How do you make a portable SSD a "gaming" drive? Just add RGB lighting, of course! Today, Lexar launches a new solid state drive that it claims is designed for gaming. Is that just marketing? Yes and no. Called "SL660 BLAZE," the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 SSD features RGB lighting and comes with a really cool stand to prop it up. While the drive itself has a USB-C connector, it comes with both a USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cable in the box.

Besides the RGB lighting gimmick (which is very cool), the SL660 BLAZE actually can benefit gamers that need to store games on both PC and console. The drive offers respectable read speeds of up to 2,000MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,900MB/s. Of course, the drive can be used by anyone that wants a fast and attractive SSD -- it isn't just limited to gaming.

Continue reading →

Actively-cooled computer memory is nothing new. For many years, companies have offered add-on fans that clip onto your RAM sticks in an effort to reduce heat. Some computer-makers even sell machines with these fans installed from the factory.

Today, however, GeIL takes actively-cooled RAM to a whole new level. You see, its new "EVO V DDR5 RGB Hardcore Gaming Memory" (yes, that is the full product name) comes with little fans built into the heat spreaders! Apparently, these fans are powered by the RAM slot and no additional power source is needed. How friggin' sweet is that? And yes, as the product name implies, this RAM offers customizable RGB lighting too.

Continue reading →

I recently read a thorough review and watched a playthrough of Chipotle’s new Roblox metaverse game. I use the word "game" here extremely loosely, even though I have the widest palate for games you can imagine. I've played everything from Gameboy to NES, mobile free-to-play to PC, and my newest obsession: the PS5. Though Chipotle’s new Burrito Builder has all the trappings of a mobile game, it has the potential to be much more.

For those who missed it, the new Chipotle game allows players to take on the thrilling challenge of making burritos for digital customers. That’s right -- you get to be an employee at Chipotle in the metaverse, and they’re calling it a game. If making burritos isn’t that fun for you, you can take on the side quest to deliver them as well.

Continue reading →

Today we get some very exciting news for the Linux gaming community. And yes, smart aleck, people do play video games on Linux these days. What is the big news? Canonical has released an early-access snap version of Steam for Ubuntu and other compatible Linux-based operating systems!

What exactly does this mean? Well, Canonical is aiming to make it even easier to get Steam up-and-running on Linux. Gamers will be able to install Valve's software from the snap store for a more elegant experience.

Continue reading →

Over the years, Microsoft has found a variety of ways to bombard its customers with ads. As well as using Windows 11 to promote its own Edge web browser, the company has also used the Start menu to "recommend" apps to people.

And now it seems as though Xbox gamers are next. A new report says that Microsoft is working on a program that will display third-party ads in Xbox games. So, what is going on, and is it as bad as it sounds?

Continue reading →

If you are an experienced desktop-computer-builder, you know the brands you choose for components can really matter. For instance, if you opt for an unknown company for your RAM, power supply, or storage, there is a very good chance you will run into problems. This is why I always recommend sticking with reputable brands -- saving a few bucks is never worth it if you end up troubleshooting crashes.

PNY is a company that has been around for quite a while, and its products are typically very reliable. Today, PNY launches new memory under its popular "XLR8" gaming brand. Called "REV RGB," these sticks feature customizable lighting and quality memory modules. PNY promises the RAM is capable of "aggressive overclocking" too.

Continue reading →

From time to time, a manufacturer will release a memory card that it claims is designed for gaming. Consumers often wonder if there is anything special about these cards that will truly benefit gamers. The answer is largely... no. Sorry, folks, but a storage card that is designed for gaming is usually just marketing hype.

With all of that said, today, PNY launches a microSD card under its XLR8 gaming brand. You know what? Thanks to the card's impressive specifications, gamers will actually want to check it out. While it is primarily intended to be used with the Nintendo Switch, it will absolutely be a smart choice for the new Valve Steam Deck and Android devices too. The card will, of course, work with any device that uses such a card, including the Raspberry Pi, drones, digital cameras, and more.

Continue reading →

Back in November 2020, Logitech shocked the gaming community with the G PRO X SUPERLIGHT wireless mouse. What made this pointing device so special? Well, as the name suggests, it is incredibly light. You see, this gaming mouse weighs less than 63 grams -- very impressive.

