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DeepCool launches flagship Spartacus 360 & CL6600 case with integrated AIO

DeepCool has officially unveiled a pair of new flagship thermal solutions for the market, led by the Spartacus 360 all-in-one liquid cooler and the innovative CL6600 HyperSplit chassis.

The Spartacus 360 is designed to be a premium cooling solution, using 3x 120 mm fans and a pump powered by a three-phase, four-pole motor that operates between 2,500 and 3,400 RPM. This pump is paired with a 3.4-inch IPS LCD with 750 nits of brightness and a 480×480 resolution. Through the DeepCreative software, users can display system telemetry, custom videos, or performance trends in modular block layouts. The software also introduces AI-driven environmental modes, such as Sleep, Gaming, and Overclocking, that automatically balance acoustics.

Rated for up to 320W TDP, the Spartacus 360 features a newly designed offset mounting bracket specifically for Intel LGA1851 processors. By shifting the cold plate to better align with the hotspots on 20- and 24-core CPUs, DeepCool claims a core temperature reduction of up to 3°C. Installation is made easier and more secure by a rear-mounted locking system that allows front-side assembly without exposed screws. At the same time, a single 10-pin cable handles both power and data for the pump and display, minimising clutter. Reliability is improved by the inclusion of patented Anti-Leak technology, which regulates internal pressure to extend the cooler's lifespan and protect high-value components.

Alongside the new cooler, DeepCool is also launching the CL6600 HyperSplit case, which features a dual-chamber layout that physically separates the CPU's radiator from the rest of the system. By placing the included 360mm radiator in its own independent upper chamber, the CL6600 theoretically eliminates thermal crossover between the CPU and the GPU, which should allow both to operate at their full potential without competing for air. The case features a front-mounted PSU layout (up to 160 mm long) and supports the latest back-connect motherboards, such as Asus BTF or MSI Project Zero, providing a clean interior view through its tempered glass side panel. The aesthetic is rounded out with a full-height grille front panel featuring a real-wood accent and a pop-out headset hook.

Included with the CL6600 are two pre-installed reverse-blade FL12 SE fans on the bottom. The chassis accommodates graphics cards up to 413 mm in length, air coolers up to 175 mm in height, and up to 8x fans, including three on the AIO cooler division to create a push-pull configuration. Maintenance is simplified through tool-free panel removal and pull-out dust filters. The Spartacus 360 is currently priced at an MSRP of €184.99, while the CL6600 is available in black for €199.99 and white for €209.99.

We will have reviews of both units in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for those!

KitGuru says: Do you think other brands should follow DeepCool's idea and do more cases like the CL6600?

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Division series boss Julian Gerighty departs Ubisoft to lead EA’s Battlefield Studios

Julian Gerighty, the creative director and executive producer of Tom Clancy's The Division franchise, has officially resigned from Ubisoft to join Electronic Arts' Battlefield Studios. Massive Entertainment confirmed the news this week, marking the end of Gerighty's extensive tenure at the studio, where he was a key figure shaping the first two Division games and leading the creative direction for Star Wars Outlaws.

While Gerighty recently teased that The Division 3 was “shaping up to be a monster”, his departure means he will no longer be at the helm to see the project through to its completion. Instead, he will transition to a leadership role within EA's Battlefield team, though his specific title has not yet been confirmed. Ubisoft's leadership has moved quickly to reassure fans and investors that the series remains in capable hands. The publisher emphasised that the vision for the franchise remains unchanged despite the loss of its primary creative face. Massive Entertainment's statement on the topic can be found below:

Gerighty himself also shared a message to the community on X, expressing confidence in the franchise's future and noting that it was simply time for “another grand adventure” after over 27 years at the company.

This move comes at a juncture for both gaming giants. Ubisoft has been grappling with a prolonged slump that led to its stock being temporarily halted on Euronext in late 2025. While Assassin's Creed Shadows provided a much-needed commercial boost last year, the group has faced significant layoffs and studio closures as part of a major internal restructuring. On the other side of the industry, EA's Battlefield Studios is still navigating the tragic loss of Vince Zampella, who passed away following a car accident in December 2025. Bringing in a veteran with Gerighty's expertise could be just what EA needs as it looks to expand the Battlefield franchise and fill the leadership gap left by one of the industry's most influential figures.

KitGuru says: Losing Julian Gerighty is a heavy blow for Ubisoft. However, for EA and the Battlefield franchise, this could be a massive win. Gerighty's experience with shooters and large-scale IP management is precisely what EA needs to maintain the momentum of the successful Battlefield 6.

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Keychron launches Lemokey P3 HE magnetic switch keyboard with toolless design

Keychron has expanded its gaming sub-brand, Lemokey, with the launch of the P3 HE, a tenkeyless (TKL) gaming keyboard that pairs magnetic switch technology with a toolless casing. Unlike the Keychron Q-series flagships, which often command a premium, the P3 HE is launching at a slightly lower price. That said, it's still relatively expensive compared to its Chinese counterparts.

Despite the lower cost of $169.99 (versus Keychron's Q-series that can fetch well over $200), the P3 HE (via TechPowerUP) maintains a premium build, featuring a full aluminium case finished with an electrophoretic coating and a toolless disassembly system. This screwless design uses magnetic latches to allow the top case to be removed in seconds for cleaning or internal modifications, a feature currently absent from the more expensive Keychron models.

Available in black and white, the P3 HE is built with a focus on both performance and acoustics, using a silicone-bean gasket mount system that isolates the aluminium plate from the case, effectively cutting out metallic reverberation and “ping”. The interior is further dampened with multiple layers of IXPE and sound-absorbing foam, resulting in a deeper, more refined sound profile. Under the hood, the keyboard relies on Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula switches, which use the Gateron KS-37 mounting standard, though be aware this limits switch compatibility with other KS-37 magnetic switches.

