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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 11 Jun (PC World)The arrival of 2.4GHz wireless technology has revolutionized wireless gaming headsets. Now they are more reliable than ever before and some can even rival their wired counterparts when it comes to connection latency and sound quality.
There are myriad different styles, designs, and hardware inclusions — it’s enough to make your head spin. So, to simplify things, I’ve done the hard part for you by getting hands-on and putting each device through its paces. The list below only includes those that have excelled in my extensive testing. The best gaming headsets strike a balance between performance, usability, and extras, placing them in a league above the rest.
Why you should trust me: I’m not just a tech expert, I’m also a gaming enthusiast. I’m always on the hunt for better gear to make my own experience better.
I know what gamers want. Yes, I’m looking for technologies like spatial audio and Active Noise Cancellation in my gaming headsets, too. If a product makes the cut, I want to spread the word. If it doesn’t, I think it’s my obligation to let you know. I love to play, and I want you to have the best gaming experience as well.
For a rundown on how I test wireless gaming headsets and for buying advice, you can read my article “How we test gaming headsets at PCWorld.“
Updated May 29 2024: I’ve added the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 recommendation to this list: This headset sounds great in games and has a long battery life of up to 80 hours. It also has a lot of controls, some of which are remappable so that you can personalize your gaming audio exactly as you wish. Learn more in the summaries below.
Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless – Best wireless gaming headset
Pros
The styling is very appealing
The 40mm drivers produce a very natural sound
The cans are very soft and comfortable
Cons
Some of the 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
Right out of the box, this headset looks fantastic, with fashionable Astro logos on both left and right earcups and very plush leatherette coverings over cushy memory foam, which feels very soft against your ears. As if that wasn’t enough, you can also swap out the magnetic speaker tags on the outside for pre-made designs of your own choosing, to further personalize your look.
The Astro A30 also has a refined and natural sound profile, thanks to very finely tuned 40mm audio drivers. But where this headset truly shines is in the connectivity department; it features low-latency 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, as well as wired connectivity, so it can connect to just about anything, including a PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, and Mac. You can also mix and balance your different audio sources so you never have to miss a thing while playing.
Who should buy the Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless
Gamers who want to personalize their headset’s look, but also want decent audio, great connectivity, and excellent cross-compatibility. It’s also a great option if you like the convenience of listening to multiple audio sources as you play.
Read our full
Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless review
Logitech Astro A50 – 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:
$222.80 at Amazon299.99 at Astro
Why I like the Astro A50
Although it doesn’t come cheap, the Logitech Astro A50 packs in more gamer convenience than most similarly priced gaming headsets. In our PCWorld hands-on review we considered the A50’s onboard controls, which include an easy-to-locate volume wheel and a chat/game channel mixer, to be best in class. The mixer allows you to easily switch between your game audio and chat programs in an instant.
As well as a refined audio profile, the A50 features a sleek and convenient charging cradle that displays your chosen EQ profile and your selected audio mode — Dolby or stereo. The headset uses the current best-standard 2.4GHz band Wi-Fi signal for the most reliable wireless connectivity. It’s also comfortable and durable.
Who should buy the Astro A50
Serious gamers who like to tinker with EQ settings, mix audio sources, and like the convenience of being able to know what profile they’re using at the drop of a hat. It’s also a fine option for gamers who want charging to be as effortless as possible between games.
Read our full
Logitech G Astro A50 (2019) review
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 – Best wireless gaming headset under $100
Pros
Clear refined audio profile
Great control selection that you can personalize further
Attractive and comfortable design
Cons
PC and PlayStation versions lack Xbox compatibility
No USB-A to USB-C adapter
Slightly heavier than the previous generation
Best Prices Today:
$99 at Amazon
Why I like the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
To me, the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 feels like the first of a new wave of wireless headsets that offer more value for your money. For starters it sounds better and its battery life of up to 80 hours is a lot longer than the previous generation Turtle Beach Stealth 600 headset (Gen 2).
The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 also has excellent cross-platform compatibility. For example, my Xbox model easily connected to my Xbox X/S, PC, cellphone, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5. It also featured Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so that I could switch audio sources on a dime.
The headset also had a lot of convenient controls on its left earcup. Some of these, like the power and Bluetooth pairing buttons, featured multiple functions, so I always had deep gamer functionality at my fingertips. A remappable chat / mixer wheel and Mode button, allowed me to have my most used controls on hand whenever I needed them.
Who should buy the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3
Casual gamers who want an all-around great gaming headset with decent audio and a long battery life should go for this headset. It’ll also suit players that like to have control of those critical audio changes they make in their headset’s companion app. Lastly, the Stealth 600 Gen 3’s price tag of just $99.99 also makes it a great option for gamers on a budget.
Another good option for gamers on a budget is the HyperX Cloud Core Wireless. This gaming headset costs just $99.99 but features a solid aluminum frame, clear audio, a detachable boom microphone and spatial audio courtesy of DTS Headphone:X.
Read our full
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 review
Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed – Best midrange 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:
$129.99 at Amazon$129.99 at Razer
Why I like the Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed
The Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed is an esports worthy headset that costs a lot less than the premium headsets that esports players usually go for. The standout is the headset’s microphone, which is near broadcast quality. The V2 Hyperspeed is also very lightweight — it weighs less than 10 ounces, so you can wear it for marathon gaming sessions and not feel like you need to take it off.
In regard to sound, the V2 Hyperspeed sports large 50mm audio drivers that produce audio across a frequency range of 12Hz to 28KHz. It has a low bass so sounds like explosions are particularly noteworthy in games.
Who should buy the Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed
If you’re aspiring to start competing in esports competitions and don’t have a huge budget to drop on a $300 headset, then the Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed is just the ticket. Its excellent microphone quality also makes it a great option for players wanting to record in-game videos.
Read our full
Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed review
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X – Best midrange wireless gaming headset runner-up
Pros
Great sound quality, especially in the mids
A lot of metal makes it very solid and robust
A very comfortable design
Cons
Passive noise cancellation isn`t great
It`s more expensive than some rivals
The mushroom shaped dongle can be finnicky
Best Prices Today:
$159.99 at Amazon$159.99 at Best Buy$179.99 at SteelSeries
Why I like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X may not be as flashy as it’s pricier sibling the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, but it easily caters to all your gaming needs, offering great sound quality, a robust metal frame, and simultaneous 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity that lets you stream music from your smartphone while missing absolutely none of your game’s audio.
