Welcome to the last full week of October and boy is it going to be a busy week of new game releases. This week's AAA release is said to force you to go rogue on your tour of duty. Next you'll be starting your own tentacle cult, which if followed by being kicked out of hell for the second time, an inaccurate history lesson, being blown away by the wind and finally being turned into a blue hedgehog.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 / This week's AAA title / Friday 25 October
Developed by Treyarch and Raven, Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller set in the early 90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower. With a mind-bending narrative, and unbound by the rules of engagement, this is signature Black Ops. The Black Ops 6 Campaign provides dynamic moment-to-moment gameplay that includes a variety of play spaces with blockbuster set pieces and action-packed moments, high-stakes heists, and cloak-and-dagger spy activity. Steam link

Hot on the heels of Gigabyte, ASUS has also put its Thunderbolt 5 card up on its website, although there are some differences between the two. Obviously the physical appearance differs somewhat, but that's largely cosmetic. However, the one key difference is that the ASUS ThunderboltEX 5 only sports a single 6-pin PCIe power connector. ASUS still claims USB PD support of up to 130 W—a feature the company calls Flexible FastCharge—however, a single USB Type-C port is limited to a maximum of 96 W, which means you can charge your MacBook Pro at full tilt, but not some other laptops. Admittedly the 4 W discrepancy compared to the Gigabyte card is fairly minor, but the second port gets left with only 34 W, although that's still enough for charging most phones. Oddly enough, ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 card, allowed for up to 100 W on a single port.

ASUS has also implemented a single Thunderbolt 5 pin-header for the GPIO, SPI I2C and UART interfaces, plus a standard USB 2.0 header, for adding USB 2.0 support to the Thunderbolt 5 ports. Just as with the Gigabyte card, we find Intel's JHL9580 Thunderbolt 5 controller at the heart of the card and once again it uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and supports up to three DP 2.1 8K displays at 60 Hz, although ASUS mentions that this requires DSC. The card features three mini DP inputs and comes with three DP to mini DP adapters, as well as the two aforementioned USB Type-C ports. Note that if you use tree displays, you can only use two Thunderbolt devices with the card. ASUS only mentions Windows 11 64-bit support, so it looks like Windows 10 won't be getting a driver and so far it would seem neither is Linux.

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation and Performance Designed Products LLC (PDP), today announced the launch of the Designed for Xbox Titan Steel REMATCH GLOW Advanced Wired Controller. This striking controller, exclusively for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11, features a distinctive glow-in-the-dark design, 2-way true hair triggers, two programmable back buttons, and customizability through the PDP Control Hub app. Dual rumble motors and impulse triggers also deliver an immersive gameplay experience, while the D-pad provides quick and easy built-in volume adjustments. The PDP Control Hub app lets gamers re-map buttons, reconfigure triggers, adjust deadzones, and more.

The Titan Steel REMATCH GLOW Advanced Wired Controller is available at www.PDP.com, www.turtlebeach.com, and at participating retailers in the U.S. for a $37.99 MSRP. The controller launches in the UK and Europe on October 25, 2024, for an £29.99/€39.99 MSRP.

Asetek SimSports - the manufacturer of sim-racing hardware based in Aalborg, Denmark - is today proud to launch a state-of-the-art product, the Invicta Steering Wheel. Inspired by real-life Formula racing cars, the Invicta Steering Wheel has been designed and crafted with supreme performance and immersion in mind. Asetek's long history of innovation, engineering excellence, and real-life racing experience and gaming expertise combine to make the ultimate steering wheel.

The Invicta Steering Wheel offers maximum rigidity from a CNC-milled aluminium chassis and carbon fiber front plate, all while keeping the design sleek and lightweight. Indeed, the Invicta Steering Wheel weighs in at just 1.5 kilograms for an unmatched weight to performance scale in this category. Light and strong, the Invicta Steering Wheel ensures users never miss a grain of detail on the racetrack and can take full advantage of the feedback from their simulator.

Intel has released the latest version of its Arc GPU Graphics drivers, the version 101.6127/6044 Beta. The new driver update brings Game On support on Intel Arc A-series GPUs and Intel Core Ultra CPUs with Intel Arc GPUs for No More Room in Hell 2 game. It also improves game performance on Intel Arc A-series GPUs in Core Keeper and Metaphor: ReFantazio games under DirectX 11. Intel also improved performance on Intel Core Ultra Series 2 CPUs with built-in Intel Arc GPUs in Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered and Assassin's Creed Mirage games under DirectX 12.

Intel also fixed a couple of issues on Intel Core Ultra Series 1 and Series 2 CPUs with built-in Intel Arc GPUs, including a fix for issue when enabling or disabling Endurance Gaming preset, issue with visual corruption in Chaos Enscape Benchmark 4.1, issue with lower performance in 3DMark Wildlife Extreme benchmark, and fix for issue with corruption during gameplay in Final Fantasy XVI.

DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.6127/6044 Beta

Unknown Worlds has finally announced the next sequel to its popular indie survival game franchise, Subnautica, and released a teaser trailer alongside the reveal. While details are still scant, the first trailer divulges some key information about the upcoming game. For starters, and likely the biggest divergence from Subnautica and the Subnautica: Below Zero expansion, is the addition of multiplayer gameplay, supporting teams of up to four players. For now, it looks like gameplay will either be single-player or online co-op, although it's unclear whether teams will be able to mix the two, popping into four-player sessions alone or with one or two players sitting it out.

Just judging from the trailer and Steam Store page, it looks like Subnautica 2 will take many of the same game mechanics—crafting, resource management, and an open-world sandbox—as the other games in the franchise, and build on them, instead of trying to rewrite the story. Likewise, it looks to be leaning into the Lovecraftian horror themes earlier on in the game. There also seems to be a new upgrade mechanic that will allow players to augment the biology of their characters, which should add an extra layer of depth to the game. Unknown Worlds has not yet published the full retail price for Subnautica 2 or pinned an exact release date, but it will release as an Early Access game sometime in 2025. Fans of the genre and franchise can wishlist and follow the game on Steam, Epic Games, or Xbox or join the Discord community.

Gigabyte has quietly added the first Thunderbolt 5 add-in card to its website under the rather unimaginative name of Thunderbolts 5. The card itself is nothing remarkable when compared to Thunderbolt 4 add-in cards, although it sports a third mini DisplayPort input for unclear reasons, as well as two USB Type-C outputs. This time around Gigabyte has added support for more power though, as the card features a pair of what appears to be 6-pin PCIe power connectors and the card supports up to 100 W USB PD charging. Courtesy of the new JHL9580, or Barlow Ridge controller, the card offers support for DP 2.1 with resolutions of up to 8K at 60 Hz, as well as data speeds of up to 80 Gbps, or 120/40 Gbps in asymmetric mode.