On the software side, the P3 HE is fully supported by the Lemokey Launcher web app, providing access to a suite of competitive features enabled by its Hall Effect sensors. Users can customise actuation points from 0.2 mm to 3.8 mm with 0.1 mm precision, and enable features such as Rapid Trigger and SOCD (Last Keystroke Prioritisation). The keyboard also supports Dynamic Keystroke (DKS), allowing up to four actions per key based on press depth, and an Analog Mode that mimics a controller's variable input for racing or flight simulations. Connectivity is handled via a tri-mode system, offering 1,000 Hz polling over wired and 2.4 GHz wireless connections, alongside Bluetooth 5.2 for multi-device pairing. Moreover, the P3 HE features north-facing RGB LEDs and comes standard with Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps, available in both shine-through and non-shine-through variants.

KitGuru says: Are you interested in the Lemokey's P3 HE feature set?

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CD Projekt Red reveals Witcher franchise sales have surpassed 85 million

CD Projekt Red's joint CEO Michał Nowakowski has provided an update on the performance of the Witcher franchise, confirming that every mainline entry in the series has now surpassed 10 million copies sold. This announcement offers insight into the long-term commercial success of the earlier titles, which have often been overshadowed by the monumental success of the third instalment.

The sales figures were shared during a session on X, where Nowakowski (via Polonizacje) responded to a list of the most successful Polish video games curated by Michał Król. This list included The Witcher 3 in first place with 60 million units sold, followed by Cyberpunk 2077 on 35 million and Dying Light with 20 million.

According to the latest figures, the original Witcher game has sold 10 million units, while its sequel, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, has sold 15 million. When added to the staggering 60 million copies achieved by The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the core trilogy now accounts for over 85 million sales worldwide.

By providing these numbers, it's clear that the franchise's popularity isn't concentrated solely in the final chapter. While the company did not specify an exact total for each spin-off in the series, such as Gwent or Thronebreaker, the combined performance of the mainline games puts the entire Witcher franchise within striking distance of the 100 million-unit mark. This renewed momentum comes as the studio continues development on the next Witcher trilogy and a remake of the first game, alongside a rumoured fourth DLC for The Witcher 3…

KitGuru says: The commercial endurance of the first two Witcher games is particularly impressive given their age and platform limitations at launch. Seeing the first game hit 10 million and the second hit 15 million proves that there is a massive audience still discovering the roots of the series.

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No Rest for the Wicked hits 1 million sales ahead of ‘Together’ update

Moon Studios has officially announced that No Rest for the Wicked has reached the milestone of one million copies sold in its PC Early Access version. This achievement was reached on Steam just days before the launch of the “Together” update, scheduled for January 22nd.

In an official statement, the developer thanked the community for believing in the project from the start, emphasising that player support was instrumental in shaping the action RPG into its current form. The studio, famously known for the Ori franchise, reinforced that the world of Wicked will become significantly larger and more shared with the arrival of new social features next week.

The “Together” update promises to redefine the gameplay experience by introducing a cooperative system for up to four players in persistent Realms. Unlike other titles in the genre, players can share a world without a host being online, enabling independent progression. Combat has also received significant adjustments, featuring improved AI that allows enemies to react naturally and desperately when cornered or outnumbered and friendly fire in online mode.

Beyond battles, users can collaborate on housing construction, craft items through the Scribe Table and explore the new Compendium. Originally released in April 2024, the game continues to expand steadily, with full versions planned for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

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KitGuru says: With the long-awaited co-op mode arriving next week, the game is finally getting the social features many fans have been asking for since its debut.

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Intel’s Arrow Lake Refresh reportedly launches this spring

Intel's desktop and high-performance laptop CPU update may be closer than expected, with fresh chatter around the Arrow Lake Refresh suggesting a launch window of March or April 2026. This positioning places the update only just after Intel's major January push for Core Ultra Series 3 Panther Lake series.

The claims come from Golden Pig Upgrade (via Tom's Hardware), who wrote and posted alongside a screenshot of the Geekbench entries we've covered. These entries show the top-tier refresh models, specifically the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus for desktops and the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus for flagship-class notebooks.

This March/April launch window suggests a carefully staged rollout for Intel's 2026 lineup. With Panther Lake-H systems hitting global availability later this month, a spring refresh for Arrow Lake could allow Intel to maintain momentum in its current product stack without overshadowing the debut of its 18A-based mobile architecture. This strategy creates a bridge to Nova Lake, the next major architectural shift currently slated for late 2026. Nova Lake is expected to introduce a new LGA 1954 socket and up to 52 cores, making the 200 Plus series the final push for the LGA-1851 ecosystem.

The Arrow Lake Refresh appears to be an exercise in refinement rather than revolution. The update focuses on incremental tuning, such as modest clock adjustments, improved binning, and enhanced support for higher memory frequencies, such as DDR5-7200 and beyond. With these refinements, these CPUs can offer a performance bump with minor changes, reserving the major architectural breakthroughs for Nova Lake when it launches. Whether these improvements are enough to sway buyers will likely depend on the final retail pricing and how the refreshed parts compete against AMD's recently launched Ryzen 9000 series, especially the X3D models.

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KitGuru says: Even if it won't revolutionise the CPU consumer market, this refresh will make Intel maintain some relevance in its segments until Nova Lake arrives.

