You have probably heard of overclocking when it comes to your PC, and are wondering how it can be useful for you.

Well, overclocking is when you run a computer at a speed that it wasn’t designed for.

This can speed up slower PCs, give you more power when it comes to performing tasks, and can improve your components.

However, overclocking can produce a lot of heat on your PC, and to overclock effectively you will need a CPU air cooler to compensate for the increased heat.

We’ve assembled a list of the ten best CPU air coolers, but you will need to make sure that they fit your machine before you buy them.

10. Le Grand Macho RT by Thermalight

This first CPU Air Cooler is a single tower cooler armed with one fan, and don’t let its small size fool you. It does the job extremely well and can provide a lot of cooling for your machine while it is overclocked.

Additionally, the purchase of the air cooler comes with all of the items needed to mount it. So, if you are a first-time user and are going to be installing a new fan yourself, this is the perfect beginners’ air cooler. Finally, for a large fan, it is not that loud. Even when overclocked the noise level doesn’t go above 20 dBA.

If you have some good headphones on, chances are you won’t even hear the fan.

Pros:

• – Low noise
• – Very Easy to Mount
• – Very Effective at Cooling your CPU

Cons:

• – Is very large and heavy
• – Can look out of place on some PCs

9. Corsair A500

Corsair has always been a good builder of gaming products, and their introduction into the air cooling scene has been no different. Rather than being an all in one air cooler, this machine is a dual tower cooler. Unlike their competitors, Corsair’s tower uses two different heat pipe dimensions and a slide-and-lock height adjustment to improve cooling.

Additionally, the mounting and installation are very easy to do, and you will be able to get some good airflow out of the fan. It does run at 36 dBA, which can be a bit loud, but the noise would be more of white noise than anything intrusive.

The tower is good, but it is also expensive, and unless you want to buy everything Corsair ever makes you might be off with a better tower.

Pros:

• – Easy Installation
• – Dual Tower cooler

Cons:

• – Can be loud at max speed
• – Heat pipes are in direct contact, which can impede performance.

8. Scythe Mugen 5

This CPU air cooler is one of the hidden gems of the cooling world, especially if you are looking for something both effective and quiet. This fan runs at a very low RPM, making sure that you won’t hear any loud fan noise as you are gaming or streaming. This is a fan that will give you a quiet experience, but there are better cooling options out there.

So it depends largely on what you want. Do you want quiet fans or efficient fans to cool your computer? If you are looking for quiet, then this fan will work for you.

Pros:

• – Very low RPM
• – Easy to install

Cons:

• – Can be outperformed by some louder options.

7. Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

This CPU air cooler is very budget-friendly and perfect for a PC gamer who has a budget. If you’ve been in the PC business for a long time, then this product is a throwback to the older Hyper 212 models. It is very easy to install, and can even support an additional fan if you want to increase airflow.

It is a very effective fan for its price and is very silent as well. Plus, the minimalist design makes sure it will fit in any case.

Pros:

• – Very budget-friendly
• – Easy to install
• – Makes little sound even when overclocked

Cons:

• – Doesn’t prevent thermal throttling

6. Scythe Fuma 2

Once again Scythe makes the list with a good showing in the Scythe Fuma 2. It is cheap, quiet, and should be very compatible with all your gaming setups. Once again everything you need to install the product is inside the box, and it also comes with three fan brackets. Unlike other fans, two of them go clockwise while one goes counterclockwise to maximize airflow.

It can cool almost any system, and won’t be intrusive even when you are overclocking. The Scythe Fuma 2 is a fan that checks all the boxes for a cheap price and is an accessory you need to snatch up.

Pros:

• – Silent when overclocking
• – Budget-friendly
• – Designed to work with and on all systems

Cons:

• – Might not be as effective on high-end computers.

