CCL’s Loadout of the Week: What We’re Loving Right Now

I chose the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X as my staff pick because I’m the kind of gamer who also does a lot of streaming and content creation – and this 16-core powerhouse absolutely chews through anything I throw at it. This chip is AMD’s latest flagship for the AM5 platform, and it truly feels like having a high-end workstation and an elite gaming CPU in one. From heavy multitasking (think gaming, streaming, and Discord all at once) to pushing 240Hz frame rates in esports titles, the 9950X handles it with ease. It’s not cheap (around the £500-£600 mark), but if you’re after top-of-the-line performance, it’s worth every penny. 

Blazing Fast Performance: The Ryzen 9 9950X packs 16 Zen 5 cores (32 threads) running at up to 5.7 GHz boost, making it one of the fastest CPUs ever for desktop. In real-world terms, that means lightning-fast processing for both games and productivity. I can render videos or compile code in the background while my game is running, and I still don’t hit slowdowns. In gaming, this CPU’s high IPC and clock speeds translate to exceptional frame rates, especially in CPU-heavy games or when playing at lower resolutions where the CPU matters most. Pair it with a high-end GPU, and you won’t have a bottleneck – even pushing 240Hz in competitive games. TechPowerUp’s review crowned the 9950X the “fastest desktop processor” they’d ever tested, and using it, I believe it. My minimum FPS in titles like CS:GO and League of Legends stayed ultra high, ensuring perfectly smooth gameplay even in intense moments. And if you’re into strategy or simulation games that scale with cores, this chip’s 16 cores make stutters and long load times a thing of the past.

Cutting-Edge Platform & Future-Proofing: Running on AMD’s AM5 socket, the 9950X supports all the newest tech like DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 connectivity. I upgraded from an older AM4 system, and moving to DDR5 RAM has been a revelation – memory bandwidth is fantastic, which helps in certain open-world games and multitasking scenarios. Plus, PCIe 5.0 support means I’m ready for the next generation of ultra-fast NVMe SSDs and GPUs. Practically, my current PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD already loads games in a blink, but knowing I can drop in a PCIe 5.0 SSD down the line (for even crazier speeds) is a nice bonus. AMD has also promised long-term support for AM5, so this platform should accommodate at least another couple of CPU generations. That gives me confidence that if a future Ryzen 10000 series CPU comes out, I could potentially upgrade without changing my motherboard. In short, the 9950X and AM5 give you bleeding-edge performance today and solid upgrade paths for tomorrow.

Real-World Gaming Experience: So how does the 9950X feel in everyday gaming? In a word: effortless. I play a lot of Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5 in 4K with max settings. With this CPU (and a strong GPU alongside), the gameplay is buttery – the CPU doesn’t even break a sweat handling the game logic, AI, and background tasks while the GPU pushes out frames. For streamers, a huge plus is being able to stream at high quality without needing a second PC – I can run OBS, have Chrome tabs open, Discord voice chat, all while the game is running, and the 9950X’s 32 threads juggle it no problem. I’ve noticed my stream stays smooth and encoding is solid, thanks to those extra cores. Even games like Minecraft or heavily modded Skyrim (which can be surprisingly CPU-intensive) run like a dream. If you’re into high-refresh competitive gaming, this chip ensures you get the absolute maximum FPS your GPU can output – there’s virtually no CPU bottleneck. If I had to nitpick, I’ll admit this standard Ryzen 9 9950X isn’t technically the absolute fastest gaming chip in every single scenario – AMD’s own specialized 3D V-Cache chips (like a 9950X3D) could edge it out in a few specific games due to extra cache. But those chips tend to sacrifice some clock speed and versatility. For me, the 9950X’s all-around speed means it’s top-tier in gaming and everything else. Just be sure to pair it with a good cooler, as its 170 W TDP means it runs hot under full load – my 360mm AIO keeps it around 75°C in heavy use, which is fine. Overall, if you’re a hardcore gamer who also creates content or simply demands uncompromising performance, the Ryzen 9 9950X is a dream CPU that won’t disappoint.

2. ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi ITX Motherboard (AM5) – Mighty Mini-ITX for High-End Builds

I picked the ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi motherboard because I’m a huge fan of small-form-factor builds. I love packing a powerful gaming PC into a tiny mini-ITX case, and this board lets me do exactly that without sacrificing the latest features. Despite its compact ITX size, the B650I Lightning is loaded with tech – support for the newest Ryzen chips, DDR5 memory, high-speed NVMe storage, Wi-Fi 6E – it’s all here. And at around £159.99 (down from about £227 – an awesome deal at CCL right now), it offers tremendous value for an AM5 motherboard. I recently used this board in a LAN party build, and it has been a rock-solid backbone for my system.

