of-use of your microphone is also important. We suggest looking out for features like noise cancellation and sound dampening for a better-quality sound experience. For convenience, an automatic mute button is useful when you want to quickly block out any sound from your end.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 5 Jun (PC World)4K resolution is now within reach of everyday PC users, promising a massive improvement to image quality, with four times the pixels of a 1080p display. A 4K monitor is useful not only in games and movies but also when editing documents or browsing web pages. The extra pixels make text look clear and crisp.
After extensive testing, I’ve determined that the recommendations listed below are the best 4K monitors available today, covering a variety of budgets and use cases. If you’re looking for additional options, see our roundups of the best monitors overall, the best gaming monitors, and the best monitor deals.
Also, make sure you optimize the ergonomics and comfort while viewing that new 4K monitor with a proper monitor arm for your desktop setup. Check out our roundup of best monitor arms to see our top picks.
Dell U3223QE – Best 4K monitor
Pros
IPS Black panel fulfills its promise
Accurate color with wide gamut
High brightness in SDR
USB-C hub with 90 watts of power
Cons
Edges of display are noticeably bright
HDR performance disappoints
Only a 60Hz panel
Best Prices Today:
$631.13 at Amazon
The Dell U3223QE, which also tops our list of the best monitors overall, is an excellent 4K monitor for professionals and everyday users who want excellent image quality.
Technology is what sets this monitor apart. It has a new IPS Black panel that offers roughly twice the contrast of computer monitors with older IPS panels. This provides a richer image with a better sense of depth and darker black levels in dark scenes. The U3223QE also has a high maximum brightness and excellent color performance with high color accuracy. Images are vibrant and true to life.
Yet there’s more to the Dell U3223QE than image quality. It’s also a versatile USB-C hub monitor with up to 90 watts of Power Delivery. The built-in hub has multiple USB-A ports, Ethernet, and even DisplayPort out.
This is a 32-inch 4K monitor, which may be too large for some desks. Dell also has a 27-inch model, the U2723QE, which offers 4K resolution and the same IPS Black panel. We haven’t reviewed that model but expect it will deliver similar performance.
Read our full
Dell U3223QE review
Asus ProArt PA279CV – Best budget 4K monitor for creatives
Pros
Accurate image
High maximum brightness
Menu settings allow calibration
Has USB-C with 65 watts Power Delivery
Competitive price
Cons
Unimpressive design
Luminance uniformity could be better
HDR is bright but otherwise falls short
Best Prices Today:
$415.99 at Adorama$449.99 at Best Buy
Want a great 4K monitor, but need to spend less than $500? The Asus ProArt PA279CV is an excellent choice.
The ProArt PA279CV is a 27-inch 4K monitor that targets entry-level professional use. It has excellent color accuracy, high maximum brightness, and a good contrast ratio for an IPS monitor.
This monitor also throws in USB-C connectivity. It’s not a great USB-C hub, as it has only a couple USB-A ports, but it offers 65 watts of Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop or tablet.
Asus throws in adaptive sync support compatible with AMD and Nvidia video cards. This prevents screen tearing and provides smooth motion in 3D games. The monitor has a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz.
The ProArt PA279CV carries an MSRP of about $500, but that price can swing significantly lower when retailers run a sale. We recommend waiting for a discount if possible.
Read our full
Asus ProArt PA279CV review
Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX – Best budget 4K gaming monitor
Pros
4K resolution
Good gaming performance
Tons of ergonomic adjustment options
Inexpensive
Cons
A relatively low 60Hz refresh rate
Best Prices Today:
$299.99 at Amazon
For gamers who enjoy stunning graphic detail and slower paced games the focus shouldn’t be on refresh rate, but image quality and high resolution. The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q gives you both. It is a 28-inch 4K display with a refresh rate of 60Hz and adaptive sync making it compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync. It’s also modestly priced at only $400 which is a bargain for a 4K display.
The refresh rate is quite low for something branded as “gaming”, but if you aren’t planning to play quick e-sports or shooter games, then you won’t have to worry about it. It provides you with outstanding image quality and a vivid color range that more than makes up for the middling refresh rate.