5. Cooler Master MasterAir Maker 8

This cooler is large and expensive, and you’d expect a lot out of a cooler this size. Thankfully, it comes with everything you need to install it and a very clear manual. This makes it very easy to install, and while it isn’t as effective at cooling as some of the smaller coolers, a few degrees isn’t the end of the world.

But when it comes to acoustics, you won’t need to worry. The large fans are almost dead silent whenever you use them normally, and an overclock only gives you a quiet humming sound. This is an amazing find to grab when you build your gaming PC, and we really enjoy it.

Pros:

• – Easy to install
• – Quiet even while overclocked

Cons:

• – Expensive
• – Not the best cooling option out there

4. Noctua NH-U12A

Noctua is one of those fans that is simple. You have a single tower design, has one fan, and you won’t have to worry about overtaking the motherboard. The NH-U12A from Noctua does all of that while still being effective. The cooler also offers a six-year warranty, which is something we don’t see a lot of.

The cooler is easy to install, very quiet and is very budget-friendly. Although it can fall behind some of the bigger and heavier coolers in the temperature range.

Pros:

• – Easy to install
• – Dead silent, even when overclocked
• – Single tower design

Cons:

• – Not as effective as larger air coolers.

3. be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4

With a name like be quiet, you can certainly expect that the Dark Rock Pro 4 will be a silent option for your PC needs. Thankfully, it lives up to those standards with near-silent operation regardless of the fan speed, and will still be able to cool your PC down.

Once again this package comes with everything you would need to install the air cooler, and it works for all processors except for the AMD Threadripper, so you will have to look elsewhere if you own one.

But it is easy to install, and while you do give up some cooling when compared to the Dark Rock Pro 3… you won’t be hearing from this fan at all!

Pros:

• – Easy to install
• – Silent at all fan levels

Cons:

• – Not as good cooling-wise as the Dark Rock Pro 3

2. Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black

For those people who love Noctua’s products, there’s always been one typical drawback for them: the brown color.

In a world of black and grey PC cases, the fan has stuck out like a sore thumb for most users. But not anymore, as we can now get all the benefits of the Noctua brand in black!

Other than the color change, it isn’t that different from the other Noctua models. You have your copper heat pipes, dual tower design, and good cooling on overclock speeds. The biggest drawback that might stop you from purchasing this black beauty is the price.

However, if you want both style and substance, then this is the best thing for you to grab.

Pros:

• A nice black finish
• The same Noctua quality

Cons:

• Expensive
• Very large

1. DEEPCOOL Assasin lll Air CPU Cooler

This large and in-charge air cooler is designed to meet all of your computer needs, no matter what motherboard or parts you have. The package contains everything you need to install it, as well as several accessories.

There are seven heat pipes inside the cooler, with all of them running the height of the cooling tower. You can install the Deep Cool Assassin very easily and it is compatible with all PC builds and systems.

It can go head to head with some of the biggest air coolers on the market when it comes to temperature control and silence, and it also has a warranty of five years.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Can handle hot systems
• Uses 140 mm fans

Cons:

• Reaches 30 dBA, so slightly louder than competitors.

Summary

As long as you know what you want out of an air cooler, and how often you plan to overclock your system, then you should be able to find the cooler that works for you easily.

Just make sure that whatever cooler you pick will fit your system, and then you can push that system to the limit!

Which is the best gaming mouse for Escape From Tarkov?

Few have escaped from the post-apocalyptic Russian settlement of Tarkov. Those ghost-eyed, rugged few have learned there are only two things you need to survive: Keen battle reflexes and superior gear.

Fans of casual shooters looking for a quick skirmish should expect a quick funeral in the open-world survival game Escape from Tarkov, because getting güd takes time. Mathematically, your chances for future survivability in Tarkov increase by a fraction of a percent each time you get plugged, so expect to die a lot on the road to greatness.

Matches typically run an hour long in length, and the loss of life in Tarkov also means the loss of all your hard-won weapons and tech… all except for the technology you invest in to play the game.

