4K gaming monitors that are hitting 144 Hz or more seems to be a thing this year and not to miss out on its chance to get its share of the market, MSI has launched the Optix MPG321UR-QD in Japan, with the rest of the world likely to follow soon. The display was actually announced back in June, alongside a range of other new displays from MSI, but is only making it into retail by the end of this month.

MSI is using a quantum dot IPS panel with a resolution of 3840x2160 that offers a DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage of 97 percent. The 32-inch screen supports a refresh rate of 144 Hz, a response time of 1ms (MPRT) and is G-Sync compatible. It also sports a Display HDR 600 certification, which suggests that it has some kind of zoned backlighting. Inputs consist of two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4a port and a USB-C port which has DP-alt mode support.

After the introduction of the current generation of consoles, we've started to see more and more monitors with console support and now Philips has joined the fray with its new 279M1RV 4K, 144 Hz, 27-inch gaming display. It might carry a "Designed for Xbox" logo, but using HDMI 2.1 with a console limits it to 120 Hz and you really need a high-end gaming PC to get the most out of it.

Philips is using an LG Nano IPS panel that covers 98% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, a contrast ratio of 1000:1, 1 ms gray to gray typical response time and 178 degree viewing angles. The display is also HDR 600 certified, although the typical brightness is 450 cd/m². It's also G-Sync compatible, with a slightly disappointing range of 60-144 Hz, which is limited to the DP port. VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and FRL (Fixed Rate Link) are both supported over HDMI 2.1, but ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and QFT (Quick Frame Timing) seems to be absent.

Cable Matters, an industry-leading connectivity solutions supplier, today launched one of the first USB-C hubs with support for 4K 120 Hz and 8K video as specified in HDMI 2.1. The Cable Matters USB-C Multiport Adapter transforms a single USB-C port into a video and peripheral powerhouse. The portable docking station instantly adds a Gigabit Ethernet port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and an HDMI port to a USB-C-enabled device. The hub can drive a 4K 120 Hz television or an 8K monitor and supports USB-C Power Delivery for pass-through host charging of up to 100 W.

"The USB-C Multiport Adapter is one of the first USB-C hubs with support for 4K 120 Hz and 8K video over HDMI," said Cable Matters President and CEO Jeff Jiang. "It is the perfect productivity accessory for gamers and mobile workers."

The first desktop processors to implement AMD's "Zen 4" microarchitecture will feature integrated graphics as standard across the lineup, according to a Chips and Cheese report citing leaked AMD design documents. Currently, most of the Socket AM4 desktop processor lineup lacks integrated graphics, and specialized "G" SKUs with integrated graphics dot it. These SKUs almost always come with compromises in CPU performance or PCIe I/O. With its 5 nm "Raphael" Socket AM5 desktop processor, AMD is planning to change this, in a bid to match up to Intel on the universality of integrated graphics.

Built in the 5 nm silicon fabrication process, the "Raphael" silicon combines "Zen 4" CPU cores along with an iGPU based on the RDNA2 graphics architecture. This would be the first time AMD updated the SIMD architecture of its Ryzen iGPUs since 2017. The RDNA2-based iGPU will come with a more advanced DCN (Display CoreNext) component than current RDNA2-based discrete GPUs, with some SKUs even featuring DisplayPort 2.0 support, besides HDMI 2.1. By the time "Raphael" is out (2022-23), it is expected that USB4 type-C would gain popularity, and mainstream motherboards as well as pre-built desktops could ship with USB4 with DisplayPort 2.0 passthrough. AMD relies on a discrete USB4 controller with PCI-Express 4.0 x4 wiring, for its first Socket AM5 platform.

ASUS today announced the availability of TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A, a gaming monitor designed for PC and next-generation consoles. This 28 inch display has a Fast IPS panel and supports up to 4K 144 Hz gaming with a 1 ms gray to gray (GTG) response time as well as Display Stream Compression (DSC) technology, and it offers native 4K 120 Hz gaming without chroma subsampling on the latest consoles via HDMI 2.1. Compatible with NVIDIA G-SYNC, it also supports AMD FreeSync Premium and ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB Sync) to eliminate smearing and motion blur for fluid and responsive gameplay. In addition, ASUS Variable Overdrive technology ensures consistently smooth visuals at variable frame rates.

