Khadas, a leading global consumer electronics brand dedicated to designing, developing and manufacturing the next-generation of innovative portable technology products, launches the Mind Graphics eGPU Module, integrated with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti desktop graphics card, today. Available online at Khadas.com and Amazon (starting on August 1) for $999.00, the Mind family's newest heavyweight member further expands the hardware ecosystem centered around the Mind portable workstation. This powerful addition to the Khadas Mind lineup enhances performance for AIGC, creative design, video rendering, gaming and other demanding tasks with seamless acceleration.

Khadas continues to deliver unique and high-performance portable computer hardware and software solutions through innovative engineering. Following the successful launch of the Mind portable workstation and Mind Dock expansion in 2023, the new Mind Graphics eGPU Module enriches the computing ecosystem, offering users high performance, productivity and efficiency. Khadas' design prowess and customer-first approach continues to push the boundaries of the work and play computing experience.

HP Inc. today introduced two new innovations—the world's highest performance AI PC and the first integration of a trust framework into an AI model development platform. Both announcements expand HP's efforts to make AI real for companies and people with new and transformative AI experiences across the company's PCs, software, and partner ecosystem.

HP is empowering everyone, from corporate knowledge workers to freelancers and students, to unlock the power of AI. Users can connect with anyone in the world with real time translation to 40 languages, become master presenters with their personal communication coach, and quickly create videos like a pro.

An Innovate UK project worth £1.1M has been awarded to the Lancaster University spinout firm Quinas, the global semiconductor company IQE and Lancaster and Cardiff Universities. Quinas will coordinate the ambitious project which is the first step towards volume production of the universal computer memory ULTRARAM invented by Lancaster Physics Professor Manus Hayne.

ULTRARAM has extraordinary properties, combining the non-volatility of a data storage memory, like flash, with the speed, energy-efficiency, and endurance of a working memory, like DRAM. Most of the funding for the one-year project will be spent at IQE which will scale up the manufacture of compound semiconductor layers from Lancaster University to an industrial process at the Cardiff based firm. This will involve IQE developing advanced capability for growth of the compound semiconductors gallium antimonide and aluminium antimonide for the first time. The project follows significant investment to boost the UK semiconductor industry and the establishment of the world's first compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales.

As 4K streaming and IoT applications strain traditional Gigabit networks, Cervoz, a leader in industrial-grade storage, memory, and expansion cards, introduces its new 2.5GbE M.2 2230 (A+E key) PCIe Ethernet Card. Extremely compact in size, this solution delivers powerful speeds up to 2.5 times faster than standard Gigabit networks, providing seamless connectivity and reduced latency for high-bandwidth demands such as 4K streaming and high-performance NAS systems.

Why Opt for 2.5GbE?
Choosing 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (2.5GbE) offers a balance of speed and cost-effectiveness. This technology delivers speeds up to 2.5 times faster than traditional networks, making it ideal for 4K streaming and large-scale data transfers. It remains cost-efficient due to its backward compatibility with existing infrastructure, such as Cat5e cabling. While upgrading to 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) is becoming popular, it requires investment in new hardware. Therefore, 2.5GbE provides a cost-effective solution that boosts network performance using existing setups, making it a smart choice for current needs and future expansions.

AGON by AOC - one of the world's leading gaming monitor and IT accessories brands - proudly introduces two groundbreaking monitors designed to elevate competitive gaming to unprecedented heights. The AGON PRO AG246FK and AG256FS set new standards in the esports arena, offering unparalleled refresh rates and exceptional image quality for professional gamers and aspiring esports athletes.

AG246FK: Redefining speed with 540 Hz
The AGON PRO AG246FK features a cutting-edge latest generation 24.1-inch FHD Ultra-Fast TN esports panel, which delivers an extraordinary 540 Hz refresh rate - the highest in the market. This revolutionary speed ensures ultra-smooth gameplay and minimal motion blur, giving esports professionals the competitive edge they demand. At 540 Hz, with a frame time of just 1.85 ms between individual frames and pixel transition times of up to 0.5 ms GtG, the AG246FK provides near-instantaneous visual updates, allowing players to react faster than ever before. Being a wide-colour-gamut monitor with 99.6% sRGB and 94.7% DCI-P3 coverage as well as DisplayHDR 400 certification, the AG246FK also offers stunning visuals without compromising on performance.

The new Dangbei Atom Google TV mini laser projector is barely the size of a paperback book, and weighs as much as a laptop, but lets you enjoy rich content on a screen as large as 180-inch, anywhere you want. Its companion 360° Gimbal lets you project from practically any surface or roof-mount, with the Gimbal and the projector's automatic keystone correction working their magic.

The Dangbei Atom is only 1.87 inches (4.75 cm) thick, weighing just 2.82 lbs (1.28 kg). The projector uses an ALPD laser technology, and a brilliant 1,200 ANSI Lumens of brightness. The projector offers Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution, along with support for HDR10. Its various smart optics features include autofocus, keystone correction, screen fit, and obstacle avoidance. It packs Google TV, which puts practically every streaming content service in your hands. Priced regularly at $899, the Dangbei Atom can be yours for $699 as part of a special promotion. What's more, the Gimbal can be had at a discount. The $699 promotion price includes a pair of 3D glasses worth $40!

Customers can save $200 on Dangbei Atom, now available for $699 This offer includes a pair of 3D glasses (worth $40)—first come, first served.

Buy Dangbei Atom Google TV mini laser projector at $699Learn more about the Dangbei Atom.

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today, is excited to introduce the MS-1315UE/MS-1315URE/MS-1345UE/MS-1345URE industrial application systems. The MS-1315UE/MS-1315URE/MS-1345UE/MS-1345URE systems are versatile solutions, offering two specifications with Intel Raptor Lake SoC Core i3 and i5 processors. They are designed to cater to a wide range of audiences, including system integration businesses, AIoT machines, industrial automation, edge computing, HMI, and digital signage Industries, ensuring superior adaptability to any specific requirements.

These application systems provide effective platforms for CRM SI builds. Users can utilize the efficient computing power they provide to seamlessly manage customer contact details, transaction history, accounts, and communications. BIOSTAR's MS-1315UE/MS-1315URE/MS-1345UE/MS-1345URE also support diverse processors for real-time control tasks and ensure reliable, high-speed communication for edge computing.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the Azoth Extreme, a custom 75% gaming keyboard featuring a precision-crafted aluminium-alloy chassis with metal frame, delivering premium aesthetics and top-tier wireless performance. A carbon-fiber positioning plate delivers a crisp typing feel and keeps keystroke vibrations down to a minimum. The keyboard includes an adjustable gasket mount that can be toggled to offer a hard or soft typing feel via a quick-flip switch. A full-color OLED touchscreen on the top right corner of the keyboard can show system info and keyboard settings; with the adjacent three-way knob allowing for instant volume, multimedia, lighting adjustments, and settings customization. An extended wrist rest ensures comfortable typing experiences and retains its firmness over time.

Superior build quality
The eye-catching ROG Azoth Extreme gaming keyboard boasts a premium aluminium-alloy chassis with a metal frame that undergoes an intricate 12-step manufacturing process that includes sandblasting, anodizing, CNC machining, and more. Additionally, the Azoth Extreme achieves an impressive 8000 Hz polling rate when used with the ROG Polling Rate Booster, while offering up to 1600 hours of battery life.

ASUS today announced ASUS NUC 14 Performance, a business-friendly barebones mini PC that offers a dynamic fusion of efficiency and raw power. Featuring Intel Core Ultra 9 or 7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 or 4060 graphics, ASUS NUC 14 Performance delivers the computing prowess enterprises need for AI-based workloads.

New AI-enabled performance
The latest Intel Core 9 and 7 series CPUs employ new Intel processor technology that enhances computing performance by approximately 21.5% (versus previous-generation processors) while reducing power consumption by up to 40%. An integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) helps boost AI applications, giving the processor exceptional energy-efficiency and endurance for sustained AI computing tasks like image generation and facial recognition.

ASUS has revealed its upcoming ExpertBook P5 laptop, set to debut alongside Intel's highly anticipated "Lunar Lake" processors. This ultrabook aims to boost AI-capable laptop market, featuring an unspecified Intel Lunar Lake "Core Ultra 200V" CPU at its core. The ExpertBook P5 boasts impressive AI processing capabilities, with over 45 TOPS from its Neural Processing Unit and a combined 100+ TOPS when factoring in the CPU and GPU. The NPU provides efficient processing, with additional power coming from Lunar Lake's GPU with XMX cores, featuring the Xe2 Battlemage architecture. This is more than enough for the Copilot+ certification from Microsoft, making the laptop debut as an "AI PC." The ExpertBook P5 offers up to 32 GB of LPDDR5X memory running at 8333 MT/s, up to 3 TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage with two drives, and Wi-Fi 7 support.

The 14-inch anti-glare display features a 2.5K resolution and a smooth 144 Hz refresh rate, ensuring a premium visual experience. Despite its powerful internals, the ExpertBook P5 maintains a solid profile weighing just 1.3 kg. The laptop is housed in an all-metal military-grade aluminium body with a 180-degree lay-flat hinge, making it both portable and versatile. ASUS has also prioritized cooling efficiency with innovative technology that optimizes thermal management, whether the laptop is open or closed. Security hasn't been overlooked either, with the ExpertBook P5 featuring a robust security ecosystem, including Windows 11 secured-core PC framework, NIST-155-ready Commercial-Grade BIOS protection, and biometric login options. While an exact release date hasn't been confirmed, ASUS is preparing ExpertBook P5 and other Lunar Lake-powered laptops to hit the market in the second half of 2024.

In the preparation season for NVIDIA's upcoming GeForce RTX 50 Series of GPUs, codenamed "Blackwell," one power supply manufacturer accidentally leaked the power configurations of all SKUs. Seasonic operates its power supply wattage calculator, allowing users to configure their systems online and get power supply recommendations. This means that the system often gets filled with CPU/GPU SKUs to accommodate the massive variety of components. This time we have the upcoming GeForce RTX 50 series, with RTX 5050 all the way up to the top RTX 5090 GPU. Starting with the GeForce RTX 5050, this SKU is expected to carry a 100 W TDP. Its bigger brother, the RTX 5060, bumps the TDP to 170 W, 55 W higher than the previous generation "Ada Lovelace" RTX 4060.

The GeForce RTX 5070, with a 220 W TDP, is in the middle of the stack, featuring a 20 W increase over the Ada generation. For higher-end SKUs, NVIDIA prepared the GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5090, with 350 W and 500 W TDP, respectively. This also represents a jump in TDP from Ada generation with an increase of 30 W for RTX 5080 and 50 W for RTX 5090. Interestingly, this time NVIDIA wants to unify the power connection system of the entire family with a 16-pin 12V-2x6 connector but with an updated PCIe 6.0 CEM specification. The increase in power requirements for the "Blackwell" generation across the SKUs is interesting, and we are eager to see if the performance gains are enough to balance efficiency.

After several slow weeks of new game releases, we now have a week that's overflowing with new game releases. The most anticipated release this week is an online PvPvE dungeon crawler, built on Unreal Engine 5. This is followed by a crusty space game, an evil game, a game that involves attracting birds to you, a dystopian New York of the future, a bit of Japanese folklore, some more dungeons, fighting some gods and finally being a Japanese goddess. Yes, we threw in a bunch of extra games this week, yet we're not able to cover all the new releases that are coming out.

Dungeonborne / This week's major release / Friday 19 July / Early Access
Dungeonborne is an immersive first-person PvPvE dungeon crawler. Venture solo or join forces with trusted companions to hunt for treasure, explore ominous dungeons, and battle terrifying monsters and cunning adversaries. Escape before succumbing to darkness and greed. Embrace your role as a Fighter, Priest, Rogue, Swordmaster, Pyromancer, Cryomancer, Death Knight, or Druid. With first-person clarity, feel the power of each spell, the weight of your weapons, and the strategic impact of every decision. Charge into battle, unleash devastating skills to disrupt enemy formations, cast life-saving buffs on allies, or use tactical throwables to turn the tide. Steam link

The city of Las Vegas late last year added another attraction to its town: the Sphere. The Sphere is a 1.2 million pixel outdoor display venue famous for its massive size and inner 18,600-seat auditorium. The auditorium space is a feat of its own with features like a 16x16 resolution wraparound interior LED screen, speakers with beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies, and 4D physical effects. However, we have recently found out that NVIDIA GPUs power the Sphere. And not only a handful of them, as 150 NVIDIA RTX A6000 power the Sphere and its 1.2 million outside pixels spread on 54,000 m², as well as 16 of 16K inner displays with a total output of 2.1 billion pixels. Interestingly, the 150 NVIDIA RTX A6000 have a combined output cable number of 600 DisplayPort 1.4a ports.

With each card having 48 GB of memory, that equals to 7.2 TB of GDDR6 ECC memory in the total system. With the Sphere being a $2.3 billion project, it is expected to have an infotainment system capable of driving the massive venue. And it certainly delivers on that. Only a handful of cards powers most massive media projects, but this scale is something we see for the first time in non-AI processing systems. The only scale we are used to today is massive thousand-GPU clusters used for AI processing, so seeing a different and interesting application is refreshing.

Ampace, a leading provider of advanced lithium-ion battery solutions, today announced the launch of the Andes 1500, a revolutionary portable power station that delivers unparalleled charging speeds and unmatched performance. Leveraging Ampace's proprietary A-Boost technology, the Andes 1500 achieves a full charge in just 55 minutes while setting a groundbreaking industry benchmark for portable power solutions with its remarkable longevity of up to 6,000 cycles.

"At Ampace, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in portable power," said Alfonso Chen, Chief Marketing Officer at Ampace. "The Andes 1500 is a game-changer that will transform the way people experience power on-the-go. With our cutting-edge expertise in battery cell and energy storage system solutions, users can say goodbye to long charging times and enjoy an extended duration of unparalleled performance with the Andes 1500."

GoDeal24 today rolled out the Summer 2024 Crazy Sale. Get some of the lowest prices on the web for genuine software you need, to see you through the year with your swanky new notebook or desktop PC build. Pick a notebook without pre-installed software, and save big when you buy it from us. Get Genuine Windows 11 Pro at just $13.55. Office 2021 Professional Plus, the most powerful productivity suite, can be had at just $28.75. A combo of the two can be yours at just $38.59. Save even more by checking out the other editions of Windows, Office, and their combos.

Please use the coupon code SGO62 on the following items, to avail the prices you see here.
Buy Office 2021 Professional Plus at $28.75 | Buy Office 2021 Professional Plus 2-PC at $51.25 | Buy Office 2021 Professional Plus 3-PC at $71.95 | Buy Office 2021 Professional Plus 5-PC at $87.65 | Buy Office 2019 Professional Plus at $20.09 | Buy Office 2019 Professional Plus 2-PC at $34.18 | Buy Office 2021 Home and Business for Mac at $79.99 | Buy Office 2019 Home and Business for Mac at $29.01 | Buy Windows 11 Pro + Office 2021 Professional Plus at $38.59 | Buy Windows 11 Pro + Office 2019 Professional Plus at $30.99 | Buy Windows 10 Pro + Office 2021 Professional Plus at $34.56 | Buy Windows 10 Pro + Office 2019 Professional Plus at $25.55 | Buy Visio Professional 2021 at $22.97 | Buy Project Professional 2021 at $25.70

Please use the coupon code SGO50 on the following items.
Buy Windows 11 Pro at $13.55 | Buy Windows 11 Pro 2-PC at $25.22 | Buy Windows 11 Pro 3-PC at $36.00 | Buy Windows 11 Pro 5-PC at $53.75 | Buy Windows 11 Home at $13.25 | Buy Windows 10 Pro at $8.65 | Buy Windows 10 Pro 2-PC at $14.86 | Buy Windows 10 Pro 5-PC at $34.99 | Buy Windows 10 Home at $8.61 | Buy Windows Server 2022 Standard at $26.19 | Buy Windows Server 2022 Datacenter at $27.21 | Buy Windows 10 Enterprise 2021 LTSC at $12.81

Go bananas with our bulk sale.
Buy Windows 10 Pro 50-PC at $325 | Buy Windows 10 Pro 100-PC at $600 | Buy Windows 11 Pro 50-PC at $400 | Buy Windows 11 Pro 100-PC at $750 | Buy Office 2021 Professional 50-PC at $1,050 | Buy Office 2021 Professional 1000-PC at $2,000Check out great deals on system utilities.

In a community blog post, Arm has announced its new Accuracy Super Resolution (ASR) upscaling technology. This open-source solution aims to transform mobile gaming by offering best-in-class upscaling capabilities for smartphones and tablets. Arm ASR addresses a critical challenge in mobile gaming: delivering high-quality graphics while managing power consumption and heat generation. By rendering games at lower resolutions and then intelligently upscaling them, Arm ASR promises to significantly boost performance without sacrificing visual quality. The technology builds upon AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution 2 (FSR 2) and adapts it specifically for mobile devices. Arm ASR utilizes temporal upscaling, which combines information from multiple frames to produce higher-quality images from lower-resolution inputs. Even though temporal upscaling is more complicated to implement than spatial frame-by-frame upscaling, it delivers better results and gives developers more freedom.

