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Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Tom's Guide
NZXT Lift Elite Wireless review: Premium features at a budget price
The best gaming mice don't always come cheap, but the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless offers a budget solution for those who want premium features. Costing just under $80, this is a powerful mouse, boasting 8,000Hz polling and 26,000 DPI for competitive gaming. It's extremely comfortable for long periods of time, and user-friendly companion software makes customization a cinch. But it suffers from a very common problem, like other gaming mice: there's no left-handed version. Also, while it's wireless, there's no Bluetooth connectivity, and the oversized side buttons may lead to misclicks. For the complete breakdown, read my full NZXT Lift Elite Wireless review. Specs NZXT Lift Elite Wireless Price $79 / £74 Max DPI 26,000 Polling rate 4,000Hz (2.4G) or 8,000Hz (wired) Buttons 6 Size 4.68 x 2.39 x 1.51 inches Weight 2.01oz Colors White, black Body material Plastic Design Right-handed Operating system macOS, Windows Connectivity 2.4GHz dongle, wired Battery Rechargable Battery life (rated) 70 hours Lighting None From its lightweight yet sturdy body to its 8,000Hz polling and 26,000 DPI, the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless is a powerful rodent. Many gaming brands utilize honeycomb or perforated designs to scrape some weight off gaming mice. I often describe these designs as divisive because they aren't everyone's cup of tea — especially if you're trypophobic. Good news is that the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless sports a traditional, full-bodied design, but that doesn't make it heavy. The mouse weighs 2.01oz, which is actually lighter than the perforated Keychron M3 Mini 4K Metal (2.25oz, $99) and the SteelSeries Aerox 5 (2.6oz, $139). But its lightweight design doesn't deter from its sturdiness. The Lift Elite Wireless' plastic chassis feels solid. I didn't hear any creaking (or squeaking, since it's a mouse) when I squeezed it as hard as I could, so it should stand the test of time. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless measures 4.68 x 2.39 x 1.51 inches, so it may be slightly small for those with bigger hands. As someone with medium-sized hands, I found the mouse extremely comfortable to hold and use, even for long periods of gaming and working. I'd recommend a longer mouse if you have bigger hands, like the Keychron M7 ($49). I also appreciate that NZXT doesn't call this mouse 'ergonomic' (as there's no thumb rest), unlike some brands (looking at you, Cherry XTRFY M50 Wireless). NZXT says that both the claw and fingertip grip should work fine with this mouse, and they both do. I'm more of a palm grip gal and found that comfortable, too. The left- and right-click buttons are wide enough for your fingers to splay as much as you want. If you want an even better grip, two pieces of grip tape are included in the box. Hundreds of small bumps on the textured sides help you grip the mouse better, too. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless can handle any game you can think of, whether that's an open-world RPG or an FPS title. The mouse utilizes PixArt PAW3395 sensor to deliver a maximum of 26,000 DPI and either 4,000Hz (2.4G) or 8,000Hz polling, making it a powerful mouse for competitive gaming. I tested the mouse by playing games at both 4,000Hz and 8,000Hz polling, and not once did I notice any input lag or missed inputs. If you want an even higher DPI, like 32,000, the Cooler Master MM720 ($46) may be more your speed. 26,000 DPI is still excellent for ultra-responsive gameplay. To swap between different DPI values, simply click the bright purple button on the mouse's underside. You can also customize the five assigned values via NZXT CAM (more on that in a second). I really appreciate being able to adjust the DPI on the fly, as the absence of one was one of my primary criticisms of the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 ($159). I used the DPI button a lot in Counter-Strike 2 and Hitman. I set the DPI to 10,000 when I was in close-quarters combat in the latter. I was able to chop down enemies easily and quickly with my knife, even when I was surrounded by several of them — overwhelmed, even. But the Lift Elite Wireless made quick work of it. When I needed to execute precise headshots in the games, I swapped to a low DPI of 400. I have naturally shaky hands, and wielding a sniper rifle and aiming at an enemy's head in Counter-Strike 2 requires steadiness. Using such a low DPI ensured that my movements were extremely precise. I was able to line up shots perfectly and with ease. I also like the textured scroll wheel with its spacious gaps, which makes going through busy weapon inventories easy. It takes some effort to press the clickable scroll wheel, which I appreciate, as that means you won't accidentally click it without meaning to. You'll need to download NZXT CAM on your Windows machine to customize the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless mouse. I recently used it to customize the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL ($199) keyboard, and I found the software extremely clean and intuitive to use. Like I mentioned earlier, this is where you can adjust the five DPI values. You can also remap four of the six buttons, record macros, choose one of six polling rates, and adjust the lift-off height. There are also five customizable profiles that you can save to the Lift Elite Wireless' onboard memory. