Hypixel Studios is making a return after splitting off from Riot Games. Riot had acquired the studio to finish up their game Hytale, but after more than five extra years of work, the game was still no closer to release. Now, Hytale is back in the hands of the original creators, meaning the game is officially ‘uncancelled'. 

Hytale is no longer cancelled. In a new update posted to the game's official website, Hypixel founder, Simon Collins-Laflamme, confirms that he was able to broker a deal with Riot Games to buy back the IP and take back control of the Hypixel studio. Since re-acquiring the game, Hypixel Studios has been on a mission to hire back as many lost developers as possible. Currently, more than 30 former developers are now back on the project.

Speaking on the rare deal, Simon explained that Riot “ultimately wanted what's best for players” and as a result, they agreed to let him take back the studio and IP to start up work on the game once again. Moving forward, Hypixel Studios will be working on a “revised version of the game” as a fully independent studio.

The new version of Hytale will move the game back to the legacy engine, with the goal of fulfilling the original vision for the game, rather than the greatly expanded version of the game that Riot had wanted. Unfortunately, there are no release date plans yet, but Early Access plans are set to be announced “in the coming days”.

KitGuru Says: It is very rare to see a large company part with a potentially valuable IP and it is even rarer to see a game uncancelled after the hammer has dropped. Hopefully when Hytale does launch in early access, it meets fan expectations. 

The post Hytale has been ‘uncancelled’ after original creator buys back IP from Riot first appeared on KitGuru.

Take-Two CEO, Strauss Zelnick, is no stranger to making headlines. While the company's biggest studio, Rockstar Games typically focuses on console game development, before bringing its games to PC later, Zelnick reckons the days of the console are numbered, as the industry shifts more and more towards PC as the leading platform. 

In an interview with CNBC this week, Zelnick discussed his views on the future of the videogame industry. During this interview, he said “I think it's moving towards PC and business is moving towards open rather than closed”.

The comments come just days after Valve made a major hardware announcement, bringing back the Steam Machine as a small, console-sized PC with the full capabilities of a PC and a console combined in one package.

Of course, Zelnick doesn't think the idea of sitting in your living room and playing a game on a large TV is going away. Typically, that is the experience that consoles were created for. However, fully locked-down systems and platforms may eventually be replaced by more open console-like systems like the Steam Machine.

Microsoft is also rumoured to be making massive changes to Xbox consoles for its next-generation systems. It is believed that the next-gen Xbox will actually be a Windows-based PC, with access to services beyond the Xbox store and potentially access to the full Windows desktop as well, but with the default option being a big-screen ‘gaming' UI, as seen on recent devices like the ROG Xbox Ally.

KitGuru Says: I wrote a big article about the console wars coming to an end last year. In that, I came to the same conclusion – PC is the ultimate platform and the industry at large is finally starting to realise it. 

The post Take-Two CEO says games industry is ‘moving towards PC’ first appeared on KitGuru.

A new report has surfaced claiming AMD is warning its AIB partners of an impending second price increase for its GPUs, this time driven by rapidly rising memory procurement costs.

As pointed out by VideoCardz, the memory market is being squeezed by the AI sector's insatiable demand for HBM and server-grade DDR5. As foundries shift capacity to meet that demand, prices for other components are increasing. Recent reports show DRAM contract prices rising sharply, with GDDR6 seeing an increase of around 30%.

This unconfirmed report comes at a particularly frustrating time for gamers, as prices for certain GPUs had only just begun to normalise after months of inflation. If this report is proven to be true, that price trend will likely revert.

AMD has made no public statement on this and if there are indeed price rises on the way, it could take weeks or months to filter down to the retail market.

KitGuru says: PC gamers only just got through the rough cryptomining years, which led to huge supply/demand issues. Now, it looks like we may have to contend with AI companies driving up prices instead. 

The post GPU prices may rise due to AI-driven memory squeeze first appeared on KitGuru.

Epomaker has announced the TH33, a new compact keypad that packs a numpad, arrow keys, and a function row into a single 33-key unit. The new device features an unconventional southpaw layout, placing the numeric keypad on the left of the arrow keys and the function cluster.

The TH33 is built with a full suite of enthusiast-grade features. Internally, it uses a gasket-mount structure with multiple layers of sound-dampening foam to tune its acoustics. The hot-swappable PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches, and the board features south-facing RGB LEDs to prevent keycap interference.

Out of the box, the TH33 comes equipped with factory-lubed Wisteria linear switches, OEM-profile PBT keycaps, and a premium-feeling aluminum alloy multimedia knob for volume and media control. For power users, the keypad offers QMK and VIA compatibility for key remapping and macro programming. Connectivity is handled via tri-mode support (wired USB-C, wireless 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth 5.0), all powered by a 2000 mAh battery. The 2.4GHz and wired modes support a 1000Hz polling rate for a responsive, low-latency connection.

The Epomaker TH33 is now available for $42.99 (with a 15% launch discount) or €45.95.

KitGuru says: Are you using a numpad-less keyboard? Have you ever felt the need for a numpad?

The post Epomaker launches TH33, an extended southpaw QMK/VIA keypad first appeared on KitGuru.

NetEase's new open-world RPG, Where Winds Meet, has had a massive launch, pulling in over 2 million players on its first day. The free-to-play title also peaked at over 193,000 concurrent players on Steam alone. However, given that the game is also available on PlayStation 5, the total player count is significantly higher.

This launch continues the trend of Chinese-developed, mythology-based games finding a major audience in the West, following the success of titles like last year's Black Myth: Wukong and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. On the first day, as per the developer,  the game peaked at over 170,000 players on Steam, but the number increased to 193,000 the day after, according to SteamDB.

On Steam, Where Winds Meet is holding a ‘Very Positive' rating from almost 15,000 reviews (at the time of writing). Players are widely praising the high production value of its open world, noting that it feels more like a premium product than a free-to-play game. The single-player campaign's story and deep, complex systems have also been highlighted as strengths, though some new players find the game's depth daunting at first.

However, one specific feature is proving highly divisive. Where Winds Meet uses AI-powered chatbots for some of its NPCs, a design choice some players are not a fan of. Although the game clearly identifies which NPCs are AI-driven, many players feel that this feature detracts from the game's realism and breaks immersion.

KitGuru says: Have you already tried Where Winds Meet? How do you feel about the AI-powered NPCs?

The post Where Winds Meet launches to 2 million players first appeared on KitGuru.