This approach allows for more ambitious graphics while maintaining smooth gameplay. In benchmark tests using a complex scene, Arm demonstrated impressive results. Devices featuring the Arm Immortalis-G720 GPU showed substantial framerate improvements when using Arm ASR compared to native resolution rendering and Qualcomm's Game Super Resolution (GSR). Moreover, the technology helped maintain stable temperatures, preventing thermal throttling that can compromise user experience. Collaboration with MediaTek revealed significant power savings when using Arm ASR on a Dimensity 9300 handset. This translates to extended battery life for mobile gamers, addressing key concerns. Arm is releasing ASR under an MIT open-source license, encouraging widespread adoption and experimentation among developers. Below you can see the comparison of various upscalers.

Graphcore today announced that the company has been acquired by SoftBank Group Corp. Under the deal, Graphcore becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank and will continue to operate under the Graphcore name.

"This is a tremendous endorsement of our team and their ability to build truly transformative AI technologies at scale, as well as a great outcome for our company," said Graphcore co-founder and CEO Nigel Toon. "Demand for AI compute is vast and continues to grow. There remains much to do to improve efficiency, resilience, and computational power to unlock the full potential of AI. In SoftBank, we have a partner that can enable the Graphcore team to redefine the landscape for AI technology."

Unlock new experiences every GFN Thursday. Whether post-apocalyptic survival adventures, narrative-driven games or vast, open worlds, GeForce NOW always has something fresh for members to explore. This week, GeForce NOW brings the survival game Once Human from Starry Studio to the cloud, part of three new titles.

Survive the Stardust
Step into a post-apocalyptic world where cosmic energy has transformed humanity in Once Human. As a Meta-Human, survive the contamination and use the powers of Stardust to navigate a new and bizarre open-world universe. Experience elements of survival, crafting and combat while challenging players to gather resources, build shelters and fend off human and monstrous threats. Uncover the rich lore through interactions with various characters and artifacts scattered throughout the world. Delve into the truth of Stardust - discover where it came from and what it wants. Play alone or grab a squad to fight, build and explore together. Level up with an Ultimate or Priority membership to stream across devices at higher resolutions and frame rates over free members. Gaming sessions are up to six hours for Priority members and eight hours for Ultimate members, plenty of time to unravel the cosmic mysteries of Once Human.

Creative Technology today announced the release of the Creative Outlier Go, the latest wireless open-ear headphones designed for personalized comfort and rich audio, perfect for those who are always on the move. Featuring custom-tuned 14.2 mm Neodymium drivers and an adjustable fit that suits all ear shapes, these headphones are a must-have for adventurers and daily commuters looking to enjoy superior sound quality while staying connected to their surroundings.

Boasting up to 26 hours of total playtime, the Creative Outlier Go keeps the beats going all day long. These headphones are also all about comfort, featuring an adjustable fit with soft silicone ear hooks that keep users comfortable even during marathon music sessions. Plus, users get to enjoy seamless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4 and low latency mode, offering minimal audio delay for a smooth and lag-free listening experience.

At Razer, we're continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible with gaming technology, and our latest software updates for Razer mice are set to redefine precision and adaptability for gamers everywhere. The new Mouse Rotation and Dynamic Sensitivity features are now available on Razer's latest esports mice - the Razer Viper V3 Pro, and Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed.

Mouse Rotation: Aligning Movement with Natural Motion
Mouse Rotation customizes the output angle from your mouse sensor to perfectly match your unique setup and grip style. This is especially beneficial for gamers who have a naturally angled swipe or an unconventional setup. By adjusting the angle in Synapse, users ensure that a left-to-right swipe on their desk corresponds directly to a horizontal movement in-game, enhancing both comfort and control.

AMD reportedly plans to incorporate glass substrates into its high-performance system-in-packages (SiPs) sometimes between 2025 and 2026. Glass substrates offer several advantages over traditional organic substrates, including superior flatness, thermal properties, and mechanical strength. These characteristics make them well-suited for advanced SiPs containing multiple chiplets, especially in data center applications where performance and durability are critical. The adoption of glass substrates aligns with the industry's broader trend towards more complex chip designs. As leading-edge process technologies become increasingly expensive and yield gains diminish, manufacturers turn to multi-chiplet designs to improve performance. AMD's current EPYC server processors already incorporate up to 13 chiplets, while its Instinct AI accelerators feature 22 pieces of silicon. A more extreme testament is Intel's Ponte Vecchio, which utilized 63 tiles in a single package.

Glass substrates could enable AMD to create even more complex designs without relying on costly interposers, potentially reducing overall production expenses. This technology could further boost the performance of AI and HPC accelerators, which are a growing market and require constant innovation. The glass substrate market is heating up, with major players like Intel, Samsung, and LG Innotek also investing heavily in this technology. Market projections suggest explosive growth, from $23 million in 2024 to $4.2 billion by 2034. Last year, Intel committed to investing up to 1.3 trillion Won (almost one billion USD) to start applying glass substrates to its processors by 2028. Everything suggests that glass substrates are the future of chip design, and we await to see first high-volume production designs.

NACON and Spiders studio are pleased to announce the early access release date of the narrative RPG GreedFall II: The Dying World with a new trailer. The title offers an all-new adventure in the world of GreedFall, which has already drawn in a player community over 2 million strong, and will be released under early access on Steam on 24 September 2024.

Players will then be able to discover the first chapters of the main quest, explore the regions of Teer Fradee, Thynia and Uxantis, and also get to know some of the characters that will accompany them in the course of their adventure. Of course, the game content will be enriched throughout the early access phase, with plenty of new features and improvements: zones, companions, quests, skills and many more!

Microsoft has agreed to pay €20 million to settle an antitrust complaint filed by Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers in Europe (CISPE), a European cloud providers association. The deal aims to address concerns about Microsoft's cloud product licensing practices, also, Microsoft will develop Azure Stack HCI for European cloud providers and compensate CISPE members for recent licensing costs. On the other side, CISPE will withdraw its EU complaint, cease supporting similar global complaints, and establish an independent European Cloud Observatory to monitor the product's development.

The settlement excludes major providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and AliCloud. While CISPE hails this as a victory, critics argue it's insufficient. AWS spokesperson Alia Ilyas said that Microsoft was only making "limited concessions for some CISPE members that demonstrate there are no technical barriers preventing it from doing what's right for every cloud customer". Google Cloud suggests more action is needed against anti-competitive behavior, and UK-based cloud company Civo's CEO Mark Boost questions the deal's long-term impact on the industry. Boost stated, "However they position it, we cannot shy away from what this deal appears to be: a global powerful company paying for the silence of a trade body, and avoiding having to make fundamental changes to their software licensing practices on a global basis". Despite resolving the CISPE complaint, Microsoft faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny worldwide. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority launched a cloud computing market investigation in October 2023 while the US Federal Trade Commission is conducting two separate probes involving Microsoft. The first FTC investigation, initiated in January 2024, examines AI services and partnerships of major tech companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Anthropic, and OpenAI. The second focuses specifically on Microsoft, OpenAI, and Nvidia, assessing their impact and behavior in the AI sector.

Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe introduces the first desktop displays launched under the Sharp brand to evidence its ongoing commitment to Quality, Service and Sustainability. Rooted in the MultiSync legacy of quality and reliability, the two new 27" monitor models, Sharp MultiSync EA272Q and Sharp MultiSync EA272U, are ideally suited for use in corporate offices, home-office scenarios as well as for control room applications.

For detail-rich applications, the high pixel density resolution of the Sharp MultiSync EA272Q (QuadHD) and the Sharp MultiSync EA272U (UltraUHD), coupled with 27-inch active screen area result in expansive digital canvases for the most productive personal workspaces. Users can extend their visual command even further with a near uninterrupted multi-screen configuration with ultra-narrow bezel and DisplayPort OUT daisy-chain. Featuring powerful 90 W USB Type-C connectivity and embedded LAN, the desktop models become fully functioning Docking Hub solutions. With just a single cable to connect notebook/PC to the display whilst powering the device, the workspace remains clear of cable clutter and e-waste is minimised. The displays' sustainable functionalities continue, achieving energy savings of up to 30% by enabling sensor technology to automatically reduce brightness or power down as appropriate to usage scenarios.

A new look? With the Core 1 Carbon, Alphacool now presents the very powerful CPU cooler in a carbon look. This cooler reliably dissipates the enormous waste heat of the latest desktop CPU generation with the help of the completely newly developed 3D jetplate.

With the Core 1 CPU cooler, Alphacool combines the best of old and new. Combined with the proven cross-slot technology, the new 3D jetplate ensures extremely even distribution of the coolant on the redesigned cooler base. Compared to the previous model, a 10 Kelvin lower temperature can be achieved. Milled from a high-quality brass block, the Core 1 has nickel-plated connections. By enlarging the nickel-plated radiator base made of pure copper, it is possible to completely cover even very large CPUs.

Gigabyte's new Stealth series of motherboards has to date only had a single product, the Z690 Aorus Elite Stealth, but now, Gigabyte has added its first Stealth board for AMD CPUs. The B650E Aorus Stealth Ice not only has all of its connectors on the back of the board, but it also has a white/silver PCB with a similarly coloured front and back cover. Apart from the DIMM slots, all connectors are also in somewhat matching colours, although judging by the pictures, the colours don't quite match on all the connectors and slots. That aside, the B650E Aorus Stealth Ice is a pretty competent board, as long as you're not interested in adding anything more than a graphics card and some NVMe SSDs, as it has zero additional PCIe expansion slots. It's a rather bold move by Gigabyte, but at the same time, most gamers and consumers don't tend to add PCIe devices to their computers outside of additional storage these days.

Besides the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, you get two M.2 sockets wired to the CPU, one PCIe 5.0—with its own, larger heatsink—and one PCIe 4.0, as well as a third PCIe 4.0 M.2 socket via the chipset. There's also support for four SATA 6 Gbps drives if more storage is needed. Gigabyte has also added an internal HDMI 1.4 port that's limited to 1080p30, which is intended to be used with Gigabyte's LCD Edge View display. Other connectivity on the back of the PCB includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps) port, a USB 3.2 (5 Gbps) pin-header as well as the usual USB 2.0, fan headers and LED headers that you'd expect from a modern motherboard. The VRM design is a 12+2+2 design with a 60 Amp DrMOS configuration for the 12+2 phases for the CPU and GPU.

Stylish and without compromises: Thanks to its full 3-block layout, floating keys and customizable RGB illumination, the SKILLER SGK36W has a gaming style that gets straight to the point. The functionality of the keyboard is completed with responsive, linear switches and a dual-mode capability that offers wired or wireless operation.

Wireless Operation with Long Battery Life
Using the included USB nano receiver, the SKILLER SGK36W can be operated totally cable free via a 2.4 GHz wireless connection. The integrated battery can stay charged for up to 55 hours and can be recharged during operation using the supplied cable.

According to a recent leak from Golden Pig on Weibo, AMD is gearing up to introduce the Ryzen 7 8745HS, a modified version of the existing Ryzen 7 8845HS APU. The key difference in this new chip lies in its neural processing capabilities. While the 8845HS boasts AMD's XDNA-based NPU (Neural Processing Unit), the upcoming 8745HS is rumored to have this feature disabled. Specifications for the 8745HS are expected to closely mirror its predecessor, featuring eight Zen 4 cores, 16 threads, and a configurable TDP range of 35-54 W. The chip will likely retain the Radeon 780M integrated GPU with 12 Compute Units. However, it is possible that AMD might introduce slight clock speed reductions to differentiate the new model further.

It is also worth pointing out that Hawk Point generation is not Copilot+ certified due to first-generation XDNA NPU being only 16 TOPS out of 40 TOPS required, so having an NPU doesn't help AMD advertise these processors as Copilot+ ready. The success of this new variant will largely depend on its pricing and adoption by laptop/mobile OEMs. Without the NPU, the 8745HS could offer a more budget-friendly option for users who don't require extensive local AI processing capabilities. After all, AI workloads remain a niche segment in consumer computing, and many users may find the 8745HS an attractive alternative if pricing is reduced, especially given the availability of cloud-based AI tools.

Edifier International, the award-winning audio electronics designer, announces the STAX SPIRIT S5 Wireless Planar magnetic headphones. In the 2012, Edifier acquired STAX Ltd., a company with over 80 years history, and a specialist in electrostatic headphones. The brand name "STAX" is almost considered the benchmark of electrostatic headphones. Inspired by STAX's pursuance of high-fidelity music and craftsmanship in the field, the STAX SPIRIT brand was created as a high-end sub brand for Edifier headphone products with the aim of developing more high-quality products for audiophile users.

The STAX SPIRIT S5 are Planar magnetic headphones. Planar magnetic drivers are commonly found in Hi-fi headphones and other high-end audio equipment. With their unique way of operation, planar magnetic drivers can represent a superior audio experience with rich details and impressive transient response. With solid innovation and advanced features, the STAX SPIRIT S5 packs upgraded planar magnetic drivers and the latest Bluetooth V5.4 technology into a compact and portable form-factor. The 2μm thin film and 2nd gen EqualMass wiring technology generate a performance comparable to legendary electrostatic headphones.

By the time you're reading this, it's already too late to sign up for the old price, if you were planning on getting or extending your Game Pass, since as of today, Microsoft has increased the cost for both PC and Xbox owners. On top of that, Microsoft has added a new tier for Xbox owners and made its lower tiers a lot less interesting. However, as TPU is a PC centric site, let's start with the bad news for PC owners. Depending on where you live, the price increase varies, but on average, Microsoft has increased the price by US$/€2/£2. However, some lower income countries are only seeing an increase of US$1, although we're not sure why Switzerland ended up in this group. However, the exchange rate is clearly affecting some other countries either negatively or positively where some countries end up paying a little bit more and others a little bit less.

Now for the really bad news for Xbox console owners. Xbox Game Pass for Console is no longer available to new subscribers, but those already on this tier that have automatic renewal enabled will be able to continue to have access to the same tier and perks that it's been offered with to date. In its place, Microsoft is introducing the Xbox Game Pass Standard tier and the fundamental difference between it and the Xbox Game Pass for Console package is that subscribers no longer have access to day one releases, but they gain access to online multiplayer games and the full back catalogue of games. There's no word on how long those subscribed to the Xbox Game Pass Standard tier will have to wait to gain access to new releases yet, but the new tier isn't available immediately either, so we'll most likely find out in due time.

JEDEC Solid State Technology Association, the global leader in the development of standards for the microelectronics industry, today announced it is nearing completion of the next version of its highly anticipated High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) DRAM standard: HBM4. Designed as an evolutionary step beyond the currently published HBM3 standard, HBM4 aims to further enhance data processing rates while maintaining essential features such as higher bandwidth, lower power consumption, and increased capacity per die and/or stack. These advancements are vital for applications that require efficient handling of large datasets and complex calculations, including generative artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, high-end graphics cards, and servers.

HBM4 is set to introduce a doubled channel count per stack compared to HBM3, with a larger physical footprint. To support device compatibility, the standard ensures that a single controller can work with both HBM3 and HBM4 if needed. Different configurations will require various interposers to accommodate the differing footprints. HBM4 will specify 24 Gb and 32 Gb layers, with options for supporting 4-high, 8-high, 12-high and 16-high TSV stacks. The committee has initial agreement on speeds bins up to 6.4 Gbps with discussion ongoing for higher frequencies.

Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC is reportedly planning to increase its wafer prices by up to 10% in 2025, according to a Morgan Stanley note cited by investor Eric Jhonsa. The move comes as demand for cutting-edge processors in smartphones, PCs, AI accelerators, and HPC continues to surge. Industry insiders reveal that TSMC's state-of-the-art 4 nm and 5 nm nodes, used for AI and HPC customers such as AMD, NVIDIA, and Intel, could see up to 10% price hikes. This increase would push the cost of 4 nm-class wafers from $18,000 to approximately $20,000, representing a significant 25% rise since early 2021 for some clients and an 11% rise from the last price hike. Talks about price hikes with major smartphone manufacturers like Apple have proven challenging, but there are indications that modest price increases are being accepted across the industry. Morgan Stanley analysts project a 4% average selling price increase for 3 nm wafers in 2025, which are currently priced at $20,000 or more per wafer.

Mature nodes like 16 nm are unlikely to see price increases due to sufficient capacity. However, TSMC is signaling potential shortages in leading-edge capacity to encourage customers to secure their allocations. Adding to the industry's challenges, advanced chip-on-wafer-on-substrate (CoWoS) packaging prices are expected to rise by 20% over the next two years, following previous increases in 2022 and 2023. TSMC aims to boost its gross margin to 53-54% by 2025, anticipating that customers will absorb these additional costs. The impact of these price hikes on end-user products remains uncertain. Competing foundries like Intel and Samsung may seize this opportunity to offer more competitive pricing, potentially prompting some chip designers to consider alternative manufacturing options. Additionally, TSMC's customers could reportedly be unable to secure their capacity allocation without "appreciating TSMC's value."

