Feed aggregator

Are you a survivor or are you just a walker? Let's find out with this 30-question The Walking Dead quiz.

Looking for Quordle clues? We can help. Plus get the answers to Quordle today and past solutions.

Looking for NYT Connections answers and hints? Here's all you need to know to solve today's game, plus my commentary on the puzzles.

Looking for NYT Strands answers and hints? Here's all you need to know to solve today's game, including the spangram.

The Boys' fifth and final season finally has a release date and a first trailer.

Red Bull driver and defending champion Max Verstappen won the race with Norris placing third, which allowed Norris to finish two points ahead of Verstappen in the season-long standings.

(Image credit: Darko Bandic)

Threat actors have shifted behaviors, refined their tooling and adapted tactics; here's what you need to know.

The Marshall Middleton II boasts excellent sound quality, a classy design, and plenty of battery life, but almost fittingly, it can sometimes feel stuck in the middle.

The kitchen tools and gadgets they didn't know they always wanted.

We probably won't get iOS 27 until late 2026, but there's lots still to come in iOS 26 before that.

It might not last as long as an ageless magical elf, but the Starforge Frieren PC is nonetheless a future-proof powerhouse system with a truly excellent design for fans of the series.

Marshall Middleton II: two-minute review

The Marshall Middleton II is a small-to-mid sized Bluetooth speaker that combines a classy amp-inspired look with expansive stereo sound and a rugged design. It carries a pretty premium price for a model in its weight class, coming in at $329.99 / £259.99 / AU$499, so is it really worth buying?

Well, let’s start by discussing the most important factor for any Bluetooth speaker: audio performance. And I have very few complaints here. The stereo separation on offer from such a small speaker is astounding, which results in a far more nuanced listen than most rivals in this size category can supply. You also get decent bass output, with the Middleton II able to reach down pretty low. Low-frequency sounds compress at the highest volumes, but that’s fairly common for smaller models like this.

On top of that, you get satisfyingly balanced mids and clear treble – it never feels like any elements are being overwhelmed, and there are EQ options to fine tune the Middleton II’s sound to your taste. You don’t get the top-tier instrument separation, higher-resolution Bluetooth streaming, or indeed, the raw power of some options in my guide to the best Bluetooth speakers, but on the whole, sound quality is very strong on the Middleton II.

Features-wise, there’s a lot of good stuff going on too. There’s a built-in microphone for hands-free calls, the aforementioned EQ settings, battery preservation options, and Auracast connectivity. I would’ve liked to see placement compensation and multi-speaker pairing, which is available on some other Marshall models, but all of the basic essentials are here.

One of the most impressive features, though, is the speaker’s phenomenal battery life. You get 30 hours of playtime from the Middleton II, which is considerably more than a lot of rivals supply.

Design-wise, I found the Middleton II to be an interesting one. I certainly appreciate its premium look and build. Sure, it isn’t quite as flashy as the larger Marshall Kilburn III, but its golden control button and logo, faux-leather exterior, and inclusion of frets ensure it's still a beauty to behold. It’s also IP67 dust and waterproof-rated, making it ideal for use in any environment – even in the shower or in a pool.

In spite of that, I find its size and weight to be just on the awkward side of things. It doesn’t have the one-handed portability or lightweight feel of the Marshall Emberton III, which is ideal to throw into a bag or carry around. And unlike its big brother, the Marshall Kilburn III, it doesn’t have a proper handle for transportation, just a small carry strap.

This ties into a wider theme for me – the Middleton II feels like a harder sell than the models on either side of it. It’s priced closer to the Kilburn III – a model that plates up superior sound and loudness, more luxurious looks, and a stronger set of features. And it doesn’t quite have that budget-friendly appeal of the Emberton III. This leaves the Middleton II feeling like the awkward middle child – it doesn’t quite feel like the best value-for-money speaker Marshall has made.

Is that to say that the Middleton II isn’t worth checking out? Absolutely not. If you want something smaller than the Kilburn III as a statement piece, or if the heaviness is no bother, it would still be a great pick. And when it inevitably goes on sale for less, I could definitely find it easier to pick it over other models in its class.

And of course, this is still a fantastic model in the audio department. Commendable balance and stereo sound make this an admirable creation from Marshall, which has had an exceptionally strong 2025 in the commercial audio sphere. It's also got that unmistakable Marshall look and build quality, so all in all, it’s still a hit.

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Middleton II review: price and release date

• $329.99 / £259.99 / AU$499
• Launched in July 2025

The Marshall Middleton II was released in July 2025, two and a half years after its predecessor. It has a list price of $329.99 / £259.99 / AU$499, which is $30 higher, £10 less, and the same amount of Australian dollars as the original model cost at launch.

It’s positioned as a middle point between the small and rugged Marshall Emberton III and the larger Marshall Kilburn III, both of which we rate very highly here at TechRadar. You can grab the Middleton II in either Black & Brass, or Cream.

