nkpstudios's stats
- Review count246
- Helpfulness votes1,015
- First reviewJanuary 9, 2015
- Last reviewJuly 18, 2026
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.3
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- Answer count49
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- First answerSeptember 12, 2016
- Last answerAugust 6, 2021
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ASUS ROG STRIX X870E-E GAMING WIFI7 NEO AMD ATX motherboard with 18+2+2 power stages, DDR5 with NitroPath DRAM Technology and AEMP, PCIe 5.0 Ready, four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7, Dual USB4, Dynamic OC Switcher, advanced AI tuning with AI Cache Boost and DIY-friendly Q-design with robust thermals.
Customer Rating
4
STRIX lineup is evolving!
on July 18, 2026
Posted by: nkpstudios
After just a year, I am upgrading my build again from a competitors X870 "ICE" board and I must say I love this STRIX board and the additional functionality and I/O it provides. The ROG Strix line has always been one of my favorite boards after the Crosshair Hero line and this one takes the cake. The gap between the two lines are closing and the aesthetics, upgrades, extra USBs and RGBs, and the addition of the Q connectors really enhance the overall experience.
Enter the ROG Strix X870E Gaming WiFi 7 Neo in all its glory. I love the aggressive angles and touch of RGB covering the I/O shield board making it stylish while keeping it from overkill. The beautiful "pixelated" LEDs make the board captivating with the light staying on even while the PC is off. This is configurable and you can turn it off if you like. Everything needed is included in the box along with the cool stickers everyone is used to getting.
Enter the ROG Strix X870E Gaming WiFi 7 Neo in all its glory. I love the aggressive angles and touch of RGB covering the I/O shield board making it stylish while keeping it from overkill. The beautiful "pixelated" LEDs make the board captivating with the light staying on even while the PC is off. This is configurable and you can turn it off if you like. Everything needed is included in the box along with the cool stickers everyone is used to getting.
Assembly is like all MoBos however the inclusion of the Q connectors here rendition makes installation easy for noobs to nerds due the toolless design. The alignment of ports, headers, and connectors on the outside edge are plentiful and well thought out. There are a plethora of heatshields for 5 M.2 slots and plates to make it look sleek and aggressive. I would have like to see CPU reinforcement for this price but I know that is what separates their top tier from the others. While this is their strategy, lesser quality competitors are including it in boards half the price so maybe this should be changed in the future lineup.
Looking around the board, you see some of the 18+2+2 VRM power stages, AM5 socket, 4 DDR5 UDIMM slots supporting up to 256GB clocked up to 9600 MT/s depending on CPU and OC settings. There is one PCIe 5.0x16 for GPU, a few other PCIe, Wi-Fi 7, 2 USB-C 4.0 with PD and Display port! In the networking sector, you get MediaTek since Intel is the only driver made stable for the Marvell option I love more. So much to see, review the specs yourself, I won't do anymore listing of them. VRM and power management will make you drool if you are an over-clocker and enjoy squeezing everything out of the system.
My build easily took my AM5 Ryzen 9 9950X, 128GB DDR5 Crucial memory in dual channel, with RTX 5090 without a hiccup and runs perfectly without any issues once memory was trained. Speeds for the drives are blazing fast and run well at Gen 4 or 5. Drives, RAM, and CPU all play well together. These same components ran slightly faster on this board vs my last x870 ICE board. I loved the BIOS upgrade to 64MB for futureproof larger BIOS files. They upgraded the UI so it is scalable for higher resolution displays. There were a plethora of options and I still am learning what this thing can do and what each feature is all about. The BEST part of all is this BIOS has the ability to pre-install the Wifi driver and Asus DriverHub so you don't need to keep up with downloads from support pages. You get right to the connectivity and the drivers are ready to load with the latest and greatest. I love Armory Crate and all the AI features for making things simpler for those who aren't tech heavy in Overclocking.
Things I love:
BIOS is 64 MB and has ability to preinstall WI-FI driver and ASUS DriverHub
Love the board aesthetics with the RGB lighting ROG logo covering the I/O and cooling for VRM.
Multiple USB4 with PD and Displayport
Overclocks are stable and maintained without issues.
Superb build quality filled with solid heatsinks and Q connectors tool-less installs.
Tons of places for M.2 drives and lots of heatsinks keeping things cool.
Robust BIOS and support for HiRes displays.
BIOS is 64 MB and has ability to preinstall WI-FI driver and ASUS DriverHub
Love the board aesthetics with the RGB lighting ROG logo covering the I/O and cooling for VRM.
Multiple USB4 with PD and Displayport
Overclocks are stable and maintained without issues.
Superb build quality filled with solid heatsinks and Q connectors tool-less installs.
Tons of places for M.2 drives and lots of heatsinks keeping things cool.
Robust BIOS and support for HiRes displays.
Things to know:
Top tier with respect to I/O, namely USB and M.2 slots.
It's a bit pricey. Especially without the inclusion of 10GB LAN.
Futureproof BIOS with larger storage for upgrades on chip.
Must pay attention to bifurcation and CPU combo for limitations.
No bracket for reinforcing the CPU backplate.
My verdict
I completely recommend this to any enthusiast or gamer who loves tweaking and reliable stable overclocks to maximize FPS and rip through basic PC tasks for productivity. This is a beast and more than capable of handling any build you have in mind. If you have all other ASUS products, this will look amazing with everything including the new AIO connector.
Top tier with respect to I/O, namely USB and M.2 slots.
It's a bit pricey. Especially without the inclusion of 10GB LAN.
Futureproof BIOS with larger storage for upgrades on chip.
Must pay attention to bifurcation and CPU combo for limitations.
No bracket for reinforcing the CPU backplate.
My verdict
I completely recommend this to any enthusiast or gamer who loves tweaking and reliable stable overclocks to maximize FPS and rip through basic PC tasks for productivity. This is a beast and more than capable of handling any build you have in mind. If you have all other ASUS products, this will look amazing with everything including the new AIO connector.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Speed beyond power, victory beyond doubt. Our new HyperX OMEN 16, is engineered specifically to give gamers the competitive advantage. A new high polling rate keyboard and OMEN AI combined with a NVIDIA RTX GPU and the latest Intel processor for a perfect blend of speed and powe.
Customer Rating
4
Excellent all-around performer needing upgrades
on July 9, 2026
Posted by: nkpstudios
The HyperX Omen O16 is a well-rounded mid-tier at best, with LOTS of room for you to upgrade in SSD and RAM. The computer is kind of on the CHONKIER side, but average weight for gaming laptops in the 16-inch range. The Intel EVO line of chips is as efficient as they come on battery power for the perfect mix of speed and power. This package comes running Win11 Home, on a 16" 2K IPS display @ 165Hz refresh, an i7 Ultra 356H CPU, an RTX 5060 GPU with 8GB VRAM, a 512GB gen4 NVME, a 70070mWh battery, and an upgradeable 16GB DDR5-5600 DRAM (single stick + 1 slot unsoldered). The power supply is massive and power-hungry, drawing power from a 330 W AC adapter.
Build and Setup 4/5
This package offers a unique value proposition for all those gamers on a budget. With DLSS and other AI software, it tries to make up for the difference. However, in my testing, 16GB just isn't enough, and it would often hang during setup. Additional RAM is a MUST and should be the first upgrade/purchase for all buyers. I love the stealth-like aesthetics of the total blackout in silky-smooth matte plastic. The display bezels are thick, and there is a HUGE fan intake underneath that keeps things running without much thermal throttling. Aesthetics are right where you want them for those who like minimalism. All branding is subdued in black with subtle touches of gray for OMEN and HyperX on the interior. Not too much RGB to waste battery for a good compromise on flash vs performance. The body is mostly a fingerprint magnet that looks great at first, but once you touch it, have a microfiber cloth if you like your stuff clean! In all, EXCELLENT job on the design HyperX! There is also self-cleaning fan tech, which I haven't used yet, but I look forward to trying it in the future if things get dusty.
This package offers a unique value proposition for all those gamers on a budget. With DLSS and other AI software, it tries to make up for the difference. However, in my testing, 16GB just isn't enough, and it would often hang during setup. Additional RAM is a MUST and should be the first upgrade/purchase for all buyers. I love the stealth-like aesthetics of the total blackout in silky-smooth matte plastic. The display bezels are thick, and there is a HUGE fan intake underneath that keeps things running without much thermal throttling. Aesthetics are right where you want them for those who like minimalism. All branding is subdued in black with subtle touches of gray for OMEN and HyperX on the interior. Not too much RGB to waste battery for a good compromise on flash vs performance. The body is mostly a fingerprint magnet that looks great at first, but once you touch it, have a microfiber cloth if you like your stuff clean! In all, EXCELLENT job on the design HyperX! There is also self-cleaning fan tech, which I haven't used yet, but I look forward to trying it in the future if things get dusty.