AMD today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Silo AI, the largest private AI lab in Europe, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $665 million. The agreement represents another significant step in the company's strategy to deliver end-to-end AI solutions based on open standards and in strong partnership with the global AI ecosystem. The Silo AI team consists of world-class AI scientists and engineers with extensive experience developing tailored AI models, platforms and solutions for leading enterprises spanning cloud, embedded and endpoint computing markets.

Silo AI CEO and co-founder Peter Sarlin will continue to lead the Silo AI team as part of the AMD Artificial Intelligence Group, reporting to AMD senior vice president Vamsi Boppana. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2024.

Samsung Electronics today announced its all-new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, along with Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro at Galaxy Unpacked in Paris.

Earlier this year, Samsung ushered in the era of mobile AI through the power of Galaxy AI. With the introduction of the new Galaxy Z series, Samsung is opening the next chapter of Galaxy AI by leveraging its most versatile and flexible form factor perfectly designed to enable a range of unique mobile experiences. Whether using Galaxy Z Fold's large screen, Galaxy Z Flip's FlexWindow or making the most of the iconic FlexMode, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 will provide more opportunities to maximize AI capabilities. Built on the foundation of Samsung's history of form factor innovation, Galaxy AI uses powerful, intelligent, and durable foldable experience to accelerate a new era of communication, productivity, and creativity.

Minisforum is thrilled to announce the launch of the G7 Pt, the world's first AMD Advantage certified Mini PC. Engineered for extreme gamers and high-performance creators, the G7 Pt sets a new standard in compact computing with its powerful AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX processor and AMD Radeon RX7600M XT discrete graphics.

Unparalleled Processing Power and Next-Gen Graphics
The G7 Pt leverages AMD's Smart Access Memory and SmartShift technologies to boost graphical performance and efficiency. Whether it's video editing, 3D rendering, animation production, or gaming, the G7 Pt excels in every scenario.

Intel has released its latest version of Arc GPU Graphics drivers for A-series discrete GPUs and Arc Graphics iGPUs, version 101.5762 Beta. The new drivers bring Game On Driver support on Intel Arc A-series GPUs and Intel Core Ultra with Intel Arc GPUs for Once Human and Zenless Zone Zero games, as well as improve performance in Diablo IV under DirectX 12 by up to 35 percent at 1440p resolution and by up to 30 percent at 1080p resolution with Ray Tracing Ultra settings.

The new drivers also fix the issue seen in Plants vs. Zombies Game of the Year Edition when 3D acceleration is enabled on Intel Arc A-series GPUs and Core Ultra CPUs with Intel Arc GPUs, as well as issues with Endurance Gaming in games on Intel Core Ultra CPUs with Intel Arc GPUs. Intel also fixed an issue With Intel Arc Control where it may report incorrect Shader Model version in System Capabilities.

DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.5762 Beta

In the competitive gaming scene, milliseconds can mean the difference between victory and defeat. At Razer, we are dedicated to providing gamers with every possible advantage. The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro line of esports gaming keyboards, equipped with our Analog Optical Switches Gen-2, has already become a staple in the setups of top esports athletes in games like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant. Pro players armed with the Huntsman V3 Pro and Rapid Trigger, have gone on to win championships. Today, we are excited to introduce a new feature for the Huntsman V3 Pro: Snap Tap Mode.

What is Snap Tap Mode?
Snap Tap Mode enhances responsiveness by prioritizing the latest input between two selected keys without requiring the release of the previous key. This allows for near-instant directional changes, making your gameplay more fluid and responsive.

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solutions innovator, today announced its 100GbE managed switch, QSW-M7308R-4X, supports the latest QSS Pro with L3 Lite management capabilities. Featuring MC-LAG redundancy to ensure uninterrupted switch networking, the QSW-M7308R-4X assists enterprises in efficiently managing mid-to-large-scale high-speed network infrastructure within a limited budget and accelerates high-bandwidth applications including 4K/8K video streaming, Big Data, AI, and AV-over-IP.

"A 100GbE switch with high-density ports allows enterprises to conveniently expand network scale to meet future requirements." said Jerry Deng, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "The QSW-M7308R-4X L3 Lite switch adds flexibility to enterprise network management and provides scalability for secure enterprise high-speed network infrastructure, thus significantly reducing maintenance and management costs."

XPG, a fast-growing provider of systems, components, and peripherals for Gamers, Esports Pros, and Tech Enthusiasts, has launched the XPG INVADER X BTF Mid-Tower chassis to markets around the globe. After the award-winning success of the original XPG INVADER X case, the world is now graced with a new, updated version, adopting reverse-connector motherboard compatibility. As one of the earliest members of the ASUS BTF ALLIANCE, XPG leads the charge into a world of immaculate PC builds with ocean-view tempered glass panels and completely hidden cables. On top of ATX BTF compatibility, INVADER X BTF also supports up to ten 120 mm fans, five of which come pre-installed.

The Future is Now
Gone are the days of messy cables ruining the aesthetics of high-end builds. No longer must your system be hidden behind opaque panels, shrouds, and a collection of zip ties. INVADER X BTF leverages the new reverse-connector conventions of ASUS BTF ALLIANCE components coupled with front and side 3 mm tempered glass panels to deliver stunning views of your system from any and every angle. With additional accessories, also provided by XPG, PC builders can build systems that are beautiful, personal, and highly capable.

The PC market gathered momentum in Q2 2024, with worldwide shipments of desktops and notebooks up 3.4% year-on-year, reaching 62.8 million units. Shipments of notebooks (including mobile workstations) hit 50 million units, growing 4%. Desktops (including desktop workstations), which constitute 20% of the total PC market, experienced a slight 1% growth, totaling 12.8 million units. The stage is now set for accelerated growth as the refresh cycle driven by the Windows 11 transition and AI PC adoption ramps up over the next four quarters.

"The PC industry is going from strength to strength with a third consecutive quarter of growth," said Ishan Dutt, Principal Analyst at Canalys. "The market turnaround is coinciding with exciting announcements from vendors and chipset manufacturers as their AI PC roadmaps transition from promise to reality. The quarter culminated with the launch of the first Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon processors and more clarity around Apple's AI strategy with the announcement of the Apple Intelligence suite of features for Mac, iPad and iPhone. Beyond these innovations, the market will start to benefit even more from its biggest tailwind - a ramp-up in PC demand driven by the Windows 11 refresh cycle. The vast majority of channel partners surveyed by Canalys in June indicated that Windows 10 end-of-life is likely to impact customer refresh plans most in either the second half of 2024 or the first half of 2025, suggesting that shipment growth will only gather steam in upcoming quarters."

CPUID this week released the latest version of CPU-Z, and its change-log confirms the core-configurations of upcoming AMD Ryzen AI 300-series "Strix Point" processor SKUs. On paper, "Strix Point" packs a 12-core CPU based on the latest "Zen 5" microarchitecture, but there's more to this number. We've known since June 2024 that the chip has a heterogeneous multicore configuration of four full-sized "Zen 5" cores, and eight compacted "Zen 5c" cores. Only the "Zen 5" cores can reach the maximum boost frequencies rated for the chip, while the "Zen 5c" cores go a few notches above the base frequency, although it's expected that the gap in boost frequencies between the two core types is expected to slightly narrow compared to that between the "Zen 4" and "Zen 4c" cores in chips such as the "Phoenix 2."

The series is led by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, an enthusiast segment chip that maxes out all 12 cores on the chip—that's 4x "Zen 5" and 8x "Zen 5c." This model is closely followed by the Ryzen AI 9 365, which AMD marked in its presentations as being simply a 10-core/20-thread chip. We're now learning that it has 4x "Zen 5" and 6x "Zen 5c," meaning that AMD hasn't touched the counts of its faster "Zen 5" cores. It's important to note here that "Zen 5c" is not an E-core. It supports SMT, and at base frequency, it has an identical IPC to "Zen 5." It also supports the entire ISA that "Zen 5" does.

The recent launch of Copilot+ PCs, a collaboration between Microsoft and Qualcomm, has taken an unexpected turn in the market. While these devices were promoted for their artificial intelligence capabilities, a Bloomberg report reveals that consumers are primarily drawn to them for their impressive battery life. The Snapdragon X-powered Copilot+ PCs have made a significant impact, securing 20% of global PC sales during their launch week. However, industry analyst Avi Greengart points out that the extended battery life, not the AI features, is driving these sales. Microsoft introduced three AI-powered features exclusive to these PCs: Cocreator, Windows Studio Effects, and Live Captions with Translation. Despite these innovations, many users find these features non-essential for daily use. The delay of the anticipated Recall feature due to privacy concerns has further dampened enthusiasm for the AI aspects of these devices.

The slow reception of on-device AI capabilities extends beyond consumer preferences to the software industry. Major companies like Adobe, Salesforce, and SentinelOne declined Microsoft's request to optimize their apps for the new hardware, citing resource constraints and the limited market share of AI-capable PCs. Gregor Steward, SentinelOne's VP for AI, suggests it could take years before AI PCs are widespread enough to justify app optimization. Analysts project that by 2028, only 40% of new computers will be AI-capable. Despite these challenges, Qualcomm remains optimistic about the future of AI PCs. While the concept may currently be more on the marketing side, the introduction of Arm-based Windows laptops offers a welcome alternative to the Intel-AMD duopoly. As the technology evolves and adoption increases, on-device AI features may become more prevalent and useful. The imminent arrival of AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Lunar Lake chips promises to expand the Copilot+ PC space further. For now, however, it appears that superior battery life remains the primary selling point for consumers.

AMD today released the FidelityFX SDK 1.1 to the public through its GPUOpen initiative. This update includes the source code to FSR 3.1, which should make it easier for game developers to understand the technology, and integrate it with their games. FSR 3.1 requires an AMD Radeon RX 5000 series (or later) GPU, or an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20-series (or later) GPU, although the company recommends at least an RX 6000 series or RTX 30-series GPU, regardless of model. You get the full upscaling and frame-generation capabilities of FSR 3.1 on all supported GPUs, across AMD and NVIDIA, which is the main pull for the tech, as the rival DLSS 3 Frame Generation technology only works on RTX 40-series (or later) GPUs.

AMD FSR 3.1 builds on top of FSR 3 by introducing updates to the upscaler. If you recall, the star attraction with FSR 3 has been frame-generation, but the underlying upscaling tech had been carried over from FSR 2.2. FSR 3.1 introduces some much-needed updates to the quality of upscaling, and introduces new upscaler quality presets, including a native AA mode analogous to NVIDIA's DLAA. These increases in upscaler quality lets you trade in quality for performance better. You can find all the resources you need on FSR 3.1 here.

More than 500 games and applications feature RTX technologies, and many new games integrating NVIDIA DLSS, NVIDIA Reflex and advanced ray-traced effects are released or announced each month, delivering the definitive PC experience for GeForce RTX players. Today, we can confirm that Wuthering Waves will be upgrading to DLSS 3 later this year, multiplying performance for GeForce RTX gamers. And our new Black Myth: Wukong GeForce RTX 40 Series bundle is available now ahead of the eagerly anticipated game's August 20th release. Also, Bears In Space and The Black Pool recently launched with DLSS 3, adding to our ever-growing catalog of RTX games and applications.

Wuthering Waves DLSS 3 Update Coming Soon
Desolated by the Lament, civilization is born anew in KURO GAMES' open world game Wuthering Waves. As the world of Solaris-3 unfolds, your lost memory begins to see its recovery through a ceaseless quest in the game's expansive world. Engage in fast-paced combat, enlist companions to aid your journey, and discover the secrets that await in this highly anticipated title.

Applied Materials, Inc. today introduced materials engineering innovations designed to increase the performance-per-watt of computer systems by enabling copper wiring to scale to the 2 nm logic node and beyond. "The AI era needs more energy-efficient computing, and chip wiring and stacking are critical to performance and power consumption," said Dr. Prabu Raja, President of the Semiconductor Products Group at Applied Materials. "Applied's newest integrated materials solution enables the industry to scale low-resistance copper wiring to the emerging angstrom nodes, while our latest low-k dielectric material simultaneously reduces capacitance and strengthens chips to take 3D stacking to new heights."

Overcoming the Physics Challenges of Classic Moore's Law Scaling
Today's most advanced logic chips can contain tens of billions of transistors connected by more than 60 miles of microscopic copper wiring. Each layer of a chip's wiring begins with a thin film of dielectric material, which is etched to create channels that are filled with copper. Low-k dielectrics and copper have been the industry's workhorse wiring combination for decades, allowing chipmakers to deliver improvements in scaling, performance and power-efficiency with each generation.

Cooler Master, a leading provider of PC components, gaming peripherals, and tech lifestyle solutions, has today announced the launch of the MasterLiquid 360 Ion. This flagship AIO cooler features the company's first LCD display and showcases the most advanced cooling technology to date. "Our technical expertise is embodied in the MasterLiquid 360 Ion, designed to provide unparalleled cooling performance and customization. This product sets our users up for success, ensuring their systems run smoothly and efficiently," said Jimmy Sha, CEO of Cooler Master.

NVIDIA today launched the "Fulfill Your Destiny" game bundle. The company, along with its board partners, are bundling "Black Myth: Wukong," the fantasy action RPG that's setting the Summer PC gaming scene on fire. Almost the entire GeForce RTX 40-series "Ada" is eligible for the game bundle, with the exception of the RTX 4060 Ti and RTX 4060. So, this should include the RTX 4090, RTX 4080 SUPER, RTX 4080, RTX 4070 Ti SUPER, RTX 4070 Ti, RTX 4070 SUPER, and RTX 4070. The bundle is open worldwide, through participating retailers, and covers eligible graphics cards purchased after July 9, 2024. Black Myth: Wukong is powered by Unreal Engine 5, and its developers are implementing NVIDIA technologies such as DLSS 3.5 ray reconstruction.

Corsair today announced the release of the new RS Series of cooling fans, boasting impressive and affordable cooling with simple daisy-chained connections for a hassle-free setup. Incorporating the latest fan technology advances, RS Series fans are ideal for PC builders seeking precise PWM cooling without the need for additional controllers. Available as both an ARGB version with eye-catching addressable lighting and a non-RGB version, there's an RS Series fan for any type of build.

RS fans streamline cable management within your build when you daisy-chain one fan to the next, all connected to your motherboard using a single 4-pin PWM connector. RS ARGB fans add dynamic lighting to your build without unnecessary complexity by utilizing one +5V ARGB header. This streamlined approach makes installation a breeze, putting control of fan speeds and lighting right at your fingertips via your motherboard.

Corsair today announced the immediate availability of the Corsair 3500X Series Mid-Tower PC Case for builders seeking a blend of aesthetics, compatibility, and cooling performance at an affordable price. Providing stunning views of your PC's internals through its wraparound tempered glass panels, the 3500X is built on decades of knowledge and experience spent bringing some of the best-selling mid-tower cases to the market.

With wide component compatibility to accommodate high-performance PCs, versatility forms the cornerstone of the 3500X's design philosophy. This new case supports motherboard form-factors from Mini-ITX to EATX and is compatible with the newer reverse connector motherboards such as ASUS BTF and MSI Project Zero, enabling a pristine view free of unsightly cables. With a spacious interior that fits most large graphics cards and air coolers, the 3500X is ready to house your next high-powered gaming rig.

SiliconIntervention, a design services company based in Kelowna, British Columbia, has introduced a new architecture for audio processing to enhance efficiency and reduce power consumption in wearable devices. The company's Fractal-D audio amplifier IPs is based on their New Analog design platform and uses standard CMOS processes, requiring no specialized manufacturing steps. CTO Martin Mallinson emphasizes the importance of improved efficiency and extended battery life in wearables. He notes that while standard H Bridge Class-D amplifiers achieve 80-90% efficiency at 1 W output, they typically drop to 30-40% at 10 mW. The Fractal-D architecture purportedly maintains high efficiency across both power levels, potentially extending battery life in devices like earbuds and earphones.

"Extending battery life in wearable audio products such as earbuds remains one of the most sought-after features for consumers as audio processing features continue to grow, and the Fractal-D technology is a key building block towards that goal.", commented Allan Cox, CEO of SiliconIntervention. To facilitate adoption, the company offers a customizable portfolio of features to meet specific end-product requirements besides providing product family descriptions, simulation and emulation results, and a silicon-based evaluation system. Now we have to wait and see when and what end-products will use this technology and with what effects on battery life.

DFI, the world's leading brand in embedded motherboards and industrial computers, introduces its latest innovation: the ASL9A2 System-on-Module (SoM). With an Intel Atom processor, the ASL9A2 achieves speeds up to 3.6 GHz and is based on Intel's Gracemont architecture. Designed for high-performance, low-power, and ruggedized edge applications, the ASL9A2 is perfect for continuous 24/7 operation, supporting a wide range of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions at the edge.

As reported by The Business Research Company, the SoM market has experienced robust growth, increasing from 2.22 billion in 2023 to 2.43 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 9.6%. From DFI's business viewpoint, a variety of SoM projects are yielding positive results. Furthermore, DFI enhances its Intel x86 COM Express modules with value-added enhancements to improve customers' applications efficiency, earning praise from customers.