The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q delivers on that in most aspects for gamers. But in the end, it’s all about getting a budget friendly 4K display and in that aspect this monitor delivers exceptional value.
Read our full
Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q review
Alienware AW3225QF – Best 4K gaming monitor
Pros
Excellent color performance and contrast
Good overall HDR performance
240Hz refresh rate with great motion clarity
Big price drop from prior 4K OLED monitors
Cons
Stand is too large
Curved panel is an acquired taste
HDR brightness is still just okay
Best Prices Today:
$1199.99 at Dell
The Alienware AW3225QF sets a new benchmark for 4K gaming monitors. It delivers a new 4K QD-OLED panel from Samsung that delivers crystal-clear visuals at a buttery-smooth 240Hz refresh rate, a new high mark for a 4K OLED displays. And it manages to do all of this at a price that undercuts earlier 4K OLED displays, which typically retailed for $2,000 to $3,000 (or more).
Despite that, the AW3225QF looks just as stunning as its more expensive predecessors. It achieves vibrant color with an infinite contrast ratio, and kicking the resolution up to 4K reduces the sharpness problems that plagued many OLED gaming monitors in 2023. The AW3225QF also performs well in HDR games. It can’t sustain the extreme brightness of an OLED monitor but handles small, bright objects well and delivers excellent detail in both bright and dark scenes.
Alienware’s design is both stylish and sophisticated with an attractive white-and-black color scheme. However, the monitor comes with a massive stand that’s a poor fit for smaller desks. A VESA mount is provided for use with a third-party monitor arm or stand.
The AW3225QF’s connectivity options complement its high resolution. It has one DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports, all of which support the monitor’s 4K resolution at its peak refresh rate. One of the HDMI ports also provides eARC support, which is handy for connecting to home theater devices. In fact, this may prove a popular use for the AW3225QF. Its connectivity makes it a reasonable alternative to a small 4K TV, so the monitor’s appeal extends beyond PC gaming. Console gamers who need a small display should also give it a look.
Read our full
Alienware AW3225QF review
Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED – Best portable 4K monitor
Pros
Excellent image quality
Useful built-in kickstand
Attractive and sturdy design
Extensive image-quality options
Cons
Flimsy bundled keyboard cover
Some on-screen menu options are confusing
Power adapter could be smaller
Best Prices Today:
$499.99 at Amazon$499.99 at Viewsonic
Viewsonic’s VX1655-4K-OLED is our top choice for creators seeking top-notch image quality in a portable display.
This 16-inch OLED monitor delivers class-leading sharpness with 275 pixels per inch (a 27-inch 4K monitor, for comparison, has 163 pixels per inch). It also delivers vivid, accurate colors and deep contrast that make it perfect for both entertainment and creative work. The monitor’s HDR performance also far surpasses other portable monitors, so it’s a good choice if you want to sit back and watch a movie after a busy day.
Unlike most portable monitors, the VX1655-4K-OLED has a built-in kickstand that flips out from the rear of the display. The kickstand is more stable and easier to use than the detachable, folding stands that inexpensive portable monitors rely on. Connectivity is solid, as well, with dual USB-C inputs and one mini-HDMI.
The monitor has a few minor flaws. The bundled display cover feels somewhat flimsy, the on-screen menu system can be tricky to navigate, and the relatively large power adapter is more cumbersome than it needs to be.
Yet it’s clear the portable monitor’s perks far outweigh its problems. While shoppers can find cheaper alternatives, the VX1655-4K-OLED stands out for its ability to deliver a professional-grade visual experience on the go.
Read our full
Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED review
Samsung M8 Smart Monitor – Best 4K monitor for entertainment
Pros
Has Samsung’s Tizen OS with smart TV features
Remote, webcam, and speakers included
Excellent SDR image quality
HDR quality is good for the price
Cons
Limited connectivity
Annoying to set up and access some features
No adaptive sync or enhanced refresh rate
Narrow viewing angle
Best Prices Today:
$673.52 at Amazon$699.99 at Samsung
A 32-inch 4K monitor is great for everyday PC tasks like web browsing and document editing, but it can be more than that. Monitors in this category are an ideal substitute for a television in a small mixed-used space like a studio apartment, rented room, or dormitory.