Marshall Middleton II review: specs

Weight

3.9 lbs / 1.8kg

Dimensions

9.1 x 4.3 x 3.9 inches / 230 x 110 x 98mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, Aux

Battery life

30 hours

Speaker drivers

2x 30W woofers; 2x 10W tweeters

Waterproofing

IP67

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Middleton II review: features

• Solid EQ options
• Colossal battery life
• No placement compensation or ‘M’ button

The Marshall Middleton II packs in a solid suite of features, with pleasing customization options and battery preservation settings.

This model is supported by the standard Marshall app – not the revamped one that the audio specialist’s home theater tech makes use of. Here, you’ll find a five-band equalizer and a small set of presets, all of which work well. You can also see the speaker’s remaining battery life, set a standby timeout, and tune into a live broadcast via Auracast.

Something that sets the Middleton II apart from a lot of the competition is its excellent battery life. You get a whopping 30 hours from this model, which is admirable considering the raw power and premium sound it supplies. Those aforementioned battery preservation options come in handy too, with maximum charge, temperature, and charging speed controls on offer.

You also get a built-in mic on the Middleton II, which is ideal if you want to take hands-free calls – this is a feature I don’t always see from speakers in this size-class, but I think it’s a most welcome one.

Having said that, the Middleton II does omit some useful features that I loved from its cousins. The first that pops to mind is placement compensation. On models like the Marshall Kilburn III, this optimizes the speaker’s audio output to the space that you’re listening to it in.

I also like the ‘M’ button that's on a lot of Marshall’s tech, and acts as a shortcut button – I use it on the Marshall Monitor III ANC to activate a bass boost, for example. But that’s not here either, and I would’ve appreciated it.

There’s also no multi-speaker pairing, and although you don’t need two Middleton II models to access stereo sound, the option to double up would be nice. Still, these gripes remain fairly minor, given that this speaker plates up plenty of playtime, an effective built-in mic, and good EQ options.

• Features score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Middleton II review: sound quality

• Impressive stereo sound
• Impactful bass, clear mids, and controlled treble
• Effective 360-degree stereophonic sound

Let’s get into the juicy stuff and chat about sound quality for a while. And I’ll put my cards right on the table: this speaker is a very strong performer, and surprised me with its sonic capabilities.

First of all, the Middleton II absolutely nails the basics. When tuning into Fascinator by Max Dean, the pumping bass was replicated with agility and serious impact. It never sounded bloated or overbearing. Vocal chops in the midrange also cut through with intent and clarity, while synths had fantastic tonal accuracy and character.

For me, I felt that higher-pitched drums – though well controlled – didn’t quite have the energy that I was looking for, but even this was easy to rectify with the on-board EQ controls. I simply ramped up the treble, and found that the track had that high-end sparkle I was looking for.

The Middleton II can even handle deep bass pretty effectively, reaching all the way down to 50Hz. In 15 Seconds of Fame by Kolter, I was instantly struck by weighty and immersive low-frequency performance. At top volumes, I did notice the bass compress a bit, but that’s very understandable for a smaller model. If you want loud, almighty low-end performance for outdoor use, say, it may be worth going for the larger Marshall Kilburn III.

All of this is great, but what really impressed me about the Middleton II was its stellar stereo sound. Yep, for such a small model, this thing whips up a phenomenal sense of stereo separation, something I found when listening to Foxey Lady by Jimi Hendrix. In this track, vocals on the left, and percussion on the right were both expertly positioned, creating an engrossingly expansive spatial impression.

360-degree ‘true’ stereophonic sound is here too, which means you get a beautiful listen, no matter where you are in the room. As Marshall says, “there’s nowhere to hide” with the Middleton II.

When listening to a collection of smooth jazz tracks, I was impressed with the levels of details the Middleton II could unveil. Subtle percussion and the breathy vocals came out to play, and I rarely felt as if the finer intricacies were lost in my favorite tracks. It’s worth noting, though, that this model doesn’t go beyond SBC and AAC, meaning you don’t get the higher-res codecs (think LDAC or aptX) for the most insightful listen over Bluetooth.

Finally, I did a comparison against the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen, a smaller-sized portable speaker at a similar price-point to the Middleton II. I thought that the Marshall more than held its own, providing a well-balanced, yet exciting performance.

For me, I felt that the B&O speaker gave individual instruments a touch more breathing space to work their magic, resulting in a beautifully layered listening experience. However, you need two B&O speakers to access stereo sound, which is downmixed to mono in a single unit, meaning you lose some of the nuance and expansiveness the Middleton II can offer.

And again, the fact that the quality of stereo sound is so high from the Middleton II really helps it to stand out in a highly convoluted market.