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Gamemax introduces Nex C53, an affordable panoramic chassis with BTF support

Gamemax has officially introduced the Nex C53 panoramic case, a compact yet capable case designed to provide a seamless visual showcase for your hardware. The primary draw is its panoramic view layout, with borderless tempered glass that offers an unobstructed view of the internal components. It also supports hidden-connector (BTF) motherboards, which should allow for cable-free interior that maximises airflow and aesthetics.

The internal structure of the Nex C53 (via TechPowerUP) has been designed to accommodate almost anything, including graphics cards up to 410 mm in length and CPU air coolers up to 175 mm tall. Space efficiency is achieved through a front-mounted PSU layout that optimises space while providing enough room for a 360 mm top-mounted radiator. Cooling is handled by up to seven 120 mm or five 140 mm fans, with four ARGB fans pre-installed. This includes three 120 mm reverse-blade fans at the bottom to draw in fresh air and one rear-mounted exhaust fan.

The chassis also features a dual-layer top panel that replaces exposed dust filters and an adjustable multi-angle fan bracket that allows builders to direct airflow where it is needed most. To ensure long-term stability, an integrated GPU support bracket is included to prevent card sag and protect the motherboard’s PCIe slots. Connectivity options in the front I/O panel include a USB Type-C Gen 2×2 port and two USB 3.0 ports. The Gamemax Nex C53 is launching in black and white variants, with the black version priced at $64.99 and the white version at $69.99.

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KitGuru says: Gamemax is making a strong play for the entry-level market by offering full BTF motherboard compatibility and a front-mounted PSU design at a very aggressive price point. Would you consider the Nex C53 for a budget build?

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PlayStation 5 Pro PSSR 2.0 is reportedly launching in Q1 2026

The PlayStation 5 Pro arrived in November 2024 with the promise of being the definitive way to play console games, but its first year has been somewhat muted. While it is technically the most powerful console on the market, some still feel that its specialised hardware remains underutilised. A particular sticking point has been the initial iteration of PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution), which, in many titles, has been prone to visual glitches and shimmering rather than providing a consistent “next-gen” leap in image clarity.

That narrative may be about to change. According to @Gust_FAN (via PC Guide), a reliable Japanese insider with a proven track record for accurately leaking the PS5 Slim and the Hyperpop collection, the PS5 Pro is scheduled to receive a major system overhaul this quarter. This update would include “PSSR 2.0”, which has been reportedly designed to fix existing image quality issues while also improving performance across the board.

PS5 CFO

Supposedly, PSSR 2.0 will have features similar to AMD's FSR 4, which makes a lot of sense considering the strategic partnership in place between AMD and Sony. This shift in upscaling logic aims to deliver a “double win” of higher image fidelity and improved frame rates. For some, the most exciting prospect is probably the push to 120 FPS, as titles that currently sit in the 70–80 FPS range on the Pro are expected to receive a boost to hit that mark.

The update also appears to focus heavily on legacy content. The leak suggests that PSSR 2.0 will provide a high-resolution boost for “traditional low-resolution games”, implying that backwards-compatible titles and classic games available through PlayStation Plus could see a visual upgrade at the system level. If successful, this feature could make the more expensive PlayStation Plus tiers slightly more attractive.

To ensure developers can make the most of this transition, Sony is reportedly preparing a suite of new debugging tools too. These resources are intended to help studios iron out issues and ensure that PSSR 2.0 doesn't have the artifacting problems of its predecessor.

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KitGuru says: The first year of the PS5 Pro has felt lacklustre for many. PSSR 1.0 was bold, but the visual “ghosting” did it no favours. If PSSR 2.0 can truly deliver FSR 4-level quality and a system-wide boost in resolution for classic games, the Pro might finally have the software backbone to justify its price tag.

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Cybenetics’ prototype ‘anti-melt’ cable offers proactive GPU protection

Cybenetics Labs has unveiled a prototype ‘anti-melt' cable designed to address the infamous reliability issues of the 12VHPWR/12V-2×6 standard. This integrates proactive monitoring directly into the cable itself, aiming to provide a fail-safe for enthusiasts who want to avoid any potential melting or burning risk associated with flagship cards like the RTX 5090.

According to ComputerBase, the prototype is a native 12V-2×6-to-12V-2×6 cable with a small, low-profile inline box. This box contains the monitoring electronics and a status LED, avoiding the added bulk of screens or fans that can cause compatibility issues with large air coolers or tight cases. Because it is a flexible cable, it fits almost all Founders Edition and custom AIB layouts without obstructing the shroud or requiring awkward mounting angles.

Image credit: ComputerBase

Technically, the cable operates as an active circuit breaker. It monitors current and temperatures at both the GPU and PSU ends. While it features a USB-C port, this is strictly for data logging and configuration. The safety features, including a high-pitched buzzer and an emergency power-cut function, are fully autonomous. Once thresholds are configured via the software, the USB can be disconnected, and the cable will maintain its protection profile independently.

The cable is designed to distinguish between harmless transient spikes and dangerous sustained thermal runaway. Moreover, it allows users to configure thresholds for settings such as “Over Current Trigger” (default 8-12 A) and “Over Temperature Trigger” (default 80-95°C). The cable also has a dual-stage warning that, when a limit is breached, activates the buzzer for 10 seconds (default but configurable). If the condition persists, the cable cuts power to the GPU. Lastly, when connected via USB, the software provides updates every 100 ms, allowing users to export thermal and current data to Excel for long-term stability testing.

Although it looks useful, actual availability is currently uncertain. Cybenetics has not yet secured a mass-market distribution partner. It has been stated that there is a desire to sell the cable “close to cost” to improve the safety of the PC ecosystem rather than for profit. Currently, the cable also requires a native 12V-2×6 output on the PSU side, though a dual 8-pin version for older power supplies could be technically feasible if the project reaches production.