Samsung’s M8 Smart Monitor leans into this by fusing the features of a Smart TV with a traditional 32-inch 4K monitor. The monitor comes with a remote and runs Samsung’s Tizen operating system. You can access streaming content, like Netflix or Hulu, directly from the monitor.
Yet this is still a great PC monitor. A connected PC or other external device can be used by flipping the input source, as you would on a television. Image quality is solid with excellent sharpness, top-tier contrast, high brightness, and attractive color performance.
The monitor also comes in a variety of attractive stand and bezel color options, with a detachable webcam, and has a USB-C port with up to 65 watts of Power Delivery. It supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5, too.
Read our full
Samsung M8 Smart Monitor review
BenQ SW272U – Best 4K monitor for photographers
Pros
Incredible sharpness from its paper-like display
Wide color gamut and high color accuracy
Excellent ergonomic stand
Extensive image quality controls accessible through bundled remote
Cons
Disappointing contrast ratio
Modest connectivity for the price
Very expensive for its feature set
Best Prices Today:
$1,495.68 at Amazon
The BenQ SW272U is an excellent 4K monitor for photographers and publishers who prioritize sharpness and accuracy. This 27-inch monitor has a “fine-coated panel” that delivers a simulated paper-like texture and boasts a resolution of 3840×2160 at 60Hz. It also provides a robust, industrial design with ergonomic stand that offers a wide range of adjustment and a glare-reducing hood designed to reduce ambient light.
Connectivity includes standard ports like HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, with the notable addition of an SD card reader, which photographers are sure to like. However, it misses some advanced features like Thunderbolt. The monitor offers an exceptional menu system, accessible through a joystick or a wireless remote, with extensive customization for color gamut, color temperature, and gamma. That’s another key feature for photographers, as it helps users precisely calibrate the monitor’s image based on their needs.
The SW272U also has excellent image quality which, of course, is key for its target market. Its color gamut coverage and color accuracy are defeated only by a few of the best OLED and QD-OLED monitors. The monitor’s sharpness also stands out, offering a high pixel density that, in combination with the fine-coated panel, mimics the quality of printed material. The monitor’s contrast ratio is limited, which proves a downside for entertainment, but it’s less of a concern for its target audience.
There’s only one real issue, and that’s the price. BenQ asks almost $1,500 for the SW272U, and that’s a lot even for a 27-inch 4K monitor. If you’re a photographer hoping to see what your photos might look like in print, though, it’s worth the premium.
Read our full
BenQ SW272U review
Dell G3223Q – Best 4K 144Hz monitor
Pros
Bright, sharp SDR image
Good color gamut and accuracy
Solid build quality and ergonomic stand
Great motion clarity at 120Hz or 144Hz
Cons
Disappointing HDR performance
Odd menu choices for creators
Modest USB connectivity
Best Prices Today:
$593.37 at Amazon$599.99 at Dell
Want a 4K monitor with a high refresh rate for smooth gaming? The Dell G3223Q is an excellent option.
The G3223Q is a 32-inch, 4K monitor with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (Nvidia G-Sync also works, unofficially). You can play games at high refresh rates with no screen tearing and smooth frame pacing.
You’ll find two HDMI 2.1 ports on the rear. They’re great for connecting a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X game console, since you can play at each console’s maximum resolution and refresh rate. There’s also a DisplayPort input for connecting your PC.
None of this would matter if the G3223Q’s image quality wasn’t excellent—but it is. The monitor has great color performance, high brightness, good contrast, and a razor-sharp image thanks to its 4K resolution.
It’s a good value, too. The G3223Q is towards the low end of pricing for a 32-inch, 4K 144Hz monitor but doesn’t sacrifice features or build quality to achieve it.