Small Form Factor, Big Performance: Don’t let the mini-ITX size fool you – this board can run flagship CPUs and high-end components nearly as well as its ATX counterparts. It’s built on the AMD B650 chipset, so it supports Ryzen 7000 and even upcoming 8000 series processors (with a BIOS update) out of the box. I dropped in a 12-core Ryzen 9 CPU and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and the ASRock B650I handled it with ease. The VRM design is robust enough to sustain high boost clocks on these chips; in my testing, the board didn’t throttle or falter even when the CPU was under 100% load in Blender renders. Gaming performance is identical to what you’d get on a full-size board – my GPU (an RTX 5080) ran at full x16 speeds and I’m getting the same FPS as reviewers with ATX boards. One thing to note: the primary PCIe slot on this board is PCIe 4.0 (since it’s B650, not the pricier B650E that has 5.0 for graphics). However, this is a non-issue for gaming – even an RTX 4090 barely saturates PCIe 4.0 x16 bandwidth, and a Reddit SFF builder pointed out you likely won’t need PCIe 5.0 for GPUs in the next 4-6 years. The board does, however, include a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot for an NVMe SSD, which is awesome. I installed a Gen4 NVMe for now (since Gen5 drives are still new and pricey), but knowing I can upgrade to a crazy-fast Gen5 SSD down the line is great for future-proofing. In short, performance-wise this little board punches well above its weight.

Feature-Packed ITX Design: ASRock really squeezed a lot onto this 170mm x 170mm PCB. It has Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 built in, which is perfect for an ITX build (I often use Wi-Fi for my HTPC setup in the living room). You get 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet as well, via a Realtek Dragon LAN chip – plenty for high-speed internet and local file transfers. Despite limited real estate, the rear I/O is decent: a USB-C 3.2 Gen1 port and several USB 3.0 Type-A ports for peripherals, plus additional USB 2.0 ports for things like keyboard, mouse, controllers, etc. (Though there are only so many USB ports an ITX can fit – if you need more, a simple USB hub can expand those easily). The board also has HDMI 2.1 output on the back, which came in handy for me when updating BIOS without a GPU, and it means you could use a Ryzen APU to build a tiny rig without a discrete graphics card and still output 4K60. Internally, I was impressed by the dual M.2 slots (one Gen5, one Gen4) for NVMe SSDs – that’s right, you can have two NVMe drives even on this mini board, which is fantastic for a small build with no room for 2.5" drives. There are also 2 SATA ports for any SSD/HDD needs. It supports up to 64 or even 96 GB of DDR5 memory (2 slots) at high speeds (I’m running 6000MT/s RAM and it’s been stable). Another nice touch: it includes ARGB headers and fan headers (there’s a couple of each, which is decent for ITX) – I hooked up two case fans and an RGB strip, and controlled them through ASRock’s Polychrome RGB software with no issues.

Ease of Build & Quality: Building on mini-ITX can be challenging, but the ASRock Lightning made the process about as smooth as it gets in a small case. It has a pre-installed IO shield, which I always appreciate (no fiddling with a loose IO shield while juggling a motherboard in a cramped case!). The board’s layout is smart: the single PCIe x16 slot is reinforced with steel and positioned well for GPU clearance, the M.2 slots are on both sides (one on top, one on the underside) which makes efficient use of space, and the CPU socket area had enough room that my compact Noctua cooler didn’t conflict with anything. The board’s build quality feels solid – despite being a value-oriented board, nothing feels flimsy. The VRM heatsinks are fairly chunky for an ITX board, and in my use they kept the power delivery components cool enough (they do get warm with a 16-core CPU, but that’s expected; airflow in the case helps). Over the past few weeks of daily use, including long gaming sessions, I haven’t encountered any instability at all. Everything from the RAM XMP (or EXPO, in AMD terms) to the PCIe devices have been running flawlessly. If I had to nitpick, there are a couple of minor drawbacks some users have noted: the onboard Wi-Fi, while totally serviceable for me, isn’t the absolute top-tier module – a few SFF PC builders mentioned the included Wi-Fi card’s signal or latency isn’t the best. The good news is that it’s easily replaceable (it’s an M.2 Key-E card); however, I’ve been using it for streaming Netflix and online gaming without noticing any issues, so it’s fine for most. Additionally, because it’s ITX, you’re limited to two RAM slots and fewer USB ports – which is just inherent to the form factor. For example, only one internal USB 2.0 header means if you have many RGB/fan controllers or AIOs needing USB, you might need an external solution. But again, for a compact build these trade-offs are expected. Overall, the ASRock B650I Lightning is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to build a powerful small-form-factor gaming PC. It delivers high-end capabilities in a mini package. It’s especially well-suited for LAN party rigs, living room gaming setups, or any build where space is at a premium. You get the latest AMD platform features and strong performance in a board that can literally fit in your hand – and that never ceases to impress me!