TUF VG28UQL1A has an HDMI 2.1 port that enables native 4K 120 Hz visuals (4:4:4) when playing on the latest gaming consoles. An Auto-Low-Latency mode helps reduce input lag to ensure extremely fluid gameplay, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology prevents tearing and stuttering for a completely immersive next-gen console gaming experience. In addition, a DisplayPort 1.4 connection offers stable 144 Hz visuals, with DSC technology handling ultra high-definition video streams at high speeds so there's no perceptible loss in image quality when gaming on PC.

Intel has recently unveiled that their technology powered the 8K 60 FPS Tokyo Olympics broadcast which was available to select customers in Japan. The games were recorded in 8K at 60 FPS with 4:2:2 Chroma subsampling and 10-bit HDR which resulted in a bitrate of 48 Gbps. This uncompressed stream was then encoded on servers each featuring quad 28 core Xeon 8380H processors and 384 GB of ram into two HEVC distribution streams at 250 Mbps and 50-100 Mbps bitrates. These streams were then distributed to users over the internet where the 8K stream could be decoded and displayed on an 8K TV over HDMI 2.1. Intel used a workstation PC with an 18-core Xeon W-2295 and 64 GB of ram to decode and play the video stream on the TV. This 8K service was only made available to select NHK subscribers in Japan while most international broadcasts offered a maximum resolution of 4K.

Cable Matters, an industry-leading connectivity solutions supplier, today launched two innovative USB-C video adapters with 8K and dual 4K 60 Hz resolution support for the ultimate work and play video solution. The Cable Matters USB-C to 8K HDMI and DisplayPort Adapter combines an HDMI adapter and a DisplayPort adapter into one for maximum flexibility and performance. The USB-C video hub supports up to an 8K resolution over HDMI or DisplayPort, enabling ultra high-resolution video over one convenient adapter.

"This is one of the first adapters on the market to support 8K video through DisplayPort and HDMI," said Cable Matters President and CEO Jeff Jiang. "It is the perfect one-adapter solution for 8K devices." Cable Matters also launched the USB-C to Dual HDMI Adapter. It leverages the latest standard as specified in HDMI 2.1 to support up to an 8K resolution on one HDMI port. Both USB-C adapters support dual 4K 60 Hz monitors if two video ports are in use at the same time, providing the ultimate multi-monitor solution for the serious worker or gamer.

Parade Technologies, announces the availability of the PS195 and PS196 DisplayPort 2.0 to HDMI 2.1 protocol converters for computer system motherboards, docking stations, and protocol converter dongle applications. The PS195 and PS196 products are fully compliant with the VESA DisplayPort v2.0 and HDMI v2.1 specifications. The DP receiver supports up to 4 lanes at the HBR3 (8.1 Gbps) link rate and supports optional DSC compression, both in decoding of the DP input or pass-through to the HDMI output.

The HDMI output supports up to 4 lanes of FRL at 12 Gbps data rate per lane, enabling display resolutions up to 10K when using DSC pass-through. The HDMI output also provides backward compatibility with HDMI 2.0 and earlier versions, providing TMDS signaling up to 6.0 Gbps. HDMI 2.1 enhanced refresh rate and low latency features including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Media Switching (QMS) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) are supported.

Samsung Electronics, today announced the global launch of its next-generation curved gaming monitor, the Odyssey Neo G9, enhanced with Quantum Mini LED technology. The Odyssey Neo G9 joins the Odyssey lineup, taking gaming to the next level with Quantum Matrix technology, supported by Quantum Mini LED display and Quantum HDR 2000 for an immersive gaming experience.