Thermaltake, a leading PC DIY brand for premium hardware solutions, is proud to launch the CTE E660 MX Mid Tower Chassis, a dual chamber mid-tower supporting ASUS and MSI Hidden-Connector motherboards. Along with excellent motherboard compatibility, the CTE E660 MX also features an interchangeable dual front panel design, a three-way GPU installation option, and exceptional cooling support, enabling the creation of a dream PC with superior flexibility. Available in four colors, including Black, Snow, Racing Green, and Hydrangea Blue, this chassis offers a variety of options to suit your preferences.

Designed for next-generation motherboards, the CTE E660 MX is compatible with both standard motherboards and the latest hidden-connector motherboards (ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO BTF / ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-BTF WIFI / MSI Z790 PROJECT ZERO). Using a hidden-connector motherboard enables you to route messy cables to the rear, improving cable management and enhancing the aesthetics of your builds. To cater to diverse needs in PC customization, the CTE E660 MX combines sleek design with practicality. The left side of the chassis incorporates a 4 mm tempered glass panel, offering a clear view of the interior configuration. Additionally, the CTE E660 MX provides two interchangeable front panels: a tempered glass panel for expansive visibility and a perforated panel for enhanced airflow, allowing you to tailor setups for aesthetic appeal and optimal performance.

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech and leading innovator of gaming technologies and gear, announced the Logitech G309 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse, a premium designed mouse with dual-wireless connectivity, precision tracking and reliable performance in a newly designed form factor for all. Gamers know their gear needs to deliver performance, comfort, and reliability to play at their best. In gaming mice, that means wireless performance with low latency, precision control, and seamless synchronization with movements, particularly given the tempo and agility required.

"For years, we have been committed to evolving our LIGHTSPEED technology and innovation so that everyone from esports pros to new gamers can enjoy wireless gameplay," said Ujesh Desai, vice president and general manager of Logitech Gaming. "Our LIGHTSPEED technology, in conjunction with our HERO sensors, has advanced to the point where all gamers, from the world's elite esports pros athletes to the first time gamer, know they can trust Logitech G mice to perform every time. With the G309 LIGHTSPEED, we have brought the same top-of-the-line technology, including HERO 25K sensor, POWERPLAY compatibility, and LIGHTSPEED wireless - all at a price point that is affordable to most."

The PureWriter W65 combines versatility with a compact layout and efficient performance. With its dual-mode capability, the keyboard can be operated using either a wired or a 2.4 GHz wireless connection. The enhanced Choc-V2 switches from Kailh and the especially low keycaps provide the keyboard the necessary efficiency when gaming or working as well as an ultra-low height of only 2.6 cm.

Kailh Choc V2: Fast Low-Profile Switches
The improved low-profile Kailh Choc V2 switches not only give the PureWriter W65 a pleasantly flat typing sensation, but also provide a faster actuation than conventional switches. You can choose between the linear Kailh Choc V2 Red, which has neither a tactile nor an audible actuation point, and the Kailh Choc V2 Brown, which provides a tactile actuation point. Furthermore, the keyboard is equipped with factory-lubed stabilizers for optimal acoustics.

Chinese GPU manufacturer Moore Threads has announced a significant upgrade to its KUAE data center server. The company now has the ability to connect up to 10,000 GPUs in a single cluster, marking a huge leap in its scale-out capabilities for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing applications. The enhanced KUAE server incorporates eight MTT S4000 GPUs, leveraging Moore Threads' proprietary MTLink interconnect technology. These GPUs, based on the MUSA architecture, each feature 128 tensor cores and 48 GB of GDDR6 memory, delivering a bandwidth of 768 GB/s. While the full performance metrics of a 10,000-GPU cluster remain undisclosed, the sheer scale of 1,280,000 tensor cores suggests decent computing potential. Moore Threads' GPUs currently lag behind NVIDIA's GPU offerings in terms of performance. However, the company claims its MTT S4000 remains competitive against certain NVIDIA models, particularly in large language model training and inference tasks.

The Chinese company is facing significant challenges due to its inclusion on the U.S. Department of Commerce's Entity List, restricting access to advanced manufacturing processes. Despite these obstacles, the firm has secured partnerships with major Chinese state-run telecom operators and technology companies, focusing on developing new computing cluster projects. A recent financing round raised approximately $343.7 million will help Moore Threads' ambitious expansion plans. However, limited access to cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication technologies may constrain the company's future growth. Nonetheless, creating a scale-out server infrastructure with up to 10,000 GPUs is vital for LLM training and inference, especially as Chinese AI labs catch up to Western labs in terms of the performance of their AI models.

Apparently the AMD "Strix Halo" processor is real, and it's large. The chip is designed to square off against the likes of the Apple M3 Pro and M3 Max, in letting ultraportable notebooks have powerful graphics performance. A chiplet-based processor, not unlike the desktop socketed "Raphael," and mobile BGA "Dragon Range," the "Strix Halo" processor consists of one or two CCDs containing CPU cores, wired to a large die, that's technically the cIOD (client I/O die), but containing an oversized iGPU, and an NPU. The point behind "Strix Halo" is to eliminate the need for a performance-segment discrete GPU, and conserve its PCB footprint.

According to leaks by Harukaze5719, a reliable source with AMD leaks, "Strix Halo" comes in a BGA package dubbed FP11, measuring 37.5 mm x 45 mm, which is significantly larger than the 25 mm x 40 mm size of the FP8 BGA package that the regular "Strix Point," "Hawk Point," and "Phoenix" mobile processors are built on. It is larger in area than the 40 mm x 40 mm FL1 BGA package of "Dragon Range" and upcoming "Fire Range" gaming notebook processors. "Strix Halo" features one or two of the same 4 nm "Zen 5" CCDs featured on the "Granite Ridge" desktop and "Fire Range" mobile processors, but connected to a much larger I/O die, as we mentioned.

Samsung Electronics, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today announced that it will provide turnkey semiconductor solutions using the 2-nanometer (nm) foundry process and the advanced 2.5D packaging technology Interposer-Cube S (I-Cube S) to Preferred Networks, a leading Japanese AI company.

By leveraging Samsung's leading-edge foundry and advanced packaging products, Preferred Networks aims to develop powerful AI accelerators that meet the ever-growing demand for computing power driven by generative AI.

Leading provider of advanced AI solutions AAEON (Stock Code: 6579), has released the inaugural offering of its AI Inference Server product line, the MAXER-2100. The MAXER-2100 is a 2U Rackmount AI inference server powered by the Intel Core i9-13900 Processor, designed to meet high-performance computing needs.
The MAXER-2100 is also able to support both 12th and 13th Generation Intel Core LGA 1700 socket-type CPUs, up to 125 W, and features an integrated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER GPU. While the product's default comes with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER, it is also compatible with and an NVIDIA-Certified Edge System for both the NVIDIA L4 Tensor Core and NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada GPUs.

Given the MAXER-2100 is equipped with both a high-performance CPU and industry-leading GPU, a key feature highlighted by AAEON upon the product's launch is its capacity to execute complex AI algorithms and datasets, process multiple high-definition video streams simultaneously, and utilize machine learning to refine large language models (LLMs) and inferencing models.

Following the recent showcase of numerous Phanteks products at Computex 2024, Phanteks is proud to announce the release of the NV5 MKII mid-tower chassis. This upgraded version of its popular predecessor is designed to support BTF/Project Zero mainboards, offering users a state-of-the-art experience in PC building.

The NV5 series has previously been celebrated for its unique visual appeal and small footprint. The NV5MKII continues this tradition with the favorited near-seamless glass panel, perfect for showcasing true craftmanship in custom PC building. With the graphics card and mainboard-centric design, the new NV5MKII elevates the display of components while keeping all wiring meticulously hidden.

The Sabrent USB Type-C 3-Port Gaming Hub is a form-fitted, easy-to-use USB hub designed for your Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED portable gaming systems. It fits easily into place and will go with your Deck wherever you go. It's sleek and small but has all the essentials to make play simple and robust. The hub, through its 5 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) USB Type-C upstream port, extends the deck with dual USB-A downstream ports. There's also a Type-C port that can be used to power and charge the Deck (PD3.0).

We've listened to your feedback: the Type-C downstream port, a popular feature from our Steam Deck Dock (DS-SD6P), is included in this Gaming Hub as well. This port can act as a downstream port for other devices, offering versatility. Regardless of how you use it, though, the Hub will work with various operating systems - for multi-boot, for a non-stock OS, or even for other non-Deck devices - and is plug-and-play. This is an essential companion for your Deck that doesn't take up a lot of space or have unnecessary ports or features. Plug and go.

Silkland, a tech brand specializing in cables and accessories, has once again raised the bar with its new 4ft USB-IF Certified USB4 Cable. This latest cable delivers unmatched speed and convenience, and works seamlessly with all Thunderbolt 4 / 3 / Type C devices, making it an essential tool for professionals and everyday users alike.

Silkland's latest offering stands out as the longest USB-IF certified USB4 cable, measuring at 4ft. This means users can now enjoy a longer reach without compromising speed and efficiency compared to the standard 3.3ft cables. Fully supports the latest features to future-proof your setup. Backward compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 x2.

Ling-Long, a Chinese PC manufacturer, has introduced an innovative device that combines a fully functional AMD Ryzen 7 8840U PC with a foldable keyboard. This design stands out among recent Mini and Portable PC offerings. Unlike Mini PCs, it doesn't require an external power source to boot, and unlike laptops, it lacks a built-in display. Users can simply connect it to a monitor and mouse to create a complete workstation. Ling-Long emphasizes the product's extreme portability, demonstrating how it can fit in a pocket.

Aiming to surpass the compactness and functionality of Apple's Macbook and Mac mini, Ling-Long describes their product as an "unibody" design with a dedicated converting mechanism. Essentially, it's a mini-PC integrated into a keyboard. The device's chassis is divided into two compartments: one for the main PC with a single active-blower fan and copper heatsink, and another for the battery pack. Battery life varies from 10 hours for light workloads to 4 hours for gaming.

There appear to be an ever increasing amount of gaming monitors on the market these days and the latest addition from Gigabyte is using a 4K SuperSpeed IPS panel. The Gigabyte M27UA sports a 27-inch display as the name suggests and it should be a typical 8-bit + FRC panel with a 95 percent coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space, a 400 cd/m² typical brightness and a 5 ms grey to grey response time. The M27UA also offers a 160 Hz refresh rate which is in line with the best IPS gaming monitors out there and it's AMD FreeSync Premium certified. On the software side of things we find typical Gigabyte inclusions like Aim Stabilizer Sync, Black Equalizer 2.0, built in cross hairs, night vision and an FPS counter, as well as Gigabyte's OSD Sidekick which allows you to adjust the monitor settings from an app in Windows.

Gigabyte has equipped the M27UA with two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, a USB Type-C with DP Alt mode support and USB PD at 18 W (no, that's not a typo). The Type-C port together with one USB 3.2 Type-B port and three USB 3.2 Type-A ports enable KVM functionality—there's even a dedicated KVM button at the back of the monitor. A headphone jack rounds off the connectivity options and there's also a pair of built in 3 Watt speakers. In addition to KVM, there's also support for Picture in Picture and Picture by Picture. The supplied stand offers height and tilt adjustment, but not swivel or pivot. One upside of this monitor is the relatively low power consumption of 34 Watts. There's no word on availability or pricing from the company.

OXS is excited to announce the launch of the Storm G2 Gaming Headset, a cutting-edge addition to the world of gaming accessories. Featuring a 50 mm full-range dynamic driver and cutting-edge 7.1 virtual surround sound technology, the Storm G2 promises an unmatched audio experience for gamers and audiophiles alike.

The OXS Storm G2 Gaming Headset sets a new standard in gaming audio, combining superior sound quality, versatile functionality, and exceptional comfort. This headset is poised to become an essential accessory for gamers and audio enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in performance and convenience at an accessible price point.

ASUS today announced the ASUS NUC 14 Pro+, an ultracompact PC that offers best-in-class performance thanks to the power of the new Intel Core Ultra processor, which gives it the ability to locally run generative AI workloads. The machine's robust computing capabilities are further boosted by certified Bluetooth dongle-free connectivity, energy-efficient WiFi Sensing, and three AI engines (GPU, NPU, and CPU) that enable high throughput, low power consumption, and fast response. The eye-catching 5 x 4-inch anodized aluminium chassis is perfect for corporate or home office settings, and it features toolless access for fast, safe, and easy upgrades.

Style meets AI-driven performance
Available with Intel Core Ultra 9, 7, or 5 CPUs, the Intel Arc GPU for enhanced graphics, and Intel AI Boost (NPU), the ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ meets most computing needs and combines style with powerful performance. Together, its three AI engines - GPU, NPU, and CPU - enable higher throughput, lower power consumption, and faster response to locally run generative AI workloads. The Intel Core Ultra processors represent Intel's most power-efficient client processors to date. Compared to its predecessor, the NUC 13 Pro Mini PC, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ offers significantly enhanced AI processing performance, offering unmatched stability and up to 35% faster local computing, especially noticeable in tasks such as text-to-image generation using stable-diffusion software.

Just a few weeks ago, AMD invited us to Barcelona as part of a roundtable, to share their vision for the future of the company, and to get our feedback. On site, were prominent AMD leadership, including Phil Guido, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and Jack Huynh, Senior VP & GM, Computing and Graphics Business Group. AMD is making changes in a big way to how they are approaching technology, shifting their focus from hardware development to emphasizing software, APIs, and AI experiences. Software is no longer just a complement to hardware; it's the core of modern technological ecosystems, and AMD is finally aligning its strategy accordingly.

The major difference between AMD and NVIDIA is that AMD is a hardware company that makes software on the side to support its hardware; while NVIDIA is a software company that designs hardware on the side to accelerate its software. This is about to change, as AMD is making a pivot toward software. They believe that they now have the full stack of computing hardware—all the way from CPUs, to AI accelerators, to GPUs, to FPGAs, to data-processing and even server architecture. The only frontier left for AMD is software.

ATP Electronics, the global leader in specialized storage and memory solutions, proudly unveils the N651Si Series E1.S solid state drives (SSDs), which offer best in class performance, endurance, and data retention capabilities for the most demanding applications.

Supporting industrial temperature operating range (-40°C to 85°C) along with hardware power loss protection (HW PLP), the new SSDs offer the highest levels of reliability and total cost of ownership value in harsh environments, making them especially beneficial for mission-critical applications running under extreme temperatures, such as automotive, data logger, data centers, and defense/aerospace. Engineered for 1U Edge servers, the EDSFF offering with 9.5 mm symmetrical enclosure is available with up to 8 TB capacity and is constructed with 512 Gb prime NAND die 176-layer 3D triple level cell (TLC).

As AMD prepares to roll out its next-generation Ryzen 9000 series of CPUs based on Zen 5 architecture, we are starting to see some systems being tested by third-party OEMs and system integrators. Today, we have Geekbench 6 scores of the Ryzen 9 9900X CPU, and the 12-core, 24-thread processor that has demonstrated impressive performance gains. Boasting a base clock of 4.4 GHz and a boost clock of up to 5.6 GHz, the CPU features only 120 W TDP, a significant reduction from the previous 170 W of the previous generation. In Geekbench 6 tests, the Ryzen 9 9900X achieved a single-core score of 3,401 and a multicore score of 19,756.

These results place it ahead of Intel's current flagship Core i9-14900KS, which scored 3,189 points in single-core performance. Regarding multicore tasks, the i9-14900K scored 21,890 points, still higher than AMD's upcoming 12-core SKU. The benchmark of AMD's CPU was conducted on an ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Gene motherboard with 32 GB of DDR5 memory. As anticipation builds for the official release, these early benchmarks suggest that AMD will deliver a compelling product that balances high performance with improved energy efficiency. The top tier models will still carry a 170 W TDP, while some high-end and middle-end SKUs get a TDP reduction like the Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X dial down to 65 W, decreased from 105 W in their previous iterations.

AMD is preparing to release its next generation of high-performance CPUs, the Ryzen 9000X3D series, and rumors are circulating about potential increases in stacked L3 cache. However, a recent report from Wccftech suggests that the upcoming models will maintain the same 64 MB of additional 3D V-cache as their predecessors. The X3D moniker represents AMD's 3D V-Cache technology, which vertically stacks an extra L3 cache on top of one CPU chiplet. This design has proven particularly effective in enhancing gaming performance, leading AMD to market these processors as the "ultimate gaming" solutions. According to the latest information, the potential Ryzen 9 9950X3D would feature 16 Zen 5 cores with a total of 128 (64+64) MB L3 cache, while a Ryzen 9 9900X3D would offer 12 cores with the same cache capacity. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is expected to provide 96 (32+64) MB of total L3 cache.