3. AOC Q27G3XMN/BK 27″ 1440p Gaming Monitor – 180Hz Mini-LED Marvel for HDR Gaming

I picked the AOC Q27G3XMN/BK 27” Gaming Monitor because as someone who loves both competitive gaming and cinematic AAA experiences, I wanted a display that could do it all. This monitor blew me away with its specs for the price: a 27-inch 1440p (QHD) resolution for sharp visuals, an ultra-smooth 180Hz refresh rate for fast gameplay, and – the real kicker – a Mini-LED VA panel with 1000 nits brightness and local dimming for HDR. In simpler terms, it’s a screen that’s buttery smooth and breathtakingly vibrant. After using 1080p/144Hz displays for years, upgrading to this was like night and day. It’s currently available for around £250-£300, which is an incredible value considering similar HDR monitors or OLEDs can cost double that. Let me tell you why this monitor has become my favourite part of my setup.

Stunning HDR Visuals & Contrast: The Q27G3XMN’s panel is a VA type with Mini-LED backlighting, which is a game-changer for HDR content. It can reach up to 1000 nits of brightness, earning a DisplayHDR1000 rating. When I booted up an HDR game (like Cyberpunk 2077 or Forza Horizon 5) on this monitor, I was honestly blown away. Explosions and sun glare are blindingly bright (in fact, one Reddit user remarked that this was the brightest monitor they’d ever owned – it can “almost blind” at max brightness), while blacks in night scenes or space games are deep and inky thanks to the local dimming zones. The contrast is phenomenal – being a VA panel, it already has a high native contrast ratio, and with the Mini-LED local dimming, dark areas get even darker without making bright areas dim. The result is an image that has an almost OLED-like pop in many scenarios. I was watching some HDR nature documentaries and playing Shadow of the Tomb Raider (which has great HDR implementation), and the richness of the picture is astounding. Colours are rich and saturated (the monitor covers a wide colour gamut – it even has selectable sRGB and DCI-P3 modes in the OSD for colour accuracy). One user review I saw said this AOC is about “90% of the quality of [an] OLED for 50% of the price”, and I can see why – you get similar high contrast and great HDR impact. Now, OLED still wins in absolute black level (since even with lots of dimming zones, a Mini-LED can show a slight halo around very small bright objects on black background), but the gap has closed significantly. For media consumption and single-player gaming, this monitor is immersive. The 27” size and 1440p resolution hit a sweet spot where you get a high pixel density (about 109 PPI, so images are crisp and you can’t easily see individual pixels at normal viewing distance) without your GPU dying trying to push 4K in games. QHD is also great for productivity – plenty of screen real estate without scaling issues.

Ultra-Smooth 180Hz Gameplay: Switching to this monitor from a 144Hz panel, I did notice the difference going up to 180Hz. Games that can hit those high frame rates (like esports titles – e.g., CS:GO, Valorant, Rocket League) feel unbelievably fluid. Every mouse movement is super responsive, and fast-motion looks clear. AOC advertises a 1ms response time (MPRT), and the panel’s response is excellent for a VA – RTINGS found it has minimal motion blur at 180Hz. In practice, I was impressed that even in fast-paced FPS games, I didn’t see the typical VA ghosting or smearing that older VA panels sometimes had. The Q27G3XMN has various overdrive settings; I settled on a moderate setting that gives a great balance with no noticeable overshoot. The monitor also supports adaptive sync (FreeSync Premium and it’s G-Sync Compatible), so no screen tearing for me. Variable refresh rate works over its entire range, so whether I’m getting 180fps or 60fps in a heavy game, the gameplay stays tear-free and smooth. I also tried some high-speed racing games like Forza Horizon and a bit of Overwatch, and the combination of 1440p clarity with 180Hz fluidity really makes for both a beautiful and competitive gaming experience. This monitor effectively bridges the gap between high refresh eSports monitors and high-fidelity HDR displays – you get the benefits of both. Honestly, playing on it feels like cheating after coming from a 60Hz or 144Hz – once you’ve seen 180Hz in action, it’s hard to go back.

