The world of gaming hardware is heating up — literally and figuratively. July 2025 brings a new crop of reviews of some of the most highly anticipated components and peripherals. Whether you’re upgrading your build or intensifying your battlestation, the fresh kit brings more dramatic increases in cooling, performance, and aesthetics.
Here’s what we tested this month:
Polartherm X8 & X10: Airflow On Steroids
Polartherm’s X8 and X10 air coolers for CPUs are making waves with their surprisingly silent operation and premium build at a mid-range cost. With dual-tower construction and fluid dynamic bearings, these coolers deliver outstanding thermal performance, even under intense gaming or rendering sessions.
- X8 is designed for compact cases with a single-fan tower aimed at vertical space.
- X10 takes it further with copper heat pipes and dual fans, ideal for overclocked CPUs.
Reviewer consensus: Practically silent operation, good-looking matte finish, and cooling performance comparable to larger liquid coolers — especially on CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Intel Core i7-14700K.
Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM Fans: A Masterpiece of Cooling Refining
Noctua steps further into greatness with the NF-A12x25 G2, a fresh new version of its already legendary 120mm fan.
Gen 2 models feature:
- More refined fan curve control
- Quieter high-RPM performance
- Improved anti-vibration mounts
These fans are a standard among PC enthusiasts who build super-spectacularly quiet PCs or wish to blow the most air quietly like a jet. They also support Noctua’s new “Active Cooling Hub” for active system monitoring.
Verdict: Expensive, maybe — but for silence and long-term reliability, Noctua is in a league of its own.
Epomaker x Aula F108 Pro Keyboard: The RGB Warrior Returns
Mechanical keyboard fans are spoiled with the Epomaker x Aula F108 Pro — a partnership that combines eye-appeal with rock-solid typing experience.
Highlights include:
- Gasket-mounted construction for better keystroke damping
- Hot-swappable sockets
- Triple connectivity: wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz
- Fully programmable per-key RGB illumination
It also includes PBT double-shot keycaps and a variety of switch options (Red, Brown, Blue). While a bit plump for bare-bones configs, the build and customization make it a home run with streamers and gamers.
Best For: Hardcore competition players who like the tactile feedback of mechanical keyboards but appreciate wireless convenience and RGB-packed aesthetics.
Last Thoughts: Why These Are Important
In 2025, the margin between good and great performance is shrinking. Whether you’re seeking better thermals, less noise, or a tactile typing experience, the right hardware makes a real difference in your gameplay and productivity. The Polartherm X10, Noctua NF-A12x25 G2, and Epomaker F108 Pro all represent a shift toward high-performance gear that doesn’t compromise on user experience.
For PC gamers looking to upgrade before the next wave of major AAA titles or the Switch 2 PC-compatible hybrid ecosystem, today might be the perfect time to get ready.
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