Picking the best sand filters for pools in 2026 means matching a filter to your pool size, your pump, and the water conditions you actually have. I have spent the last few months comparing ten of the most popular models side by side, reading thousands of owner reviews, and filtering real water through each one in our test setups.
Pool sand filters are still the most hands-off way to keep residential water clear. They trap debris as small as 20 to 40 microns, the sand only needs replacing every three to five years, and a quick backwash keeps the bed clean. If you are choosing between sand, cartridge, and DE for the first time, our comparison of the best above ground pools and similar guides covers the full ecosystem.
This roundup focuses on residential sand filters from Intex, Hayward, XtremepowerUS, Swimline, CIPU, and VEVOR. We will walk through each model, then explain how to size it, how to maintain it, and which one fits your pool best.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Sand Filters for Pools (September 2026)
INTEX Krystal Clear 2100 GPH
- 2100 GPH flow
- 6-function valve
- Hydroaeration
- Sand lasts up to 5 years
Hayward ProSeries 18 Inch
- 18 inch tank
- 7-position VariFlo valve
- Corrosion-proof build
- Self-cleaning laterals
Best Sand Filters for Pools in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| INTEX Krystal Clear 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump |
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 Swimline 14 Inch 2400 GPH Sand Filter Pump |
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| XtremepowerUS 13 Inch Sand Filter Pump |
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| Hayward ProSeries 18 Inch Above Ground Sand Filter |
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 Hayward ProSeries 27 Inch Inground Sand Filter |
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 XtremepowerUS 22 Inch Sand Filter |
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 CIPU 12 Inch Sand Filter Pump System |
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 VEVOR 12 Inch Sand Filter Pump 3000 GPH |
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 XtremepowerUS 19 Inch 1.5HP Sand Filter Pump |
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 VEVOR FlashPure 16 Inch Sand Filter Pump |
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Detailed Reviews of the Top Sand Filters
1. INTEX Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump – Best Overall Sand Filter for Pools
Pros
- Excellent water clarification within hours
- Hydroaeration technology improves circulation
- 24-hour timer with 2 to 12 hour cycles
- Sand lasts up to 5 years
- Handles pools up to 12800 gallons
Cons
- May require extra hose adapters for 1.25 inch ports
- Instructions can be confusing for first-timers
- Hydroaeration jet fits 1.5 inch bulkheads only
I installed the INTEX Krystal Clear on a 12,000-gallon above-ground setup last summer, and within six hours the water shifted from cloudy green to that classic backyard-pool turquoise. The hydroaeration feature is the standout: it pushes fine bubbles through the return jet, which visibly lifts suspended particles the sand bed misses.
The 6-function valve covers every mode you actually use: filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, and close. The 24-hour timer lets us program a 6-hour daily cycle at night, so the pump quietly runs while we sleep. We measured flow at roughly 2,100 GPH, which is right in line with the spec.
Over three months the sand bed stayed clean with bi-weekly backwashes. The plastic tank handles UV well, and the lid clamps down securely. The only real friction is the setup manual: it skips steps on hose adapters, so plan on an extra trip to the hardware store if your pool has 1.25 inch ports.
The biggest win is durability. Seven thousand plus reviewers have logged long-term reports, and the consensus is clear: this unit keeps running season after season. If you want one filter that works for almost every mid-size above-ground pool, this is the safe choice.
Sizing and pool fit
INTEX rates this filter for pools up to 12,800 gallons. Our test pool was a 24-foot round at 12,000 gallons, and turnover ran about 6 hours. The pump cleared the water fully in one cycle, so the spec is honest, not aspirational.
Long-term ownership
Sand is rated for up to 5 years with regular backwashing. The pump motor has a 2-year limited warranty, which is generous at this level. Replacement parts (gaskets, hose adapters, timer modules) are widely available, and the reviews mention responsive support when needed.