Intel's JHL9580 controller has a PCIe 4.0 x4 host interface, the same as ASMedia's ASM4242 USB4 host controller and it's a big step up from Intel's previous Thunderbolt 4 controllers that were stuck with PCIe 3.0. Note that the JHL9580 is also offered in a Thunderbolt 4 version known as the JHL9540 which also uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and offers DP 2.1 support, but slower speeds. Both of the new Barlow Ridge controllers also support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps), something previous Thunderbolt controllers didn't. Intel has a list price for the JHL9580 of US$19, which is just over US$8 more than the JHL8540 Maple Ridge controller which launched in 2020, as such, expect Thunderbolt 5 add-in cards to come at an even higher price point than previous Thunderbolt 4 add-in cards. Gigabyte might be first out of the gate, but we expect most motherboard makers to follow suit with products of their own before the end of the year.

Tap into the powers of the Fold to right the wrongs of Haroona's past and stop a secret society from taking control of powerful knowledge in the narrative-driven action-adventure game, Unknown 9: Awakening, out now for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.

Published by Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe and developed by Reflector Entertainment, the game is set at the turn of the 20th century and takes players on a globetrotting mission to prevent the world's best-kept secrets from falling into the wrong hands. The game's heroine, Haroona, is portrayed by the talented actress Anya Chalotra in her first video game role.

AMD today released the latest version of AMD Software Adrenalin drivers for its Radeon RX graphics cards. Version 24.10.1 WHQL comes with optimization for "Unknown 9: Awakening" and "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6." AMD HYPR-Tune support has been expanded to include "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6," "7 Days to Die," and "Once Human." The drivers address intermittent performance drops when playing certain areas of "DayZ." It also corrects a game crash seen with "DOOM Eternal" with Metrics Overlay enabled.

DOWNLOAD: AMD Software Adrenalin 24.10.1 WHQL

During the Open Compute Project (OCP) Summit 2024, Meta, one of the prime members of the OCP project, showed its NVIDIA "Blackwell" GB200 systems for its massive data centers. We previously covered Microsoft's Azure server rack with GB200 GPUs featuring one-third of the rack space for computing and two-thirds for cooling. A few days later, Google showed off its smaller GB200 system, and today, Meta is showing off its GB200 system—the smallest of the bunch. To train a dense transformer large language model with 405B parameters and a context window of up to 128k tokens, like the Llama 3.1 405B, Meta must redesign its data center infrastructure to run a distributed training job on two 24,000 GPU clusters. That is 48,000 GPUs used for training a single AI model.

Called "Catalina," it is built on the NVIDIA Blackwell platform, emphasizing modularity and adaptability while incorporating the latest NVIDIA GB200 Grace Blackwell Superchip. To address the escalating power requirements of GPUs, Catalina introduces the Orv3, a high-power rack capable of delivering up to 140kW. The comprehensive liquid-cooled setup encompasses a power shelf supporting various components, including a compute tray, switch tray, the Orv3 HPR, Wedge 400 fabric switch with 12.8 Tbps switching capacity, management switch, battery backup, and a rack management controller. Interestingly, Meta also upgraded its "Grand Teton" system for internal usage, such as deep learning recommendation models (DLRMs) and content understanding with AMD Instinct MI300X. Those are used to inference internal models, and MI300X appears to provide the best performance per Dollar for inference. According to Meta, the computational demand stemming from AI will continue to increase exponentially, so more NVIDIA and AMD GPUs is needed, and we can't wait to see what the company builds.

LG Electronics (LG) is launching its business monitor lineup, introducing 20 brand-new models designed to enhance productivity and ergonomic comfort in the workplace. Well known for its premium consumer monitors, LG is now expanding into the B2B sector with monitors tailored to the needs of diverse professional environments, from corporate and government to education, healthcare and the creative industries. The impressive lineup presents customers with a wealth of choices, including a variety of different aspect ratios and screen resolutions ranging from QHD to Full HD.

LG UltraWide Displays: Spacious, High-resolution Screens
Available in the 21:9 aspect ratio, LG's UltraWide business monitors are outstanding multitasking solutions with high-resolution screens. The 34BA85QE-B and 34BA75QE-B feature 34-inch curved QHD+ (3,440 x 1,440) resolution IPS displays that deliver sharp, detailed visuals and accurate color reproduction. They also provide excellent color consistency across a wide viewing angle, ensuring distortion-free images from practically any vantage point.

AMD China has set up a press event to launch its new Ryzen 7 9800X3D "Zen 5" processor with 3D V-cache. The company is sending out invitations like the one pictured below to the Chinese tech press and select PC enthusiasts. The event is slated to take place in Zhuhai, and spans October 23 and 24, which could mean that the company has set up an experience zone, where visitors can take gaming desktops powered by the 9800X3D for a spin with popular game titles. It won't surprise us if AMD has at least an online press event planned around this time for the rest of the world.

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is widely expected to extend AMD's lead with gaming performance. In first-party gaming benchmarks put out by Intel for its upcoming Core Ultra 9 285K "Arrow Lake" processor, the new chip is shown within 3% of the Core i9-14900K, which the current Ryzen 7 7800X3D beats, and the 9800X3D can only push the gaming performance envelope further from here. If it's not the higher IPC of "Zen 5," then it could be the alleged 5.20 GHz all-core boost frequency for the 9800X3D. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is expected to go on sale in the first week of November 2024.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, is proud to announce the launch of X3D Turbo Mode, a revolutionary BIOS feature designed to maximize gaming performance on X870E, X870, and 600 series motherboards with AMD Ryzen 7000 X3D and Ryzen 9000 series processors.⁠

GIGABYTE X3D Turbo Mode is a cutting-edge BIOS feature that pushes the boundaries of gaming performance. Empirical testing demonstrates that this innovative BIOS feature delivers tangible benefits to gamers, with performance increases of up to 35% for incoming Ryzen 9000 X3D processors and an astounding 20% for Ryzen 9000 non-X3D processors. Moreover, X3D Turbo Mode's unique optimization parameters allow even Ryzen 9000 non-X3D processors to achieve similar gaming performance levels as their Ryzen X3D counterparts. Experience smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and reduced latency by GIGABYTE's BIOS wizardry-X3D Turbo Mode.

Creative Technology today proudly announces the release of the Sound Blaster G8, the latest external gaming DAC designed for those seeking a superior listening experience beyond standard audio. Building on the Sound Blaster legacy, the Sound Blaster G8 brings something new to the table as the first external gaming DAC to feature dual USB-C inputs with mixing capabilities, ensuring seamless connectivity for users. Coupled with ultra high-resolution 32-bit/384 kHz playback and a proprietary Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplifier, the Sound Blaster G8 sets to deliver outstanding audio clarity and precision, making it a must-have for gamers, audio enthusiasts, and content creators.

A New Standard in Audio Performance
The Sound Blaster G8 breaks new ground as the first external gaming DAC to offer dual USB-C inputs with mixing, allowing users to connect two devices—such as a PC and console - at the same time without sacrificing audio quality. This handy feature eliminates the need for additional mixing devices, while keeping the desktop space clutter-free. Unlike most amplifiers on the market, Creative's proprietary Xamp discrete headphone bi-amplifier drives the left and right headphone channels individually, resulting in a smoother, more detailed audio experience. Boasting a dynamic range of 130 dB, the Sound Blaster G8 brings music, movies, and games to life, letting every subtle sound and explosive moment be heard with remarkable clarity. Additionally, with the ability to support headphones with an impedance range from 16Ω to 600Ω, the Sound Blaster G8 offers exceptional sound quality and connectivity across any setup, whether for everyday listening or with high-end gear.

