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| PC World - 2 Jun (PC World)Your vocabulary is one of the key contributors to any first impression that people make of you. Don’t you want to make a good one? With Wordela Vocabulary Builder, you can improve your vocabulary with just a little daily practice, and it’s on sale for just $9.99 now.
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TopTenReviews gave Wordela a Gold Award and wrote, “Works well for students studying for tests, adults looking to improve their comprehension and those who are learning the English language.”
Find out why when you get a lifetime subscription to Wordela Vocabulary Builder for just $9.99 (reg. $324) now.
Wordela Vocabulary Builder: Lifetime Subscription – $9.99
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StackSocial prices subject to change.
Accessories Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | ITBrief - 2 Jun (ITBrief)![NZ Located](/pimages/nzsmall.gif) OpenAI has thwarted five covert influence operations over three months, leveraging AI to disrupt attempts by malicious actors to misuse the technology for deceptive activities. Read...Newslink ©2024 to ITBrief | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 1 Jun (PC World)The Computex trade show starts in Taipei next week, and it’s kind of a big deal. While CES tends to get headlines for general tech, Computex is where manufacturers pull out all the stops for desktops, laptops, and all the PC stuff that goes along with them. And we’re going there, of course. Wanna come along? You can, by following PCWorld’s social media accounts.
For instant, easy-to-snack-on coverage of the coolest stuff at Computex, you can check out our short-form videos on TikTok. These shorts will give you bite-sized info on the coolest stuff at Computex, from the biggest names to the smallest niches.
PCWorld
PCWorld
PCWorld
For more in-depth coverage, check out PCWorld’s YouTube channel, where new videos covering the latest hardware from the show floor will be posted. If you want to see hands-on exploration of new laptops, motherboards, PC cases, and all that jazz, this is the place to do it. Oh, and we’ll also probably have some other tech YouTubers on just for some different perspectives. Subscribe to make sure that you don’t miss anything.
Want something a little more meaty? Then the next stop is The Full Nerd podcast, which now has its own dedicated YouTube channel for easier subscriptions and backlog binging. We’ll have at least one episode from Computex, including interviews with big players in the PC and gaming space you won’t want to miss.
And if you prefer to get all of this in a more glanceable social feed, follow PCWorld on Facebook and Twitter. We’ll post all the new videos, plus our main website’s stories for news, reviews, features and opinion posts, how-tos, and the best deals on technology.
Desktop PCs Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 1 Jun (PC World)Feel like your patio or backyard could use some pizzazz? Want to transform your outdoor space with lights that’ll impress your guests? Govee’s Outdoor Pathway Lights will do just that.
Now available for $110 — that’s 35% off of its normal price of $170 — these smart outdoor lights have never been cheaper. This is the perfect chance to infuse your outdoor space with RGB magic.
The Govee Outdoor Pathway Lights bring a cool and modern touch to your home, providing ambient atmosphere in whatever colors you want. Its color temperatures range from 2000K to 6500K, allowing you to create the exact mood you need for any situation.
One standout feature is the multi-color display enabled by RGBIC technology. Each light stick can be set to a different color, and there are some 16 million colors to pick from.
Constructed from durable aluminum with a lacquered finish, the Govee Outdoor Pathway Lights are designed to withstand adverse conditions. Unlike solar-powered alternatives, this wired set ensures a steadier connection and a higher brightness of 250 lumens.
However, while these lights are IP65 waterproof (they’ll withstand rain just fine), they shouldn’t be immersed in water. And the power adapter is only rated as IP44, so you’ll want to find a sheltered spot for it.
The total length of the wire is 42 feet, so you’ll need to plan the placement according to whatever outlets you have around your home.
Controlling the Govee Outdoor Pathway Lights is super easy with the Govee Home app. You can set timers, pick scene modes, adjust color temperatures and brightness, and more. These lights can even pulse with your music, which is fun during parties, and they’re compatible with voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant.
If you want to have a super fun summer this year, you should definitely pick up the Govee Outdoor Pathway Lights for 35% off. This is a limited-time deal so don’t miss it.
Snag this RGB pathway lights deal on Amazon
Lighting Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 1 Jun (PC World)The Nerubian army floods the beach of Tranquill in the first minutes of World of Warcraft: The War Within. Thousands of magical projectiles whizz across the horizon, arachnoid infantry hack the armor of our troops to pieces.
As Orc Warlocks, we throw ourselves into battle, a water spirit at our side pushing back the enemy troops, but General Thrall can barely hold the line.
The intro to The War Within is a strongly staged invasion on the beach, which then leads into a siege battle around a dwarven fortress.
The intro to The War Within is a strongly staged invasion on the beach, which then leads into a siege battle around a dwarven fortress.
IDG
The intro to The War Within is a strongly staged invasion on the beach, which then leads into a siege battle around a dwarven fortress.
IDG
IDG
He gives us orders to bring the wounded to a protected assembly point, while easily 100 arachnoids attack us in close formation. It’s a bit like Starship Troopers. If you’re having a lot of fun with Helldivers 2, you’ll get your money’s worth here.
It feels like Blizzard is finally ready to throw off the shackles of the old WoW and take World of Warcraft into the next generation.
In recent years, WoW has seemed too old-school, too unambitious, too little staged. Why couldn’t we have Game of Thrones-style aerial battles between dragons in Dragonflight?
Blizzard had hardly any competition in the MMO segment for many years, but now Funcom wants to saw at their chair with the most powerful blockbuster brand that Hollywood can currently muster. Dune Awakening, a work in Unreal Engine 5 with the directorial power of Oscar-winner Greg Freiser in barreling in fast — and it looks like Blizzard is up for the challenge. The War Within blew us away during a one-day hands-on event in London and made a lasting impression.
