Author: Olin Coles

Nevada, USA - Website Founder - Executive Editor - Senior Staff Writer - Content Moderator - Webmaster - Member Since March 2007
Microsoft Money Home and Business Invoice
GuidesBy Olin Coles

Money Plus Sunset Home and Business Download

TechPlayboy offers this free download of Microsoft Money Plus Sunset Home and Business, a powerful user-friendly personal finance software solution that helps individuals and small business owners manage their finances with ease. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about this finance software, including its features, what it replaces, how to install and use it, as well as detailed system requirements and specifications. Microsoft Money Home and Business is the big brother of Microsoft Money Plus Deluxe. It has all the same functionality and features as the Microsoft Money Plus Deluxe Edition plus the features needed for small business owners. Microsoft Money Plus Sunset Home and Business was designed as the free end-of-life replacement for expired […]

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Logan's Run Medical Laser Pulse Length - Courtesy MGM
Lifestyle EditorialsBy Olin Coles

Medical Laser: Hair Removal and Skin Care

The Medical Laser platform is no longer a dreamy vision made up for science fiction, as they exist today as a very real and routinely-used product that has transformed the beauty salon industry. As a child, I remember seeing the medical laser concept featured in movies such as Logan’s Run. These were powerful devices capable of shaping and sculpting with precision. Yesterday’s fiction, it seems, required only a blink in time to become today’s reality. Services such as medical laser hair removal and skin care treatments are the mainstay, placing them in high-demand for beauty-conscious clientele.

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Microsoft Money Plus Sunset Deluxe Download
GuidesBy Olin Coles

Microsoft Money Plus Sunset Deluxe Download

TechPlayboy offers this free download of Microsoft Money Plus Sunset Deluxe, a powerful user-friendly personal finance software solution that helps individuals and small business owners manage their finances with ease. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about this finance software, including its features, what it replaces, how to install and use it, as well as detailed system requirements and specifications. Microsoft Money Plus Sunset Deluxe was designed as the free end-of-life replacement for expired versions of Money Plus Essentials, Money Plus Deluxe, and Money Plus Premium versions. This free version of Microsoft Money operates on all versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11. It has been most recently tested to work with Windows 11 version […]

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Thermaltake Tower 300 Hydrangea Blue CA-1Y4-00SFWN-00 Micro Tower Chassis Front Corner
Manufacturer NewsBy Olin Coles

Thermaltake Tower 300 Micro ATX Chassis Unveiled

Embrace the Fusion of Form and Function with Thermaltake’s Latest Iconic Release Thermaltake, a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions, proudly introduces the Tower 300 Micro ATX Chassis, which will be showcased at CES2024. As part of the esteemed Tower Series, known for its iconic vertical case design, the Tower 300 represents a new micro-ATX addition to the lineup. With its distinctive octagonal appearance, this chassis offers both the traditional vertical orientation and a unique horizontal placement option. Available in seven captivating colors—Hydrangea Blue, Bumblebee, Matcha Green, Racing Green, Turquoise, Black, and White—the Tower 300 carries forward the legacy of the Tower Series while making a bold and eye-catching debut. The Tower 300 proudly inherits the classic vertical […]

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Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award Logo (Large: Print Ready)
Featured AnnouncementsBy Olin Coles

Benchmark Reviews is now Tech Playboy

So here we are. The benchmarkreviews domain was sold, when it should have been techplayboy. There was never more than a few pages of content at Tech Playboy, while Benchmark Reviews had tens of thousands of pages. I am making the most of a terrible situation, one that has been heart breaking after more than a decade of work, and I will not be relegated into a victim. I am moving Benchmark Reviews to Tech Playboy, where our work will live on.

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Redragon Griffin M602A-RGB Gaming Mouse
Computer Hardware SpotlightBy Olin Coles

Redragon Griffin M602A-RGB Gaming Mouse Software

Amazon presently sells the Redragon Griffin M602A-RGB wired gaming mouse for $19.99, which makes it an appealing purchase for entry-level and value shoppers. The specifications are impressive for such a bargain, boasting programmable macro functions, full RGB-lighting control, and 7200 DPI optical sensitivity. Without software the Redragon M602A-RGB is an adequate wired gaming mouse, but the small operating instruction manual that accompanies it clearly states that many other functions are available “through the software after downloading and installing it”. Unfortunately, this gaming mouse does not include the advertised software with the mouse, nor does it link to any website or a download location in the rather sparse operating manual. After searching the web for the manufacturer, nowhere at redragonzone is […]

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Thermaltake TOUGHRAM XG RGB DDR4 4600MHz 16GB Memory Kit R016D408GX2-4600C19A
Product PreviewsBy Olin Coles