• Sound quality score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Middleton II review: design

• Premium look and feel
• Strong IP67 dust and waterproofing
• Slightly awkward size and weight

As I’d always expect from Marshall, there’s a real sense of luxury on display with the Middleton II. This model has a fret-infused design, with a gorgeous golden multi-directional controller, and neat LED lights to indicate battery level. Its faux leather outer casing and iconic logo at the center also hammer home that feeling of quality.

This speaker is also heavy given its size, weighing in at 3.9 lbs / 1.8kg. Now on one hand, this feels indicative of its high standard of build and materials, as well as its inclusion of multiple quality speaker drivers. But on the other hand, it does feel a little too hefty, especially given the lack of a proper handle – there’s just a carry strap here.

I also had a similar feeling about the dimensions of the Middleton II. It feels too large to hold in one hand and throw in a bag, as you would with the Emberton III. But then again, it doesn’t supply the raw power and even stronger sound quality of the Kilburn III. I suppose the speaker’s name is fitting in this regard, as it does almost seem like the awkward middle child in Marshall’s speaker lineup.

Again, there is a lot to like about the Middleton II’s look. Although its control buttons aren’t all too flashy, they are easy to use and well-positioned on the top of the model. There are also some easily accessible USB-C and Aux ports on the reverse side – for charging and wired listening respectively. And perhaps best of all, this model is IP67 dust and waterproof, meaning it can survive being dunked under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Pretty neat!

• Design score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Marshall Middleton II review: value

• Quite expensive, although limited change from original Middleton’s pricing
• Kilburn III only slightly more expensive, but a considerable upgrade
• Still a very good speaker with premium build and excellent sound

The Middleton II sits between the Emberton III and Kilburn III in terms of size, but it’s far closer to the latter when it comes to price. It comes in at $329.99 / £259.99 / AU$499, which is similar to the list price of the first Middleton at launch.

I’d still argue that this model is on the slightly more expensive side of things. Sure, it offers excellent stereo sound, with fantastic soundstage performance and well-balanced audio. It also looks premium, and plates up plenty of playtime. But that’s a lot more than a lot of models in its size class, and now, you can even get the significantly mightier and great sounding JBL Xtreme 4 at a similar price.

In fact, for just $50 / £40 / AU$100, you can get your hands on the Kilburn III, which offers more power, better bass performance, an even more premium look, and a better feature-set. The Kilburn’s inclusion of a proper handle is also a big plus, and helps to cement it as a stronger value pick than the Middleton II.

As I’ve expressed throughout this review, this is still a very high quality model. And in the future, if you can snap it up on sale for closer to $250 / £200 / AU$400, it will undoubtedly prove to be well worth the investment. But it lacks the pure portability of the Emberton III, and it doesn’t quite provide the five-star sound and look of the Kilburn III. As a result, it feels like a slightly harder sell than those two models.

• Value score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Marshall Middleton II?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

In-built mic, effective app, 30-hour playtime, but missing some options from other Marshall models.

4/5

Sound quality

Fantastic stereo sound, excellent soundstage, well-balanced audio, only some minor imperfections.

4.5/5

Design

A little heavy and awkwardly-sized, but premium and pretty.

4/5

Value

Kilburn III offers better bang for your buck, but overall quality is high.

3.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a smaller-sized speaker with excellent sound quality
For a speaker that sits on the smaller side of things, this model does sound pretty impressive. It packs fantastic stereo sound and never takes any half measures when it comes to soundstage. You won’t be blown away by gigantic bass, but what is here is clean, agile, and surprisingly deep. You also get detailed mids and clear treble, making for an engrossing listen, time after time.

You’re a fan of the classic Marshall aesthetic
I love the look of the Marshall Middleton II. It doesn’t quite have the same sex appeal of the Kilburn III, with its gorgeous control panel and red velvet handle, but it’s still very nice to look at. That’s thanks to a multi-directional metallic control button, attractive faux-leather casing, and eye-catching frets. If you appreciate the classic Marshall look, I expect you’ll appreciate the Middleton II.

Don't buy it if...

You want the ultimate portable option
The Middleton II is heavy for its size, and it doesn’t come with a proper handle either, just a small carry strap. As a result, it’s not the best in terms of portability.

You’re looking to get the most bang for your buck
For the slight increase in cost, the Kilburn III offers more value for money, thanks to its superior sound quality, power, build, and feature-set. You can even get the larger JBL Xtreme 4 at a similar price right now, which makes the Middleton II feel like a slightly tough sell, in spite of its strong overall quality.