HDR and Everyday Use – Balanced Performance: One thing I appreciate is that the AOC Q27G3XMN offers flexibility for different content. For HDR gaming or movies, I enable HDR mode and let those local dimming zones work their magic – the experience is awesome for a monitor at this price. For regular desktop use or competitive gaming in SDR, I can use the standard mode or sRGB mode for a more toned-down, colour-accurate experience. The text is clear (some VA panels have subpixel layouts that affect text clarity, but I found this one to be fine for reading and office work). The monitor’s OSD (on-screen display) is pretty straightforward to navigate – you can adjust things like the backlight local dimming strength, response time, etc. I keep an eye on the local dimming depending on the task: for editing photos or browsing, I might turn it off to avoid any slight haloing, but for movies and games I turn it on to get that boost in contrast. Speaking of haloing, it’s really only noticeable in extreme cases (like white text on a pure black background with local dimming active – something you rarely encounter in gaming). In normal content, you don’t see it much. If I had to nitpick, I’d say the only minor con of this monitor is that its blacks, while excellent for an LCD, aren’t perfect like an OLED – so in a completely dark scene with one bright object, you can see a bit of bloom. But honestly, the pros of the Mini-LED (namely the ability to have real HDR impact with 1000 nits highlights) far outweigh that. Another small point: as a VA panel, the viewing angles are good but not as wide as IPS. If you view from a sharp angle, you might see the image shift a bit. For me (sitting directly in front at about 2 feet away), this is a non-issue. The monitor’s stand is robust and offers tilt and height adjustment (I was able to get a comfortable setup easily). It doesn’t swivel much side to side, but I rarely need that. It’s also VESA mountable, which is great if you want to put it on an arm. The overall design is gamer-oriented but fairly clean – thin bezels, a red trim on the stand, and a nice matte screen finish that handles reflections well.

In summary, the AOC Q27G3XMN/BK is a fantastic choice for gamers who want the best of both worlds: high refresh for competitive play and beautiful HDR visuals for immersive experiences. It’s equally suited for someone who spends the afternoon grinding ranked matches and then watches a 4K HDR movie at night on the same screen. Given its price point (especially with current deals), it undercuts many rivals – for example, new OLED monitors or mini-LED IPS monitors cost significantly more, whereas this one delivers 90% of that experience within a reasonable budget. It’s honestly one of the biggest upgrades you can make to appreciate your games more. Just be ready – once you game on a monitor like this, it’s impossible to go back to “ordinary” displays!

4. Logitech M190 Full-Size Wireless Mouse (Charcoal) – No-Fuss Comfort for Everyday Gaming

You might be thinking, “A basic wireless office mouse as a Staff Pick for gamers?” – but hear me out! The Logitech M190 in Charcoal is one of those unassuming peripherals that quietly earns a spot in your heart (and in your setup) because it just works so well. I picked the M190 because not every gamer needs an ultra-fancy, RGB-clad, 16,000 DPI super-mouse. Sometimes, you want something simple, reliable, and comfortable – especially for everyday use and casual gaming. The M190 is exactly that. It’s a full-size wireless mouse with an ambidextrous shape, and it costs literally a fraction of what most “gaming” mice do (you can snag it for around £10–£15, which is a steal). I’ve been using one with my gaming laptop when I’m on the go, and it’s also become my preferred mouse for work stuff and lighter gaming sessions.

Comfortable & Reliable Design: The Logitech M190 is a full-size mouse, which means it fills out your hand nicely, unlike those tiny travel mice that can cramp your hand after a while. I have fairly large hands, and the M190’s sculpt feels very natural for a palm grip. The Charcoal colour gives it a sleek, understated look – it doesn’t scream “gamer,” which I actually appreciate in certain environments (like an office or café). The build quality is classic Logitech: solid plastic shell with minimal flex, buttons that have a satisfying tactile click, and a scroll wheel that’s smooth to roll and quiet. There are no extra side buttons on this model – just the left/right clicks and middle click (wheel) – which contributes to its simplicity. At first, I missed having thumb buttons (I’m used to binding them in games for push-to-talk or melee), but I got used to the simpler setup and actually grew to like the no-frills approach. One less thing to accidentally press! For everyday usage – web browsing, editing documents, etc. – the M190 is super dependable. It uses Logitech’s tried-and-true 2.4GHz wireless via a tiny USB receiver (the receiver is so small you can leave it plugged in your laptop all the time). The connection is rock-solid; I’ve never experienced dropouts or lag. I’ve used the mouse from about 3-4 meters away when controlling a media PC hooked to my TV, and it still worked flawlessly. That reliability is critical, and Logitech has it down pat. The optical sensor is precise and consistent on most surfaces (it tracks perfectly on my mouse pad and even OK on my wooden table without a pad). There’s no fancy DPI switching, but the default DPI (~1000) is a good middle-ground that suits both productivity and casual gaming.