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless can be best described as a midrange mouse, retailing for $79 / £74 at Amazon, and we've also seen it drop to $59 in the past. It offers the aforementioned powerful features at a competitive price, especially if you can't afford pricier rodents, like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 or the Razer Viper V3 ($159). The Lift Elite Wireless is priced similarly to the Cherry XTRFY M50 Wireless ($69) and the Fantech Aria XD7 ($78). When we reviewed the Fnatic x Lamzu Maya 8K ($119), we noted that, at the time of writing, it was the cheapest 8K mouse available on the market. Well, Fnatic's offering has just been dethroned by NZXT's — now, the Lift Elite Wireless is the cheapest way to get 8,000Hz polling. There isn't a lot wrong with the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless, but there's no left-handed version, the oversized side buttons lead to misclicks, and there's no Bluetooth connectivity. My left-handed comrades are left out once again. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless is suitable for right-handed folks because of the placement of the side buttons, but there's no left-handed version — much like nearly every other gaming mouse I've tested. Of course, lefties can still try using this mouse, but I can't imagine it would be very comfortable. If you do want a left-handed gaming mouse, I'd recommend an ambidextrous mouse, like the Roccat Kova Aimo ($50), the Corsair M55 RGB Pro ($40) or the BenQ Zowie FK1 ($69). Unfortunately, there aren't many options to choose from. There are two buttons located along the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless' left edge, and I found them easy to reach with my thumb. But what's a little frustrating is that the buttons are quite big and sensitive, so I kept clicking them unintentionally. For instance, I had remapped one of the side buttons to throw a grenade in Counter-Strike 2 — and guess what happened when I very unintentionally clicked it while in hiding? I gave away my position and my character instantly got shot down by enemies. This also happened while working, where clicking the buttons navigated to either the next or previous browser page, breaking my flow of work. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless sacrifices Bluetooth connectivity to retain an active 2.4GHz channel and a USB-C port for wired play. This may be frustrating for some players who want to use the mouse on the go or while traveling — especially because you can't slot the dongle into the mouse so you must remember to keep it safe. If you want Bluetooth connectivity, the Glorious Model O 2 ($99), the Redragon M916 Pro ($44) and the Fnatic x Lamzu Maya 8K are fantastic alternatives. All three are extremely lightweight — lighter than the Lift Elite Wireless, actually — and boast powerful specs for both casual and competitive gaming. As wireless gaming mice go, the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless is one of the best you can buy right now — and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg either. For under $80, you're getting 8,000Hz polling that negates missed inputs, and max 26,000 DPI for ultra-responsive gameplay. The mouse is also very comfortable to use for long periods of time… as long as you're not left-handed. Is there anything wrong with it? Nothing too major, really. There's no Bluetooth connectivity, which might be an issue for some folks, and in my testing, the oversized side buttons were so sensitive that I accidentally clicked them a few times. But if you want premium gaming features and don't want to burn a hole in your pocket on the likes of the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2, I can't think of a better mouse than the Lift Elite Wireless. It has quickly become my favorite rodent.
Tom's Guide
29-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL review: A middle-of-the-road Hall Effect keyboard
Magnetic keyboards are growing in popularity, and they often offer better value for money than the best mechanical keyboards. NZXT is well-known for making high-quality PC gaming hardware, and it has dabbled in the world of magnetic keyboards with the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL. This keyboard features highly responsive dual-rail Hall Effect switches, 8,000Hz polling and Rapid Trigger to give competitive players an edge. It's built well and features lovely RGB lighting. It's also a delight to type on, and its compact form factor makes it easy to travel with. But you're paying a premium for all of its features, and it has some noteworthy drawbacks, such as wired connectivity only, finicky RGB lighting and limited switch choice. Is this the best gaming keyboard for you? Read my full NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL review to find out more. Specs NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Price $199 / £169 Switches NZXT dual-rail magnetic Keycaps Double-shot PBT Construction CNC aluminum + plastic Mount Gasket Layout 75%, 87 keys Operating system macOS, Windows Backlighting Per-key RGB Polling rate 8,000Hz Paired devices max 1 Connectivity Wired Measurements 13.72 x 5.23 x 1.49 inches Weight 2.4lbs Colors Black, white From its lovely design, intuitive companion software, and plethora of magnetic gaming features, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL is a great keyboard for gaming and typing. The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL has a striking design. It comes in either black or white colorways, and both sport a strip of RGB lighting that runs around the top plate's frame. The black variant I tested looks subdued, but the RGB strip adds an element of fun. The shine-through keycaps also have per-key RGB, which you can customize via the companion software (more on that soon). The Function Elite's sturdy build is one of its most appealing aspects. The keyboard is encased in aluminum metal that gives