The next wave of titles for Game Pass has been announced. Following on from this month's release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, nine more games are also set to join the library, including day-one releases like Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault and Marvel Cosmic Invasion.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a retro-inspired beat em' up, where players will take control of their favourite Marvel superhero and progress through a series of levels. It arrives following a recent resurgence for this genre, thanks to titles like TMNT: Shredder's Revenge and Streets of Rage 4.

Here is the full list of titles joining Game Pass over the next two weeks, including supported platforms and dates:

• Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault (PC, Game Preview) – November 19
• Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo (Cloud, Console, PC) – November 19
• Revenge of the Savage Planet (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) – November 19
• Monsters are Coming! Rock & Road (Handheld, PC) – November 20
• The Crew Motorfest (Cloud, Console, PC) – November 20
• Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) – November 25
• Kill It With Fire! 2 (Cloud, Console, PC) – November 25
• Marvel Cosmic Invasion (Cloud, Console, Handheld, PC) – December 1
• Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) – December 2

As always, there will also be a handful of games leaving the Game Pass library. At the end of this month, two of my favourites will be leaving the library – Octopath Traveler 1 & 2. The other three games leaving the service include Lords of the Fallen, Barbie Project Friendship and Steamworld Build.

KitGuru Says: Will you be installing any of this month's new Game Pass titles?

The post Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Moonlighter 2 and more confirmed for Game Pass first appeared on KitGuru.

InWin has announced the launch of the Dlite, a new ATX chassis that borrows design cues from its existing Dubili line but aims for a more lightweight footprint. Available in Mocha Bronze and Lilac Silver colourways, the case features a distinctive wave-pattern front panel accented by a brushed aluminum strip.

The Dlite is built to accommodate modern build standards, featuring support for back-connect ATX motherboards. This allows for cleaner cable management by hiding connectors behind the motherboard tray. The chassis offers substantial clearance for high-end hardware, supporting graphics cards up to 380mm in length across its eight expansion slots.

The case can house up to ten fans in total and ships with four pre-installed XM120 fans, a model currently exclusive to this chassis. For liquid cooling enthusiasts, there is room for a 360mm radiator at the front and another 360mm or 280mm radiator at the top. As for air cooling, there's space for a CPU tower up to 165mm tall.

To assist with the build process, InWin has included a pre-installed fan hub capable of managing four sets of PWM and ARGB connections. The front panel also features a dedicated LED control button that cycles through 17 lighting presets. Moreover, there are a couple of magnetic dust filters to prevent dust from getting into the system. The InWin Dlite is available immediately in Europe through the company's eStore, priced at €129.

KitGuru says: What do you make of these latest PC cases from InWin? Have you ever used an InWin case before? 

The post InWin launches Dlite aluminium chassis with back-connect motherboard support first appeared on KitGuru.

Yoko Taro made a name for himself thanks to the highly-successful release of NieR: Automata back in 2017. While the director has since gone on to work on a number of projects, none have been as ambitious as the PlatinumGames-developed genre-bending action-adventure title. It appears as though this wasn't for lack of trying however, with Taro revealing that “a lot of projects I was involved in” ultimately wound up being cancelled.

Taking part in a discussion panel at the Korean video game convention ‘G-CON 2025’, NieR creator Yoko Taro was asked about their current work and upcoming projects. According to the director (as transcribed by 4Gamer and translated by the publication Automaton):

“I often get told stuff like ‘Why aren’t you making a new sequel to NieR’ or ‘Yoko Taro isn’t doing anything,’ but that’s because recently, a lot of projects I was involved in got discontinued midway through development.”

He continued, “I’ve actually been working on some stuff, it’s just that it never ended up seeing the light of day. I got paid for it, so I personally have no issues with that, but people seem to think that I haven’t been doing anything just because none of the work I’ve done is being released. I don’t view that as a negative thing. I believe that if I’m going to release something  weird, I’d be better off not releasing anything at all.”

As mentioned, since the release of Automata in 2017 Yoko Taro has not been static, with the director having worked on a number of mobile exclusives including SINoALICE; NieR Reincarnation and Voice of Cards.

That said, with NieR: Automata far exceeding expectations with over 9 million copies sold, here’s to hoping that one of Yoko Taro’s cancelled projects was not the much-requested NieR 3.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What did you think of NieR: Automata? Can Yoko Taro capture lightning in a bottle twice? Will we ever get a proper NieR 3? Let us know down below.

The post NieR creator revealed that “a lot of projects I was involved in” were ultimately cancelled first appeared on KitGuru.

Back in 2022, EA officially announced that they were working on the next generation of their ever-green Sims franchise, with the untitled Sims 5 said to be utilising a newly upgraded version of the game’s engine, offering more tools to help players build and decorate with a finer level of detail. Unfortunately the project has since been pivoted, with the publisher confirming that they instead plan to continue supporting the decade-old Sims 4. While a disappointment to be sure, at the very least it appears as though EA is working on a remaster of sorts for Sims 4.

As reported by the dedicated ‘SimsCommunity’ fansite, multiple insiders have claimed that EA’s The Sims 4 will be receiving a remaster of sorts, with leaker ‘thesimmerdan’ telling the publication: “I can tell you that [studio] Maxis is working on a separate base game that will replace The Sims 4. It’s not The Sims 5, but something like The Sims 4 HD.”

Elaborating on this further, they continued, “From what I know, they’re going to improve the lighting and rework all the graphics. They’re using elements from Project Rene and the large-scale update for The Sims 4 that they originally wanted to release – but then realized it would be easier to just make a separate new base game.”

For context, Project Rene was announced by EA back in 2022 as a “next generation Sims game and creative platform”. Seemingly initially intended to be The Sims 5, EA later confirmed that they will instead continue to work on the decade-old Sims 4, claiming “What we’re really working with our community on is this a new era of ‘The Sims.’ We are not going to be working on replacements of previous projects; we’re only going to be adding to our universe.”

While this was certainly disappointing at the time, assuming a Sims 4 remaster is real and will indeed be a solid platform to build upon, then the desire for a Sims 5 will hopefully be alleviated. We will have to wait and see.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you excited for Project Rene? Would you have preferred a Sims 5 be released, or this rumoured Sims 4 remaster? Let us know down below.

The post The Sims 4 rumoured to be getting a remaster first appeared on KitGuru.

Built as a spiritual successor to the classic SimCity series, Cities: Skylines released back in 2015 to a wave of long-term success, selling more than 12 million copies and spawning a sequel. Unfortunately, Skyline’s successor has struggled from a plethora of issues – with publisher Paradox Interactive revealing that they have now parted ways with the devs at Colossal Order.