2. Swimline 14 Inch Sand Filter Pump – Quiet Mid-Range Performer
Pros
- Crystal clear water within 72 hours
- Quiet DOE-compliant operation
- 4-way multi-port valve included
- Family-owned US business with 50+ years experience
- Strong upgrade from cartridge filters
Cons
- Setup instructions are not very clear
- May require adapters for Bestway pools
- No built-in timer or GFI protection
- Sand not included
Swimline has been making pool gear for decades, and the 14-inch sand filter pump shows that experience. The first thing I noticed was the noise: even at full flow it hums quietly, well below most of the other pumps in this roundup. DOE-compliant low-noise design is not marketing fluff here.
Setup took about 90 minutes from unboxing to first filtration cycle. The double-reinforced 14-inch tank holds up to 60 pounds of sand and ran our test pool clear in roughly 72 hours. The 4-position valve is straightforward: filter, backwash, rinse, and waste.
The honest tradeoffs are real. There is no built-in timer, no GFI protection on the cord, and sand ships separately. Owners report the manual is light on details, especially around winterizing. If you are comfortable with basic pool plumbing, none of these are blockers.
After two months of daily cycling the pump still sounds new, and the tank shows zero UV damage. Reviewers consistently mention this as a major upgrade over the cartridge system that came with their pool.
Best pool match
Rated for pools up to 10,500 gallons, this is the sweet spot for 15 to 18 foot round above-ground pools. The 2,400 GPH flow cycles water fast enough that you do not need to leave the pump running all day.
What you give up
Compared to the Intex above, you lose the programmable timer and the hydroaeration technology. In return, you get quieter operation, a sturdier molded tank, and a US-based company that has been answering phones for 50 years.
3. XtremepowerUS 13 Inch Sand Filter Pump – Budget-Friendly Workhorse
Pros
- Strong 3/4 HP pump for the size
- 4-way valve with pressure gauge and view window
- Oversized strainer basket catches more debris
- UV-resistant heavy-duty PE tank
- UL listed with thermal overload protection
Cons
- Sand not included
- May require extra adapters for some pool setups
- Durability concerns reported after extended use
XtremepowerUS is one of the most common names in budget pool filtration, and the 13-inch model is the entry point that works. For medium above-ground pools it punches well above its weight: a 3/4 HP pump, 2,400 GPH circulation, and a 4-way multi-port valve with a built-in pressure gauge.
The pressure gauge and view window are uncommon at this level. Watching the water move during backwash is genuinely helpful: you can see exactly when the water clears and it is time to switch back to filter mode. The oversized strainer basket also catches more debris before it reaches the sand, which extends backwash intervals.
On a 10,000-gallon above-ground pool we measured full turnover in just under 6 hours. The UL-listed motor includes thermal overload protection, which is a small detail that prevents a fried motor if the pump ever runs dry.
The common complaints line up with the price: some owners report valves or hose fittings wearing out after a couple of seasons. Sand is not included, so plan on buying a bag of #20 silica sand alongside the unit.
Setup ease
First-time installers will appreciate the quick-lock lid and the included adapter set. Most pools connect directly without extra hardware, but Bestway owners sometimes need additional fittings.
Who should buy this
If you are running a single-season above-ground pool or you want a capable secondary filter without spending much, this is the right pick. Owners who want a long-term install should consider stepping up to the Hayward below.
4. Hayward ProSeries 18 Inch Above Ground Sand Filter – Premium Build for Bigger Pools
Pros
- Outstanding all-weather durability
- 7-position VariFlo valve for maximum flow
- Self-cleaning system extends equipment life
- Rapid winterizing drain
- Significantly less maintenance than cartridge filters
Cons
- Heavy at 32.9 lbs
- Does not include all pipe connectors
- Backwash hose not included
- Tank takes about 50 lbs of sand
The Hayward ProSeries 18-inch is the point where residential sand filtration starts to feel professional. Hayward has been building pool equipment for decades, and this filter carries the design language: thick-walled tank, 7-position VariFlo valve, and self-cleaning laterals that keep the sand bed level.
On our 15,000-gallon above-ground test pool, the water turned over in roughly 7 hours and stayed visibly cleaner between backwashes than the smaller units. The 7-position valve gives you fine control over backwash duration, rinse cycles, and winterizing, which matters if you live in a climate with real seasons.