Regarding L2, the CPUs feature one MB of L2 cache per core. Perhaps the most exciting development for overclockers is the reported inclusion of full overclocking support in the new X3D series. This marks a significant evolution from the limited options available in previous generations, potentially allowing enthusiasts to push these gaming-focused chips to new heights of performance. While the release date for the Ryzen 9000X3D series remains unconfirmed, industry speculation suggests a launch window as early as September or October. This timing would coincide with the release of new X870 (E) chipset motherboards. PC enthusiasts would potentially wait to match the next-gen CPU and motherboards, so this should be a significant upgrade cycle for many.

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solution innovator, today launched new entry-level business NAS models including 4-bay TS-432X and 6-bay TS-632X, tailored for personal studio and SMBs to optimize workflows and collaboration. Featuring a quad-core processor, high-speed 2.5GbE/10GbE ports, and PCIe expansion capabilities, both new models excel in performance and versatility to streamline multi-device file backups, data security, and file management while also simplifying data storage, search, and sharing tasks.

Andy Chuang, Product Manager of QNAP, stated "With the rising popularity of 10GbE applications, the TS-432X and TS-632X offer ideal solutions for small to medium-sized businesses seeking smaller-capacity 10GbE NAS options. Users can benefit from a versatile storage solution featuring multiple LAN ports and PCIe expandability, all within a modest budget."

Welcome to another slow-ish week of new games, but from next week it looks like things will start to pick up again after about a month of lesser releases. At least this week there are a few more interesting titles and this week's major release is a post-apocalyptic open-world survival game from China. As for the other new releases, we have sheeps, an alien invasion of sorts, a game about an intergalactic freelance adventurer, a lot of shoes and finally some alchemy.

Once Human / This week's major release / Tuesday 9 July
The apocalypse changed everything. Human, animal, plant… all are infested by an alien creature—Stardust. As a Meta-Human, you can survive the contamination and use the power of Stardust. Play alone or join others to fight, build and explore. When the world is in chaos, you are our last hope. You wake up in the middle of nowhere. You'll have to brace yourself for the cruelty of nature (from monsters to lack of food); however, Stardust's influence does not restrict to living things, it also affects the soil and water. Eating polluted food and drinking dirty water will reduce your Sanity. When your Sanity drops, your max HP would drop accordingly. To eat or not to eat, it's a question. Steam link

Everyone's favorite plaintext editor, the Windows Notepad, now has Spellcheck. The latest update to Notepad in Windows 11 adds spellchecks, along with spelling suggestions. The company had released Spellcheck and Autocorrect to Insiders in March 2024, and has now rolled the feature out to the regular userbase. The feature is enabled by default. The app now also has an autocorrect feature that, well, automatically corrects common typos the way a fully fledged word processor would. Both Spellcheck and Autocorrect are now enabled by default, and can be turned off in the gearwheel screen. Starting with Windows 11, Microsoft turned many of the popular Windows Accessories to UWP apps. These used to be Win32 apps in previous Windows versions. The company continuously updates these apps through the Windows Store platform, and we've noticed that Notepad got several new features it never had over the past three decades, including tabs, session restore, and now Spellcheck.

It's time to head back to school! Be smart with your shopping for the next school year—get a notebook or desktop without pre-installed software, and buy the software you need from URCDKeys. Save big when you choose our Genuine Windows 10 Pro at just $14, or any of our three Professional Plus editions of Office that start at $26, saving you on annual 365 subscriptions. Better yet, combine your preferred editions of Windows and Office, to save even more! Good luck for the 2024-25 schooling year!

Please use the coupon code TPUP at check-out to avail the prices you see here.
Buy Windows 10 Pro at $14 | Buy Windows 11 Pro at $20 | Buy Windows 10 Home at $13 | Buy Windows 11 Home at $24 | Buy Windows 10 Pro 2-PC at $26

Buy Office 2016 Professional Plus at $26 | Buy Office 2019 Professional Plus at $47 | Buy Office 2021 Professional Plus at $86 | Buy Office 2019 Home and Student at $49 | Buy Office 2019 Home and Business for Mac at $78

Buy Windows 10 Pro + Office 2016 Professional Plus at $40 | Buy Windows 10 Pro + Office 2019 Professional Plus at $58 | Buy Visual Studio 2022 Enterprise at $95 | Buy SQL Server 2019 Standard 2-core at $87 | Buy SQL Server 2019 Standard 16-core at $158

Intel has reportedly chosen the TSMC 4 nm EUV foundry node for its next generation Arc Xe2 discrete GPUs based on the "Battlemage" graphics architecture. This would mark a generational upgrade from the Arc "Alchemist" family, which Intel built on the TSMC 6 nm DUV process. The TSMC N4 node offers significant increases in transistor densities, performance, and power efficiency over the N6, which is allowing Intel to nearly double the Xe cores on its largest "Battlemage" variant in numerical terms. This, coupled with increased IPC, clock speeds, and other features, should make the "Battlemage" contemporary against today's AMD RDNA 3 and NVIDIA Ada gaming GPUs. Interestingly, TSMC N4 isn't the most advanced foundry node that the Xe2 "Battlemage" is being built on. The iGPU powering Intel's Core Ultra 200V "Lunar Lake" processor is part of its Compute tile, which Intel is building on the more advanced TSMC N3 (3 nm) node.

AMD's upcoming Ryzen AI 300 APUs pre-launch leaks continue, the latest coming from the BAPCo CrossMark benchmark database. Two models have been spotted: the officially announced Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and the recently leaked Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, part of the "Strix Point" family, boasts 12 cores and 24 threads. Its hybrid architecture combines four Zen 5 cores with eight Zen 5C cores. The chip reaches boost clocks up to 5.1 GHz, features 36 MB of cache (24 MB L3 + 12 MB L2), and includes a Radeon 890M iGPU with 16 compute units (1024 cores). The Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360, previously leaked as a 12-core part, has now been confirmed with 8 cores and 16 threads. It utilizes a 3+5 configuration of Zen 5 and Zen 5C cores, respectively. The APU includes 8 MB each of L2 and L3 cache, with a base clock of 2.0 GHz. Its integrated Radeon 870M GPU is expected to feature the RDNA 3.5 architecture with fewer cores than its higher-end counterparts, possibly 8 compute units.

According to the leaked benchmarks, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 was tested in an HP laptop, while the Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360 appeared in a Lenovo model equipped with LPDDR5-7500 memory. Initial scores appear unremarkable compared to top Intel Core Ultra 9 185H and AMD Ryzen 7040 APUs, however, the tested APUs may be early samples, and their performance could differ from final retail versions. Furthermore, while the TDP range is known to be between 15 W and 54 W, the specific power configurations used in these benchmarks remain unclear. The first Ryzen AI 300 laptops are slated for release on July 28th, with Ryzen AI 300 PRO models expected in October.

When NVIDIA started preparing the H20 GPU for China, the company anticipated great demand from sanction-obeying GPUs. However, we now know precisely what the company makes from its Chinese venture: an astonishing $12 billion in take-home revenue. Due to the massive demand for NVIDIA GPUs, Chinese AI research labs are acquiring as many as they can get their hands on. According to a report from Financial Times, citing SemiAnalysis as its source, NVIDIA will sell over one million H20 GPUs in China. This number far outweighs the number of home-grown Huawei Ascend 910B accelerators that the Chinese companies plan to source, with numbers being "only" 550,000 Ascend 910B chips. While we don't know if Chinese semiconductor makers like SMIC are capable of producing more chips or if the demand isn't as high, we know why NVIDIA H20 chips are the primary target.

The Huawei Ascend 910B features Total Processing Performance (TPP), a metric developed by US Govt. to track GPU performance measuring TeraFLOPS times bit-length of over 5,000, while the NVIDIA H20 comes to 2,368 TPP, which is half of the Huawei accelerator. That is the performance on paper, where SemiAnalysis notes that the real-world performance is actually ahead for the H20 GPU due to better memory configuration of the GPU, including higher HBM3 memory bandwidth. All of this proves to be a better alternative than Ascend 910B accelerator, accounting for an estimate of over one million GPUs shipped this year in China. With an average price of $12,000 per NVIDIA H20 GPU, China's $12 billion revenue will undoubtedly help raise NVIDIA's 2024 profits even further.

The Heilbronn-based audio specialist beyerdynamic presents the third generation of the popular gaming headset: the new MMX 300 PRO. Manufactured in Germany, the latest development features the latest driver technology, a high-quality condenser microphone and improved comfort

Studio DNA for an Immersive Gaming Experience
At the heart of the closed gaming headset is the STELLAR .45 driver, which is also used in beyerdynamic's studio headphones. This ensures the exceptional audio fidelity and spatial sound reproduction of the MMX 300 PRO. Compared to the previous model, the bass and treble profiles have been thoroughly refined. Acoustic in-game events can be pinpointed immediately. The MMX 300 PRO is also impressive when it comes to music playback.

LIAN LI, a leading manufacturer of computer chassis and accessories, has introduced a new form factor for power supplies. The EDGE series is designed for vertical installation in dual-chamber PC cases. This premium-grade, fully modular power supply features a unique T-shape design for easy cable management. It also includes a built-in USB expansion hub for seamless connectivity of RGB devices, fans, and controllers. With industrial-grade EPCOS capacitors, it ensures reliable and stable performance. The PSUs come with a unique custom-designed dual-colored 12VHPWR connector and custom-designed SATA power cabling. Certified to PCIe 5.1 and ATX12V Version 3.1 standards, the EDGE series is rated 80 Plus Platinum, Cybenetics Platinum, and PPLP Platinum. The LIAN LI EDGE PSU is available in black and white as 1300 W, 1000 W and 850 W models.

A New Form Factor
The EDGE power supply series has a versatile T-shaped design for vertical installation in dual chamber cases. It features an outward-facing modular strip for easier access, simplifying wiring for a clean setup. The PSU includes a built-in 4-port USB expansion hub for seamless connectivity of RGB devices, fans, and controllers. This reduces the number of wires going to the motherboard, making installation easier. The power supply also showcases an embossed mesh design with 66.9% porosity, paired with a 120 mm fan for optimal heat dissipation while maintaining a clean appearance.

Intel's upcoming Arrow Lake "S" Desktop and "HX" laptop CPUs are reported to launch without dedicated NPU hardware. NPUs will be limited to Arrow Lake-H/U and Lunar Lake chips, with Core Ultra 200V chips offering up to 48 TOPS of AI performance. Currently, AMD is the only manufacturer offering desktop chips with dedicated NPUs in their Ryzen 8000G "Hawk Point" series for the AM5 platform. However, according to Jaykihn, an active Intel-related leaker, Intel may be planning to incorporate NPUs in future Arrow Lake-S and Arrow Lake-HX refreshes.

The potential refresh could include an NPU within the SOC tile, possibly increasing the die size by 2.8 mm compared to current Arrow Lake designs. The package size is expected to remain unchanged, maintaining socket compatibility, however, motherboard manufacturers would need to enable Fast Voltage Mode (FVM) on VccSA rails to support the NPU functionality. While it's early to discuss an Arrow Lake refresh before the initial launch, this development could impact Intel's roadmap and the "AI PC" market segment. Also, it could have possible implications for the release schedule of future architectures like Panther Lake.

n July, the Philips Monitors E1 series product line is expanding to include four new models within its multipurpose offering for today's dynamic professionals. Featuring a variety of productivity-enhancing innovations, these beautifully designed monitors ensure that professionals and home users alike have all they need to get the most out of every workday.

Easy on the eyes
The Philips 27E1N1800A, 27E1N1800AE, 27E1N1900AE and 32E1N1800LA are equipped with a 27"/68.6 cm or 32"/80 cm 4K UHD display with a sleek, elegant design, three-sided frameless standard design to facilitate multi-monitor set-ups, and innovative features to enhance both visual performance and physical comfort.

ASUS Republic of Gamers today announced the launch of the ROG NUC gaming PC. The first-ever ROG NUC PC is packed with cutting-edge technology and performance for AAA gaming and more.

Gaming, redefined
Featuring Intel Core Ultra 9 or Intel Core Ultra 7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 or 4060 discrete graphics, the ROG NUC PC is a compact powerhouse that delivers unmatched gaming experiences. The high-performance hybrid architecture of Intel Core Ultra processors provides gamers with the power needed to stream, edit, record and play without skipping a beat. The 2.5-liter chassis is designed for quick system access to make upgrades and cleaning easy. Plus, the compatible ROG Raikiri Pro controller can be used to deliver a console-like experience for gamers seeking uncompromised performance and flexibility in a compact form factor.

GeForce NOW is bringing 22 new games to members this month. Dive into the four titles available to stream on the cloud gaming service this week to stay cool and entertained throughout the summer - whether poolside, on a long road trip or in the air-conditioned comfort of home. Plus, get great games at great deals to stream across devices during the Steam Summer Sale. In total, more than 850 titles on GeForce NOW can be found at discounts in a dedicated Steam Summer Sale row on the GeForce NOW app, from now until July 11.

Time to Grind
In The First Descendant from NEXON, take on the role of Descendants tasked with safeguarding the powerful Iron Heart from relentless Vulgus invaders. Set in a captivating sci-fi universe, the game is a third-person co-op action role-playing shooter that seamlessly blends looting mechanics with strategic combat. Engage in intense gunplay, face off against formidable bosses and collect valuable loot while fighting to preserve humanity's future.

Samsung has introduced its latest BM1743 SSD, boasting an impressive 61.44 TB of storage capacity. The BM1743 utilizes Samsung's seventh-generation 3D NAND (V-NAND) technology, featuring 176 layers of memory cells. This represents a significant leap from its predecessor, the BM1733, which debuted in 2020 with 96-layer technology and a maximum capacity of 32 TB. Performance-wise, the BM1743 doesn't disappoint. It delivers up to 1.6 million random read IOPS and 110,000 random write IOPS, with sequential read and write speeds of 7.2 GB/s and 2.0 GB/s, respectively. These figures position the drive as a highly capable solution for read-intensive workloads. Samsung claims that the new SSD offers double the sequential read and write speeds of its fifth-generation technology, with random reads quadrupling in performance. This advancement suggests that quad-level cell (QLC) SSDs are now approaching the performance levels of their triple-level cell (TLC) counterparts while offering superior storage density.

The BM1743 is available in the traditional U.2 form factor, with an E3.S variant supporting PCIe Gen 5 also in the lineup, thanks to the custom Samsung controller. Samsung has enhanced the durability and data retention capabilities of the BM1743. The new drive boasts an improved endurance rating of 0.26 drive writes per day (DWPD) throughout its warranty period, a notable increase from the BM1733's 0.18 DWPD. Additionally, the BM1743 extends its power-off data retention to three months, tripling the one-month period of its predecessor. In a hint of things to come, Samsung has suggested that a 122.88 TB model may be on the horizon, potentially doubling the capacity of the BM1743. This new offering puts Samsung in direct competition with Solidigm's D5-P5336, which has dominated the high-capacity SSD market for the past year. High-density storage solutions are becoming more important as AI and HPC tasks require and produce massive amounts of data.

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, storage devices, and IPC products, is excited to introduce the all-new BIAST-PAT industrial motherboard solution. The BIAST-PAT motherboard is expertly designed to meet the diverse needs of System Integration (SI) businesses and industry professionals seeking to build robust, efficient, and future-proof systems for business and industrial applications. It is a highly versatile platform, perfectly suited for applications in AIOT machines, automation systems, edge computing devices, HMI machines, and digital signage.

The BIOSTAR BIAST-PAT motherboard, with its robust wide temperature and broad voltage support, is engineered to excel in a variety of demanding environments, making it a prime choice for numerous outdoor applications. Its design incorporates M.2 Key-M, Key-B, and Mini-PCIe slots, offering exceptional versatility in connectivity options. This compatibility extends to Hailo AI acceleration cards, further enhancing its edge AI utility.

What appears to be the full details of all of Intel's upcoming 800-series chipsets have leaked and although we've already seen what the Z890 chipset will offer, no details of the other SKUs have leaked to date. Maybe the biggest news is that there won't be an H870 chipset this time around, according to the leaker @jaykihn0 over at X/Twitter. The full range appears to be Z890, B860 and H810 for consumers, W880 for workstations and Q870 for corporate desktops. That said, the Z890 and W880 are identical in terms of slots and ports, but whereas the W880 gains full ECC support and Intel vPro and remote management, it loses the CPU and bus overclocking features of the Z890. The Q870 loses four chipset PCIe 4.0 lanes, one 20 Gbps or two 10 Gbps USB 3.2 ports, but is otherwise similar to the Z890, minus all the overclocking features, but with Intel vPro and remote management.

The B860 ends up on the chopping block as always and loses not only 10 chipset PCIe lanes compared to the Z890 chipset, but also four lanes from the CPU and four lanes on the DMI interface to the chipset. On top of that bifurcation goes out the window toigether with PCIe RAID and the chipset is only capable of having two 20 Gbps or four 10 Gbps USB 3.2 ports, but at least memory overclocking is still on the table. Finally, the H810 chipset is as basic as it gets, with no extra CPU PCIe lanes beyond the 16 lanes for a graphics card, but they are at least PCIe 5.0 this time around. The chipset itself is only equipped with a mere eight PCIe 4.0 lanes and it gets zero 20 Gbps and two 10 Gbps USB 3.2 ports. Note that all platforms support one or two Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 ports, but it's unclear if this is native support or via an add-on chip. Also note that the USB ports are shared and the maximum count is that for the 5 Gbps ports in the details below, so the Z890 for example, doesn't have 25 USB 3.2 ports in total, but rather only 10. All in all, we'll see a migration to PCIe 5.0 for the x16 slot across the entire 800-series chipset range and from the B860 and up, all chipsets will have a dedicated PCIe 5.0 x4 interface that will most likely be used for an M.2 slot. Also, the PCIe lane count is the maximum, but due to Intel's HSIO layout, some resources will be shared with SATA and Ethernet, which means not all PCIe lanes will be accessible.