With the previous launch of the Odyssey G9 in 2020, Samsung pushed the boundaries of premium gaming monitors with smooth and brilliant picture quality. Now with the industry's first Quantum Mini LED curved display delivering the most refined detail regardless of the game played, the Odyssey Neo G9 is catapulting the gaming monitor category forward. Featuring Quantum Matrix Technology combined with super-fast response and refresh rates, Odyssey Neo G9 delivers an unrivaled dynamic picture and premium performance for all gamers.

[Editor's note: This press release comes from the US division of Philips, so the news is more relevant to the USA.]

Envision Peripherals, Inc. (EPI), an affiliate of TPV Technology Limited (TPV) Philips' monitor license partner, announces the release of the world's first Designed for Xbox console gaming monitor. Philips Momentum Designed for Xbox console gaming monitors are built from the ground up to provide the ultimate experience for Xbox fans. These Designed for Xbox console gaming monitors set the standard for Xbox gaming. The inclusion of the new HDMI 2.1 spec now enables next-gen console gaming with 4K resolution and faster 120Hz refresh rates for ultra-clear and ultra-smooth gaming performance. Taking it the next level, TPV partnered with Xbox to tune these "Designed for Xbox" displays to deliver the optimal validated Xbox Series X performance from the moment you plug it in.

Unlike televisions, Philips Momentum gaming monitors are built for console gaming, with low latency and low lag as priorities to provide a much smoother, more realistic gaming experience. The series' low input lag is a great advantage when playing twitch-sensitive video games, allowing the input to register on the screen faster. The flagship 55" Philips Momentum (559M1RYV) will include a specially designed speaker enclosure from the engineers at Bowers & Wilkins, the British loudspeaker company globally renowned for their innovative designs and sound engineering, that completes the experience.

Following the Intel versions of the high-end laptops from the NEO model series, XMG is also revamping the CORE 15 and CORE 17 from the upper mid-range performance sector. The discreetly elegant gaming notebooks combine Intel's Core i7-11800H with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with maximum TGP. But the upgrade to the new Tiger Lake processors is not only accompanied by the transition to PCI Express 4.0 connections to the graphics card and M.2 SSD. The M21 model generation of the CORE laptops also integrates a Thunderbolt 4 connection for the first time and introduces extended options for CPU undervolting and memory tuning.

Just this January, XMG introduced the E21 model generation of its CORE laptops with NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 3060 and either AMD or Intel processors. Following the launch of the new 11th generation Core processors, the Intel-based versions of the XMG CORE 15 and CORE 17 (M21) now receive an update to the latest eight-core CPU i7-11800H. This is still accompanied by a GeForce RTX 3060 in the maximum configuration with a TGP of up to 130 watts, including 15 watts Dynamic Boost 2.0. A MUX switch allows NVIDIA Optimus to be disabled via the BIOS.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced during their E3 keynote the return of a gaming legend: The Razer Blade 14. After a three-year hiatus, the Blade 14 is back to shake up the scene as the first Razer Blade to ever feature an AMD processor, the 8-core AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX, offering the fastest gaming performance in its class.

The new Razer Blade 14 will also feature up to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, and up to a Quad HD 165Hz display, all packaged into the world's most compact 14-inch gaming chassis. Rounding out the 14-inch powerhouse are the signature Razer trappings that have established Razer Blade laptops as one of a kind, including per-key Razer Chroma RGB backlighting, immersive THX Spatial Audio for dynamic sound, and an abundant offering of ports to make everyday life easier.

Acer has expanded its line of Predator gaming monitors with three new VESA DisplayHDR -Certified models: the Predator CG437K S, Predator X38 S and Predator X28. The new monitors target different niches by offering something that will excite a wide variety of gamers, whether weekend warrior or seasoned professional.

The Predator CG437K S is a massive 42.5-inch NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible gaming monitor with a UHD (3840x2160) display that strives to provide players with the most flexible experience possible, containing a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports that support the latest game consoles[1] and allow for 4K 144 Hz with VRR using only a single cable. A USB hub offers a USB-B port, a pair of both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports to support an array of peripherals, plus a USB Type-C (PD30W) port for good measure. Additionally, a built-in KVM switch simplifies the lives of those who juggle multiple PCs. Once users are all set up, the monitor's 144 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms VRB response time provide satisfying gameplay.