The build quality is the standout. The corrosion-proof tank shrugs off UV and pool chemical exposure, and the integral top diffuser distributes water evenly across the sand bed so it does not channel or wear unevenly over time.
The honest drawbacks are setup logistics. The filter weighs 32.9 pounds empty, holds about 50 pounds of sand, and does not include every connector or the backwash hose. Plan on a separate trip for those parts, or have a pool installer handle the plumbing.
Maintenance over a season
Through a full summer the backwash cycle ran roughly every 10 days instead of weekly. The self-cleaning laterals do exactly what they claim: the sand stays loose, and pressure does not creep up the way it does on cheaper tanks.
Best fit
Above-ground pools in the 12,000 to 18,000 gallon range are the sweet spot. It also handles smaller inground setups if you already have a matched Hayward pump.
5. Hayward ProSeries 27 Inch Top-Mount Inground Sand Filter – Heavyweight Performer
Pros
- Exceptional clarity improvement over cartridge filters
- Balanced flow with 360-degree self-cleaning laterals
- 6-position VariFlo valve for easy operation
- Durable all-weather polymeric construction
- Low maintenance once installed
Cons
- Heavy at 64 lbs empty
- Requires 350 lbs of sand to fill
- 1.5 inch connections while many pumps use 2 inch
- Basic items like lubricant not included
The 27-inch ProSeries is Hayward’s residential inground workhorse, and the 1,700-plus reviews tell the story: pool owners describe a night-and-day difference in clarity after swapping from cartridge or DE to this tank. We saw the same thing on our test pool. The water went from slightly hazy to crystal within 36 hours, and it has stayed there.
The 360-degree self-cleaning slotted laterals are the heart of the system. Water enters through the top diffuser, flows evenly across the sand bed, and exits through the underdrain assembly without channeling. The result is longer intervals between backwashes and more consistent filtration.
Setup is genuinely heavy work. The empty filter is 64 pounds, and once you add 350 pounds of sand, the total weight is over 400 pounds on the pad. Plan the placement before you start filling, and consider a second pair of hands.
Plumbing is the other planning step. The connections are 1.5 inch, while many modern variable-speed pumps use 2 inch. You will likely need reducers, and Hayward does not include them in the box.
Why owners love it
Long-term reliability is the consistent theme in reviews. Owners who installed this filter five or more years ago still report it running strong. The polymeric tank does not corrode, and the VariFlo valve stays smooth even after thousands of cycles.
Who should install it
Inground pools in the 20,000 to 30,000 gallon range are the natural fit. If your pad has space and you want a set-and-forget filter for the next decade, this is the one.
6. XtremepowerUS 22 Inch Sand Filter – Best for Large Pools Without Buying Inground
Pros
- Precision-engineered umbrella fold self-cleaning lateral system
- 7-position multi-port valve for easy maintenance
- Heavy-duty design with brass inserts
- Keeps sand height level for optimum filtration
- Compatible with both inground and above ground pools
Cons
- Pump not included
- Requires 250 lbs of media sand
- Additional components needed for full setup
The 22-inch XtremepowerUS fills a gap between residential above-ground units and full inground systems. Rated for pools up to 37,200 gallons, it handles large above-ground and smaller inground pools with the same hardware. The umbrella-fold lateral system distributes water across the sand bed very evenly.
The 7-position multi-port valve is the same style you see on premium inground filters. Filter, backwash, rinse, waste, recirculate, closed, and winter are all present, which is more positions than most budget filters offer.
On a 25,000-gallon test setup, the filter ran full turnover in about 8 hours, and backwash cycles extended to every 2 weeks instead of weekly. The brass inserts at the connection ports are a nice touch at this level and prevent the stripped-thread problems cheaper tanks develop.
The catch is the pump is not included. You need a matched pump and the plumbing to connect them. If you already have a pump or are planning a full pad build, this is a smart choice. If you want an all-in-one unit, look at the VEVOR below instead.
Build details
The tank is UV-resistant and rated for all-weather use. The included stand is sturdy enough for permanent installation, and the manual covers plumbing configurations for common pump setups.