Performance 4/5
The 512GB NVME 2.0 Gen4 from SK Hynix and is blazing fast but I would say UPGRADE to at least 1 TB if you are gaming heavy in your library and not much cloud gaming. My benchmark on Crystal DiskMark scores were exceptional running fast at 6977.93 MB/s READ and 5020.25 MB/s WRITE. RAM is Samsung memory E-Die snappy 5600 DRAM and runs amazing, but we need another stick to make 32GB if you want a good experience overall. I believe 32GB should be standard now, but with the RAM crisis, I understand why not. FPS was just average barely hitting 50fps in Fortnite on higher settings.
The 512GB NVME 2.0 Gen4 from SK Hynix and is blazing fast but I would say UPGRADE to at least 1 TB if you are gaming heavy in your library and not much cloud gaming. My benchmark on Crystal DiskMark scores were exceptional running fast at 6977.93 MB/s READ and 5020.25 MB/s WRITE. RAM is Samsung memory E-Die snappy 5600 DRAM and runs amazing, but we need another stick to make 32GB if you want a good experience overall. I believe 32GB should be standard now, but with the RAM crisis, I understand why not. FPS was just average barely hitting 50fps in Fortnite on higher settings.
Connectivity and I/O 4/5
I love the selection of I/O but wish there were a few more ports. On each side, you have USB-A for the keyboard and mouse, with one 10Gbps signaling rate USB-A on the rear to support your streaming setup, right next to the RealTek RTL8168/8111 RJ45 gigabit Ethernet port, for neat cable management. Wireless is handled by an Intel WiFi 7 (2x2) BE211 @ 320 MHz for blazing-fast speeds. There is 1 HDMI 2.1 and 1 USB Type-C 10Gbps signaling rate supporting Power Delivery 3.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and HP Sleep and Charge with 1 Headphone/microphone combo and 1 AC Smart pin rounding out the I/O. It advertises InstantPair with OMEN products, but there is no InstantPair. I tried it with my HyperX Pulsefire Saga Pro and after further reading, OMEN only added InstantPair to the MAX model. Be prepared to use the dongle or go bluetooth, that is a glaring mistake I found in the marketing.
I love the selection of I/O but wish there were a few more ports. On each side, you have USB-A for the keyboard and mouse, with one 10Gbps signaling rate USB-A on the rear to support your streaming setup, right next to the RealTek RTL8168/8111 RJ45 gigabit Ethernet port, for neat cable management. Wireless is handled by an Intel WiFi 7 (2x2) BE211 @ 320 MHz for blazing-fast speeds. There is 1 HDMI 2.1 and 1 USB Type-C 10Gbps signaling rate supporting Power Delivery 3.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and HP Sleep and Charge with 1 Headphone/microphone combo and 1 AC Smart pin rounding out the I/O. It advertises InstantPair with OMEN products, but there is no InstantPair. I tried it with my HyperX Pulsefire Saga Pro and after further reading, OMEN only added InstantPair to the MAX model. Be prepared to use the dongle or go bluetooth, that is a glaring mistake I found in the marketing.
Keyboard and Typing Experience 3/5
The keyboard is a large 4-zone RGB board, covering almost the entire chassis, with a huge touchpad in the center.
I love the font, it is a fresh feel and easily read. The keys are responsive and not mechanical. They feel like a higher quality membrane keyboard if you can imagine that. Key spacing feels cramped due to the inclusion of a number pad in this form factor, but the stroke is satisfying. The numpad is very rare on 16-inch gaming laptops these days so if you do work on this you will appreciate that if you are a numbers person. The RGB’s are beautiful and bright, and they are zoned off so you can do different things separately or the entire keyboard as one in the BEST software implementations for RGB and Gaming hub. Response time is great due to the 8000Hz polling rate. I love the font and how HyperX Omen software handles everything and one of the best experiences hands down.
The keyboard is a large 4-zone RGB board, covering almost the entire chassis, with a huge touchpad in the center.
I love the font, it is a fresh feel and easily read. The keys are responsive and not mechanical. They feel like a higher quality membrane keyboard if you can imagine that. Key spacing feels cramped due to the inclusion of a number pad in this form factor, but the stroke is satisfying. The numpad is very rare on 16-inch gaming laptops these days so if you do work on this you will appreciate that if you are a numbers person. The RGB’s are beautiful and bright, and they are zoned off so you can do different things separately or the entire keyboard as one in the BEST software implementations for RGB and Gaming hub. Response time is great due to the 8000Hz polling rate. I love the font and how HyperX Omen software handles everything and one of the best experiences hands down.
Display and Visuals 3/5
The display is made by BOE, nothing exciting. It gets bright and crispy, with inaccurate, sometimes washed-out colors. Budget gamers may like it as part of the budget-friendly compromise. Contrast is average with all colors appearing decent. Overall images are nice but nothing exciting to report out of a basic IPS display aside from 165Hz refresh rate. Color gamut representation is weak with the most basic sRGB barely 66% supported. Below there is a list of supported color spaces for those who need to know. There is NO color accuracy to any standard (see below). I would go with OLED if I could do it again.
The display is made by BOE, nothing exciting. It gets bright and crispy, with inaccurate, sometimes washed-out colors. Budget gamers may like it as part of the budget-friendly compromise. Contrast is average with all colors appearing decent. Overall images are nice but nothing exciting to report out of a basic IPS display aside from 165Hz refresh rate. Color gamut representation is weak with the most basic sRGB barely 66% supported. Below there is a list of supported color spaces for those who need to know. There is NO color accuracy to any standard (see below). I would go with OLED if I could do it again.
Color Gamuts Supported:
SRGB 66.297%
AdobeRGB 49.147%
DCI-P3 48.872%
BT.2020 35.063%
SRGB 66.297%
AdobeRGB 49.147%
DCI-P3 48.872%
BT.2020 35.063%
Essentially, if you are one who needs your panel to also be color accurate but chooses to also game, this isn't for you. If you do video or photo work on the go, this isn't for you unless you have an external monitor. There are no licenses or certifications for calibration on the IPS panel. AMD Freesync is supported but not NVIDIA Vsync which is senseless being there is RTX 5060 inside. Another sacrifice to keep pricing down.
Things to Know
-No color accuracy. Not even sRGB is 100% covered which is the most basic of all.
-LOTS of typos - The keyboard layout is tight, but with practice I will adjust.
-Inconsistent Branding - HyperX, OMEN, then HP Support Assistant? Gamers notice the little things, it cheapens the feel of a NEW HyperX line by not masking the HP name completely.
-During testing, standby battery drain was higher than expected. Power off when not needed during times of extended battery needs or inability to charge.
-16GB RAM is not enough. 16GB is just enough to run your PC. Idling, just running Windows, I was sitting anywhere between 70%-87% RAM usage, 11GB/15GB used, and there wasn't a game even loaded yet! Buy RAM day one, lagging is real RAM is the bottleneck here.
-The RAM is not soldered so you can upgrade both sticks!
-Power supply is HUGE and still rocks HP branding (Booooooo).
-Not a fan of Ads in Omen Gaming Hub
-No color accuracy. Not even sRGB is 100% covered which is the most basic of all.
-LOTS of typos - The keyboard layout is tight, but with practice I will adjust.
-Inconsistent Branding - HyperX, OMEN, then HP Support Assistant? Gamers notice the little things, it cheapens the feel of a NEW HyperX line by not masking the HP name completely.
-During testing, standby battery drain was higher than expected. Power off when not needed during times of extended battery needs or inability to charge.
-16GB RAM is not enough. 16GB is just enough to run your PC. Idling, just running Windows, I was sitting anywhere between 70%-87% RAM usage, 11GB/15GB used, and there wasn't a game even loaded yet! Buy RAM day one, lagging is real RAM is the bottleneck here.
-The RAM is not soldered so you can upgrade both sticks!
-Power supply is HUGE and still rocks HP branding (Booooooo).
-Not a fan of Ads in Omen Gaming Hub
Verdict 4/5
Should you get it? Not quite sure, for a few hundred more you can go up the line and get 1TB SSD and OLED panel for instant performance. I would say look at the higher offerings and go for the Transcend or Maxx versions if you are already in at this price point if you want to get the best OMEN experience out the box. This is a recommendation for a mid-tier budget option for those who don't play heavy AAA titles as this.
Should you get it? Not quite sure, for a few hundred more you can go up the line and get 1TB SSD and OLED panel for instant performance. I would say look at the higher offerings and go for the Transcend or Maxx versions if you are already in at this price point if you want to get the best OMEN experience out the box. This is a recommendation for a mid-tier budget option for those who don't play heavy AAA titles as this.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Professional digital signage: The Amazon Signage Stick auto-launches your CMS in kiosk mode for seamless, unattended operation.