What’s more, when it comes to comfort the 7X actually outdoes the Nova Pro — its soft mesh ear coverings just don’t get sweaty like the Nova Pro’s leatherette ones do in hot weather. On top of that, the Arctis Nova 7X has excellent cross-platform compatibility. In fact, in our playtesting we had no trouble connecting it up to just about anything with a USB-C port.
Another worthy contender in the midrange wireless category is the Logitech G935. This headset gets a lot right, featuring quality audio with a rich bass presence, a clear-sounding microphone, and an onboard dongle storage compartment.
Who should buy the Arctis Nova 7X
Gamers who want a jack-of-all-trades headset with easy-on-the-ears clamp pressure and comfortable earcups that also won’t cost the kitchen sink.
Read our full
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X 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
In our testing of the Cloud III Wireless, we found it produced a deep bass and clear treble signature that allows you to pick up even the slightest audio nuances in games. The sound is delivered via a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal that enables a delay-free transmission. Although it doesn’t feature Bluetooth connectivity, it does have other convenient features. For example, the Cloud III Wireless’s microphone is detachable, so you can wear it like a pair of headphones when on the go.
The Cloud III Wireless’s design resembles most other HyperX Cloud core headsets, in that it features black and red styling and plush faux-leather earcup coverings over a soft memory foam that molds to the contours of your head. The HyperX Cloud III Wireless has a very decent battery life — HyperX claims it can provide 150 hours at 50 percent volume, which means you don’t have to constantly recharge between games.
Who should buy the HyperX Cloud III Wireless
The HyperX Cloud III Wireless doesn’t have Bluetooth so it’s best suited to dedicated PC gamers. Its excellent battery life will especially suit gamers that don’t like having to frequently charge their headset.
Read our full
HyperX Cloud III 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:
$299 at Amazon
Why I like the Audeze Maxwell Wireless
The Audeze Maxwell Wireless produces the kind of audiophile-grade sound you’d expect from a high-end studio headset, yet it’s expertly tailored for gamers. Its sound quality comes courtesy of 90mm planar magnetic drivers, which are a change from the 40mm or 50mm neodymium drivers we see in most gaming headsets. The Maxwell Wireless is a very versatile device, it sports all three connectivity types: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity via its USB cord. It also has solid cross-compatibility — our Xbox version worked with PC, Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Android and iOS devices.
Large, round-shaped cups, instead of oval or square cups, ensure the Maxwell Wireless fits even the largest of ears. Their distinctive shape also gives this headset a unique look. The cups are also very comfortable — they feature a luxurious leatherette material over soft memory-foam cushioning. The headband and yokes are both made from metal, and that does make the Maxwell Wireless quite heavy. Still, you can quite easily wear them for three hours straight and not feel any discomfort.
Who should buy the Audeze Maxwell Wireless
Anyone who wants the very best sound quality you can possibly get in a gaming headset. If your game has a rich and detailed soundscape, this headset will convey it better than any headset you can currently buy.
Read our full
Audeze Maxwell Wireless review
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – Best audio quality runner-up
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:
$292.50 at Amazon$349.99 at Best Buy
Why I like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro features just about everything you could possibly want in a wireless gaming headset, including excellent sound quality, style, comfort, and a durable metal headband. With support for 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless, as well as wired connectivity, the Arctis Nova Pro is easily compatible with your PC, laptop, or Xbox device. It also comes with a GameDAC base controller that lets you switch between your PC and Xbox One or Xbox X/S at the press of a button.
The headset incorporates technologies that elevate your listening experience, including Active Noise Cancellation, 360 Degree Spatial Audio, and Pro Grade Parametric EQ. All this functionality will set you back $349.99, which admittedly isn’t cheap. But for a headset that sounds this impressive and can actually make you a better gamer, that could be a price worth paying.
Who should buy the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
This headset is in many ways superior to most gaming headsets on the market. I’d recommend it to serious gamers who want Hi-Res audio and spatial sound in their games. If you like experimenting with EQ settings to create audio profiles, this headset is also ideal for that.
Read our full
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro – Best for FPS games
Pros
Punchy audio that`s ideal 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:
$226 at Amazon
Why I like the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro
These cans look like, and can just as easily pass as, a premium pair of headphones. The cross-platform compatibility is extremely, good too — the Xbox version connects to everything except PlayStation, while the PlayStation version connects to everything except Xbox.
The Stealth Pro packs in a lot of premium functionality, from plush leatherette earpads to dual wireless connectivity (2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) and Active Noise Cancellation, you have lots of tools at your fingertips to elevate your gaming experience. The audio drivers are also especially tuned for FPS games.
Who should buy the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro
Anyone who owns a bunch of gaming devices and wants to use just one premium headset across all of them. Also, since the Stealth Pro’s audio drivers are particularly well-tuned for FPS games, if that’s your jam, then this headset is ideal.
Read our full
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review
Asus 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:
$159.99 at Amazon
Why I like the ROG S Wireless
The Asus ROG S Wireless doesn’t boast deep gamer functionality, like simultaneous Bluetooth or a game chat mixer wheel, but what it does have is about as good as it gets for casual gaming. With Bluetooth as well as 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity, it connects easily to PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The headset is one of the most comfortable you will find since it comes with two sets of interchangeable earpads in the box — a plush 100 percent protein leather pair and a cooler hybrid mesh pair. The earcups swivel and tilt giving your head and neck plenty of space to move. The headset is also very robust, featuring a strong metal headband and yokes.
On the sound front, the ROG Delta S Wireless’s 50mm neodymium drivers are extremely loud. They produce a clear sound across the audio spectrum. Slightly less impressive is the headset’s beamforming microphone, which is located inside the headset rather than externally like a boom-style microphone. Its downside is that it can occasionally pick up background noise, which is really the only thing we would have changed about this headset.
Who should buy the ROG S Wireless
Casual gamers — i.e. gamers who value comfort and sound quality and who want the convenience of a headset that they can simply plug in and start playing with.
Read our full
Asus ROG Delta S Wireless 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 connectivity for listening to multiple audio sources at once
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
It’s unusual for a premium gaming headset to show off lightweight plastic cups instead of metal ones, and mesh fabric material over the earcups instead of plush leatherette ones, but that’s what makes the Corsair HS80 Max so comfortable. Weighing in at just 12.4 ounces, and with breathable mesh fabric that keeps sweat from building up on your ears, you can wear this headset all day long and not experience any discomfort.
But comfort aside, the Corsair HS80 Max is clearly a premium gaming headset — the audio sounds neutral and warm and Dolby Atmos surround sound support gives you excellent directionality in games. The headset throws in a few sweeteners on top of its excellent audio, including a flip-to-mute mic and RGB lighting zones on each ear. While this headset allows you to connect to Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signals at the same time, true simultaneous audio isn’t possible. Still, a simple Bluetooth control allows you to switch between audio sources at will.