Making the surprise announcement on their official forums, Paradox Interactive and Colossal Order released a joined statement confirming the end of their long-running partnership, writing:

“After more than a decade of successful collaboration across numerous titles that we’re both immensely proud of, Paradox Interactive and Colossal Order have mutually decided to pursue independent paths. The decision was made thoughtfully and in the interest of both teams – ensuring the strongest possible future for the Cities: Skylines franchise.”

Moving forward, the Finland-based Iceflake Studios is taking over “all existing and future development for Cities: Skylines II, including free updates for the current version, continuous work on the Editor and console editions, as well as future expansions and content packs.”

As mentioned, Cities: Skylines 2 has not had the best of starts, with the team warning players prior to its release back in 2023 of expected performance issues. This appeared to have been somewhat understated though, with the game arriving on PC in a problematic state and the long-promised console release nowhere in sight.

While it is a shame to see the once-successful partnership between Colossal Order and Paradox Interactive come to an end, hopefully the team at Iceflake Studios are able to right the Cities: Skylines 2 ship in due time. The full statements from Colossal Order, Paradox and Iceflake Studios can be found HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you surprised by this announcement? What do you think Colossal Order is going to work on next? Can Cities: Skylines 2 be saved? Let us know down below.

The post Iceflake Studios to take over development of Cities: Skylines 2 following continued issues first appeared on KitGuru.

In the wake of the overwhelming success of the Super Mario Bros. Movie, Nintendo were quick to announce that they are also working on a Legend of Zelda film. While details have so far remained light, Nintendo have now officially shared a first look at their live-action interpretation of Link and Zelda.

Following reports from a couple weeks ago in which it was revealed that filming for the live-action Legend of Zelda film had begun in Wellington, New Zealand, Nintendo has now officially confirmed as much while also offering a slight teaser for the project.

Taking to the Nintendo Today app (alongside other socials), Nintendo’s Miyamoto shared a couple early images of the ongoing film project, writing:

“This is Miyamoto. We have officially begun filming the live-action movie adaptation of ‘The Legend of Zelda’ in the magnificent great outdoors, together with Bo Bragason, who plays Zelda, and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who plays Link. The filming is progressing smoothly, so I would appreciate it if you could quietly watch over us. The theatrical release is scheduled for May 7, 2027. Please wait just a little longer.”

As mentioned, details regarding the upcoming project have been rather light, with it currently being unknown as to whether the film will directly adapt any of the series’ games – or whether it will tell its own original story.

That said, based on the images released, it could be a bit of a blend, with Link wearing his classic green tunic while Zelda adopts a more Breath of the Wild-styled garb.

Though we will have to wait and see how the final product winds up looking like, these early screenshots do offer a somewhat filmic look while managing not to fall into the ‘cosplay’ trap. It will be interesting to see whether Link will talk in the film, or remain mute like in the games.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the photos released? Do the costumes look legit? Are you now more or less confident in the project? Let us know down below.

The post Nintendo shares first images from live-action Legend of Zelda film first appeared on KitGuru.

German extreme overclocker Cens has broken the DDR5 memory frequency world record, reaching DDR5-13322 just days after the previous record was set.

The achievement was made using a single 24GB G.SKILL Trident Z5 DDR5 module on an ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex motherboard with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processor, cooled under liquid nitrogen (LN2). Cens, a two-time G.SKILL OC World Cup champion, is now the DDR5 OC world record holder.

The record has been validated on HWBOT and CPU-Z, confirming the frequency at 6661.4 MHz (DDR5-13322 effective) with timings of 68-127-127-127-2. HWBOT lists the submission as the current No. 1 global memory frequency score, while CPU-Z provides detailed system verification.

This all arrives just days after the previous record of 13,211MT/s was set, showing just how rapidly things can move in the overclocking world.

KitGuru Says: G.Skill memory and Asus motherboards have been used once again to set a new memory speed world record. How long do you think it will be before we see a new world record set?

The post Cens pushes G.Skill DDR5 past 13,300 MT/s in latest world record first appeared on KitGuru.

We receive a large number of cooler review requests each year, ranging from AIO liquid coolers to traditional tower air coolers. With so many products in circulation, we often put several models into a single multi-cooler roundup — which is exactly what we’re doing today. This time, we’re looking at new CPU air coolers from Cooler Master, CPS PCCOOLER, DeepCool, and Montech. These coolers are selected to represent a mix of sizes, designs, and performance targets. The question is, how well do they handle our current Ryzen 7 9800X3D test platform? Let's find out.

Cooler Master V4 Alpha 3DHP: $39.99 USD MSRP / £34.99 Expected UK Price

• Patented 3DHP heat-pipe architecture – The V4 Alpha 3DHP introduces Cooler Master’s “3DHP” layout: instead of conventional U-shaped pipes, the design places a third heat pipe in an offset position, improving fin-array saturation and enabling more efficient heat transfer.
• Push-pull dual-fan setup – The V4 Alpha is equipped with two 120 mm PWM fans configured for optimal airflow through, while maintaining compatibility with mid-tower cases in terms of clearance and installation.
• Engine-inspired styling with build integration in mind – The top cover and overall aesthetic resemble a V automotive engine, delivering visual presence without compromising components such as RAM clearance or motherboard compatibility.
• Strong performance at accessible price point – Positioned as a value-oriented cooler, the V4 Alpha 3DHP leverages advanced thermal architecture and dual-fan cooling to deliver enhanced performance without entering the premium pricing tier.

Specifications

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 1151 / 1150 / 1155 / 1156 AMD: AM5 / AM4
• Dimensions: 133 x 114 x 161 mm
• Cooler Type: Air Cooler
• Heat Sink Material: Aluminium fins with 2 x 3DHP heat pipes
• Heat pipes: 2
• Fan Configuration: Dual fan (front + rear)
• Fan Size: 120 x 120 x 25 mm (both)
• Fan Speed: Front: 0–2050 RPM ±10%, Rear: 0–1850 RPM ±10%
• Fan Airflow: Front: 107.2 m³/h (63.1 CFM), Rear: 85.8 m³/h (50.5 CFM)
• Fan Static Pressure: Front: 2.69 mmH₂O, Rear: 1.77 mmH₂O
• Fan Noise Level: Front: 22.6 dBA, Rear: 20 dBA
• Fan Bearing Type: Loop Dynamic Bearing
• Fan Connector: 4-Pin PWM
• Fan Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Fan Rated Current: Front: 0.12 A, Rear: 0.08 A
• Fan Power Consumption: Front: 1.44 W, Rear: 0.96 W
• Fan Safety Current: 0.35 A
• Fan MTTF: > 200,000 hours
• Warranty: 5 Years