Customer Rating
5
Major Signage Industry Disruption INCOMING!
on June 24, 2026
Posted by: nkpstudios
SEE YA, expensive proprietary signage and software! Bye, annoying manual updating procedures for separate locations and time-consuming location drives and USB drive updates. Instead, say hello to time and gas savings! If you like to work smart and efficiently, you will see this will pay for itself should you fall into any of the above. Enter the Amazon Signage Stick, which came to disrupt the signage world forever with a simple, intuitive way to manage screens in your place of business. Restauraunt menus, product sales and event marketing just to name a few are all simple and fast to handle. Digital advertising screens in all your stores can be managed remotely using your favorite CMS and everything refreshed in less than 30 seconds of pushing an update. All this brings to any TV or screen with an HDMI port, saving you more money on equipment costs by converting old screens into signage. There is also the fact it boots into kiosk mode so there is no way to tamper with the display or watch streaming apps like with a Firestick.
I love how everything is very familiar from the remote control to the installation you can handle this no problem. The "hardest" part is to link your CMS to your account. You just need to make sure you have an active subscription and you'll be able to use this stick. That is the only downside is once you pay $99 you must have an active subscription to a CMS in order for this to work. Everything works wonderfully from your CMS site. You can activate and update all new signage with the press of a button and in under a few seconds the stick downloads the changes from the CMS provider you use. Now, you can schedule signage around sales and holidays or update menu items and prices without needing to pay for each individual change. Set your content schedule, load it in for the year and be done! I highly recommend this for all who are operating signage or just need the ability to change screens without being physically there.
Things to know
Must have active subscription to one of 25 major supported CMS.
Must have Amazon Account to link/register devices in Signage app.
Device looks like Firestick but boots into signage only.
If you have Firestick, mark your remotes because they look the same as quick glance.
Must have active subscription to one of 25 major supported CMS.
Must have Amazon Account to link/register devices in Signage app.
Device looks like Firestick but boots into signage only.
If you have Firestick, mark your remotes because they look the same as quick glance.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Embrace elegance and comfort with the GameSir T7 Pro Retro Green, featuring a retro look familiar to many gamers. Its semi-transparent design and dynamic RGB lighting create a mesmerizing visual experience. Shine with the T7 Pro Retro Green and elevate your gaming setup!
Customer Rating
5
GameSir Gaming Starter Kit
on May 28, 2026
Posted by: nkpstudios
You, GameSir, have created the perfect entry-level controller for PC Gamers to get started and dip their feet into the world of Hall Effect sticks. With the nostalgic retro green Xbox lighting, you'll be reminded of the XB1 glory days. Everything feels solid and buttons are responsive. For the price, you cannot beat this offering.
The T7 Pro W is extremely simple and easy to setup. Just remove the controller and long hi quality braided USB cable, plug it in, and you'll hear it connect to your USB indicating it was recognized. The light in the controllers will turn on, and you know you are good to go. You can adjust brightness and turn the lighting on and off in app. If you want to customize, go to the MS Store and download and get the Gamesir Nexus app to make it truly yours. This works well with Steam and Xbox Game Pass along with PC gaming. There is an extra set of buttons you can program to whatever you like. This controller is simply everything you need at the right price. VERDICT IS… YES, especially for your 1st ever!
The T7 Pro W is extremely simple and easy to setup. Just remove the controller and long hi quality braided USB cable, plug it in, and you'll hear it connect to your USB indicating it was recognized. The light in the controllers will turn on, and you know you are good to go. You can adjust brightness and turn the lighting on and off in app. If you want to customize, go to the MS Store and download and get the Gamesir Nexus app to make it truly yours. This works well with Steam and Xbox Game Pass along with PC gaming. There is an extra set of buttons you can program to whatever you like. This controller is simply everything you need at the right price. VERDICT IS… YES, especially for your 1st ever!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Studio-grade audio meets wireless freedom with the R8 SPECTRE PRO HS, officially licensed for PlayStation~5. Hear the RIG R-SERIES difference with graphene drivers custom-tuned for competitive gaming, delivering ultra-low distortion audio optimized for Tempest 3D on PlayStation 5. Take calls while gaming by seamlessly mixing Bluetooth voice audio over low-latency 2.4GHz game sound. Control your audio experience using the RIG Navigator app available for Android and iPhone. The broadcast-grade boom microphone captures your voice and blocks out background noise, with full bandwidth 16 bit / 48 kHz voice capture and enhanced noise-rejection technology. Settle in for marathon gaming sessions with up to 60 hours of battery life and a comfortable memory foam headband and ear cushions. Dock your headset in the dedicated base station with RGB effects and stay charged between gaming sessions. The R8 SPECTRE PRO. Wireless Game Audio Built Different.
Customer Rating
4
The Graphene Hits Different!
on May 14, 2026
Posted by: nkpstudios
Nacon has delivered what Sony needed… an officially licensed flagship PS5 headset that hits the sweet spot between performance and value. With up to 60 hours of battery life, ultralight breathable design, and custom graphene 40mm drivers optimized for Tempest 3D audio, the RIG R8 Spectre PRO HS punches well above its price point. If you're buying your first PS5 headset or looking to upgrade without breaking the bank, this deserves serious consideration.
First Impressions & Unboxing
The unboxing experience is clean and straightforward with minimal waste. The official PlayStation branding takes center stage while RIG's branding stays subtle. It looks just right and you immediately recognize the quality in your hands. After powering them on and a soothing voice confirms they're ready to pair.
Everything you need comes in the box: the headset, base station dock with RGB lighting, cables, and swappable battery. Setup is effortless - plug the base station into your PlayStation and everything automatically links at 2.4 GHz. You can alternate between 3 modes with the mode switch button (Dual, Game, and Bluetooth).
The unboxing experience is clean and straightforward with minimal waste. The official PlayStation branding takes center stage while RIG's branding stays subtle. It looks just right and you immediately recognize the quality in your hands. After powering them on and a soothing voice confirms they're ready to pair.
Everything you need comes in the box: the headset, base station dock with RGB lighting, cables, and swappable battery. Setup is effortless - plug the base station into your PlayStation and everything automatically links at 2.4 GHz. You can alternate between 3 modes with the mode switch button (Dual, Game, and Bluetooth).
Sound Quality - The Graphene Difference
One word: graphene. These 40mm drivers deliver explosive Hi-Fi audio with less than 0.5% total harmonic distortion. They sound significantly bigger than their size suggests, with virtually no distortion even at high volumes. The clarity and soundstage are superb - highs and mids remain crisp while the bass stays clean and defined.
For FPS players who rely on spatial awareness and 3D audio positioning, these perform like nothing else at this price point. I own headsets at nearly double the price that can't match the R8's 3D audio performance. The Tempest 3D optimization on PlayStation 5 is exceptional, making these my new go-to for competitive shooters. They've replaced my Pulse Elite headphones as daily drivers.
The enhanced audio directionality and localization in games, especially FPS titles, is the best Tempest 3D implementation I've experienced.
One word: graphene. These 40mm drivers deliver explosive Hi-Fi audio with less than 0.5% total harmonic distortion. They sound significantly bigger than their size suggests, with virtually no distortion even at high volumes. The clarity and soundstage are superb - highs and mids remain crisp while the bass stays clean and defined.
For FPS players who rely on spatial awareness and 3D audio positioning, these perform like nothing else at this price point. I own headsets at nearly double the price that can't match the R8's 3D audio performance. The Tempest 3D optimization on PlayStation 5 is exceptional, making these my new go-to for competitive shooters. They've replaced my Pulse Elite headphones as daily drivers.
The enhanced audio directionality and localization in games, especially FPS titles, is the best Tempest 3D implementation I've experienced.
Connectivity & Features
The base station connects via 2.4 GHz for lag-free gaming audio. The headset also supports Bluetooth connectivity for a hybrid "dual mode" solution, though with limitations:
What works: You can answer phone calls while gaming - your girlfriend's call or that pizza order won't interrupt your session.
What doesn't: You cannot stream Bluetooth audio (music, podcasts) simultaneously with game audio. Switch to Bluetooth mode and you lose game audio. True simultaneous multipoint connectivity is only found in headsets double this price.
Download the RIG Navigator app (iOS/Android) to unlock the headset's full potential. Without it, you get a flat audio profile with limited functionality. The app lets you switch between audio profiles optimized for FPS versus single-player cinematic experiences without interrupting your game.
PC Compatibility: These work great on PC using the same USB dongle, with all sound controlled through the app.
The Dock & Build Quality
The base station feels substantial, constructed from heavy materials with rubber feet for stability. Built-in cable management helps keep your setup tidy. The RGB lighting is a nice touch, though it feels unnecessary since it doesn't sync with PS5 or PC - more of a "gamers need RGB somewhere" checkbox than a meaningful feature.
The headset itself features quality materials throughout. The memory foam ear cups are plush and customizable, and the overall design screams Sony quality with subtle RIG undertones. Everything feels worthy of the official PlayStation license.
The base station connects via 2.4 GHz for lag-free gaming audio. The headset also supports Bluetooth connectivity for a hybrid "dual mode" solution, though with limitations:
What works: You can answer phone calls while gaming - your girlfriend's call or that pizza order won't interrupt your session.