it a premium look. The bottom plate has a textured rubber material along its edges, which keeps the keyboard from moving around on your desk. As its name suggests, the Function Elite MiniTKL is a tenkeyless keyboard, which means there's no number pad. This helps reduce the keyboard's size, making it easier to travel with. The keyboard measures 13.72 x 5.23 x 1.49 inches and weighs 2.4 pounds, and I had no issues carrying it to and from work. As you'd expect from a Hall Effect keyboard, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL boasts a plethora of premium gaming features. Firstly, it's fitted with NZXT's dual-rail magnetic switches, which the product page describes as 'linear and silent.' That's slightly misleading as this keyboard is not silent, and my coworkers even pointed out that it was quite loud and clacky — something to keep in mind before buying this keyboard. Now, let's talk about the switches. They are extremely light, needing just 30g of force to activate, which makes them feel airy in use. They have adjustable actuation down to 0.6mm and up to 4mm. You can adjust each key's sensitivity according to the game you're playing. To adjust actuation, you'll need to download NZXT CAM on your Windows machine. I downloaded it onto our shared office Windows 11 laptop and set the actuation of all the keys down to 0.6mm for highly-responsive gameplay in Counter-Strike 2 and Hitman. The Function Elite MiniTKL's performance is on par with the Keychron Q3 HE ($239) and the Wooting 80HE ($199). Executing quick, consecutive headshots in both Hitman and CS2 is effortless since the switches are so sensitive. Since I didn't need to press the switches all the way down for them to activate, I can swap weapons easily or quickly crouch after throwing a grenade. However, I would have liked the switches to be adjustable all the way down to 0.1mm, but I'll discuss that later. On the plus side, the Function Elite MiniTKL's switches feature dual-actuation points. This means that you can assign two actions to one key based on how deeply you press it: one action on the downstroke, another on the way back up. For example, I used the companion software to customize the W key so that short-pressing it made my character in CS2 walk, while long-pressing it made them sprint. This made gameplay more intuitive and eliminated the extra action of holding down the shift key to run. To top it off, the Function Elite MiniTKL boasts an 8,000Hz polling rate, which blows many other magnetic keyboards' measly 1,000Hz polling away. 1K polling is usually sufficient for most players, but competitive or pro-level eSports players will be pleased with 8K polling since that ensures inputs aren't missed due to latency issues. The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL's other gaming features include Rapid Trigger and Snap Overrides. Let's talk about Rapid Trigger first. Enabling it through the software basically ensures that the keyboard recognizes every single input when keys are pressed in rapid succession. Rapid Trigger guarantees near-instantaneous switch reset when lifting. Similar to the magnetic keyboards, the Function Elite MiniTKL features Snap Overrides. It's a fancy term for what's commonly known as Snap Tap or Last Key Prioritization, a type of Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Direction (SOCD) resolution, which is banned by Valve in titles like CS2 and DOTA 2. It's basically a cheat code, where the keyboard prioritizes the last key pressed, making actions like counter-strafing easier. You can draw to a complete stop from a sideways strafe by pressing the opposing direction key — see why it's banned? You can find use for it in single-player titles, though, like in Hitman and Lies of P. There is some sick pleasure when standing in front of a large but slow boss in the latter, rapidly typing A and D to strafe, drawing to an immediate stop, and whooping it with a heavy attack. If you're dropping nearly $200 on a keyboard, chances are you're going to use it to type on, too, alongside gaming. The good news is that the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL is a lovely keyboard to type on. The keyboard is fitted with textured double-shot PBT keycaps that feel soft to the touch and comfortable for long periods of typing. PBT keycaps are also more durable than ABS ones, so it's nice to see that NZXT hasn't compromised here. Keyboard Type test speed (WPM) Type test accuracy NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL (3.2mm actuation) 95 92.2% NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL (1.5mm actuation) 97 93.06% NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL (0.6mm actuation) 89 88.42% Epomaker HE65 Mag (0.5mm actuation) 101 89.41% Gamakay TK75 HE (0.5mm actuation) 85 88.9% Keychron K4 HE (0.5mm actuation) 104 94.56% I took a few typing tests at to see how the Function Elite MiniTKL fared against other magnetic keyboards. I adjusted all the keys' actuation points after each test, and you can see the results above. Typing at 1.5mm actuation resulted in my best typing score, and I'm satisfied with the overall result — it's in line with other Hall Effect keyboards I've tested. NZXT CAM, your one-stop shop for customizing all NZXT peripherals, is extremely clean and intuitive to use. Here, you can adjust each key's actuation or choose from four performance presets: MOBA, RPG, FPS, Typing. The pre-key and strip RGB lighting are also fully customizable — from their colors to speed. Since 8,000Hz polling is draining on system resources, you can choose between seven different rates: 125, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 and 8,000. The Function Elite MiniTKL's internal memory can also save up to four custom profiles, so you can create specific ones for