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KitGuru says: It is a sad indictment of modern hardware standards that we need a “smart cable” just to ensure our flagship graphics card doesn't catch fire. However, the Cybenetics solution is arguably the most elegant we've seen so far. We hope a production partner steps up soon.

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Thermalright unveils Frost Tower 140 with asymmetrical fan config

Thermalright has kicked off 2026 by introducing the new Frost Tower 140. The newly unveiled CPU cooler is a dual-stack giant designed to match the thermal dissipation of entry-level AIOs, featuring a unique asymmetrical fan configuration and a seven-heatpipe array to tame the latest high-TDP chips from Intel and AMD.

Standing 158 mm tall, the Frost Tower 140 (via Vortez) is one of the largest air coolers in Thermalright's current lineup. The cooler utilises 7x 6-mm-thick heatpipes branching out from a nickel-plated copper base. The cooling performance is driven by a specialised “push-pull” fan duo, with a TL-N12W-R9 (120 mm) fan at the front and a TL-N14DW-R7 (140 mm) fan at the centre. This smaller intake fan ensures better RAM clearance while spinning at up to 2,400 RPM and providing up to a claimed 85.35 CFM with a 2.95 mmH₂O static pressure. As for the 140 mm fan at the centre, it reportedly pushes up to 120 CFM at 1,850 RPM with a static pressure of 2.40 mmH₂O.

According to Thermalright, both fans are built for the long haul, featuring dual ball bearings and impellers made from Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP). Thermalright has also integrated silicone mounts and noise-dampening rings to keep the acoustics of such high-RPM fans in check.

The Frost Tower 140 is launching in three distinct aesthetics: standard, all-black, and all-white, with the latter two featuring colour-matched fins and heatpipes. Installation is handled by the SS2 all-metal mounting system, ensuring a secure fit across AM5, AM4, and LGA1851/1700 sockets.

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KitGuru says: Although pricing isn't known, Thermalright has historically underpriced the competition. With the Frost Tower 140, this trend will likely continue, even tho it uses LCP fans and a seven-heatpipe configuration.

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Intel Arrow Lake Refresh has been benchmarked in Geekbench

New data from Geekbench has surfaced for Intel's unannounced “Arrow Lake Refresh”, branding the upcoming performance bump as the “Plus” series. While these chips weren't mentioned during Intel's CES 2026 keynote, the new leaks suggest that both desktop (LGA-1851) and mobile (HX) refreshes are right around the corner.

The desktop flagship, the Core Ultra 9 290K Plus (via Benchleaks), appeared on a Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Tachyon Ice motherboard paired with 48 GB of DDR5-8000 memory. The benchmark results indicate a meaningful performance uplift over the existing 285K, achieved through clock-speed increase rather than architectural changes or core-count increases. The chip maintains the 24-core (8P + 16E) layout but has a reported maximum boost frequency of 5.8 GHz. In the single-core test, it scored 3,456 points, which makes it about 8% faster than the 285K. As for the multi-core score, the upcoming CPU saw a 9% increase over its predecessor, scoring 24,610 points.

The refresh also extends to high-performance laptops and small-form-factor systems. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus (via Benchleaks) has been spotted in an Acer Predator Helios 18 AI (model PHN18-I71). However, unlike the 290K Plus entry, this processor wasn't running at full power, reaching a max clock speed of around 841 MHz. That's quite a bit lower than the 5.x GHz we expect from this CPU. As one would expect, the scores were abysmally low and not worth comparing with other CPUs.

Despite no official announcement at CES 2026 last week, we're expecting these chips to still be announced relatively soon. The first entries of an Arrow Lake refresh CPU date back to October 2025, and since then, we've already seen other mentions of these CPUs here and there. So it's looking increasingly like just a matter of time before they become official.

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KitGuru says: Even if these CPUs won't magically make Intel relevant again, they should still offer more performance than Intel currently has.

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New Witcher 3 multi mod lets you play online

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to play The Witcher 3 with friends, well, there's now a mod for that. The “Witcher Online” has just been launched by rejuvenate, accumulating thousands of downloads already.

For a title that has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, the ability to finally explore the continent of The Witcher 3 as a group is a game-changer. The mod (via DSOG) attempts to turn the game into a persistent, social RPG offering full campaign support, combat, movement, and gear sync. The mod also uses dedicated servers instead of peer-to-peer setups, allowing players to play with strangers or friends or to find groups.

To sell the online experience, the modder integrated and synchronised several other popular immersion mods. That includes “Custom Player Characters”, which allows you to break away from being a Geralt clone by personalising your own Witcher, and “Chill Out”, for players to share activities like fishing, sitting at taverns, smoking, or even sleeping. Moreover, you'll also need “Community Patch – Shared Imports” as a dependency, as it allows importing classes and attributes to avoid conflicts with other mods.

Since this is a massive fan-made project rather than an official CD Projekt Red update, you'll probably find bugs and issues with the mod. Moreover, you'll need a legit copy of the game on GOG, Steam, or Epic running version 4.04 (Next-Gen).

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KitGuru says: Even if the rumoured DLC for Witcher 3 doesn't arrive, at least fans can have some fun playing the game online.

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ID-Cooling refreshes budget lineup and launches… scented thermal paste?

ID-Cooling is updating its low-profile and budget mainstream lineups with various models. The cooling manufacturer has unveiled the IS-77-XT Black, a direct competitor to the low-profile elite, alongside a refreshed SE-XT V2 series that maintains its ultra-aggressive pricing. However, the most surprising addition to their catalogue is the Frost X55, a high-conductivity thermal paste available in five fragrances.