Lag-Free Wireless and Long Battery Life: One thing that pleasantly surprised me is how responsive the M190 feels, despite being a basic wireless model. I was wary that a budget wireless mouse might have input lag, but if it does, it’s imperceptible to me. I’ve played a bunch of League of Legends and Diablo IV with this mouse, and my clicks and flicks feel instantaneous. Unless you’re doing super twitchy FPS gaming (where you might want a 1000 Hz polling rate mouse – the M190 I believe is 125 Hz polling), you won’t notice a difference. The benefit of a simpler wireless tech is insane battery efficiency. This mouse runs on a single AA battery, and Logitech claims it can last up to 18 months on one battery! In real terms, that means I never worry about charging it or swapping batteries during critical moments. I’ve been using mine for a few months daily and it’s still going strong on the battery it came with. There’s an on/off switch on the bottom, which I flick off when tossing it in my bag, but honestly it goes into sleep mode on its own to save power as well. Having such long battery life is refreshing, especially coming from some higher-end wireless mice that you have to charge every few days or weeks. With the M190, it’s as carefree as a wired mouse – just use it and forget about power concerns.

Everyday Gaming Experience: So can the M190 handle gaming? Yes – with some caveats. For slower-paced or casual games, it’s absolutely great. I’ve played hours of strategy games (like Civilization and StarCraft) and ARPGs with it – the cursor movement is smooth, and the clicks are responsive. The mouse is lightweight (since it’s just one AA battery and no extra weights), which actually makes quick movements easy. I even tried it in an FPS (I played some Halo Infinite campaign) and it was okay – aiming was fine for casual play. However, if I were to play competitive CS:GO or Valorant, I’d probably switch to my wired gaming mouse with higher DPI and polling, just for that extra edge. The M190’s sensor maxes out at a modest DPI (around 1000 DPI, which I typically use at 800-1200 DPI anyway for 1080p/1440p gaming, so that’s fine) and it doesn’t have customizable DPI on-the-fly. But for many gamers, especially if you’re not doing flick headshots in shooters, this is perfectly sufficient. One area it shines is comfort during long sessions – because it’s full-size and ergonomic, my hand doesn’t tire out. I also love it for general use around my gaming sessions: editing videos, doing school/work projects, etc., where precision is needed but extreme gaming features are not. The scroll wheel has discrete steps that make weapon switching or scrolling through inventory reliable. The simplicity also means it’s lightweight and travel-friendly – I throw it in my backpack with my laptop and don’t worry about it. No wires, no charging cable, no dock – just grab and go. It’s actually become a bit of a hero device for me because I realize not every piece of kit needs to be high maintenance or flashy – sometimes you want that one dependable mouse that you can count on anywhere.

If I had to point out a minor con for hardcore gamers: the M190 lacks advanced features (no programmable buttons, RGB lights, adjustable weights, etc.), and its report rate is lower than gaming mice, so very sensitive FPS players might find it not as snappy for things like quick successive sniper shots. But honestly, for the vast majority of day-to-day tasks and gaming that isn’t at the esports pro level, this mouse holds up admirably. It’s also from Logitech, a brand known for reliability – I’ve had other Logitech mice last for 5+ years. I expect the M190 will be the same, meaning it’s a long-term investment for the price of a couple of fancy coffees. In conclusion, the Logitech M190 is best suited for gamers who prioritize comfort, reliability, and value. It’s perfect for a home/office hybrid setup, student gamers, or as a secondary mouse for a laptop or media PC. If you’re building a gaming PC on a tight budget, allocating your funds to the GPU/CPU and getting an affordable mouse like this is a smart move – you’ll still have a good gaming experience without breaking the bank. This little guy proves you don’t need to spend a lot to get a quality, dependable wireless mouse. It’s easily one of my favourite “small” purchases this year.

5. Be Quiet! Light Base 900 FX Full Tower Gaming Case (Black) – Spacious, Silent, and Stunning

For the builders and tinkerers out there, my pick is the Be Quiet! Light Base 900 FX full tower case. I’m the type of person who loves to assemble high-end PCs and experiment with custom cooling, so having a case that makes that enjoyable (rather than a chore) is super important. The Light Base 900 FX checks all the boxes for me: it’s massive and modular, built with excellent quality, designed for quiet operation, and now in this “FX” version it comes with beautiful ARGB lighting (courtesy of Be Quiet’s Light Wings fans). Essentially, this is the updated, RGB-infused take on Be Quiet’s famed Dark Base series. After building a gaming PC in this case, I can safely say it’s one of the best chassis I’ve ever worked with. It is a premium case (over £200 in price typically), but if you want a top-of-the-line full tower that does it all, this is it.