Read our full
Dell G3223Q review
Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX – Best 4K HDR monitor
Pros
Excellent gaming performance
4K resolution
Dimmable mini-LED backlight
Ergonomic adjustment options
Cons
High power consumption
Extremely expensive
Best Prices Today:
$1,892.85 at Amazon
Want the last word in high-resolution, high-definition gaming and entertainment? You need a fantastic HDR monitor like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX.
This monitor has a Mini-LED backlight with 1,152 independent backlight zones. The backlight greatly improves the monitor’s contrast ratio and achieves eye-searing levels of brightness in small areas of the display. The monitor’s maximum sustained brightness is exceptionally high, as well.
As a result, the PG32UQX delivers excellent detail in bright areas of the screen while maintaining good contrast and black levels in darker scenes. It also has exceptional color, which further contributes to a great HDR experience. Overall HDR performance rivals the best HDTVs and blows away most HDR monitors.
This is also a 4K 144Hz monitor with support for Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate. HDMI 2.1 is missing, but Xbox Series X|S consoles can achieve 4K 120Hz over HDMI 2.0 through a chroma subsampling mode.
The only problem? You can expect to pay up to $3,000 for this monitor. Viewsonic’s XG321UG is a less expensive alternative that performs similarly, though it lacks 4K 120Hz support on Xbox Series X|S.
Read our full
Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX review
Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC – Best 4K monitor for professionals
Pros
The best SDR image quality yet
Good HDR performance
Long list of image quality features
Exceptionally sturdy
Numerous inputs, plus USB hub
Cons
HDR brightness could be better
Glare can be an issue in bright rooms
Only 60Hz, no adaptive sync
Best Prices Today:
$3499 at Asus
Most professional monitors support 4K resolution, but the Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC stands above the pack.
The secret is in the OLED panel. OLED looks fantastic, of course, with excellent contrast, a wide color gamut, and superb color accuracy. What sets the PA32DC apart from less expensive OLED monitors, though, is its use of a conventional RGB subpixel layout. This delivers the best clarity on modern PCs and prevents the color fringing issues that can appear on competitors that use QD-OLED display panels.
Asus provides a long list of image quality presets and options. The monitor has built-in modes for sRGB, DCI-P3, Rec. 709, and AdobeRGB, among others. It also includes multiple, accurate color temperature and gamma modes. A built-in colorimeter can be used to precisely calibrate color accuracy.
The monitor is built for use in a variety of professional settings. It’s a rugged, beefy display with thick bezels and a built-in carrying handle to help with transportation. A standard VESA desk stand is available for use in an office or at home, and the monitor has built-in legs for easy setup at a mobile studio or jobsite.
Priced at $3,000, the PA32DC may seem expensive, but it undercuts competitors like the LG UltraFine 32EP950, Apple Pro Display XDR, and Asus’ older ProArt OLED displays. This is a top-notch professional monitor suited to a wide range of content creation, and those who need excellent color performance will find that it’s well worth the price.
Read our full
Asus ProArt OLED PA32DC review
What to look for in a 4K monitor
4K monitors are more expensive than other monitors, so they pack numerous features and a quality display panel. A typical 4K monitor will have features that are optional on a 1080p monitor. Still, there are a few details you should know before buying a 4K monitor.
USB-C
USB-C is an excellent choice for connecting a 4K monitor to a modern laptop with USB-C or Thunderbolt. USB-C can bundle Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which means the monitor can charge a connected device while it outputs video to the monitor. Some monitors, like the Dell U3223QE, are USB-C hubs that expand connectivity for the connected device.
Refresh rate
Most 4K monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate. Those that go beyond 60Hz may only support an enhanced refresh rate over a specific port, so be sure to check the specifications. A monitor will need to support HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 to handle 4K at up to 144Hz.
HDR
Many 4K monitors support HDR, but most offer lackluster HDR performance. HDR will function, and may look better than SDR, but won’t approach the quality of a good HDTV. If you want quality HDR, look for a minimum of VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification (or VESA DisplayHDR True Black). See our article on everything you need to know about HDR on your PC to learn more.