The IS-77-XT Black is a 77 mm-tall top-down cooler designed for Mini-ITX builds. Despite its compact footprint, it features a nickel-plated copper base and six 6 mm heat pipes, allowing it to tame CPUs with a TDP up to 150W. This cooler comes equipped with a slim 120 mm PWM fan capable of 65.2 CFM. Notably, the cooler is designed with 100% RAM clearance in mind. It supports two fan mounting configurations, allowing PC builders to choose between a downward intake (push) and an upward exhaust (pull).

For the mainstream segment, the SE-214-XT (4x heatpipes) and SE-903-XT (3x heatpipes) have received a “V2” overhaul. These refreshed models utilise Heatpipe Direct Touch (HDT) technology and a revised folded-fin stack to improve structural integrity and thermal dissipation, allowing them to be rated for up to 220W. While the only SE-903-XT V2 announced is the ARGB variant, the SE-214-XT V2 lineup has five: Black, Plus (two fans), ARGB, ARGB White, and Auto RGB (OEM only). All models use AS-V2 PWM fans (varying sizes) rated for noise levels up to 29.1 dB(A). The SE-214-XT V2 also introduces a new top cover that conceals the copper heatpipe terminations, giving the budget cooler a more premium look that matches modern blacked-out aesthetics.

Lastly, we have the scented Frost X55 thermal paste. While its primary selling point is a high thermal conductivity of 16.2 W/mK, ID-Cooling is leaning into the “lifestyle” aspect of PC building by offering the paste in five scent variants: Core (unscented), Poma (apple), Bella (strawberry), Viola (floral), and Luna (fresh). The paste is non-conductive and non-corrosive, specifically engineered to resist the “pump-out” effect common in high-pressure mounts, ensuring it remains stable on the die for several years.

Pricing for some of these parts has already been disclosed: the SE-903-XT V2 Black costs $14.99, the SE-214-XT V2 ARGB costs $18.99, and the SE-214-XT V2 Plus costs $19.99.

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KitGuru says: ID-Cooling continues to be a contender in the “bang for buck” category. As for the scented thermal paste? It's undeniably a gimmick, but if the 16.2 W/mK rating holds up well, it might just be the best-smelling way to drop your temps.

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16-core AMD Ryzen 9 Pro 9965X3D shows up in shipping manifest

AMD appears to be preparing to expand its professional desktop portfolio, bringing its 3D V-Cache technology to the enterprise market for the first time. A new shipping manifest has revealed the Ryzen 9 Pro 9965X3D, a 16-core CPU with a 170W TDP.

The leak, spotted initially by hardware sleuth @Olrak29_ (via VideoCardz), identifies the processor under the product ID 100-000001999. According to the manifest, the chip is a 16-core, 32-thread part with a 170W TDP. This power envelope is particularly notable, as it aligns the Pro model with the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, rather than the more conservative, power-limited SKUs typically found in the series. The “9965” naming convention follows AMD's established pattern of using slightly higher model numbers for its professional-grade chips to distinguish them from their consumer counterparts while maintaining the same underlying Zen 5 architecture.

The database entry marks the processor as being in the Design Validation Testing (DVT) phase. This suggests the silicon is well past the initial Engineering Validation (EVT) stage and is currently undergoing stability and compatibility testing to meet reliability standards. While DVT is a late-stage development milestone, it precedes the final Production Process Validation (PVT), indicating that while a launch is likely, the final release window may still be several months away.

The primary appeal of a Pro X3D chip lies in the intersection of high-capacity L3 cache and business-critical security. While the manifest doesn't explicitly confirm the cache size, we assume it will feature 144 MB of L3, matching the consumer 9950X3D. For professional workloads, this massive cache could provide substantial performance uplifts in latency-sensitive applications. Moreover, the Pro designation confirms the inclusion of the AMD Pro Security stack, including Secure Processor, Shadow Stack, Microsoft Pluton Security, Memory Guard and Platform Secure Boot.

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KitGuru says: The existence of a Ryzen 9 Pro 9965X3D suggests that AMD has recognised a growing demand for X3D technology outside of the gaming sphere. For engineers and developers who require the extra cache for specialised software but also need the IT manageability and security of the Pro platform, this chip can offer the best-of-both-worlds.

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Palworld branches into tabletop with official card game

Pocketpair is continuing to invest in the Palworld IP, officially announcing the Palworld Official Card Game at the “Bushiroad New Year Grand Presentation 2026”. Developed in partnership with Bushiroad, the studio behind Cardfight!! Vanguard and Weiß Schwarz, the game aims to translate the survival-crafting loop of the digital hit into a competitive tabletop format. Scheduled for a global launch on July 30th, the TCG marks a step toward establishing Palworld as a multimedia franchise, even as legal battles with Nintendo continue in the background.

The Palworld Official Card Game is designed as a head-to-head, two-player competitive experience. Unlike traditional creature battlers that focus solely on combat, this TCG incorporates the core pillars of the video game: base building and resource management. Players will deploy Pals not just to attack and defend, but to gather the resources necessary to expand their “fortress”. The ultimate goal is to leverage Pals' traits and technological upgrades to overrun the opponent's base. A teaser for this new card game has already been released and is available below via YouTube:

Bushiroad has confirmed that the launch will include starter decks and booster packs, with a full ruleset reveal expected at the Card Game Festival 2026 in Tokyo this May.

With nearly 200 Pals already in the digital game's roster, the TCG has plenty of content for future expansions, including the elemental variations and “Lucky” Pals familiar to veteran players.