Build Quality & Space Galore: First off, the full tower form factor of the Light Base 900 FX means space, space, and more space. This case can fit up to E-ATX motherboards, the longest graphics cards on the market, and tons of drives and cooling components. When I installed my RTX 5090 in it, the GPU looked almost small relative to the cavernous interior – no clearance issues whatsoever (you have about 32cm+ GPU clearance). The case is constructed with a sturdy steel frame and tempered glass side panel. The panels have a satisfying heft to them. The moment you unbox it, you can feel this is a high-quality chassis – no thin flimsy metal here. Everything from the drive trays to the thumbscrews feels overbuilt. This sturdiness also contributes to its silence: Be Quiet includes sound-dampening material on the front and side panels (the parts that aren’t airflow openings or glass), so it deadens a lot of noise. When I have the system on under my desk, I mostly just hear a faint whoosh of air – any coil whine or fan noise from inside is greatly reduced. The case comes with three 140mm Light Wings ARGB fans pre-installed (two in front intake, one in back exhaust) and even a Light Wings ARGB lighting strip, all of which plug into an included hub. Right out of the box, airflow is decent and the case looks awesome when powered on (those fans have a sweet ring-style LED design). The FX’s lighting adds a visual flair that the older Dark Base models didn’t have – now you get that ambience and can sync it with your motherboard’s RGB software if you want. As for cooling potential: because it’s so roomy, I was able to mount a 360mm AIO radiator at the top and could still add another 140mm fan at the rear. There’s room at the front for up to a 420mm radiator or trio of 140mm fans as well. This case is basically a water-cooler’s dream – you can mount multiple radiators (top, front, even bottom if you rearrange things) and still have space for a reservoir and pump if doing a custom loop. I currently just use an AIO and air cooling and everything runs cool: my GPU temps dropped a bit compared to my previous tighter case, likely because the Light Base 900 has more volume and better airflow possibilities. Even filled with components, there’s lots of breathing room inside.

Modular & Builder-Friendly Features: What I adore about the Light Base 900 FX is how flexible and easy it is to work in. The motherboard tray is modular – you can actually slide it out entirely which made assembling my motherboard with the CPU cooler attached so much easier (I did it outside the case, then slid the tray back in). You can also invert the motherboard layout if you prefer an inverted build (with the window on the right side of your desk instead of left) – a very unique option that this case offers. There are tons of drive mounting options: you get several trays for SSDs/HDDs, and you can configure them in different spots (there’s support for up to 5 HDDs or 10 SSDs which is wild). I installed a pair of 2.5” SSDs behind the motherboard tray – completely out of sight – and one HDD in a cage down by the PSU. Cable management was a joy: there are velcro straps and routing channels on the backside, and a generous 2-3cm of space behind the motherboard to hide cables. I managed to make the main compartment look very clean, which is rewarding when you have that big glass side panel showing off your build. The front panel I/O at the top of the case includes modern connections like a USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port, plus multiple USB 3.0 Type-A, audio jacks, and even a fan/LED controller button. I like that I can control the fan speeds and LED modes directly if I don’t have software running. Little touches impressed me too: things like easily removable dust filters (front, top, and bottom filters slide out for cleaning), captive thumb screws (you won’t lose the side panel screws, they stay attached), and rubber grommets in cable pass-through holes to keep it tidy. It’s clear Be Quiet designed this case with enthusiasts in mind – it’s very much builder-friendly despite its complexity. I spent a good few hours building and tinkering in it, and it never felt frustrating – if anything, it was fun to plan out the build because of all the possibilities.

Performance and Who It’s For: In use, the Light Base 900 FX lives up to Be Quiet’s reputation. My system is high-end and can get warm and loud under load (Ryzen 9 CPU, big GPU, etc.), but the case keeps noise to a minimum and allows the hardware to stay cool. The fans that come with it are quiet even at higher RPMs, and you have the space to add even more fans if needed (I ended up adding an extra 140mm fan at the bottom as an intake blowing towards the GPU). Compared to something like a mesh-front case (e.g., Corsair’s airflow-focused cases), the Light Base might run a couple degrees warmer due to the solid front with side ventilation, but in exchange you get a lot less noise. It’s a trade-off I find worth it for a balanced silent build. Also, the sheer size means even if warm air builds up, it’s less of an issue than in a cramped case. Now, this is a large case – it’s tall and deep, so ensure you have the space for it. It’s also heavy (especially after a full build with all components installed, it’s a back-breaker to move around). I mention that as a minor con: once your system is built, you won’t want to move it frequently. However, to me that’s fine since a full tower isn’t meant to be portable. Another slight con is the premium price – it’s an expensive chassis, no doubt. But honestly, after working with it, I feel it earns that price. You’re getting a case that could easily house multiple rebuilds over many years. It’s the kind of chassis you keep and upgrade into, rather than replace. In fact, one could use this case for a decade given how solid it is.