Cooler Master Hyper 212 3DHP Black ARGB: $29.99 USD MSRP

• 3DHP Heat Pipe Architecture – The Hyper 212 3DHP ARGB is equipped with Cooler Master’s latest 3D Heat Pipe layout, for increased contact efficiency between the heat pipes and the fin stack. By improving how heat is distributed across the tower, the cooler aims to deliver stronger real-world thermal performance than traditional straight-line heat pipe designs.
• Compact Single-Tower Form Factor – Maintaining the well-known Hyper 212 footprint, the 3DHP model remains easy to fit into mainstream mid-towers and builds with tight RAM clearance. It aims to deliver stronger cooling performance without stepping up to the size and weight of a dual-tower cooler.
• 120mm ARGB PWM Fan Included – The included addressable-RGB fan provides customisable lighting effects while supporting PWM speed control for precise fan curve tuning. The blade design prioritises a balance of airflow and static pressure, aiming to keep noise levels sensible under load.
• Broad Socket Compatibility for Modern Platforms – The mounting hardware supports the latest Intel and AMD platforms, including AM5 and LGA1700, maintaining the Hyper 212 line’s reputation for flexibility and long-term compatibility across system upgrades.

Specifications

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 1151 / 1150 / 1155 / 1156, AMD: AM5 / AM4
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 133 x 86 x 158 mm
• Cooler Type: Air Cooler
• Heat Sink Material: Aluminium fins with 2 x 3DHP heat pipes
• Heat pipes: 2
• Fan Size: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
• Fan Quantity: 1
• Profile: Addressable Gen 2 RGB
• Fan Speed: 0–2050 RPM ±10%
• Fan Airflow: 107.2 m³/h (63.1 CFM)
• Fan Pressure (Max): 2.69 mmH₂O
• Fan Noise Level (Max): 22.6 dBA
• Fan Bearing Type: Loop Dynamic Bearing
• Fan Power Connector: 4-Pin PWM
• Fan Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Fan Rated Current: 0.12 A
• Fan Safety Current: 0.35 A
• Fan Power Consumption: 1.44 W
• Fan MTTF: >200,000 hours
• Warranty: 5 years

CPS PCCOOLER RZ820: Available to purchase now from Amazon UK priced at £119.99 HERE

• Dual-tower configuration with eight heat-pipes (4 x 8 mm + 4 x 6 mm): The RZ820 uses a composite heat-pipe arrangement to support a rated TDP of 290 W, suggesting it’s geared towards high-end CPUs and heavy workloads.
• Two different-sized PWM fans (120 x 150 x 25 mm front + 140 x 140 x 30 mm middle): These offer different airflow and pressure profiles. Front fan max ~86.7 CFM at ~3.2 mm H₂O, middle fan ~71.9 CFM at ~2.12 mm H₂O to offer performance vs noise flexibility.
• Magnetic aluminium ARGB top cover & rail-mounted front fan for adjustable clearance: The top magnetic cover adds aesthetic polish, while the front fan’s sliding/rail mount allows the cooler to adjust for taller RAM module spacing.
• Large physical footprint: Dimensions of 161 x 150 x 165mm and a significant weight of 1.8kg underline that this is a high-end air cooler rather than a compact solution so users must verify case clearance and motherboard compatibility.

Specifications

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 115X / 20XX, AMD: AM4 / AM5
• Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 161 x 150 x 165 mm
• Net Weight: 1,860 g
• Heat pipes: 4 x Φ6 mm + 4 x Φ8 mm
• Fan Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing
• Fan Connector: 4-Pin PWM
• LED Type: ARGB
• LED Connector: 5V 3-Pin
• LED Rated Voltage: DC 5V
• LED Rated Current: ≤0.30 A
• LED Power Consumption: ≤1.5 W

Middle Fan Specifications:

• Dimension: 140 x 140 x 30 mm
• Speed: 400–1500 RPM ±10%
• Airflow: 71.9 CFM
• Air Pressure: 2.12 mmH₂O
• Noise Level: 27.1 dBA
• Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Rated Current: 0.1 A
• Power Consumption: 1.2 W

Front Fan Specifications:

• Dimension: 150 x 120 x 25 mm
• Speed: 500–2200 RPM ±10%
• Airflow: 86.7 CFM
• Air Pressure: 3.2 mmH₂O
• Noise Level: 32 dBA
• Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Rated Current: 0.2 A
• Power Consumption: 2.4 W

Deepcool Assassin IV VC Elite WH: £99.99 Expect UK MSRP

• Vapor-chamber base with seven heatpipes – designed to rapidly spread heat from the CPU across the heat pipes and the dual-tower fin array for optimal thermal transfer efficiency. This design supports high-end CPUs with TDPs up to 300 W, suitable for high-power workloads.
• Dual-tower heatsink with hybrid fan setup – A 140 mm main fan is paired with a 120 mm adjustable rear fan to provide a balance in airflow and static pressure. The rear fan can be repositioned on the heat sink to accommodate different case layouts, offering flexibility for complex builds.
• All-white aesthetic with clean top shroud – The cooler’s white-coated fins, fan frames, and top cover give it a sleek, premium look. The matte finish avoids reflections, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into all-white themed builds while appearing visually striking through a side-panel window.
• Flexible operational modes and straightforward mounting – Users can toggle between “Quiet” and “Performance” modes, adjusting fan speeds for lower noise or higher cooling output. The mounting system is compatible with most Intel and AMD sockets. Careful spacing ensures it avoids interference with RAM modules or nearby motherboard components.