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KitGuru says: Partnering with Bushiroad ensures the Palworld TCG has a solid foundation, but the real test will be whether the base-building mechanics feel good in a card game.

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PSUs and CPU coolers could be the next victims of the AI boom

The “AI tax” on PC hardware is spreading beyond silicon. After the cost increase for RAM and SSDs, the industry is now bracing for a significant price hike in other fundamental parts of a build: power supplies and cooling solutions. According to a warning issued by Guangzhou Xinhong Zhengdian Electronic Technology, a leading Chinese electronics firm, the surging cost of raw materials, specifically copper, silver, and tin, is forcing an immediate adjustment across the supply chain.

According to the letter shared by MyDrivers (via NotebookCheck), these increases are a direct side effect of the global AI infrastructure boom. While memory makers are busy reallocating wafer capacity to HBM, the construction of massive AI data centres has sent the price of industrial minerals to historic highs. Copper, the primary conductor in PSU transformers and cooler heatpipes, reportedly broke through the $13,000/tonne barrier in early January. Combined with surging silver and tin prices, manufacturers are no longer able to absorb the ballooning production costs.

As such, PSUs will see a 6% to 10% increase, while CPU coolers are slated for a 6% to 8% jump. Upstream suppliers reportedly stopped accepting orders at previous price points as of January 6th, meaning that any stock currently entering the channel is already being calculated at the new and higher rates.

Perhaps more concerning for the average consumer is the impending “promotional purge”. The notice from Guangzhou Xinhong Zhengdian states that all current promotional pricing and vendor discounts will terminate on February 1st. After this date, over 90% of products in these categories are expected to revert to a higher “standard” MSRP, with some products also subject to additional per-item surcharges. This creates a narrow window for builders to secure current inventory before the 2026 pricing baseline resets across the board.

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KitGuru says: We've already seen the impact of the AI boom on the high-end GPU and memory markets, but seeing it trickle down into copper-heavy components like PSUs and air coolers is a grim sign for the 2026 DIY market.

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Forza Horizon 5 crosses 5 million sales on PlayStation 5

Microsoft's strategy to bring its established first-party library to competing hardware appears to be working. While Forza Horizon 5 originally served as a flagship showcase for the Xbox Series X|S and Windows back in late 2021, its eventual arrival on the PlayStation 5 in April 2025 has proven that the appetite for high-quality arcade racers remains high across all ecosystems. 

According to data shared by Rhys Elliott (via Eurogamer), Forza Horizon 5 has officially surpassed five million copies sold on the PlayStation 5. This performance is particularly noteworthy given its age at the time of its port. Moving five million units of a late 2021 game certainly suggests that the Forza brand has resonated with the PlayStation audience.

Moreover, Elliott reports that the PlayStation 5 version has generated approximately $300 million (£223 million) in revenue to date. This figure reinforces the narrative that Microsoft's multi-platform pivot might be pretty lucrative. The port's success was foreshadowed as early as July last year, when Alinea Analytics noted that the game had become the top-selling new release on PlayStation 5 in 2025, and that sales momentum has clearly persisted into the current year.

This commercial success sets a strong precedent for the franchise's future. Playground Games is currently working on the next instalment in the series, which is scheduled to arrive on Windows and Xbox Series X|S in 2026. While a PlayStation 5 version of the upcoming sequel is confirmed to be in development, no specific release window has been announced yet. Given the significant revenue generated by the current port, it is highly probable that the gap between the Xbox and PlayStation release dates for the next title will be narrower than what we saw with this generation.

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KitGuru says: Have you played Forza Horizon on the PS5? Do you think Xbox should consider launching Forza Horizon 6 for all platforms simultaneously?

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Noctua updates roadmap, Pulsar Feinman mouse & Seasonic Prime PX PSU pushed back

Noctua has opened the new year by updating its public product roadmap. As some might've guessed, the January 2026 schedule is defined primarily by shifting deadlines. While the list of upcoming hardware remains identical to the last version published, Noctua has moved the majority of its near-term releases further back into the year.

The first quarter of 2026 was initially slated to be a busy period for the brand, but the updated roadmap (via Hardware&Co) sees two out of three major launches slip. The Antec Flux Pro Noctua Edition chassis remains the sole survivor of the Q1 window, standing as the only product currently on track for an immediate release. Meanwhile, the Pulsar Feinman Noctua Edition gaming mouse and the much-requested NF-A12x25 G2 chromax.black fans have both been pushed into Q2. Also in Q2, there's the company's first AIO liquid coolers.

Moving on to Q3, we have the Seasonic Prime PX Noctua Edition PSU, which has been a staple of Noctua's trade show booths for over a year. The PSU is joined by the 140 mm desk fan and the dedicated USB fan controller, both originally slated for Q2.

This latest update is perhaps most significant for what it doesn't include. No new product entries have been added to the roadmap, suggesting Noctua is currently prioritising the completion of its existing projects over new experimental designs.

KitGuru says: For those waiting on the Seasonic collaboration or the all-in-one liquid coolers, it seems you'll have to wait a bit longer. If these new targets hold, the Prime PX PSU series will finally arrive more than twelve months after its initial public presentation, continuing Noctua's reputation for prioritising “quality optimisation” over strict adherence to a calendar.

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Nvidia RTX 60 series: ‘Rubin’ expected to release in 2H 2027

With CES 2026 now firmly in the rearview mirror and no new desktop GPUs to show for it, the hardware community has started to wonder when we'll get new GPUs. The RTX 50 Super refresh is nowhere to be seen, so all eyes are now on the GeForce RTX 60 series, which is rumoured to adopt the “Rubin” architecture currently dominating Nvidia's enterprise roadmap. However, according to the latest leaks, gamers should settle in for a long wait, as the next generation isn't expected to break cover until the second half of 2027.