Reading tip: Exploring Azeroth is one of the most beautiful WoW novels about the area where The War Within starts.
The War Within: A new era of staging
Right at the beginning, an exciting intermediate boss awaits – the Queens Guard Zitrix, who leads the troops for the beach invasion.
Right at the beginning, an exciting intermediate boss awaits – the Queens Guard Zitrix, who leads the troops for the beach invasion.
IDG
Right at the beginning, an exciting intermediate boss awaits – the Queens Guard Zitrix, who leads the troops for the beach invasion.
IDG
IDG
First we are confronted by hundreds of Arachnoid infantry who slash the armor of our soldiers. There’s also a tough intermediate boss fight not long in coming, against the Queens Guard Zitrix.
She gathers a whole line of Warspinner bodyguards around her – time to hop on our trusty Dragonflight dragon to get an overview of the battlefield and find weak points in the enemy’s defense.
Based on this screenshot, fans will already be able to imagine what actually happened on the beach. A floating city has crashed there ..
Based on this screenshot, fans will already be able to imagine what actually happened on the beach. A floating city has crashed there ..
IDG
Based on this screenshot, fans will already be able to imagine what actually happened on the beach. A floating city has crashed there ..
IDG
IDG
It is striking how well The War Within works for solo players. It’s less hard grind, more fun action and emotion, where Blizzard has taken inspiration from the great fantasy pop culture.
As we fly towards the fortress city of Dornogal on Stormgrasp, a majestic metropolis emerges that feels a little like Minas Tirith – only built by machine dwarves with titan technology. Like Minas Tirith, it is carved directly into the stone, with pillars rising above the city streets and piercing the azure sky.
Dornogal is a fortress that is partly carved in stone and stretches across many levels. Powered by Titan technology, it is the scene of an exciting siege battle.
Dornogal is a fortress that is partly carved in stone and stretches across many levels. Powered by Titan technology, it is the scene of an exciting siege battle.
IDG
Dornogal is a fortress that is partly carved in stone and stretches across many levels. Powered by Titan technology, it is the scene of an exciting siege battle.
IDG
IDG
There are nooks and crannies in every alleyway, the city stretches across many levels that combine a classic dwarven design where a Gimli would feel at home, with glowing blue veins of magical energy that power many defenses and guns.
It’s also nice to see how varied this battle is, and not just on the ground. We also hurl lightning bolts and launch orbital bombardments from our assault attack on the attacking arachnoids.
The Delves: mini-dungeons as a 15-minute snack
Blizzard itself describes the Delves as “snackable content”, the Snickers of the WoW world, so to speak. But it has a lot of depth, its own currency and unlocks Bronzebeard’s propeller plane.
Blizzard itself describes the Delves as “snackable content”, the Snickers of the WoW world, so to speak. But it has a lot of depth, its own currency and unlocks Bronzebeard’s propeller plane.
IDG
Blizzard itself describes the Delves as “snackable content”, the Snickers of the WoW world, so to speak. But it has a lot of depth, its own currency and unlocks Bronzebeard’s propeller plane.
IDG
IDG
Delves are the Snickers of the MMO world: instead of a long grind, they’re a quick snack for anyone who loves WoW but doesn’t have the time for a big raid. We are all busy and generally have more responsibilities as we get older, which Blizzard has recognized:
“We keep hearing from players who say, ‘I have a family, I have a job, I can’t play WoW for three hours every day anymore,`” Executive Producer & Vice President Holly Longdale tells us during our interview in London.
A delve takes around 10 to 15 minutes, and we can tackle it solo with an AI companion or in a team of up to 5 players.
As Game Director Ion Hazzikostas also tells us, Blizzard already tested and trialled this feature in the Zaralek Caverns in its May 10.1 patch. Zaralek Caverns is basically a huge underground landmass, the likes of which WoW has never seen before.
“When we go in with our NPC companions, it feels like an epic solo quest with a really cool buddy,” explains the Game Director.
As an Ultimate, Brann Bronzebeard can swing on his battle grapple and throw lightning hammers, supporting us from the air. And he also levels up with us, unlocking new skills and weapons.
As an Ultimate, Brann Bronzebeard can swing on his battle grapple and throw lightning hammers, supporting us from the air. And he also levels up with us, unlocking new skills and weapons.
IDG
As an Ultimate, Brann Bronzebeard can swing on his battle grapple and throw lightning hammers, supporting us from the air. And he also levels up with us, unlocking new skills and weapons.
IDG
IDG
By buddy, he means Brann Bronzebeard, for example, a legendary historian with the epic dwarf beard. At the beginning, we choose a tier, i.e. a difficulty level – the higher the tier, the better the XP yield and loot.
We can specialise Brann as a healer or sniper, which unlocks different ultimates for him – as a damage dealer, he summons his combat grip and hurls lightning hammers at the arachnoids on the ground. The longer we play with him, the more he levels up and unlocks new abilities.
For delve kings: Fully level up Bann Bronzebeard and unlock a damn cool golden airship as a mount
All right Blizzard, now we have this cool propeller plane. Let’s fight with it too. That was such a huge missed opportunity in Dragonflight.
All right Blizzard, now we have this cool propeller plane. Let’s fight with it too. That was such a huge missed opportunity in Dragonflight.
IDG
All right Blizzard, now we have this cool propeller plane. Let’s fight with it too. That was such a huge missed opportunity in Dragonflight.
IDG
IDG
“Dungeons have so often been these epic, important places, but we had to deliberately separate them and make them offshoots of the main storyline… Now we can, if it makes sense, run the main storyline right through these places, which is very cool and gives us a lot of freedom in the storytelling,” Game Director Ion Hazzikostas explains.