What doesn't: You cannot stream Bluetooth audio (music, podcasts) simultaneously with game audio. Switch to Bluetooth mode and you lose game audio. True simultaneous multipoint connectivity is only found in headsets double this price.
Download the RIG Navigator app (iOS/Android) to unlock the headset's full potential. Without it, you get a flat audio profile with limited functionality. The app lets you switch between audio profiles optimized for FPS versus single-player cinematic experiences without interrupting your game.
PC Compatibility: These work great on PC using the same USB dongle, with all sound controlled through the app.
The Dock & Build Quality
The base station feels substantial, constructed from heavy materials with rubber feet for stability. Built-in cable management helps keep your setup tidy. The RGB lighting is a nice touch, though it feels unnecessary since it doesn't sync with PS5 or PC - more of a "gamers need RGB somewhere" checkbox than a meaningful feature.
The headset itself features quality materials throughout. The memory foam ear cups are plush and customizable, and the overall design screams Sony quality with subtle RIG undertones. Everything feels worthy of the official PlayStation license.
Comfort & Fit
For the most part, these are comfortable, lightweight, and breathable - far more so than my leatherette-padded premium headset. The memory foam ear cups don't get hot or uncomfortable during long sessions.
However, I have fit issues. On my head, they don't seal properly around my ears, causing sound leakage under my earlobe. The clamping pressure seems insufficient, likely due to the headband's shape. Your mileage may vary depending on head shape, but it's worth testing the fit before committing.
The 60-hour battery life easily handles marathon gaming sessions, and the ability to buy and swap a fully charged battery makes this nearly foolproof for extended use.
Microphone
The mic delivers compressed, clear audio quality. While it should be know that while using monitoring, it creates some hiss. The mic is positioned on the right side, which can get in the way for right-handers who snack while gaming. Note that it's non-removable and there's no 3.5mm jack option.
For the most part, these are comfortable, lightweight, and breathable - far more so than my leatherette-padded premium headset. The memory foam ear cups don't get hot or uncomfortable during long sessions.
However, I have fit issues. On my head, they don't seal properly around my ears, causing sound leakage under my earlobe. The clamping pressure seems insufficient, likely due to the headband's shape. Your mileage may vary depending on head shape, but it's worth testing the fit before committing.
The 60-hour battery life easily handles marathon gaming sessions, and the ability to buy and swap a fully charged battery makes this nearly foolproof for extended use.
Microphone
The mic delivers compressed, clear audio quality. While it should be know that while using monitoring, it creates some hiss. The mic is positioned on the right side, which can get in the way for right-handers who snack while gaming. Note that it's non-removable and there's no 3.5mm jack option.
Notable Features & Quirks
Impressive:
R8 ear cup .STL files available for download on RIG's website - make your own custom ear cups with a 3D printer
Swappable battery system for unlimited gaming
Works seamlessly on both PS5 and PC
R8 ear cup .STL files available for download on RIG's website - make your own custom ear cups with a 3D printer
Swappable battery system for unlimited gaming
Works seamlessly on both PS5 and PC
Missing/Disappointing:
No PC app available
No chat/game mix slider on the headset itself
No button on the base or headset for quick EQ/profile changes
Included USB cable is short (3ft) - you'll need to find a longer one
No charging slot for a spare battery in the base station
Ear shells can pop out during adjustments if you grab the ear cups instead of the headband
RGB feels like an unnecessary gimmick
No PC app available
No chat/game mix slider on the headset itself
No button on the base or headset for quick EQ/profile changes
Included USB cable is short (3ft) - you'll need to find a longer one
No charging slot for a spare battery in the base station
Ear shells can pop out during adjustments if you grab the ear cups instead of the headband
RGB feels like an unnecessary gimmick
Bottom Line
The RIG R8 Spectre PRO HS is the best value under $180 for PS5 gaming, period. The graphene drivers deliver exceptional sound quality with industry-leading Tempest 3D performance, especially for competitive FPS players. The 60-hour battery life, swappable battery system, and lightweight breathable design make these ideal for extended sessions. The fit issues may be deal-breakers for some, and the lack of certain convenience features (chat mix slider, spare battery charging) feels like missed opportunities. The Bluetooth functionality is limited compared to premium headsets, and you'll need the mobile app to unlock full customization. Despite these limitations, if you want official PlayStation branding, phenomenal spatial audio, and marathon-ready battery life without spending $300+, these are your headphones. FPS players in particular will appreciate the competitive edge the 3D audio provides. Just make sure they fit your head properly before committing so those with larger craniums, these aren't for you.
The RIG R8 Spectre PRO HS is the best value under $180 for PS5 gaming, period. The graphene drivers deliver exceptional sound quality with industry-leading Tempest 3D performance, especially for competitive FPS players. The 60-hour battery life, swappable battery system, and lightweight breathable design make these ideal for extended sessions. The fit issues may be deal-breakers for some, and the lack of certain convenience features (chat mix slider, spare battery charging) feels like missed opportunities. The Bluetooth functionality is limited compared to premium headsets, and you'll need the mobile app to unlock full customization. Despite these limitations, if you want official PlayStation branding, phenomenal spatial audio, and marathon-ready battery life without spending $300+, these are your headphones. FPS players in particular will appreciate the competitive edge the 3D audio provides. Just make sure they fit your head properly before committing so those with larger craniums, these aren't for you.
Best for: FPS players, long gaming sessions, PS5/PC users wanting official Sony quality at mid-tier pricing
Skip if: You need perfect fit guarantee, want simultaneous Bluetooth music streaming while gaming, or require physical controls for audio mixing
Skip if: You need perfect fit guarantee, want simultaneous Bluetooth music streaming while gaming, or require physical controls for audio mixing
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Norton - 360 Deluxe (5 Device) + LifeLock Select Antivirus Internet Security + Scam Protection + Identity Protection + VPN - Android, Apple iOS, Mac OS, Windows [Digital]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/f7c6da0f-d19c-4705-8daa-61d25cb7b635.jpg)
Norton 360 with LifeLock Select helps you protect yourself and the ones you love from scams and malware, data exposure, credit card theft, and financial loss. Get access to our industry-leading identity theft protection, advanced AI scam protection, a VPN, and parental controls to better protect your children online. If something does go wrong, rest easy knowing you~re covered by our Million Dollar Protection Package.*
Customer Rating
4
Excellent Performance, Frustrating LifeLock Signin
on January 12, 2026
Posted by: nkpstudios
Norton 360 Deluxe with LifeLock combines solid antivirus protection with identity monitoring, but the forced LifeLock activation during setup is a serious problem that costs this product a star.
Performance
I'll start with the good news… Norton has fixed its bloatware problem. The software runs lean and doesn't tax your system resources anymore. I tested this on gaming laptops ranging from 16GB to 64GB of RAM, with both AMD and Intel processors. Even during full scans, I never saw performance drops or bottlenecking while gaming. RAM and CPU usage stayed negligible whether the software was actively scanning or just running in the background. The interface is clean and everything's contained within the main app instead of opening random browser windows for every feature (except LifeLock). It's responsive and well-organized, though you'll quickly notice which features require upgrading to Ultimate Plus or Advanced if you only bought the Select tier.
I'll start with the good news… Norton has fixed its bloatware problem. The software runs lean and doesn't tax your system resources anymore. I tested this on gaming laptops ranging from 16GB to 64GB of RAM, with both AMD and Intel processors. Even during full scans, I never saw performance drops or bottlenecking while gaming. RAM and CPU usage stayed negligible whether the software was actively scanning or just running in the background. The interface is clean and everything's contained within the main app instead of opening random browser windows for every feature (except LifeLock). It's responsive and well-organized, though you'll quickly notice which features require upgrading to Ultimate Plus or Advanced if you only bought the Select tier.
Setup
Here's where I need to vent, because the setup process has a dealbreaker issue. Installation starts normally after you purchase your subscription, create a Norton account, enter your activation code. The software downloads the latest version from Norton's servers and installs quickly. So far, so good… then you hit the LifeLock wall. NORTON FORCES YOU TO FULLY ACTIVATE LIFELOCK during installation. There's no "skip for now" button. No "I'll set this up later" option. You cannot access your antivirus software, you know, the thing you actually paid for until you've entered your Social Security number and completed the LifeLock registration. Let me be clear about why this is a problem: wherever you're installing this software is where you'll be entering your SSN. On a coffee shop's public WiFi? You're entering your SSN there. On your work network? SSN goes through there. Visiting family and using their connection? Hope you trust their router security. I installed this at a hotel during a work trip and had to make the choice between entering my most sensitive personal information over hotel WiFi or not getting the antivirus protection I'd already paid for. That's unacceptable and costs a full STAR off the review. In a world where data breaches happen constantly and SSN theft is a genuine threat, forcing customers to enter this information multiple times (yes, multiple times during activation and to check it) just to unlock antivirus software they've purchased is backwards. Some customers might already have identity monitoring elsewhere. Some might want to activate LifeLock later in a secure environment. Norton doesn't give you that choice.