Marshall Middleton II review: also consider

Marshall Middleton II

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen

JBL Charge 6

Price

$329.99 / £259.99 / AU$499

$349 / £299 / AU$639

$149 / £129 / AU$229.95

Weight

3.9 lbs / 1.8kg

1.3 lbs / 576g

3lbs / 1.37kg

Dimensions

9.1 x 4.3 x 3.9 inches / 230 x 110 x 98mm

5.2 x 1.8 x 5.2 inches / 133 x 46 H x 133mm

9 x 3.9 x 3.7 inches / 229 x 99 x 94mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, AUX

Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C

Bluetooth 5.4

Battery life

30 hours

24 hours

28 hours (with PlayTime Boost)

Speaker drivers

2x 30W woofers; 2x 10W tweeters

1x 0.6-inch tweeter; 1 x 3.25-inch woofer, each with 1x 30W Class D amplification

53 x 93 mm mid/bass 'racetrack' driver, 20mm tweeter

Waterproofing

IP67

IP67

IP68

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen
This is a top-of-the range Bluetooth speaker that offers phenomenal sound quality, fantastic features, and one of the most luxurious designs around. It downmixes stereo content to mono, so some may appreciate the sound of the Middleton II more, but it still offers palpable bass, beautifully detailed mids, and exciting treble, with adept instrument separation and higher-res Bluetooth streaming. It’s similarly priced to the Middleton II, so if you want a real touch of class, I’d certainly consider this. Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen review.

JBL Charge 6
This is a much cheaper, and not quite as powerful option, but the JBL Charge 6 is still a worthy rival to the Middleton II. It has class-leading dust and waterproofing, fantastic sound quality, top-tier portability, and a nice array of color options. It’s recently been on sale for less than $130 / £100 / AU$180, so it’s a great budget-friendly option. Read our full JBL Charge 6 review.

How I tested the Marshall Middleton II

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested across multiple weeks
• Used in the Future Labs music testing space
• Predominantly tested using Tidal

I spent multiple weeks with the Marshall Middleton II, during which time I exhausted every feature, listened to hours and hours of music, and carefully assessed its design. For the most part, I used the speaker in our music testing space at Future Labs, which we use to judge audio quality in an isolated, controlled environment.

When tuning into tracks, I mainly used Tidal over a Bluetooth connection, but I did dip into Spotify on occasion and tested out wired listening too. As always, I kicked off my review by playing tracks from our curated TechRadar reference playlist, but I also bumped a whole lot of tunes from my own personal library. As I mentioned in the review, I also compared the Middleton II with the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen, in order to assess aspects such as bass output, instrument separation, and detail.

More generally, I’ve tested all kinds of audio equipment during my time here at TechRadar, from flagship headphones such as the Sony WH-1000XM6, as well as home cinema products like the Marshall Heston 60. I’ve also reviewed a whole lot of Bluetooth speakers, from leading brands like Bose, JBL, and, of course, I’ve tested more than 30 models in total, and personally curated our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers, so I have a deep understanding of the Middleton II’s competition, and how it compares in a challenging market.

• First reviewed: December 2025
• Read more about how we test

Starforge Systems Frieren PC: Two-minute review

It's not every day I get to review a PC that looks this good. PC-building brand Starforge Systems makes some excellent pre-built systems worthy of standing among the best computers, but it's the company's collaboration builds that really stand out - and I've been lucky enough to get Starforge's latest themed PC, which is a collab with the popular new anime Frieren: Beyond Journey's End.

Starforge has previously run collabs for novel PC builds with popular media from across anime and gaming, including Jujutsu Kaisen, Path of Exile, and even Old School Runescape. Why am I reviewing this one specifically? 'Cos Frieren slaps, that's why. Chronicling the misadventures of an ancient and powerful (but also frequently goofy) elven mage, it features near the top of our best anime shows list for good reason, and season 2 is out in January - so if you haven't watched it already, get a move on!

Uh, anyway. Enough about the show. Let's actually talk about the PC Starforge has built: because it also slaps. A premium mid-tower gaming desktop with high-end components, it's fundamentally similar to the Voyager III system, with the most notable change being that it features an AMD graphics card rather than an Nvidia one (and that it has the cast of Frieren plastered all over it, obviously).

(Image credit: Future)

As far as PC builds go, it's nothing particularly wild outside the anime-themed aesthetics. I'll get more into the nitty-gritty of the internals down in the Design section, but the guts of this build should look largely familiar to anyone familiar with the art of custom PC building. It's exceptionally colorful when switched on, too; I played around a bit with the RGB settings and was easily able to set up a very pleasing white-and-green light scheme that matched the design of the case.

Thankfully, the performance is solid: this system can comfortably handle 1080p and 1440p gaming, and run all but the most demanding titles at 4K - though you might want to turn on AMD's FSR 3 upscaling for that, especially in ray-traced games like Cyberpunk 2077. If you want a gaming PC that can also pull double duty as a workstation for professional or hobbyist creative work, this system can get the job done.

(Image credit: Future)

The main downside for me here - other than the lack of an Nvidia RTX GPU, which does lock users out from using Nvidia's best-in-class upscaling and frame-generation tech - is the price. I'll do a full breakdown in the next section, but the cost is $2,499.99 (around £1,870 / AU$3,760).