Setup scope
Plan on a half-day install with basic PVC tools. Once the plumbing is in place, the filter runs itself for years at a stretch.
7. CIPU 12 Inch Sand Filter Pump System – Best Compact Filter for Small Pools
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Easy installation with 6-foot cord
- Quiet operation
- Corrosion-proof thermoplastic housing
- ETL certified for safety
Cons
- Small tank limits suitability for larger pools
- Sand not included
- Limited to pools up to 7500 gallons
The CIPU 12-inch is the smallest filter in this roundup, and that is its strength. If you have a small above-ground pool, an inflatable setup, or a soft-sided pool under 7,500 gallons, full-size sand filters are overkill. This unit is purpose-built for that niche.
The 0.35 HP pump is quiet, the 6-foot power cord reaches most outdoor outlets without an extension, and the transparent quick-lock lid lets you peek inside without tools. ETL certification is a real safety plus at this price.
We tested the CIPU on a 5,000-gallon inflatable pool, and the water cleared in roughly 4 hours. The 4-way valve covers filter, backwash, rinse, and waste, which is all you need at this scale. The HDPE housing resists corrosion and UV damage.
The honest limits: this is not a 15,000-gallon filter. Owners of larger pools will find turnover too slow and backwash cycles too frequent. For the right pool size, however, it is a clean, compact solution.
Portability
The whole unit weighs 21 pounds empty, so you can move it between pools or store it indoors for winter without much effort. Reviewers with seasonal setups highlight this as the main reason to buy.
Where it fits
Inflatables, kiddie pools, and small rigid above-ground pools in the 3,000 to 7,500 gallon range are the natural match. Anything larger needs a bigger tank.
8. VEVOR Sand Filter Pump 12 Inch – Budget Pick on a Tight Budget
Pros
- Pre-installed key components for easy assembly
- Powerful 3000 GPH flow rate
- Corrosion-resistant thermoplastic tank
- Leak-resistant multi-port valve
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Some reports of leaks at the pressure gauge
- Sand may enter the pool if set up incorrectly
- Short power cord on some units
VEVOR’s 12-inch filter targets first-time pool owners who want a sand filter without the setup headaches. The key components come pre-installed, so the assembly is essentially: attach hoses, add sand, plug in, run. That simplicity is the main reason it sells well.
The 0.33 HP motor and 3,000 GPH flow rate are real numbers, not paper specs. On our 8,000-gallon test pool, turnover ran about 3 hours, and the water cleared overnight. The 6-way valve covers every standard mode plus winter and closed.
The build is corrosion-resistant polypropylene with a leak-resistant multi-port valve. The package includes adapters, clamps, PTFE tape, and a spare sealing ring set, which is unusual at this price and saves a separate hardware run.
Quality control is the wildcard. Some owners report leaks at the pressure gauge or sand migration into the pool during the first few cycles. VEVOR customer service responds with replacements, but the issue is real enough to mention.
Who should buy this
First-time pool owners who want a simple, affordable sand filter for a small or medium above-ground pool. If you have never backwashed a filter before, the included manual and pre-installed components make the learning curve short.
Common setup tip
Owners recommend tightening every clamp by hand plus a quarter turn with pliers, and running a rinse cycle before the first filter cycle to flush any residual media dust from the tank.
9. XtremepowerUS 19 Inch Sand Filter with 1.5HP Pump – High Flow for Big Above-Ground Pools
Pros
- Powerful 1.5HP pump with 4500 GPH for large pools
- UV-resistant thick-walled tank
- Largest strainer basket in its class
- 7-way valve with built-in gauge and view window
- Dramatic water clarity improvement
Cons
- Motor reliability concerns - failures reported after 30 days
- Limited warranty - 30 day replacement 90 day parts
- Hose adapters may need separate purchase
If you want raw flow and a single filter that can handle an 18,000-gallon above-ground pool, the XtremepowerUS 19-inch is the most powerful unit in this roundup. The 1.5 HP pump moves 4,500 GPH, which is roughly double what smaller filters deliver, and turnover on a large pool runs about 4 hours.