How we test 4K monitors
We test 4K monitors with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool. It provides objective measurements for contrast, brightness, black levels, color gamut, color accuracy, and gamma, among other metrics. These objective results can be compared with other monitors to see how each performs against the competition.
These objective image results are supplemented with our subjective evaluation of a monitor. We evaluate out-of-box image quality, sampling all types of content from gaming to movies. We look at the feature set. We closely consider details like a monitor’s on-screen menu, ergonomic stand (or lack thereof), and overall build quality.
FAQ
1.
Does a 4K monitor need HDMI 2.1?
HDMI 2.1 is only important if you want to connect a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X game console at 4K resolution and play titles with 120Hz support. These consoles only support HDMI output, so an HDMI connection is your only option.
Most desktop PCs and laptops also have a DisplayPort output. This is preferable to HDMI 2.1 because it supports higher resolutions and refresh rates, so HDMI 2.1 is not necessary to connect a PC.
2.
Can my PC handle a 4K monitor?
Support for 4K video output went mainstream around 2015. If you have a computer newer than 2015, odds are high that it supports 4K. Most PCs sold prior to 2015 will not support 4K.
Want to be sure? Our guide to checking what graphics card you have will help identify your PC’s graphics hardware. You can then reference its official specifications to find its maximum supported resolution.
Gamers be warned: 4K resolution is demanding in 3D games, so you may struggle to see smooth gameplay unless you have the latest graphics hardware. You’ll need at least an Nvidia RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 to play the latest titles at 4K and 60 frames per second.
3.
Is text too small on a 4K monitor?
Early adopters of 4K monitors often struggled to read small text. That’s because many older applications were programmed such that interface elements have a defined, concrete size in pixels. The higher a display’s resolution, the smaller the interface appears.
Thankfully, this problem is mostly solved. Windows and MacOS have excellent text scaling options and most software developers have updated their applications to properly support 4K displays. It’s still a problem with very old apps that were never updated but, in general, it’s rare to see tiny, unreadable text on a 4K monitor.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 5 Jun (PC World)Super-fast 480Hz gaming monitors have been more the domain of hyper twitchy esports players than casual gamers or streamers up until now, but that’s quickly changing thanks to an influx of luscious, lightning-fast OLED displays this year.
CES 2024 was proof of that with 480Hz OLED displays from both Asus and LG; now Acer joins the super-quick monitor club unveiling a new 480Hz gaming monitor of its own — and at a more affordable starting price of $1199.99 than some rivals, I might add.
Acer’s newest speed demon, the Predator X27U F3, fronts up with a 26.5-inch, 2560 x 1440p resolution that should render graphics in games like Cyberpunk 2077 crisp enough for me to see those blurry details I can never quite make out in 1080p.
Acer also promises the kind of drool-worthy OLED specs that usually leave me staring gaga at my screen. They include DCI-P3 color of 99 percent and a high contrast ratio of 1,500,000:1. A peak brightness of 1300 nits in HDR mode means explosions and stars should be searingly bright against the inky backdrop of space.
I’ve been promised zero screen-tearing in high refresh rate monitors before, but this one might actually deliver thanks to its blisteringly quick 0.01ms response time and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync technologies.
Further reading: The best gaming monitors we’ve tested
For connectivity, the X27U F3 sports 2 x HDMI 2.1 ports and a DisplayPort 1.4, among its other I/O options. The monitor’s audio will be delivered by 2 x 5W stereo speakers. It supports both PC and console play and has a nifty tripod mount socket on its monitor stand that should appeal to streamers with webcams.
This Predator display makes up a team of three new OLEDs announced by Acer that also includes a 31.5-inch 240Hz option with 4K resolution and a 34-inch 240Hz curved offering with UWQHD resolution.All three monitors will ship in Q3 2024.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 5 Jun (PC World)This year’s Computex might have you dreaming big of AI and high-end CPUs, but there are a ton of great new gadget and peripheral announcements hidden under all of it as well. One of the coolest is the Asus ROG Delta II gaming headset.