LIAN LI Industrial Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of chassis and PC accessories, debuts the UNI FAN SL Wireless, and STRIMER Wireless, its latest innovation in ARGB lighting technology. Offering next-gen 2.4 GHz wireless control for both products, the UNI FAN SL Wireless and STRIMER Wireless significantly reduce cable clutter.

UNI FAN SL Wireless and SL Wireless LCD
The UNI FAN SL Wireless lighting effects, and fan speeds are controlled via the 2.4 GHz L-Wireless SYNC Controller and L-Connect 3 software. Both fans received an enhanced ARGB design update, with dual lighting zones on each side for dynamic lighting effects. They also use Fluid Dynamic Bearings for quiet operation and high-performance cooling, up to 2000 RPM for the SL Wireless and 1900 RPM for the SL Wireless LCD. The SL Wireless LCD features a 1.6" LCD display with a resolution of 400×400, supporting MP4, GIF, JPG, and PNG format, with full customization in L-Connect 3 software. The controller supports groups of up to 4 SL Wireless, mix and match with 2 SL Wireless LCDs and 2 SL Wireless, or up to 3 SL Wireless LCDs. Each fan group requires a clip-integrated receiver powered by a PWM header (the LCD version requires an additional USB header cable).

[Editor's note: Our in-depth review of the Lian Li UNI FAN SL 120 Wireless is now live]

On the occasion of the ADAC SimRacing Expo, Thrustmaster is thrilled to unveil its latest high-end steering wheel: the Hypercar Wheel Add-On. Immerse yourself in the demanding, prestigious atmosphere of luxury cars with Hypercar Wheel Add-On - an oval-shaped wheel rim featuring ergonomics inspired by incredibly-powerful hypercars.

Discover an uncompromising design combining elegance and performance. You'll appreciate its sophisticated craftmanship, made from premium materials with meticulous attention to details. The grip surfaces are wrapped in leather and Alcantara, ensuring a firm and comfortable handling. Alcantara, the cutting-edge Made in Italy material, is also renowned for its use in the interiors of the world's most iconic Hypercars. Its superior durability, lightweight feel and unique soft-touch finish bring an added touch of refinement.

iiyama is proud to unveil the 27" G-Master GB2795HSU-B1 Gold Phoenix, a high-performance gaming monitor specifically designed for esports enthusiasts and professional gamers. Designed to give competitive players the edge they need in the most intense gaming environments, the monitor offers an impressive 280 Hz refresh rate and a 0.2 ms response time, making it one of the fastest monitors yet in the G-Master portfolio.

The 27" panel delivers crisp and vibrant visuals, ensuring every frame is displayed with clarity, while the FreeSync Premium technology eliminates screen tearing and stuttering. Whether in fast-paced FPS titles or strategy games requiring precise timing, the GB2795HSU ensures fluid, uninterrupted gameplay, making it the perfect choice for those serious about esports.

For enterprises in search of a high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective boot-drive solution, the HighPoint SSD6202A is the ideal choice. Engineered for enterprise computing environments, the robust, low-profile PCIe NVMe RAID AIC enhances the reliability and redundancy of the host platform by isolating the system's boot device from critical applications and primary data storage. The SSD6202A incorporates an impressive array of hardware and software features designed to maximize the performance, reliability and serviceability of NVMe storage media.

Native Hardware Support Streamlines Integration & Service Workflows
SSD6202A AICs are natively supported by all current Linux and Windows-based operating system and virtualization platforms, and require no additional device drivers or software applications to perform optimally. Hosted NVMe SSDs and RAID arrays will be automatically recognized as ordinary drives during OS installation, and can be formatted and partitioned as desired. The universal PCIe x8 host interface enables the SSD6202A to be seamlessly integrated into any PCIe Gen 3, 4 or 5 platform, and can deliver up to 7,000 MB/s of real-world transfer throughput using just a pair of off-the-shelf M.2 SSDs.

Team Group Inc.'s gaming brand, T-FORCE, has launched two new color variants for its high-end XTREEM memory series: the T-FORCE XTREEM DDR5 in pink and the T-FORCE XTREEM ARGB DDR5 in snow white. T-FORCE is committed to delivering the ultimate performance experience for gamers. In addition to continuously enhancing technical specifications, the design is also innovative. These memory modules not only fully unleash the performance required by overclocking gamers but also introduce a new, stylish aesthetic, meeting both performance and fashion demands.

The T-FORCE XTREEM DDR5 now comes in a new diamond rose variant, featuring a sandblasted metal texture heat spreader adorned with the T-FORCE logo. It makes a stunning debut among the diverse range of memory options. Meanwhile, the T-FORCE XTREEM ARGB DDR5 launches in white, with a snow-white sandblasted heat spreader and dual light bars, carefully selected to showcase a multi-layered optical design. This creates an immersive soft white RGB aurora effect. The T-FORCE XTREEM series supports overclocking technology on both Intel and AMD platforms, offering one-click overclocking with dual-mode modules that fully unleash peak performance. While TEAMGROUP continues to develop high-spec products, it also remains attuned to market trends, offering a variety of vibrant design choices to provide the best memory solutions for gamers.

Ahead of its October 23 release, PC enthusiast and Twitch streamer Madness727 released some of the first pictures of a de-lidded Core Ultra "Arrow Lake-S" desktop processor. There's no word on which processor model this is, but it shouldn't matter—all models being released this month are based on the same exact configuration of tiles of the "Arrow Lake-S," which means a Compute tile with an 8P+16E core CPU complex, a Graphics tile with 4 Xe cores, and the larger version of the breakout I/O tile that features an integrated Thunderbolt 4 controller.

Intel already released information on its Core Ultra "Arrow Lake-H" mobile processor that comes out in Q1-2025, which is shown featuring a physically smaller Compute tile that has a 6P+8E core CPU complex, a larger Graphics tile with 8 Xe cores, and a smaller breakout I/O tile. You can see where this is going for some of the cheaper Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 3 desktop processor models that release in Q1-2025. De-lidding is the process of removing the integrated heatspreader of a desktop processor to enable direct contact between the chip below, and the cooling solution. It is preferred by professional overclockers that use extreme cooling solutions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IT industry's average growth is much higher than that of other industries, and the median wage is reported to be more than double the standard. If you're looking for a new or more lucrative career path, it may be smart to consider becoming an IT professional.

However, making the switch to IT from another industry can feel intimidating—but not if you have the proper training and certifications. Build a solid foundation with this cloud computing course bundle, which offers over 50 hours of content covering AWS, Azure, and cloud security for only $29.99 (reg. $179). Get it now to study for the industry certifications—or to land your dream job.

Learn the foundations and practical applications of cloud computing with this six-course bundle, now just $29.99 while inventory is available.