GIGABYTE, the leading brand of personal computers, is presenting AORUS 15P and AORUS 17G of the AORUS Professional gaming laptop series today (5/11), with 11th generation Intel processor, as well as the limited edition flagship model, AORUS 17X. Speed and optimized performance is the theme of this round of gaming laptops. Equipped with the Intel 45 W 8-core H-series processor, unlike the H35 6-core version released early this year, the new CPU is on a totally different level, with a significant growth of 25% in performance compared to the previous model. Paired with the RTX 30 series laptop GPUs along with Resizable BAR, Dynamic Boost 2.0 for intelligent system config optimization, plus the exclusive WINDFORCE Infinity cooling design, the new gaming laptops are geared for ultimate performance. Upgraded with the 360Hz panel, the 17G offers hardcore gamers an exquisite all-round playing experience from visuals, tactile feedback and system performance.

The AORUS 15P gaming laptop is equipped with the 45 W Intel Core i7-11800H (8 cores and 16 threads) and top grade RTX 30 series (up to 130 W) laptop GPUs. Inside the thin sleek chassis, the exclusive WINDFORCE Infinity cooling design provides 30% more efficiency compared to the previous generation. The Full HD 360Hz panel makes for the ultimate immersive gaming experience, with next-gen tech 100% unleashed throughout every part of the machine. The new upgrades support the latest specifications, including DDR4 3200, Thunderbolt 4, and PCIe Gen 4.0. Among them, the transmission bandwidth of PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD doubles the capacity of Gen 3.0, resulting in faster reading speed to deal with the ever-increasing game files. It supports the latest HDMI 2.1 4K@120Hz video output, allowing players to enjoy the most exhilarating gaming experience with a large screen, high resolution, and no afterimages.

The global PC leading brand, GIGABYTE, has launched the new AERO series Creator Laptops with the latest 11th Gen H-series processor today. Earlier this year (2021), a series of GIGABYTE laptops with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series Laptop GPUs to bring a "truly enhanced performance" have been released in GIGABYTE's online product launch event, Performance Above All. Their performance test score reached a significant increase of 30%1 compared with previous models, which led to a craze of purchases by many creators and gamers.

Despite the challenging circumstance of the global supply chain, the sales went the opposite direction, resulting in an exceptional outcome. Unlike the low-profile version H35 4-core 8-thread CPU launched by the processor giant Intel in early 2021, Intel Core i9-11980HK and lntel Core i7-11800H of the 11th Gen H45 CPUs come with 8 cores, 16 threads and 45 W, leading to AERO's breakthrough increase of 25%2 in performance score. Within the red ocean of the laptop market, the AERO series has aimed at the creators' market by providing advantages in OLED display with the world's only dual-certified color calibration and their extremely high performance, seeking for the final victory.

GIGABYTE released the M28U, a unique 28-inch 4K Ultra HD gaming monitor that comes with an integrated KVM feature. This lets you effectively switch between two PCs. Simply plug the PCs to the monitor's multiple display inputs; plug your keyboard, mouse, and USB headset to the monitor's downstream USB ports, and the monitor's two upstream USB connections to the two PCs (one of these is a USB-C). Switching between the two is as easy as pressing a button on the monitor. This will prove particularly useful if you have a personal desktop and a company laptop to use in your home office, and don't want to clutter the place or waste time plugging things in and out.

As a display, the M28U is no slouch, its 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) IPS panel supports refresh rates of up to 144 Hz, 178°/178° viewing-angles, 300 cd/m² maximum brightness, DisplayHDR 400, and 1000:1 static contrast ratio. Display inputs include two HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C. From these, the USB-C input supports not just USB for the second PC's input, but also DisplayPort passthrough. If your second PC lacks an all-powerful USB-C, simply use any other display input, the USB-C will only take in upstream USB (which you can adapt to a type-A USB 3.0 port). The downstream USB hub puts out three 5 Gbps USB 3.0 ports. The company didn't reveal pricing.