Who should buy the Corsair HS80 Max
Players who especially want a lightweight headset with mesh earcups but don’t want to lose the kind of premium audio fidelity and functionality they’d normally have to forgo to get those features.
Read our full
Corsair HS80 Max review
EPOS H3PRO Hybrid – Best microphone
Pros
Produces clear and distortion-free sound
The 7.1 surround sound works well and elevates your gaming experience
It feels comfortable even on hot days
Cons
The earcups are all plastic unlike some rival gaming headsets
The bass can seem subtle at times
Best Prices Today:
$98.99 at Best Buy$137.90 at Amazon
Why I like the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid
The “Hybrid” in the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid’s name hints at its dual connectivity — it features both wired and wireless options, which means it can hook up to just about all your devices, be it your PC, Mac, console, or smartphone. For wireless connectivity, the H3PRO Hybrid supports low-latency Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 5.2, or you can use both of these options at the same time to voice-chat or listen to music while simultaneously hearing your game’s audio.
The H3PRO Hybrid’s audio is very refined. In our play test it delivered crisp and clear-sounding high and mid tones and balanced bass tones. We were similarly impressed by the headset’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that does a respectable job blocking out ambient noise. Additionally, our testing found that the H3PRO Hybrid’s microphones were some of the best we’ve heard in a wireless gaming headset, faithfully reproducing voices as they sounded. The detachable boom mic is also very easy to remove and replace via its simple magnetic attachment point.
Who should buy the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid
Gamers wanting to sound better in voice chats should consider this headset, which not only has a clear and refined sounding microphone, but also gamer-centric features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and dual wireless functionality with simultaneous audio.
Read our full
EPOS H3PRO Hybrid 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:
$238.42 at Amazon$249.99 at Razer
Why I like the Razer Barracuda Pro
Gamers wanting a full surround sound experience — either for the strategic advantage that brings, or just for thrills, should dig this headset that features arguably the best spatial audio we’ve heard. The pro-grade Razer Barracuda Pro supports THX Spatial Audio that delivers excellent sound directionality in games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Battlefield I. Razer’s Synapse app also lets you personalize the spatial audio by tweaking the audio’s directionality and creating profiles for specific games and media.
The Barracuda Pro is a little different from other gaming headsets in that it doesn’t have a dedicated boom microphone, relying instead on innocuous slots to pick up the sound of your voice for chats. The advantage of that is that it can pass off as a convincing headphone at any time, making it a highly versatile device.
Who should buy the Razer Barracuda Pro
Players of FPS games are particularly going to love how the Razer Barracuda Pro will give them a jump on opponents. The headset’s THX spatial audio support brings a dimensionality to sound that I barely thought possible.
Read our full
Razer Barracuda Pro review
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) – Best wireless headset for esports
Pros
Comfortable
Long battery life
Pre-loaded EQ profiles
Great microphone
Cons
No notches on the volume wheel
Aggressive battery saving
Best Prices Today:
$199.99 at Amazon
Why I like the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro
Although it shares the same name as its 2020 predecessor, the 2023 Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is a far more impressive headset, adding Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, an improved HyperClear Wideband microphone, and on-headset pro-tuned FPS profiles to an already impressive list of legacy features. The battery life has also been ramped up to 70 hours, which simply means you can spend more time exactly where you should be — in your game.
The headset currently sets you back just $200, which all things considered, seems exceptional value considering its potential to be a really great e-sports set; features like its 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, comfortable cloth earcup coverings, and THX Spatial Audio, are just the kinds of extras pro gamers really want. However, the BlackShark V2 Pro has no Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to block out unwanted sound, which means it’s better used in a quiet room rather than on a noisy bus. But then again, who plays Fortnite esports matches on a noisy bus ride home anyhow?
Who should buy the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro
Esports players or casual gamers who want a reliable and comfortable headset with great connectivity, but that don’t necessarily need Active Noise Cancellation.
Read our full
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) headset review
Roccat Syn Max Air – Best RGB wireless headset
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:
$112 at Amazon$249.99 at Roccat
Why I like the Roccat Syn Max Air
The Roccat Syn Max Air is just an all-around great headset for gamers, with quality audio, a comfortable fit, and lots of gamer attitude. In our playtesting we found its 50mm Nanoclear drivers sounded really balanced through the midrange frequencies, making it ideal for esports games like Fortnite and Counterstrike: Global Offensive. Its versatility is another big strength — it has dual wireless connectivity so it can hook up to just about any device you need it to.
Using the simultaneous Bluetooth functionality is a must do with this headset, too. In just a few seconds you can add a second audio source from your Bluetooth-compatible device, allowing you to either enjoy music or take calls while missing absolutely none of your gaming audio.
Who should buy the Roccat Syn Max Air
Anyone who wants a headset that rocks a deep gamer aesthetic with futuristic styling and RGB lighting. The excellent audio, dual wireless connectivity, and comfort is an added bonus on top of that.
Read our full
Roccat Syn Max Air review
How we test wireless gaming headsets
To find the best of the best, we put every wireless gaming headset through a legion of tests. We examine everything from design and styling to the integrity of their Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth signals. Since these headsets are tailor-made for gaming, we spend many hours trying them out in games, listening closely to their sound quality, and testing extra features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or spatial audio technologies. Our testing criteria mainly falls under these categories:
Design and ergonomics
When it comes to gaming headsets, design is crucial for your overall comfort. It’s also crucial for maximizing your gaming experience. To that end we consider factors like the overall shape and fit of the headband and earcups, their clamping force, and crucially what they’re made of—which affects how they feel. We also examine things like whether they have boom microphones, if the microphones are detachable, and whether there’s onboard storage for the dongle.
Connectivity
Wireless gaming headsets transmit sound to and from your PC via a wireless signal. However, the way they do this can vary. Key connectivity considerations are whether the headset connects via a Wi-Fi or a Bluetooth signal or provides a choice of both of these options. We also look at the Wi-Fi band the headset uses, all the while mindful that the 2.4GHz band is the current best-in-class standard for a low-latency connection.
Audio quality
This will make or break your gaming experience, and while there are lots of factors that determine audio quality, it can quite simply be determined by listening closely to the fidelity of the sound and the tonal range available. We also listen keenly for any audio distortion, such as rattling or hissing sounds that can be red flags for sound quality.
How to choose a wireless gaming headset
1.
Are wireless headsets okay for gaming?