That's not a terrible price, for sure; I took some time to sit down on PCPartPicker and tried to replicate this build as accurately as possible, and even opting for some cheaper components in the same performance bracket (like more budget-conscious RAM and storage), I landed at a price just barely south of $2,300.

The fancy backlit display panel and general extra design features here will be worth that extra two hundred bucks for some people, and the skyrocketing price of RAM will no doubt be pushing some people away from DIY-ing their next PC. Oh, and of course, if you buy from Starforge, you don't have to go through the pain of actually building the damn thing.

Starforge notably does bundle this PC with a large desk mat and acrylic wall art panel matching the Frieren aesthetic, too - which, when purchased individually, would run you an extra $110. Still, you're definitely paying a premium for the Frieren theme, so it's probably a PC you should only pick if you're a serious anime lover.

Starforge Systems Frieren PC review: Price & Availability

• Fixed price of $2,499.99 (around £1,870 / AU$3,760)
• Available now in the US, ships to UK and Australia
• Only one configuration available

There's only one model of the Frieren PC available, and it'll run you a total of $2,499.99 (around £1,870 / AU$3,760). As I noted above, that's only marginally above the price you're likely to pay to build your own similar system at the time of writing, though you'd obviously be missing out on the exclusive design starring everyone's favorite tiny but overpowered elf and her pals, plus the bundled artwork and desk mat.

It should also be noted for British and Australian shoppers that those GBP and AUD conversions don't include regional tax (VAT and GST, respectively), so you will actually end up paying a bit more once you factor in that and shipping fees. Americans, you already know the drill when it comes to sales tax.

(Image credit: Future)

So while the Starforge Systems Frieren PC is undeniably a rather expensive purchase, I can't knock it too hard for that; it's a niche collab targeting the crossover between PC gamers and a relatively new TV show fanbase, and the bundled extras soften the blow of the asking price.

The Frieren PC is already available to purchase directly from Starforge's website, with shipping to anywhere in the US, Europe, and Australia. All of Starforge's PCs come with a 2-year warranty, too.

• Value: 4 / 5

Starforge Systems Frieren PC review: SpecsStarforge Systems Frieren PC Specs

Starforge Systems Frieren PC Config

Price

$2,499.99 (around £1,870 / AU$3,760)

CPU

Intel Core i5-14600K

GPU

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB

RAM

32GB DDR5-6000

Storage

1TB PCIe NVMe 4.0 M.2 SSD

Ports and Connectivity

Front I/O: 2x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-C 3.2, 1x 3.5mm combi audio jack

Rear I/O: 6x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-C 3.2, 1x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort, 1x RJ-45 Ethernet, 1x PS/2, 1x SPDIF, 5x 3.5mm audio in-out

Dimensions

18.82 x 11.42 x 18.54in (47.8cm x 29.0cm x 47.1cm)

Starforge Systems Frieren PC review: Design

• Clean, well-assembled internals
• Fantastic aesthetic with swappable platelights
• Potentially bigger than it really needs to be

I'll say this right out of the gate: even for a mid-tower system, this is a pretty chunky desktop PC. The specially-customized Lian Li O11 Dynamic case used for the Frieren PC is large, and there's quite a bit of negative space inside the case - this isn't the PC to buy if you're working with limited real estate on your desk.

Still, that extra room does mean that the Frieren PC has a lot of upgrade potential. Removing the glass side panel to root around inside the guts of this system is as easy as pie, and there's ample space for a bigger GPU if so desired in the future, too. Or, you know, an anime figurine...

Size aside, this is obviously one really good-looking system. The art quality is excellent, and the anime-themed print doesn't just extend to the glass panels; there's a separate piece of artwork depicting Frieren's previous adventuring party (shown in flashbacks in the show, which form an important part of her narrative development- okay, I'll shut up now) printed on the metal opposite side panel, as well as a large sigil on the top grille. It's also decked out with plenty of fully customizable RGB lighting, including two slim lightbars that run along the top and bottom edges of the panelling. There's also the usual abundance of ports on the back you'd expect from a gaming PC, and a pretty standard front I/O featuring USB-A, USB-C, and an audio jack.

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Future)

I also feel compelled to say that this is one of the tidiest and most well-assembled pre-built PCs I've seen in years, rivalling many of the best gaming PCs. I'm not saying that most reputable PC-builders are messy with their builds, but Starforge's work here is clearly top-class, with masterful cable management. Even the space hidden beneath the vertical PSU shroud is tidy (an area I'm personally accustomed to using as the 'just stuff it out of sight' space in my own PC builds).