The same 12 delves await us at launch, with a different story NPC accompanying us each season, and there are even delve bosses such as the armoured mutant crab Zevzik.
At the end of each delve, a majestic treasure chamber awaits us, where we can sometimes unlock very special delve armour and items. Blizzard has really put a lot of love into this.
At the end of each delve, a majestic treasure chamber awaits us, where we can sometimes unlock very special delve armour and items. Blizzard has really put a lot of love into this.
IDG
At the end of each delve, a majestic treasure chamber awaits us, where we can sometimes unlock very special delve armour and items. Blizzard has really put a lot of love into this.
IDG
IDG
Delves are also designed to be replayable and change dynamically: one day we might have to save dwarf miners from the Nerubians. The other day we might have to work with the Arathi in the same place to burn down all those Nerubian nests.
At the end of the delve, a treasure chamber awaits with chests. Everyone gets guaranteed rewards, but there are also special delve currencies that can only be used for special skills for “delving”, as Blizzard calls it.
The machine dwarves use mechs – not only militarily, but also to mine resources deep underground. It is exciting to travel to these areas and research technologies.
The machine dwarves use mechs – not only militarily, but also to mine resources deep underground. It is exciting to travel to these areas and research technologies.
IDG
The machine dwarves use mechs – not only militarily, but also to mine resources deep underground. It is exciting to travel to these areas and research technologies.
IDG
IDG
And then there’s a particularly cool mount to unlock – Bronzebeard’s golden propeller plane. We have not yet been able to try out how it flies. And ultimately it’s just a cosmetically customizable aircraft. But there will certainly be some cool races and who knows, we would still like to see a lot more action and aerial combat in WoW. Maybe they’ll surprise us with The Last Titan. It would certainly fit thematically.
Warbands: Account-wide levelling and banking
We all love our alts – our secondary heroes. They can now be levelled up much more quickly and all share a bank slot in which we can store armour, weapons, runes etc.
We all love our alts – our secondary heroes. They can now be levelled up much more quickly and all share a bank slot in which we can store armour, weapons, runes etc.
IDG
We all love our alts – our secondary heroes. They can now be levelled up much more quickly and all share a bank slot in which we can store armour, weapons, runes etc.
IDG
IDG
Hands up, who feels the need to constantly create alts? Now we no longer have to level them up individually. Warbands is that much desired account-wide levelling and banking that WoW has been wanting for many, many years.
Our warband not only shares a level, but also a bank – so we can simply move items, weapons, mounts etc. back and forth.
Incidentally, this even applies to Delve progress, which is pretty cool. Fancy switching to Master Panda and want Mr Orc to go on holiday? No problem – thanks to Warband you can continue in the same delve.
This is also a real game changer for all transmog fans: completing quests unlocks every transmog option for our account, regardless of the weapon or armor type. So if we receive a pair of leather boots as a quest reward, we automatically unlock the corresponding equivalents for chainmail, plates or cloth armor.
Here we can see the new bank, where we can store many different types of items to equip them for other heroes. Blizzard also wants to pick up Transmog fans this way.
Here we can see the new bank, where we can store many different types of items to equip them for other heroes. Blizzard also wants to pick up Transmog fans this way.
IDG
Here we can see the new bank, where we can store many different types of items to equip them for other heroes. Blizzard also wants to pick up Transmog fans this way.
IDG
IDG
A bit of a shame: Blizzard insists on its current system, i.e. an Evoker can’t just run around with a cool golden plate armour because it doesn’t match his class. Blizzard could go a few steps further here and open up all armor sets to all classes, even retroactively. We all have plenty of powerful transmogs from past expansions that we would like to have as a complete set.
World of Warcraft: The War Within will launch exclusively for PC in 2024 and can now be played in alpha.
Gaming Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 31 May (PC World)If you walk in on a team of graphic designers, you may be believe you’ve just stumbled into a PC gaming tournament. To power 3D intensive applications, many of those users seek out powerful gaming laptops. They can carry them to the field as a bonus, with or without the RGB.
Video editors are similarly enticed by gaming laptops. They’re often right behind gamers in the queue when a new model sees light of day. Bleeding-edge hardware and new screen technology constantly ups the ante for these users who depend on the best.
Are gaming laptops a good choice for a budding video editor or graphic designer? We’ll go over the hardware typically required, the all-important screen, and the drawbacks you will be dealing with by going this route.
Further reading: Best gaming laptops 2024: What to look for and highest-rated models
IDG / Matthew Smith
IDG / Matthew Smith
IDG / Matthew Smith
Performance
On the surface, it makes a lot of sense why professional users go on this RGB-laden path. Robust gaming laptops such as the Razer Blade 16 are filled to the brim with an overabundance of hardware. They’re chock full of RAM and the fastest mobile CPUs. The Intel Core i9-14900HX and Powerhouse GPUs such as the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 with 16GB of VRAM delivery astounding levels of performance.
It’s simple: PC games demand maximum performance of the GPU, CPU, and RAM. This means that gaming laptops are conveniently equipped to deal with non-gaming tasks. Video editing relies heavily on the GPU, with some CPU backup. 3D Graphics workflows are likewise dispatched intuitively, taking advantage of the same potent hardware.
Utilitarian workstation laptops may have unnecessary specialized hardware that adds to the price. Much of consumer grade hardware is well-suited for workflows such as Blackmagic Design’s Davinci Resolve or Adobe Photoshop.
Nvidia’s CUDA on its GPUs make easy work of 3D tasks, along with available Studio Drivers on consumer hardware.
Desktops can have higher performance for a lower price, but with a lack of mobility as a caveat.