Wireless gaming headsets have become so advanced that the latency most gamers used to experience is no longer that much of an issue. That being the case, the latency of the audio signal even in the fastest wireless headsets with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi can still be somewhat higher than in wired headsets (100 to 200 milliseconds compared to just 3 to 7 milliseconds).
2.
Do pro gamers use wired or wireless headsets?
Most competitive gamers will still prefer to use a wired headset over a wireless one to reduce audio latency and signal interference. Chances are though, if you’re not playing competitively and have relatively low game pings, you won’t notice any delay in your audio.
Wireless gaming headsets also bestow a number of advantages over wired only headsets. For example, you can enjoy your game’s audio while roaming away from your device, are freed from the clutter of cords, and in some headsets, you can even enjoy the benefits of multiple audio sources at the same time.
3.
Should I choose a set with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth or both?
A low-latency connection can make a world of difference, allowing you to hear the best-quality sound while also minimizing the likelihood of signal dropout or interference. As a general rule the lowest-latency wireless connection you can get these days comes courtesy of a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. A Wi-Fi connection will also give you the best wireless range, allowing you to wander anywhere up to 20 feet away from your device without losing your audio. However, to take advantage of Wi-Fi you’ll need to plug a dongle into your devices.
Some headsets also offer Bluetooth connectivity, which still does a decent job transmitting your audio signal but somewhat lowers the fidelity of the sound quality. Another downside is it can also suffer latency issues. And, while it’s granted that most gamers wouldn’t choose Bluetooth over Wi-Fi for these reasons, one benefit of Bluetooth is that if you plan on using your gaming headset with multiple devices, it allows you to conveniently and quickly switch between them without needing a dongle.
4.
Why is checking compatibility important?
It pays to research which of your devices work with a new gaming headset since compatibility can vary widely. By that I mean checking to see if it works with any consoles you might have, such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 or 5, or XBox X/S, and your smartphone. Doing so can save you the cost and inconvenience of having to purchase multiple headsets.
You’ll also want to check that the headset’s software-dependent features like 3D spatial audio are supported by not only the devices, but also the games you want to use it with, since that is not a given and you may be sorely disappointed if you can’t take advantage of the full breadth of your headset’s capabilities.
5.
What design traits are the most comfortable?
Beyond just being pleasant to wear, comfortable headsets help prevent pain and injury to your ears and head. What constitutes a comfortable headset can come down to personal preference, but as a general rule, these points will help guide you in choosing one that’ll keep you feeling snug.
Lightweight design: Lighter headsets are generally more comfy over prolonged periods, and can prevent you feeling too much pressure on the top of your head. Designs that incorporate plastic tend to be lighter than those that have more metal in them.
Soft materials and padding: The padding and coverings in headsets can be made from a broad spectrum of materials including PVC, rubber, memory foam, artificial leather, and plastic. Ideally the padding in the earcups should gently melt into the sides of your head with minimal force, while the earcup coverings should feel smooth rather than coarse. Many manufacturers opt for a combination of memory foam padding with leatherette coverings that we think gives you the most luxurious and comfortable feeling you can get these days.
Extendable and flexible headband: A headband that extends vertically to cover your ears will prevent soreness in the parts of your ears not cupped, while one that is flexible and opens easily will reduce unwanted clamp force hurting your ears and sides of your head.
Rotating earcups: These allow your head a degree of horizontal movement (left and right) without the headset’s earcups pulling your ears in the other direction.
6.
What makes a headset durable?
As is the case with most other tech devices, wireless gaming headsets that eschew plastic for metal in their designs are a lot tougher and tend to last longer than those that don’t. That’s especially important for the arc of the headband which will quite often snap in two when made entirely from plastic.
When it comes to the durability of earcups, genuine leather tends to reign supreme over other materials, being a little more resistant to wear and tear than leatherette, plastic, or polyester cloth. On the flipside, leather tends not to circulate as much air to your ears and thus can make you sweat more, so any durability concerns you have will need to be weighed up against your personal comfort needs.
7.
Should I opt for a headset with spatial audio or not?
Most wireless gaming headsets will offer stereo sound from both earcups, but an increasing number now offer 3D spatial audio. This feature mimics the kind of sound experience you’d expect to get from having multiple speakers, thereby delivering sound through a 360-degree sound-scape in your headset.
Headsets like the Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, and HyperX Cloud Core Wireless, all offer their own spatial audio technologies, so the chances are good that a new-to-market mid-range or premium headset will support this technology.
While there are some differences between the spatial audio technologies used by different headsets, on the whole most work reasonably well, allowing you to clearly hear the directionality of sounds in games. Suffice to say, if you’re a competitive gamer this feature can give you a big advantage over your competitors, allowing you to better pinpoint sounds like your opponents’ foot-falls, explosions, or enemy fire a little easier than you otherwise would.
8.
How do I get the best noise isolation?
Noise isolation refers to how well your headset can isolate the sound coming from your own gaming headset while simultaneously blocking out any external sound from outside. Apart from just being plain annoying, sound leaking into your headset can be a strategic disadvantage in tightly contested games, especially in shooters like Overwatch or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive that rely on directional audio prompts.
At the very least, you will want to ensure your gaming headset has decent passive noise isolation, which is a measure of how well its overall physical design is effective at stopping external sound entering your ears. However, if only the strongest noise-blocking power will do, look for a headset with Active Noise Cancellation. This technology actively detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and then generates a mirror anti-noise to cancel it out.
9.
What are the key considerations about the microphone?
From a design perspective a good microphone should be either detachable or fold back into the headset’s body to be virtually undetectable when you’re not using it. This allows you to more discreetly use your wireless gaming headset as a pair of headphones when you’re not gaming, making it a little more versatile than a purely wired set.
Although you’ll mainly be using your headset’s microphone for casual voice chats in gaming sessions, you’ll also want to check that it has noise-cancelling technology and that the sound it picks up is clear and free of distortion—after all, your gaming friends won’t want to listen to your voice for very long if it’s muffled or full of static.
10.
Why do some gamers wear two headsets at once?
Just a cheer, boo, or drop of a bottle cap in the crowd at an esports event can put a pro gamer off their game and in the worst-case scenario that could cost them the tournament. To avoid that happening, pro gamers wear two headphones: an inner pair that outputs the game audio and another that covers the outside of their ears and blocks ambient noise.
Additionally, many tournament rules make wearing two headsets at once compulsory to avoid players obtaining any kind of information advantage from the crowd—basically this is considered cheating.
11.
What wireless headsets work with consoles?