work and gaming. While a good keyboard, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL has some shortcomings. Its switches aren't as sensitive as some others, the RGB lighting is frustrating, it can't be used wirelessly, and it's heavy on the wallet. While the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL's lightweight switches are very responsive, they aren't as sensitive as many others you can buy today. And by that, I mean you can drop their sensitivity down to 0.6mm only. Most other Hall Effect keyboards I've tested, like the Keychron Q3 HE, let you adjust the actuation all the way down to 0.1mm, making the switches extremely sensitive. This may not seem like a world of difference to most casual players, but those playing competitively will want to gain all the edge they can, which is why it's worth considering whether 0.6mm actuation is enough for you. The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL has another significant shortcoming: it can't be used wirelessly. There's no 2.4GHz dongle included in the box and the keyboard isn't equipped with Bluetooth technology. Given its mini size (it's in the name, after all), it's easy to travel with the keyboard in your backpack, but that doesn't mean you can use it on the move. If you want wireless connectivity in a keyboard that's still a beast for competitive gaming, consider the Epomaker HE65 Mag ($99) or the Keychron Q3 HE. I've praised the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL's RGB lighting that wraps around the top plate. However, I would have liked it more if the lighting weren't so finicky. If your laptop or PC goes to sleep, the keyboard does too. But what's annoying is that, in my testing, it didn't turn itself back on after I woke up my laptop and the keyboard. I thought this was a problem with my MacBook Air M2, so I tried it with our shared office Windows 11 laptop, and it didn't negate the issue. I haven't encountered this with any other magnetic keyboard I've tested, so it's disappointing to face this here. Like I mentioned up top, while the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL's switches are great for typing and gaming, they are far from being as silent as advertised. The bad news is that switch choice is, at the time of writing, extremely limited. There aren't any other switches you can get for the keyboard. This is a common issue since magnetic switches are still making their way into the mainstream, but most other magnetic keyboards mentioned throughout this review offer at least two (and sometimes three) switch sets. Given its shortcomings, I don't think the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL's price is justified. Good things can be expensive, but this is a middle-of-the-road keyboard, and it retails for $199 / £169 at Amazon. Keychron and Lemokey decks come cheaper (sometimes much cheaper) while offering the same features and more. Keyboards like the Keychron K4 HE ($134) and the Lemokey P1 HE ($169) feature quad-actuation over the Function Elite MiniTKL's dual-actuation. Heck, even the budget Epomaker HE65 Mag features quad-actuation and provides 8K polling over wired and wireless connections. The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL can be best described as a middle-of-the-road keyboard. Its dual-rail Hall Effect switches are extremely responsive, and it boasts 8,000Hz polling and features like Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap — all of which provide a competitive advantage. But is it worth $199? I don't think so, especially when competitors like Keychron and Lemokey offer all of these features at lower price points. The Function Elite MiniTKL also falls short due to its finicky RGB lighting, limited switch choice, lack of wireless connectivity, and that the lowest you can adjust the switches is only 0.6mm. I'd recommend spending your hard-earned money on the Lemokey P1 HE or the Keychron Q3 HE. The Function Elite MiniTKL isn't the worst keyboard I've tested but it's far from the best.
Malaysian Reserve
20-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
NZXT Expands Award-Winning Ecosystem with New Cases & Cooling
Featuring the reimagined H9 Flow series, all-new H3 Flow, next-gen Krakens, and new 420mm options. LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NZXT, a leader in PC gaming components, peripherals, and prebuilt systems, today introduced its latest generation of PC components designed to enhance thermal efficiency and building simplicity while expanding options for gamers and builders. This launch includes new and redesigned cases, upgraded AIO coolers, and 420mm cooling options—all part of NZXT's growing ecosystem. 'With the all-new micro-ATX H3 Flow and refreshed H9 Flow series, we're offering more case options than ever—whether you're prioritizing space efficiency or pushing performance to the max,' said Felix Guerra, SVP of Product Generation & Development at NZXT. 