The old forced credit card entry was annoying but this is worse.
Here's where I need to vent, because the setup process has a dealbreaker issue. Installation starts normally after you purchase your subscription, create a Norton account, enter your activation code. The software downloads the latest version from Norton's servers and installs quickly. So far, so good… then you hit the LifeLock wall. NORTON FORCES YOU TO FULLY ACTIVATE LIFELOCK during installation. There's no "skip for now" button. No "I'll set this up later" option. You cannot access your antivirus software, you know, the thing you actually paid for until you've entered your Social Security number and completed the LifeLock registration. Let me be clear about why this is a problem: wherever you're installing this software is where you'll be entering your SSN. On a coffee shop's public WiFi? You're entering your SSN there. On your work network? SSN goes through there. Visiting family and using their connection? Hope you trust their router security. I installed this at a hotel during a work trip and had to make the choice between entering my most sensitive personal information over hotel WiFi or not getting the antivirus protection I'd already paid for. That's unacceptable and costs a full STAR off the review. In a world where data breaches happen constantly and SSN theft is a genuine threat, forcing customers to enter this information multiple times (yes, multiple times during activation and to check it) just to unlock antivirus software they've purchased is backwards. Some customers might already have identity monitoring elsewhere. Some might want to activate LifeLock later in a secure environment. Norton doesn't give you that choice.
The old forced credit card entry was annoying but this is worse.
User Experience and Usage
Solid protection Norton is known for but ALSO with constant upsells. Norton catches malware, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attempts in real-time without being intrusive. The firewall runs quietly, and the included password manager and cloud backup for Windows, are genuinely useful additions. The email protection deserves special mention. Norton runs as an Outlook plugin and has caught numerous phishing attempts, automatically quarantining suspicious emails before I even saw them. For Gmail, it scans and tags messages as safe, which gives peace of mind when you're dealing with invoices or messages from companies you work with automatically tagging them as SAFE in Green. It's legitimately helpful for spotting increasingly sophisticated scam emails. Download the Norton 360 mobile app for your phone and tablet to extend protection to malware apps, spam calls, text phishing, and email scams on the go. Pop-ups about driver updates, performance improvements, VPN upgrades, and privacy tools appear regularly. Everything Norton has to sell you will be visible in the interface with prompts to upgrade. It's not aggressive enough to be intrusive, but you'll know you're on the budget tier.
Solid protection Norton is known for but ALSO with constant upsells. Norton catches malware, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attempts in real-time without being intrusive. The firewall runs quietly, and the included password manager and cloud backup for Windows, are genuinely useful additions. The email protection deserves special mention. Norton runs as an Outlook plugin and has caught numerous phishing attempts, automatically quarantining suspicious emails before I even saw them. For Gmail, it scans and tags messages as safe, which gives peace of mind when you're dealing with invoices or messages from companies you work with automatically tagging them as SAFE in Green. It's legitimately helpful for spotting increasingly sophisticated scam emails. Download the Norton 360 mobile app for your phone and tablet to extend protection to malware apps, spam calls, text phishing, and email scams on the go. Pop-ups about driver updates, performance improvements, VPN upgrades, and privacy tools appear regularly. Everything Norton has to sell you will be visible in the interface with prompts to upgrade. It's not aggressive enough to be intrusive, but you'll know you're on the budget tier.
Who is it for and not for?
Families benefit most from this setup. Not everyone in a household recognizes phishing attempts at the same speed, and scam emails are getting more convincing. Having automated protection that flags suspicious links before someone clicks saves headaches. The core security features are solid and familiar … real-time protection, firewall, password manager, cloud backup. These all work smoothly without needing additional third-party software, which simplifies things.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: if you don't need LifeLock's identity monitoring (maybe you already have credit monitoring through your bank or another service), buy Norton 360 without the LifeLock bundle and save yourself money and hassle. The antivirus protection itself is top-tier, and you won't have to deal with the forced SSN entry nonsense.
Families benefit most from this setup. Not everyone in a household recognizes phishing attempts at the same speed, and scam emails are getting more convincing. Having automated protection that flags suspicious links before someone clicks saves headaches. The core security features are solid and familiar … real-time protection, firewall, password manager, cloud backup. These all work smoothly without needing additional third-party software, which simplifies things.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: if you don't need LifeLock's identity monitoring (maybe you already have credit monitoring through your bank or another service), buy Norton 360 without the LifeLock bundle and save yourself money and hassle. The antivirus protection itself is top-tier, and you won't have to deal with the forced SSN entry nonsense.
Final Verdict
Norton has improved significantly in performance and integration. The antivirus works well, runs efficiently, and doesn't bog down your system. The email scam detection is genuinely useful, and the interface is clean but the mandatory LifeLock activation during setup is just bad. Requiring your SSN multiple times before you can even use the antivirus you purchased is a terrible implementation that prioritizes Norton's bundling strategy over customer security and privacy. The software itself deserves 4 stars but setup process knocks it down to 3. Norton is respected across the industry for good reason, but this LifeLock activation requirement needs to change. Until then, I'd recommend buying Norton 360 without LifeLock unless you specifically need the identity monitoring and can install it somewhere secure.
Norton has improved significantly in performance and integration. The antivirus works well, runs efficiently, and doesn't bog down your system. The email scam detection is genuinely useful, and the interface is clean but the mandatory LifeLock activation during setup is just bad. Requiring your SSN multiple times before you can even use the antivirus you purchased is a terrible implementation that prioritizes Norton's bundling strategy over customer security and privacy. The software itself deserves 4 stars but setup process knocks it down to 3. Norton is respected across the industry for good reason, but this LifeLock activation requirement needs to change. Until then, I'd recommend buying Norton 360 without LifeLock unless you specifically need the identity monitoring and can install it somewhere secure.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The HyperX Cloud Flight 2 lights up every match with full-panel RGB paired with magnetic ear-cup plates you can pop off and swap in seconds ~ no tools, no downtime. Change the look, save one lighting profile onboard, and match your headset to your playstyle, rank, or stream setup. Designed for endurance, turn the lighting off to conserve battery and keep going with up to 100 hours~ of 2.4GHz gameplay or 150 hours~ via Bluetooth~. Instant Pair~ support lets you connect to select OMEN laptops without a dongle, while a simple switch toggles between 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth modes. Stay comfortable through every round with plush memory foam ear cushions, 90~ rotating earcups, and steel sliders built to withstand daily wear. The angled 50mm drivers deliver immersive, game-optimized sound. Use the detachable 10mm boom mic for clear communications or go boomless with the built-in mic when you~re off duty. Onboard controls for audio, microphone, media, and lighting put you in control with convenience ~ no menus, no distractions. Whether you're gaming, streaming music or videos, browsing Twitch, or completing assignments, the HyperX Cloud Flight 2 keeps you comfortable and stylish with all-day comfort and customizable RGB.
Customer Rating
4
Can great hardware overcome bad software?
on January 7, 2026
Posted by: nkpstudios
I continue to be shocked and amazed by striking balance of value and aesthetics HyperX is able to provide in their headsets. The Cloud Flight 2 Wireless is possibly the new mid-tier closed-back king for the price! Hyper X is known for good headsets and this one doesn't disappoint. Excellent sound quality, comfortable fit, large sound stage, and long battery life are what this is all about. Compatible with PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Mac, Mobile, this is more than a basic headset so it is time HP steps it up with their software to match the quality of the hardware!
What do you Get?
Out of the box, you get the wireless headset with steel reinforcement in the band, detachable boom mic, USB wireless dongle, USB-C to USB-A adapter, USB-C charge cable, quick start guide and 2 year warranty. Fit is extremely comfortable and balanced on a memory foam headband and earcups. They are soft and provide the perfect clamping force so I can play for hours over an entire weekend. These 50mm drivers REALLY bring games to life and can double as headphone for your mobile phone to listen to music, videos, or games. Connect to both your game and also your favorite Bluetooth device and switch between them easily. Even though it has both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, it is not simultaneous multi connection so you will need to decide on one or the other connection. The easy toggle physical sliding switch and volume wheel for unmistakable controls make this one of my favorites.
Out of the box, you get the wireless headset with steel reinforcement in the band, detachable boom mic, USB wireless dongle, USB-C to USB-A adapter, USB-C charge cable, quick start guide and 2 year warranty. Fit is extremely comfortable and balanced on a memory foam headband and earcups. They are soft and provide the perfect clamping force so I can play for hours over an entire weekend. These 50mm drivers REALLY bring games to life and can double as headphone for your mobile phone to listen to music, videos, or games. Connect to both your game and also your favorite Bluetooth device and switch between them easily. Even though it has both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, it is not simultaneous multi connection so you will need to decide on one or the other connection. The easy toggle physical sliding switch and volume wheel for unmistakable controls make this one of my favorites.