Thermaltake TOUGHRAM XG RGB DDR4 Memory Kit Preview

16 high lumens individually addressable RGB LEDs. 16.8-million colors with a nearly endless lighting effect Meticulously engineered TT Premium Х style heat-spreaders design 10-layer PCB with 2oz copper foil plating for enhanced overclocking potential and stability. Use of 10μ gold fingers for enhanced durability and high wear resistance. Part Number: R016D408GX2-4600C19A Memory Type: DDR4 SDRAM Density: 16GB Kit (8GB x2) Latency: 19-26-26-45 Voltage: 1.5 Volts Speed: 4600 MHz Compatibility: Intel Z590, Z490, AMD X570, B550 Module Type: DIMM Performance Profile: XMP 2.0 Ready Package Contents: 2x 8GB memory modules Color: Black Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

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VIZIO M-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar Kit with Dolby Atmos and DTS.X M51a-H6
Home Theater ReviewsBy Olin Coles

VIZIO 5.1 Sound Bar M51a-H6 Speaker System Review

Like most people in 2020, I retreated indoors during the global pandemic. It has been a constant challenge to entertain and distract, but thankfully streaming services have helped with plenty of shows and movies. This past year has given the term ‘Netflix and chill’ new meaning, and with some help from VIZIO, 2021 could have some added thrill. Boasting eleven total speakers across four components, the new 2021 revision VIZIO M-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (model M51a-H6) might just shake you out of this long hibernation.

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Sprint Booster Throttle Response Accelerator Lag Fix
Technology EditorialsBy Olin Coles

Does Sprint Booster Improve Vehicle Engine Performance?

I first learned of Sprint Booster after purchasing a 5th generation Toyota 4Runner in 2020, and discovered that the vehicle’s drive-by-wire accelerator introduced a throttle response delay in an effort to improve fuel economy for its ECO Mode feature. By comparison, this made the new SUV less responsive than my much-older 4th generation 4Runner. The Internet was filled with posts and reviews of buyers who were pleased with their purchase, but did Sprint Booster really improve their vehicle’s engine performance or increase efficiency like some of them claimed?

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Product SpotlightsBy Olin Coles

Patriot Viper Black RGB DDR4 Memory Preview

For the longest time, system memory kits were merely a set of chips exposed atop a printed circuit board. Then, in 2003, Patriot Memory changed the landscape by adding metal heat shields to dissipate heat away from the IC’s. Not only did this add a fresh new look to SDRAM, but it offered stability for overclockers. Fifteen years later, Patriot Memory is still assembling their own SDRAM modules and evolving the technology. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we examine Patriot’s new Viper Black RGB DDR4 PC4-28800 3600 MHz gaming memory.

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Patriot-Viper-Steel-DDR4-PC4-28800-3600-MHz-Gaming-Memory-Review
MemoryBy Olin Coles

Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 Memory Review

Once upon a time consumer memory kits were plain and boring, with bare RAM modules exposing the sensitive components. Then, in 2003, the Patriot Memory series changed landscape by adding metal heat shields to dissipate heat away from the IC’s. Not only did this add a fresh new look to SDRAM, but it offered stability for overclockers. Fifteen years later, Patriot Memory is still assembling their own SDRAM modules and evolving the technology. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we examine Patriot’s new Viper Steel DDR4 PC4-28800 3600 MHz gaming memory.

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Patriot-Viper-RGB-DDR4-Memory-Modules
MemoryBy Olin Coles

Patriot Viper RGB DDR4 Memory Review

Once upon a time consumer memory kits were plain and boring, with bare RAM modules exposing the sensitive components. Then, in 2003, the Patriot Memory series changed landscape by adding metal heat shields to dissipate heat away from the IC’s. Not only did this add a fresh new look to SDRAM, but it offered stability for overclockers. Fifteen years later, Patriot Memory is still assembling their own SDRAM and evolving the technology. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we examine Patriot’s new Viper RGB DDR4 PC4-25600 3200 MHz gaming memory.

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Kingston-HyperX-Fury-RGB-SSD-Purple-Angle
StorageBy Olin Coles

Kingston HyperX Fury RGB SSD Review

HyperX Fury RGB lights up that dark space in your case with customizable lighting effects, and is fully compatible with all modern RGB controllers. Utilizing the economical Marvell 88SS1074 storage controller with Toshiba 3D TLC NAND flash components, the Kingston HyperX Fury RGB SSD advertises 550 MB/s peak read speeds and 480 MB/s writes. The Fury RGB SSD also offers 500x its capacity is total bytes written, with a three-year warranty. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we test the HyperX Fury RGB SSD against the leading SATA-based competition.

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StorageBy Olin Coles

Samsung SSD 970 PRO Solid State Drive Review

Not so long ago Samsung debuted their third-generation NVMe client storage devices with their SSD 970 PRO M.2 solid state drive series. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the 512GB Samsung SSD 970 PRO, which pairs their latest 2-bit MLC V-NAND and a 512MB LPDDR4 DRAM cache buffer with their new Phoenix controller to produce up to 3500 MB/s reads at 370,000 IOPS and 2300 MB/s writes at 500,000 IOPS, and we compare performance against all the leading competition. We’ll find out if Samsung’s 970 PRO SSD is worth the money.