MSI is thrilled to announce the Unknown 9: Awakening Game Bundle promotion, running from October 18 to November 18, 2024. Participants can enroll while supplies last for a chance to receive a free game code for the PC standard edition of Unknown 9: Awakening - Standard Edition PC valued at USD $49.99 with the purchase of select eligible X870/X870E motherboards.

Delve into the mysterious world of the Unknown 9, and uncover mysteries hidden in plain sight. You are Haroona, a Quaestor born with the ability to venture into a mysterious dimension that overlaps our own, known only as the Fold. On her quest for powerful hidden knowledge, Haroona will learn to master her unique connection to the Fold, which allows her to channel its powers into our world... But such power does not go unnoticed and Haroona quickly becomes the target of the Ascendants, who want to use the Fold to alter the course of human history.

Terahard Studios is excited to announce its latest title, Dunebound Tactics, a turn-based tactics roguelite RPG set in a wasteland overtaken by the bonedry desert sand. The Steam page launched today and is ready to welcome some wishlists! Lead your band of survivors on a hazardous trek across unforgiving sands in search of a new home. Battle ruthless factions, scavenge dwindling resources, and make life-or-death choices to keep your sand-faring ship on the move, even if it requires sacrificing your own crewmates!

"Personally, I'm a huge tactics fanatic. We built our very own tactics engine with RPG elements from the ground up for Dunebound Tactics! I'm excited both for the technical innovations as well as the freedom we gave our game designers to create an amazing experience. The art in this game is the best we've managed so far connecting all the little details to squeeze performance and quality." - Aris Tsevrenis, CEO of Terahard Studios

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the exclusive launch of the Viper Mini Signature Edition in a new color, White. This new release continues to redefine state-of-the-art gaming technology with a stunning new color and exquisite craftsmanship.

The Viper Mini Signature Edition in White is a pinnacle of gaming elegance and performance, tailored for gamers who seek a lighter design to match their white battlestations. With a growing trend of full white minimalist setups, the Signature Edition was crafted to be the purest masterpiece for our most hardcore fans.

Today, Remedy Entertainment has unveiled FBC: Firebreak (formerly known as Project Condor), with players joining the enigmatic Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) in a three-player cooperative first-person shooter. As the Bureau's headquarters faces a deadly and prolonged siege by otherworldly forces, only Firebreak—its most adaptable response unit—has the skills and courage to restore order.

The mid-priced FBC: Firebreak will be the first self-published game from Remedy Entertainment and is scheduled to release in 2025 for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. FBC: Firebreak will launch day one on PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. It also launches day one onto the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, available for all Extra and Premium members.

Formovie, a leading innovator in laser TV and smart projector technologies, announces the upcoming release of their latest flagship product, the Formovie Theater Premium, set to launch on October 28, 2024 at 00:00 a.m. PDT / 3:00 p.m. CST / 9:00 a.m. CEST.

This groundbreaking 4K ultra-short-throw (UST) projector features enhanced ALPD RGB+ 4.0 triple-color laser technology, upgraded Dolby Vision for exceptional visuals and second generation Bowers & Wilkins acoustics for immersive sound. Its ultra-short throw ratio allows for a large screen in limited space, and integrated Google TV offers easy access to your favorite content, redefining your home cinema experience.

Intel's taking a different path with its Gaudi 3 accelerator chips. It's staying away from the high-demand market for training big AI models, which has made NVIDIA so successful. Instead, Intel wants to help businesses that need cheaper AI solutions to train and run smaller specific models and open-source options. At a recent event, Intel talked up Gaudi 3's "price performance advantage" over NVIDIA's H100 GPU for inference tasks. Intel says Gaudi 3 is faster and more cost-effective than the H100 when running Llama 3 and Llama 2 models of different sizes.

Intel also claims that Gaudi 3 is as power-efficient as the H100 for large language model (LLM) inference with small token outputs and does even better with larger outputs. The company even suggests Gaudi 3 beats NVIDIA's newer H200 in LLM inference throughput for large token outputs. However, Gaudi 3 doesn't match up to the H100 in overall floating-point operation throughput for 16-bit and 8-bit formats. For bfloat16 and 8-bit floating-point precision matrix math, Gaudi 3 hits 1,835 TFLOPS in each format, while the H100 reaches 1,979 TFLOPS for BF16 and 3,958 TFLOPS for FP8.

After the initial announcement at Computex 2024, Pro Gamers Group (PGG) is proud to announce the release of its most premium PC hardware brand to date - HAVN. The HAVN team has been assembled from all corners of the PC industry. Its members hail from the product design and engineering departments of brands such as Fractal, NZXT, Cooler Master, Sapphire, Wistron and Corning. Their first finished work is the result of over two years of development, thermal simulations, prototyping, and stress tests by the systems experts of PGG, with members from Caseking, Overclockers UK, PC Case Gear, and 8Pack. Pro Gamers Group has produced and sold over one million high-end gaming PC systems to date.

"We approach our products with the idea that there is no wasted design," said David Jarlestedt, HAVN Product and Brand Director. "Nothing is frivolous; every aspect of the product has been thought out, tested, and included because it has a specific function. We hope those who buy it will appreciate this kind of meticulous beauty, and the refined performance it brings."

Check out TPU's dedicated review of this case, which is now live.

Corsair (is excited to announce the launch of the iCUE LINK RX MAX series fans. These fans are 30 mm thick - 20% thicker than standard 25 mm fans. This increased thickness allows for superior airflow and static pressure, enabling the fans to move more air while running slower and quieter for optimal cooling performance. The RX120 MAX PWM fans feature a speed range of 400 to 2,000 RPM and an impressive 4.2 mm-H2O static pressure, making them ideal for pushing air through dense radiators. Similarly, the RX140 MAX fans operate between 300 and 1,600 RPM with a static pressure of 2.4 mm-H2O, providing powerful cooling for a wide range of high-performance components.

Corsair AirGuide Technology focuses airflow precisely where it is needed most, enhancing cooling efficiency and performance. The fans also feature a Magnetic Dome bearing for long-lasting performance and quiet operation, offering a balance between durability and reduced noise levels. Non-RGB fans are equipped with built-in temperature sensors, allowing users to fine-tune fan curves through iCUE software and customize their cooling profiles for peak performance.

ELECOM, a global leader in innovative gaming peripherals, is excited to announce the launch of the TK-VK720A gaming keyboard. This groundbreaking device is set to redefine the gaming experience with its advanced magnetic switch technology, offering unmatched speed, precision, and customization—all within a sleek, compact design. The keyboard will be available in two color options: black and white.

Unmatched Performance with Advanced Magnetic Switches
At the core of the TK-VK720A are its advanced magnetic switches, making ELECOM one of the first in the industry to adopt analog silent switches. These switches provide faster actuation and reset points than traditional mechanical switches, ensuring key presses register at the slightest touch for smoother, more responsive keystrokes. This technology offers a crucial edge in competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts.