User Experience and Sound
I really like how these headphones sit on my head, they really are comfortable. At default settings, the sound profile is quiet flat but lows and mids get muddled together. In games, footsteps are tough to hear sometimes getting lost in the sounds of the environment but the soundstage is large bass is boomy while highs are clean and sharp. To my ears, when listening to music the bass bleeds over into the mids sounding like cheaper speakers. I wish they were cleaner in the low end but it can be adjusted some in EQ. They get loud, so loud my ears vibrate and tickle lol on some notes. It should be know that if you have larger ears, you will feel pressure and the speaker touching your ear.
The major downside here is that you NEED the software to get the best out of these. NGENUITY software is horrible and REALLY holds back the overall experience. Functions and There is no way to change EQ settings on the headset so you are restricted. It didn't save my preset every time so that was disappointing. The biggest issue is the problem with software after the PC is sleeping or hibernating. Any time it goes to sleep, after you sign back in you've get lost connected and the software freezes. I needed to force close with ALT F4 then reopen the software and turn on the headphones again for things to recognize again.
I really like how these headphones sit on my head, they really are comfortable. At default settings, the sound profile is quiet flat but lows and mids get muddled together. In games, footsteps are tough to hear sometimes getting lost in the sounds of the environment but the soundstage is large bass is boomy while highs are clean and sharp. To my ears, when listening to music the bass bleeds over into the mids sounding like cheaper speakers. I wish they were cleaner in the low end but it can be adjusted some in EQ. They get loud, so loud my ears vibrate and tickle lol on some notes. It should be know that if you have larger ears, you will feel pressure and the speaker touching your ear.
The major downside here is that you NEED the software to get the best out of these. NGENUITY software is horrible and REALLY holds back the overall experience. Functions and There is no way to change EQ settings on the headset so you are restricted. It didn't save my preset every time so that was disappointing. The biggest issue is the problem with software after the PC is sleeping or hibernating. Any time it goes to sleep, after you sign back in you've get lost connected and the software freezes. I needed to force close with ALT F4 then reopen the software and turn on the headphones again for things to recognize again.
After getting things working and applying a V shaped EQ, things clean up pretty nicely and brings out cleaner tighter sound. There is not much clarity for music but they do sound pretty good for gamer headphones. Hyper X makes some quality mics and you have two to choose from: boom or in-headset. Both offer quality sound with the boom offering a fuller voice capture with onboard mic having excellent sound too. I find myself not using the boom just to avoid the mic in my face. The removable boom mic sounds excellent with depth and the built-in mic sounds above average but sounds small and tinny. Noise canceling in the mic works somewhat but overall these are excellent and you won't sound like the worst mic in the lobby. An LED signals when you’re muted or active with the boom mic, and an audible notification indicates status in both boom and boomless options.
Things to know:
Available in White or Black
Large ears will be a squeeze because they are angled drivers.
Very boomy and bassy for music. Sound needs tweaking in EQ with NGENUITY software.
NGENUITY software or basic flat sound.
90 degree rotating ear cups fold flat.
Press and hold Power + Mic Mute on L ear cup to turn off RGB.
Steel sliders for solidified headband.
Available in White or Black
Large ears will be a squeeze because they are angled drivers.
Very boomy and bassy for music. Sound needs tweaking in EQ with NGENUITY software.
NGENUITY software or basic flat sound.
90 degree rotating ear cups fold flat.
Press and hold Power + Mic Mute on L ear cup to turn off RGB.
Steel sliders for solidified headband.
Things I'd like see
=More customizable RGB effects with custom magnetic plates
=Better software and features
=Onboard EQ controls
=Add 3.5mm headphone jack
=More customizable RGB effects with custom magnetic plates
=Better software and features
=Onboard EQ controls
=Add 3.5mm headphone jack
In summary, the Cloud Flight 2 Wireless is a headset I want to love more than I actually do. The hardware is excellent and the price is right, but the software experience keeps it from being an easy recommendation for everyone. If you're techy enough to deal with NGENUITY's quirks and willing to invest time in EQ adjustments, you'll be rewarded with a very capable headset at an excellent price with 50mm drivers. But if you want something that just works out of the box without fuss, you might want to look elsewhere or wait to see if HP improves the software situation.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Experience next-level protection and clarity with the THINKWARE U3000 PRO. Featuring 4K UHD front and 2K QHD rear recording with Dual STARVIS 2 sensors and Dual HDR, it captures every detail in stunning quality, day or night. Dual built-in 60GHz RADAR sensors deliver smart, energy-efficient parking surveillance, while Super Night Vision 4.0 ensures bright, noise-free footage in low light. Stay connected anywhere with the THINKWARE CONNECTED App (via optional LTE) for live monitoring, impact alerts, and vehicle tracking. Dash cam set includes the U3000 PRO dash cam, rear camera unit, 3M adhesive windshield mount with extra 3M tape, CPL filter, heat blocking film, adhesive cable holders, OBD II cable, trim tool, and 64GB MicroSD card.
Customer Rating
4
Security, Not Just a Camera. Think RING!
on December 18, 2025
Posted by: nkpstudios
Have you ever had to run into a store or friends place while double parked and spent the entire time checking your phone? This product will make immediate sense. What about parking in a visitor spot without a pass? Maybe leaving your car at the mall and wondering if someone’s testing door handles? That background stress adds up, and the Thinkware U3000 Pro is built to greatly reduce these things.
The easiest way to describe it is this is to think Ring or ADT, but for your car. Between parking enforcement, hit-and-runs, break-ins, and speed or red-light cameras, the cost of one bad day can easily exceed the price of this system. For me, the trade-off is simple. Peace of mind and reliable evidence are worth it. With LTE connectivity and Live View, you can check on your vehicle from anywhere there’s internet access changing how you think about leaving your car unattended.
What’s in the box
Inside the package you get the U3000 Pro front unit, rear camera, 3M adhesive windshield mount with extra tape, CPL filter, heat-blocking film, adhesive cable clips, OBD II hardwire harness, trim tool, and a 64GB microSD card. The included card works, but realistically, 64GB fills up quickly with 4K footage so upgrade to at least 256GB if you want multiple days of recordings without overwriting.
Inside the package you get the U3000 Pro front unit, rear camera, 3M adhesive windshield mount with extra tape, CPL filter, heat-blocking film, adhesive cable clips, OBD II hardwire harness, trim tool, and a 64GB microSD card. The included card works, but realistically, 64GB fills up quickly with 4K footage so upgrade to at least 256GB if you want multiple days of recordings without overwriting.
Unboxing and first impressions
Everything comes neatly packed and organized. Nothing feels cheap. The cameras themselves feel solid, and even the cables and mounting tape feel high quality, which matters when you’re trusting something to sit in a hot windshield year-round. I installed this in a 2024 Dodge Durango and had more than enough cable length, even after taking the time to hide everything cleanly along trim panels and headliner edges. The kit is clearly designed to work across sedans, SUVs, and trucks without forcing you to stretch wires or improvise routing.
Everything comes neatly packed and organized. Nothing feels cheap. The cameras themselves feel solid, and even the cables and mounting tape feel high quality, which matters when you’re trusting something to sit in a hot windshield year-round. I installed this in a 2024 Dodge Durango and had more than enough cable length, even after taking the time to hide everything cleanly along trim panels and headliner edges. The kit is clearly designed to work across sedans, SUVs, and trucks without forcing you to stretch wires or improvise routing.
The field of view is wide at 147 degrees in the front and 156 degrees in the rear, which does a good job of covering adjacent lanes and parking angles. Smart Parking Mode is also well thought out. When temperatures climb too high or battery voltage drops, the system shifts into a low-power mode to avoid draining your battery. There’s also an Energy Saving Parking Mode that records only when an impact is detected, which dramatically extends how long the camera can stay active while parked.
Installation and setup
Installation is straightforward if you take your time and think things through. With this package, anyone can be a DIYer. I recommend loosely routing the cables and test-mounting both cameras first. Connect to the camera through the app and register it. Use the alignment overlay to make it easier to mount the front camera and properly level it to ensure capturing the right field of view.
Installation is straightforward if you take your time and think things through. With this package, anyone can be a DIYer. I recommend loosely routing the cables and test-mounting both cameras first. Connect to the camera through the app and register it. Use the alignment overlay to make it easier to mount the front camera and properly level it to ensure capturing the right field of view.
After confirming everything works, permanently mount the cameras, unplug them, and route the cables cleanly back to the front U3000pro. From start to finish, the install took me about one to one and a half hours, depending on minor distractions and occasional app connection delays. I tested everything on both Android and iOS, and both platforms worked reliably once connected.
The real standout here is the OBD II hardwire harness. This alone sets the U3000 Pro apart for DIY installs. There’s no fuse box hunting, no multimeter testing, and no guessing which fuse stays hot during parking mode versus ignition. You plug it into the OBD II port and you’re done. It probably saved me at least 30 minutes of troubleshooting. The harness uses only the necessary pins, and the materials feel high quality, so there’s no concern about sloppy power delivery.