'We've expanded into 420mm territory for both coolers and single-frame fans, and updated the baseline Kraken series with improved thermal performance—all while maintaining the same display and pricing that make screen-equipped AIOs more accessible to a wider range of builds.' Cases: From Spacious to Space-SavingLeading the launch is the flagship H9 Flow series—including the H9 Flow, H9 Flow RGB, and H9 Flow RGB+. These spacious dual-chamber mid-towers are built for high-performance systems, featuring top and front 420mm radiator support, airflow-optimized mesh panels, and angled front-right corner fans. This angled-airflow design—adapted from the best-selling H6 Flow—helps direct cool air where it's needed most. Wraparound tempered glass paneling showcases internal components, while support for rear-connecting motherboards enables a clean, cable-free look. The H9 Flow RGB+ is designed to enable a fully synchronized NZXT RGB lighting setup right out of the box. It includes two F420 RGB Core fans in the front-right and bottom, a 120 mm RGB Core fan in the rear, and a pre-installed NZXT Control Hub. When combined with a top-mounted RGB Kraken AIO cooler, an H9 Flow RGB+ build is ready for CAM-powered system-wide cooling control and lighting synchronization. For more compact setups, the new H3 Flow offers impressive airflow in a micro-ATX form factor. Inspired by the latest H5 Flow, it features an airflow-optimized PSU shroud that improves bottom fan intake. The case supports full-size GPUs and a 280mm front radiator, and is compatible with back-connect motherboards—delivering a space-saving footprint without compromising performance. Cooling: Refreshed Krakens and New 420 mm SizesThe Kraken Plus series replaces the 2023 Kraken lineup with improved thermal performance and a simplified installation process. Available in both non-RGB and RGB versions, it features the NZXT Turbine pump and high-performance fans from the 2024 Kraken Elite—delivering over 4% better CPU cooling performance*. The 1.54-inch square LCD displays real-time system temperatures, custom images, and GIFs via NZXT CAM software, while the single breakout cable integrates both fan and lighting control on RGB models—working seamlessly with the one-connector RGB Core single-frame fan for a cleaner, more streamlined build. *Based on thermal resistance testing of Kraken Plus 280 vs. Kraken 280 (2023) using the Intel Open Bench method. The Kraken Elite 420 RGB expands NZXT's flagship AIO lineup with its largest and most powerful cooler yet. Designed for cases with 420mm radiator support, it features a stunning, customizable 2.36-inch LCD, a more intuitive installation experience, and comes equipped with the new F420 RGB Core—a single-frame, triple 140mm fan that delivers strong airflow, vibrant lighting, and streamlined one-cable connectivity. The F420 RGB Core is also available as a standalone fan and comes pre-installed in the latest H9 Flow RGB and H9 Flow RGB+ cases. It delivers high-performance cooling and bold lighting while reducing build clutter with fewer screws, cables, and connectors. Availability & PricingThe full lineup is available now on and through most major NZXT retail partners worldwide. Pricing and availability may vary by region. Cases H9 Flow – $169.99 AMER / €179.90 EMEA / $179.99 APAC / £149.99 UK H9 Flow RGB – $209.99 AMER / €219.90 EMEA / $219.99 APAC / £179.99 UK H9 Flow RGB+ – $289.99 AMER / €299.90 EMEA / $299.99 APAC / £249.99 UK H3 Flow – $79.99 AMER / $79.99 EMEA / $74.99 APAC / £64.99 UK Coolers Kraken Plus 240 – $139.99 AMER / €149.99 EMEA / $149.99 APAC / £129.99 UK Kraken Plus 280 – $159.99 AMER /€169.99 EMEA / $169.99 APAC / £144.99 UK Kraken Plus 360 – $179.99 AMER / €189.99 EMEA / $189.99 APAC / £169.99 UK Kraken Plus 240 RGB – $179.99 AMER / €189.99 EMEA / $189.99 APAC / £169.99 UK Kraken Plus 360 RGB – $219.99 AMER / €229.99 EMEA / $229.99 APAC / £199.99 UK Kraken Elite 420 RGB – $334.99 AMER / €344.99 EMEA / $339.99 APAC / £299.99 UK Fan F420 RGB Core – $89.99 AMER /€74.99 EMEA / TBD APAC / £64.99 UK For more information, visit or follow @NZXT on social media. For product images and media assets, visit: H9 Flow Series H3 Flow Kraken Plus Kraken Elite 420 RGB F420 RGB Core About NZXTFounded in 2004, NZXT is committed to making PC gaming more achievable for everyone with a passion for play. With a focus on design, performance, and ease of use, NZXT delivers award-winning products across components, gaming gear, and prebuilt PCs—empowering builders and gamers everywhere to create personalized, high-performance setups. Media Contact: nzxt@
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NZXT Expands Award-Winning Ecosystem with New Cases & Cooling
Featuring the reimagined H9 Flow series, all-new H3 Flow, next-gen Krakens, and new 420mm options. LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NZXT, a leader in PC gaming components, peripherals, and prebuilt systems, today introduced its latest generation of PC components designed to enhance thermal efficiency and building simplicity while expanding options for gamers and builders. This launch includes new and redesigned cases, upgraded AIO coolers, and 420mm cooling options—all part of NZXT's growing ecosystem. "With the all-new micro-ATX H3 Flow and refreshed H9 Flow series, we're offering more case options than ever—whether you're prioritizing space efficiency or pushing performance to the max," said Felix Guerra, SVP of Product Generation & Development at NZXT. "We've expanded into 420mm territory for both coolers and single-frame fans, and updated the baseline Kraken series with improved thermal performance—all while maintaining the same display and pricing that make screen-equipped AIOs more accessible to a wider range of builds." Cases: From Spacious to Space-SavingLeading the launch is the flagship H9 Flow series—including the H9 Flow, H9 Flow RGB, and H9 Flow RGB+. These spacious dual-chamber mid-towers are built for high-performance systems, featuring top and front 420mm radiator support, airflow-optimized mesh panels, and angled front-right corner fans. This angled-airflow design—adapted from the best-selling H6 Flow—helps direct cool air where it's needed most. Wraparound tempered glass paneling showcases internal components, while support for rear-connecting motherboards enables a clean, cable-free look. The H9 Flow RGB+ is designed to enable a fully synchronized NZXT RGB lighting setup right out of the box. It includes two F420 RGB Core fans in the front-right and bottom, a 120 mm RGB Core fan in the rear, and a pre-installed NZXT Control Hub. When combined with a top-mounted RGB Kraken AIO