The Best Gaming Mouse for Escape From Tarkov

Perhaps the most valuable real-life tech available to those playing EFT is a high-quality mouse.

Check out the list below for our tip-top picks.

10. SteelSeries Sensei Ten

The Sensei Ten believes in having only what you need but making sure those needs are masterfully executed.

This mouse feels lightweight but is still durably crafted with high-grade polymer to weather years of calculated combat in Tarkov. So durable in fact, that SteelSeries guarantees this mouse’s performance to remain sharp even after 60 million clicks.

Small silicone fingertips on the sides are symmetrically placed, complementing the mouse’s ambidextrous ergonomic design.

This SteelSeries mouse boasts its finest sensor yet, the TrueMove Pro, ensuring a true 1 to 1 tracking experience so that you can no longer blame a missed shot on malfunctioning equipment. Surprise! You just suck. But the Sensei Ten could very well change that.

9. Corsair Harpoon RGB Wireless

We wouldn’t have recommended this mouse to purchase for Father’s Day if we thought it was anything less than a kingmaker.

I was initially nervous seeing how affordable this wireless mouse was, because I expected the cost of the lower price point would mean erratic tracking errors, an issue prevalent among many wireless mice on the market.

No sir, not here. The Corsair is a sniper tool with a 10,000 DPI sensor. For the unacquainted, DPI means dots per inch, and is a quantitative indicator on tracking sensitivity a.k.a how accurately you can introduce some sizzling hot lead alloy into an enemy’s brain basket. At around 60 hours of battery life, the unrelenting Corsair Harpoon can withstand many midnight marathon sessions in Tarkov without the need of a top-up.

8. HyperX Pulsefire Surge

Before seeing the actual product, I heard the name HyperX Pulsefire Surge and imagined I would be reviewing the glowing blaster fire from some sort of extraterrestrial plasma rifle. Happy to report I wasn’t far off the mark.

My favorite part of this mouse is easily the alluring, fully-customizable RGB color ring running 360° around the perimeter. 

The mouse’s look is enough to stimulate conversation, conversation that can transition into what’s under the surface: A solid 50 million click lifespan and the FPS-suited 16,000 DPI rating provided by PixArt 3389 optical sensor.

A prime choice of mouse.

7. Logitech G203 Lightsync

The only mouse on this list bold enough to be offered in polished pearl white, the slightly smaller-than-your-average palm rodent Logitech G203 is a strong contender in the category of budget tech.

The Lightsync is sure to put a smile on your face, likely matching the shape of the pulsing RGB grin splayed on the palm side of the device. This happy look matches the lightness of the weight, this mouse being one of the least weighty offerings on this list.

While the DPI here is a bit lower than the competition, this fact should not be considered too critically as the precision is still more than enough than even the professionals need..

The Lightsync is a glorious partner for braving the dangers of Tarkov, functional and sparkling in its beauty.

6. Razer Basilisk Ultimate

The Basilisk Ultimate strikes mercilessly, easily as dangerous as the mythic, highly venomous serpent of its namesake.

Razer is a well-known brand among purveyors of PC tech equipment, with a reputation for providing high-quality, customizable hardware at a higher price. The Basilisk upholds this expectation, providing on-the-fly adjustment capabilities to both the scroll wheel and DPI stages, in addition to 11 customizable buttons including a saucy little thumb paddle suited for quick-draw activity.

The wireless recognition here is immaculate, which is to be expected at this price range. Worth mentioning, this is certainly the most expensive mouse on the list. I’m also fond of the RGB configuration that can be synchronized with the charging dock, a platform that makes the Basilisk look absolutely menacing as it recharges power. Even with 70 hours of battery life, you still will need to charge this feisty deathmonger.

Worth mentioning, this mouse pairs particularly well with the Razer Blade 15 gaming laptop, discussed more in-depth here.