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Let’s break down what you’re getting in a high-end laptop. Workflows with video editing or 3D graphics will depend on the GPU. The CPU plays a vital role with photography and overall performance.
CPU
The fastest gaming laptops will pack a CPU such as the Intel Core i9-14900HX or an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX. Power draw is lower than desktop counterparts due to thermal limits. The Intel Core i9-14900HX utilizes a whopping 24 cores and 32 threads. This means it will breeze through synthetic benchmarks such as Cinebench R23 and software such as Handbrake.
Adobe Creative Cloud users with apps such as Photoshop will benefit from these fast CPUs. The highest clock speeds are shy of their desktop counterparts, but they remain capable. Encoding and decoding can also be a benefit with modern CPUs for video editors where the GPU is not needed.
New chips such as the Intel Ultra Core lineup have built-in AI capabilities, which help to regulate performance and power usage.
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
A drawback of these powerful CPUs will come down to cooling. Thermal limits are quickly reached and result in throttled performance. Higher fan noise will be expected unless power settings are tweaked by the user. Laptop cooling pads will be essential for prolonged sessions. Video editing or 3D design software can often have similar demands as gaming on the hardware.
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Gaming laptops have sizable power bricks to supply their ample performance. Battery life is typically poor, irrespective of the large power supplies. The high performance on tap and bright screens makes for quick depletion of batteries. Mark Hachman shared some of his thoughts on these power adapters in his review of the MSI Raider GE78.
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
RAM
Gaming laptops often pack 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM. Some models, such as the MSI Titan 18 HX, can handle upwards of 128GB of RAM. The sweet spot for most will fall between 32GB and 64GB of RAM. It remains one of the most upgradable components on gaming laptops, which is a major plus.
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
GPU
Ah, the GPU. It’s the star of the show for users seeking 3D performance. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 with 16GB of VRAM can breeze through many tasks with aplomb.
Video editors who use Blackmagic’s Davinci Resolve or Adobe Premier Pro have seen tremendous results. A powerful GPU can help with timeline scrubbing, adding affects, exporting, and overall snappiness. 3D graphics artists using software such as Blender will be all too familiar with GPU grunt to aid in workflow.
VRAM is vital in video editing or 3D work such as the 16GB found in the top-end Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090. These mobile GPUs are not the full versions found on desktop, as power limits enter the fray in mobile hardware.
Gaming laptops will have both an internal GPU such as on an Intel chip and a discreet GPU such as an Nvidia GeForce RTX. The switch is often seamless and can aid with battery life. The internal GPU can sometimes aid in tasks like encoding when the CPU is involved, too.
There are some caveats with even the fastest laptop GPUs, though. They remain less powerful than their desktop counterparts for those requiring maximum performance. For example, a desktop Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 will be far superior to its mobile brethren. The laptop version is more on the level of a GeForce RTX 4070 Ti. This is par for the course due to mobile’s smaller size and thermal constraints.
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Storage
Professionals rely on storage much like oxygen and gaming laptops do not disappoint. The Alienware M16 laptop above features multiple slots for fast NVME SSDs, which can be placed in RAID setups. With large and fast sizes readily available, internal storage can accommodate the workflows of professionals with ease.
Along with RAM, NVME drives account for the only user-accessible upgrades that can be done. The drawback here is that you’re stuck with the CPU and GPU for the life of the machine.
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Thiago Trevisan/IDG
Ports
If the internal storage isn’t sufficient, many gaming laptops pack a bevy of ports to accommodate professionals. With Intel based machines, Thunderbolt 4 is available with the fastest transfer rates.
Various flavors of USB are also abundant on gaming laptops, along with the prerequisite HDMI outputs. Connecting to external monitors will be essential for professionals, and gaming laptops have that capability built in.
Screens and usability
Gamers are not alone in chasing the best screen technology available. Video editors, photographers, and graphic designers rely on accurate, bright screens.
Creators enjoy working with high resolution 4K screens with maximum pixel density. Gaming laptops do not disappoint with numerous models such as the Razer Blade 16 offering such screens. One drawback will be screen size, as the biggest laptop currently tops out at 18 inches. The MSI Titan 18 HX packs a 120Hz 4K mini LED display, accompanied by a jaw-dropping price of around $5,000.
Looking for a more high-end gaming laptop? The MSI Titan 18 hx is your best bet.
MSI Titan 18 HX
Read our review
Image fidelity is essential for professionals and gaming laptops understand this dual nature. The Titan MSI 18 HX laptop has a 100 percent DCI-P3 screen capable of HDR 1,000, for example. Adobe RGB and sRGB are typically respectable and acceptable for most. Professional calibrated monitors may be preferred and they can easily be attached to most gaming laptops externally.
Lower priced gaming laptops such as the Alienware M16 will come with 2550×1600 resolution LCD screens. These are still high quality and may be adequate for all but the most precise work needing top color accuracy.
Check out our top pick for gaming laptops
Alienware m16 R2
Read our review
The ergonomics of gaming laptops come with its own pros and cons. First, many gaming laptops will have great keyboards such as the low-profile mechanical MX Cherry keyboards found on top-end units. Tactile response and accuracy are important for professional work, benefiting from the gaming-DNA.
Trackpads are often large and responsive, but one always has the flexibility of connecting external peripherals for more accurate inputs.
Audio is another component that will be important for users such as video editors. Laptop speakers are notoriously flimsy, but some high-end models such as the Razer Blade series have adequate speakers. Most professionals will turn to external solutions or headphones for mission critical work, however. Spatial or surround sound aspects of many gaming laptops will also be lost on professionals.
Conclusion
If you look past RGB aesthetics adorning most gaming laptops, they’re stellar professional machines. With hot-rod levels of hardware to power demanding games, it translates directly to many professional workflows.