Sony and Microsoft both make top-quality wireless headsets for their respective devices, but there are also a range of wireless headsets from other companies, like SteelSeries, Logitech G, and Razer that will work just as well with consoles like the PS4, PS5, Xbox X/S. Again, the most important thing you need to look out for when choosing a wireless headset is that it has compatibility with the console you need it for.
If you intend on using your wireless headset with an Xbox console, it will have to support Xbox Wireless, which is Microsoft’s certified wireless technology that allows you to connect without a dongle. Sony’s PS4 and PS5 consoles, on the other hand, don’t have any such certified wireless technology, which means you can simply connect using your wireless headset’s supplied dongle. However, if you own a PS5 you’ll also want to check that your wireless headset supports Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio, which is the proprietary technology that provides spatial audio support on this device.
Nintendo’s Switch console is one of the easiest consoles to connect with; in most cases you can simply plug the headset’s wireless dongle in directly or else pair the headset’s Bluetooth to the device and away you go!
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 11 Jun (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsHandsome, IP65-rated design (dust-proof, water-resistant)Good 20Gbps performanceNice flat Type-C USB ribbon cableConsUSB port plug tether is difficult to reinsert.Our VerdictThe PNY RP60 might just be the best looking and best weatherized USB SSD we’ve tested. Performance is great in the grand scheme, but middle of the pack for 20Gbps
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My first impression of the PNY RP60 and its unusual ribbon-like Type-C cable was… Wow, nice looking drive! Fortunately, my hands-on testing showed that there’s more to this book than its cover, making me feel just a tad less shallow. A tad…
Further reading: See our roundup of the best external drives
What are the PNY RP60s features?
The PNY RP60 is a USB 3.2×2, 20Gbps SSD that’s weatherized to the tune of an IP65 rating — i.e., it’s dust-proof and can keep out jets or sprays of water, rain. etc.
Measuring approximately 3.9-inches long, by 2.35-inches wide, by 0.4-inches thick, the RP60 weighs in at roughly 2 ounces. That’s very light given the size.
As I more than hinted at in the opening paragraph, I consider the PNY RP60 to be one of the better-looking external SSDs I’ve laid my hands on. It’s jacketed in black silicone with geometrically styled grooves, sports a bold white logo, and offers a large hole for a lanyard. That jacket makes for a very firm grip, not to mention a pleasant tactile sensation.
The Type-C port on one end of the RP60 is covered by a captive plug, which no doubt contributes to the IP65 rating. Given the plug, you might even get away with the 3-foot submersion that an IP67 rating would allow.
I did have an issue with the plug, however. The tether is so flexible that it’s very difficult to guide it back into its receptacle. I had to grab it at the base using a pair of needle nose pliers to accomplish the task. Tweezers would also do, and if you have longer fingernails, you might have an easier time. A tiny drop of lubricant also helped.
The PNY RP60’s captive plug keeps the Type-C port dry, but it’s difficult to re-insert due to the extremely flexible tether.
The PNY RP60’s captive plug keeps the Type-C port dry, but it’s difficult to re-insert due to the extremely flexible tether.
The PNY RP60’s captive plug keeps the Type-C port dry, but it’s difficult to re-insert due to the extremely flexible tether.
The downside to soft silicone is that it tends to collect micro-schmutz. So much so that I had to retouch these photos to make them palatable close up. From a distance, you likely won’t notice the harvested detritus.
PNY warranties the RP60 for three years, but didn’t provide us with the TBW rating that limits it — TBW is the terabytes that may be written before worn out cells can’t be replaced. Most TLC NAND SSDs these days are rated for around 600TBW per terabyte of capacity. As you’ll likely never touch that in a mere three years, don’t sweat it.
On the plastic tray in which the RP60 ships is a download code for Acronis True Image OEM, which you can grab when you register the drive at the company’s website. Admittedly, registration is a nuisance, but the software is a nice perk to facilitate backup chores.
How much does the PNY RP60 cost?
The PN60 is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, for $100 and $180, respectively. The drive just arrived on the market so you may find it lower than that in a wee bit.
How fast is the PNY RP60?
Pretty darn fast would be the answer to that question. In some tests, the 1TB version that PNY sent us gave the mighty Crucial X10 Pro, a 2TB SSD, a run for its money.
The RP60 gave the X10 Pro a run for its money in the CrystalDiskMark 8 sequential tests.
The RP60 gave the X10 Pro a run for its money in the CrystalDiskMark 8 sequential tests.
The RP60 gave the X10 Pro a run for its money in the CrystalDiskMark 8 sequential tests.
The PNY RP60 was a little behind the X10 Pro in the 4K tests, though it did manage to better the latter’s strange dip in the 32-queue read test.
The RP60 fell just a bit off the X10 Pro’s pace in CrystalDiskMark 8’s 4K tests, though the latter had an odd dip in the 32-queue read.
The RP60 fell just a bit off the X10 Pro’s pace in CrystalDiskMark 8’s 4K tests, though the latter had an odd dip in the 32-queue read.
The RP60 fell just a bit off the X10 Pro’s pace in CrystalDiskMark 8’s 4K tests, though the latter had an odd dip in the 32-queue read.
The RP60 fell well off, 45 seconds, the X10 Pro’s pace in the 48GB transfers. But so have most other external SSDs.
Our real-world transfers showed the RP60 more on par with the Adata 810 than the X10 Pro.
Our real-world transfers showed the RP60 more on par with the Adata 810 than the X10 Pro.
Our real-world transfers showed the RP60 more on par with the Adata 810 than the X10 Pro.
The RP60 lagged several minutes behind the X10 Pro in our 450GB write, but didn’t fall flat on its face as the Adata SD810 did. No doubt at least part of the difference was the RP60’s 1TB capacity while the Crucial X10 Pro was a 2TB drive. The latter simply had more NAND for caching.
In some tests, the 1TB RP60 gave the mighty Crucial X10 Pro, a 2TB SSD, a run for its money.
The RP60 fell between the Adata SD810 and the Crucial X10 Pro in our 450GB write. A decent time in the grand scheme.
The RP60 fell between the Adata SD810 and the Crucial X10 Pro in our 450GB write. A decent time in the grand scheme.
The RP60 fell between the Adata SD810 and the Crucial X10 Pro in our 450GB write. A decent time in the grand scheme.
Below you can see exactly where the RP60 ran out of juice (cache). The initial dip was to around 900MBps, then to 539MBps. Drops during this test are a common phenomenon and show why we recommend as much capacity as you can afford. Two times as much as you think you’ll need, in fact.
This shows the RP60 running out of cache, and dropping its write rate twice.
This shows the RP60 running out of cache, and dropping its write rate twice.
This shows the RP60 running out of cache, and dropping its write rate twice.