5. Logitech G Pro Wireless

This mouse doesn’t have as robust a battery capacity as the Basilisk, nor does it have the enchanting RGB color cycle. What the G Pro lacks in flair, however, it triumphs enormously in performance, trouncing the previous choice by offering a more ergonomic, ambidextrous design with a lighter weight that doesn’t sacrifice durability. Plus, the side buttons are cleverly interchangeable to suit your darkest, most fatal desires.

A 16,000 CPI HERO optic sensor provides a latency-free gaming experience comparable to that of a wired mouse. At the G Pro price point, this should be expected, although it should be stated it is slightly less expensive than the Basilisk with arguably better offerings.

The Logitech G Pro series has proven a strong line of reliable gaming tech, consistent across their headsets, other accessories, and in this case the Logitech G Pro wireless mouse.

4. Corsair Ironclaw RGB

For a mouse with the name Ironclaw, I was really caught off-guard from how pleasant the sensory experience was while using this mouse. The pleasurable rubber studded side grip, the glass smooth top surface, and the tire-track pattern scroll wheel makes my palm feel completely at ease during an intense firefight in Tarkov.

Despite the cozy grip of the Corsair Ironclaw, this is no softcore mouse. In fact, it is one of the heaviest-wired mice on this list. To further punctuate its ruthless demeanor, this mouse ditches flashy, in-your-face RGB light shows in favor of low-key luminesce burning from some vents on the sides.

At a staggering 18k DPI and highly responsive Omron switches good for 50 million clicks, it’s understandable that the Ironclaw needs exhaust ventilation from all that magic within.

3. SteelSeries Rival 710

There are certain benchmarks of quality present in the top-tier echelons of SteelSeries mice: Durable switches good for 60 Million clicks, 16k DPI, surgically accurate 1 to 1 tracking and a minimalist approach to RGB display. The issue is, many other companies can provide this standard, perhaps with a less ergonomic approach than SteelSeries. What the industry needs is some creative innovation to shake the game up.

The Rival takes all of the qualities that make the Sensei such a solid mouse and adds a cyborg’s wet dream level of immersion.

The two features that separate the Rival from any other rodent in the race is the inclusion of rumble synchronization with your game, as well as a cheeky little OLED screen that displays gaming stats and choice GIFs.

The OLED screen is a fun, albeit frivolous accessory. By contrast, the vibration function on the mouse can provide a practical, terrific edge over your opponents. Rumble patterns can be synced to your mouse’s button mapping or in-game notifications, depending on your customization preferences. This can mean an even greater degree of integration, an immersion that could be deadly to those who oppose you on the battlefield.

It may surprise you that the catalog of vibration patterns in no way affects the accuracy of your mouse. I predict we will soon be seeing other companies trying to rip this feature off; Never forget who did it first.

2. Logitech G502 Lightspeed

Razer has a tendency to name their products after highly venomous snakes, but there is only one mouse on this list whose looks and performance strike the fear within me: The Logitech G502 Lightspeed.

Oh jagged edges, the top-side buttons that extend out like the fangs of some cybernetically enhanced werewolf! The rubber-studded armor on the sides grips your hand with equal tenacity as you grip the mouse. An ultra-accurate HERO sensor that might actually know your next three movements before you even think of them!

The Lightspeed has the look of a calculating predator, with a patently organized layout of 11 buttons engineered to be easily accessible without crowding up your palm. Further adjustments can be made to the scroll wheel and the weight of the mouse for greater comfort.

The cost may be a bit steep for some, but the Lightspeed isn’t really a mouse so much as it is a frothing-mouthed rat king armed with a silo of atom bombs.

1. Razer Deathadder V2

This isn’t the first time we’ve raved about the Razer Deathadder V2. We’ve talked about how it perfectly pairs with Razer keyboards or how many streamers swear by the Deathadder V2 as the ultimate nexus between man and machine.

Topping this list is the Razer Deathadder V2, a choice that could come as somewhat of a surprise considering this mouse’s simplicity, compared to the futuristic whimsy of the SteelSeries Rival and the intricate design of the Logitech G502 Lightspeed.