Adobe Photoshop users will find powerful CPUs with high-clock speeds very capable. 3D graphics artists and video editors will benefit from the powerful GPUs with more than sufficient VRAM. Fast NVME drives and abundant RAM limits means that many demanding apps can have a home on these mobile powerhouses. Nvidia Studio drivers are available for professional applications and feature widespread support on consumer hardware. it’s a no-brainer that creators venture towards gaming laptops.
The garden variety of gaming laptops, such as those curated by PCWorld, is a big help to creators. Not everyone wants or needs a $5,000 laptop, so there are plenty of cheaper offerings available. With upgradability in the form of RAM and NVME drives, there’s also flexibility built-in for future proofing.
Mobility will be important for many who rely on travel and need portability. Poor battery life, loud fans, and smaller screens are often outweighed by the performance on tap. When the work is done, you’ll also have the benefit of playing the latest games for some leisurely activity if you so desire. The only choice you’re left with is if you’ll leave the RGB on or off.
Gaming Laptops Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 31 May (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsCompact ergonomic standSuperb contrast with deep, inky black levelsExcellent HDR performanceInexpensive for an OLED monitorConsHDMI ports don’t support 240Hz refresh rateNo USB-CSDR performance is great, but slightly lags QD-OLED peersOur VerdictThe Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG has a third-generation LG WOLED panel that delivers superior brightness in HDR content.
Best Prices Today: Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG
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Those looking for an OLED monitor have a lot of choices in 2024, but if you want a 27-inch 1440p display, those choices have primarily used Samsung’s QD-OLED panel. Now, however, Asus is changing that with the ROG Strix XG27AQDMG. This new 27-inch 1440p 240Hz gaming monitor has an OLED display from LG. It is similar to QD-OLED in many respects but takes the lead in HDR performance.
Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG specs and features
You wouldn’t know the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG from other OLED monitors by glancing at the spec sheet. It is a 27-inch display with a 2560×1440 resolution and a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz. Also, like similar monitors, it sticks to HDMI and DisplayPort for video input and keeps USB connectivity minimal with just two USB-A ports.
Display size: 27-inch widescreen
Native resolution: 2560×1440
Panel type: Glossy WOLED
Refresh rate: Up to 240Hz
Adaptive sync: Adaptive Sync 240, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-Sync
HDR: Yes, HDR10
Ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.4 DSC, 2x HDMI (v2.0), 1x earphone jack, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB Type-B (upstream)
VESA mount: 100x100mm
Speakers: None
Price: $749 MSRP
The key difference, of course, is the type of display panel used. WOLED stands for “white OLED,” and it’s a type of panel manufactured by LG that has a subpixel layout with an additional white OLED pixel that joins the red, blue, and green OLED pixels.
This is rather unique, as nearly all LCD and OLED displays throughout history stick to a red, blue, and green sub-pixel layout, and achieve white by lighting all three simultaneously. LG says the unique white sub-pixel can increase the display’s maximum brightness.
The is a successor to the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM, which also had a WOLED panel. That monitor aged poorly as QD-OLED competitors quickly leaped ahead of it. The XG27AQDMG fairs better.
Further reading: See our roundup of the best gaming monitors to learn about competing products.
Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG design
The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG’s design, much like its spec sheet, is difficult to tell apart from other OLED monitors at a glance. It strikes a modern look from the front, with slim bezels along all sides and a glossy display panel. Unlike some competitors, however, Asus branding remains prominent thanks to a glowing red ROG logo.
Some RGB accents indicate the monitor’s gaming credentials.
Some RGB accents indicate the monitor’s gaming credentials. Matthew Smith / Foundry
Some RGB accents indicate the monitor’s gaming credentials. Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
From the back, the monitor’s thin profile stands out, and some subtle etching makes the monitor’s gaming intent clear. The monitor includes an RGB-LED accent in the shape of the Asus ROG logo. It can be customized using the on-screen menu or coordinate with other RGB-LED devices via Asus’ Aura Sync.
Asus wisely chooses to use a compact, flat stand for the ROG Strix XG27AQDMG. This reduces the amount of space the monitor takes up on your desk and keeps the space it does consume usable, as you can still place items on the stand. The stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivots 90 degrees for use in portrait orientation. A 100x100mm VESA display mount is available, which means that third-party monitor stands and arms are an option.
The monitor stand includes a threaded mount on the top of the stand. It can be used to attach a peripheral like a webcam, microphone, or LED light, and it’s a useful feature for streamers and other video content creators. You’ll likely need a spacer or adjustable mount to use it, however, because the top of the display will block a peripheral mounted here unless the stand is adjusted to its lowest height.
The back of the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG.
The back of the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG.Matthew Smith / Foundry
The back of the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG.Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG connectivity and menus
Asus sticks to the basics with connectivity. The ROG Strix XG27AQDMG has one DisplayPort 1.4 port and two HDMI 2.0 ports, both of which support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) for compatibility with modern game consoles.
It should be noted that this monitor does not support HDMI 2.1, and as a result, it can’t display its maximum refresh rate of 240Hz over HDMI. This could be a problem if you want to connect a PC over HDMI. I always prefer to see a monitor support its maximum refresh rate across all available display inputs, and it’s disappointing to see this omitted.USB-C connectivity is not available, and the monitor has only two USB-A ports for connecting wired peripherals. These can be accessed through a USB-B upstream connection. This is basic connectivity for a gaming monitor, but similar to competitors.
The monitor’s on-screen menu system is accessed through a joystick centered on the bottom bezel. It is responsive and easy to use. Asus on-screen menus are logically arranged and well-labeled, so navigating them to find features is simple.