A new gaming headset iteration might not seem that exciting, especially since it sports a similar design to other ROG Delta headsets. But don’t let the exterior fool you — this bad boy will offer up some remarkable tech.
The most notable is Asus’ DualFlow Audio feature which allows you to listen to two different audio sources at the same time via 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth, or toggle between them. So now you can easily take that mobile call from your parents during the heat of battle without ruining your precious KDA score in Call of Duty. It even has two sets of volume wheels, one on either side, so you can separately control the volume for each audio feed.
The 315 gram headset also comes with a modular-esque design that allows you to swap out ear cushions (both fabric and leatherette cushions are included) and comes with a detachable 10 mm microphone.
Asus claims the Delta II will last up to a whopping 110 hours (with the RGB turned off) which, if true, will be considerably longer than their previous models. And it also promises a mere 40 ms of latency for Bluetooth, which would give it one of the lowest latencies of any gaming headset.
The Delta II should also provide incredible audio quality thanks to its 50 mm titanium-plated diaphragm drivers. It seems impressive, but we’ll just have to wait and see if they sound as incredible as Asus alleges.
The Asus ROG Delta II is confirmed to be available beginning in Q3 2024, when it will try to crack our guide to the best gaming headsets.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 4 Jun (PC World)Today at Computex, MSI announced a slew of new AI-ready gaming and content creation laptops. They’re powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra (codenamed “Lunar Lake”) and AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors, which are more power efficient, resulting in laptops with better battery life and thinner builds. When it comes to the war on chips, the NPUs (aka neural processing units) inside Qualcomm’s new Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors have been taking the news circuit by storm, as it can deliver 45 TOPS of AI computing power. That’s impressive, but MSI’s new AI laptops, which contain both AMD and Intel processors, offer more than 100 combined TOPS of power. Pop off, sis.
Speaking of NPUs and AI features, Microsoft has been pushing its Copilot+ PCs with gusto and for good reason, too. These laptops use the NPU to bring you seamless AI experiences. Heck, they even work offline! Microsoft’s Recall feature, for example, takes snapshots of whatever you’re doing on your PC, which a locally run AI can use to answer practical, personal questions like “What is that movie Katherine from work recommended last week?” and bring you back to the item in question.
I could go on and on about AI, but I’m going to stop it right there. Let’s see what MSI’s bringing to the table this year.
Further reading: Best gaming laptops 2024: What to look for and highest-rated models
Laptops, laptops, and more laptops!
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AMD offerings
AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 Series processors have new architecture, which is called XDNA 2. According to MSI, this new architecture delivers up to “three times the performance compared to previous products.” You can run generative AI or large language models directly on the laptops.
MSI Stealth A16 AI+
The MSI Stealth A16 AI+ gaming laptop is packing a lot of power in a relatively lightweight package. It features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU (top-tier configuration), an RGB backlit keyboard with a Copilot key, a massive 99.9 watt-hour battery, and a decent array of port selections. Connectivity options include one audio combo jack, two USB 3.2 Type-A, one USB-C, one RJ45, one HDMI, and one Kensington lock. Plus, thanks to the magnesium alloy chassis, it weighs just 4.62 pounds, which is lighter than most gaming laptops. For context, most gaming laptops tip the scales at six pounds or more.
MSI Summit A16 AI+
The MSI Summit A16 AI+ laptop is both versatile and powerful, and seems like it could be a fine choice for content creators. You can flip the screen around and use it like a tablet or prop it up like a tent for watching YouTube or sharing information with others. Inside you’ll find an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, AMD Radeon graphics, 32GB of RAM (maximum), and 1TB of SSD storage. The 16-inch 1600p display is also touch-enabled and has a 165Hz refresh rate, which should result in smooth-looking visuals.
MSI Prestige A16 AI
The MSI Prestige A16 AI laptop is near identical to the MSI Summit A16 AI+ as far as hardware goes. You’re getting an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, 32GB of RAM (maximum), AMD Radeon graphics, and 2TB of SSD storage (maximum). However, the Prestige is a little lighter at 4.18 pounds. Other features include a white backlit keyboard with a Copilot key, an 82 watt-hour battery, and a physical webcam shutter.