In total, the RP60 turned in an admirable performance. There’s no shame in losing to the number one SSD, though of course, you need to price compare when you go to purchase.
Should you buy the PNY RP60?
I like the size, I like the looks, I like the feel, and I like the weatherizing (other than the fiddling plug). The RP60’s also a good performer and probably even better in its 2TB iteration. Either way, nice job, PNY.
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.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | RadioNZ - 10 Jun (RadioNZ)![NZ Located](/pimages/nzsmall.gif) A round-up of results from weekend sports, including OFC Men`s Nations Cup fixtures, Super Rugby Pacific semifinals, Micronesian Games, T20 Cricket Read...Newslink ©2024 to RadioNZ | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | RadioNZ - 9 Jun (RadioNZ)![NZ Located](/pimages/nzsmall.gif) The festival - celebrated in China for more than 2000 years - is a mixture of two things NZers love: food and sports. Read...Newslink ©2024 to RadioNZ | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | Stuff.co.nz - 8 Jun (Stuff.co.nz)![NZ Located](/pimages/nzsmall.gif) South Canterbury’s redeveloped rugby and sports stadium, Fraser Park, is on track for a formal opening in July, subject to favourable weather. Read...Newslink ©2024 to Stuff.co.nz | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 8 Jun (PC World)If you’re going any fun adventures this summer, you’ll want to make sure you can record them in fantastic quality. What better way to capture those adventures than with the GoPro HERO10 Black? It’s down to $229 from $450, making for an impressive discount. This action camera is a fantastic purchase for adventure enthusiasts and extreme sports fans.
The HERO10 Black captures 23MP photos and 5.3K video resolution at 60fps. Did that blow your mind yet? Whether you’re mountain biking, surfing, or skydiving, this camera delivers incredibly sharp images and videos. Also, if you use the GoPro for dives, know that the lens has a water-shedding hydrophobic cover to reduce lens flare.
Under the hood, the HERO10 Black features a GP2 processor designed specifically to deliver snappy performance and responsive touch controls. While we didn’t review this GoPro HERO10 Black ourselves, the product has 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon out of over 950 reviews. Buyers appreciate the quality of the footage, the frame rate, the stabilization, and the camera’s size, just to name just a few things. Just remember to bring extra batteries with you, as they’ll quickly deplete with use.
Summer will be gone before you know it, so go ahead and spend $229 on a GoPro HERO10 Black while it’s on sale.
Get the GoPro of your dreams for $229 at Amazon
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 8 Jun (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsSmall 2242 form factor fits Lenovo Legion Go or Thinkpad perfectly without adapterGood performance Fits 2280 M.2 slots as well.ConsWon’t fit in 2230 M.2 slotsCurrently only available with 1TBOur VerdictThe Rocket Nano 2242 is tailor-made for Lenovo’s Legion Go and Thinkpads, eliminating the need for a 2230/2242 adapter. It’s also a good performer.
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While M.2 slots are universally 22mm wide, they can very in length. Most of the time, they’re either 80mm (your average desktop/laptop) or 30mm (Steam Deck and other gaming handhelds).
But there are devices, most notably the Lenovo Legion Go and Thinkpads, that measure 42mm from the contacts to the rear mounting screw. To secure a 2230 SSD in such a slot you’d need a slightly kludgy adapter. A more elegant solution is a real 2242 SSD like the Sabrent Rocket Nano 2242 reviewed here.
Further reading: See our roundup of the best SSDs to learn about competing products.
What are the Rocket Nano 2242’s features?
The copper and blue decorated Sabrent Nano 2242 is, again, designed specifically for devices such as Lenovo’s Legion Go and Thinkpads. It will, however, work perfectly well in other computing devices that sport a 2242 (22mm wide, 42mm long) M.2 slot. As discussed above, its raison d’etre is an adapter-free fit.
A single-sided, PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe SSD, the Rocket Nano 2242 is a DRAM-less design, using system memory (Host Memory Buffer/HMB) for primary caching duties. The NAND is 162-layer TLC (Triple-Level Cell/3-bit) and the controller is a PhisonE27T.
Sabrent’s Rocket Nano 2242 in front of it’s handsome copper-colored case.
Sabrent’s Rocket Nano 2242 in front of it’s handsome copper-colored case.
Sabrent’s Rocket Nano 2242 in front of it’s handsome copper-colored case.
The Rocket Nano 2242 is warrantied for five years (after registering) but Sabrent didn’t provide a TBW (terabytes that may be written) rating. The industry standard is around 600TBW per 1TB of capacity for TLC drives, so figure around that.
The odds of you writing that much in five years are slim to none. If you want TBW reassurance, look to Seagate, though that company doesn’t currently market a 2230 or 2242 SSD that we’re aware of.
Sabrent’s Rocket Nano 2242 is an elegant, fairly priced solution for upgrading storage in a device that sports a 2242 M.2 slot.
How much is the Rocket Nano 2242?
The Rocket Nano 2242 is currently available only in a 1TB capacity for $100. However, the company says that 2TB and 4TB terabyte capacities are coming soon.
The 2TB Sabrent Rocket 2230 is $220, so I’d guess close to that for the 2242 model, and around $450 for the 4TB, which will likely carry a slight you-want-more-capacity-you-pay-extra premium. I mean it when I say guess — don’t hold me to it.
How fast is the Rocket Nano 2242?
Though not the fastest small form-factor SSD (the other three in the charts are 2230), the Rocket Nano 2242 is certainly competitive. You can see that from the CrystalDiskMark 8 sequential tests below.
Note that both the WD SN770M and the Corsair MP600 Core Mini were 2TB units, while the Sabrent Rocket 2230 we tested was a 1TB SSD, like this Rocket Nano 2242.
The Sabrent Rocket Nano 2242 was also quick in CrystalDiskMark 8’s 4K small read/write tests.
Where the Sabrent Rocket Nano 2242 did fall off was in our real-world transfers, but only by a hair in the 48GB tests.
The gap expanded in the 450GB write, which is not on par with the other SSDs in the chart. The drive started off sprightly enough at 3GBps, but dropped about 12 percent into the write, to 1.25GB per second.
The Rocket Nano 2242 writes on cache at over 3GBps but drops to a hardly tragic 1.25GBps after about 45GB.
The Rocket Nano 2242 writes on cache at over 3GBps but drops to a hardly tragic 1.25GBps after about 45GB.
The Rocket Nano 2242 writes on cache at over 3GBps but drops to a hardly tragic 1.25GBps after about 45GB.
Again, the two non-Sabrent drives had the advantage of twice as much NAND to tap for secondary SLC caching — i.e., writing data first as on/off Single Cell Level.