The Light Base 900 FX is best suited for enthusiast builders: if you’re the kind of gamer who’s looking to build a showcase PC (perhaps with custom water cooling, dual GPUs, or just a lot of components), this case will make your life easier and your build nicer. Overclockers and silence freaks will love the thermal and acoustic performance. Even if you’re not pushing crazy configs, but you just appreciate a roomy, easy build experience and a majestic looking rig next to your desk – you’ll enjoy this case. I wholeheartedly recommend it for high-end gaming setups, especially those that double as workstation PCs, where you might have extra hard drives or bigger motherboards. It’s been a joy building in the Light Base 900 FX, and every time I hit that power button and see my system quietly glow to life, I get a grin on my face. This case truly brings out the PC enthusiast pride of ownership.

6. 1000W Be Quiet! Power Zone 2 Modular 80 Plus Platinum PSU – Rock-Solid Power for Extreme Gaming Rigs

My final pick is the Be Quiet! Power Zone 2 1000W Modular PSU, which I like to call the “heartbeat” of my gaming PC. Power supplies often don’t get the spotlight, but as an experienced builder I can’t stress enough how important a good PSU is – especially if you’re running high-end components. I chose the Power Zone 2 (1000W model) because it delivers platinum-grade efficiency, extremely stable power, and ultra-quiet operation in a package that’s perfect for a top-tier gaming system. In a world of RGB PSUs and software-controlled units, Be Quiet! keeps it straightforward here: this unit is all about high-quality engineering and reliability, with no flashy gimmicks. And that’s exactly what I want feeding power to my precious GPU and CPU. With 1000W at my disposal, I have total peace of mind now and headroom for future upgrades.

Platinum Efficiency & Ample Power: This PSU is 80 Plus Platinum certified, which means it’s among the most efficient classes of PSUs available for consumer PCs. At a 50% load (around 500W draw), it achieves about 92% efficiency – in practical terms, it wastes very little energy as heat. I noticed that even when my system is pulling heavy wattage (like during a GPU + CPU stress test or when running a demanding game with unlocked framerates), the PSU doesn’t get too warm. Less wasted heat also means the fan inside can run slower and quieter. The 1000W capacity is frankly overkill for many builds, but I opted for it because I’m running an RTX 5090 and a high-core-count CPU, and I wanted that extra headroom. During typical gaming, my system might draw ~600W, which this PSU handles easily. The advantage of headroom is twofold: one, the PSU operates in its optimal efficiency range (40-60% load) most of the time for max efficiency, and two, I have room to overclock or add more components without stressing it. I could even throw in another graphics card or a bunch of drives and still be fine (1000W is enough for dual high-end GPUs if I ever went that route). The Power Zone 2 has a strong single +12V rail design that can deliver the full wattage to whatever needs it – in my case, the GPU can pull ~450W and the CPU ~150W simultaneously and this PSU doesn’t flinch. Voltage regulation is excellent: I monitored the 12V line under load and it stays rock solid around 12.1V with almost no droop, which is a sign of a quality unit (poor PSUs might see the voltage sag under load). Clean, stable voltage means system stability – I haven’t experienced any random shutdowns or crashes, and even when stress testing my overclock, the power delivery remained consistent. Knowing that TechPowerUp and other reviewers have lauded the performance of be quiet!’s 1000W units in the past, I felt confident choosing this one for my build.

Fully Modular & Easy to Work With: The Power Zone 2 is a fully modular PSU, which is a huge plus when building a clean system. All the cables (which come included, of course) detach, so you only plug in the ones you need. In my case, I used the 24-pin ATX, two 8-pin EPS for the motherboard/CPU, and three 8-pin PCIe cables (my RTX 5090 uses a 12-pin adapter that pulls from three PCIe cables). I also hooked up a couple of SATA power cables for my drives and lighting. I was able to leave out any unused cables, which reduces clutter. The cables themselves are high quality – flat black ribbons for SATA and PCIe, and a nicely sleeved thicker 24-pin. They were long enough to route behind my full tower case’s back panel easily (sometimes in a big case, cable length can be an issue, but not here). Because it’s modular, installation was painless: I mounted the PSU in the case (it’s a standard ATX size unit, fits like a glove), and then attached only the cords I needed, routing them directly to components. No nest of unused cables stuffed in a corner! This PSU also comes with some neat extras: it has two fan connectors on it (Be Quiet calls it a “cooling network” feature) where you can plug case fans directly into the PSU. Why would you do that? The PSU can then control those fans’ speed based on its temperature, and even keep them running for a few minutes after you shut down the PC (to cool off hot components). I plugged a couple of case fans into these, and indeed, after I power off, I notice those fans spin for a short while – a clever way to exhaust lingering heat from the system. It’s kind of an old-school enthusiast feature that not many PSUs have now, and I appreciate it for the “cool factor” and potential benefit to component longevity.