Image quality adjustment is extensive. It includes a number of preset modes as well as color gamut modes that target sRGB and DCI-P3. Color temperature and gamma are adjustable as well, and both target specific numerical values instead of vague labels like “cool” or “warm.” Six-axis color customization is included for further fine-tuning if it’s required.
Gamers can elevate the brightness of dark areas of the screen to make enemies hidden in shadowy areas easier to see. The display also includes several aspect ratio modes, which can change the size of the viewable area on the display. That might be useful if you want to restrict the viewable area to a 24-inch 1080p equivalent for esports titles. There’s also a 4:3 mode, which is handy if you want to play a very old PC game that lacks proper widescreen support.
The monitor’s features can be adjusted in Windows with Asus’ DisplayWidget software. It’s quicker and easier to use than the on-screen menu. Most monitor makers offer similar software, but DisplayWidget is more attractive and easier to use than similar software from competitors like Gigabyte and MSI.
Speakers are not included, so you will need to use external speakers or a headset. I always prefer to see bundled speakers, but competitive gaming monitors also exclude them.
Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG SDR image quality
The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG, like every other 27-inch OLED gaming monitor on the market, serves up 2560×1440 resolution. But while competitors use Samsung’s QD-OLED panel technology, the XG27QDMG instead relies on LG’s third-generation WOLED. So, how does it stack up?
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
The ROG Strix XG27AQDMG reached a maximum full-screen SDR brightness of 260 nits. That’s competitive with peers like the Alienware AW2725DF, but it’s still not amazing.
Brightness is said to be a perk of WOLED panels, yet in SDR the XG27AQDMG is barely brighter than alternatives with a Samsung QD-OLED panel. The monitor’s full-screen brightness is fine for a room with good light control, but bright overhead lighting or a sunny window can create a lot of glare and make the monitor uncomfortable to view.
WOLED does have an advantage in HDR brightness, though, as I’ll explain in more detail in the next section of this review.
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Contrast is a strength of the ROG Strix XG27AQDMG. The monitor achieved a minimum brightness of zero nits at every display brightness setting, which is effectively a perfect result and boosts the contrast ratio into the millions.
The monitor’s excellent contrast is noticeable across everything viewed on the display, but it’s especially useful in darker games and movies like Diablo IV or Blade Runner. OLED avoids the grayish, foggy look common to less expensive monitors with an IPS panel.
All modern OLED monitors benefit from OLED’s contrast ratio, so contrast is not a reason to buy one OLED display over another. Still, it’s good to see the WOLED performs as well as expected.
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
The ROG Strix XG27AQDMG’s color gamut results are interesting. It achieves 100 percent of the sRGB color gamut, 96 percent of DCI-P3, and 89 percent of Adobe RGB. These are excellent results, but they’re a bit behind recent QD-OLED monitors. Most QD-OLED monitors released in 2024 can reach 98 percent of DCI-P3 and 94 percent of Adobe RGB.
Gamers shouldn’t fret over this, as the difference will be difficult to notice while playing games. Even content creators probably won’t find the XG27AQDMG’s slightly reduced color gamut a problem.
Still, if maximum color gamut is a priority for you, a QD-OLED monitor is the better choice. It’s also wise to consider a Mini-LED monitor with quantum dots, such as the RedMagic 4K Gaming Monitor. They achieve unparalleled color gamut results.
The XG27AQDMG’s wide color gamut and superb contrast make it excellent for games and movies.
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
Matthew Smith / Foundry
WOLED’s color performance continues to lag behind QD-OLED in color accuracy, as the XG27AQDMG posted results that lag the QD-OLED monitors that PCWorld has tested this year. The XG27AQDMG’s color looks realistic and remains great for gaming, but content creators may want to calibrate the display.
The XG27AQDMG also had slight issues with color temperature and gamma performance. I measured a gamma curve of 2.3 when the setting was at 2.2, meaning content looked a tad darker than it should. Color temperature was also a bit off, with a measured color temperature of 6600K when the monitor was set to 6500K. That means the monitor looked slightly cooler and more sterile than ideal. Both of these variances are fairly minor, though, and not likely to be an obstacle for gamers.
Sharpness is a more noticeable problem. The WOLED panel’s unique subpixel layout can cause color fringing issues around details like small text and fine, high-contrast edges. Small fonts were pixelated and at times showed off-colors along their edges. Asus includes a ClearEdge feature, which is supposed to minimize the problem, but it wasn’t effective in my testing. In fact, at times the monitor looked worse with ClearEdge on than with it off.
This issue is also present on modern QD-OLED monitors, especially 27-inch monitors 1440p resolution, but I do feel it’s a bit more noticeable on the WOLED panel.
The XG27AQDMG’s overall SDR image quality is at once impressive and disappointing. Its wide color gamut and superb contrast make it excellent for games and movies. However, the WOLED panel slightly underperforms QD-OLED in some respects, and its lackluster sharpness stands out. I can recommend the XG27AQDMG if you just want to game, but shoppers looking for a game that’s equally great for gaming, office productivity, and content creation should be wary.
Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG HDR image quality
The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG’s SDR performance slightly lags behind its OLED peers, but it strikes back in HDR.
I measured a maximum sustained full-screen HDR brightness of 269 nits, which basically ties the monitor’s SDR brightness. However, the monitor hit a maximum sustained brightness of 724 nits in a 10 percent window, meaning 10 percent of the display was lit. QD-OLED displays, like the Alienware AW2725DF and Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM, achieved about 400 nits in this scenario.
The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG also hit a maximum sustained brightness of 608 nits in a 50 percent window, meaning half the display was lit. That, too, is better than QD-OLED alternatives, which are lucky to sustain 300 nits.