Overall, while not the fastest small form-factor SSD I’ve tested, the Sabrent Rocket Nano 2242 is certainly close enough for rock ‘n’ roll. The 450GB write time will no doubt improve somewhat on the 2TB/4TB.
Should you buy the nano or 2242?
If you want to upgrade the storage in a device that sports a 2242 M.2 slot, then the Sabrent Rocket Nano 2242 is a very elegant solution. It’s a good performer, decently affordable, and I like the copper-hued styling.
How we test
Internal drive 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.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 7 Jun (PC World)Like rival case vendors, Fractal Design arrived at Computex 2024 with several notable products in tow, two of which should make small form factor fans happy. But fans of the Raspberry Pi—arguably the smallest form factor—only got a teaser of what could be, in the form of the ittiest, bittiest Fractal Design North.
Yes, that’s right: Fractal created a Raspberry Pi case in the style of its popular wood-trimmed North line for its tradeshow suite. This micro enclosure is a far cut above the more typical acrylic cases for the ultra-affordable single-board computer. While some are fun or cute (like the retro Nintendo console-themed ones), none look like they belong in a sleek home.
Currently, Fractal Design has no formal plans to produce a North Micro, though members of the press (not just me, ahem) already have begun encouraging the idea. If it’s a cost issue, let me be the first to say I’ve bought decor priced higher than what this RPi case probably would go for. (Maybe the same as the Raspberry Pi board itself, maybe even more.) This is about aesthetics, and trust me, the decorative pieces I own aren’t remotely as practical.
Speaking of elevating your living room vibe, Fractal Design’s actual case reveals hit extremely polished notes. The Fractal Mood sports a fabric layer over its metal mesh panels, allowing it to blend in with your speaker setup, while the Fractal Era 2 updates the original’s top panel to a slatted wood piece for better airflow. Neither would look out of place within a chic entertainment system. The Mood becomes available on June 18th for $150 in dark and light colorways, and the Era 2 will release in Q3 2024 for $200 in silver, charcoal gray, and midnight blue.Meanwhile, the unofficial Fractal North Micro has no release date—yet. But perhaps with enough positive feedback over X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, Fractal Design will make it available for purchase.
You know what to do.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 6 Jun (PC World)This year’s Computex was one of the most monumental in ages. Funnily enough, that made it feel both insanely packed and curiously quiet on the PC front.
Qualcomm’s imminent entry into the premium PC space with Snapdragon X Elite-powered Copilot+ laptops cast a shadow over Computex after being announced in late May, with a wide array of top PC makers already on board for a June 18 launch. AMD and Intel’s keynotes focused heavily on their AI-infused laptop chips in response – but those aren’t launching until July and this fall, respectively. So, we heard a lot about the chips underpinning the next generation of laptops, but little about the laptops they’ll actually be in, with a few exceptions.
On the desktop, Nvidia focused on AI (natch) but AMD rolled out its hotly anticipated Ryzen 9000 desktop processors, powered by a new Zen 5 architecture. And PC component and peripheral makers were out in full force, flexing their influence in the increasingly competitive world of computing.
We live in interesting times — but enough backdrop. Which reveals got us deeply, personally excited? This is the best hardware and software of Computex 2024. Giddy up.
The best PC hardware and software of Computex 2024
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry
Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry
Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry
AMD’s Ryzen 7 9700X might not look exciting at first blush, with no increase to core count and only a slight bump to the maximum boost clocks — especially when you compare it to AMD’s new Ryzen 9 9950X flagship. But when you look at the thermal draw (TDP) you realize the exciting part: It’s 65 watts compared to the 7700Xs’ 105 watts.
That’s a huge drop in power, which hints at the efficiency of AMD’s Zen 5 architecture, and means that you should be able to get 8 fast cores without needing to worry about massive cooling solutions. Even with this drop in power AMD says that the Ryzen 7 9700X will still see an IPC/performance uplift, with the ability to push the chip harder for those who have more robust cooling installed. Of course, we’ll have to see how these Ryzen 9000 CPUs perform in reviews, but I’m all for cooler, quieter, and less power hungry systems. -Adam Patrick Murray
Intel Lunar Lake
Intel needed to get a win at Computex, to stem the sudden threat of Qualcomm-powered Copilot+ PCs serving as the vanguard for the future of Windows. Chipzilla didn’t have any firm products to show off, much less many laptops powered by its next-gen CPUs, but the company’s exhaustive Lunar Lake processor architecture reveal bought it time.
Intel says Lunar Lake will not only offer 14 percent faster CPU performance than its predecessors, it’ll have up to 50 percent higher graphics performance and a whopping 60 percent battery life, as well as a Snapdragon-matching NPU for AI workloads. It’ll serve as the vanguard for Intel’s next-gen Xe2 “Battlemage” GPU architecture, while ruthlessly eliminating technological standbys like hyperthreading and replaceable memory helped Intel optimize for peak power efficiency. Intel and AMD need better battery life, fast, to compete with Qualcomm’s new notebooks – and Lunar Lake shows Intel plans on putting up a fierce fight. –Brad Chacos
Fractal Design’s tiny Raspberry Pi concept case
Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry
Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry
Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry
I need to be clear: This is not an official product that Fractal will be selling, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of it at the company’s suite — and I hope they release this in some form in the future.
This custom-made Raspberry Pi case that looks like a very tiny Fractal North was fabricated to help showcase Fractal Design’s new Scape headphones (which is a new category for the company, and a promising headphone in its own right). I’m a sucker for both Fractal cases and tiny renditions of things, so this fun concept continues to live in the back of my mind — until it can, hopefully one day, live at the corner of my desk. –-Adam Patrick Murray
Nvidia SFF GeForce guidelines
Small form factor PCs are some of the most stylish around, especially if you don’t follow the trend for disco lighting and fishbowl displays. But the explosion in graphics card sizes, especially at the high end, means it’s almost impossible to build one with top-of-the-line components.
Enter refreshed SFF guidelines from Nvidia, which should finally mean you can get by with “just” 2.5 card slots for a high-end design. A maximum of 304mm in length and 50mm in height mean that building in stunning SFF cases like the Fractal Design Terra won’t force a compromise on graphics power. The guidelines top out at an RTX 4080 Super, and hopefully some AMD Radeon vendors will begin making cards that comply as well. –Michael Crider
Asus ROG Mjolnir Portable Gaming UPS
Asus / Unsplash (Brandon Morgan)
Asus / Unsplash (Brandon Morgan)
Asus / Unsplash (Brandon Morgan)
BRUH it’s a high-end uninterruptible power supply for PCs and more that LOOKS LIKE THOR’S HAMMER AND CHARGES IN THE SUN. And the handle doubles as a flashlight! Bruh. I’m in. –Brad Chacos
AMD Ryzen AI 300
Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry
Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry
Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry
While Intel and Qualcomm slug it out over long-lasting battery life, AMD took a different tact for its debut Copilot+-capable laptop chips: Sheer, unrelenting performance, powered by a new Zen 5 architecture.