In addition to the Frieren-themed extras, you also get a pack containing all the additional bits and pieces that weren't used in the build - drive brackets from the case, spare screws, unused modular cables from the PSU, all that good stuff. Not all PC-builders include this superfluous kit, but it's highly useful if you choose to upgrade your system further down the line.

One particularly nice inclusion here - also seen in some of Starforge Systems' other premium pre-built PCs - is the 'platelight'. That's the tall, thin acrylic art strip with LED backlighting you can see in some of the photos I've taken; pop off the other side panel, and you can easily slide it out and replace it with a different piece of illuminated artwork. Starforge sells a variety of these on its site (there are four other Frieren ones besides the default one included here), which range from other collabs to striking original artwork. You could even theoretically make your own, since it's just artwork printed on a rectangular slab of translucent acrylic.

• Design: 5 / 5

Starforge Systems Frieren PC review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Strong gaming and creative performance
• CPU performance is okay, but not spectacular for the price
• Fans are impressively quiet even under load

Starforge Systems Frieren PC Benchmarks

Here's how the Frieren PC performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

Geekbench 6 (Multi Core): 17,477; (Single Core): 2,787
Geekbench AI (Single Precision): 35,726; (Half Precision): 47,849; (Quantized): 28,735
Cinebench R23 (Multi Core): 23,937; (Single Core): 2,039
Cinebench R24 (Multi Core): 1,387; (Single Core): 122
Crossmark Overall: 2,255
3DMark Fire Strike: 45,822; Steel Nomad: 7,032; Solar Bay: 117,376; Night Raid: 84,092
BlackMagicDisk Read: 4,071MB/s; Write: 4,779MB/s
25GB Copy Test: 1,502MB/s
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p, Highest): 197 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, 1080p, Highest): 244 FPS
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Medium): 275 FPS; (1080p, Ultra): 146 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 173 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, 1080p, Ultra): 183 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, 1080p, Ultra RT): 131 FPS
Marvel Rivals (1080p, Low): 193 FPS; (1080p, Ultra): 112 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, 1080p, Ultra): 136 FPS

Powered by the excellent AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card, the Frieren PC has no issues running the latest PC games at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, and can easily spring to 4K without dropping below 60 frames per second in many titles too. If you're willing to switch on upscaling with FSR 3 (and you really should be at this point, as upscaling tech has come a long way in recent years), 4K gaming is comfortably within reach here.

I got stable framerates at 1440p and 4K in all the listed games (plus Black Myth: Wukong, which I'm currently playing through) except Cyberpunk 2077, which struggled a little once ray tracing was turned on. If you're willing to do a very small amount of fiddling in the graphical settings, though, virtually any game should be playable at 4K on this PC.

Considering the synthetic test results too, it's safe to say that this PC is also able to comfortably handle creative workloads such as video editing and 3D rendering. If you're a creative professional who also happens to be an anime fan, this might actually be the perfect computer for you.

(Image credit: Future)

CPU performance is a little less impressive, though still good. Although the Intel Core i5-14600K chip inside the Frieren PC is fast, as an i5 CPU, it's fundamentally just not a high-end processor. That has the potential to create minor bottlenecks in CPU-heavy programs, particularly single-core workloads. It's perfectly sufficient for 99% of use cases, but there will potentially be some users who want to do a lot of stuff beyond gaming on their PC, and this should be an important consideration if you're one of those people.

That i5 chip lacks a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) for handling AI workloads, but that doesn't matter in the slightest, since the far more powerful Radeon GPU can handle locally-run AI tasks to a good degree. This is a fairly niche application, though, so unless you already know you're going to be running AI software locally (or you're planning on building your own LLM) it shouldn't be a major concern.

Lastly, I'd like to note that despite its hefty size and six case fans (plus two on the GPU), it's surprisingly quiet in operation. Airflow overall seems good, with vertical pressure venting heat efficiently (I saw no significant component temperature spikes during my tests). Sure, you can hear the fans, but considering how much whine some PCs put out when running a demanding game or program, I have to say I was impressed at how little noise this system produces.

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Starforge Systems Frieren PC?Starforge Systems Frieren PC Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

It's not cheap, but the pricing puts it only a little above the cost of a similar DIY PC - and the aesthetics are worth it if you're a weeb like me.

4 / 5

Design

Aesthetically stunning and well-assembled from good quality components, there's very little I can reasonably fault about this PC's design.

5 / 5

Performance

Gaming and creative performance is strong, with only minor tweaks needed to run the latest games at 4K with 60+ frames per second.

4.5 / 5

Total

A love letter to PC gaming and anime, the Frieren PC is the indisputable best possible gift for someone who loves that show.

4.5 / 5

Buy the Starforge Systems Frieren PC if...

You want a powerful, upgradable PC
With solid gaming performance and an extremely tidy internal finish that should make future upgrades a breeze, this is a future-proofed system - though I can't guarantee it'll live as long as an immortal magical elf.