The worldwide new-gen game console sales are still booming with no indication of slowing down. However, pairing a new-gen console with a compatible high-resolution display that can push the limits of 120 Hz high refresh rates and beyond remained an unfathomable mission...until now. GIGABYTE's newly launched AORUS 4K gaming monitors have shed a new ray of hope for the long-awaited gamers. The full HDMI 2.1 compatibility that comes with the new AORUS monitors enable gamers to unlock higher frame rates and resolutions on new generation consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X.

The GIGABYTE AORUS 4K tactical gaming monitors are the ultimate two-way monitors. Not only do they promise an esports-grade display performance of up to 144Hz refresh rate and 0.5 ms response time, they also take full advantage of the HDMI 2.1 connector's bandwidth for getting the most out of the new-gen consoles, making them the ideal displays for gaming across different platforms. Through the HDMI 2.1 connectivity, gamers are able to fully enjoy extreme gaming performance powered by high-end graphics cards, such as the RTX 30 series while gaming on PC. When paired with the new-gen consoles, gamers for the first time can play their favorite AAA game titles at 120Hz for ultra-smooth gameplay at a stunning 4K resolution. In addition to the display performance supremacy, GIGABYTE has also succeeded in optimizing gaming experience with AORUS exclusive tactical features.

SAPPHIRE Technology announces the incoming TOXIC AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT Extreme Edition Graphics Card with unparalleled performance and an enriched AIO cooling solution to expand the DIY Enthusiast SAPPHIRE TOXIC lineup. Built and engineered for the die-hard gaming fanatic, the TOXIC AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT Extreme Edition is the fundamental piece of hardware to hit the apex spot in gaming performance.

One Click TOXIC BOOST to reach peak ultimate performance! Using the SAPPHIRE TriXX Software, simply enable the TOXIC BOOST feature for the TOXIC AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT Extreme Edition to reach a TOXIC BOOST Clock of up to 2730 MHz and a TOXIC BOOST Game Clock of up to 2500 MHz with 5120 stream processors. Built with 4 output ports including 1x HDMI 2.1 VRR and FRL and 3x DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC outputs to support your choice of display monitor and equipped with 80 Ray Accelerators to support raytracing in games.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced that Strix XG43UQ, the world's first HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor, will be available in May. Strix XG43UQ features a 43 inch 4K panel with up to a 144 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms moving picture response time (MPRT). It also includes Display Stream Compression (DSC) technology. The HDMI 2.1 port enables gamers to enjoy 4K 120 Hz gameplay on the latest consoles.

The inclusion of AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology ensures smooth HDR visuals with low latency, while ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB Sync) works simultaneously with variable refresh rate technology to eliminate smearing and motion blur for fluid and responsive gameplay. Strix XG43UQ has a maximum brightness of 1000 nits - more than three times that of OLED TVs. The monitor has a two-tone black and white finish with an all-white rear cover, and it features Aura Sync lighting technology for synchronised light effects with other Aura-enable components and peripherals.

Following the introduction of the world's first tactical gaming monitor in 2019, AORUS, GIGABYTE's premium gaming brand, goes 4K in full force, launching the world's first 32-inch (FI32U), 43-inch (FV43U), 48-inch (FO48U) 4K UHD tactical gaming monitors that sport HDMI 2.1 connectivity. The new 4K monitor lineup is ready to make a splash in ultimate gaming on a big screen.

"Hellhound is born, sharp of fang and razor-like claws, covered with fur that is tough like armour", was the start of PowerColor's last press release for the Hellhound video card series, a new entry into their lineup sitting alongside the Red Dragon and Red Devil graphics cards. The teaser image for the Hellhound aesthetics promised a black, silver and teal design language - and that's exactly what we got, strange PR texts aside.