American architect Richard Buckminister Fuller once said “When I’m working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.”

For most gamers, the best mouse doesn’t need fireworks or a cache of trappings that could rival the Batmobile. It needs to deliver the best results with the least effort. Nothing more, nothing less.

The Deathadder is ultra precise at 20k DPI, a limit that will meet the demands of even the most fast-twitch sharpshooter in Tarkov. The sweeping curves and bevels comprising this mouse form an ergonomic masterpiece that you have to feel to believe. The drag free cord and understated RGB lighting are only a couple examples of those little touches that make a huge difference when added together.

The truth remains that even the most hardcore gamers may bristle at the idea of paying triple digits for their gaming mouse. No other mouse comes close to offering the same astronomic, gamebreaking value at the incredibly affordable price of the Deathadder.

Summary

For that breed of gamer looking for a modern survival shooter to dive into for months of fun, there is no sense in doing so with subpar equipment. Any one of the above picks would make a worthy companion on your journey through Tarkov.

Of course, once you invest in a proper mouse, the only logical next step is to start questioning if your gaming monitor is also due for an upgrade…

Which are the best Xbox Series X accessories?

Xbox consoles have been around since the early 2000s and we were recently introduced to the new Xbox Series X.

This console has superior graphics, audio, and processing power compared to previous models.

This powerhouse of a machine includes a 1 TB SSD, framerates up to 120 FPS, three cooling channels, and many other fantastic features to make your gaming experience truly the best it can be.

As we all know, there are a ton of gadgets available to help you with your gaming.

You can’t reach top ranks in games like Call of Duty with poorly designed headsets, keyboards, and gaming mice.

You have so many different options for these accessories, so we’ll help you get started.

You’ll notice that there are accessories that cater to many different types of gamers, regardless of preference or ability. Read below for our list of the top 10 best Xbox Series X accessories to own.

10. CURMIO Travel Carrying Case

This carrying case from CURMIO is perfect for gamers on the go. It is very well priced and comes in both black and grey options. This case is specifically designed for carrying sensitive electronic equipment; a computer/console, keyboard, controller, headset, etc. It has padded inserts and feet pads to keep your electronics safe. It also has a removable shoulder strap and is made of scratch, water, and wear resistant nylon.

The only issue we have with this carrying case is that it is bulky. This also makes it a bit heavy to carry around.

9. PDP Media Remote for Xbox

This universal remote is designed to work with several of the newer Xbox consoles, including the One, One S, One X, and Series X in addition to LG and Vizio TV’s (volume control only). It is compact and easy to use. It has typical remote controls as well as Xbox controls (ex. X, Y, A, B). This remote is also able to learn from other remotes so that you can combine multiple functionalities into just one remote; that way you don’t have to have 3 or 4 scattered all over the place.

Our main issue with this remote is that the buttons are not as responsive as on other remotes. So, you may need to click the buttons harder than you normally would in order to use this remote.

8. Xbox Wireless Controller

As far as console controllers go, this wireless controller is very reasonably priced and extremely popular among Xbox users. It is compatible with various Xbox systems as well as Windows 10 PC. It has a wireless range of 40 feet; 2x more than the previous Xbox One controllers. This wireless controller has a textured grip. You also have the option to map the buttons using the Xbox Accessories app.

The main complaint that we have about this controller is that it tends to break easily. For instance, buttons may become unresponsive and connections within the headphone jack or charging port may not work properly.

7. SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless Gaming Headset

This headset from SteelSeries is one of the latest in the Arctis series. It has a fantastic 20-hour battery life. It also has a Clearcast microphone with noise cancellation, 3D surround sound, and On-Ear Chat Mix Control. This headset has AirWeave ear pads and headband to keep you cool while you game. The lightweight steel headband means this headset will last.