Quiet and Reliable Operation: True to the brand’s name, the Power Zone 2 is extremely quiet. It features a 135mm fluid-dynamic bearing fan that only ramps up when needed. In idle or low loads, I believe the fan either runs at a very low RPM or might even turn off (I haven’t heard it at all during light use). Even when gaming, with the system drawing 500-600W, the PSU fan is practically inaudible behind my case – the noise of my GPU’s fans under load easily drowns out any hint of the PSU. I had to really listen for it when running a heavy synthetic load, and it’s just a gentle whoosh, no annoying whine or anything. Be Quiet also designed the internal components to minimize coil whine, and indeed I don’t hear any high-pitched noise coming from it (some PSUs can produce a faint electrical whine, especially under certain loads – not the case here). Another aspect of reliability is build quality and protections: the Power Zone 2 uses all high-quality capacitors (including Japanese main caps rated at 105°C), and it has full suite of protections (OVP, UVP, OCP, SCP, etc.), meaning it will safely shut down if there’s any issue like over-current or short circuit. Basically, it’s not going to fry my components if something abnormal happens – instead it’ll trip and save the system. That peace of mind is worth it. Be Quiet! backs this unit with a 5-year warranty, which indicates their confidence in it. I’ve had great longevity with their PSUs in the past – they tend to last well beyond the warranty. Given this is a new model, I expect it will hold up just as well. One more comparative note: before this, I was considering similar 1000W units like the Corsair RM1000x (Gold rated) and the Seasonic Focus PX-1000 (Platinum). The Corsair was a bit cheaper but lower efficiency (Gold vs Platinum), and the Seasonic was similar spec. I went with be quiet! because I value a quiet rig and I’ve trusted their quality – and I’m glad I did. It’s every bit as good as a Seasonic in terms of output and efficiency, and in my subjective experience, a tad quieter than the Corsair units I’ve used.

In summary, the Be Quiet! Power Zone 2 1000W is an outstanding PSU for high-end gaming PCs or workstations. It’s ideal if you have a powerful GPU/CPU combo, plan to overclock, or just want to ensure rock-solid stability under any circumstance. With 1000W, you’re also pretty future-proof – ready for the next wave of GPUs or even adding more hardware without needing a PSU upgrade. Yes, 1000W is more than most single-GPU systems need right now, but I always say a PSU should not be run at its max if you can help it; this one will run in its comfort zone and likely last longer as a result. If I nitpick a con: it doesn’t have any RGB or software monitoring – which for me is actually a pro, but some might miss those bells and whistles found on other high-end PSUs. Personally, I prefer the simplicity. It’s just clean, efficient power. Who is it for? It’s for the builder who doesn’t want to worry about power limits – whether you’re running a monster gaming PC, a creative workstation with multiple GPUs, or you just want a top-quality PSU to anchor your build. Given it’s on CCL’s deals list, you can often grab it at a nice price too (Platinum PSUs tend to be pricey, so a deal on this is awesome). In my book, a stable system is a high-performing system, and the Power Zone 2 ensures my PC stays stable and safe through all my gaming adventures. Two thumbs up from this happy gamer.

Conclusion

Thanks for checking out this week’s Staff Picks! We hope you enjoyed this in-depth look at some of our favorite gaming gear of the moment. Each week, the CCL team loves sharing our personal picks and insights – whether it’s cutting-edge components or handy peripherals, we’re all about finding what’s best for your build. If you found this roundup helpful or exciting, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow CCL on social media so you never miss a future Staff Picks post (or exclusive deals and offers!). All the products we talked about are available to buy right now at CCL, so if one of them caught your eye, feel free to check it out on our site – and don’t forget to browse our current [April Deals] for even more savings on PC hardware. We’ll be back next week with a new set of picks and tips to power up your PC. Until then, happy gaming and building! Stay tuned for more CCL Staff Picks to come.