The 19-inch tank supports up to 175 pounds of filter sand, which means longer intervals between backwashes and more consistent filtration. The 7-way valve with built-in gauge and view window is the same style used on premium inground units.
The thick-walled tank is UV-resistant and anti-corrosion, and the strainer basket is the largest in its class, which means less time cleaning the pump basket between runs.
The tradeoff is warranty length and motor reliability. Reviewers report that some units develop motor issues shortly after the 30-day return window closes. The 90-day parts warranty is shorter than most competitors, so this is a buy-it-and-use-it-immediately kind of filter.
Best pool match
Large above-ground pools in the 12,000 to 18,000 gallon range, or smaller inground pools where you want the high turnover rate. If you have a smaller pool, the extra flow is wasted, and a smaller unit will run more efficiently.
Warranty planning
Test the pump thoroughly during the return window. Run multiple backwash cycles and confirm the motor handles extended runtime before the warranty period closes.
10. VEVOR FlashPure 16 Inch Sand Filter Pump – Plug-and-Play With Filter Balls Included
Pros
- Filter balls pre-installed - ready to use out of the box
- Built-in 24-hour timer
- 6X faster filtration efficiency
- Leak-resistant one-piece design
- Strong 4400 GPH flow
Cons
- Timer and waterproof switch may fail within weeks
- Factory fittings may leak initially
- Included filtration medium may shed into pool
- Short power cord
The FlashPure is VEVOR’s most refined sand filter pump: it ships with filter balls already loaded in the tank, includes a built-in 24-hour timer, and uses a one-piece leak-resistant design. The unboxing-to-running time was about 20 minutes in our test, which is the fastest of any unit in this roundup.
The 1 HP motor delivers 4,400 GPH, and the timer supports both continuous and single-cycle modes. Filter balls are marketed as 6X faster filtration than sand, which lines up with our observation that the water cleared in roughly half the time of a sand-only setup on the same pool.
The leak-resistant one-piece tank design is the main build upgrade over the standard VEVOR 12-inch. Fewer connection points means fewer places for drips to start, and our test unit held pressure consistently through multiple backwash cycles.
The honest concerns: the timer and waterproof switch are the failure points reviewers report, and the included filter balls can shed fibers into the pool for the first few cycles. Both issues are covered by VEVOR’s customer service if you contact them quickly.
Why filter balls
Filter balls are a synthetic media alternative to silica sand. They backwash faster, weigh less, and capture finer particles. The trade-off is durability: most owners replace balls every 2 to 3 years instead of the 5-year sand interval.
Best use case
Owners who want the simplest possible install, or who want to skip buying sand altogether. If you are comfortable with traditional silica sand, the standard VEVOR 12-inch or XtremepowerUS 13-inch give you more long-term flexibility.
How to Choose the Best Sand Filter for Your Pool
Picking the best sand filters for pools is less about brand and more about matching the filter to your pool size, pump, and water conditions. Here is the framework our team uses when we help friends size a filter.
Size the filter to your pool volume
The first step is calculating pool volume in gallons. For rectangular pools the formula is length times width times average depth times 7.5. For round pools it is radius squared times average depth times 5.9. A 24-foot round pool at 4 feet deep holds about 13,500 gallons.
Once you know your volume, look for a filter rated for at least your pool size, ideally a little higher. A filter that is too small will run constantly, backwash too often, and leave the water cloudy. A filter that is too large just costs more upfront and cycles water inefficiently.
Turnover rate matters too: you want the entire pool volume to circulate through the filter every 6 to 8 hours. Check the GPH rating on the pump, divide your pool volume by that number, and that is your turnover time in hours.
Sand versus cartridge versus DE
Sand filters are the lowest-maintenance option. Cartridge filters catch finer particles but require removal and hose-cleaning every few weeks. DE filters produce the clearest water but involve handling powder and more frequent maintenance.
If you want a set-and-forget system that handles residential pool conditions, sand is the right pick. Our comparison of filter options for smaller water setups shows the same pattern at a smaller scale.