Intel offerings
The latest Intel Core Ultra processor (codenamed “Lunar Lake”) is capable of generating “more than 100 TOPS of AI performance,” according to MSI. When it’s paired with a laptop that has Nvidia graphics, it’s capable of offering up to 542 TOPS, apparently!
MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo
The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo has the smallest display of the Prestige models, but it’s also the lightest at 2.20 pounds. You can easily toss this laptop in a bag and take it anywhere with you. Shoulder ache? Who is she? It also has an Intel Ultra Core processor, a 13.3-inch 2880×1800 OLED display, and a 75 watt-hour battery. Other neat features include Wi-Fi 7, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a white backlit keyboard with a Copilot key.
MSI Prestige 14 AI+ Evo
The MSI Prestige 14 AI+ Evo is rocking an Intel Core Ultra processor, 32GB of RAM (maximum), and a 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED display. The taller 16:10 aspect ratio makes it easier to scroll through longer web pages, too. Similar to the other versions of the Prestige, this model also comes with a white backlit keyboard as well as Wi-FI 7 and a physical privacy shutter for the webcam.
MSI Prestige 16 AI+ Evo
The MSI Prestige 16 AI+ Evo is a powerful, lightweight laptop with a big screen. It comes with an Intel Core Ultra processor, 32GB of RAM (maximum), and a 16-inch OLED display with 100 percent DCI-P3 support, which creators will especially appreciate. It also has Wi-Fi 7, a colossal 99.9 watt-hour battery, and a white backlit keyboard with the aforementioned Copilot key and 1.7mm of travel. It only weighs just 3.30 pounds, which is surprising given the giant battery and the 16-inch display.
MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo
The MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo is a powerful convertible laptop. It’s powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor and it has up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. That’s plenty of power for office work, editing photos, everyday activities, and so much more. The 13.3-inch display is lovely, too. It has an aspect ratio of 16:10 and it covers 100 percent sRGB, which means you can expect to see a pretty colorful picture.
Special edition laptops
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MSI also announced three special edition laptops, which is good news if you like luxury cars and the Capcom game Monster Hunter. It’s not my cup of tea, but the Monster Hunter edition of the MSI Crosshair 16 HX does look pretty rad with its dragon carving on the lid. Read on to learn more details.
MSI Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport
The MSI Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport (say that five times fast) is equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, up to 96GB (!!!) of RAM, a giant 99.9 watt-hour battery, and Wi-Fi 7. The design is kind of comical, too. The power button is meant to look like the ignition button in a car. Is it cool? I guess, if you’re into that sort of thing.
MSI Stealth 18 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport
The MSI Stealth 18 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport is the bigger sibling of the 16-inch model. You’ll find, again, the latest Intel Core Ultra processor as well as an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU. This machine will basically chew through anything you toss at it. The 18-inch display has a 3840×2400 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, so game play should look fluid.
MSI Crosshair 16 HX (Monster Hunter edition)
The MSI Crosshair 16 HX sports an Intel Core i7 14700HX CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. In other words, this laptop should have no problem whizzing through most modern games. The 16-inch 1600p display also has an ultra-fast refresh rate of 240Hz–ideal for those who play first-person-shooters or faster-paced titles in which every second counts.
Price and availability
Intel
MSI Summit E13 AI Evo: $1,299
MSI Summit E13 AI Evo: $1,499
MSI Prestige 13 AI Evo: $1,399
MSI Prestige 13 AI Evo: $1,199
AMD
MSI Stealth A16 AI+ (RTX 4070, GDDR6 8GB): $1,999
MSI Summit A16 AI+ (AMD Radeon Graphics): $1,699
MSI Prestige A16 AI+ (AMD Radeon Graphics): $1,599
No word yet on the pricing and availability of the special edition laptops, but when I get that information, I’ll be sure to update this article accordingly. MSI also didn’t confirm the availability of the laptops, so I reached out to a representative and hope to hear back soon.
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