Specifications

• Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 144 x 147 x 164 mm
• Heatsink Dimensions (L x W x H): 140 x 110 x 160 mm
• Net Weight: 1,772 g
• Supported CPU Sockets: Intel LGA 20XX / 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 115X; AMD AM5 / AM4.
• RAM Clearance: On Intel (LGA1851/1700/1200/115X) and AMD sockets, “Unobstructed”; on Intel LGA20XX, clearance of 63 mm.
• Thermal Design Power (TDP) Rating: Up to 300 W.
• Heat pipe: Ø 6 mm x 7 pcs
• Fan Dimensions: 140 × 140 × 25 mm / 120 × 120 × 25 mm
• Fan Speed (Performance Mode): 500 ~ 1,800 RPM±10% / 500 ~ 1,700 RPM±10%
• Fan Airflow (Performance Mode):25 CFM / 58.06 CFM
• Fan Air Pressure (Performance Mode):76 mmAq / 2.1 mmAq
• Overall Noise (Performance Mode): ≤ 29.3 dB(A)
• Fan Speed (Quiet Mode): 500 ~ 1,450 RPM±10% / 500 ~ 1,350 RPM±10%
• Fan Airflow (Quiet Mode): 48.55 CFM / 46.75 CFM
• Fan Air Pressure (Quiet Mode): 2.46 mmAq / 1.35 mmAq
• Overall Noise (Quiet Mode): ≤ 22.6 dB(A)
• Fan Connector: 4‑pin PWM
• Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing
• Motor Type: 6-Pole Fan Motor
• Fan Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Fan Rated Current: 0.2 A / 0.2 A
• Fan Power Consumption: 2.4W / 2.4 W
• Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Power Consumption (Performance Mode): 4.8 W
• Power Consumption (Quiet Mode): 3.6 W

Montech NX600/NX600 ARGB: From $29.90 USD MSRP (Regular) or from $33.90 USD (ARGB)

• Dual-Tower Heatsink for Enhanced Thermal Capacity – The NX600 adopts a precision-built dual-tower design with 52 fins per stack for maximum surface area without restricting airflow. This approach aims to provide consistent, stable cooling performance under heavy workloads, particularly for modern high-core-count CPUs.
• MONTECH E28 Performance Fans Included – Both NX600 variants ship with MONTECH’s E28 fans, optimised for strong airflow and dependable static pressure. The standard model uses non-RGB PWM fans for an understated look, while the NX600 ARGB includes addressable RGB for users who want synchronised lighting control without compromising cooling efficiency.
• Six Copper Heat pipes with Soldered Copper Base – Heat is transferred from the CPU via six copper heat pipes connected to a precision-soldered copper base for even heat distribution, supporting the cooler’s ability to cope with higher TDP processors, contributing to long-term thermal stability.
• Refined Design with Broad Build Compatibility – The cooler is finished with a subtle top cover featuring visual accents and translucent elements, intended to balance appearance with practicality. The styling blends cleanly into both RGB-oriented builds and more reserved, minimalist systems.

Specifications

• Model Name: NX600 / NX600 ARGB
• Colour Options: Black / White
• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA115X / 1200 / 1700 / 1851, AMD: AM4 / AM5
• Heatpipes: 6
• Included Fans: 2
• Fan Speed: 800 ~ 2000 RPM (±10%)
• Bearing Type: HDB (Hydro Dynamic Bearing)
• Rated Voltage: 12V
• Connectors: PWM 4-Pin (fan control) / ARGB 5V 3-Pin (lighting, ARGB model only)
• Max Airflow: 85.09 CFM
• Max Static Pressure: 3.35 mmH₂O
• Max Noise Level: 34.17 dBA
• Warranty: 1 Year

The post CPU Air Cooler Round Up – November 2025 first appeared on KitGuru.

It looks like 2026 could be a year of huge change for Apple. The company has employed just a handful of CEOs during its long history, and according to recent reports, they may need to search for a new one within the next year. 

The Financial Times reports that Tim Cook might be stepping down as CEO in 2026 and that John Ternus, Apple's Senior VP of Hardware Engineering, is believed to be a front-runner for the position. This would mark a major change for Apple, which has been led by Tim Cook since the passing of founder Steve Jobs in 2011.

Under Cook, Apple's market cap has continued to grow, currently sitting just shy of $4 trillion USD. As noted by The Verge, Cook was also responsible for Apple's shift towards outsourced manufacturing, allowing it to operate at a much broader, global scale. This has aided Apple's effort to capture the smartphone market, with iPhone sales continuing to be strong.

It wasn't all wins, however. Cook was also very bullish on Augmented Reality, but the Apple Vision Pro headset has not sold enough units to make mixed reality computing a true core pillar of Apple's business.

KitGuru Says: Apple has been more successful than ever under Tim Cook. It will be up to his successor to not derail that gravy train. 

The post Apple may be on the hunt for a new CEO next year first appeared on KitGuru.

The Game Awards has unveiled its full list of nominees for 2025, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Hades II emerging as frontrunners across multiple categories. The event will take place on December 11th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

In the coveted Game of the Year category, six titles are in contention: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Several of these also appear in Best Game Direction and Best Art Direction.

Narrative-driven experiences are well represented, with Silent Hill f and Ghost of Yōtei joining Clair Obscur and Kingdom Come II in the Best Narrative category. Meanwhile, Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades II headline Best Score and Music, alongside Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding 2.

The genre-specific categories spotlight some of the year’s standout titles, with Ghost of Yōtei and Helldivers 2 nominated for Best Action, Hades II and Hollow Knight: Silksong competing in Best Action/Adventure, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II earning a nod for Best RPG. In Best Multiplayer, familiar heavyweights like Helldivers 2, Fortnite, and Battlefield 6 lead the pack.

Fans can already vote on which games they would like to see win in each category and of course, there are even more categories than the ones we've highlighted here, including categories for best mobile game, best adaptation, best VR game and more.

KitGuru Says: Which game do you think will win the coveted GOTY award this year?

The post The Game Awards reveals nominees for GOTY and other categories first appeared on KitGuru.

Following a disappointing debut for Arrow Lake-S, Intel is reportedly preparing to revamp its desktop portfolio with three new “Plus” models. A recent report claims that the company is planning the Core Ultra 290K Plus, Core Ultra 270K Plus, and Core Ultra 250K Plus. These chips are expected to be the final products for the LGA 1851 socket before the company transitions to LGA 1954 for Nova Lake.

The new flagship Core Ultra 290K Plus will succeed the current Core Ultra 285K. According to VideoCardz, it features the same 8P+16E core count but with minor clock adjustments. The P-Core turbo clock speed gets a 100MHz bump to 5.6GHz, the E-Core turbo clock speed rises 200MHz to 4.8GHz, and the Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB) is now rated at 5.8GHz, up from 5.7GHz.

Things get more interesting with the Core Ultra 270K Plus, which replaces the Core Ultra 265K. This model increases the core count from 8P+12E to 8P+16E, matching the Core Ultra 9 SKUs. While it gets a 100MHz boost clock speed on the E-Cores, the other clock speed figures remain the same as its predecessor (P-Cores boost up to 5.4 GHz and TVB up to 5.5GHz).