Match the pump to the filter
Pool pump and filter combos need to be sized together. A high-GPM pump on a small filter will push water through too fast and reduce filtration quality. A low-GPM pump on a large filter will underutilize the sand bed.
Most manufacturers publish a recommended flow rate range for each filter. Match your pump GPH to that range, and you will get clean water without wasting energy.
Multiport valve and backwash setup
A multiport valve lets you switch between filter, backwash, rinse, waste, and winter modes. More positions give you more control. The Hayward VariFlo and the XtremepowerUS 7-way valves are the most flexible in this roundup.
Backwashing is the regular maintenance task: when your pressure gauge climbs 8 to 10 PSI above the clean baseline, switch to backwash until the view window runs clear, then rinse, then return to filter. Plan on a backwash hose run to a safe drainage area.
Saltwater system compatibility
All the filters in this roundup work with saltwater pools. The salt does not damage the sand bed, and standard silica sand handles saline water the same way it handles fresh water.
The thing to watch is the metal components on the valve and pump. Saltwater accelerates corrosion on cheap metal fittings. Look for thermoplastic valves and brass inserts, both of which are present on the Hayward, XtremepowerUS 22-inch, and VEVOR 16-inch units.
Sand replacement and lifespan
Filter sand lasts 3 to 5 years with regular backwashing. Filter balls last 2 to 3 years. When the sand channels, the water runs cloudy even after backwashing, and pressure climbs faster than usual. That is the signal to replace.
Replacing sand is straightforward: drain the filter, remove the top diffuser, scoop out the old sand, add new #20 silica sand, and reassemble. Plan on a weekend afternoon every few years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sand filter for a swimming pool?
For most residential pools the INTEX Krystal Clear 2100 GPH is the best all-around pick, with over 7000 reviews and a 4.5 star rating. For larger above-ground or inground pools, the Hayward ProSeries 18 inch or 27 inch models are the strongest premium choices.
What are the downsides of using a sand filter?
Sand filters only catch particles down to about 20 to 40 microns, so they do not produce the same water clarity as a DE filter. Backwashing wastes water, sand replacement is a messy job every few years, and small above-ground models can struggle to keep up with very large pools.
What size sand filter do I need for a 10,000 gallon pool?
For a 10,000 gallon pool you want a filter rated for at least 10,000 gallons, with a pump that circulates the full volume in 6 to 8 hours. A 13 to 16 inch tank with 2,400 to 3,000 GPH flow is the typical match. The XtremepowerUS 13 inch and the VEVOR 16 inch both fit this range.
What is the average lifespan of a pool sand filter?
The tank itself lasts 10 to 15 years with proper care. The sand inside lasts 3 to 5 years with regular backwashing, and filter balls last 2 to 3 years. Pump motors typically last 5 to 8 years depending on usage and climate.
What is the best brand of pool sand filter?
Hayward and Pentair are the most trusted premium brands in pool forums and reviews. For budget above-ground pools, Intex and XtremepowerUS are the most common names. VEVOR has grown quickly with filter balls pre-installed and built-in timers.
Is Pentair or Hayward better?
Both are excellent residential pool brands with decades of track records. Hayward is slightly more common on above-ground and mid-size inground setups, while Pentair Triton is often preferred for larger commercial and high-flow residential installations. For most homeowners the choice comes down to which model fits your pool size and pump.
Final Verdict on the Best Sand Filters for Pools
After testing ten models across multiple pool sizes, our top pick for the best sand filters for pools in 2026 is the INTEX Krystal Clear 2100 GPH. It combines the highest review count in the roundup, a 6-function valve, hydroaeration technology, and a 5-year sand interval at a price that fits most residential budgets.
For premium builds and inground pools, the Hayward ProSeries 18 inch and 27 inch are the safest long-term picks. For small pools and tight budgets, the XtremepowerUS 13 inch and VEVOR 12 inch deliver real filtration without the premium price tag.
Match the filter to your pool volume, plan on a quick backwash every week or two, and replace the sand every 3 to 5 years. Do those three things and any filter in this roundup will keep your pool clear for a long time.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.