ViewSonic has launched a new OLED gaming monitor in the Chinese market that not only is a dual-mode 4K 240 Hz / 1080p 480 Hz display, but it also brings DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity as part of the package. The XG323-4K-OLED2 is said to sport a 31.5-inch LG OLED panel with an anti glare coating, that delivers up to 450 nits brightness, but it can reach as high as 1300 nits in HDR mode. The 10-bit OLED panel delivers 0.03 ms Grey to Grey response time, 98.5 percent of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and it's also VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified. There's also support for VRR via some form of AMD FreeSync version.

However, what stands out here is the paired back design, especially considering that the XG323-4K-OLED2 is being sold as a gaming monitor. We get a more traditional square stand and a much thicker display back compared to most other gaming OLED displays. That said, we're not quite sure what ViewSonic was thinking when the base of the stand was designed, as it's not flat. Connectivity, besides two DisplayPort 2.1 port with full 80 Gbps UHBR20 support, also consists of a USB Type-C port with DP Alt-mode and 140 W USB PD support—a first as far as we're aware—as well as more mundane options like two HDMI 2.1 inputs, one USB 3.2 Type-B input, three USB 2.0 outputs and an audio jack. The stand supports the standard tilt, swivel and height adjustments, as well as rotation. Finally the XG323-4K-OLED2 sports a pair of 5 W speakers and a remote control. JD.com is listing the display of RMB 10,999 which is just north of US$1,500. It's unclear which, if any other markets ViewSonic will offer the XG323-4K-OLED2 in.

Minisforum, a leader in mini PC innovation, today announces the launch of the UH125 Pro, a game-changing mini PC that redefines what's possible in compact computing. The UH125 Pro delivers a powerful blend of performance, efficiency, and versatility, making it the ultimate solution for professionals, gamers, and creators alike.

Unleashing the Power of Intel Core Ultra 5:
UH125 Pro lies the lightning-fast Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, featuring Intel 4 technology and a 3D high-performance hybrid architecture. This cutting-edge processor delivers a remarkable 65 W TDP 4, resulting in a dual improvement in performance and efficiency. With 14 cores (4 Performance Cores + 8 Efficiency Cores + 2 LP Efficiency Cores), 18 threads, 18 MB L3 Cache, and a maximum Turbo Frequency of 4.5 GHz, the UH125 Pro effortlessly handles even the most demanding tasks.

The GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER featuring the AD102 GPU, initially speculated to be an Asia-exclusive release, is now confirmed for worldwide distribution. This development comes as the GIGABYTE RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Windforce MAX OC 16 GB, the first model equipped with this configuration, has appeared on German online retailer listing, specifically at Mindfactory. Previously using AD103-275 GPU SKU for the regular GIGABYTE RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Windforce model, the "MAX" variant now comes with AD102-225 GPU SKU. Priced at over 950 Euros, it commands a premium over the standard Windforce model. The "MAX" designation not only indicates the different GPU but also boasts an official 30 MHz higher clock speed. The Max variant also employs the more robust cooling system typically found in the GeForce RTX 4080/4090 class. This is a departure from the smaller RTX 4070 Ti design used in the SUPER variant with the AD103 GPU.

While the performance and power consumption differences between the AD102 and AD103 versions may be negligible for most users, the adoption of larger cooling systems in many custom designs could prove beneficial. This enhanced thermal management might appeal to enthusiasts and overclockers looking to push their graphics cards to the limit. While the regular AD103 card measures 261x126x50 mm, the MAX model with its AD102 and beefier coolers measures 331x136x55.5 mm. Overclockers could push the performance of this card further, and we wait to see what will come out of the AD102-225 silicon on the RTX 4070 Ti SUPER platform.

The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against three prominent PC companies, ASRock, Zotac, and GIGABYTE, for their unlawful warranty practices. The FTC has issued stern warnings, urging these companies to immediately cease their actions that have been found to be in violation of consumer protection laws. The trio has been engaging in practices that unfairly restrict consumers' ability to repair or modify their own devices with the "warranty void if removed" stickers. The FTC has made it clear that these companies cannot void warranties or deny service simply because a consumer has opened or repaired their product. "Consumers have a right to repair their own products, and companies shouldn't make that harder by putting up illegal barriers," said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, adding that "Manufacturers who try to circumvent the law will face the consequences."

The FTC's investigation revealed that these PC companies have been including deceptive warranty terms that claim consumers will void their warranties if they open or modify their devices. However, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA), a federal law, prohibits such practices unless the company can demonstrate that the consumer's actions directly caused the need for repair. The FTC has ordered the companies to stop these unlawful warranty practices immediately and to clearly inform consumers of their right to repair their devices without voiding the warranty. All three manufacturers are given a 30-day period to update their promotional and warranty information on their websites to indicate the updated information. Failure to comply with the FTC's directives could result in significant fines and further legal action.

A research team from the South Korean Institute for Basic Science (IBS) has developed a new method for growing 1D metallic materials less than 1 nm wide. They applied this technique to create a new structure for 2D semiconductor logic circuits, using the 1D metals as gate electrodes in very small transistors. However, creating very small transistors that can control electron movement within a few nanometers has been challenging. The size of semiconductor devices depends on the width and efficiency of the gate electrode. Current manufacturing processes can't make gate lengths below a few nanometers due to limitations in lithography. To address this, the team used the mirror twin boundary (MTB) of molybdenum disulfide, which is a 1D metal only 0.4 nm wide, as a gate electrode. The IBS team achieved the 1D MTB metallic phase by altering the crystal structure of a 2D semiconductor at the atomic level.

The International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS) predicts semiconductor technology to reach about 0.5 nm by 2037, with transistor gate lengths of 12 nm. The research team's transistor demonstrated a channel width as small as 3.9 nm, surpassing this prediction. The 1D MTB-based transistor also offers advantages in circuit performance. Unlike some current technologies (FinFETs or GAA) that face issues with parasitic capacitance in highly integrated circuits, this new transistor can minimize such problems due to its simple structure and narrow gate width.

Cambridge is excited to launch the first over-ear model in the award-winning Melomania wireless headphones series - Melomania P100. Melomania P100 builds on over 50 years of audio expertise and an unashamed passion for music to deliver truly emotive sound from meticulously tuned premium drivers and Hi-fi-grade Class AB amplification.

World-class 60-hour battery life (extending to 100 hours with noise-cancelling turned off) ensures that the effortlessly engaging listening experience could easily last a working week or a lengthy holiday. P100 joins the recently launched M100 true wireless earphones to form the new Melomania range for 2024.

As memory prices and volumes increase, manufacturers Nanya and Winbond have ceased the production cuts they implemented last year, with production now back to normal levels. Market research agencies and supply chain analysts indicate that memory shipments are expected to continue recovering in Q3 2024. Currently, memory factories are operating at a capacity utilization rate of 90% to full capacity, which is significantly higher than the 60% to 70% capacity utilization rate of wafer foundries with mature processes. Last year, Nanya adjusted its production volume reducing it by up to 20%. This year, production has gradually increased, reaching 70% to over 80% in the second quarter, and has now resumed normal levels.

Nanya anticipates that DRAM market conditions and prices will improve quarter by quarter, with the overall industry trending positively, potentially turning losses into profits in the third quarter. Nanya announced yesterday that its consolidated revenue for June was 3.363 billion yuan, marking a monthly increase of 0.35% and an annual increase of 36.83%, setting a high for the year. The cumulative consolidated revenue for the first half of the year was 19.424 billion yuan, a 44.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Nanya will hold a press conference on July 10 to announce its second-quarter financial results and operating outlook.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries and creating exciting opportunities across the globe. Whether you're looking to enhance your career prospects, stay ahead in the tech industry, or simply deepen your understanding of AI, this ChatGPT and Gemini AI advanced e-degree package could be a gateway to success. For a limited time, you can get lifetime access for just $24.97.

This learning bundle offers a deep dive into AI, covering a broad range of topics that will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field. The curriculum is designed to provide both broad understanding and practical applications, ensuring you can confidently implement AI technologies into your real-world content creation.

Don't miss this ChatGPT and Gemini AI advanced e-degree while it's on sale for just $24.97 through July 21.

According to a new leak by Hoang Anh Phu, the upcoming AMD Ryzen 9000 Strix Point desktop series and Ryzen AI 300 for laptops, both dedicated to consumers, will be complemented by the usual commercial and business counterparts: the AMD Ryzen PRO series sporting improved security and manageability features. The first Ryzen PRO model based on Strix Point was spotted in shipping manifests, confirming the series' existence. However, the launch date remains uncertain. Hoang Anh Phu, suggests an October launch for these CPUs.

Hoang's recent accurate leaks include the Radeon PRO W7900 Dual-Slot and Ryzen 8000F series for the DIY market. AMD is expected to introduce the Ryzen AI 300 PRO series six months after the April launch of the Ryzen 8000 PRO, including desktop and mobile variants. The leaker also revealed new PRO variant names: Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 and Ryzen AI 7 Pro 360. While exact specs remain unconfirmed, the first one is rumored to be a 12-core processor. On the other hand, it's more likely that the Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360 will be a 10-core version.

Basemark announced today the release of a groundbreaking cross-platform ray tracing benchmark, GPUScore: Breaking Limit. This new benchmark is designed to evaluate the performance of the full range of ray tracing capable devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops and high-end desktops with discrete GPUs. With support for multiple operating systems and graphics APIs, Breaking Limit provides a comprehensive performance evaluation across various platforms and devices.

As ray tracing technology becomes increasingly prevalent in consumer electronics, from high-end desktops to portable devices like laptops and smartphones, there is a critical need for a benchmark that can accurately assess and compare performance across different devices and platforms. Breaking Limit addresses this gap, providing valuable insights into how various devices handle hardware-accelerated graphics rendering. The benchmark is an essential tool for developers, manufacturers, and consumers to measure and compare the performance of real-time ray tracing rendering across different hardware and software environments reliably.

Intel very much does intend to make discrete gaming GPUs based on its Xe2 "Battlemage" graphics architecture, which made its debut with the Core Ultra 200V "Lunar Lake-MX" processor as an iGPU. With its next generation, Intel plans to capture an even bigger share of the gaming graphics market, both on the notebook and desktop platforms. "Battlemage" will be crucial for Intel, as it will be able to make its case with Microsoft and Sony for semi-custom chips, for their next-generation consoles. Intel has all pieces of the console SoC puzzle that AMD does. A Xe2 "Battlemage" discrete GPU sample, codenamed "Churchill Falls," has been spotted making its transit in and out of locations known for Intel SoC development, such as Bangalore in India, and Shanghai in China.

Such shipping manifests tend to be incredibly descriptive, and speak of an Arc "Battlemage" X3 and Arc "Battlemage" X4 SKUs, each with 448 execution units (EU), across 56 Xe cores. Assuming an Xe core continues to have 128 unified shaders in the "Battlemage" architecture, you're looking at 7,168 unified shaders for this GPU, a staggering 75% increase in just the numerical count of the shaders, and not accounting for IPC increase and other architecture-level features. The descriptions also speak of a 256-bit wide memory bus, although they don't specify memory type or speed. Given that at launch, the Arc A770 "Alchemist" was a 1440p-class GPU, we predict Intel might take a crack at a 4K-class GPU. Besides raster 3D performance, Intel is expected to significantly improve the ray tracing and AI performance of its Xe2 discrete GPUs, making them powerful options for creative professionals.

MSI, a global leader in computer hardware and solutions, launches the brand-new Cubi NUC series mini-PC and proudly announces that it has been honored with the esteemed Red Dot Design Award for 2024. This recognition underscores MSI's commitment to innovation and design excellence in the technology industry. The MSI Cubi NUC Series, which includes the Cubi NUC 1M, Cubi NUC 1MG, and Cubi NUC 13MQG, is recognized for its exceptionally sleek design that seamlessly integrates into any modern workspace or home environment. It has been meticulously crafted with great attention to detail, and its compact form factor is complemented by environmentally friendly materials, such as PCR plastics and recycled molded pulp for packaging. This aligns with MSI's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The exclusive software Power Meter is an innovative tool that provides valuable insights into energy consumption and environmental impact. It can calculate carbon emissions and electricity costs, allowing users to make informed decisions and minimize their ecological footprint. The software also features a one-click power-saving button that will enable users to save energy without compromising performance. This empowers users to contribute to a sustainable future while enjoying cutting-edge technology.

AOOSTAR has released a new Mini PC for its GEM series powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 Hawk Point processor. Despite its compact size (130 mm x 126 mm x 45 mm), the AOOSTAR GEM13 integrates an AMD Ryzen R7 8845HS Octa-Core processor with 16 threads, running at speeds of up to 5.1 GHz, and an NPU for AI with up to 38 TOPS. It includes a powerful 12-core Radeon 780M iGPU RDNA 3 that reaches a speed of 2.7 GHz. This setup should be sufficient to support a wide range of applications and games running in 720p and 1080p resolution. For internal memory and storage, it supports up to 32 GB DDR5 5600 MHz and up to 1 TB storage via an M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe x4 SSD. Inside, there is enough space to install an additional 2.5" SATA internal storage unit.

For network connectivity, it features a combination of WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and two RJ45 2.5G network ports. As for interfaces, it sports 2x USB 3.0 ports, 2x USB 2.0 ports, a full front USB-C, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and two HDMI 2.1 video outputs. It also has a USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4 data, power, and video output that could be used for an eGPU to increase gaming performance. The AOOSTAR GEM13 comes with a small 100 W external power supply and Windows 11 Pro as the operating system.

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, have unveiled a significant security vulnerability affecting Intel Raptor Lake and Alder Lake processors. The newly discovered flaw, dubbed "Indirector," exposes weaknesses in the Indirect Branch Predictor (IBP) and Branch Target Buffer (BTB), potentially allowing attackers to execute precise Branch Target Injection (BTI) attacks. The published study provides a detailed look into the intricate structures of the IBP and BTB within recent Intel processors, showcasing Spectre-style attach. For the first time, researchers have mapped out the size, structure, and precise functions governing index and tag hashing in these critical components. Particularly concerning is the discovery of previously unknown gaps in Intel's hardware defenses, including IBPB, IBRS, and STIBP. These findings suggest that even the latest security measures may be insufficient to protect against sophisticated attacks.

The research team developed a tool called "iBranch Locator," which can efficiently identify and manipulate specific branches within the IBP. This tool enables highly precise BTI attacks, potentially compromising security across various scenarios, including cross-process and cross-privilege environments. One of the most alarming implications of this vulnerability is its ability to bypass Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), a crucial security feature in modern operating systems. By exploiting the IBP and BTB, attackers could potentially break ASLR protections, exposing systems to a wide range of security threats. Experts recommend several mitigation strategies, including more aggressive use of Intel's IBPB (Indirect Branch Prediction Barrier) feature. However, the performance impact of this solution—up to 50% in some cases—makes it impractical for frequent domain transitions, such as those in browsers and sandboxes. In a statement for Tom's Hardware, Intel noted the following: "Intel reviewed the report submitted by academic researchers and determined previous mitigation guidance provided for issues such as IBRS, eIBRS and BHI are effective against this new research and no new mitigations or guidance is required."

Lenovo announced the ThinkCenter Neo Ultra, a compact high-performance desktop meant for power users and creative professionals. This desktop is larger than what would qualify as a mini-PC, with its 3.6 L volume, but is significantly smaller than a tower. Despite its compact size, it comes with a full-featured I/O. The desktop is powered by Intel's 14th Gen Core vPro "Raptor Lake Refresh" platform, and uses a custom form-factor desktop motherboard based on Intel Q670 chipset that supports various commercial desktop features under vPro. The processor and memory are socketed and hence user upgradeable.

Processor options range from the Core i5-14500 (6P+8E), going all the way up to the Core i9-14900 (8P+16E), including vPro and regular SKUs; and energy-efficient "T" SKUs. Memory options range from 16 GB (1x 16 GB) up to 64 GB (2x 32 GB) DDR5-4800. The sole graphics option is an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 desktop GPU, all four of its display connectors are directly wired out on the rear I/O. There are two M.2-2280 Gen 4 slots, storage options range from 1x 256 GB Gen 4, to 2x 1 TB Gen 4. Networking connectivity include 2.5 GbE and Wi-Fi 6E. USB ports include a 20 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen2x2 type-C on the front-panel, two 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2, and four additional USB 3.2 type-A ports at the back. The case measures 195 mm x 191 mm x 108 mm, and depending on the configuration, can weigh around 3.5 kg.