Finally, the Core Ultra 250K Plus appears to be a minor update to the Core Ultra 245K. The configuration shifts from 6P+8E to 6P+12E, with a 100MHz increase in both P-Core and E-Core boost clocks, although the E-Core base speeds reportedly drop by 100MHz.

One reported change across all new SKUs is an updated memory controller, now claiming support for DDR5-7200, noticeably higher than the 6400MT/s spec on the initial Arrow Lake-S chips.

KitGuru says: Are you thinking of making the jump to an Intel Core Ultra CPU? 

The post Intel Arrow Lake desktop refresh may include three ‘Plus’ CPU models first appeared on KitGuru.

Microsoft has announced its next Xbox Partner Preview stream, promising new trailers, updates, and world premieres from third‑party studios. The showcase will highlight upcoming projects from IO Interactive, Tencent, and THQ Nordic, alongside fresh Game Pass announcements.

The event will be broadcast on November 20th at 10AM PT / 1PM ET / 6PM GMT, streaming across YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and regional Xbox channels. Accessibility features such as subtitles in multiple languages, audio descriptions, and ASL support will be available, with narration provided by voice actor Jennifer English.

While the confirmed titles already cover a mix of stealth, dark fantasy, and horror, speculation is building around what else might surface. With THQ Nordic involved, fans are wondering if long‑rumored projects like a new Darksiders entry or updates on Gothic Remake could appear. Tencent’s presence raises the possibility of more Chinese‑developed action RPGs following the success of Black Myth: Wukong. Meanwhile, IO Interactive’s Bond game could be joined by additional footage from its ongoing Hitman: World of Assassination updates.

Konami’s Silent Hill 2 Remake is also likely to make an appearance, as an Xbox version of the game has appeared in multiple leaks recently.

KitGuru Says: Will you be tuning in to the next Xbox Partner Preview?

The post Xbox will host third-party games showcase this week first appeared on KitGuru.

Arc Raiders has broken its concurrent player record on Steam for the third time since launch, climbing to nearly half a million simultaneous players this past weekend.

Embark Studios’ extraction shooter debuted at the end of October and immediately made waves. Within its first 24 hours, Arc Raiders surged past 250,000 concurrent players on Steam. This momentum continued into early November, when the game hit a peak of over 328,000 players, cementing its place among Steam’s most‑played titles. Just a week later, Arc Raiders surpassed 462,000 concurrents, overtaking Helldivers 2 and even edging past Battlefield 6’s weekend totals.

Now, the game has reached a new milestone: 481,966 concurrent players on November 16th, according to SteamDB. That figure places Arc Raiders among the top 25 all‑time peaks on Steam, ahead of titles like Fallout 4 and Among Us. Across all platforms, the game has already topped 700,000 concurrent users and sold more than 4 million copies worldwide.

Despite strong competition from recent shooters like Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Arc Raiders has managed to create a strong foothold amongst shooter fans. Now, Embark Studios just needs to focus on delivering on its post-launch roadmap to keep players engaged in the months ahead. Previously, Embark struggled in this aspect with its first title, The Finals, which lost a large chunk of players in the months post-launch.

KitGuru Says: Have you played Arc Raiders since launch?

The post Arc Raiders continues to reach new heights on Steam first appeared on KitGuru.

Capcom has shed new light on Resident Evil Requiem, the upcoming third entry in the modern Resident Evil saga, with producer comments pointing to a darker, more traditional survival horror experience.

Speaking to Press Start, producer Masato Kumazawa said the team’s goal was to “put the horror back in survival horror”, dialing back the action‑heavy approach of Resident Evil Village in favor of tension, scarcity, and atmosphere.

Requiem is confirmed as the conclusion to the Winters arc, tying together narrative threads introduced in Resident Evil 7 and expanded in subsequent entries. The producer teased “long‑awaited answers” for fans who have followed this storyline since 2017, while also positioning the game as a launchpad for the next era of Resident Evil games.

Atmosphere is central to the design, with lighting, sound, and environmental storytelling used to create unease. Combat remains part of the formula, but resources will be limited, forcing players to make difficult choices. “We want players to feel vulnerable again”, Kumazawa said, noting that scarcity is a deliberate design choice to heighten tension and reward careful exploration. Influences include Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4, though Capcom stressed Requiem is not a throwback. Instead, the game blends classic mechanics with modern presentation to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.

Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled to release on February 27th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), and Nintendo Switch 2.

KitGuru Says: Have you been keeping up with the modern Resident Evil games? Are you looking forward to Requiem?

The post Resident Evil Requiem will close out trilogy with return to survival horror gameplay first appeared on KitGuru.

MONTECH has announced the NX600 and NX600 ARGB, a new pair of dual‑tower CPU coolers aimed at delivering strong thermal performance at a competitive price. The company positions the NX600 series as a solution for high-TDP CPUs, with support for both Intel and AMD-based systems. 

The NX600 design uses a dual‑tower structure with 52 fins per stack, optimized for airflow and heat dissipation under heavy workloads. Six copper heatpipes and a soldered copper base transfer heat efficiently from the CPU to the fin array, supporting high‑TDP processors with consistent reliability. Cooling is handled by MONTECH’s E28 fans. The standard NX600 ships with two 120mm PWM fans for a clean, understated look, while the NX600 ARGB includes two addressable‑RGB versions of the same fans, adding lighting effects without compromising performance. Both models aim to balance noise levels with airflow, targeting builders who want dependable cooling without moving to liquid solutions.

Aesthetically, the NX600 series features a redesigned top cover with striped and translucent accents, intended to blend into both RGB‑heavy and minimalist builds. MONTECH highlights this as a way to offer visual appeal without overwhelming system design.

Compatibility covers Intel LGA115X, 1200, 1700, and the upcoming 1851 socket, alongside AMD AM4 and AM5 platforms. With its dual‑tower layout, copper base, and choice of ARGB or non‑RGB fans, the NX600 series enters the market as MONTECH’s latest attempt to compete with established air‑cooling brands while keeping pricing accessible.

The standard non-ARGB black and ARGB black versions of the cooler will be available in the UK via SCAN priced at £24.99 and £29.99 respectively. Over in the US, the white versions are also available in both ARGB and non-ARGB form.

KitGuru Says: Are you in the market for a new air CPU cooler? If you are on a tighter budget, these could be well worth checking out. 

The post Montech NX600 series CPU coolers add six heatpipes and broad socket support first appeared on KitGuru.