This headset is one of the more expensive options you can get. We notice that the connection can sometimes be pretty spotty, so audio may turn off on occasion.

6. Xbox One Play and Charge Kit

This battery pack is useful for people who like to play with wireless controllers. As you know, these don’t always have the best battery life but you also don’t always want to be hooked into the console. That’s where these battery packs come in. These allow you to charge the controller while you play without having to plug it in. This battery pack charges in 4 hours when charging from the Xbox, itself. It has a battery life of 30 hours when fully charged.

We did notice that this battery pack tends to deteriorate quickly compared to other options. So, though it has a great battery life and charge time initially, these will worsen over time.

5. Fosmon Dual Controller Charger

If portable chargers aren’t really your thing, then go for this dual controller charger from Fosmon. This station is easy to use; the controller simply clicks into place and charges. When you want to use it, just pick it up and go. This charger provides a battery life of roughly 30-33 hours. Of course, this does depend on the condition of your controller and the controller’s ability to hold a charge. It has an indicator to show when charging begins and when it is complete.

This charging station is cheap but we noticed that this it does not last very long compared to other options. We also noticed that this product was overheating on certain occasions.

4. Razer Turret Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

These accessories from Razer are a fantastic keyboard and mouse combo. They are both wireless with battery lives of 11-43 and 30-50 hours, respectively, depending on whether or not the lighting is being used. The keyboard is mechanical and has an ergonomic wrist rest and dedicated Xbox key. This keyboard and mouse combo is rated for 50 million and 80 million clicks, respectively. The mouse has a max dpi of 16,000. The keyboard also has a built-in retractable mousepad, which is magnetic to prevent the mouse from slipping.

The main issue that we have with these accessories is that they have a poor range. We noticed that even being only 5-10 feet away is enough to lose connection.

3. Xbox Adaptive Controller

Our world is finally growing to include people with disabilities in all spaces, including gaming. This adaptive controller is designed to help people with limited mobility play Xbox games without issue. It has all of the functionality of a regular Xbox controller and also works with a variety of other accessories; joysticks, switches, mounts, buttons, etc. This controller can also be customized with several player profiles and keymaps.

The only downside is that this controller is more expensive than regular Xbox controllers. Other than that, it is a wonderful option for everyone to be included in the gaming world.

2. Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X

This expansion card from Seagate is a solid-state drive that lets you add 1TB of storage. This allows you to never have to worry about running out of storage space. Though many gamers stick to just a few core games, you shouldn’t have to. This expansion card replicates the Xbox Velocity Architecture so that your system continues to provide amazing graphics and immersive gameplay. You can also use the quick resume feature to switch between multiple games in just seconds.

This expansion card is fairly expensive but you also need to consider how much extra space you’re getting.

1. Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller

Of course, we can’t end this list without including the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller.

This controller is a bit pricy but there are many reasons why any gamer would be appreciative of its quality.

It is also a great alternative to scuf controllers if you’ve used those before. This controller is wireless and has a 40-hour battery life.

It is compatible with the Xbox Series X and One as well as Windows 10. You are able to customize various configurations using the Xbox Accessories app. You can adjust features such as thumb stick tension, hair trigger locks, and more. With these various customizations, you can also save up to 3 custom and 1 default profile.

This way, you won’t need to reprogram it every time someone new wants to use the controller. This controller is also comfortable to hold and has a rubberized grip.

We noticed that the buttons on this controller tend to stick and that the analog stick may drift out of place. You may also need to press buttons harder than normal to get them to register.

Summary

Xbox is one of the most popular gaming consoles of our generation and it’s easy to see why.

With the new Xbox Series X, you get a ton of great features.

You can also make the experience even better with the wonderful accessories listed here.

Whether you prefer a controller or keyboard and mouse, wireless or wired setup, etc., these are fantastic choices. Xbox did a great job here of making sure that everyone is included, no matter your preferences or abilities.

So whatever type of gamer you are, check out these accessories and jump into some great fun.