The PowerColor RX 6700 XT Hellhound features a triple-fan cooler with translucent, blue-LED-illuminated fans (and with the middle fan being slightly smaller than the others, so as to generate some turbulence). The card features a dual 8-pin power delivery subsystem, a backplate with a small cutout featuring the Hellhound logo (absent of any RGB lighting, it seems), and an I/O set at 3x DisplayPort and 1x HDMI 2.1. The card is definitely a looker.

GIGABYTE today rolled out a pair of custom-design AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics cards. These include the RX 6700 XT Gaming OC, and the RX 6700 XT EAGLE. The company will also sell reference-design "made by AMD" RX 6700 XT cards. The RX 6700 XT Gaming OC features a WindForce 3X cooling solution that looks practically identical to the Radeon RX 6800 Gaming OC card, with possible modifications to its heatsink's base-plate. Three aluminium fin-stacks are skewered by five 6 mm-thick copper heat-pipes that make direct contact with the GPU. Additional base-plates pull heat from the memory and VRM areas. The card draws power from a combination of 8-pin and 6-pin PCIe power connectors. Display outputs include two each of HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 connectors.

The Radeon RX 6700 XT EAGLE is the more slender of the two custom-design RX 6700 XT cards by GIGABYTE. It is strictly 2 slots thick, and uses a slimmer heatsink. Three aluminium fin-stacks are joined by three 8 mm-thick copper heat pipes that make direct contact with the GPU. The power input configuration is the same as the Gaming OC card, as is the display output configuration. GIGABYTE didn't disclose the factory overclock speeds or either cards, but the Gaming OC card is expected to be the faster of the two. Both cards are expected to launch on March 18, 2021.

Here are some of the first pictures of the Intel Xe DG1 SDV, taken apart to reveal its rather desolate PCB. The Xe DG1 SDV isn't commercially available, but rather distributed by Intel to ISVs, so they can begin optimizing or developing for the Gen12 Xe graphics architecture. The board features a GPU ASIC that's nearly identical to the Iris Xe MAX mobile discrete GPUs, and four LPDDR4 memory chips making up 8 GB of video memory.

The Xe DG1 GPU is based on the Xe LP graphics architecture, and the silicon is built on the 10 nm SuperFin silicon fabrication node. The chip features 96 execution units (768 unified shaders); and apparently makes do with the 75 W power supplied by the PCI-Express slot. A frugal 2-phase VRM powers the GPU. The GPU uses conventional 4-pin PWM to control the fan, which ventilates a simple aluminium mono-block heatsink. Three DisplayPorts and one HDMI 2.1 make up the output configuration. While you won't be able to buy a Xe DG1 SDV in the market (unless an ISV decides to break their NDA and put one up on eBay), Intel has allowed a small number of board partners to develop custom-design cards. ASUS is ready with one. Igor's Lab has more pictures, a list of benchmark fails, and other interesting commentary in the source link below.

It seems that Mini-ITX lovers will finally be able to get their due Ampere injection to their HPC or small form factor systems. MSI, Palit and Gainward have announced Mini-ITX versions of NVIDIA's RTX 3060 graphics card, enabling higher performance (especially in RTX workloads) than last generation's mainstream RTX 2060 graphics cards. MSI's Aero ITX will be available in base and OC variants, and there's currently no confirmation on how many power connectors are built into those cards (though a standard 8-pin would suffice).

ASUS today revealed their latest flagship iteration on the NVIDIA RTX 3060, the ASUS RTX 3060 ROG STRIX. the graphics card follows ASUS' tried and true ROG STRIX design with a triple-fan cooling solution (that features 0 dB technology when in light use) and an RGB strip detailing alongside the shroud. The RTX 3060 ROG STRIX features a single 8-pin power connector, palatable for this card's expected performance profile, and the company has managed to decrease the footprint of their cooling solution to a 2.7-slot design, which should be more than enough for the card's 170 W TDP.

ASUS has fitted the card with an abundance of connectors that are sure to stand the test of time: 2x HDMI 2.1, and 3x DisplayPort 1.4. ASUS expects the card to be available near the end of February, in both OC and non-OC versions. No word on pricing was available at time of writing - though it will surely be higher than NVIDIA's $329 MSRP.