cooler, an H9 Flow RGB+ build is ready for CAM-powered system-wide cooling control and lighting synchronization. For more compact setups, the new H3 Flow offers impressive airflow in a micro-ATX form factor. Inspired by the latest H5 Flow, it features an airflow-optimized PSU shroud that improves bottom fan intake. The case supports full-size GPUs and a 280mm front radiator, and is compatible with back-connect motherboards—delivering a space-saving footprint without compromising performance. Cooling: Refreshed Krakens and New 420 mm SizesThe Kraken Plus series replaces the 2023 Kraken lineup with improved thermal performance and a simplified installation process. Available in both non-RGB and RGB versions, it features the NZXT Turbine pump and high-performance fans from the 2024 Kraken Elite—delivering over 4% better CPU cooling performance*. The 1.54-inch square LCD displays real-time system temperatures, custom images, and GIFs via NZXT CAM software, while the single breakout cable integrates both fan and lighting control on RGB models—working seamlessly with the one-connector RGB Core single-frame fan for a cleaner, more streamlined build. *Based on thermal resistance testing of Kraken Plus 280 vs. Kraken 280 (2023) using the Intel Open Bench method. The Kraken Elite 420 RGB expands NZXT's flagship AIO lineup with its largest and most powerful cooler yet. Designed for cases with 420mm radiator support, it features a stunning, customizable 2.36-inch LCD, a more intuitive installation experience, and comes equipped with the new F420 RGB Core—a single-frame, triple 140mm fan that delivers strong airflow, vibrant lighting, and streamlined one-cable connectivity. The F420 RGB Core is also available as a standalone fan and comes pre-installed in the latest H9 Flow RGB and H9 Flow RGB+ cases. It delivers high-performance cooling and bold lighting while reducing build clutter with fewer screws, cables, and connectors. Availability & PricingThe full lineup is available now on and through most major NZXT retail partners worldwide. Pricing and availability may vary by region. Cases H9 Flow – $169.99 AMER / €179.90 EMEA / $179.99 APAC / £149.99 UK H9 Flow RGB – $209.99 AMER / €219.90 EMEA / $219.99 APAC / £179.99 UK H9 Flow RGB+ – $289.99 AMER / €299.90 EMEA / $299.99 APAC / £249.99 UK H3 Flow – $79.99 AMER / $79.99 EMEA / $74.99 APAC / £64.99 UK Coolers Kraken Plus 240 – $139.99 AMER / €149.99 EMEA / $149.99 APAC / £129.99 UK Kraken Plus 280 – $159.99 AMER /€169.99 EMEA / $169.99 APAC / £144.99 UK Kraken Plus 360 – $179.99 AMER / €189.99 EMEA / $189.99 APAC / £169.99 UK Kraken Plus 240 RGB – $179.99 AMER / €189.99 EMEA / $189.99 APAC / £169.99 UK Kraken Plus 360 RGB – $219.99 AMER / €229.99 EMEA / $229.99 APAC / £199.99 UK Kraken Elite 420 RGB – $334.99 AMER / €344.99 EMEA / $339.99 APAC / £299.99 UK Fan F420 RGB Core – $89.99 AMER /€74.99 EMEA / TBD APAC / £64.99 UK For more information, visit or follow @NZXT on social media. For product images and media assets, visit: H9 Flow Series H3 Flow Kraken Plus Kraken Elite 420 RGB F420 RGB Core About NZXTFounded in 2004, NZXT is committed to making PC gaming more achievable for everyone with a passion for play. With a focus on design, performance, and ease of use, NZXT delivers award-winning products across components, gaming gear, and prebuilt PCs—empowering builders and gamers everywhere to create personalized, high-performance setups. Media Contact: nzxt@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE NZXT Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Yahoo
Want to Keep Your Gaming PC From Becoming a Fire Hazard? Try Out These Tips
Fun fact that you might not have known: an electrical fire smells an awful lot like fish. If you want to know how I know this, pull up a seat and get comfortable, because I learned about this the hard way. One day, after using my gaming PC with an RTX 4090 and Intel Core-i9 processor for a little while, I realized I could smell this aroma. After quickly checking, I discovered that the outlet my gaming PC was plugged into had melted along with the plug. That's where the fishy smell had come from -- the plastic and heat-resistant chemicals used in outlets had overheated. If you're unfortunate enough to ever smell this in your home or apartment, the first thing you should do is not panic. The second is to ensure that this is an electrical problem and when you're certain, go and flip your breakers (if the outlet hasn't caused them to trip already), and then call the fire department. Do not try and fix this yourself, as you'll only put yourself in danger or, in the worst case scenario, make it worse. In my circumstances, the good news was that the damage was limited to the outlet, which was visibly scorched, but the uninterruptible power supply plug had melted completely. My gaming PC cost a ton, so running into this problem was a real pain. But honestly, as gaming demands keep going up and home wiring and electrical panels stay outdated, this kind of issue? It may just become more and more common. So. Here's what happened. The next step was figuring out what happened. At first, I assumed it was an issue with the power draw of my PC with my Gold-rated 1,300-watt power supply unit. Part of the problem seemed to be that my PC was drawing more power than my UPS or circuit could handle, so I took some time to speak with representatives from PC builders like Maingear, NZXT and Corsair to figure out just how much power my PC was sucking up. "Today's cutting-edge gaming PCs demand significantly more power than the top configurations of the past, often drawing between 700 and 1,000 watts under load," said Wallace Santos, the CEO of Maingear. That means modern PC gamers may require a power supply unit rated Gold, Platinum or Titanium capable of at least 