To put it simply, the XG27AQDMG’s WOLED panel delivers better HDR brightness than QD-OLED. Higher brightness is important because it provides more detail in luminous areas of a scene. The accretion disc around the black hole in Interstellar’s Gargantua scene is a great example. The disk seems like a uniform, glowing uniform mass in SDR, but HDR reveals subtle colors and added detail that was invisible in SDR.
The XG27AQDMG is also great for HDR gaming. Games that have HDR support frequently have attractive particle effects and other small, flashy elements that appear only briefly on the screen. The XG27AQDMG looks exceptionally bright and detailed when displaying these effects. QD-OLED monitors also look good in HDR games, but the XG27AQDMG is superior.
If HDR is at the top of your list of priorities, then the XG27AQDMG is an excellent choice. Its brightness is defeated only by Mini-LED monitors like the AOC Q27G3XMN. Mini-LED monitors have their own disadvantages, though, like halos around small bright objects and, in most cases, less motion clarity. The XG27AQDMG’s combination of brightness, contrast, and motion clarity makes it ideal for HDR gaming.
Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG motion performance
Motion performance is a strength of OLED monitors, and the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG is no exception. Scrolling test images from games like League of Legends and Dota 2 revealed good detail around character silhouettes. The names and hitpoint bars displayed above characters were generally legible in motion, though not always easy to read. Small, fast moving objects remain identifiable and significant detail is visible in decent vistas when panning the camera in a 3D game.
While the XG27AQDMG’s motion clarity is good, it’s defeated by QD-OLED alternatives that hit 360Hz, such as Alienware’s AW2725DF. These competitors are more expensive, but their improved refresh rate can provide a slight motion clarity boost. Keep in mind, however, that a game must achieve a frame rate of up to 360 frames per second for the 360Hz refresh rate to prove useful. That’s difficult, or impossible, with many modern PC games.
Asus offers a backlight strobing mode called ELMB, which rapidly flickers the image to reduce perceived motion blur. It’s effective, but it also lowers the brightness of the display. That can be a problem in SDR content, as there’s not a lot of brightness to spare. The ELMB mode also supports a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, and it doesn’t work with HDR. These limitations take away most of its appeal.
The XG27AQDMG’s official adaptive sync support is extensive. It includes certifications for VESA Adaptive Sync 240, Nvidia G-Sync Compatible, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. The monitor also works with the variable refresh mode on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
All OLED competitors offer adaptive sync support, but many companies choose not to pursue official certification with both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. Technically, monitors without the certification will usually work with both, but I like the peace of mind Asus offers by including official support for both standards.
Should you buy the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG?
The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG is a viable alternative to QD-OLED monitors that performs slightly worse in some situations and better in others. The monitor’s HDR performance is its greatest strength, as it achieves a level of HDR brightness that’s significantly higher than QD-OLED monitors. In SDR, however, the XG27AQDMG slightly lags behind QD-OLED competitors in color performance and sharpness.
Pricing works in Asus’ favor. The XG27AQDMG carries a retail MSRP of just $749.99. A few QD-OLED monitors, like the MSI MAG 271QPX, are available for $750, but most are $50 to $100 more expensive. That makes the XG27AQDMG a great choice for gamers who want OLED but still need to be mindful of their budget.
Monitors Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 31 May (PC World)Whoa! We can hardly believe our eyes, but this RTX 4070 Asus laptop is on sale for just $1,100! Originally $1,400, you’ll save $300 on this purchase and get a ton of value for your money.
You could easily pay upwards of $2,000 for an RTX 4070 gaming laptop, so the price of this Asus TUF laptop is simply incredible.
What else is included? Well, it’s powered by the latest Intel Core i7 processor, guaranteeing top-notch performance for your gaming and productivity needs. This is a laptop that’s built to impress.
With 16GB of DDR5 memory, you’ll get speedy performance whether you’re playing games, editing videos, or just browsing the web. If that’s not enough, you can upgrade to 32GB of RAM.
The 15.6-inch FHD display is excellent, too. It boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and adaptive sync technology, which minimizes screen tearing and provides a seamless gaming experience.
It also comes with a 1TB SSD, so there’s plenty of storage space for anything you want to install or store. The SSD ensures quick access to your files and fast boot-up times for games.
But it’s the Nvidia RTX 4070 graphics card that makes this laptop an absolute gem. Expect stunning visuals in the maaaany long hours of gaming ahead — and yes, it’s also great for all those boring work tasks or whatever else you need to do.
Despite its powerful internals, this Asus TUF gaming laptop is quite portable. Weighing just 4.85 pounds, it’s easy to carry and fits comfortably into small bags and cases.
Worried about connectivity? This laptop has plenty of ports: a dedicated USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 support, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and an RJ45 LAN port. (Is that not enough? Consider getting this Anker hub for six more ports.)
Again, an RTX 4070 gaming laptop for just $1,100 is an absolute steal. Snag the RTX-powered Asus TUF 15.6-inch gaming laptop at this price before the deal expires!
Get this RTX 4070 gaming laptop for $1,100 at Best Buy
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 30 May (PC World)It’s a heavyweight matchup between the two VPN giants: ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN. They are the Godzilla and King Kong, Gates and Jobs, or Packers and Bears of the VPN world. Both offer some of the fastest, most secure, feature-rich services on the market. So which one should you choose?
NordVPN might be cheaper in the long-term and it offers more servers, but ExpressVPN has a better privacy record and more consistent access to streaming services. While both are neck and neck, I recommend ExpressVPN for most folks. It’s our pick for best VPN overall due to its ease-of-use, unrivaled transparency, and excellent streaming support. That’s not to take anything away from NordVPN, which is also an exemplary choice. The differences are nuanced so let’s break it all down in more detail below to help you choose the best VPN for your own needs.
