Here is a roundup of today's reviews and articles. Thanks to its color-accurate display and high system performance, the XMG Focus 17 (M25) laptop provides value for those seeking a big-screen laptop at an affordable price. Meanwhile, thermal compound manufacturer ARCTIC has released its new MX-7 paste, which promises reliable thermal bonding at an affordable price. Other notable reviews include a look at the AGON Pro CS24A eSports monitor from AOC, which boasts 600 Hz refresh rates, as well as several reviews of networking and power components.
Computers: XMG Focus 17 (M25) Review - Proves that the 17.3-inchers Are Still a Thing
Cooling: ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Compound Review - Will the price breaker also become an icebreaker in the top 10?
Displays: AOC AGON Pro CS24A Counter Strike 600Hz eSports Monitor Review
Memory: Patriot Viper Xtreme 5 Aurum DDR5-8000 UDIMM 32GB Dual-Channel Memory Kit Review
Motherboards: ASRock X870E Taichi OCF Review and complete Teardown: Focus on the Essentials or more with less is almost impossible
Networking: UGREEN UM106X CM753 5-port 2.5GbE 1-port 10G Switch Review
Power: Seasonic Prime PX-2200 ATX 3.1 PSU Review
Software: Plasma 6.5 review - Solid improvements, destination unknown
Other: Thermal Grizzly der8enchtable Review - Tested Over 3 Months
Computers:
TechPowerUp: XMG Focus 17 (M25) Review - Proves that the 17.3-inchers Are Still a Thing
The XMG Focus 17 M25 offers plenty of value in the mid-range class. The color-accurate display, capable cooling, and high overall system performance make it a great choice for those who want a big-screen laptop without paying the premium for the RTX 5080/5090. The solid, professional looking chassis and good input devices make this laptop a very strong offer in its class.
XMG Focus 17 (M25) Review - Proves that the 17.3-inchers Are Still a Thing
Cooling:
IgorsLAB: ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Compound Review - Will the price breaker also become an icebreaker in the top 10?
The new ARCTIC MX-7 is a consistent further development of a paste series that has been shaping the market for many years in a rather inconspicuous but technically relevant segment. ARCTIC focused early on creating uncomplicated yet reproducible solutions for users who require reliable thermal bonding without having to deal with exotic formulations or short-lived trends.
Displays:
eTeknix: AOC AGON Pro CS24A Counter Strike 600Hz eSports Monitor Review
The world of eSports monitors is a never-ending arms race for speed, and AGON by AOC has firmly planted its flag on the front lines with the release of the AGON Pro CS24A.
AOC AGON Pro CS24A Counter Strike 600Hz eSports Monitor Review
Memory:
TweakTown: Patriot Viper Xtreme 5 Aurum DDR5-8000 UDIMM 32GB Dual-Channel Memory Kit Review
When white, black, and silver do not fit the theme, Patriot goes gold with Viper Xtreme 5 Aurum - DDR5 that looks bold and delivers serious performance.
Motherboards:
IgorsLAB: ASRock X870E Taichi OCF Review and complete Teardown: Focus on the Essentials or more with less is almost impossible
As a high-end motherboard for AMD’s AM5 platform, the ASRock X870E Taichi OCF is clearly positioned above the classic enthusiast segment and is aimed at users who are specifically looking for maximum electrical and signal reserve. With this model, ASRock consistently transfers the OC Formula concept to the X870E chipset and thus to the current Ryzen generation for the first time, which already defines the basic orientation. It is not about a universal all-round board, but about a platform that is specially designed for manual fine-tuning, high loads and reproducible stability under demanding operating conditions.
Networking:
ServeTheHome: UGREEN UM106X CM753 5-port 2.5GbE 1-port 10G Switch Review
In our UGREEN UM106X and CM753 review, we see how this 5+1 2.5GbE and SFP+ 10G switch performs and the small features it offers
Power:
KitGuru: Seasonic Prime PX-2200 ATX 3.1 PSU Review
Today we get a hands on with the latest Seasonic Prime PX-2200, a delayed review as we updated our hardware test suite in the background this year. Priced between £460 and £500 in the UK, this is not for the faint of heart. This unit has achieved Cybenetics Platinum certification and supports the ATX 3.1/PCIe 5.1 spec. It also ships with a 12-year warranty.
Software:
Dedoimedo: Plasma 6.5 review - Solid improvements, destination unknown
Detailed, thorough, mostly positive review of Plasma 6.5 desktop environment, tested in KDE neon user edition on a laptop with AMD processor and integrated graphics, covering system setup, look and feel, several dubious ergonomic choices, improved Wayland behavior and performance, security model and pseudo-security considerations, numerous problems and inconsistencies with software management, some other observations, and more
Other:
TechPowerUp: Thermal Grizzly der8enchtable Review - Tested Over 3 Months
The Thermal Grizzly der8enchtable is a revolution for open-bench testing, combining a compact, ultra-rigid metal design with genuinely innovative onboard electronics. Built for reviewers and enthusiasts who constantly swap hardware, it delivers unmatched build quality and smart integration—but at a high price.