You love Frieren
Do I really need to explain this one? If you like the show and you're a PC gamer, this is probably the best system you could possibly buy. If you haven't seen the show, how did you even get this far into the article? Leave immediately and watch it, that's an order.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a tight budget
Two and a half thousand dollars is a lot of money, I can't dispute that. This is a product for die-hard fans who are willing to pay a bit more (though Starforge does also have some very reasonably-priced generic pre-builds).

You want a compact desktop
The Frieren PC has a frankly huge footprint for a mid-tower system, measuring almost as much as my massive old Corsair Carbide 600C build from 2017. If you're already working with a cramped gaming space, I'd advise look for something smaller.

Starforge Systems Frieren PC review: Also Consider

NZXT Player PC
One of the best desktop PCs we've reviewed this year, the 'Player PC' from NZXT might have an awful name, but it delivers strong gaming performance in a well-constructed case - plus, as an RTX 5070 system, it'll cost you a bit less than the Frieren PC too.

Read our full NZXT Player PC review

Asus ROG NUC (2025)
If you’re looking for a powerful PC in the same price range that won't take up half your tiny desk's surface area, this compact gaming PC from Asus is a stellar choice. It's incredible how much performance Asus was able to cram into its pint-sized chassis, though it can get a bit noisy while gaming.

Read our full Asus ROG NUC (2025) review

How I tested the Starforge Systems Frieren PC

• Tested for two weeks
• Used for work, video calls, and general internet use
• Replaced my usual desktop for gaming

I tested the Starforge Systems Frieren PC for a set period of two weeks, during which it replaced my usual home office desktop (a similarly beefy system). I naturally used it for everyday work from home, which usually involves straightforward tasks like word processing, emailing, and web research, but also image editing using GIMP.

As usual with PC reviews, I ran the Frieren PC through our usual suite of benchmarking tests, which includes both in-game and synthetic benchmarks, as well as using it daily for my own gaming activities - it ran Black Myth: Wukong and Doom: The Dark Ages great (and Stardew Valley, but that could run on a lemon clock). Aside from gaming, I also used it for a few other online activities; I'm rewatching Twin Peaks, and on two occasions, it played host to my regular virtual TTRPG session.

I've been reviewing PC hardware for more than seven years and have been a PC gamer for more than twice that time, with so many laptop and desktop reviews under my belt at numerous different publications that I genuinely can't even count them. This was my first time reviewing a system from Starforge, and needless to say, I came away from the experience impressed (and quite frankly, frustrated that I couldn't keep it).

• First reviewed: December 2025
• Read more about how we test

Meal kits are tasty and fun but these blunders can prevent you from getting the most out of your subscription.

We sit down with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz to discuss his upcoming game The Blood of Dawnwalker.

The pigeon population has exploded — a result of people feeding the birds. For some it's a holy duty and a way to connect to nature. Critics point to health risks tied to exposure to pigeon droppings.

(Image credit: Stefan Rousseau - PA Images)

The UN's top humanitarian and emergency relief official has told NPR that the lack of attention from world leaders to the war in Sudan is the "billion dollar question".

(Image credit: Marwan Ali)

Chinese robotics company Unitree has revealed its much larger humanoid robot, the H2, can fight. We dig into all the hidden details in the company's latest demo videos.

This is one award show that's just For You.

Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122: two-minute review

I increasingly find myself on days where I need just a small bag with quick access to camera gear, whether that's a day out with my compact or lightweight mirrorless camera, taking street photos, or work events where I'm shooting TikTok content with a smartphone, supported by wireless mics and portable lighting.

For such times, a backpack is excessive, and with which access to what's inside is typically slow and complicated. No, I need a small holder with quick access to gear, and that's where a bag like Ulanzi’s Camera Sling Bag (9L) is perfect and one of the best camera bags of its kind.

It takes the same crossbody bag form as the bags all the kids are wearing these days, but is also deeply practical (shh, don't tell them). It's larger than your average crossbody bag – aka a sling bag – meaning it's surprising just what can fit inside, without compromising on the advantages of such a bag type.

With it slung over one shoulder and resting on my midriff, right where I can easily unzip and switch gear, I can store a range of equipment. For a photography day, a couple of compact cameras / an enthusiast mirrorless camera with a short prime lens, wallet, phone, snacks, and a small drink (there's a stretch pocket on each side, but I struggled to find a drink container small enough to fit).

For content creation, a smartphone, wireless mic case, portable SmallRig mini LED Video Light 25W (I have two, and they are superb and worth a feature of their own - that's coming), mini selfie stick-cum-tripod / neck mount, phone clamp, mints, comb, the whole shebang. It all fits.

Image 1 of 5

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 5

(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 5

(Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 5

(Image credit: Future)Image 5 of 5

(Image credit: Future)

I'm currently using a Xiaomi 15 Ultra for social media video work, and it fits vertically in the Ulanzi sling bag, as do the lights and mini selfie stick-cum-tripod, which means I can fit way more in than if I had to stash them horizontally.