1,000 watts if you have an RTX 4090 and a high-end CPU at load. "A Core i9 CPU can draw anywhere from 125 to 400-plus watts when given a workload that pushes the CPU to its max," Kevin Shih, senior product manager at NZXT said. "An RTX 4090 generally operates at around 450 watts when running a 3D-intensive game. So doing the math would net you 575 to 850 watts if you are running a 3D-intensive game." Power usage also depends on what you're doing with the PC. According to Craig Green, CTO at Carbice, a company that works on carbon nanotubes to build energy-efficient systems, browsing won't take up much energy at all, while gaming and rendering suck up power. The biggest energy sink, though, is crypto mining, which can draw as much as 3,000 watts as a starting point. It also likely didn't help matters that my gaming PC was overclocked, which meant that my CPU was drawing more power on longer sustained loads. With all that said, every expert I spoke with concurred that the gaming PC likely wasn't the problem. "Most US homes are wired with 15- or 20-amp outlets," said Shih. "That means each of these outlets at 120 volts can supply, at a minimum, 1,800 watts of continuous power. Given the above wattage consumption estimation, gaming PCs are not bitcoin mining PCs where multiple GPUs are normally wired up." It's very unlikely that the average gaming PC user is maxing out the full potential of a 20- or even 15-amp circuit, and it's also unlikely that the PSU is the cause of the electrical fire. "Very unlikely if the PSU has proper safety certifications for multiple regions (like TÜV for EU and UL for North America)," said Corsair representative Justin Ocbina, conveying an answer from Corsair's Taiwan-based PSU team. "You've seen 12VHPWR connectors and wires melt, correct? But they melt and don't ignite. That's by design as the wires used have multiple UL parameters to meet." So if it's not the gaming PC's fault, then what caused my electrical fire? At this point, I figured it was time to call an electrician. I called Courtney Hymes, an electrician at Kemetic Energies, who replaced my burned-out outlet and provided some insight into what happened. "With your particular issue in your condo, it was solely due to harmonics," said Hymes. "It's an electrical condition that occurs when there [are] nonlinear loads (computers, fluorescent lighting, electronic devices). These devices do not balance out in an electrical circuit, hence they have an irregular sine wave that adds up on the [neutral], causing heat to accumulate on the grounded conductor." Put simply, certain kinds of electrical devices have a nonlinear load, which means their waveform is not "sinusoidal." You might be more familiar with this in the context of UPS, which comes in two forms: pure sine waves and simulated sine waves. Simplifying things even more, pure sine wave is better because it is a smoother, less interrupted power supply. Simulated sine wave has a more jagged power waveform, which can cause power fluctuations and potentially damage sensitive electronics. In the latter case, you can get a situation called arcing, which happens when an electrical current is flowing and jumps a space. That's the flash you sometimes see when you plug into a socket. This isn't always a danger, and sometimes it's even intentional; appliances like toasters even rely on arcing to function. The problem occurs with unintentional arcing when there are loose and exposed wires, a build-up of dust and pet hair, and overloaded circuits. All of these factors can combine to spark an electrical fire, which is exactly what happened in my apartment. (It's worth noting I own three cats who love to shed everywhere.) According to Hymes, it's likely that my overloaded circuit, combined with damaged wiring and debris buildup caused arcing, which sparked my electrical fire. This would have been less likely to be an issue in a modern house or apartment since the breakers would have tripped (and it would likely have been less dusty too). An overloaded circuit would normally trip the breakers, but this never happened to me. My vintage General Electric panel hadn't been upgraded since the 1960s and the breakers didn't trip at all, which is an extremely dangerous situation when a circuit is overloaded. All this stressed the circuit enough that it overheated and melted down without tripping the breakers. It wasn't until I smelled the plastic burning that I realized something was amiss. The fix here turned out to be straightforward but not easy or cheap. In addition to replacing the melted plug, I had Hymes add a new dedicated 20-amp circuit to the bedroom, specifically for the gaming PC. I also upgraded to a newer, more modern electrical panel with AFCI circuit breakers that were more sensitive to arcing electrical faults. Older breakers don't detect low-level arcing, which can ignite electrical fires, as I learned the hard way. "Most devices in homes that consume as much power as a high-end PC (refrigerator, washer dryer, etc.) are installed on dedicated 15-amp circuits," Green said. "PCs on the other hand are typically in a home office or something similar and share their circuits with other devices in the room. This can stress those circuits. Sixty amps generally does not align with today's needs." My old prewar building only supports 60 amps for the entire apartment, which needs to cover two people working from home on high power devices, along with multiple other appliances, lights and electronics. The bedroom was running on a single 20-amp circuit, which had to power my gaming rig, a 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 monitor, a printer, UPS, laptop and dock, multiple lights, fans, the air conditioner, air purifier and other devices all running off the same circuit. "I will say