The “Rubin” name is already official in the data centre space, where Nvidia has discussed the Rubin CPX platform (GR) as the successor to Blackwell. While Nvidia has not confirmed that this branding will extend to the GeForce gaming lineup, historical patterns suggest a consumer adaptation is highly likely. The latest technical breadcrumbs come from kopite7kimi, who has shared the silicon that will power the RTX 60 series. According to the leaker, the consumer Rubin cards would follow a “GR20x” naming convention, with the GR202 likely being the flagship consumer GPU.

The leaker also pointed out the expected release date for the new series, claiming it would only be available in the second half of 2027. This aligns with AMD's rumoured RDNA 5 timeline, setting the stage for a massive showdown next year.

This release date and the absence of the RTX 50 Super series make us believe that the current RTX 50 series lineup will be the best you can get for some time. If the RTX 60 series is still nearly two years away, Nvidia likely feels the current Blackwell stack has enough longevity to maintain market dominance, especially given the lack of competition in the high-end segment. Rather than incremental hardware refreshes, the next 18 months will likely be defined by software progress, of which we've already seen a bit with the release of DLSS 4.5.

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KitGuru says: If Rubin is indeed a late-2027 product, the RTX 5090 is set to become the longest-reigning flagship in Nvidia's modern history. For those who bought into Blackwell early, your investment looks safer than ever, but those waiting for a “mid-cycle” deal may want to temper expectations.

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Towerborne ditches free-to-play for 1.0 launch coming this February

Stoic, the developer behind The Banner Saga, has officially announced that its side-scrolling action RPG Towerborne will exit Early Access on February 26th. However, the 1.0 release arrives with a massive change: the game is completely abandoning its original free-to-play, always-online model in favour of a “buy once, own forever” approach. In a surprising move for an Xbox-published title, Stoic also confirmed that Towerborne will land on PlayStation 5 on day one.

The shift to a premium model is a direct response to community feedback during the game's stint in Xbox Game Preview. By moving to a paid structure, Stoic has been able to gut the “live service grind” and re-engineer the game to support full offline play. The 1.0 update will retail for $24.99 for the Standard Edition and $29.99 for the Deluxe Edition. For those already playing in Early Access, the transition is seamless: your account will automatically upgrade to the Standard Edition for free, and all existing Founders Pack rewards will remain exclusive to your account.

In addition to the transition to the business model, the 1.0 release will also introduce a significant content drop that completes Belfry's narrative arc. That includes a complete campaign culminating in a previously locked final showdown, as well as two new bosses, additional lieutenants, and a “Brutal” difficulty tier. The world is also expanding, now featuring a new coastal biome alongside a reimagined Forge system that allows for stat re-rolling and advanced gear modification. Lastly, all microtransactions have been removed, as every cosmetic in the game, including those previously in the premium shop, is now earnable through the game.

Existing players who accumulated “Belfry Bucks” (the old premium currency) will see their balances converted into Stepstones on launch day. This exclusive transfer currency can be redeemed for high-level crafting materials and “Big Bags of Writs” to jumpstart progression in the 1.0 economy. While character progression carries over, Stoic is encouraging veterans to start a fresh save to experience the reworked narrative flow from the beginning.

The experience is rounded out by a orchestral score from Grammy-nominated composer Austin Wintory. Towerborne will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam and Windows Store), and PlayStation 5 on February 26th. The game is also available on Xbox Game Pass (Premium and Ultimate).

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KitGuru says: Stoic is making an incredibly pro-consumer move here. In an industry currently struggling with “live service fatigue”, pivoting a game from an always-online F2P model to a premium offline-capable title is a breath of fresh air.

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Sharkoon debuts SK6 ARGB with pillarless fish tank design and BTF support

Sharkoon has launched the SK6 ARGB, a mid-tower chassis that aims to bring the “fish tank” aesthetic to a more accessible price point. While the dual-panel tempered glass design is clearly the focus, Sharkoon has engineered the internal layout to support the rising trend of back-connect (BTF) motherboards, positioning the SK6 as a budget-friendly foundation for ultra-clean builds.

The aesthetic appeal of the SK6 ARGB centres on its uninterrupted tempered glass front and side panels, providing an unobstructed view of the internal components. To maintain this look without suffocating the hardware, Sharkoon has opted for a side-panel intake strategy rather than a traditional mesh front. Out of the box, the case includes three pre-installed 120mm ARGB PWM fans. Two of these are “reverse-blade” models mounted on the side tray.

The interior can accommodate up to 9 fans. For those leaning into liquid cooling, the SK6 ARGB provides a primary 360 mm radiator mount at the top and a secondary 280 mm position on the side, allowing for dual-radiator setups typically reserved for much larger chassis. This flexibility is complemented by a main chamber that can house graphics cards up to 410 mm in length and CPU air coolers up to 170 mm tall. High-capacity power supplies are also supported, with a length limit of 235 mm.

As vendors like Asus and MSI move power and data connectors to the rear of the PCB, case manufacturers have had to adapt their tray designs to include the necessary cutouts. The SK6 ARGB is fully compatible with these standards, enabling a build that is virtually devoid of visible cabling. Storage options are equally practical, with the drive cage supporting two 3.5-inch HDDs or four 2.5-inch SSDs. The I/O panel is side-mounted and features dual USB-A ports and an audio jack. The Sharkoon SK6 ARGB is entering the market priced at €59.90.