App experience
This is where the experience becomes more mixed. You need two separate apps: Thinkware Dashcam Link for viewing and interacting with the camera, and THINKWARE CONNECTED for cloud features. If you want real-time alerts, Live View, or cloud backups, a subscription second app is required.
This is where the experience becomes more mixed. You need two separate apps: Thinkware Dashcam Link for viewing and interacting with the camera, and THINKWARE CONNECTED for cloud features. If you want real-time alerts, Live View, or cloud backups, a subscription second app is required.
If you run into connectivity issues, deleting the camera from your phone and re-pairing it from scratch usually resolves the problem. The app is required if you want to view footage without a computer, but if you do have a computer handy, using an SD card reader is actually easier. The file structure on the card is clean and well organized, making it easy to find specific events without searching endlessly through clips.
Cloud access and subscriptions
This is the biggest downside of the U3000 Pro. Previous Thinkware models offered cloud access over Wi-Fi and I loved that for my home. With home Wi-Fi I could see what's happening around my car. That option is now gone with the release of the Pro. Now, cloud functionality requires LTE hardware and a paid cloud subscription. To use cloud features, you must purchase the LTE model, which runs about $150, and then pay for a monthly or yearly cloud subscription. The LTE modem includes three years of SIM service. If cloud backup matters to you, expect ongoing costs .
This is the biggest downside of the U3000 Pro. Previous Thinkware models offered cloud access over Wi-Fi and I loved that for my home. With home Wi-Fi I could see what's happening around my car. That option is now gone with the release of the Pro. Now, cloud functionality requires LTE hardware and a paid cloud subscription. To use cloud features, you must purchase the LTE model, which runs about $150, and then pay for a monthly or yearly cloud subscription. The LTE modem includes three years of SIM service. If cloud backup matters to you, expect ongoing costs .
SD card formatting issue
One frustration I ran into is what happens when you install a new SD card. If the card isn’t formatted, the camera won’t boot correctly. You’ll hear “Memory Card Error, please format card,” the unit reboots, and you don’t get enough time to connect via the app to fix it.
One frustration I ran into is what happens when you install a new SD card. If the card isn’t formatted, the camera won’t boot correctly. You’ll hear “Memory Card Error, please format card,” the unit reboots, and you don’t get enough time to connect via the app to fix it.
The workaround is simple but poorly documented. You must format the SD card directly on the unit by pressing the [REC] and [Wi-Fi] buttons at the same time. This should be clearly explained in the Quick Start guide or added to the voice prompts, especially since most users will upgrade to a larger card for 4K recording.
Things to know
Traffic-light change notifications alert you when lights turn green.
Cloud access now requires two subscriptions: LTE connectivity and the CONNECTED app, with no Wi-Fi alternative. Supports microSD cards up to 512GB and uses H.265 HEVC compression.
There’s no AI or voice control for hands-free clip marking.
Compatible with both iOS and Android.
Uses dual Sony Starvis 2 sensors with 4K front and 2K rear recording, and includes dual 60GHz radar sensors for intelligent, energy-efficient parking surveillance.
Speed and red-light camera alerts are included, though they can be slightly conservative by a few MPH.
Low-light performance is excellent
Built-in GPS records speed, time, and location. Live monitoring, impact alerts, and vehicle tracking.
Traffic-light change notifications alert you when lights turn green.
Cloud access now requires two subscriptions: LTE connectivity and the CONNECTED app, with no Wi-Fi alternative. Supports microSD cards up to 512GB and uses H.265 HEVC compression.
There’s no AI or voice control for hands-free clip marking.
Compatible with both iOS and Android.
Uses dual Sony Starvis 2 sensors with 4K front and 2K rear recording, and includes dual 60GHz radar sensors for intelligent, energy-efficient parking surveillance.
Speed and red-light camera alerts are included, though they can be slightly conservative by a few MPH.
Low-light performance is excellent
Built-in GPS records speed, time, and location. Live monitoring, impact alerts, and vehicle tracking.
Things I’d like to see improved
Voice commands for basic actions like starting a recording or locking a clip would be a welcome addition.
Backlit buttons would help during nighttime adjustments.
A CPL option for the rear camera would reduce glare
The frequent “Please have a safe drive today” voice prompt could be toned down (currently only turned off).
Voice commands for basic actions like starting a recording or locking a clip would be a welcome addition.
Backlit buttons would help during nighttime adjustments.
A CPL option for the rear camera would reduce glare
The frequent “Please have a safe drive today” voice prompt could be toned down (currently only turned off).
Overall, the Thinkware U3000 Pro delivers outstanding video quality, strong parking surveillance, and one of the easiest hardwire installs I’ve ever completed. The subscription model and lack of Wi-Fi cloud access are real deal breakers for some, but if security, evidence, and peace of mind are priorities, this system still delivers where it matters most.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL mechanical gaming keyboard is a compact powerhouse built for PC gaming enthusiasts for the long haul. Engineered with a tenkeyless form factor that maximizes desk space for quick mouse movement and big swipes, Vulcan II TKL is perfect for fast-paced FPS, MOBA, and all-round competitive play. Its pre-lubed, hot-swappable TITAN HS mechanical linear switches deliver smooth, quiet yet rapid 1.8mm actuation~ideal for both gaming and typing and tested to 50 million keystrokes. Sound dampening foam and upgraded stabilizers provide a satisfying, clean keystroke sound with zero rattle or spring noise for smooth and crisp gaming and typing. ReacTap SOCD technology ensures ultra-fast input response and precise movement~perfect for strafing, tapping, or micro-adjustments in competitive titles while full key (NKRO) with 100% anti-ghosting ensures every key press registers accurately, even when multiple keys are pressed at once for complete reliability during high-speed or competitive gameplay. Featuring user-replaceable parts, a brushed aluminum top plate set on a low-profile housing, T-shaped keycaps, and a stylish, ergonomic layout the Vulcan II TKL is built to last for years. With hot-swappable switches (3-pin & 5-pin compatible), never again throw away a keyboard due to missed or double inputs due to mechanical switch oxidation or wear and tear. Switch replacements or upgrades are made easy without soldering. You can also customize each keycap with any 3rd party compatible cross-mount keycap to replace lost caps or simply to fit your style. Lastly, the detachable braided power cable is also replaceable if worn or upgradeable to match your setup. With per-key RGB illumination and synched AIMO across Turtle Beach PC products via Swarm II and dedicated game mode with EASY-SHIFT[+] key remapping, every keypress counts. A dedicated Artificial Intelligence launch key is added via FN press can be set to instantly access your favorite A.I. application. Up to five onboard profiles allow seamless transitions between setups and an integrated volume wheel with push-to-mute is in easy reach.
Posted by: nkpstudios
The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL RGB keyboard is a mid-tier TenKeyLess mechanical wired board that comes in black or white. I love the striking design language, volume wheel, and floating key design most. It uses Turtle Beach’s Titan HS linear pre-lubed switches, which feel lighter than traditional mechanical switches, are rated for 50 million keypresses. The TKL design reduces desk footprint so it's good for students, office setups, and gamers with limited space. The included braided USB-C cable is high quality, and the overall design and execution of the board are excellent.
Setup and First Impressions
The Vulcan II TKL is beautiful gives your mouse more room to move which is helpful in both work and gaming scenarios. You can hot-swap keys using both 3-pin and 5-pin switches which future-proofs the board and allows for deeper customization. Setup was simple: just plug it into any USB port, and it works automatically. For your RGB control, macros, and key remapping, you’ll need to download Turtle Beach’s Swarm II software. The overall board construction is mostly plastic, but the aluminum top plate adds strength. Keystrokes feel silky and premium on first use, though the ABS keycaps become shiny and attract fingerprints quickly. The keyboard feels premium right out of the box.
The Vulcan II TKL is beautiful gives your mouse more room to move which is helpful in both work and gaming scenarios. You can hot-swap keys using both 3-pin and 5-pin switches which future-proofs the board and allows for deeper customization. Setup was simple: just plug it into any USB port, and it works automatically. For your RGB control, macros, and key remapping, you’ll need to download Turtle Beach’s Swarm II software. The overall board construction is mostly plastic, but the aluminum top plate adds strength. Keystrokes feel silky and premium on first use, though the ABS keycaps become shiny and attract fingerprints quickly. The keyboard feels premium right out of the box.
User Experience
For me, the weakest link was the Swarm II software for sure. It is functional yet bare, lacking depth compared the competition limiting the potential of good hardware. I noticed slight key wobble, but I would expect that from a pogo stick looking post mounted keycap. The most noticeable thing for me during everyday typing is the angular keycap shape. The sharp outer edges often catch my fingers when I type extremely fast and interferes with accuracy. The caps are fingerprint magnets and show fingerprints quickly. The legends are clean and crisp, though some icons (Shift, Tab, CapsLock) are different from standard text and arrow icons that look like military ranks.