Bundle up this fall with GeForce NOW and Dragon Age: The Veilguard with a special, limited-time promotion just for members. The highly anticipated role-playing game (RPG) leads 10 titles joining the ever-growing GeForce NOW library of over 2,000 games.

A Heroic Bundle
Fight for Thedas' future at Ultimate quality this fall as new and existing members who purchase six months of GeForce NOW Ultimate can get BioWare and Electronic Arts' epic RPG Dragon Age: The Veilguard for free when it releases on Oct. 31. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age's newest hero. Lead a team of seven companions, each with their own unique story, against a new evil rising in Thedas. The latest entry in the legendary Dragon Age franchise lets players customize their characters and engage with new romancable companions whose stories unfold over time. Band together and become the Veilguard. Ultimate members can experience BioWare's latest entry at full GeForce quality, with support for NVIDIA DLSS 3, low-latency gameplay with NVIDIA Reflex, and enhanced image quality and immersion with ray-traced ambient occlusion and reflections. Ultimate members can also play popular PC games at up to 4K resolution with extended session lengths, even on low-spec devices. Move fast - this bundle is only available for a limited time until Oct. 30.

Since its introduction in 2004, millions around the world have trusted WD My Passport drives to store and back up their lives' most precious memories and valuable data. To commemorate this milestone anniversary of its most popular drive, Western Digital Corp. is launching the WD My Passport Ultra, 20th Emerald Anniversary Edition. Over the lifetime of the My Passport drives, Western Digital has provided approximately 180 exabytes of data storage for users worldwide, equivalent to up to 18 billion hours of HD video, up to 46 trillion photos, or up to 35 trillion songs.

Prior to the initial introduction of the WD My Passport drive, users had limited options when it came to taking important files with them on the go, having to sacrifice a power outlet and downtime to add and transfer data. In 2004, My Passport delivered a streamlined solution: portable products that offered an impressive amount of storage for many types of digital files - including videos, music, photos, and documents. What started as a simple solution with 40 GB capacity has increased by up to 150 times to now having the world's highest capacity 2.5" portable hard drive with 6 TB of storage, meeting the needs of the modern digital consumer.

NEXiCONN Technology Corp. has launched an advanced game capture device—the AI Pixel-Plus CaptureX NV601/NV501, now available for purchase on Amazon in the U.S. This product utilizes the company's proprietary deep learning AI technology, which enhances game visuals to 4K ultra-high-definition resolution, delivering significantly improved image quality. It offers next-gen support for streamers and content creators. One of the standout features of the AI Pixel-Plus CaptureX NV601/NV501 is its capability to stream on four platforms simultaneously, a breakthrough that is revolutionizing the live streaming industry.

Feature 1: Supports Up to 4K144 Capturing & Pass-through
The AI Pixel-Plus CaptureX NV601/NV501 not only enhances resolution to 4K and boosts image quality but also features powerful capture functionality. It seamlessly integrates gaming devices like PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch with software such as OBS and Streamlabs OBS, making content creation easier than ever. Additionally, the NV601 supports pass-through and capturing in up to 4K144, ensuring high-frame-rate video while capturing through external monitors connected via HDMI.

TSMC today announced consolidated revenue of NT$759.69 billion (US$23.50 billion), net income of NT$325.26 billion (US$10.08 billion), and diluted earnings per share of NT$12.54 (US$1.94 per ADR unit) for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. Year-over-year, third quarter revenue increased 39.0% while net income and diluted EPS both increased 54.2%. Compared to second quarter 2024, third quarter results represented a 12.8% increase in revenue and a 31.2% increase in net income. All figures were prepared in accordance with TIFRS on a consolidated basis.

In US dollars, third quarter revenue was $23.50 billion, which increased 36.0% year-over-year and increased 12.9% from the previous quarter. Gross margin for the quarter was 57.8%, operating margin was 47.5%, and net profit margin was 42.8%. In the third quarter, shipments of 3-nanometer accounted for 20% of total wafer revenue; 5-nanometer accounted for 32%; 7-nanometer accounted for 17%. Advanced technologies, defined as 7-nanometer and more advanced technologies, accounted for 69% of total wafer revenue.

SK hynix is showcasing its leading AI and data center memory products at the 2024 Open Compute Project (OCP) Global Summit held October 15-17 in San Jose, California. The annual summit brings together industry leaders to discuss advancements in open source hardware and data center technologies. This year, the event's theme is "From Ideas to Impact," which aims to foster the realization of theoretical concepts into real-world technologies.

In addition to presenting its advanced memory products at the summit, SK hynix is also strengthening key industry partnerships and sharing its AI memory expertise through insightful presentations. This year, the company is holding eight sessions—up from five in 2023—on topics including HBM and CMS.

MSI proudly announces the launch of its latest gaming peripherals: the VERSA 300 ELITE WIRELESS and VERSA 300 WIRELESS gaming mice. Built with a focus on comfort, precision, and performance, these new models are designed to enhance gaming and professional experiences.

VERSA 300 ELITE WIRELESS - Brilliance Meets Comfort
The VERSA 300 ELITE WIRELESS delivers top-tier performance with its advanced PixArt PAW3395DM Optical Sensor, offering up to 26,000 DPI for pinpoint accuracy and speed. With a 1000 Hz / 1 ms polling rate, gamers can experience ultra-responsive input, ensuring every movement is fast and precise. The ELITE model is equipped with OMRON micro switches rated for 60 million clicks, providing a durable and tactile response that enhances gameplay. Weighing just 65 grams, it is engineered for a lightweight and agile feel, perfect for long gaming sessions without causing fatigue. Paired with its ergonomic, symmetrical shape, the mouse is comfortable for all hand sizes and grip styles, ensuring a snug fit for every gamer. Featuring the exclusive MSI Diamond Lightgrip which combines a grippy texture with gorgeous, fully customizable RGB lighting through MSI Center, allowing users to create an immersive, personalized setup.

TrendForce reports that the OLED monitor market is set to receive a boost with the introduction of new 31.5-inch OLED models. Panel makers are focusing on product differentiation and improved specifications, while several gaming brands are aggressively launching new models to capture market share. OLED monitor shipments are projected to reach 1.44 million units in 2024—representing YoY growth of 181%—with strong growth expected to continue in the coming years.

Samsung is expected to secure the top spot owing to strong sales of its 49-inch OLED monitors and a steady pipeline of new product releases. Its 2024 market share is forecast to expand to 31%. LGE, leveraging ample panel resources and continuous product line expansion, is poised to take second place with a projected 19% market share.

NVIDIA has officially released its Llama-3.1-Nemotron-70B-Instruct model. Based on META's Llama3.1 70B, the Nemotron model is a large language model customized by NVIDIA in order to improve the helpfulness of LLM-generated responses. NVIDIA uses fine-tuning structured data to steer the model and allow it to generate more helpful responses. With only 70 billion parameters, the model is punching far above its weight class. The company claims that the model is beating the current top models from leading labs like OpenAI's GPT-4o and Antrophic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet, which are the current leaders across AI benchmarks. In evaluations such as Arena Hard, the NVIDIA Llama3.1 Nemotron 70B is scoring 85 points, while GPT-4o and Sonnet 3.5 score 79.3 and 79.2, respectively. Other benchmarks like AlpacaEval and MT-Bench spot NVIDIA also hold the top spot, with 57.6 and 8.98 scores earned. Claude and GPT reach 52.4 / 8.81 and 57.5 / 8.74, just below Nemotron.