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KitGuru says: Considering its relatively low price, we wouldn't expect touches like reverse-blade fans to maintain a clean intake look. Still, Sharkoon now offers an interesting option in the entry-level segment for those who want to show off their systems and maintain a clean build.

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Nvidia’s RTX 50 Super series could be indefinitely postponed

Following the conclusion of CES 2026 without a single discrete GPU announcement, industry sources have confirmed that Nvidia has indefinitely postponed, and potentially cancelled, the GeForce RTX 50 Super series. Originally intended to bridge the VRAM gaps in the Blackwell lineup, the refresh has been sidelined by AI dominance, a global memory crisis, and AMD's lack of competitive pressure.

According to the Board Channels forum (via VideoCardz), this delay in the RTX 50 Super series can be attributed to three key reasons. The first is that the surge in demand for compute GPUs has forced Nvidia to “cut corners” on consumer allocation. As production lines shift to the Vera Rubin NVL72 and H200 systems, the silicon intended for mid-cycle gaming refreshes is being diverted to more lucrative markets.

Moreover, there's also the ongoing GDDR7 shortage, as a severe DRAM supply crunch currently affects the industry. Costs for GDDR7 have skyrocketed, and the 3 GB modules required for the rumoured 24 GB and 32 GB 50 Series Super variants are in critically short supply. As such, releasing these cards now would force an MSRP so high that they would be DOA for most gamers.

Perhaps the most pragmatic reason is that AMD has also pushed its next-generation RDNA 5 architecture to 2027. With the Radeon RX 9070 XT unable to challenge the RTX 5080 or 5090, Nvidia sees no strategic necessity to refresh its stack. Even Intel's rumoured B770 was a no-show at CES, leaving the current RTX 50 series to almost dominate by default.

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KitGuru says: With the Super cards on ice and memory prices still climbing, the RTX 50 series you see on shelves today might be the only high-end options we get for the next 18 months.

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Havn enters the PSU market with XR 1000W Platinum A++

Havn, the company behind cases such as the HS 420 and the more recent BF 360, has officially branched out into power delivery. Debuting at CES 2026, the Havn XR 1000W Platinum A++ is the manufacturer's first foray into the PSU space, and it appears to be aiming for the top of the enthusiast market. Built to the ATX 3.1 standard and featuring dual 12V-2×6 connectors, the XR Series is focused on high-performance stability and quiet acoustics.

Havn (via TechPowerUP) emphasised that the design was refined through extensive internal testing at its own lab to ensure the electrical performance meets the needs of next-gen hardware. The “A++” suffix in the name refers to its Cybenetics Lambda A++ acoustic rating, the highest possible certification for silence. The company claims the unit operates at under 15 dB(A) under typical loads, a feat achieved through a fully decoupled H Series cooling fan that borrows the vibration-dampening tech from Havn's H14 case fans.

The unit's industrial design is equally premium, featuring a monopart die-cast aluminium top that serves as both a structural element and an aerodynamic intake. This shroud is designed to guide airflow directly onto the internal components and fan blades with minimal turbulence, further reducing wind noise. Havn promises rock-solid 12V rail stability and superior transient response, ensuring that rapid power spikes characteristic of high-power GPUs are handled without triggering protections or inducing coil whine.

Moreover, the unit supports the Intel C6/C7 power states and a high-efficiency 5V standby (5VSB) rail for modern “Alternative Low Power” modes. Unfortunately, consumers will have to wait a few more months to get their hands on one, as the HAVN XR 1000W Platinum A++ is slated for a global release only in Q2/Q3 2026.

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KitGuru says: Havn has already proven it can compete with the industry giants in the case market, so a move into premium PSUs is a logical next step. If the XR 1000W can truly deliver Platinum efficiency at sub-15 dB(A) noise levels, it will be a formidable rival to established “silent” flagships.

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Cherry Xtrfy debuts TMR magnetic keyboards at CES 2026

Cherry Xtrfy has utilised its CES 2026 appearance to show what it has been working on. With the industry moving towards magnetic switches (Hall Effect, TMR, and inductive being the three most common), Cherry has decided to follow the trend. The German company has settled on TMR, which measures changes in electrical resistance rather than voltage shifts. These new sensors can detect key travel with 0.01 mm resolution while drawing significantly less power, increasing the battery life of magnetic keyboards.

The first Cherry keyboard to use this technology is the MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless, a tenkeyless (TKL) chassis with a premium aluminium top frame and double-shot PBT keycaps. This model implements an 8,000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes. The Cherry MK Crystal Magnetic switches used on this board provide a linear feel, but the board's “DualMaster” hot-swap sockets allow users to mix and match standard mechanical MX switches.

For enthusiasts who prefer a smaller footprint, the K5 Pro TMR delivers the same technological advantages in a 65% more compact layout. This wired model builds on the foundation of the popular K5 series, replacing the standard mechanical switches with MK Crystal TMR units. Beyond the switch upgrade, the K5 Pro received a polling rate increase from 1,000 Hz to 8,000 Hz to ensure parity with the flagship TKL model. Both keyboards are fully supported by the new Cherry MagCrate software, which enables advanced features such as Rapid Trigger, Dynamic Keystroke (assigning up to four actions to a single key based on depth), and SnapKey for SOCD-like movement prioritisation.

The MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless is scheduled to hit retail shelves on January 29th, 2026, for €229.99/$249.99. The more compact K5 Pro TMR is slated for a spring release, with pricing to be confirmed closer to the launch.

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KitGuru says: The ability to hot-swap between mechanical and magnetic switches on a single board is interesting, but we wonder whether buyers would actually take advantage of it.

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