For me, the weakest link was the Swarm II software for sure. It is functional yet bare, lacking depth compared the competition limiting the potential of good hardware. I noticed slight key wobble, but I would expect that from a pogo stick looking post mounted keycap. The most noticeable thing for me during everyday typing is the angular keycap shape. The sharp outer edges often catch my fingers when I type extremely fast and interferes with accuracy. The caps are fingerprint magnets and show fingerprints quickly. The legends are clean and crisp, though some icons (Shift, Tab, CapsLock) are different from standard text and arrow icons that look like military ranks.
Despite these drawbacks, the dampening makes the Vulcan II TKL quieter than many mechanical keyboards in its class and a pleasant experience. This is polarizing you will either love or hate this board because of it. Does your partner complain they can hear your keyboard at night? This could be the answer to your prayers but you'll miss the click. In order to fully customize the board, Swarm II is required. While the software works, it feels dated and lacks the depth of options found in competitors' software. The hardware clearly has potential I am hoping in the future can be overhauled with more effects or even a community to share effects, macros, and presets.
Typing and Gaming
Typing on this keyboard was a mixed for me. The short 1.8 mm actuation helped with speed, but the sharp keycap edges led to more errors. My WPM decreased until I adjusted my finger placement to avoid catching the corners and I still find myself making a lot of corrections.
For gaming, however, the board performs very well. The TKL layout provides more mouse space with switch actuation is fast and responsive. The key shape helps keep fingers in place during gameplay. The knob came in handy when adjusting the volume! Switch removal is tight on the first attempt but still safe—just requires more force than expected.
Typing on this keyboard was a mixed for me. The short 1.8 mm actuation helped with speed, but the sharp keycap edges led to more errors. My WPM decreased until I adjusted my finger placement to avoid catching the corners and I still find myself making a lot of corrections.
For gaming, however, the board performs very well. The TKL layout provides more mouse space with switch actuation is fast and responsive. The key shape helps keep fingers in place during gameplay. The knob came in handy when adjusting the volume! Switch removal is tight on the first attempt but still safe—just requires more force than expected.
Things I Love
+ Keyboard noise is reduced due to dampening.
+ Plenty of FN-layer on-board shortcuts for RGB, macros, media, and effects.
+ Three incline positions via adjustable feet.
+ On-board profiles and macro storage allow use w/o running software.
+ Keyboard noise is reduced due to dampening.
+ Plenty of FN-layer on-board shortcuts for RGB, macros, media, and effects.
+ Three incline positions via adjustable feet.
+ On-board profiles and macro storage allow use w/o running software.
Things to Know
- No USB pass thru & no wrist rest included.
- Switches are snug and can be difficult for beginners to remove.
- Swarm II is extremely basic/limited. Needs RGB animations/effects or even downloadable library.
- Macro Manager game list is outdated. (i.e. BO4 we are BO7 now)
- RGB is top-lit only; minimal light spills down the sides. Still beautiful!
- No USB pass thru & no wrist rest included.
- Switches are snug and can be difficult for beginners to remove.
- Swarm II is extremely basic/limited. Needs RGB animations/effects or even downloadable library.
- Macro Manager game list is outdated. (i.e. BO4 we are BO7 now)
- RGB is top-lit only; minimal light spills down the sides. Still beautiful!
Final Verdict
The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL checks a lot of boxes for me like clean design, quiet linear switches, bright RGB lighting, all in a compact layout ideal for gaming and daily use. The aluminum plate adds both strength and a nice touch, and the dampened switches offer a smoother, quieter experience than many boards at this tier. For gamers, it's an option but for heavy typists, top-tier connoisseurs, and those valuing deeper software control, you may want to start elsewhere.
The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL checks a lot of boxes for me like clean design, quiet linear switches, bright RGB lighting, all in a compact layout ideal for gaming and daily use. The aluminum plate adds both strength and a nice touch, and the dampened switches offer a smoother, quieter experience than many boards at this tier. For gamers, it's an option but for heavy typists, top-tier connoisseurs, and those valuing deeper software control, you may want to start elsewhere.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Turn an inaccessible outlet into a multi-device charging station with the Insignia 4~ 6 Outlet Power Strip with Power Switch. The power strip features a 4 ft. cord with a low-profile plug that handles tight quarters with ease. It can be placed on a desktop with its non-slip feet or mounted to the wall, providing easy access to its six wide-spaced AC outlets and the power switch.
Customer Rating
3
Right Idea, Bad Execution
on November 29, 2025
Posted by: nkpstudios
Insignia made something that works as a power strip, but the design is poorly executed. Basically, this works great if you're using regular standard cords. It's a clean, minimalist white power strip that fits well with modern home décor. There's a switch on top that lets you turn everything off at once, or you can ignore it and just use it as a regular power strip. It's got rubber pads to keep your furniture safe and prevent sliding, and you can wall mount it with the two holes for nails or screws. Plenty of options, so it's pretty adaptable for home or office setups.
Now here's where the design flaws start to show. The design allows for enough space for charge bricks, but it really needed about a half inch more space in the center between the outlet rows. Throw in an Apple charger or any other bulky charge brick and you end up cutting off the adjacent plug, which defeats the whole purpose. This would've been perfect if things didn't get blocked when power bricks are plugged in opposite each other. Because of the lack of spacing in the center of the strip, I only have 5 out of 6 outlets actually usable. Each time you introduce a brick, you lose an outlet because it extends just slightly into the other side of the strip.
I do like the flat, 45-degree plug that's low-profile and leaves less space between the wall and your furniture. It's white, so it blends into my home décor and doesn't stand out like a black or gray one would. It looks modern and straightforward. I just wish the plugs had more space in the center to leave room for more clearance when using power bricks. Maybe a USB port or two would've made this perfect for desktop use, but it is perfect for areas behind and under furniture. This is a no brainer if you're looking for a quality, no frills power outlet and not the typical inline 6-plug pattern that's an eyesore.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Keep your focus on the road with this Garmin Speak voice service device. Amazon Alexa is integrated and takes voice commands, so you can keep your hands on the wheel, and it connects to your vehicle's stereo system to provide spoken turn-by-turn directions. This Garmin Speak voice service device is compact, so it doesn't obstruct your view.
Is it possible to save frequently used locations and just call them by name when routing?
As of 11/22/17, this is a NO. This is one of my biggest gripes with this. If this is a GPS unit, why can we save places and use the Alexa voice assistant to navigate there hands-free.
8 years, 8 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Complete your cleaning routine with this Shark IONFLEX vacuum. Its 2x ION power pack system includes two LiIon batteries to provide backup power and longer run time, and it bends to reach floors under low-lying furniture thanks to its MultiFLEX technology. Convert this Shark IONFLEX vacuum into a handheld vac to clean ceilings and small corners.
How long does each battery charge last during use?
These are approximations but are close to all cordless models on the market. What sets this one apart is the fact you can change packs and keep working.
Hand vacuum only in "Max Power" mode: approximately 11 minutes
Hand vacuum only in "Extend Runtime" mode: approx. 23 minutes
Floor mode in "Max Power": approx. 12 minutes
Floor mode in "Extend Runtime": approx. 20 minutes
Carpet mode in "Max Power": approx. 11 minutes
Carpet mode in "Extend Runtime": approx. 14 minutes
Hand vacuum only in "Max Power" mode: approximately 11 minutes
Hand vacuum only in "Extend Runtime" mode: approx. 23 minutes
Floor mode in "Max Power": approx. 12 minutes
Floor mode in "Extend Runtime": approx. 20 minutes
Carpet mode in "Max Power": approx. 11 minutes
Carpet mode in "Extend Runtime": approx. 14 minutes
8 years, 10 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Surround yourself with robust audio performance in a slim package with this LG ultra-slim soundbar. Compatible with the latest LG televisions, the compact soundbar pairs seamlessly to deliver an immersive audio-visual experience. The 4K high resolution audio on this LG ultra-slim soundbar lets you hear the action in every scene.
Can this sound bar be used with warless rear speakers? If so has anyone done this?
No. Just a wireless sub and the soundbar work together with no opportunity to expand the system.
8 years, 11 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
Can you record in 1080 instead of 4k if needed?
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
can I use a xlr microphone in this camera
Yes if you buy a XLR to 3.5 stereo.mono minijack cord.
8 years, 11 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
Will this camera allow me to record live on Facebook??
Not out of the box or via apps. You will need to do a search for how to record on FB Live using camera into a computer.
8 years, 11 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
Tri pod mountable?
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
Does this camera have a touch screen and does it have night vision
Yes, this can be found under specifications on the website.
8 years, 11 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
Does this camera have a light to record at night
Yes, there is an infrared light built in that provides recording in complete darkness. You don't get color, just a greenish white recording.
8 years, 11 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
The specifications state that the focusing is manual. I want to clarify what this means. Does it literally mean that I have to turn some knob every time I want to focus?
This camera allows for manual focus using the focus ring or you can tap the screen to focus on areas of interest. This also has full automatic focus which is also available for those who don't want the professional manual controls. This camera offers something for everyone. I love it.
8 years, 11 months ago
by
nkpstudios