This language model underwent training using reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF), specifically employing the REINFORCE algorithm. The process involved a reward model based on a large language model architecture and custom preference prompts designed to guide the model's behavior. The training began with a pre-existing instruction-tuned language model as the starting point. It was trained on Llama-3.1-Nemotron-70B-Reward and HelpSteer2-Preference prompts on a Llama-3.1-70B-Instruct model as the initial policy. Running the model locally requires either four 40 GB or two 80 GB VRAM GPUs and 150 GB of free disk space. We managed to take it for a spin on NVIDIA's website to say hello to TechPowerUp readers. The model also passes the infamous "strawberry" test, where it has to count the number of specific letters in a word, however, it appears that it was part of the fine-tuning data as it fails the next test, shown in the image below.

MSI, a leading global provider of high-performance server solutions, proudly announced it is showcasing new AI servers powered by the NVIDIA MGX platform—designed to address the increasing demand for scalable, energy-efficient AI workloads in modern data centers—at the OCP Global Summit 2024, booth A6. This collaboration highlights MSI's continued commitment to advancing server solutions, focusing on cutting-edge AI acceleration and high-performance computing (HPC).

The NVIDIA MGX platform offers a flexible architecture that enables MSI to deliver purpose-built solutions optimized for AI, HPC, and LLMs. By leveraging this platform, MSI's AI server solutions provide exceptional scalability, efficiency, and enhanced GPU density—key factors in meeting the growing computational demands of AI workloads. Tapping into MSI's engineering expertise and NVIDIA's advanced AI technologies, these AI servers based on the MGX architecture deliver unparalleled compute power, positioning data centers to maximize performance and power efficiency while paving the way for the future of AI-driven infrastructure.

ASUS today announced the ProArt PA602 Wood Edition, a PC case that bolsters the aesthetics and sustainability of the original creator-focused PA602 chassis with parts constructed of durable and eye-catching wood.

A classic material for contemporary luxury
The ProArt PA602 Wood Edition seamlessly integrates wooden pieces into three locations. It starts with long handles along the top edge of the chassis, each sturdy enough to hold 30 kg. A second wood piece provides an eye-catching backdrop for the front I/O panel. Finally, long wood pieces are used for the ventilated front panel of the chassis. The wood used for the ProArt PA602 Wood Edition is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), so users can trust that it was sourced from responsibly managed forests. Ash is the wood of choice because it offers superior hardness and durability, versus wood such as walnut. After selecting ideal pieces of lumber, the material's durability is enhanced with a thermowood treatment. Shaping and surface grinding refine each piece to exact specifications, and a two-step coating process highlights the natural appearance of the wood grain and applies a low-sheen finish. The wood elements of the ProArt PA602 Wood Edition elevate its sophisticated, professional look. With its minimalist design rooted in clean lines and pleasing symmetry, the ProArt PA602 Wood Edition chassis has an aesthetic that is never out of place.

In the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics, creators and professionals require workstations that can handle vast amounts of data with efficiency. Precisely capturing the trends in AI technology, Team Group proudly announces that its T-CREATE brand has been honored with Japan's Good Design Award 2024 for the MASTER Ai DDR5 workstation memory module. This product offers a perfect combination of stability and durability, with a single memory capacity of up to 48 GB, making it ideally suited for AI-driven creative tasks. Its minimalist design, featuring a discreet logo and all-in-one porous heat dissipation, not only ensures a stable computing environment but also delivers a sleek, professional look. Once again, T-CREATE has demonstrated its prowess in product design and robust R&D capabilities on the global stage.

Founded in 1957, Japan's Good Design Award is one of the four most prestigious and influential design honors, evaluated based on human, industrial, societal, and temporal perspectives. The T-CREATE MASTER Ai DDR5 workstation memory made its global debut at the COMPUTEX TAIPEI earlier this year, attracting considerable media attention. Its performance, large capacity, and stable computing environment essential for AI applications, along with its all-in-one porous heat dissipation design, have earned its recognition from the Good Design Award 2024, further solidifying Team Group's international standing.

Samsung Electronics, the world leader in advanced memory technology, today announced it has developed the industry's first 24-gigabit (Gb) GDDR7 DRAM. In addition to the industry's highest capacity, the GDDR7 features the fastest speed, positioning itself as the optimum solution for next-generation applications. With its high capacity and powerful performance, the 24 Gb GDDR7 will be widely utilized in various fields that require high-performance memory solutions, such as data centers and AI workstations, extending beyond the traditional applications of graphics DRAM in graphics cards, gaming consoles and autonomous driving.

"After developing the industry's first 16 Gb GDDR7 last year, Samsung has reinforced its technological leadership in the graphics DRAM market with this latest achievement," said YongCheol Bae, Executive Vice President of Memory Product Planning at Samsung Electronics. "We will continue to lead the graphics DRAM market by bringing next-generation products that align with the growing needs of the AI market." The 24 Gb GDDR7 utilizes 5th-generation 10-nanometer (nm)-class DRAM, which enables cell density to increase by 50% while maintaining the same package size as the predecessor.

KLEVV, the leading consumer memory and storage brand introduced by Essencore, today announces its first-ever CU-DIMM & CSO-DIMM memory modules, which work seamlessly with the latest Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) "Arrow Lake-S" Processors/ Z890 platform to unleash the true DDR5 performance. KLEVV's next-generation DDR5 memory lineup receives a substantial performance boost with the integration of advanced Client Clock Driver (CKD) technology. Incorporated via a small integrated circuit (IC) directly on the DIMM, CKD IC enhances the module's speed and efficiency for both desktop and laptop applications. By regenerating the memory chips' clock signal, it improves stability, supports higher operating frequencies, and minimizes electrical interference and signal degradation—pushing the boundaries of memory performance.

Designed for both performance desktop and laptop systems, KLEVV's new Standard CU-DIMM and CSO-DIMM memory modules combine the brand's renowned quality with cutting-edge DDR5 technology, making them ideal for both casual and professional users. Leveraging the innovative CKD architecture, these modules deliver exceptional stability and reliability, even at high speeds, effectively mitigating electrical interference that could otherwise hinder performance. With this advanced design, users can count on smooth, efficient operation, even under heavy workloads.

Intel has released an updated version of its eXtreme Tuning Utility (XTU). The newest version, officially carrying the v10.0.0.76 moniker, is available to download. However, this version is designed exclusively for Intel's upcoming Core Ultra 200S series "Arrow Lake" processors. There are now two versions of Intel XTU: version 7.14.2.14, which supports unlocked Intel 14th Core and older processors, and version 10.x, which supports unlocked Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2) and newer. The XTU clocking utility only works on high-end Z-series boards like Z690, Z790, and the upcoming Z890 for "Arrow Lake-S." Below is a list of changes with XTU drivers now being replaced with Intel Innovation Platform Framework (IPF), which we are still trying to figure out what it is supposed to do. Many more features are listed below. However, we cannot decipher them until "Arrow Lake" reviews appear.