from a per-circuit perspective, it is a good idea to have a dedicated 20-amp circuit if you have a massive gaming rig with multiple monitors," Ocbina said, quoting Corsair's PSU team. According to Hymes, at load, my PC took up more than half of a standard 20-amp circuit, with the rest being eaten by other devices connected to the same circuit. If you're a renter, your options are going to be more limited since you won't be able to add circuits or upgrade the panel unless your landlord chooses to do so. That doesn't mean you're without options to limit power usage, though. One good way is to reduce the number of devices running on a single circuit. If you have a gaming PC plugged into your bedroom or office, try to limit other devices you're using. Surge protectors are good to have to keep your devices safe from power surges, but Hymes warns they can also be dangerous because it's easy to overload them, so he recommends limiting it to just one per room or circuit and only if absolutely necessary. Keep an eye on your surge protector's age as well. Surge protectors lose effectiveness over time, though some of the better models will have a light to notify you when protection has gone away or even disable itself automatically. An underrated feature is Energy Saver mode, which is available on many devices, including monitors and TVs. Enabling Energy Saver, together with turning on automatic sleep settings for PCs and laptops, can help save serious power. Also, avoid leaving "energy vampire" devices plugged in. Things like TVs, PCs, printers, coffee makers and other appliances all siphon power even when in standby mode. The same holds true for leaving battery-powered devices plugged in. While they likely won't overload the circuit if they're finished charging, they could suffer from collateral damage if you have a problem. If you want to manage these types of devices without constantly having to manually unplug them, most smart plugs offer energy management features and can remotely turn off the power to devices. A similar feature is found in energy-efficient surge protectors. The next step is to look at the components in your PC for power efficiency gains. Hardcore PC gamers may not like this option, but Corsair advises against overkill PC hardware. "While it's cool to see your 4090 operate at 600 watts when unlocked, it's even more satisfying to see that you reduced the power limit 80% and not see a performance hit!" said Ocbina, quoting the Corsair PSU team. "I'm also a strong believer in getting a proper CPU. Some people will just buy "the biggest" and really not net any gain depending on what they're doing with it." That may very well mean getting an i7-14700F instead of an i9-14900F or going AMD and getting a Ryzen 9 7900, which is even more power efficient. Generally speaking, most intensive games are GPU-driven rather than CPU-driven, so it's rare that your CPU actually bottlenecks your GPU unless it's very outdated. The one notable caveat to this may be real-time strategy games and sims. Both lean more heavily on CPU processing, as I can attest to as someone with over 3,000 hours sunk into various Total War and Paradox games. The jump between GPU generations can be pretty substantial, on the other hand. A 1080Ti, for instance, had a 250-watt power draw, while the RTX 4070 Super draws 220 watts and has 60-70% better performance in aggregated benchmark scores. While GPUs are by far the biggest power sink in a gaming PC, with an RTX 4090 able to pull down 450 watts at load, the PSU shouldn't be overlooked either. "Buying an efficient PSU is important," said Green. "Match your components to your use case." PSUs that are rated Gold, Platinum and Titanium use less power while generating less heat, so while it might be tempting to go for a low-cost PSU capable of 1,500 watts, a Titanium at 800 watts may actually serve your needs better by being more efficient. Then there's cooling, which includes not just your fans and liquid cooling options but also fan curves and thermal paste. "A more effective thermal solution can save on fan power during an initial build," said Green. "Better thermal interface, liquid versus air cooling, heat pipes in the cooler/radiator, etc. all make a more efficient build." Santos also recommends following Maingear's procedures. "This includes properly orienting case fans, optimizing fan curves, running a bloatware-free OS, uninstalling unnecessary programs and using power-saving settings to achieve low power states when the PC is idle," Santos said. "Ensuring your PC is dust-free and located in a space with ample airflow is also critical in achieving these efficiencies." To reduce dust, keep your PC off the floor, especially if your floor is carpeted. If you don't have space on your desk, elevating it with a stand or even mounting it can help. If you have pets, you'll want to vacuum frequently or get a robovac to help keep your space clean because pet hair can get everywhere, and I mean everywhere. On the software end, you can also enable a Power mode in Windows 11's Power, sleep and battery settings. Switching from Best performance to Balanced or Best power efficiency can help save power during less intensive tasks and reduce heat. Finally, on a broader level, there are several ways improve energy efficiency in a home or apartment, even if it's older. Hymes advises people to "get an energy audit, unplug unused devices (phantom loads), seal and insulate the home for drafts, use energy efficient appliances, energy efficient windows and LED lighting fixtures, to name a few." While these methods won't do much for your gaming PC, reducing power consumption in an older home or apartment with a 30- or 60-amp service can help keep other appliances and more demanding devices running with fewer hiccups.