SilverStone has unexpectedly unveiled its new FLP03 chassis at EXPO 2025 in Japan. This new model continues the company's retro line, offering a classic 80s beige-style PC look, but this time explicitly designed for micro-ATX motherboards.

The reveal came as a surprise, as the community was still awaiting the launch of its larger sibling, the FLP02. According to Tom's Hardware, SilverStone had delayed shipments of the FLP02 to coincide with its presentation at the Tokyo tech fair, making the appearance of a second, more compact model an unannounced bonus.

Image via @hermita_akiba

The FLP03 is visibly smaller than the FLP02 but maintains the key design elements of its predecessor, most notably the iconic front panel. This panel is fully equipped with power and reset buttons, a physical key lock, and a Turbo button, complete with LED indicators.

This reduction in size, however, comes with compatibility trade-offs. The FLP03 drops support for the SSI-CEB and standard ATX motherboards that the FLP02 could house. It also features fewer drive bays and expansion slots, as well as inferior compatibility with cooling components. Despite its new Micro-ATX focus, the FLP03 maintains a high level of compatibility with graphics cards up to 412 mm in length, CPU coolers up to 171 mm in height, and standard ATX PSUs. More details about the FLP03 are expected to be revealed during CES 2026.

KitGuru says: Do you like the retro aesthetics of SilverStone FLP series cases?

The post SilverStone surprises with Micro-ATX FLP03 retro case first appeared on KitGuru.

Intrepid Studios' long-in-development fantasy MMORPG, Ashes of Creation, is set to launch on Steam Early Access on December 11th. This move marks the next major phase for the game, which has been in various forms of intermittent testing since 2020.

In preparation for the Steam debut, the current Alpha 2 realms will be taken offline after a “send-off celebration” and will be wiped on December 1st. This will be preceded by Private Test Realms testing in late November to ensure the new build is stable for the Early Access launch.

During the announcement stream, the developers confirmed that existing customers with Beta 1 and Beta 2 access will be granted entitlements to play the game on Steam. However, for those who already own Ashes of Creation and are considering purchasing it again on Steam, the studio stated it is “investigating” potential alternate entitlements but has no firm plans to announce at this time. Moreover, Intrepid and Steam users will be able to play together.

Alongside the Early Access, the game will be getting the v0.18 Harbinger Update, which will introduce the new Harbinger system, open sea fishing, the Summoner archetype, QoL updates, a new Ren'Kai race, new world bosses, and mules.

KitGuru says: Have you ever played Ashes of Creation? If you didn't, will you do so when it gets on Steam Early Access?

The post Ashes of Creation is coming to Steam Early Access this December first appeared on KitGuru.

Since the first game’s arrival in 2017, the Horizon franchise has grown massively, with recent figures putting the series at 40 million copies sold. Despite being a single player focused franchise, Guerrilla Games have revealed in the wake of NCSoft’s Horizon Steel Frontiers MMO announcement that “from the first moment we imagined Horizon, we always thought about it as a multiplayer game.”

Following the official announcement of Sony/NCSoft’s Horizon Steel Frontiers MMO, the current Studio and Art Director at Guerrilla Games ‘Jan-Bart van Beek’ claimed that:

“From the first moment we imagined Horizon, we always thought about it as a multiplayer game. LEGO Horizon Adventures was our first small step, with Steel Frontiers we’re taking a bigger one. There is much more to come, and we’re excited to show you what is coming.”

While the Horizon series works well as a single-player focused experience, the world in which the franchise takes place is also ripe for a co-op spin-off.

With leaks and rumours suggesting that Guerrilla Games themselves are also currently working on a multiplayer-focused Horizon game (separate from NCSoft’s MMO), it will be interesting to see whether fans of the franchise are receptive to the series shifting genres.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Would the Horizon series work well as a multiplayer experience? Do you have any interest in the two upcoming multiplayer entries? Let us know down below.

The post “We always thought about [Horizon] as a multiplayer game” claims Guerrilla Games first appeared on KitGuru.

Today we’re taking a look at the Lian Li Lancool 217 INF, an airflow-focused mid-tower that builds on the original Lancool 217. Leo spent some time with the standard model earlier this year, and this new version keeps the same core layout and cooling philosophy but adds a striking infinity mirror front panel that instantly changes the look of the system. We’ll be going over the design, the build experience, and the thermal performance to see how well this updated configuration holds up, and whether the visual upgrade brings anything practical along with it.

Timestamps:

00:00 Start
00:55 Pricing
01:11 Overview
02:06 Physical Dimensions
02:25 Features and specifications
03:32 Top buttons
04:00 Front I/O
05:21 Cooling/Radiator support
07:22 Motherboard and GPU Support
07:47 Cable Management / Anti Sag
08:14 Case Rear / PSU setup
09:58 Right hand compartment
11:18 Hub / Lighting / Software
12:00 Storage Support
13:27 Accessories
14:10 Testing Methodology
14:45 Thermal Performance
15:40 Smoke tests
16:10 Noise Performance
16:46 Build Experience
18:20 James' Closing Thoughts

Lian Li Lancool 217 INF Features:

• Dual 170mm front fans with an infinity mirror and mesh front panel – Equipped with two large pre-installed intake fans behind a removable mesh system designed to allow strong airflow while reducing dust build-up.
• Tool-less side panel design with cable management channels – Features quick-release side panels and integrated routing paths to simplify system assembly and keep internal layouts clean.
• Support for multiple cooling configurations – Accommodates up to 360mm radiators in the front as well as air coolers and vertical GPU mounting options for varied cooling setups.
• Modular storage drive bay system – Includes adjustable and removable drive cages supporting both 2.5″ and 3.5″ storage, allowing flexible interior layouts depending on hardware configuration.
• ARGB lighting compatibility – Integrated ARGB functionality is sync-ready with major motherboard lighting control standards for coordinated illumination across components, as well as wireless control via the L-Wireless adaptor that can be purchased separately.