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Samsung-SSD-970-EVO-1TB-Solid-State-Drive-Angle
StorageBy Olin Coles

Samsung SSD 970 EVO Review

Samsung recently debuted their second-generation 3-bit MLC V-NAND flash technology with their SSD 970 EVO NVMe M.2 solid state drive series. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the 1TB Samsung SSD 970 EVO, which pairs their latest 64-cell layer V-NAND and a 1GB LPDDR4 DRAM cache buffer with their new Phoenix controller to produce up to 3400 MB/s reads at 500,000 IOPS and 2500 MB/s writes at 450,000 IOPS, and we compare performance against all the leading competition. We’ll find out if Samsung’s 970 EVO SSD is worth the money.

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Samsung SSD 860 PRO 1TB Solid State Drive Review Samsung SSD 860 PRO 1TB Review
StorageBy Olin Coles

Samsung SSD 860 PRO 1TB Review

Planar NAND allowed manufacturers to offer speedy solid state storage at fair price, while Samsung’s recently announced 860 EVO SSD improved upon this with their latest 3-bit MLC V-NAND flash technology. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the 1TB Samsung SSD 860 PRO, which utilizes 64-cell layer 2-bit MLC V-NAND for high endurance and improved sequential performance to produce up to 560 MB/s reads at 100,000 IOPS and 530 MB/s writes at 90,000 IOPS, and compare SATA 6 GB/s performance against the all the leading competition.

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Warhammer 40000 Inquisitor Martyr Review Featured Image Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr Review
Video Game ReviewsBy Olin Coles

Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr Review

For more than thirty years, Warhammer 40,000 has offered gamers an exciting storyline set in a dystopian science fantasy universe. Adapted from the popular tabletop games into an action role-playing genre, Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr pits players against followers of the Chaos Gods set in the 41st millennium. Choose from Psyker, Crusader, or Assassin background classes to perpetually develop your character in a world where you’ll hunt down enemies and wage war against other power factions. Join me as I forge into the darkness…

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Samsung-SSD-860-EVO-1TB-Solid-State-Drive-Angle
StorageBy Olin Coles

Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB Review

Samsung announced their 3-bit MLC V-NAND flash technology with the latest SSD 860 EVO solid state drive series. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the 1TB Samsung SSD 860 EVO, which pairs 64-cell layer V-NAND and 1GB LPDDR4 DRAM cache buffer with their MJX controller to produce up to 550 MB/s reads at 98,000 IOPS and 520 MB/s writes at 90,000 IOPS, and we compare SATA 6 GB/s performance against all the leading SSD storage competition.

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VIZIO 36-Inch 2.1 Sound Bar Exposed Speakers Detail
Home Theater ReviewsBy Olin Coles

VIZIO SB362An-F6 36″ Sound Bar Review

Over the past several years home entertainment has undergone a transformation, slowly replacing bookshelf style speakers for sound bar systems. While many enthusiasts still cling to their large speaker systems, others have seen the wisdom in downsizing. Offering big sound for under $100, the 2018 VIZIO 36-Inch 2.1 Sound Bar with Built-in Dual Subwoofers (model SB362An-F6) delivers more than you might expect. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we test this Bluetooth/wired 2.1-channel sound system using Dolby Audio and DTS media.

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AOC AGON AG352UCG6 120Hz Curved Gaming Monitor Review
MonitorsBy Olin Coles

AOC AGON AG352UCG6 Gaming Monitor Review

AOC impressed gamers with their AGON AG352UCG series, which delivered a 35″ WQHD panel with 1800R curvature that naturally conforms to how the eye sees the screen to reduce fatigue while creating a more immersive experience. Refreshing the AG352UCG series with AG352UCG6, AOC delivers their third-generation 35″ AGON curved gaming monitor. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, I test the updated AOC AGON AG352UCG6 gaming monitor with 35” curved VA panel and 120 Hz NVIDIA G-SYNC support at WQHD 3440×1440 native resolution.

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Kingston HyperX Cloud Alpha Gold Edition Pro Gaming Headset Review Angle
AudioBy Olin Coles

HyperX Cloud Alpha Gold Gaming Headset Review

In this review for Benchmark Reviews, we test the Gold Limited Edition 3.5mm analog multi-platform HyperX Cloud Alpha pro gaming headset by Kingston Technology for PC, PS4, Xbox One. Featuring a dual chamber design that separates bass tones from mid level and highs, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Gold headset promises more distinction and less distortion from gaming sounds. A detachable noise-cancelling microphone designed for Discord and TeamSpeak ensure easy integration without compatibility issues suffered from some headsets.

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