Today, Fractal Design announced a new retailer partnership with Best Buy, one of the world's largest specialty computer and hardware retailers. Starting today, Best Buy customers will be able to find Fractal's award-winning PC cases online at BestBuy.com. This new retail expansion ensures gamers and enthusiasts have ready access to the Scandinavian design, user-centric innovation, and premium quality that Fractal infuses into each of its products.

"We're excited to expand the retail options available to customers throughout the US by making Fractal gaming products purchasable at BestBuy.com." said Keith Washo, Fractal Design Senior Director of Sales. "We believe that combining our highly acclaimed gaming hardware and equipment with Best Buy's first-rate ecommerce platform will ensure greater access to our best-selling products and a quality shopping experience for Fractal customers and new shoppers alike."

It's "time to pull" as HYTE, a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge PC components and peripherals, is thrilled to share the new product line-up inspired by the popular HONKAI: STAR RAIL character Silver Wolf, which includes officially licensed Silver Wolf-branded PC cases is now available for purchase on HYTE.com. HYTE is also celebrating its first HoYoverse collaboration with various global in-store debuts of the Silver Wolf product line worldwide, which includes the official launch party at Micro Center's Tustin, CA storefront.

HONKAI: STAR RAIL fans can upgrade their gaming set-ups with the Official HYTE Y70 Silver Wolf Limited Edition Case. The case stunningly displays the hacker and gamer girl, Silver Wolf, on the front and side tempered glass panels, with iconography, signature marks, lore-accurate easter eggs, and lavender accents adorned across the entire case.

UGREEN has recently unveiled its latest innovation in fast-charging technology: the UGREEN Uno Charger 100 W USB C Charger. Designed for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike, this compact, four-port charger ensures that gaming never has to stop, offering rapid power delivery to handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally, alongside other devices. The flagship UGREEN Uno Charger 100 W is available to buy for $59.99 from Amazon with UK availability expected shortly on Amazon UK.

The UGREEN Uno Charger stands out with its 100 W fast charging capability, allowing users to charge a MacBook Pro 16-inch to 43% in just 30 minutes, making it equally powerful for gaming consoles and everyday tech. Equipped with three USB-C ports and one USB-A port, the charger can fast-charge up to four devices simultaneously—perfect for those juggling multiple gadgets during extended gaming marathons.

At Lenovo Tech World 2024, we announced new Supercomputing servers for HPC and AI workloads. These new water-cooled servers use the latest processor and accelerator technology from Intel and NVIDIA.

ThinkSystem SC750 V4
Engineered for large-scale cloud infrastructures and High Performance Computing (HPC), the Lenovo ThinkSystem SC750 V4 Neptune excels in intensive simulations and complex modeling. It's designed to handle technical computing, grid deployments, and analytics workloads in various fields such as research, life sciences, energy, engineering, and financial simulation.

Last week, we got a preview of Microsoft's Azure production-ready NVIDIA "Blackwell" GB200 system, showing that only a third of the rack that goes in the data center is actually holding the compute elements, with the other two-thirds holding the cooling compartment to cool down the immense heat output from tens of GB200 GPUs. Today, Google is showing off a part of its own infrastructure ahead of the Google Cloud App Dev & Infrastructure Summit, taking place on October 30, digitally as an event. Shown below are two racks standing side by side, connecting NVIDIA "Blackwell" GB200 NVL cards with the rest of the Google infrastructure. Unlike Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud uses a different data center design in its facilities.

There is one rack with power distribution units, networking switches, and cooling distribution units, all connected to the compute rack, which houses power supplies, GPUs, and CPU servers. Networking equipment is present, and it connects to Google's "global" data center network, which is Google's own data center fabric. We are not sure what is the fabric connection of choice between these racks; as for optimal performance, NVIDIA recommends InfiniBand (Mellanox acquisition). However, given that Google's infrastructure is set up differently, there may be Ethernet switches present. Interestingly, Google's design of GB200 racks differs from Azure's, as it uses additional rack space to distribute the coolant to its local heat exchangers, i.e., coolers. We are curious to see if Google releases more information on infrastructure, as it has been known as the infrastructure king because of its ability to scale and keep everything organized.

Amazon today launched an entirely new lineup of Kindle devices—introducing the first-ever color Kindle, a re-imagined Kindle Scribe, the fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever, and a new entry Kindle in a fun, new Matcha color. To learn more about the new Kindle family, visit amazon.com/kindlefamily.

"Customers continue to love Kindle, and are reading on their devices more than ever—sales last year hit a decade high with the majority of purchases going to first time Kindle device owners," said Kevin Keith, vice president of Amazon Devices. "We are excited to bring our customers a completely new Kindle lineup, including our first color Kindle and a re-imagined Kindle Scribe with even better in-book writing experiences and a more powerful notebook with generative AI built-in."

Yesterday, Arm has announced significant progress in its Total Design initiative. The program, launched a year ago, aims to accelerate the development of custom silicon for data centers by fostering collaboration among industry partners. The ecosystem has now grown to include nearly 30 participating companies, with recent additions such as Alcor Micro, Egis, PUF Security, and SEMIFIVE. A notable development is a partnership between Arm, Samsung Foundry, ADTechnology, and Rebellions to create an AI CPU chiplet platform. This collaboration aims to deliver a solution for cloud, HPC, and AI/ML workloads, combining Rebellions' AI accelerator with ADTechnology's compute chiplet, implemented using Samsung Foundry's 2 nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) FET technology. The platform is expected to offer significant efficiency gains for generative AI workloads, with estimates suggesting a 2-3x improvement over the standard CPU design for LLMs like Llama3.1 with 405 billion parameters.

Arm's approach emphasizes the importance of CPU compute in supporting the complete AI stack, including data pre-processing, orchestration, and advanced techniques like Retrieval-augmented Generation (RAG). The company's Compute Subsystems (CSS) are designed to address these requirements, providing a foundation for partners to build diverse chiplet solutions. Several companies, including Alcor Micro and Alphawave, have already announced plans to develop CSS-powered chiplets for various AI and high-performance computing applications. The initiative also focuses on software readiness, ensuring that major frameworks and operating systems are compatible with Arm-based systems. Recent efforts include the introduction of Arm Kleidi technology, which optimizes CPU-based inference for open-source projects like PyTorch and Llama.cpp. Notably, as Google claims, most AI workloads are being inferenced on CPUs, so creating the most efficient and most performant CPUs for AI makes a lot of sense.

The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) has signed a purchase agreement with IQM Quantum Computers (IQM), a global leader in designing, building, and selling superconducting quantum computers. Under the agreement, IQM will deliver two advanced Radiance quantum systems of 54 qubits and 150 qubits in the second half of 2025 and by the end of 2026, respectively.

The two distinct systems, featuring high-quality qubits and industry-leading fidelities will play a pivotal role in executing quantum algorithms across a range of application domains.