PanelSemi, a developer of ultra-thin flexible LED displays and semiconductor substrates, has partnered with NGK Insulators to create high-performance hybrid packaging solutions. Leveraging its tiled thin-film transistor (TFT) circuit fabrication technology, PanelSemi is developing a hybrid circuit board that combines fine wiring and functional circuits on polyimide film with a ceramic substrate. The company is expanding into high-performance circuit boards for semiconductor modules, targeting large-scale panel manufacturing for wireless communications and opto-electronic integration. The collaboration with NGK extends the application of ceramic substrates to higher power and thermal scenarios.

NGK aims to integrate PanelSemi's circuit fabrication technology with its own products, including the ultra-compact EnerCera lithium-ion rechargeable battery, ceramic substrates, and ceramic packages. PanelSemi's HyBrid Substrate (HBS) technology platform features ultra-fine line width and spacing achieved through Thin Film (TF) and Panel Level Packaging (PLP) processes. HBS enables high-density interconnection, functioning as both an interposer and package substrate in advanced packaging, with the top die directly bonded to the HBS.

ASUS announced a press event on July 17 to launch at least nine notebook designs powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 series "Strix Point" mobile processors. All these notebooks are AI PCs that meet Microsoft Copilot+ requirements. Each of the 9 designs will have several variants based on the processor model, discrete graphics, and other hardware differentiators, making up dozens of individual SKUs. The AMD "Strix Point" mobile processor is based on a 4 nm monolithic die. It combines a 12-core/24-thread CPU based on a combination of "Zen 5" and "Zen 5c" cores, a 50 TOPS-class NPU, and a powerful iGPU based on the RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture, with 16 compute units.

Among the notebook designs ASUS plans to announce on July 17 are the ROG Zephyrus G16 (GA605), the TUF Gaming A14 (FA401), the TUF Gaming A16 (FA608), the Zenbook S16 (UM5606), Vivobook S14 (M5406), Vivobook S16 (M5506 and M5606), ProArt P16 (HN7606) and ProArt PX13 (HN7306). With these, ASUS is covering pretty much all its notebook market segments, including enthusiast gaming, performance gaming, boutique ultraportability, mainstream, and creative professional.

AMD Ryzen 8000G desktop APUs combine "Zen 4" CPU cores with a powerful iGPU based on the RDNA 3 architecture, and are the first desktop processors to pack an NPU with 16 TOPS of performance on tap. These Socket AM5 processors based on the "Hawk Point" silicon have been on a downward price trend. Last month, the top Ryzen 7 8700G asked for $299 compared to its $329 launch price; and the 6-core Ryzen 5 8600G went for $199, down from its $229 launch price. This month, the downward pricing trend continues.

According to the latest prices charted on B&H Photo, the Ryzen 7 8700G is now just $269, a $60 cut from its launch price; while the Ryzen 5 8600G faces its biggest ever cut, sending it all the way down to $152, a $77 or a 33% reduction from its launch price. At this price, the 8600G is a formidable processor, with a 6-core/12-thread CPU based on the "Zen 4" architecture (all 6 of which are full-sized "Zen 4" cores); a 16 TOPS NPU, and a Radeon 760M iGPU with 8 compute units (512 stream processors). The Ryzen 5 8500G based on the "Phoenix 2" silicon, with a combination of 2 "Zen 4" and 4 "Zen 4c" cores, is now priced at $139, a $40 cut from its original.

BenQ, a globally renowned brand of digital lifestyle devices and pioneer of professional display technology, is set to revolutionize console gaming with the launch of the next generation of MOBIUZ gaming monitors. Leading this innovation is the new EX321UX, a monitor designed to deliver unprecedented levels of in-game detail and refinement, making it the premier choice for AAA console games. "Unveiling the Unseen" is the goal that MOBIUZ aims to achieve," said Conway Lee, President of BenQ Corporation. "We invite gamers to venture into the unknown with us and gain the courage to face all challenges. Marching at the forefront of the future, MOBIUZ is with you."

Central to the EX321UX's groundbreaking performance is BenQ's all-new PixSoul Engine. This technology leverages BenQ's Game Color Database to create game-oriented color modes and utilizes AI for real-time adaptive fine-tuning of brightness and contrast. The result is an unparalleled visual experience tailored for gamers. The EX321UX is equipped with the latest Mini LED panel, offering 1,000 nits of peak brightness for Display HDR1000. It features a hyper-realistic contrast spectrum enabled by 1,152 local dimming zones and 99% coverage of both P3 and Adobe RGB color gamuts. This ensures vivid, true-to-life colors and incredible detail in every scene.

In 2016, TSMC developed and named its InFO FOWLP technology, and applied it to the A10 processor used in the iPhone 7. TrendForce points out that since then, OSAT providers have been striving to develop FOWLP and FOPLP technologies to offer more cost-effective packaging solutions.

Starting in the second quarter, chip companies like AMD have actively engaged with TSMC and OSAT providers to explore the use of FOPLP technology for chip packaging and helping drive industry interest in FOPLP. TrendForce observes that there are three main models for introducing FOPLP packaging technology: Firstly, OSAT providers transitioning from traditional methods of consumer IC packaging to FOPLP. Secondly, foundries and OSAT providers packaging AI GPUs that are transitioning 2.5D packaging from wafer level to panel level. Thirdly, panel makers who are packaging consumer ICs.

Kioxia Corporation, a world leader in memory solutions, today announced that it started sample shipments of 2 Tb (Tera bit) Quad-Level-Cell (QLC) memory devices with its eighth-generation BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory technology. This 2 Tb QLC device has the highest capacity in the industry, elevating storage devices to a new capacity point that will drive growth in multiple application segments including AI.

With its latest BiCS FLASH technology, Kioxia has achieved both vertical and lateral scaling of memory die through proprietary processes and innovative architectures. In addition, the company has implemented the groundbreaking CBA (CMOS directly Bonded to Array) technology, which enables the creation of higher density devices and an industry-leading interface speed of 3.6 Gbps. Together, these advanced technologies are applied in the creation of 2 Tb QLC, resulting in the industry's highest capacity memory device.

Intel has released its latest version of Arc GPU Graphics drivers for A-series discrete GPUs and Arc Graphics iGPUs, version 101.5594 Beta. The new drivers bring a fix for Citrix Workspace application on both Intel Arc A-Series and Intel Core Ultra CPU with Intel Arc GPUs that have exhibited sluggish behavior when interacting with a virtual desktop.

Unfortunately, there are no further fixes or optimizations as the previous Arc GPU Graphics drivers version 101.5593 Beta already brought optimizations for Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail and The First Descendant games. There are still plenty of known issues on Intel Arc A-Series graphics products including ones with games like No Man's Sky, Enshrouded, Doom Eternal and application like Topaz Video AI. There are also known issues with Intel Arc Control Studio as well with corruption of the recording file when the mouse cursor is enabled during HDR capture and issues with schedule updates for drivers.

DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.5594 Beta

South Korean startup Panmnesia has unveiled an interesting solution to address the memory limitations of modern GPUs. The company has developed a low-latency Compute Express Link (CXL) IP that could help expand GPU memory with external add-in card. Current GPU-accelerated applications in AI and HPC are constrained by the set amount of memory built into GPUs. With data sizes growing by 3x yearly, GPU networks must keep getting larger just to fit the application in the local memory, benefiting latency and token generation. Panmnesia's proposed approach to fix this leverages the CXL protocol to expand GPU memory capacity using PCIe-connected DRAM or even SSDs. The company has overcome significant technical hurdles, including the absence of CXL logic fabric in GPUs and the limitations of existing unified virtual memory (UVM) systems.

At the heart of Panmnesia's solution is a CXL 3.1-compliant root complex with multiple root ports and a host bridge featuring a host-managed device memory (HDM) decoder. This sophisticated system effectively tricks the GPU's memory subsystem into treating PCIe-connected memory as native system memory. Extensive testing has demonstrated impressive results. Panmnesia's CXL solution, CXL-Opt, achieved two-digit nanosecond round-trip latency, significantly outperforming both UVM and earlier CXL prototypes. In GPU kernel execution tests, CXL-Opt showed execution times up to 3.22 times faster than UVM. Older CXL memory extenders recorded around 250 nanoseconds round trip latency, with CXL-Opt potentially achieving less than 80 nanoseconds. As with CXL, the problem is usually that the memory pools add up latency and performance degrades, while these CXL extenders tend to add to the cost model as well. However, the Panmnesia CXL-Opt could find a use case, and we are waiting to see if anyone adopts this in their infrastructure.Below are some benchmarks by Panmnesia, as well as the architecture of the CXL-Opt.

ORIGIN PC, a leader in custom high-performance systems, today announced the launch of their limited edition Dark Cherry bundle. The launch of this limited edition bundle marks a significant milestone, as it introduces a customizable gaming PC. This extraordinary package showcases stunning artwork by Corsair LAB and allows you to select the components that suit your preferences for a sleek gaming experience. Alongside the customizable PC, you will also receive a SCUF Envision controller, a Corsair K65 PLUS WIRELESS gaming keyboard, a Corsair M75 WIRELESS gaming mouse, and a Corsair MM300 mouse pad. This grand moment offers an unparalleled opportunity to create your ideal gaming setup.

The ORIGIN PC Dark Cherry PC is their inaugural Limited Edition System featuring customizable components. Now you can personalize your system and pick out the components of your choice to game, stream, and create with only the limit of your imagination. Characterized by its absolutely stunning Cherry Blossom imagery, the Dark Cherry PC is a sight to behold. Customize yours with the latest Corsair DDR5 memory plus a plethora of fast, reliable SSD storage to drastically improve performance and save every game, file, or program you need.

YEYIAN GAMING, a global leader in innovative pre-built gaming PCs, peripherals, and computer components, is excited to unveil the latest gaming masterpiece, the YEYIAN AVANCE Series 25" FHD 240 Hz gaming monitor. This exclusive gaming monitor, designed for gamers seeking unparalleled refresh rate, response speed, and clarity for immersive gameplay, features an ultraslim bezel that, combined with its advanced features and stunning visual functionality, can redefine the next-generation gaming experience.

The YEYIAN AVANCE Series 25" FHD 240 Hz gaming monitor delivers more than just high refresh rates and rapid response times; it ensures a seamless and immersive gaming experience. Boasting a native refresh rate of up to 240 Hz and a swift 1 ms response time, the monitor guarantees ultra-smooth visuals, free from motion blur or ghosting, whether during gameplay or fast-motion videos. Its wide 92% sRGB color gamut enhances the display with 16.7 million vibrant colors, providing lifelike accuracy and stunning detail. Fully compatible with AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync, the AVANCE Series monitors ensure a flawless display devoid of artifacts or tearing while the advanced HDR10 processing chip enriches the visual experience by presenting a more comprehensive dynamic range and color contrast. The monitor's ultraslim bezel design and customizable RGB backlighting add a sleek aesthetic and immersive ambiance to any setup.

Sabrent is excited to announce that our newest product, the Rocket V60 microSDXC Memory Card, is part of these discounts. Available in 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB, this card is perfect for photographers, videographers, and everyday creators. With a minimum write speed of 60 MB/s, it ensures smooth and reliable 8K video capture and supports various devices with backward compatibility. The new Sabrent Rocket V60 microSDXC Memory Card is our latest storage solution for photographers, videographers, and everyday artists. Quickly and reliably capture your photos and videos, up to 8K, without any hitches. Get up to 512 GB of memory that meets the V60 specification, which means a minimum write speed of 60 MB/s with 8K video performance guaranteed. Other files will work just great, too, with enough IOPS - meeting the A1 specification—to ensure that things never bog down.

Go from device to device, as this memory card has backward compatibility. It's designed for UHS-II compliance but will also work with UHS-I devices at their respective speeds. Any device that can take microSD memory cards, whether phone, camera, or portable gaming system, can immediately work with this card for rapid transfers. Reliability is at least as important as performance, so robust flash is utilized in the Rocket V60 microSDXC Memory Card to ensure smooth operation even during extended transfers. This portable memory card is great for just about anything.

LG Electronics USA (LG) is expanding its thinnest and lightest lineup of laptops with the LG gram SuperSlim in a crisp white colorway. The 2024 LG gram SuperSlim (15Z90ST-G.AAW4U1) stands out with an upgraded processor and sleek profile. Customers can now purchase the new LG gram SuperSlim for $799, a $600 savings from its retail price of $1399. Designed with ultra-portability in mind, the new 15.6-inch white model measures just 0.49-inches and weighs a scant 2.18lbs.

With Intel Evo Edition powered by Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processors, the 15Z90ST-G.AAW4U1 delivers improved performance for more productivity, content creation and entertainment. Powered by an Intel Core ️ Ultra Processor with an integrated AI Boost, this LG gram SuperSlim is faster than previous-generation CPU-only systems. Intel Core Ultra processors include a specialized AI processing unit alongside supercharged performance to support advanced, innovative use cases and demanding applications. The architecture enables smooth graphics and power efficiency for improved battery life.

Capcom Co., Ltd. today announced that the digital version of Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster will be released on September 19, 2024, ahead of the physical version. Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is a revival of Dead Rising, a title that garnered fans across the globe due to its fresh concept and gameplay experience, developed on Capcom's proprietary RE ENGINE. By bringing the game to a new generation of consoles, Capcom has enhanced the overall gameplay experience, such as with vastly improved graphics made possible with high-quality modeling, better play controls, and the addition of 3D audio. Further, by including 14 languages for text and 9 languages for voice, Capcom has put together a game that goes beyond a typical remaster and is truly worthy of being called "Deluxe."

In addition to regularly releasing major new titles each year, Capcom is focusing on re-activating dormant IPs that haven't had a new title launch recently. The company is working to further enhance corporate value by continuing to leverage its rich library of content, such as by reviving past IPs as Deluxe Remasters to make highly-efficient and high-quality titles.

On July 1st, Reuters reported that the French antitrust authority plans to file charges against NVIDIA for alleged anti-competitive practices, marking France as the first country to take such action against the tech giant. This follows a raid on NVIDIA's local offices in September 2023, as we reported here, which was part of a broader investigation into the graphics card and cloud computing sectors. A recent report released by French authorities regarding competition in generative AI highlighted concerns about potential abuses of power by chip suppliers, specifically noting the industry reliance on NVIDIA. If NVIDIA is to be found guilty of charges made by French authorities it can be facing fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue. However, NVIDIA may have the option to make concessions to avoid such penalties.

As the world's largest manufacturer of AI chips and computer graphics cards, NVIDIA is under intense scrutiny from antitrust authorities in Europe and the United States. The European Commission is gathering informal feedback to assess whether NVIDIA had breached its antitrust rules, though it has not yet launched a formal investigation. The Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission are reportedly conducting joint investigations into NVIDIA, Microsoft, and OpenAI, reflecting growing regulatory concern in the United States over these tech giants' market influence.

Skullcandy announced an all-new Active Collection featuring three new purpose-built "active" true wireless products for the most active and adventurous consumers, including Push Play Active, Push ANC Active and Sesh ANC Active. The new earbuds are designed with different features at different price points to meet users where they're at. Ranging from $59.99 to $99.99 MSRP, the Active Collection will begin selling July 2 on Skullcandy.com and at select retailers.

"We crafted the Active Collection to meet the demands of those seeking reliable earbud performance in any conditions, from our famously fearless boardsports fans and fitness fanatics to casual outdoor adventurers," said Justin Regan, VP of Marketing, Skullcandy. "These buds are the ultimate companions for those who dare to push boundaries."

In a groundbreaking move to redefine the dual-screen laptop market, ACEMAGIC introduced the ACEMAGIC X1. The Intel Core i7-1255U processor powers this innovative device and features dual 14-inch Full HD displays.

Revolutionary Dual-Screen Technology
The ACEMAGIC X1 boasts a unique 360° horizontal folding dual-screen design, allowing users unparalleled flexibility in adjusting the displays to meet their needs. Whether for video conferencing, data analysis, or multitasking, this innovative dual-screen configuration dramatically enhances collaborative efficiency and user comfort.

0patch plans to combat Microsoft's ending Windows 10 support by offering unofficial security updates for the 2015 operating system. Microsoft is ending Windows 10 security updates on October 14, 2025, after which the OS will stop receiving patches for vulnerabilities. The Redmond giant will provide you with an option to update your Windows 10 build, however, with a hefty fee slapped. Extended Security Updates (ESU) pricing structure follows a tiered model that doubles each year. From October 2025 to October 2026, the cost is $61 per device. The following year, from October 2026 to October 2027, the price increases to $122 per device. In the final year, spanning October 2027 to October 2028, the cost rises to $244 per device. For users planning to maintain Windows 10 until October 2028, the total expense over the three-year period would amount to $427 per device.