Specifications:

• Case Type: Mid-Tower
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 482 mm (L) × 238 mm (W) × 503 mm (H)
• Materials: Steel frame with 4.0 mm tempered glass side panel
• Motherboard Support: SSI-EEB (max width 330 mm), E-ATX (max width 280 mm), ATX /Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
• Back-connect motherboard support: ATX / M-ATX
• Expansion Slots: 7
• Storage bays: Behind motherboard tray: up to 2 × 2.5″ SSD (or 1 × 2.5″ SSD when using back-connect mATX board) Drive cages (2 total): each supports 1 × 3.5″ HDD + 1 × 2.5″ SSD, or 1 × 3.5″ HDD or 2 × 2.5″ SSD, PSU shroud cover: 1 × 2.5″ SSD
• Max GPU Length: up to 380mm
• Max CPU Cooler Height: up to 180mm
• PSU Type: ATX up to 220 mm (standard orientation) , up to 180 mm (rotated orientation)
• Pre-installed Fans: 2 x 170mm (Front) 1 x 140mm (Rear)
• Fan Support: 2 x 170 mm (Front) 3 x 120 mm / 2 x 140 mm(Top) 1 x 120mm / 1 x 140mm (Rear) 3 x 120 mm (Bottom)
• Radiator Support: 360 / 280 / 240 mm (Top)
• Dust Filters: Bottom x 1 / Front × 1 (x 2 RU version only)
• Front I/O: 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1 x Audio / Microphone Combo Jack, 1 x Power button, 1 x M1 Front Panel Lighting Control Button, 1 x M2 Fan Lighting Control Button
• LCD Screen: N/A

Thermal Performance Testing

To simulate thermal demand we run the Cinebench R23 multi-thread benchmark and 3DMark Speed Way stress test simultaneously in a loop for 30 minutes to load the system fully. This gives the CPU and GPU enough time to reach constant steady-state temperature. With this data, we can compare how the system handles the thermal demand and measure peak noise levels.

Thermal performance is measured with the case in various configurations, such as the default, with the tempered glass left-hand side panel removed and with the front panel removed to see how these configurations affect the CPU and GPU temperature. During testing, only stock case fans are used unless otherwise specified. All water pumps are set to maximum RPM and fans are set to a custom RPM curve by the Motherboard software/BIOS.

All temperature measurements are presented as Deltas – meaning the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU temperature giving us a Delta. Data shown in the charts represent the average component temperature over the length of the test as measured by HWiNFO and then the last 15 minutes of the data are calculated to get the average. The ambient temperature during thermal tests is between 19-20⁰C.

Test System Specification:

• CPU – AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• Motherboard – MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk Wifi
• Graphics Card – Gigabyte RTX 5080 Gaming OC
• Memory – 64GB (2 x 32GB modules) G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB DDR5-6000
• Storage – 1TB Corsair MP600 Elite PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD
• CPU Cooler – Lian Li Hydroshift II LCD-C 360TL
• Power Supply – Seasonic Focus GX-1000 ATX 3 80+ Gold
• Case fans – Stock
• Chassis – Lian Li Lancool 217 INF
• Operating System – Windows 11 24h2

Thermal Performance Overview

We tested the case thermals with a 360mm AIO as the exhaust at the top and in several different configurations. The default configuration shown in the charts is with the 360mm AIO at the top, 2 x 170mm front intake fans, 1 x 140mm exhaust fan and with all panels installed.

In terms of thermals, the Lancool 217 INF delivers solid results straight out of the box. In the default configuration, the CPU recorded a steady-state temperature of 53°C over ambient, while the GPU sat at 49°C over ambient under load. Removing the glass side panel or swapping the front and top mesh out didn’t significantly alter these results, showing that the case’s airflow design is already very efficient as standard.

The only notable improvement came from adding bottom-mounted fans, which reduced GPU temperatures to 46°C over ambient and lowered CPU temperatures slightly to 52°C. This indicates that the extra intake helps the graphics card breathe more easily, improving airflow across the lower section of the case. Overall, the Lancool 217 INF maintains strong thermal performance, and with just a small tweak by bottom fans, it can cool high-end components even more effectively.

You can get a better sense of how the airflow changes when adding floor fans by looking at the smoke tests in the video.

With no bottom fans installed, the GPU still draws air in through the lower side vent, so there’s already a natural intake path. However, once the two bottom intake fans are added, you can clearly see that airflow towards the GPU becomes much more direct and faster. This extra push of air helps feed the graphics card more efficiently, which ties in neatly with the small drop in GPU temperature we saw during the thermal testing.

Noise Output

Noise performance from the Lancool 217 INF stayed very consistent across all configurations, with system idle noise sitting at around 37 dBA regardless of setup. Under load, most configurations peaked at 50 dBA, showing that removing panels or swapping materials didn’t noticeably alter the acoustic profile.

The only setup that made a difference was with additional bottom fans installed. This configuration not only lowered GPU temperatures slightly but also reduced load noise to 49 dBA, suggesting that the improved airflow helped the GPU maintain lower fan speeds. It’s a small but welcome gain in both thermal and acoustic efficiency.

Closing Thoughts

The Lian Li Lancool 217 INF builds on the strengths of the original model while adding a much more eye-catching front design. The infinity mirror panel paired with the two large 170mm fans gives the case a distinctive look, but the visual upgrade doesn’t come at the cost of performance. Airflow through the front mesh remains strong, and the case maintains the high level of cooling capability that the Lancool series is renowned for.

Thermal performance throughout testing was consistently good, with the default configuration handling both CPU and GPU loads without breaking a sweat. The only notable improvement came when adding bottom intake fans, which helped direct airflow more efficiently towards the graphics card. This lined up neatly with the slight reduction in GPU temperatures we recorded. It’s not essential, but adding bottom fans is a small, worthwhile tweak for high-end GPU setups.

Hardware support is another area where the 217 INF performs well. There’s plenty of room for larger components, including all motherboard types, big GPUs and top radiators, plus the interior layout makes it straightforward to build in. Cable management is tidy, the tool-free panels are easy to work with, and overall build quality feels as solid as you’d expect from Lian Li at this price point. Nothing about the redesign interferes with the usability of the chassis.

Taken as a whole, the Lancool 217 INF is a well-executed refresh of an already great chassis that retains all the positive features of the original while adding a more striking front aesthetic. If you’re after a mid-tower that delivers strong airflow, great thermals, and a clean and simple building experience, all wrapped in a unique-looking package, the Lian Li Lancool 217 INF is a very well-rounded option that’s easy to recommend, especially at this price point.

The Lian Li Lancool 217 INF is available to purchase now from Scan priced from £107.99 for the black version HERE and £112.99 HERE for the white version.

Pros: 

• Great airflow and cooling.
• Excellent build quality and hardware support.
• Brilliant cable management.

Cons:

• The front infinity mirror panel shows up every fingerprint.
• Lack of front radiator installation is not good for custom cooling.

KitGuru Says: The Lancool 217 INF is a strong evolution of the original, with excellent airflow, great thermals, high-end hardware support, clean build experience and impressive build quality with a striking new look at a decent price.

The post Lian Li Lancool 217 INF Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.