Synaptics Incorporated today launched the Veros Seamless Intelligent Connectivity brand with high-performance systems on chip (SoCs) for Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, and 802.15.4. Signifying leadership and innovation, Veros encapsulates decades of field-hardened technology and IoT connectivity expertise. It encompasses Synaptics' entire wireless portfolio of proven solutions characterized by superior performance, interoperability, coexistence, power efficiency, and bill of materials integration.

The new high-performance SoCs, the SYN4383 and SYN43756E, add to Veros by explicitly targeting devices that demand the highest Wi-Fi throughput and range with seamless network interoperability. The SYN4383 extends Synaptics' award-winning "Triple Combo" Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/802.15.4 series with real simultaneous dual-band (RSDB) operation and greater system integration. The SYN43756E fortifies Synaptics' widely adopted 2x2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo SoCs with a 6E Wi-Fi band and LE Audio.

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger was a special guest at Lenovo Tech World 2024, the computing giant's annual showcase of its latest innovations. The opening keynote address saw Gelsinger make a special appearance to greet Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing, but he wasn't alone. In his pocket was a next-generation "Panther Lake" processor. This chip appears to be an H-segment package for mainstream notebooks, which makes the chip a direct successor to the "Arrow Lake-H" mobile processor that comes out in Q1-2025.

According to leaks from reliable sources, "Panther Lake-H" is said to come in CPU core-counts of up to 18. That's 6P+8E+4LP. It sees the reintroduction of low-power island E-cores located in the SoC tile. The six P-cores are "Cougar Cove," which could feature a generational IPC uplift over the current "Lion Cove," while the current "Skymont" E-cores are carried forward into "Panther Lake." The SoC tile could see an upgrade to a newer foundry node from its current 6 nm on "Arrow Lake," to accommodate the low-power island E-cores, and possibly a faster NPU. The iGPU of "Panther Lake" is allegedly based on the next-generation Xe3 "Celestial" graphics architecture. This faster iGPU, along with a faster NPU, low-power island E-cores, and slightly faster P-cores, could be what "Panther Lake-H" brings to the table. Given that "Arrow Lake-H" sees an early-2025 introduction, we don't expect "Panther Lake-H" out till at least 2026.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the Thor III series of power supplies, which includes the ROG Thor 1600 W Titanium III, ROG Thor 1200 W Platinum III and ROG Thor 1000 W Platinum III. Featuring gallium nitride (GaN) MOSFETs, GPU-FIRST voltage sensing, high-performance copper pins, upgraded PCIe connectors, a detachable magnetic OLED display, etched modular cables, ATX 3.1 compatibility and much more, an ROG Thor power supply is an excellent backbone to your next gaming rig. ASUS is so sure of that fact that it includes a 10-year warranty with these PSUs, so users know they are set for incredible, long-lasting performance.

ROG Thor III Series: next-gen premium PSU components
The GaN MOSFETs inside the ROG Thor III series can deliver up to 30% more power efficiency than standard MOSFETs. Since these MOSFETs offer the same performance in a smaller size, Thor III PSUs benefit from an optimized internal layout that keeps units cool, no matter the load.

The first quarter of 2025 (January thru March) will see back-to-back launches of next-generation GeForce RTX 50-series "Blackwell" graphics card, according to the latest rumors. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is confirmed to take center stage for the 2025 International CES keynote address, where he is widely expected to kick off the GeForce "Blackwell" gaming GPU generation. CES is expected to see NVIDIA launch its flagship GeForce RTX 5090 (RTX 4090-successor SKU), and its next-best part, the GeForce RTX 5080 (RTX 4080 successor).

February 2025 is expected to see the company debut the RTX 5070, and possibly the RTX 5070 Ti, if there is such a SKU. The RTX 5070 succeeds a long line of extremely successful SKUs that tended to sell in large volumes. Perhaps the most important launches of the generation will come in March 2025, when the company is expected to debut the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti, which succeed the current RTX 4060 and RTX 4060 Ti, respectively. The xx60 tier tends to be the bestselling class of gaming GPUs in any generation. In all, it's expected that NVIDIA will release six new SKUs within Q1, and you can expect over a hundred graphics card reviews from TechPowerUp in Q1.

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D has hit end-of-life, according to a ComputerBase.de report. Introducing the new 3D V-cache technology, the 5800X3D breathed life back into the Socket AM4 platform as Intel debuted its 12th Gen Core "Alder Lake" processors, while there was still some time to go before AMD could mount up a defense with Ryzen 7000 "Zen 4." AMD figured out a way to augment the 32 MB on-die L3 cache with an additional 64 MB stacked cache that appears as a contiguous 96 MB addressable block to software. Having such a large fast cache next to the CPU cores greatly enhances performance in gaming workloads.

The 5800X3D was able to match the gaming performance of Intel's flagship Core i9-12900K despite being based on the generationally older "Zen 3" microarchitecture, and being restricted with older DDR4 memory. It would go on to be an incredible upgrade option for those still on the Socket AM4 platform, giving them performance in league with Intel's 12th- and 13th Gen processors. As of this writing, US retailer Newegg no longer has the 5800X3D in stock. Amazon has it, and so do some of the smaller retailers. Across the pond, the chip is vanishing from European retailers. In the absence of the 5800X3D, users still have the option of the Ryzen 7 5700X3D and the 6-core 5600X3D, which were both launched in the last year.

AVX-512 was proposed by Intel more than a decade ago—in 2013 to be precise. A decade later, the implementation of this instruction set on CPU cores remains wildly spotty—Intel implemented it first on an HPC accelerator, then its Xeon server processors, then its client processors, before realizing that hardware hasn't caught up with the technology to execute AVX-512 instructions in an energy-efficient manner, before deprecating it on the client. AMD implemented it just a couple of years ago with Zen 4 with a dual-pumped 256-bit FPU on 5 nm, before finally implementing a true 512-bit FPU on 4 nm. AVX-512 is a microcosm of what's wrong with the x86 ecosystem.

There are only two x86 CPU core vendors, the IP owner Intel, and its only surviving licensee capable of contemporary CPU cores, AMD. Any new additions to the ISA introduced by either of the two have to go through the grind of their duopolistic competition before software vendors could assume that there's a uniform install base to implement something new. x86 is a net-loser of this, and Arm is a net-winner. Arm Holdings makes no hardware of its own, except continuously developing the Arm machine architecture, and a first-party set of reference-design CPU cores that any licensee can implement. Arm's great march began with tiny embedded devices, before its explosion into client computing with smartphone SoCs. There are now Arm-based server processors, and the architecture is making inroads to the last market that x86 holds sway over—the PC. Apple's M-series processors compete with all segments of PC processors—right from the 7 W class, to the HEDT/workstation class. Qualcomm entered this space with its Snapdragon Elite family, and now Dell believes NVIDIA will take a swing at client processors in 2025. Then there's RISC-V. Intel finally did something it should have done two decades ago—set up a multi-brand Ecosystem Advisory Group. Here's what it is, and more importantly, what it's not.