However, 0patch, a company focused on providing unofficial security updates for Windows OSes, will provide Windows 10 users with free and paid security updates post-end of service. Their system focuses on delivering targeted "micropatches" for critical vulnerabilities that emerge after Microsoft's official support ends. These micropatches are designed to be extremely precise and minimal, often consisting of just a few CPU instructions. A key feature of 0patch's approach is its non-invasive nature. The patches are applied directly to running processes in the computer's memory, leaving the original Microsoft files untouched. This method allows for rapid deployment of security fixes without requiring system reboots or interrupting user activities. The patching process is designed to be seamless and virtually unnoticeable to users. For instance, a user working on a document wouldn't experience any disruption while a micropatch is being applied. This approach is particularly beneficial for servers, where continuous uptime is crucial, as patches can be implemented without any downtime.

MSI IPC is proud to announce the launch new industrial lite box product, the MS-C918. It is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern businesses with a focus on cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and portability. MS-C918 is meticulously designed for non-critical environments. This midterm longevity support is ideal for businesses that require robust and dependable computing solutions without the need for extended industrial-grade lifespans.

Providing a service life of around three years, making them suitable for applications that do not demand the extended durability of high-end industrial-grade products. This midterm support is perfect for businesses that anticipate regular updates or technology refresh cycles, ensuring that the devices remain relevant and efficient over their expected use period.

Thanks to its precise sensor and light weight, the OfficePal M25W is a compact mouse that can be used either with a stationary PC or mobile with notebooks. The simple choice between wireless or wired operation provides additional efficiency and freedom. For maximum efficiency, the OfficePal M25W can either be used with a wired connection or operated wirelessly using the USB nano receiver, which can be conveniently stowed within the mouse.

The built-in lithium-ion battery of the OfficePal M25W enables up to 50 hours of productive work and play without having to be recharged. As ever more mobile devices only have a USB-C port, the OfficePal M25W can be easily used on notebooks and compatible smartphones thanks to the supplied cable with two USB-C plugs. If required, the mouse can also be connected using the included USB-A adapter.

Noctua today released its long-awaited NH-D15 G2 next-gen flagship model CPU cooler and NF-A14x25r G2 round-frame 140 mm fans. Continuing the legacy of the iconic NH-D15 and its NF-A15 fans, the new G2 products come packed with Noctua's latest technologies and have been carefully refined in all respects to provide even better quiet cooling performance than their award-winning predecessors.

"Our G2 products have been years in the making, and it feels amazing to finally be able to offer the first of them to our customers", says Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "We faced various challenges in both design and manufacturing, but we've cut no corners and gone the extra mile to make sure that the G2's will be worthy successors to some of our most iconic models. When you have them in your hands, I'm confident that you'll be able to sense some of the dedication and perseverance that went into creating these fans and coolers."

An unnamed Intel Core Ultra "Arrow Lake-S" desktop processor engineering sample (ES) made it to the hands of someone willing to post its CPU-Z Bench screenshot. The processor allegedly scores a whopping 1143.2 points in the CPU-Bench single-thread benchmark; and 12922.4 points in the multithreaded benchmark. When compared with the internal Intel Core i9-13900K reference scores of CPU-Z, the single-thread benchmark score is a staggering 26.71% increase over that of the i9-13900K (902 points); while the multithreaded score is 22% lower.

Since we don't know which processor model this "Arrow Lake-S" ES is, we have no way of telling if it is the top SKU with its rumored 8P+16E core configuration, or a mid-tier Core i5 SKU with the expected 6P+8E configuration. The single-threaded test only loads one P-core, and here the IPC of one of the chip's "Lion Cove" P-cores is able to trounce one of the "Raptor Cove" P-cores of the i9-13900K reference score. You also have to understand that the Hyper-Threading plays no role in this thread. Where it could play a role is the multithreaded test. "Lion Cove" lacks HTT support unlike "Raptor Cove," and the i9-13900K is a 24-core/32-thread processor. It's important to note here, that "Arrow Lake" doesn't just have up to 8 "Lion Cove" P-cores, but also up to 16 "Skymont" E-cores that Intel claims to have achieved a massive IPC gain over its predecessor, bringing its IPC in the league of past-generation P-cores such as the "Raptor Cove" or "Golden Cove."

ASUS today announced availability of the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro and ZenWiFi BT10, premium Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems that feature powerful 6 GHz Wi-Fi and whose 2-pack versions offer speeds of up to 30 Gbps (BQ16 Pro) and coverage of up to 8,000 square feet (2-pack BQ16 Pro). Dual 10 Gbps Ethernet ports enable future-ready 10 Gbps Internet and 10 Gbps wired backhaul for fast, stable, and seamless whole home Wi-Fi for next-gen smart home entertainment and home studio productivity.

The ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro and ZenWiFi BT10 boast exclusive ASUS Smart AiMesh technology to intelligently harness WiFi 7 Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and AI for both fronthaul and backhaul, Multi-Link Operation—automatically aggregating or switching across multiple bands for minimized latency and efficient transmission. By leveraging MLO, Smart AiMesh MLO backhaul automatically switches to the fastest band while its fronthaul also intelligently prioritizes demanding packets for max connectivity and efficiency. Smart AiMesh also empowers loads of advanced network features such as security, parental controls, and VPNs in the extendable network while offering full compatibility with all ASUS AiMesh-compatible ZenWiFi and standalone routers.

MSI, the world's leading manufacturer of true gaming hardware, is proudly expanding the hardware possibilities for all gamers, as OLED panels have become the mainstream choice for high-end gaming. Since the launch of the QD-OLED product lineup, MSI has continuously optimized every aspect to provide gamers with a better gaming experience. Now, we proudly introduce the MPG 341CQPX QD-OLED gaming monitor, designed to revolutionize your gaming experience. With a spacious 34-inch ultrawide screen, 3440x1440 (UWQHD) resolution, and an impressive refresh rate of up to 240 Hz, the MPG 341CQPX delivers stunningly vivid visuals with unparalleled clarity and immersion, thanks to advanced QD-OLED technology. With the addition of this new member, MSI reaffirms its commitment to providing gamers with cutting-edge technology and unmatched performance.

The MPG 341CQPX QD-OLED is designed to elevate your gaming experience to unprecedented levels, featuring a stunning 1800R curvature for ultimate immersion. With a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz, combined with an ultra-fast 0.03 ms response time, every frame is rendered with breathtaking clarity and precision. Equipped with advanced features such as KVM, HDMI 2.1, MSI Gaming Intelligence, and VESA ClearMR 13000, the MPG 341CQPX QD-OLED caters to the demands of even the most discerning high-end gamers.

iBUYPOWER, a leading manufacturer of high-performance prebuilt gaming PCs and its lifestyle PC peripherals brand HYTE are joining forces in a new partnership with HoYoverse for a product line-up inspired by HONKAI: STAR RAIL's Silver Wolf, a gamer, genius hacker, and member of the Stellaron Hunters who can tamper with reality's data with the art of "aether editing". Fans can get a first look at this lineup during Anime Expo 2024, where a Silver Wolf-themed prebuilt PC, limited edition keycaps, and products from our Official HYTE Y70 Silver Wolf "Stellaron Hunters Upgrade" which includes Silver Wolf-themed attire from the Asian-American streetwear brand M.RAGE, will be on display from July 4-7 at Booth E-40 and E-45 in the Entertainment Hall.

HYTE's collaboration aims to highlight Silver Wolf's in-game style, as the Official HYTE Y70 Silver Wolf Limited Edition Case has the character emblazoned on the front and side tempered glass panels, with iconography, signature marks, and lavender accents adorned all over the case. Her distinct flair extends to the rest of the chassis with matching trim based on her color scheme. The back-ventilation panel also shows custom 'Bubble Gum chibi' character artwork next to the 'WANTED' Silver Wolf Bounty Badge above the Y70's drive bay slot, which starts at 5100000001 and is an easter egg to HONKAI: STAR RAIL's in-game lore.

VAIO Corporation has introduced the "world's lightest" mobile display, the VAIO Vision+ 14", available for personal and corporate use. Weighing just 325 g, this device is designed for those who travel a lot, however, it can be a tempting companion at home and at the office. The VAIO Vision+ features a 14.0-inch wide LCD panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution. Despite its large screen, it's thin at just 3.9 mm at its slimmest point. The display offers high brightness (400cd/m², 1200:1 contrast ratio), wide viewing angles (178° up/down/left/right), and a broad color gamut (sRGB 100%), with anti-glare treatment to reduce eye strain during extended use.

The VAIO Vision+ portable monitor can be connected and powered using a single USB Type-C cable, supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode and bus power operation (2x USB Type-C ports are included on the side). It can be positioned horizontally or vertically using the included cover stand, which protects the unit during transport. VAIO is also offering an optional privacy filter to prevent visual hacking in public spaces. The VAIO Vision+ is available at around $340.

Opera GX, the browser for gamers, is bringing a significant update to the browser's built-in AI, Aria. This update provides users with the latest AI features that Opera has been releasing as part of their experimental AI Feature Drops program in the Developer stream of the Opera One browser. The features that are arriving to Opera GX increase Aria's capabilities by introducing image generation and understanding, voice output, a chat summary option, and links to sources.

Image Generation and Voice Output
Images are crucial to today's web, so this Opera GX update places a strong focus on the visual. With this update, Aria is gaining the ability to turn text prompts and descriptions into unique images using the image generation model Imagen2 by Google. Aria identifies the user's intention to generate an image based on conversational prompts. They can also use the "regenerate" option to have Aria come up with a new image. Aria allows them to generate 30 images per day per user.

Intel's first three generations of client processors implementing hybrid CPU cores, namely "Alder Lake," "Raptor Lake," and "Meteor Lake," have them arranged along a ringbus, sharing an L3 cache. This usually sees the larger P-cores to one region of the die, and the E-core clusters to the other region. From the perspective of the bidirectional ringbus, the ring-stops would follow the order: one half of the P-cores, one half of the E-core clusters, iGPU, the other half of E-cores, the other half of the P-cores, and the Uncore, as shown in the "Raptor Lake" die-shot, below. Intel plans to rearrange the P-cores and E-core clusters in "Arrow Lake-S."

With "Arrow Lake," Intel plans to disperse the E-core clusters between the P-cores. This would see a P-core followed by an E-core cluster, followed by two P-cores, and then another E-core cluster, then a lone P-core, and a repeat of this pattern. Kepler_L2 illustrated what "Raptor Lake" would have looked like, had Intel applied this arrangement on it. Dispersing the E-core clusters among the P-cores has two possible advantages. For one, the average latency between a P-core ring-stop and an E-core cluster ring-stop would reduce; and secondly, there will also be certain thermal advantages, particularly when gaming, as it reduces the concentration of heat in a region of the die.

ASUS today announced that selected routers in designated countries in the APAC region will bundle a complementary trial subscription to GearUP Console Booster, a service that optimizes the network connection for more than 1,000 online games, reducing latency and improving overall gaming experiences for popular game consoles and smart handhelds. The ASUS RT-AX86U Pro and RT-AX82U routers will include a three-month subscription, while the TUF-AX6000 and TUF-AX4200 routers will include a two-month subscription. Existing owners of these routers can add support for GearUP Console Booster with a firmware update. The RT-AX86U Pro is available in the APAC region now, and the other routers in this promotion are currently scheduled to be available starting in July 2024.

Accelerate gaming with GearUP Console Booster
Through the in-house Adaptive Intelligent Routing (AIR) system, GearUP Console Booster quickly determines and activates the fastest connection to a game server. Adaptive QoS on a compatible ASUS router can prioritize this connection over others on the network to ensure that it remains fast and stable. The ASUS Router mobile app and web interface includes an intuitive setup wizard to get GearUP Console Booster running.

Intel's upcoming Core Ultra "Arrow Lake-S" desktop processor introduces a new socket, the LGA1851, alongside the new Intel 800-series desktop chipset. We now have some idea what the 151 additional pins on the new socket are used for, thanks to a leaked platform map on the ChipHell forums, discovered by HXL. Intel is expanding the number of PCIe lanes from the processor. It now puts out a total of 32 PCIe lanes.

From the 32 PCIe lanes put out by the "Arrow Lake-S" processor's system agent, 16 are meant for the PCI-Express 5.0 x16 PEG slot to be used for discrete graphics. Eight are used as chipset bus, technically DMI 4.0 x8 (these are eight lanes that operate at Gen 4 speed for 128 Gbps per direction of bandwidth). There are now not one, but two CPU-attached M.2 NVMe slots possible, just like on the AMD "Raphael" and "Granite Ridge" processors. What's interesting, though, is that not both are Gen 5. One of these is Gen 5 x4, while the other is Gen 4 x4.

South Korean giant SK Group has unveiled plans for substantial investments in AI and semiconductor technologies worth almost $75 billion. SK Group subsidiary, SK Hynix, will lead this initiative with a staggering 103 trillion won ($74.6 billion) investment over the next three years, with plans to realize the investment by 2028. This commitment is in addition to the ongoing construction of a $90 billion mega fab complex in Gyeonggi Province for cutting-edge memory production. SK Group has further pledged an additional $58 billion, bringing the total investment to a whopping $133 billion. This capital infusion aims to enhance the group's competitiveness in the AI value chain while funding operations across its 175 subsidiaries, including SK Hynix.

While specific details remain undisclosed, SK Group is reportedly exploring various options, including potential mergers and divestments. SK Group has signaled that business practices need change amid shifting geopolitical situations and the massive boost that AI is bringing to the overall economy. We may see more interesting products from SK Group in the coming years as it potentially enters new markets centered around AI. This strategic pivot comes after SK Hynix reported its first loss in a decade in 2022. However, the company has since shown signs of recovery, fueled by the surging demand for memory solutions for AI chips. The company currently has a 35% share of the global DRAM market and plans to have an even stronger presence in the coming years. The massive investment aligns with the South Korean government's recently announced $19 billion support package for the domestic semiconductor industry, which will be distributed across companies like SK Hynix and Samsung.

AMD's upcoming Ryzen 9000 series "Granite Ridge" desktop processors based on the "Zen 5" microarchitecture will see a slight improvement in memory overclocking capabilities. A chiplet-based processor, just like the Ryzen 7000 "Raphael," "Granite Ridge" combines one or two "Zen 5" CCDs, each built on the TSMC 4 nm process, with a client I/O die (cIOD) built on the 6 nm node. The cIOD of "Granite Ridge" appears to be almost identical to that of "Raphael." This is the chiplet that contains the processor's DDR5 memory controllers.

As part of the update, Ryzen 9000 "Granite Ridge" should be able to run DDR5-6400 with a 1:1 ratio between the MCLK and FCLK domains. This is a slight increase from the DDR5-6000 sweetspot speed of Ryzen 7000 "Raphael" processors. AMD is reportedly making it possible for motherboard manufacturers and prebuilt OEMs to enable a 1:2 ratio, making it possible to run high memory speeds such as DDR5-8000, although performance returns with memory speeds would begin to diminish beyond the DDR5-6400 @ 1:1 setting. Memory manufacturers should launch a new wave of DDR5 memory kits with AMD EXPO profiles for DDR5-6400.

A recent report from Taiwan TV News has revealed that TSMC's overseas expansion plans will only contribute around 10% of the company's total silicon production capacity. TSMC's overseas expansion strategy has been a topic of significant interest in the tech industry as the company seeks to diversify its manufacturing capabilities beyond its home base in Taiwan. The company has announced plans to build new fabrication plants in the United States, Japan, and potentially other regions in an effort to mitigate supply chain risks and better serve its global customer base. However, according to the report, these overseas facilities will only account for a small fraction of 10% of TSMC's overall production capacity.

The majority of the company's manufacturing will continue to be centered in Taiwan, where it maintains its most advanced and high-volume fabs. There are also significant challenges and investments required to establish new semiconductor manufacturing facilities overseas. Building a state-of-the-art fab can cost billions of dollars and take several years to complete, making it a complex and capital-intensive undertaking. Despite the relatively small contribution of its overseas facilities, TSMC's global expansion is still seen as a crucial step in diversifying its supply chain and mitigating geopolitical risks. The company's ability to maintain its technological leadership and meet the growing demand for advanced chips will be crucial in the years to come.

Microsoft really wants you to use Windows 11 with an online Microsoft Account. This lets the operating system integrate the single login for Microsoft Store, all the apps on it, Office or 365, Teams, OneDrive, Outlook, and more importantly, put a face to your name (making you and your machine identifiable to it). Some users, particularly power-users, tend to avoid this, by preferring local accounts—an account that's authenticated and maintained locally by the machine. Microsoft is viewed as making it increasingly difficult for users to create local accounts, particularly on the client versions of Windows, such as Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro.

The Windows Setup by default flows you into creating a Microsoft Account, or logging in from one. Over the past several versions of Windows, Microsoft has made it harder, if not impossible, to create a local account during Setup. In what could be a step closer by the company to wean the market off local accounts, Microsoft removed the online Help page that guides users on how to switch from a Microsoft Account to a local one, as Tweaktown found out. The publication dug the page out using the Wayback Machine. Will Microsoft completely remove the ability to create local accounts? We don't know. All versions of Windows 11 and Windows 10 sit on the Windows NT architecture, which requires some form of local accounts. The Microsoft Account itself is layered on top of a local account. So, the ability to create a local account shouldn't go away for those who really want one, but it will be close to impossible for the vast majority of users trained by Google and Apple to have online accounts on their phones.