And now, there is a new variant of the Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT wireless gaming mouse. No, the specifications are not any different. Actually, the only difference is a new color. Just in time for Valentine's Day, a pink/magenta version of the mouse is here for the gamer-girl (wife or girlfriend) in your life. Of course, men are welcome to use the pink mouse too.

Continue reading →

Should all PC gamers own a mechanical keyboard? No, not all of them. If they take their video games seriously, however, and they are focused on winning their competitive matches, such a keyboard can be a wise investment. These days, a quality mechanical offering can be had for under a hundred dollars, making it a no-brainer.

Today, Logitech announces its latest mechanical keyboard. Called "G413 SE," it will be offered in two variants -- a standard model with a number pad, and a tenkeyless (TKL) version without one. What I really love about this keyboard -- besides its affordable pricing -- is its subtle design. There is no wacky RGB lighting, instead using classy white backlighting. There are no gimmicks or nonsense either -- just a quality keyboard from a well-respected manufacturer.

Continue reading →

Microsoft today announced plans to acquire game developer giant Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. It is a move designed to expand the company's gaming business across PC, console, mobile and the cloud, as well as to give it a solid start in the metaverse.

This deal will make Microsoft the third largest gaming company (by revenue), behind Tencent and Sony.

Continue reading →

When somebody mentions LG, you immediately think of PC gaming, right? Yeah, neither do I. To be honest, despite offering general-use laptops, I most associate the company with appliances and televisions. Apparently, the company wants to expand beyond thin and light "regular" laptops to hardcore gaming notebooks with its all new UltraGear brand. While the name "UltraGear" sounds a bit generic and uninspired, I suppose it does get the point across.

The first UltraGear gaming laptop will be model 17G90Q. This portable beast features a 17.3-inch display with an insane 300Hz refresh. It is powered by a cutting-edge 11th Gen Intel Tiger Lake H processor and hardcore NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Max-Q GPU. It even has premium features like Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, and an RGB backlit gaming keyboard.

Continue reading →

When you are a computer-builder, there are peaks and valleys when it comes to excitement about PC components. What do I mean by this? Well, sometimes you are building machines with cutting edge parts as an early adopter, while other times you are using ho-hum components that have been around a while. For instance, we have been using DDR4 memory for about seven years now... yawn!

Thankfully, the age of DDR5 is finally here. After dealing with DDR4 for so many years now, we will soon see PCs with DDR5 memory inside. One of the companies leading this industry shift is PATRIOT, and today that company unveils its impressive VIPER VENOM DDR5 RAM. 

Continue reading →

Like moths to a flame, hackers always go where the action is. As the COVID-19 pandemic drove work away from the office, businesses have faced one cyberattack after another on their remote work infrastructure. Meanwhile, a boom in virtual entertainment has brought a surge of players to the gaming industry -- and with them, a rise in DDoS attack activity.

Cybercrime rings are launching triple extortion campaigns combining DDoS attacks with ransomware, and data theft, while ordinary gamers can rent a botnet easily and affordably to cheat or disrupt competition with a DDoS attack of their own. The highly popular Titanfall 2 game has already been rendered virtually unplayable -- perhaps by as few as one or two individual players -- and seemingly abandoned by its publisher, which is now focusing on defending a newer title from similar attacks.

Continue reading →

If you want to be a world-famous YouTube creator, Twitch streamer, or podcaster, you must have a great personality. With so many people creating content, you should have a way to stand out from the crowd too. For most creators, it will never become more than a hobby -- earning a living from these platforms is highly unlikely.

With all of that said, you should also buy good hardware. For instance, if I discover an interesting streamer on Twitch, I won't bother subscribing if it is difficult to hear them speak -- a good microphone is absolutely essential. Thankfully, quality gear doesn't have to break the bank. For instance, today, Turtle Beach unveils the latest mic from its Neat Microphones subsidiary. Called "Bumblebee II," it is an affordable USB-C mic that comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable in the box.

Continue reading →

Do you hear that horrible sound? That's the combined screams and howls of countless Linux gaming nerds learning the devastating news -- the release of the Steam Deck video game console has been pushed to next year. In other words, anyone hoping to get the console under the Christmas tree this year will be left disappointed.

If you aren't familiar, the Steam Deck is a portable PC/gaming console hybrid that runs the Arch Linux-based "SteamOS" operating system which uses KDE Plasma. Similar to a Nintendo Switch Lite in design (but much bigger, heavier, and more powerful) it lets you play PC games in the palm of your hand. You can check out the specifications here.

Continue reading →