If you’re interested in all of our top picks for VPN head over to out best VPNs article for more great options.
ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN: Features compared
ExpressVPNNordVPNServer network3,000+ servers, 105 country locations6,000+ servers, 110+ country locationsSimultaneous connections810Average speeds71% of base download, 80% of base upload72% of base download, 80% of base uploadProtocolsOpenVPN, IKEv2, LightwayOpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard), IKEv2Available platformsWindows, MacOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Fire TV, Apple TV, Linus, Browsers, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Fire TV, Apple TV, Linus, Browsers, RoutersBusiness locationBritish Virgin IslandsPanamaCost$12.95 per month, $59.94 for six months, or $99.84 per year$12.99 per month, $82.35 for first year (then $99.48 per year), or $126.63 for first two years (then $99.48 per year)
Best for speed: NordVPN (by a hair)
In my testing both NordVPN and ExpressVPN ranked with stellar speed scores. Along with Hotspot Shield they’re the fastest VPNs available. While all VPNs will slow down your internet speeds to some degree, these two slow it down the least.
fastest vpn runner-up
Hotspot Shield
Read our review
In my latest tests, ExpressVPN resulted in an average of 71 percent of the base internet speed for downloads and 80 percent of the base for uploads. NordVPN nosed it out, though, with 72 percent of the base download speeds and 80 percent of the base upload speeds. Those are razor-thin margins and the one percent difference is likely unnoticeable in daily use.
Whichever you choose, you can expect it to handle bandwidth-heavy tasks, such as gaming and 4K streaming, with ease. However, the winner for speed — by the slimmest of margins — is NordVPN.
Best for cost: NordVPN
ExpressVPN only has one subscription tier, which will set you back $12.95 monthly, $59.94 for six months, or $99.84 for one year. NordVPN, on the other hand, offers three subscription tiers: Basic, Plus, and Ultimate. To make an equal comparison for services provided I’ll focus on NordVPN’s Plus plan, which runs $12.99 monthly, $82.35 for the first year, or $126.63 for the first two years. It’s worth noting, though, that both NordVPN’s 1-year and 2-year plans rise to $99.48 annually after their respective renewal periods.
While in the end, both services charge you practically the same prices for their annual subscriptions, NordVPN offers much better upfront discount incentives. These introductory prices mean that you can initially save a bit if you choose NordVPN over ExpressVPN. It pretty much equals out in the long term, but NordVPN’s upfront savings give it the nod in terms of costs.
Best for privacy and security: ExpressVPN
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the trend-setters in the industry when it comes to comprehensive and innovative security features. Taking VPNs beyond just anonymizing your internet connection, these two companies have expanded to provide users with an entire suite of security add-ons such as ad- and tracker-blocking, password managers, and more.
If it came down to just total features, NordVPN wins. It offers multi-hop, and Onion Over VPN — both of which are currently lacking in ExpressVPN. In addition, NordVPN also gives its Plus subscription users access to cloud storage and robust malware protection.
However, many would argue that the main point of a VPN is to maximize privacy and engender trust among users — something I wholeheartedly agree with. And ExpressVPN simply has a better track record of privacy and transparency. While NordVPN has undergone four independent audits in its history, ExpressVPN went through 12 audits in 2022 alone.
Both services use AES-256 encryption and RAM-only servers to wipe data after each server reboot, thereby increasing data privacy. But ExpressVPN goes even further by using its own signature TrustedServer technology. This system reloads the latest software stack, OS and all, with each reboot, eliminating the chance for bugs and inconsistencies across servers which could lead to VPN vulnerabilities.
our favorite vpn for privacy
Mullvad
Read our review
Best Prices Today:
$5.37 at Mullvad
Despite the slight numerical feature advantage of NordVPN, the unparalleled transparency and privacy features of ExpressVPN give it the edge here — it’s second only to Mullvad in our privacy rankings.
Best for streaming: ExpressVPN
VPNs are mainly used for privacy and security, but they can also be used for entertainment purposes, unblocking geo-restricted content. Whether you’re traveling or just want to access region-locked content — looking at you, Netflix England’s entire selection of Ghibli movies — using a VPN to spoof your location is a great way to watch all of the content you want no matter your physical location.
In my testing, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN came through with flying colors when attempting to access streaming services in different locations. They successfully unblocked Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and a handful of other services as well.
The differences in streaming performance lie mostly in the different app interfaces. I personally found that ExpressVPN’s apps (Windows, AppleTV, Fire TV, etc.) were a bit more intuitive and easier to use than NordVPN’s apps. It might be a personal preference here, but I’m going to give the win in streaming to ExpressVPN — but, again, only by the narrowest of margins.
Bottom line
You can’t really go wrong with either of these VPNs. I gave both ExpressVPN and NordVPN 4.5 out of 5 stars in their respective reviews and both garnered Editors’ Choice awards for their outstanding VPN services. That being said, ExpressVPN is our pick for best VPN overall and for good reason. It provides excellent security features, top-notch speeds, terrific geo-unblocking, a great user interface, and incomparable transparency.
best VPn overall
ExpressVPN
Read our review
NordVPN is the fastest VPN on the market and does provide some nice-to-haves that ExpressVPN does not. But the speed difference is negligible and these extra features are really only useful for power users. Still, whenever someone asks me for a VPN recommendation I usually turn to ExpressVPN first.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | sharechat.co.nz - 30 May (sharechat.co.nz)![NZ Located](/pimages/nzsmall.gif) Cervical cancer technology company Truscreen Group Limited (ASX/NZX: TRU) (the Company) has released its preliminary unaudited financial results for the year ended 31 March 2024 Read...Newslink ©2024 to sharechat.co.nz | ![](/n.gif) |
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