Yes, Ryzen AI 300 CPUs have a fast NPU – the most capable we’ve seen, in fact – but AMD focused on compute domination here, spearheaded by a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (phew) with 12 cores and 24 threads of full-fat power and powerful Radeon graphics juiced by the latest GPU architectural enhancements. Yes, battery life matters, but performance matters too—and AMD didn’t forget it. Look for the first Ryzen AI 300 laptops to shoulder onto store shelves in July. –Brad Chacos
Phanteks Evolv X2
Phanteks
Phanteks
Phanteks
I may seem overenthusiastic right now about this year’s crop of Computex case reveals, but the hoarder conditions in my home is proof of how many chassis I love. And it’s about to get more crowded.
I’ve been taken with the latest from Lian Li, Montech, and Fractal Designs, but one case in particular stands out—the Phanteks Evolv X2. Its classy, understated aesthetic is the computer component equivalent of garb worn to a white-tie affair. Sleek lines, tasteful aluminum accents, recessed mounting for cooling hardware—I feel like I should slip into a ballgown before sitting down game on a build in the Evolv X2. And you know what? I’m up for making my nights fancier come Q4 this year, especially when the buy-in is $150 USD. –Alaina Yee
Asus ROG Delta II gaming headset
Asus
Asus
Asus
A new gaming headset iteration might not seem that exciting, especially since the Asus ROG Delta II sports a similar design to other ROG 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 (via 2.4Ghz wireless or Bluetooth) at the same time or toggle between them. So now you can easily take that mobile call from your mom you’ve been avoiding during the heat of battle without ruining your precious KDA 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 ROG II also claims to have a jaw-dropping 110 hour battery life (with RGB turned off) and a mere 40 ms of latency over Bluetooth. That’s a delightful-sounding combination of features! – Sam Singleton
Ryzen 7 5800XT
AMD/BBC
AMD/BBC
AMD/BBC
We continue to wonder how long AMD will continue to support the venerable AM4 socket (through 2024 is the latest target, AMD executives said) but how can you not give the Ryzen 7 5800XT our highest Computex plaudit? The first Ryzen 5000 chips came out in 2020, and AM4 motherboards in 2016, but AMD continues to support the platform even after moving onto AM5 long ago. Many desktop PC owners started with a full build, then swapped out parts over the years as they constantly upgraded their “Frankenrig.” We applaud this customer-centric approach! –Mark Hachman
Lian Li’s Lancool 217
Lian Li / Unsplash (Henry & Co)
Lian Li / Unsplash (Henry & Co)
Lian Li / Unsplash (Henry & Co)
Lian Li’s new Lancool 217 computer case (with wood accents!) is absolutely gorgeous. I prefer understated designs over the more flamboyant variety, so it’s like this case was designed for me. A friend of mine has an Alienware desktop that looks just like a spaceship—it works great for him but yeah… no thanks.
While an eye-catching design is one aspect to consider, it means nothing if the product doesn’t function well. Not only was I impressed with the subtle yet sophisticated look of this case, but I’m also a fan (ha!) of the massive 170mm fans! I do just about everything on a desktop, including gaming as well as office work, so a proper cooling system is a must for me. Who knows? Maybe I’ll pick up the Lancool 217 in the near future… –Ashley Biancuzzo
Asus ROG Ally X
If I had to pick one thing that impressed me the most, it’s the Asus ROG Ally X. Or more specifically, how much the Ally X has improved over its predecessor with small but meaningful changes.
Ditching the proprietary (and expensive) mobile GPU port for Thunderbolt not only makes it more flexible, it’s a win for anyone who wants to give this thing more power. Doubling the battery and expanding the storage to a full-length 2280 SSD are wins for the user with an incredible engineering achievement. The ROG Ally X shows that even a poorly received debut doesn’t doom a product, so long as a manufacturer has faith in the idea and the technical chops to make it better. –Michael Crider
MSI Claw, Fallout Edition
MSI
MSI
MSI
Okay, the Fallout edition of MSI’s Claw gaming handheld is just plain fun. I’m currently watching the show on Amazon Prime, which is why I’ve currently got that nuclear wasteland on the brain. MSI’s fancy-pants Claw is designed to look like a Pip-Boy, a wearable minicomputer that stores all of your personal data from the Fallout universe.
The original Claw, which was released a couple of months ago, doesn’t seem to have the best reviews, but I’m hoping this Intel Lunar Lake-wielding refresh will breathe new life into the device. I imagine there’s only going to be a limited amount of Fallout editions available, so I’ll definitely keep a close eye on it as MSI releases more details in the future. –Ashley Biancuzzo
Acer SpatialLab Eyes camera
Want to up your Twitch game by shooting in 3D? Or how about giving those Zoom meetings an extra dimension? Well, Acer answered your prayers with its new SpatialLab Eyes camera that allows you to capture and stream 3D footage.
The best thing about this camera is that unlike other 3D capture devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro, the SpatialLabs Eyes allow you to livestream your footage. The 3D footage is captured thanks to the two forward-facing stereoscopic cameras (or “eyes”) with 8MP resolution per camera. The 3D footage will be viewable and compatible with other Acer SpatialLabs devices—their laptops and monitors with glasses-free 3D displays, as well as some VR headsets. Whether or not this will actually take off is yet to be determined, but Acer sure is betting big on it. SpatialLab Eyes should be available in the next few weeks after Computex 2024 and will retail for $549. –Sam Singleton
Acer
Acer
Acer
Acer’s SpatialLabs laptops do viewing stereoscopic 3D content without 3D glasses better than any devices I know. It’s just that they’ve always seemed more useful to 3D artists than a gamer like me. But Acer’s unveiling of the SpatialLabs Eyes Stereo Camera has just made the similarly equipped laptops 1,000 times more appealing.
The camera means anything and everything in my house is now open slather to be rendered in 3D on them: Funny 3D cat pics? You know I will! I’m no developer, but I’ve always liked the idea of dabbling with the 3D game engine Unity to get a simple VR “Choose your own adventure” mystery off the ground. This little camera may be just what I need to do that. –Dominic Bayley
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