I was surprised to discover the Ulanzi sling bag is large enough to hold a regular tablet too (like a 10.9-inch iPad) – it's positively cavernous – while other nice touches include a hidden AirTag pocket.

Even with all of that gear inside, the Ulanzi sling bag is comfortable on a single shoulder, thanks to its padded strap and snug fit around the torso. It's designed to rest over the shoulder and at midriff height, with the main compartment accessed through the top zip, which runs across the entire width, for easy access.

The bag comes with an internal divider component. It can be laid flat to provide a firm underside and leave the main compartment completely open, or folded in on itself to create three separate compartments, dividing out gear to keep it protected from other items inside. It's great having the choice between open and divided, and that the divider can remain inside for either setup.

Build quality is particularly good - I'm expecting to get several years of use from the bag - the outer polyester material seems rugged. The main zip is weather-sealed and glides easily, too.

Image 1 of 11

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 11

(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 11

(Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 11

(Image credit: Future)Image 5 of 11

(Image credit: Future)Image 6 of 11

(Image credit: Future)Image 7 of 11

(Image credit: Future)Image 8 of 11

(Image credit: Future)Image 9 of 11

(Image credit: Future)Image 10 of 11

(Image credit: Future)Image 11 of 11

(Image credit: Future)

There's no rain cover provided, but I wouldn't expect water ingress – it has easily withstood light showers. Just to be clear, though, I haven't used the bag outdoors in sustained inclement weather, so I can’t vouch for it in those conditions yet.

There are external straps to fix additional accessories to, such as a small tripod on the underside. Side straps are included less so for accessories but rather to provide a grip that makes zipping and unzipping the main compartment a breeze.

Elsewhere, there is a disguised external pocket with a particularly sticky and widespread velcro fastening frontage – ideal for thin items such as a wallet. The cover can be tucked away to expose the velcro, and Ulanzi sells velcro badges to customize the exterior, which is something I didn't do.

Put simply, every aspect of the bag functions as expected. I can't find a single fault with the Ulanzi Camera Sling 9L bag, functionally at least, and it's reasonably priced too. I've found it for $49.95 at Amazon US, and at the time of writing, there's an additional $10 off coupon. Bargain. The price is a little different on the Ulanzi site, but there's international shipping (see details below).

The only criticism I have is subjective - the bag’s appearance. Its plain black exterior won't win any style awards, and I'm not convinced that optional velcro badges help matters. No, this is function over aesthetics.

Looks aside, if you need a small sling bag for day trips with lightweight gear or mobile content creation setups, you can't go wrong with the Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122, and it fully deserves my highest recommendation.

(Image credit: Future)Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122: key specs

Type

Sling

Capacity

9L

Size

14.56 x 5.11 x 7.48in / 370 x 130 x 190mm

Weight

1.32lb / 600g

Tablet sleeve

Yes, up to 10.9-inch

Included

Bag, divider, shoulder pad (velcro badges optional)

Material

Polyester Fabric

Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122: Price and availability

I've found the Ulanzi camera sling bag (9L) on Ulanzi's own website for $61.79 or $67 with velcro badges (which converts to around £47 / AU$93), and international shipping is possible.

It's also available for less at Amazon in the US and Australia, where it costs $49.95 at Amazon US and AU$75 at the time of writing.

Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122: Also consider

Billingham Hadley Pro 2020

At the opposite end of style and cost is the Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 day bag. With classic looks and a premium price tag, it couldn't be any more different to the Ulanzi sling.

Read our Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 review

Should I buy the Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122?

(Image credit: Future)Buy it if...

You need quick access to gear

Sitting across the body positioned close to hand, and with one large zip easily opened to access the main compartment, gear will be in your hand in no time.

9L storage is sufficient for your gear

Larger than your regular crossbody bag but much smaller than most camera backpacks, the Ulanzi sling is ideal as a day bag, being able to hold a camera with lens, or mobile content creator gear.

Don't buy it if...

You want a stylish bag

I think it's fair to say that aesthetics are hardly the Ulanzi sling bag's strong suit.

You have bulky gear

Cavernous its 9L storage may be, the Ulanzi sling bag is for lightweight camera gear.

How I tested the Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122

• I tested it for several months
• I stored various camera gear and tried various internal configurations
• It has seen various weather conditions

The Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122 has been my go-to day bag for months, for when I need to carry lightweight camera gear and want quick access to that gear, such as for street photography with a mirrorless camera or premium compact camera, to everything I need for filming TikTok content.

It's held everything from a mirrorless camera with a short prime lens to a vlogging camera and mics, portable LED lights, and more. The bag has kept my gear secure on hectic days and in short bursts of inclement weather.

First reviewed December 2025